Gossip greeted Anna at the school gates; gossip founded on rumour, ignorance and, she suspected, a desire to inject excitement into monotonous suburban lives. "All seven children have been taken into care," one mother declared in a breathless voice, while another pronounced Narelle White a disgrace to the neighbourhood, with her gaggle of scruffy kids, shabby house and useless husband who spent most of his spare time in the pub.
A few steps away from the group, Anna stood leaning against the wire fence, her agitation increasing as the accusations intensified, fuelled by so-called “evidence” of odd behaviour, such as an unwillingness to engage in school fund-raising activities.
"Too right, Janice," said a woman to Anna"s left. "Narelle couldn"t give a stuff about the school community. Or
