Chapter Seven

Hi, good afternoon Mrs Crosby, Mrs William. Welcome," Lilian said in a sweet voice.

Those were the social workers. I see now.

"What brings you here today? You didn't tell us you'll be coming. My husband and I just returned home."

"We were in the neighborhood," said Jackie Crosby, with a smile, "and decided to stop by and see how Anne's doing."

"Aren't you going to let us in?" Iness William asked with a less friendly tone and more suspicions.

"Of course," Joseph said, and Lilian laughed nervously as they ushered the women inside.

"Please sit down," Lilian said.

"So, where's Emily?" Jackie Crosby asked happily.

"Anne....well you see...Emily is----"

"Not back from school," Joseph completed.

"Yeah, exactly. You know how studious she is. Always making good grades and all that. We're proud of her," Lilian said and leaned on Joseph's shoulder, posing a fake picture of a happy family.

"Okay....," Iness William drawled, still doubting. "Why's your sitting room a shamble?"

"I left early, I have