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"Maybe, maybe not." She smiled jokingly. "Just

leave everything to me."

"That's the last thing we should do," Crystal

said. She was tired of joking.

Raven nearly jumped around and over the seat. "What's that supposed to mean? Why do you

always have to be Miss Doom and Gloom?" Raven

asked angrily.

"I'm not being gloomy. All I'm saying is

begging for our meals isn't enough to keep us going,"

Crystal said calmly, which infuriated Raven more. "And just what will be enough, Crystal? If you

have all the answers why don't you share them with

us?" Raven demanded.

"Will you two stop it!" I cried. "We're not

acting like the Orphanteers."

"Orphanteers. What a stupid name," Raven

/> mumbled.

"You used to think it was good," Butterfly reminded her.

"That was before I grew up."

"And when did this miraculous maturity occur?" Crystal asked sarcastically.

"Oh boy. Did you hear that, Brooke?" "I asked you two to stop it," I said, slowing

down even more. "If you don't, I'm pulling over and . .

. what's that?" I asked instead.

Raven turned back around and peered out the

windshield.

"It's a woman, waving. She looks hysterical,"

Raven said.

Off to the right, just before an exit, a woman

who looked about forty was swinging her arms

wildly. She wore no coat or jacket to protect her from

the rain. Her light brown hair was already soaked, the