She was … so cold, so cruel. So thoughtless. Uncle Ben’s through and through.

“… Alice is smart, Anne,” Lory said, feeling her upper lip wobble in what she wasn’t quite sure was more grief or disgust.

She let her arms rest more gracefully, lifted her neck and watched Anne with a guarded look.

“Suppose it’s time to leave you to whatever Uncle Ben decides for you next.”

She waited.