Motion caught Leah’s eye. Claire, climbing out one of the downstairs windows. Leah’s heart wadded in her throat. The girl’s head and shoulders were out, but when she tried to step through, something held her in place. She tugged but could go no farther.

“We have to help her!” Annie cried.

“I will. Just let me . . . let me park out of sight.”

Two houses down, she came to a halt. “Wait here.” She dashed toward Claire.

Claire was weeping silently when Leah reached her. The teenager strained forward. “My sweater’s caught.”

“I’ll help you.”

“No, you’d better go, Ms. Montgomery.” Making a ragged sound, she heaved forward again. It was like watching an animal trying to escape from a trap. Behind Claire lay a messy bedroom and a discarded window screen, but Wes wasn’t in sight.

“I’ll help you,” Leah repeated forcefully. The knit of Claire’s sweater had snarled in the crank handle. Leah wrapped her fingers around the threads and pulled. They began to give way. “Move to the side, Claire.”

The girl did so. Leah got a better grip and yanked with all her might. This time, they ripped. She supported Claire as the girl jumped down. They jogged, holding hands, toward the car.

They’d only gone a few yards when Claire’s dad stormed from the house, swearing. “Stop!” he yelled.

Claire wrenched to a halt, separating herself from Leah.

“What is this?” Wes glared at Leah’s car, then at Leah. “Are you stealing my children from me?”

“No, sir.” Her voice sounded thin. “As we were pulling away, we saw Claire trying to get through her window. I stopped to help her.”

“I told you that she’s grounded.” Another expletive hissed from him. “You didn’t think you were in enough trouble already?” he demanded of Claire. “So you decided to sneak out?”

Claire stared at the grass.

He turned away. Took a few paces toward the door. Rounded on them again. Sweat beaded his forehead. “Claire is not leaving,” he spat. “None of them are leaving.” He threw one of the metal chairs in their direction. They darted apart. The chair clattered between them, narrowly missing them both.

Wes charged to Claire, grabbed her forearm, and marched her toward the house.

“No!” Leah extended a hand. “I’m very sorry. I don’t want Claire to get in trouble—”

A blur shot past Leah. Then another. Becca and Mason launched themselves at their dad, trying to free Claire. He shoved them away.

“That’s enough!” Leah yelled. “Stop—”

Pattering footsteps neared. Leah turned to see Annie hurtling toward the mob. Leah intercepted her, wrapping her arms around the girl’s waist. Screeching in outrage, Annie flailed.

“You can help them best by going to get a neighbor,” Leah told her. “Any neighbor you trust who you think might be home.” She set the girl down.

Annie froze.

“Go!” Leah ordered. Annie sprinted away.