The tumultuous events that unfolded after Colleen and Ray brought home their adopted son changed the course of their lives forever. From the shocking discovery that their son is breastfeeding to the harrowing revelations of abuse and neglect at the hands of Franklin’s foster parents, Colleen and Ray find themselves in a vortex of danger and uncertainty. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained steadfast in their commitment to protect Ben and infant Grace from further harm. Guided by Alana, a dedicated DCFS employee, they navigated a treacherous journey filled with threats and intimidation. In the end, their courage and determination won out as they uncovered the truth and secured justice for themselves and countless other vulnerable children. As they embark on a new journey together, Ray and Colleen seize the opportunity to provide Ben and Grace with a loving and safe home, laying the foundation for a brighter future filled with hope and possibility.
The boy Colleen and Ray brought home was nursing the baby in his room the next day. The horrific revelation that followed changed the couple’s lives forever.
Ray watched Colleen prepare mac and cheese from a box and raised an eyebrow. “You make mac and cheese out of a box?”
“This is for Ben. Colleen commented, “He was so quiet,” as she combined the spaghetti and cheese. “I thought he might like it.
Ray stroked her shoulder. “He’s dealing with it. He’s been with us for a day. It might be useful, though.”
Someone asked Ben to eat. After a quick meal, the 6-year-old begged to go back to his room.
Ray and Colleen decided to talk to him because they were worried. They were stunned to find Ben feeding the baby when they got to his room.
“Ben, who’s that kid?” Colleen asked.
“She’s my sister,” Ben muttered with a strained expression.
“Your sister?” Colleen was confused by this.
“Not really, no. “I had to stay with her,” Ben replied, referring to where I lived. Her new house.
Colleen suggested that Ben call the foster care manager, Mrs. Campbell, but Ben refused. “No! He won’t come back. My foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, are not kind people.”
“What do you think?” Colleen asked as she took the baby from him.
“They are bad. “She’s going to be in danger,” Ben said fearfully.
Ray and Colleen exchanged worried looks. Ben claimed he was hurt by Mr. Franklin.
Ben was reassured by Ray. “Avoid fear.
We are ready to help.
Finally Ben fell asleep in Ray’s arms and the baby was safe with Colleen.
After wrapping Ben in a blanket, Ray and Colleen walked outside with the baby.
“What do we do?” Colleen’s voice was quiet. “That cub cannot remain in our care. We will be exposed.”
“I’m not sure,” Ray replied. “But I don’t think Ben is lying.
“WHERE IS?!” Ben woke up and screamed out of nowhere.
Ben ran forward and Colleen told him, “He’s here.”
“Ben, let’s get serious. The Franklins, what have they done?” Ray asked.
Ben gasped, “They hit me in the waist and filmed it.”
Sorry
Colleen’s eyes widened in surprise. Ray asked Ben to tell Campbell’s wife.
“No, but she should know. Ben commented, “She’s still having babies with them.”
Ray paused before answering, “Well, we’re not bringing her back.”
Colleen agreed. Ben, but we need to be clear about her. I know another person who works for Mrs. Campbell. After tucking Ben back into bed, Colleen commented, “We can do something about it.” Ray then called Alana, a DCFS employee. “I apologize, Alan, for my late call. We are in a difficult situation.”
At their home, Alana overheard Ben’s story. “Do you think Ben is lying?” Ray asked.
“I doubt it,” Alana remarked. “Kids hide the truth when they’re in trouble. He expressed his faith in you by telling you that.”
Alana expressed her belief that there was a problem with the Franklins. “Kids often move out of their house.”
“So what should we do with the baby?” Colleen asked.
“I’ll let you be her foster parents for a while,” Alana decided.
“I’ll have to keep it a secret. That’s the point though. Keep it a secret from everyone.”
Tell me if Mrs. Campbell is calling or doing something else, please.
Colleen and Ray decide to keep things quiet and protect Ben and the baby.
After that, nothing happened for several days until Colleen’s phone rang. She froze when she saw the name, Mrs. Campbell. Since Ben was home, she was nervous when she went out to answer.
“Hello?”
“Mrs. Ferguson, how are you?” Mrs. Campbell greeted them.
“I’m fine. Colleen was talking too much, wishing she could cut the call short, saying things like, ‘Ben is adjusting well.’
It was the caller and he said, “I’m calling about something else.” “Did Ben say anything about his foster parents?”
To distract her, Colleen informed her, “No, he’s not talking about his past,” “I thought he might need therapy.”
“I don’t think it’s necessary,” said Mrs. Campbell in a strained tone. “But if he tells you something weird, please call me.
Is there anything about his foster parents that I should know? Colleen pushed. She was stupid to do that!
“Nothing,” she muttered. I have to go; I’m busy. Mrs. Campbell spoke quickly.
That’s when Ben interrupted Colleen. “Mommy, the baby is scrapping!”
Colleen’s heart jumped with excitement when Ben called her “mom.” She quickly hung up, but then panic set in. It is possible that Mrs. Campbell heard them and assumed she knew the Franklins. Ms. Campbell contacted Colleen several times after that, but she never responded.
“Perhaps I became very arrogant. However, I believed that she was not very quiet and was hiding something.” She told Ray all about that evening call.
Ray exhaled. “You did something wrong.
We had it better than her and those scumbags.
Colleen’s response was, “I know, but I already called Alana.” “She said not to worry because she’ll figure it out eventually.
“Did she tell you the baby’s name?” Ray asked.
Colleen said, “No, she’s still a ‘girl.’
Ray decided to spend tomorrow at home just in case. “The child must stay inside. We have to pretend she’s not there.
Ray was ready to pick Ben up from school the next day. As he was leaving, a truck came hurtling down the street and stopped near their house. The driver gave Ray a quick glance before speeding off.
“HELLO!” Ray yelled furiously. Ray knew for sure who it was, but he wasn’t sure. He dropped it on a dirt road while trying to catch it. When he returned home, he was worried about the safety of his family.
“This can’t go on, Alan. When she arrived, Ray quickly informed her that he was outside our house.”
Alana informed her, “You don’t know if it was Mr. Franklin.” “I’m close to finding concrete evidence so we can call the police and stop this.
Ray stated, “We need it now. We’re in danger.”
Colleen said, “I’ll call Mom.” “We’ll move into her house while Alana investigates.
“I’ve seen the Franklin kids move quite a bit,” Alana added. An adult who lived with them was discovered. I’m ready when he calls.”
Suddenly they were stopped by a loud scream and banging. Ray could see Mrs. Campbell and the Franklins through the living room window.
Ray muttered, “It’s them,” his expression growing serious.
Colleen took the phone from her. “I’m calling the police!” she screamed.
Ray opened the door for them. “What you?” “You dare to knock on my door?”
Mrs. Campbell threatened to take your son if she didn’t let us take the baby out and said, “You know me, Mr. Ferguson!” She uttered this threat alongside the Franklins.
Ray replied, “That would be too bold! Not with what we’ve learned about you!”
Alana stepped forward as Mrs. Campbell collapsed.
Here, Cindy, you’re the only one who threatens others. You better go before we call 911!”
“We’re taking the baby!” Mrs. Franklin shouted angrily.
“That would be a crime!” Alana sighed. “I made the Fergusons her foster parents legally.
“You had no right!” Mrs. Campbell lost her temper.
Alana replied, “She did. And I started an investigation against you.”
Mr. Franklin angrily lunged at Alana, but Ray intervened. While everything was going on, Colleen tried to call 911, but Mrs. Franklin dropped the phone.
“It’s urgent, give us the baby!” “You will not call anyone!” Colleen felt a chill run down her spine as Mrs. Franklin threatened. Mrs. Franklin was a horrible person who abused children and caught it on camera.
For the first time ever, Coollen’s hands balled into fists and she swung them violently at the monstrous woman. Ben watched from his room as Mrs. Campbell and Alana argued.
“BEN GIVE US A BABY!” The Franklins stopped crying.
“Close and lock the door, Ben!” Colleen screamed. Ben followed the instructions and closed the door.
However, Ray was able to evict Mr. Franklin from the residence and shortly thereafter evicted Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Franklin as well.
“I will report you for assault!” Mrs. Campbell issued a warning.
“We will report you for trespassing!” Colleen responded with a roar.
“I already called the cops!!” They all turned to face the driveway when they heard another voice. Colleen and Ray’s neighbors, Sarah and Andrew, stared absently.
“Thanks, Andrew,” Ray muttered, even though his breathing was labored.
Mrs. Campbell smiled. “Excellent! Now I can report your prisoner to the authorities. Almost everyone in the department is someone I know! You three will be locked up!” She threatened people.
Authorities arrived shortly after. Officer Carson knew Ms. Campbell, so it seemed that he was intrigued by her story.
“Stop!” Alana spoke up and gave the officer her name. “I also work as a social worker.” And I placed the child in their custody after learning a few things from the young man the Fergusons had adopted. It is now up to date. The papers are inside, I promise.” She ran inside the house.
“LIES!” added Mrs. Franklin.
Ray reported the insult Ben received from the police officer, saying, “Officer, our adopted son told us disturbing things about his old foster home,” also agreeing that Ben had snuck away from the Franklins to steal the child. “Our son was wrong about this, but his intentions were pure.
Alana appeared with documents in hand. She handed the papers to the police and remarked, “Officers, please take a look.”
“Those docs have no authority to kidnap our child! What did they just do to attack us!” Mr. Franklin objected, pointing to his sore lip.
“Yes, it doesn’t matter what the documents say,” Mrs. Campbell remarked, pointing away from the documents the police were considering. The Fergusons made a mistake. According to state legislation, it is kidnapping and violence.
Colleen stared at Mrs. Campbell with a very angry expression. She said quietly, “I can’t believe you.”
Suddenly little Ben jumped up to take the baby. “I took the baby!” “You can’t send any more kids to jail, I’m going to jail!”
Officer Carson said, “Boy, give that baby to Mrs. Campbell.” to the young man.
“NEVER!” Ben said something. “Mr. Franklin beat me while Mrs. Franklin went on the record!” They showed me the movies, he added, pointing to Mr. Franklin and Mrs. Campbell.
Terrible things happened: “Some of the boys were being hurt by Mr. Franklin.” He owned his—” Many let out a deep breath as the teenager pointed to the space under his pants.
Ray and Colleen were taken aback.
Trying to change the conversation, Mrs. Campbell remarked, “He’s misunderstood,” shaking her head.
“Do you think he’s lying?” Officer Tristan made the request to Alan.
Alana shook her head and said, “I don’t know,” to Mrs. Campbell. “I have proof of their irregular placement in foster homes.”
“I will sue you! They are making false accusations!” Mr. Franklin swore.
“Don’t you dare threaten anyone here, you pervert,” the man said. “A lot of children have been hurt by you, your ugly wife, and this horrible woman.
You’re going to go to jail for this for a very long time.” Look in their house, police. They probably have files.
“Your address is here in this paper, isn’t it?” “Let’s go now.” Officer Tristan didn’t walk very far on the way to the car.
“NO!” Mr. Franklin knocked the officer to the ground and yelled at him. The other police officers ran to help their friend.
Officer Tristan stood up and cleaned his hands. “Well, Mr. Franklin, you just hit a policeman,” he replied. “You are under arrest.
Officer Carson then decided to include Ms. Campbell and Ms. Franklin in the investigation. “If you are innocent, you have nothing to fear,” he explained, hinting that they would be investigated as well.
When everyone left, Ben started to cry uncontrollably. Colleen and Ray comforted him. Ben, you have shown such bravery. Colleen held them tight and added, “You may have saved so many more children.”
The next day, Alana called Ray and Colleen to update them on the situation. Colin, the child, moved forward. he gave the police all the information they wanted about the Franklins. They are currently searching for their home. Mr. Franklin remains in custody.
Cindy left. However, things will only get worse for her if she runs away.
Suddenly Colleen remarked, “What about the little girl’s name?”
“This is Grace,” Alana said. “If you want, I can help you adopt her.
Ray and Colleen exchanged a look and immediately agreed.
Later, Mrs. Campbell’s tapes were among the evidence authorities discovered implicating Franklin’s home. Franklin and Ms Campbell were subsequently charged with the ill-treatment and other serious offenses. But Colleen, Ray, Ben, and Grace started again.
In the end, amidst the chaos and confusion caused by the revelations about the Franklins and Mrs. Campbell, Colleen, Ray, Ben, and Grace find comfort in each other’s arms. They overcame a harrowing ordeal and stood up against abuse and injustice. With the support of Alana and the authorities, they embarked on a new chapter, filled with hope and the promise of a better future. Embracing their role as a loving family, they knew that together they could overcome any challenge that lay before them. And so, when Grace officially became part of their family and the truth finally came out, they looked forward to their next journey, ready to create a life filled with love, security, and happiness.