“My story is the same as hers. I spent the money. I bought a car.” Donna Davis rattled off her bank account information, then said, “I have eight hundred fifty dollars in the account. Take it if you need it.”

Myra motioned to the other Sisters that they should all head for the kitchen.

“Guard,” Kathryn and Alexis said in unison. Both dogs barked as they circled the foursome, their ears straight up, tails between their legs, the ruffs on their necks on end. Murphy growled deep in his throat. Not to be outdone, Grady showed his teeth, which were pearly white and awesome looking.

“If the surrogates are telling the truth, I say let them go,” Myra said. “My gut feeling is they got caught up in this and couldn’t find a way out. If Newsom and the other lawyers she sicced on them threatened them with the Internet and exposure, the Olsen girl was right. No one would hire them. I’ve read horror stories about how things that are posted can ruin a person’s life. They got caught up in a web. We could take the Davis girl’s car, sell it, give the money to whomever it belongs, confiscate the Olsen girl’s account, and be done with the two of them. I can almost guarantee they’ll both take the bar exam and disappear forever. That’s my thought. Do any of you agree with me?”

Seven hands, including Maggie Spritzer’s, shot into the air.

“Let’s go back in there and crack Newsom. She’s the key, and she’ll turn on Bell in the blink of an eye,” Nikki said. “At least I hope she will.”

Annie was an avenging angel as she marched into the dining room. She stood tall and hovered over their guests, who were reclining on the floor, their eyes full of fear. “Listen up! You’ve already seen what this little stick of dynamite is capable of,” she said, motioning to Yoko. “Now, let me tell you what the rest of us are capable of. Myra, dear, will you do the honors? Our guests need to see what’s in store for them. First one who talks gets a pass.”

Before Myra could even begin her demonstration, Newsom pleaded, “You have my records. I don’t have anything more.”

“I’m not telling you anything, and I don’t have any records. I’ve done nothing wrong. I demand you let me go. I’m due at the White House to play Santa in a few hours. They’ll send out a search party for me.”