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"Don’t be ridiculous You didn’t invite that robber in He made his choices al on his own"

Caleb’s voice was gentle but insistent "Is there anything else you can re he said?"

"Sorry," said Stacie Her eyes drooped heavily and she gave a big yawn "I wish I could helpet out of your hair so you can get your rest Is there anything you need?"

Stacie’s eyes shut as if she just couldn’t keep theo see the kids and meet our new volunteer I know you’re busy, but I told theet you out there this week, one way or another Don’t reed Lana

"Now?"

"Right now" It was alone The center closed at seven, so going tonight would ensure a quick visit, and then she could get back to work There was a lot to catch up on, and Stacie was in no condition to help

Lana was on her own

Lana had Caleb park behind the youth center and took hih the employees’ door she had to use a card key to open They went down a long hal lined with office doors

This part of the building was e and utility areas, and a s hal were restrooymnasium and craft area

Most of the offices were ee once they had better funding This building would becoht Foundation, filed with people like herself ere passionate abouta difference in kids’ lives

"Why don’t you keep your office here?" asked Caleb "You’d be safer around more people"

"The lease on the other office isn’t up yet, but Stacie and I wil move when it is" Maybe sooner, now

"HowStacie The rest are volunteers"

"Do you do background checks on those volunteers?"

"Absolutely I’d never let them near the kids without one Plus we have strict rules for our volunteers as another layer of protection for the kids"

"That’s good Sy, one of Lana’s e when Lana and Caleb walked by

"Hey, Lana," she caled from her desk "Hold on a sec"

Lana stepped into the woy’s office was a chaoticas Peggy kept bringing in the volunteers, she could raise livestock in here for al Lana cared

"How is Stacie?" Peggy asked Concern lined her wide face, looking odd on her Lana was too used to seeing her s okay A little weak, but they said she’l pul through She’s a fighter"

"I’o see her tomorrow before work if you think she’l be up to it"

"I’y eyed Caleb "Who’s this?"

"A friend of reeted Caleb in a deep drawl

Peggy srandmother of ten, but with al his muscles and that quiet confidence, Caleb was the kind ofno matter how old she was

"Care to join the ranks of volunteers?" asked Peggy

Lana explained, "She’s in charge of recruiting our volunteers Watch out, or she’l have you slaving away before you knohat’s happened"

"I’d be happy to help out while I’m here if I can," offered Caleb

"Sold I’l hold you to it," said Peggy "Speaking of volunteers, we have a new one She’s a little upper-crust, but I think she’l be great once the kids break her out of her shel I’d like you to meet her if you have the time She’s here now"

"Sure," said Lana "Just let ht there Do you rinned wider "My pleasure"

Caleb offered the older woman his thick arm "Shal we?"

Lana watched them walk down the hal Caleb’s steps were slow and careful in deference to Peggy’s aged gait He said so before they’d disappeared through the double doors

Lana went into the bathrooet back to Caleb’s side She wasn’t sure how it had happened, or when, but she was getting used to having hi so foolish Caleb couldn’t stay He had a job to do and as soon as he was convinced she knew nothing, he’d leave

Lana flushed the toilet and opened the stal door Standing there, not ten feet away, alone in the bathroom with her, was the woman who had ordered Lana’s death

CHAPTER EIGHT

The kiler was tal, maybe three or four inches taler than Lana And beautiful--elegant in her tailored suit and expensive jewelry

"I’m your new volunteer, Kara McIntire," she said She smiled and reached out her hand for Lana to shake