“Let’s go, daughter.” I said. We left the house at ten, and arrived back in the states at eleven p.m., local time. The next morning we went into the orphanage, holding fast to Kristin’s hand. The fellow girls sneered and made faces at Kristin, who returned the same faces.

“Here are the papers.” My friend said, handing me the adoption papers. I put my signature on them and walked in the office. The person at the desk stood and greeted me.

“Mr. Schofield, you must realize, we didn’t want to create any troubles, but we never knew you intended to take Kristin out of the country.”

“That’s all right, I understand. I have here adoption papers for Kristin. If you would, look over them and sign them?” I said, handing the papers to her.

“Just a minute Mr. Schofield. I need to interview you and Kristin.”

“All right. Who first?”

“I’ll take Kristin. If you will please leave for ten minutes.” She said, and I did. She asked Kristin the standard questions, for which I think Kristin answered correctly. I was then questioned. “State your full name for the record.”

“Adam Charles Schofield.”

“And what is your occupation?”

“I am a private detective in Oregon.”

“Do you have a house, apartment, or other shelter?”

“Yes, I have a house in Nanopolis.”

“Do you have a wife?”

“Not yet, but I’m going steady with this girl. . .”

“That doesn’t count.” She continued to ask questions. Then she said, “Well, I’ll have to discuss this with the directors.” She left the room, Kristin reentered, and the lady came back in a half hour.

“Well, Mr. Schofield, under normal circumstances I would say no, but since you seem to have a general attraction to each other, as if you were really family, and Kristin just causes trouble around here, I’m permitting it.” Kristin and I looked at each other. I grabbed her hand. “Your job made the decision tough, but I think that you will make a fine father. I will sign the documents.” She did. “Kristin, you must sign here.” She said, pointing to a line. Kristin signed it, Kristin Smith.

“Kristin Smith, your new name is Kristin Schofield. Mr. Schofield, your daughter.” We turned toward each other, and she gave me a big hug.

“Well, Kristin Schofield, we had better get back before we’re missed.” I said. Kristin hugged me again. We attended a church, then got on the plane and headed back for England. We arrived there at late Sunday night, early Monday morning. I put Kristin back to bed and I went to sleep.

The next morning, Kristin and I got up. They had let us sleep in because of all the flying we had done that night. Jet-lag had thrown our biological systems crazy. I escorted my new daughter downstairs. “Kristin, would you like to go to school with Joey today.”

“Sure, dad.” She said. They went off at 9:00. Tracy and I went to find the apartment. We went to a building and went inside, where Phillip showed us where we would be staying for the next week and a half. It had one king sized bed and a prince sized.