Return To Stony Ridge. Dani Sinclair

Teri asked.

      Uncertainly, he looked at the others.

      This was important. Teri knew Ian had seen something. Unfortunately, Betty Drexler chose that moment to appear in the doorway across from them.

      “Mrs. Norwhich said lunch will be ready in about five minutes. The children need to go and wash their hands.”

      Teri tamped down her impatience as the children were ushered out to wash their hands. There was nothing she could do but go along to the kitchen with everyone else a few minutes later.

      The women were still uneasy around her as they settled at the large table in front of yet another huge fireplace. Teri understood their mistrust all too well. They all had a good reason for caution, but it made things hard. She’d already discovered that none of them wanted to talk to her. They especially didn’t want to answer any questions.

      Two of the women were sporting obvious injuries. Ian’s mother appeared to have the most physical damage. Her right arm was in a cast and a sling, and bruises mottled her face. Teri suspected there were more bruises hidden by her clothing.

      She fought the burning rage and bitter helplessness that churned in her stomach when she looked at these women. Life was so unfair. But as the last person entered the dining room, she looked around with a sinking feeling.

      “Where’s Corey? I thought R.J. said only Valerie disappeared.”

      The women exchanged uneasy glances. It was the taciturn and rather eerie-looking Mrs. Norwhich who answered as she carried over a tureen of soup and placed it on the table.

      “Wyatt had him placed in foster care yesterday.”