Tough times make you stronger, Michael, as long as you don't lie around feeling sorry for yourself." That's what his beloved step-father Swede said. Tough times are all they've had since Swede died. Now, while Michael stops to flirt with Shenia, his little sister goes home ahead of him. He's finally asked Shenia out when Missy calls, scared. He puts aside his irritation and tries to convince her that Mama will be home soon-until she says, "No, Michael. She's gone, like Betsy.
"Stay together" says the note their mother left, and the only way Michael can see that happening is if the grandparents they've never met take them in. He doubts he'll be welcomed, but hopes his half-siblings will because "they're cute little white kids."
Shenia helps Michael and the kids head for their grandparents, believing their best chance is to show up in person. Neither of them foresees the troubles ahead.
Spoiler alert: While Michael deals with responsibility, grief, anger, prejudice, and fear (as well as his first romantic relationship and hormones), the police find his mother and label it a murder. They think it was Michael, but the killer is stalking the kids.
Previously published as Michael Dolan McCarthy.