“Nothing like confronting the devil.” She rang the doorbell.
A moment later, a pleasant-looking woman, who looked to be in her forties, answered. “No solicitations, please.”
“Ms. Corlan, I’m Evelyn with Fairfax County Department of Family Services,” Slash said. “I’m here to do an unscheduled welfare check on the minors in your home.”
Judy Corlan stepped back. “Come in.”
She and Carrera entered the house, the rank odor of garlic and onions hung heavy in the air.
A man moseyed into view. Though she hadn’t seen Elwood Tosh in fifteen years, she recognized him immediately.
Hatred and fury sliced through her.
No longer a terrified teen, Slash squared her shoulders. Elwood Tosh could no longer hurt her.
Now in his fifties, Tosh colored his hair a too-dark brown. He had a cluster of moles on his cheek and the least expressive eyes she’d ever seen. Dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, he’d gained a little weight, but otherwise looked the same.
Refusing to smile at him, she said, “Hello, are you?—”
“This is my boyfriend, AJ,” Judy Corlan said.
“What’s this about?” Tosh asked.
“Social Services is doing an unscheduled check,” Judy said.
Two small children ran into the foyer. The little boy came right over, but the girl hung back.
Ohgod, they’re so young.
“Are these your children?” Slash asked.
“These are the foster kids,” Judy replied. “Wouldn’t you know that?”
“I have you down as fosteringolderchildren,” Slash said. “Unfortunately, there was a mix-up in our system. The employeewho entered data was making a lot of mistakes. It happens, sometimes.”
Tosh nodded along.
“I’m glad you said something about the mix-up,” Judy added. “First time, we fostered teens?—”
“The sweet spot is between ten and fifteen.” A demonic smile filled Tosh’s face. “Old enough to wipe their own asses, but young enough to have a little fun with ‘em.”
A growl shot out of Carrera.
“If you prefer older, why didn’t you refuse these children?” Slash asked.
The little boy held up a toy. “Can you play?” he asked Carrera.
“Sure, buddy,” Carrera replied.
Judy led them into the living room. A few toys were scattered on the floor. While Carrera sat on the floor to play with the children, concern swept through Slash. She needed to get these little ones away from Tosh as soon as possible.
“Why didn’t you tell the agency you couldn’t take them?” Slash repeated.
“I was at work,” Judy said. “AJ just took ‘em.”
“I made a mistake,” Tosh said. “Thought I’d try out young kids, but they’re too much work.”
“We’ll have them removed right away,” Slash said.
