“Talk to us, ladies,” Fergus said as he continued to chop vegetables. “Charles and I can listen and cook at the same time.”

They talked, and Charles and Fergus listened.

“This could truly be a disaster in the making. I can see why you are so upset, Pearl,” Charles said as he waved a wooden spoon in the air.

“What you need to really look at is this. Was it an accident, or was it deliberate. You said all the people are vetted and trustworthy. If true, then how did this happen?” Fergus asked.

“I don’t have a clue,” Pearl wailed.

“Get a grip, Pearl. This is no time for you to fall apart; too many people depend on you. Now, like I said, get a grip. Drink your tea and explain to us how the clinic works. While Myra and I fund the clinic, it doesn’t mean we know how it works. And that’s your own fault, Pearl. You keep it all to yourself. There has to be someone else to help you carry the load. If something happened to you tomorrow, what would all those people do? Do you have a plan in place? You don’t, do you? I can see it on your face. We understand the need for secrecy. We get it. All we want to do is help, and you keep blocking our efforts. I’m starting to think you don’t trust anyone, even us,” Annie said coolly.

Myra added, “And yet, where did you come the moment you sensed trouble? You came straight to us, yet you won’t share the details. It’s you who aren’t getting it, Pearl.

“One other thing. Even when we had to enlist Jack Sparrow to help you, you still wouldn’t share with us,” Myra said, her annoyance and frustration evident to all but Pearl.

Pearl’s shoulders sagged. She looked around at the others and nodded as she swiped at her eyes with the sleeve of her sweatshirt. “I’ve learned over the years that the only person you can depend on is yourself. When I first embarked on this journey, I realized I was taking on the responsibility for women’s and children’s lives. Me. No one else. It’s the only way it could work for me. I can’t count the times I wanted to confide in someone, have someone pick up the slack, to help. I was afraid to take the chance. It’s the way it has to be.”

Myra eyed her old friend with narrowed eyes. “I am hesitant to bring this up, Pearl, but this is way too serious not to discuss it. What about your daughter? She’s the reason you do what you do. We never discuss her because you said she was off-limits. If I recall correctly, and it’s been years, so possibly I guess I could be wrong, but you did say you worried constantly that she would weaken and get in touch with her ex because she was so in love with him. So in love that she allowed him to beat her unconscious until she almost died. We sat with you, Pearl, in the hospital; we helped with your granddaughter; we were there for you every step of the way. Is it possible she’s involved?” Myra asked.