"We don't want to go back. We can't go back,"
Raven cried. "He's a monster."
"If you have any legitimate complaints about
your foster parents, you should be telling your
counselors back in New York, not stealing cars and
driving across the country," Mr. Glashalter said. "Follow procedures. I'm sure you're familiar
with them. You've all been in the system awhile and .
. ."
"Oh, the system," Raven groaned. "I'll just run
away again," Raven threatened.
Mr. Glashalter's lips lifted and stretched. His
eyes narrowed as he stared at her.
"Then you'll just get into deeper trouble and
you won't have an opportunity like this, believe me,"
he said. "I assure you, if you are not cooperative . ." "We'll cooperate," Crystal promised quickly.
"Thank you for helping us."
Mr. Glashalter returned to his plastic smile and
directed himself at Crystal.
"Very wise decision, my dear. That's smart.
That way I can do what I can to help you," he told her.
"What do we do now?" Crystal asked.
"For now, I want you all to sit tight. I'll explain
things to the sheriff and speak with the assistant district attorney. It will take a while, but I think we can manage it all as long as you remain cooperative,"
he added with no veiled threat in his voice. He rose. "I'll be back shortly," he said and left us. As
soon as he did, Raven spun on Crystal. "Why don't
you tell him what we found in the car? Why don't you
tell him why we don't want to go back with Gordon
Tooey?" she asked.
"Why would they believe us, Raven? And then
what . . . Gordon changes his mind, presses charges