“Your mommy will see you after school tomorrow,” Maya reassured the tearful five-year-old as she led him back to bed. Axell had all but thrown Cleo and Stephen into his car and driven them to town when the local cab couldn’t arrive soon enough to suit him. “Don’ wanna go to school,” Matty replied sullenly. Oh, great. Loving, obedient Matty had turned on her, too. Sometimes, she had to wonder if she’d started down the wrong path somewhere and if she should turn back and see where she’d lost her way. “Mr. Pig would miss you.” She used her best no-nonsense voice as she tucked him in. “And you wouldn’t get to play Duck, Duck, Goose with Peggy and Billy,” naming his two favorite friends of the moment. “Now off to sleep.” She pressed a kiss to his forehead and slipped out the door. Matty had stayed in his room several nights in a row this past week. Maya had the distinct feeling tonight would not be one of those nights. Oh, well. She checked on Constance and got a rundown on the evening’s events.
