I love my son dearly, and ever since the day he was born, Ive done all I could to give him the very best life.
Together with my wife, we worked hard to fulfil his every wish. He always wore the finest clothes, attended the best after-school clubs, and despite having everything a boy could want, he never lost his respect for ushis mum and dad.
I work all hours, day and night, to provide for him, but Ive never minded. No matter how hectic things got, when my boy needed me, I always found time for him.
Hes always been a wonderful lad, and I knew that sooner or later, girls would start to catch his eye. My wife and I prepared ourselves for that day, and then it camemuch earlier than wed expected. But when he told us about his girlfriend, we welcomed the news. The only thing we asked was that he bring her round for dinner. Our son was happy with this, and even offered to invite her the next evening he was over.
My wife, Margaret, thought it was a great idea toowe trusted our sons judgment, but still wanted to meet the girl hed chosen, just to be sure. After all, hes still so young.
When our son introduced her, I was shocked. She seemed pleasant enough at firstpolite, charming, quick to smilebut as the evening wore on, something in her manner unsettled me. I realised she was nothing but a fraud, a manipulator. Underneath the sweetness lay a selfish streak I couldnt ignore.
I work for the Metropolitan Police, and I remembered her from a case involving online deception. Shed been suspected of financial scamspretending to be an orphan in need, preying on young men online, swindling them for money, and then vanishing. There was a long line of broken-hearted lads in her wake.
I told my son everything. I laid out the facts as gently as I could, hoping he would see reason. He didnt believe a word. Instead, he shouted, convinced I was making it all up just to ruin his happiness. He packed his bags that very night and left to live at her flat.
We havent heard from him in a month. Not a call. Not a word. Now, I find myself doubtinghad I got it wrong? Could she have changed? Did someone set her up?
If you were in my shoes, what would you have done?
