Laurence frowned at his daughter. She was no longer his baby. His baby was dead, and she had been replaced by this thorn in his side – and it hurt him deeply. “I don’t know what is going on here,” he hissed, “but I am checking out right now!”

Laurence nearly cried when they arrived at the Flinch House. Not only had he been homesick, but he was surprised by all of the changes that had been made in his absence. Even Alice was astonished. They had just moved a few days ago, but the new ...