Monica Candell stepped into the house and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, she was out of the scorching heat. She hadn’t been able to take her car, since she could no longer afford the expenses it required.

Taking a deep breath, she glanced around the large living space. Her stomach churned at the thought that her stepdaughter was now living in such a luxurious environment, while she and her children were stuck in a house they could no longer afford to even keep the AC running.

She looked around again, but the large living room was empty. Then she heard voices followed by a loud clang. A twisted smile...