THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR

THE MONSTER AT THE DOOR

The week had flown by, and the tension was thick in the air.

Mr. Craig's deadline was today—he was to pay the thirty thousand dollars he owed Mr Charles, a debt that had loomed over the family like a dark cloud.

Outside the orphanage home, the children played, their laughter was the only light in an otherwise heavy day.

Then, the sound of engines rumbled up the street, shattering the peace. Mr. Charles drove up, with his car leading a small convoy.

Two other cars pulled up behind him, each carrying four large, intimidating men.

The teenage orphans who were kicking around a soccer ball stopped in their tracks, their eyes were wide with fear.

The younger children who’d been playing tag froze, then scattered, their little feet was pounding the ground as they raced back toward the orphanage. They knew trouble when they saw it.

One of the youngest girls, quicker than the others, dashed inside and ran straight to the kitchen, where Mrs. Martha was cooking.

“Mama! Mama!” she cried, her v