Detective Walsh had driven all over the city and county visiting with children. He now sat at his desk looking over his notes.

Is there a reason why Miss Petunia would want to leave?
“She didn’t like us,” said Diana, 5.
“She didn’t like the babies crying,” Justin, 7.
“She used to make us do chores, but one day she just stayed in her office and then she hardly ever came out, except to yell at us to be quiet or to eat,” Sara, 10.

How long ago was this?
“About a month ago, I guess,” Sara.
“Right before we got a lot more kids. Mostly babies,” Justin.

How long were you there?
“6 years, my parents died in a car crash,” Sara.
“2 years, my grandma raised me ‘til she passed,” Justin.
“My mom and dad are gonna get me, you’ll see,” Diana.

So things were okay until a month ago, when you got more babies and Miss Petunia stayed in her office.
“Yes. Drinking. It was awful! Gregory tried to be leader, but he was just bossy. He hit and threatened kids. He told everyone to vandalize. They were afraid not to.” Sara.