***

Mom snuck out of her room a few minutes later. "Is he gone?" I released the girls and went to her drawing her still shaking form into my arms. "He's gone mom. You don't have to be afraid because you're not staying here. When I leave here I'm taking you with me."

She looked up at me about to argue but I didn't give her a chance. "You did what I asked you to?" I spoke to Mindy over her head. "Yeah the movers will be here tomorrow."

Mom looked back and forth ...