Greetings From Witness Protection!

As the Christmas season approaches, the Trevors face a dilemma. Harriet and Jonathan both need to attend office holiday parties to keep up appearances, and Charlotte has been invited to Holly’s house on the same night. Someone must watch Jackson, so Charlotte drags him along with her to a party for seventh-grade girls. Everyone exchanges gifts, and Charlotte receives a pair of hand-knitted gloves from Brit. Because of her fear of anything touching her hands, Charlotte becomes nauseous at the thought of wearing the gloves but tries to put up a brave front. Keeping them on in the car all the way home is an ordeal, and Jackson is puzzled by her extreme reaction. Charlotte explains to him that Nicki is the one with the problem, not Charlotte: “Yeah, she can wear gloves without feeling like she’s going to die. Charlotte Trevor gets thoughtful, beautiful gifts from her best friend. Charlotte Trevor has a best friend! What do I have?” (279).

Winter melts into spring, and life continues on course until one evening when Charlotte comes home from a movie. Harriet was putting away Charlotte’s laundry and discovered her stash of stolen jewelry, including the rhinestone engagement ring. Charlotte expects Harriet to be furious, but Harriet apologizes.