“Agencies take two whole years just for screening,” Adam said.

“And Graham wants someone real.

Someone he can trust, someone local who knows what family means.”

“I’m sure he’ll find the right person,” I said cautiously.

“He asked whether you might think about doing it for him,” Adam said.

The words dropped onto the table between us like a heavy block of wood.

“Me?” I said, my voice falling an octave.

“Adam, no.