Chapter 12

When I found out Ashley had written her story about Dad, I tore up what I had written. It was only two sentences, but I made a big deal about it, acting angry and hurt. Our upcoming basketball game was against Coronado, a team that had barely beaten us the last time. I could write about that.

But I didn’t.

I put off writing and played video games upstairs in the barn. Sam has an office there and an exercise room where he lets us play games and walk on the treadmill or lift weights.

I was in there alone when Sam’s phone rang, and his answering machine picked up.

My heart thumped as the beep sounded. I hit the Pause button on my game and strained to hear the message.

A fast-talking man said, “Sam . . . have to get used to that. It’s Tim in D.C. Just making sure you got back okay. Hope things are going better for you.” The man paused. “Look, we’ve been talking about your situation. This is the kind of thing we were concerned about when you started this new family. The director thinks it’s best you keep as much information as you can to yourself. If we have to move you again, we’ll make it happen. Good seeing you again. Been a long time. Take care.”