I nearly dialed 911 on the tattooed teenager holding a screaming baby inside an empty 1 AM laundromat. Then his bag tore open, and my stomach sank with utter shame.

“Did you bring the pancake book?”

Rachel held up a picture book about breakfast.

“I did.”

Jackson crouched in front of Emma.

“Remember the rules?”

“I stay in the library.”

“And?”

“I ask Rachel if I need potty.”

“And?”

“You come back after the big hand goes all the way around once.”

Jackson smiled, even though his eyes were terrified.

“That’s right.”

Emma touched continue reading …