Can you comment more please "picked the boy up and settled him on his hip and the crying stopped in seconds." "by Adam's side and held the fabric of his jeans between forefinger and thumb," "One of you should now be in touch with the authorities,"

In context, Mark was in Charlie's home for the first time, having been sent there by his father with a note, which essentially gave Mark to Charlie. During his time in the apartment, Mark began to cry inconsolably. Charlie had no idea how to help, Miranda tried too hard, making Mark cry all the harder, and Adam.... succeeded where no one else could.... by picking the boy up and settling him in his lap.

After settling Mark down, Adam reminded Charlie and Miranda that the police should be called, as holding onto to the child would be considered abduction.