Page 81 of Forged in Steele

Bristol met Jared in the entryway as he returned to the home Holloway used to farm babies. Jared looked so tired and disillusioned, and a lock of hair had fallen over his forehead.

She couldn’t resist and stroked it back into place. “You look tired.”

“Would it be rude if I told you the same thing?” He caught her hand in his, his skin warm and rough.

“No. Just truthful,” she said when every bit of her wanted to concentrate on the feel of his skin against hers.

“The few hours we got last night will have to hold us over. We can’t stop until we find Luna.” He lifted her hand and kissed it.

Oh my.She should object. They were on the job after all, but no one could see them, and she needed something warm and comforting as her fear for Luna’s life grew with each lead that didn’t pan out.

“How’s Amelia?” He released her hand.

Good. Bristol could concentrate now. “Okay, I think. Maybe in shock. I called her doctor, and he’s agreed to do a house call.”

Jared curled his hands into fists. “Let’s hope she doesn’t go into labor.”

“I guess one positive is that she realized how much the baby means to her, and she wants to explore ways to keep the child and still make money for her family. Not sure I can come up with anything, but I’m certainly going to try.”

“I’ll pray you succeed.”

She nodded. “We need to get forensics in here to process this place. We could find evidence of Luna having been here.”

“Agreed. I also called Adair before I came in, and he’s working on an arrest warrant for Holloway and search warrants for Holloway’s office and home. I’m out of here the minute they come in.”

“I’d like to go with you, but I don’t want to leave Amelia until her doctor examines her and declares her fit. Then we need to relocate these women so they can’t talk to Holloway if he shows up and so we can keep an eye on their health.”

He frowned. “Any suggestions?”

“My grandparents and parents both live in huge farmhouses. The women could stay with them.”

He arched an eyebrow. “And your family would agree to that?”

“I’m sure they would.”

“Then let’s do that.” He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging that wayward strand again. “We should also gather all the women together and question them. They might know something about Luna.”

“I’ll do it. Maybe Amelia will join us and speak to the others on our behalf. Can you call Sierra and then we’ll meet in the living room?”

“Glad to.” He got out his phone and stepped outside. Likely to keep the mothers-to-be from hearing about the request for a forensic expert to process their home.

Bristol remained in place and called her grandparents. They agreed to pick up the women to stay with them as she knew they would. Bristol stowed her phone and went straight to Amelia’s bedroom. Bristol found the woman seated on the bottom bed in a set of bunk beds. The room held four matching beds. How these pregnant women climbed to the top at the end of their pregnancy, Bristol didn’t know, but maybe they were given the lower bunks as they neared their due dates.

Amelia lifted her red-rimmed eyes to peer at Bristol. The woman had been through so much, and her emotions would already be amplified due to her pregnancy.

Bristol had to find a way to comfort her before asking for her help. Bristol sat beside her. “I know you believe in God.”

“Yes,” Amelia said.

“Then let’s choose to look at the positive here. Let’s choose to believe that God will work everything out for your good instead of worrying.” Bristol spoke with confidence she didn’t feel.

Amelia’s eyes brightened. “That is a good idea. Thank you.”

Bristol squeezed the woman’s hand. “I need to talk to all of the women staying here right now. Would you mind helping me gather them together?”

“It will be a good thing to keep my mind occupied.” Amelia stood.

Bristol started for the door. “How many women are in the house?”

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