Page 37 of Forgotten Girls

“Maybe you need to explain?” Carter leaned forward.

“There is a way to cut through the red tape, but it’s expensive.” Ms. Hadley folded her arms on the desk and smiled. “It’s our way of getting our babies into the best families.”

“How fast can you move things along, for the right price?” Carter smiled. “You can see how anxious my wife is to have a baby.”

“I can make it happen before the end of the week.” Ms. Hadley beamed at Beth.

A shimmer of rage slid through Beth and she swallowed hard. “That’s good to know. Do you have a baby expected in the next week or so?”

“Indeed we do.” Ms. Hadley beamed at her. “Twins are due, but we don’t mind splitting them up.”

“We’ll take them.” Carter took Beth’s hand and squeezed. “You’d like that wouldn’t you, darlin’?” He looked at Ms. Hadley. “Price is no option whatsoever, as long as our names are on those babies.” He nodded slowly. “We can do a Bitcoin transfer to your wallet today if need be.”

“Okay.” Ms. Hadley consulted her computer and then wrote a figure on a piece of paper and slid it to Carter. “This is our fee. Everything is included, all the legal paperwork as well. You’ll just need to sign the paperwork and the judge will do the rest.”

“That’s fine.” Carter took the note, looked at it, shrugged, and dropped it into his pocket.

Beth leaned forward. “I need to speak to the doctor who will deliver the twins. I want to hear it from his mouth that they’ll be fit and healthy.” She took a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes. “I lost all my babies, you see. I can’t go through that again.” She looked at Carter. “Make that part of the deal, Tim. Pay them what they want, but do this for me.”

“I’m sure that can be arranged for you. Can you be back in town tomorrow morning? I know it’s Sunday, but the doctor is in town right now.” Ms. Hadley smiled.

“That’s not a problem.” Carter nodded. “We need to make this happen as soon as possible.”

“As luck would have it, the doctor is due here first thing in the morning for a meeting at ten.” Ms. Hadley tapped away on her computer. “I can make an appointment for eleven? His fee will be one hundred thousand in advance. Can you arrange payment by then?”

“That’s fine.” Carter smiled. “Although, I’m no fool. I’ll pay you half the agreed amount for the adoption of the babies tomorrow—if my wife likes what the doctor has to say—and the other half when the papers are signed.”

“Agreed.” Ms. Hadley stood. “I’ll make the arrangements. Drop by again at eleven in the morning and the doctor will see you.”

Excitement slithered through Beth and she looked at Ms. Hadley. “What is his name?”

“Dr. Clint Brewer.” Ms. Hadley smiled. “Out of Rainbow. It’s a small mining town. He just set up practice there, but he’s been working with us for years. He’s a great doctor. You’ll love him.”

Oh, I’ll love him to death. Beth smiled. “Thanks.”

FORTY-TWO

SUNDAY

Helena

Back at the ranch, Beth had worked the previous evening hacking every local hotel and motel’s computers for lists of bookings until she’d found Dr. Clint Brewer. He’d booked two nights and was in room number twelve in a hotel right in the center of town. Surprisingly she’d slipped into an easy working relationship with Carter. He guarded his past, which intrigued her because she’d read his file and knew about his PTSD and time off the grid. To her, he appeared laid-back and relaxed most times. He loved his work and was a dedicated agent. Instinct told her he’d report her in a second if he discovered her hidden identity.

At the kitchen table, with Styles one side of her and Carter the other, they discussed tactics. Jo had fixed breakfast and they were lingering over coffee. She turned to Carter. “We know the doctor will be leaving the hotel to go to the Big Hearts Adoption Agency to arrive for his appointment at ten. So if we stake out the hotel, we’ll know what vehicle he drives and you can attach one of your trackers.”

“How are we gonna know it’s him?” Carter raised both eyebrows. “It’s a big city.”

Beth had considered this and smiled. “Nothing has come back from Wolfe yet, but we do have what Ginny told Sheriff Alton. He’s in his fifties, balding, and fat and likely carrying a bag, briefcase, or something similar.”

“We should have eyes on him the moment he leaves the hotel. If possible, we’ll get photos.” Carter added cream and sugar to his cup and stirred slowly. “I’ll get a tracker on his vehicle. The moment he goes near it.”

“The thing is, we don’t know if his vehicle is a rental. He could fly away to parts unknown and we’ll lose him again.” Styles looked at Beth. “I figure it’s essential that you get a tracker into his bag when you go see him.”

Mind working overtime, Beth nodded. “I’ll do my best.” She checked her watch. “You’ll need to leave soon to get to your appointment early and can’t risk being seen with us.”

“You have a point.” Styles gave her a long look. “You’ll be in disguise as well, and he might notice you too.”

Beth shook her head. “No, he won’t. I’ll wait to put on my wig before our appointment. I’ll look different with blonde hair. He won’t take a second glance at me.”

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