A short time later, they were exiting their vehicle and walking up the steps to enter

the youth-healing group home.

The building was old, but well kept.

It in fact was a plantation-style home, really more of a mansion.

The place had been converted sometime back, though, and regardless of Penny's many warnings

about the resident they were here to see, it was still a relief to be away from the drab

and depressing halls of the state-run mental hospital.

Walton led the way down the first-story hallway towards a closed-door-marked staff only.

A few young girls peered down from the second-story banister at the two men entering their place

of lodging.

Simon waived, but they made no reply.

They looked scared and apprehensive.

Dalton knocked on the office door and entered before waiting for reply.

A woman who was sitting behind the desk stacked high with papers.

She appeared to be concluding a phone call.

She looked stressed and tired.

However, when she looked up and made eye contact with Bradshaw, her mood seemed to improve

a bit.

Dalton Bradshaw, what brings you to my little slice of hell?

Latoya haze.

Now the fuck you been.

The toyar in which her glasses and her eyes, she glanced at Simon and stood to greet him.

...