Page 83 of Forged in Steele

“You can’t stay here now,” Jared said. “We’ll be relocating you to a safe location. You’ll be allowed to pack one bag under our supervision.”

“Just what do you think we might be taking that you need to see?” Katana demanded.

Bristol looked at Jared as did the women.

“Let’s get to packing,” he said, ignoring their question but continuing to stare at Katana. “Deputy Steele will start with you.”

Katana lunged to her feet, amazingly agile in her advanced pregnant state. Bristol followed her through the house, and the process of packing began. Bristol hated to have to watch every move these women made, and then thoroughly search their bags and their persons, but she and Jared had to be sure the women didn’t try to take anything that could lead to finding Luna.

Bristol felt especially bad about searching Amelia. Not only because Bristol had made a connection with her, but because her expression held such disappointment that Bristol almost backed off.

Almost.

She couldn’t. She was a sworn officer of the law, and she had to do her duty.

Finished, she stepped back, and the doorbell rang. “That must be my grandparents. You’ll be staying with them on their farm.”

“Grandparents? I thought it might be a safe house like you see on American television.” Amelia stood. “Are you sure they want the three of us living with them?”

“They have the most generous hearts of anyone I know,” Bristol said. “But I warn you. My grandad often tells fishing stories, and you might be begging to leave before long.”

Amelia gave a wavering smile. “I can tell him about fishing in my country then. We have the most amazing beaches.”

“Thank you for making the best of this situation.” Bristol squeezed Amelia’s shoulder then picked up her suitcase. “Follow me to the living room, and you’re good to go.”

Bristol headed down the hallway, Amelia’s lumbering steps behind her.

“Will you come visit?” Amelia asked.

“Yes,” Bristol replied. “Once our investigation is over.”

“I will pray you find this baby.”

“Thank you.” Bristol set down the suitcase by the couch where the other women sat under the watchful eye of a local patrol officer.

Bristol went to the door and opened it for her grandparents, their gazes solemn, very out of character for how cheerful they usually were. They laid eyes on her and both smiled, their love for her flowing from their expressions.

“Boy, am I glad to see you.” Bristol’s heart warmed, and she returned their smiles.

“Any strong leads on Luna yet?” her grandad asked.

Bristol shook her head, all the emotions of the past days coming to the surface and tears wetted her eyes. “And I fear we’re running out of time for a good outcome.” Her tears intensified, and she swiped at her eyes before they started flowing in earnest.

“Come here, sweetie.” Her gran scooped her up in a hug and held her tight.

Bristol inhaled her jasmine scent and thanked God for the amazing, beautiful life she’d been given. Especially after seeing these women feeling forced to give up their children to feed their families. How hard was that?

Why God? Why?

No answer came. She knew it wouldn’t, and she shouldn’t question, but her heart ached with the pain of the situation.

“Come on.” Her gran released her and took her hand. “Let’s get these women in the car so your grandad and I can get to spoiling them.”

“Have I told you both lately how much I respect and love you?” Bristol asked. “Because if I haven’t, I need to.”

“We’re just doing what God called us to do honey,” her grandad said. “Be His hands and feet on earth.”

“Well, you’re doing a fantastic job of it.”

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