Ted Louis, who retired from a career in computing, had a passion to try and reform Children's Protective Services. By writing an extensive series of books, we see some of the abuses that particular authority has perpetrated against the ones they are sworn to protect.
As we know from the first book, Crane, a 29-year-old bachelor, adopted five boys. He is seriously thinking of selling his consulting business to spend more time being a parent. He is also thinking of his relationship with Eric. Then there is the ever-present problems with the CPS, and corrupt politicians, then Joel develops leukemia.