CHAPTER 5
Jade’s voice was hoarse, not from giving her testimony but from shouting into every bathroom stall, storage closet, and hiding place in Glennallen Bible Church. Initially she ignored the terrified feeling in the base of her gut. Dez was just throwing a silent fit somewhere to protest being sent downstairs with old Mrs. Spencer and the “babies.” Either that or she was playing an elaborate game of hide-and-seek.
It was what Jade had to believe, and instead of focusing on her fears, she rehearsed all the ways she’d lecture her daughter.
Jade had just finished checking the men’s room when Aisha trudged up the stairs, shaking her head. “I checked the nursery rooms and the cleaning closet downstairs. Do you think she went out to the car?”
“I looked there already.” Jade glanced arou
