Alanna didn’t know whether to be relieved or become more frightened. Even when they moved out, they would still know where to find her when she returned to Mrs. Fields’s house, which school she went to. They were going to be furious about the birthday money, and not having someone to do their bidding when she was unfortunate enough to be around them. They knew she was afraid of them, and they wouldn’t give up without a fight. They fed on her terror, so they would starve until they found someone new to take advantage of. And when they went hungry, no one was safe.

Mrs. Fields gave her a discerning look. “If you don’t want to come back, I understand. That’s another reason your caseworker is coming. She can find another foster family where they’ll have a hard time finding you.”

“I don’t want another home.” Blinking back tears of fright, Alanna stared at her foster mother imploringly.

“I don’t want you, too, either. I’ve decided not to take in any more foster children. You’ll be the only one here, other than Sam. You and Sam get along okay, don’t you?”

“Yes.” She sniffled. “I like Sam.”

“I’m kind of partial to him myself. Of course, he’s my son, so I could be biased. With you and Sam to take care of, I’ll be able to take you back and forth to your appointments, and you won’t have to ride the bus anymore. You can go outside and sit on the back porch; think about it until your caseworker arrives.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Taking her dishes to the sink, Alanna started to head out the back door, but paused. Unable to hold back her happiness, she returned to the table to hug Mrs. Fields.

“Thank you. I like living here.”

“I like having you here, too,” Mrs. Fields returned gruffly. “Scoot. I hear a car in the driveway. I need a few minutes with your caseworker.”

Nodding, Alanna practically skipped out the back door to take a seat on the swing.

As she stared out at the overgrown lawn, she promised herself she would learn how to work the lawnmower, which gave Mrs. Fields such fits in her back each time she had to use it. Owen had refused to mow the grass each time he was asked. She also promised to do all the chores Kate hadn’t helped with.

Without Owen and Kate in the house and not having to see them again, it felt as if a whole new life was opening up to her. One where she wouldn’t have to be so afraid.

She bit her bottom lip as her happiness dimmed. No matter how much Mrs. Fields would try to protect her, she had a sinking feeling in her stomach that Kate and Owen would just be waiting to strike when she least expected it.