"She stole an apple from the fridge. She's been stealing stuff for the last two days." Chang smiled maliciously. "You gonna have her arrested, Fay?"

"What kind of stuff?" Fay asked.

"Food. I saw her put a sandwich in her schoolbag yesterday."

"Is that true, Jane?"

Jane didn't answer.

"And she punched me."

"Be quiet, Chang. For heaven's sake, you're two inches taller than she is."

"You said I shouldn't fight," he said, sulking.

"I also said you shouldn't tattle, but you do it." Fay dug into her pocket and handed him a tissue. "Go on. You'll be late for school."

Chang wiped his nose. "Jane was late yesterday."

"Jane's never late for school."

"She was late yest--" He met Jane's warning gaze and backed toward the door. "Ask her." He bolted out of the house.

Fay crossed her arms over her chest. "So I'm asking you."

"I was late."

"Why?"

"I had something to do."

"What?"

Jane was silent.

"Have you been stealing food?"

"Not much."

"You know I have a tough time stretching the food budget for the three of you."

"I won't eat tomorrow."

"You don't eat enough now. It's Chang and Raoul who are always hungry. Which brings me to ask why you stole food, when half the time I can't get you to eat my dinners."

Jane didn't answer.

"When I was in the fourth grade there was a bully who made me give him my lunch every day. I'd understand if you--"

"No one made me do it."

Fay smiled faintly. "And if they tried, you'd punch them in the nose."

Jane nodded.

"If you have a problem, it might help if you talk to me."

"I don't have a problem."

"And you wouldn't tell me if you did. Why do I even try?" Fay wearily brushed a strand of hair back from her forehead. "Go on. You'll be late."

Jane hesitated. It would be harder to get food now. Could she trust Fay? "May I keep the apple?"

"If you tell me why."

"Someone needs it."

"Who?"

"He can't go home right now. His father's there."

"Who?"

"Could I bring him here?"

"A child? Jane, you know I can't accept any more children. But if he's having trouble at home, we can call Family Services and see if they can intercede with his parents."

She should have known Fay wouldn't understand. "They won't help. They'll go see them and then they'll leave and make a report. It would make it worse for him."

"Who is this? Tell me."

Jane started for the door.

"Jane, I want to help you. Trust me. You're going to get into trouble."

"I'll be okay. I won't be late for school again."

"That's not what I mean." Fay was looking helplessly at her. "I want to be your friend. Why can't I get through to you? Why do you keep everything bottled up inside?"

"Could I have the apple?"

"I shouldn't let you--Oh, go ahead, take it. But I don't want you punching Chang again."

"Okay." Jane opened the door and ran down the steps. That she had made Fay unhappy made her feel bad. For a moment she had thought Fay would understand and help her, but she should have known better. You couldn't count on anyone to help you. You had to do it yourself.

At least Fay had not made her give up the apple the way some grown-ups would have. But there would be no more food for Mike from Fay's refrigerator. She would have to find it somewhere else.

Her forehead creased in a frown as she began to consider how she would do it.

Chapter SIX

Dom made Eve wait over forty-eight hours before he called again.

"Did you like my gift?" he asked.

"I hated it. You knew I would."

"But how could you hate your own flesh and blood? Oops, slip of the tongue. No flesh, no blood, just bone."

"Who is she?"

"I told you, it's your Bonnie."

"No, you know who I mean. Who is this Jane?"

"Well, she may be your Bonnie too. Have you thought about the possibility of--"

"What's her last name?"

"She's not as pretty but she has the same red hair. Unfortunately, she's had a rougher time this go-around than when she was your Bonnie. Four foster homes." He clucked regretfully. "So sad."