Page 82 of Forged in Steele

“Only two others.” Amelia led the way down the hallway toward the back of the house. “When I came there were twelve. Now I don’t have a roommate. I’m sure we’ll find the other two in the sunroom. We miss our more tropical weather and hang out there all the time when it’s sunny.”

They walked through a large but outdated kitchen into a sunroom that held a strong smell of mold or mildew. Not good for these women to be breathing. But it was far enough away from the living room that they likely didn’t even know about Pam’s attempt to hurt Amelia.

“This is my friend,” Amelia announced. “She is helping me and wants to ask questions of us.” Amelia introduced her to the two women. The one with short hair was named Katana, and the other woman named Fae had long hair.

“Holloway won’t like that.” Katana ran a finger down a long scar on the side of her face.

“Holloway is breaking the law, and we’ll soon be arresting him,” Bristol said. “He won’t be able to hurt you.”

“But you can’t arrest him,” Katana said. “He’s helping us.”

Bristol hated that they thought giving up their babies for money was considered help. “He’s paying for your babies, and that’s a crime.”

“You’re going to ruin this for us.” Katana came to her feet and cast a threatening look at Bristol. “I need that money. My family needs that money. I’m sure you can look the other way until after we deliver and get paid.”

Fae ran a hand over her sleek black hair tucked behind her ears. “We’re both due in a few weeks. Please. We can pay you to look away. Not all of our money but some. This is what is done in our country a lot of the time.”

“That would be bribing a law enforcement officer,” Jared’s voice came from behind. “Something neither of us would condone.”

Bristol glanced back at Jared. “Katana and Fae, this is my associate Jared Wolfe. He’s an FBI agent. Do you know what the FBI is?”

Katana nodded. “We watch them on the television all the time.”

“Then you probably know we investigate kidnappings.” Jared stepped closer. “And we’re investigating the kidnapping of a baby from Mercy Hospital. Do either of you know anything about that?”

“Why would we?” Katana fixed a combative stare on Jared. “We would never be involved in anything like that.”

“What about Olive Wallace?” Bristol asked. “Might she have brought a baby here this week?”

“Not that I saw.” Katana sat. “But she has delivered babies here in the past.”

“Didn’t you wonder about it?” Jared asked.

“Yes, but we keep our questions to ourselves.” Katana crossed her arms. “We can’t afford to make Mr. Holloway mad, or he’ll throw us out, and we won’t get our payment. We’ve seen it happen to others and won’t let it happen to us. He must find a home for our babies.”

“You sound so matter-of-fact about giving up your child,” Bristol said, trying hard not to sound judgmental.

Katana glared at her. “I don’t want to be a mother. Ever. So this is the very best solution.”

“I do.” Fae stroked her belly. “I want this little one, but my family must come first.”

“I thought the same thing.” Amelia peered at her housemates. “But I have changed my mind. I will find a way to have this baby and support my family.”

Katana scoffed. “Good luck with that. See you on the poverty line.”

“Do any of you know a Reya Isaacs?” Bristol asked before things got out of hand between the women.

Katana and Fae shook their heads.

“Have you ever heard her name?” Bristol asked.

“On the news,” Amelia said. “Her daughter’s body was found. That is so sad.”

“And that’s all you know?” Jared asked.

All three nodded.

Katana sat forward. “What’s going to happen to us?”

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