Murder on Sisters' Row by Victoria Thompson Read Free Book Online

house in the city where the women can stay until they find honest work.”
    “This is a wonderful thing you’re doing,” Sarah said, feeling absurdly grateful even though Miss Yingling hadn’t even agreed to anything yet.
    “Yes, it is,” the younger woman said, but for some reason, she didn’t look as if she believed it. “Now tell me everything you know about this girl and the house where she lives.”
     
     
    S ARAH REACHED SISTERS’ ROW JUST BEFORE NOON. SHE went to the back door again so she wouldn’t be seen. Few respectable women would want her to attend them if they knew she’d been in a place like this, and she couldn’t risk her livelihood.
    Beulah let her in. “Didn’t expect to see you again,” she remarked.
    “I wanted to make sure Amy and the baby are all right. I always visit new mothers the next day.”
    Beulah sniffed. “I’ll tell Miz Walker you’s here.”
    “I’ll just go on up to see Amy,” Sarah said, hoping she could get some time alone with the girl before the madam joined them. “I know the way.”
    Before Beulah could object, if she really was going to object, Sarah found the back stairway and went up. The house was eerily quiet, and she recalled Jake’s reminder about the girls sleeping late. She saw no sign of anyone stirring on the second floor. All the doors were shut. Sarah tapped lightly on Amy’s door, then entered without waiting for an invitation.
    Amy lay in bed, supported by pillows, and she looked up in alarm when Sarah entered.
    “Oh, it’s you,” she said with a sigh. “I’m as nervous as a cat. I’m afraid they’re going to come get the baby.”
    Sarah hurried over to the bed. She saw that the baby lay beside her, wrapped tightly in a blanket and sound asleep. “I spoke with Mrs. Van Orner’s secretary this morning.”
    “Why didn’t you see her ?” Amy cried. “I told you to see Mrs. Van Orner!”
    “Shhh,” Sarah cautioned, aware that Mrs. Walker could appear at any moment. “She wasn’t in, but the secretary was going to tell her your story today. You can’t be moved for at least a few more days yet, and they need some time to make plans. But they’re coming for you, Amy. I promise you they are.”
    “What if they take the baby before they get here? I’ll never find him!”
    “I told you, I’ll take him. I’ll speak to Mrs. Walker today about it.”
    “What if she won’t let you? What if I lose him!” Tears flooded her eyes, and Sarah was afraid she would get hysterical. She’d have a difficult time explaining that to Mrs. Walker.
    “You have to be strong, Amy,” Sarah told her. “Trust me. I’ll take care of everything.”
    Amy didn’t look willing to trust anyone, but Sarah heard the door opening.
    “How often is the baby feeding?” she asked in a normal voice.
    Amy looked at her stupidly for a second before she noticed Mrs. Walker had come in. “He kept me up half the night,” she said. “He’s a greedy little thing.”
    “That’s good.” Sarah put her hand on the girl’s forehead. “You don’t have a fever. I’ll need to—”
    “So you came back,” Mrs. Walker said.
    Sarah turned, feigning surprise. “I told you I would.”
    This morning Mrs. Walker wore a red silk kimono. She looked weary, as if she hadn’t slept well since the last time Sarah saw her. “I always assume people are lying to me, Mrs. Brandt, and I’m usually right.” She nodded at Amy. “How’s she doing?”
    “I haven’t had a chance to examine her yet, but I’ll be happy to give you a full report when I’m finished.”
    “You do that. I want her healthy so she can get back to work real soon.”
    Sarah flinched and Amy made a small sound of protest, but if Mrs. Walker noticed, she gave no sign. She just turned and left the room, closing the door softly behind her.
    “I hate her!” Amy whispered.
    “You won’t have to be here much longer,” Sarah promised. “Now let me examine you and the baby.”
    “And tell me