Page 15 of Herding Cat

For some reason the woman’s lips quirked. But then she fixed a solemn look on her face, crossed her arms and studied the boy. “What have I told you about stealing, Mae?”

Mae’s chin dropped. “Stealing is wrong.”

Catherine nearly laughed. The boy spoke English. At least enough to have followed their conversation. No wonder he’d come willingly. He’d known he wasn’t heading for jail.

“That’s right. Stealing is wrong.” The woman shook her head and attempted a smile at them. “I am so sorry. We’ve talked to her about this, again and again.”

Catherine stiffened. Shock, and something dark and needy, shot through her like a bolt of lightning. “Um, her?” she squeaked.

“Yes. She’s one of our girls.” The woman thrust out a hand. “I’m sorry. I am Mrs. Parsons. I run the Holy Heart Missionary Home for Children. Would you...like to come inside?”

Oh, hell yes.

Before Luke or Garrett could stop her, Catherine followed the woman inside. The foyer was austere, with white tile on the floor and plain walls. The scent of antiseptic pine hung on the air. The only ornament was a picture of Jesus in a niche. The long hall was flanked by a staircase making a straight shot to the second floor, which was ringed by a railing.

She glanced up and her pulse thudded when she spotted a line of little girls, all dressed in identical white nightdresses, peering down at them.

Mrs. Parsons followed her gaze and then chuckled and clapped her hands. “Girls. Off to bed, now.” And with a flurry of giggles, they all scampered off.

Catherine’s heart made a somersault. She had no idea why. No idea why she asked, “How many children do you have here?”

“Right now, fifteen. But we have four adoptions in progress.” Mrs. Parsons held her arms out and Mae slipped into them. The loss of that small weight, her heat, the scent of her was more potent than it should have been.

Catherine was no fool. She knew why this child tugged at her heartstrings—Eva would have been her age now, if she’d lived. She knew why these emotions tumbled through her. She understood the tumult.

Understanding it did not make it easier. Did not soothe her soul.

That there were children here, a house full of them, with no parents was utterly unfair. She had a house—a rather large one—that was bereft of children and according to her doctor, she would never have them. And yeah. The phrase he’d used was heinous.

You’re too old.

Dried-up eggs or whatever.

No. It wasn’t fair. But life rarely was.

Mrs. Parsons led them to a room off the hall that looked a bit like an office and sitting room combined. She lowered the little girl onto the divan, sat next to her and then waved at them to take a seat.

“I so apologize for her behavior. And thank you for bringing her home. I don’t know how she keeps sneaking out.”

“She’s done this before?”

Catherine glowered at Garrett. Did his voice have to be so sharp?

“Yes, she has.” She ruffled the girl’s short, glossy hair. “Mae has it in her head that if she can raise enough money, she can pay for her sister’s surgery.”

Garrett’s head jerked up. “So there is a sister?”

Catherine glared at him and he flinched. How dare he doubt Mae’s story?

“Oh yes. Mae and her sister, Lui, have been here for a year, since their mother became ill and passed away.”

“I’m so sorry.” Catherine barely choked the words out. How heartbreaking that this beautiful girl had lost everything at such a young age.

Mrs. Parsons pulled Mae into a hug. “They are both lovely children.”

Yes. It was a little baffling... “Why haven’t they been adopted?”

Mae made a sound, something that sounded like a snort. For some reason. Mrs. Parsons chuckled. “Mae has had several opportunities, but she’s turned them all down.”