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abuse.”
    He sat next to her. “And what was the success rate?”
    “Thirty to forty percent.”
    “What happened to the sixty or seventy percent it didn’t work with?”
    “Other arrangements were made for them. No one was left in a bad situation.”
    “That you know of.”
    “The program had long-term follow-up built into it. When I interviewed with Laura and Peter, they knew my desire to try something like that here.”
    His expression displayed surprise. “They did?”
    “We need to explore all opportunities for the children. One is trying to get them back with their parents. Do you feel every child in the foster-care system should never go back home?”
    “No.”
    “Then why are you against this?”
    He closed his eyes for a few seconds. “Because Andy could be me.”
    “But he isn’t.”
    “That remains to be seen.” Jacob shot to his feet and dug into his pocket for his keys. “I’ll be here Sunday.” He stalked toward his old car in front of the cottage.
    She sat on the porch step watching him drive away, stunned by what she had discovered about the person she had grown up hating. He had been abused. It didn’t change what he had done to her brother, but it did alter her feelings. It was hard to look at him and not see what he must have gone through as a child.
    She thought about a sermon she’d heard a few months ago about being careful not to judge another. How could we know what that person had gone through unless we walked in his shoes? Until this moment she hadn’t really contemplated its true meaning.

Chapter Five

    “Y ou’re early for dinner.” Hannah glanced up from reading the paperwork needed for Lisa’s rehab facility.
    Jacob fit his long length into the small chair to the side of her desk. “I promised some of the kids I’d play touch football. The day has turned out to be great so here I am.” He spread his arms wide.
    Indeed, he was, looking ruggedly handsome with tousled hair and warm brown eyes. “Who?”
    “Some of the older boys in the other cottage, but Gabe and Terry want to play, too.”
    “Is that safe?” She stacked the papers to the side to give to Lisa later.
    He grinned, his two dimples appearing. “I’ll protect them. They’ve always watched before, but both boys love football so I said yes.”
    “Still…aren’t they a little young to play?”
    He pushed to his feet, giving her a wink. “I promise they will be fine, and you know I don’t break a promise.”
    “You can’t control everything.”
    The merriment in his eyes died. “I, more than most, realize that. Your life can change instantly and take you in a completely opposite direction than you ever imagined.” He headed for the door. “I’m going to have a few words with the older guys about making sure Gabe and Terry have fun but aren’t hurt.” He peered back at her. “Okay?”
    “Yes,” she said as he disappeared out into the hall.
    She had a report to read, but maybe she should go watch the game just in case something unforeseen happened. Yeah, right. Is that the only reason?
    She had to admit to herself that since Friday night, when Jacob had told her something about his childhood, she hadn’t been able to get the man out of her mind. And only a moment before he’d referred to life changing so quickly. Perhaps he hadn’t walked away from the wreck unscathed.
    She left her office and went in search of the touch-football game. She found a group of kids in the area between the two cottages and among them was Jacob giving instructions on the rules. Gabe and Terry, smaller than the other boys, flanked Jacob. How good he was with the children was reconfirmed as she watched.
    “Will Terry and Gabe be all right?” Susie asked, coming to Hannah’s side with Nancy.
    “Dr. Jacob told me they would be.”
    “Then they will. Good. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to them. Terry wants to try out for the basketball team at school and tryouts are next week.”
    “He didn’t say