The dilemma

'You know me, {{NAME}},' he says. 'Say they stay with me and I walk out right now.' He asks the time again, third time in an hour, and you tell him again. Then he says something about a letter he has been waiting on. Social services are at the cordon either way, so he finds out what your word was worth the minute he steps out. In your other ear the commander says, flat and quiet, 'Give it to him. We sort it after.'

Your options

1. Give him the promise and get the children out.
2. Tell him exactly what you can and cannot promise.
3. Send food in for the kids and keep him talking.