“My sister. What’s going on?”

“Thank you for your patience. Can I sit down?”

“Yes, of course.”

I settled into one of the leather chairs. She sat on the couch. “A case I’m working on led me to your sister’s school—the Fordham Communal Center. …”

“Yes, yes. What about it?”

“I understand Sarah hasn’t been feeling well. How’s she doing?”

The woman was taken aback. “That’s why you’re here?”

“Is Sarah all right?”

“As a matter of fact, she’s not well. She has some health issues. I was thinking of taking her to the doctor’s this morning.”

“I think that might be a good idea.”

“Why?” She became startled. “What’s wrong with her?”

“I honestly don’t know if anything’s wrong with her. Let me tell you why I’m here and then you decide. Several days ago, LAPD found a newborn infant in a Dumpster behind a nearby restaurant. Perhaps you read about it in the paper?”

“I saw it on the news.”

“I pulled her out. It was pretty scary, but I’m happy to report that the baby’s doing well and is in very good health.”

“That’s nice.” A glance at the watch. “Can we get to the point?”

“I was just wondering if … well, maybe Sarah’s lost a little weight recently?”

The woman’s eyes widened as shock swept across her face. “What!” She stood up and screamed, “Sarah! Get here—”

“Wait, wait, wait!” I gently touched her arm. “Before we get her involved, how about if we talk about this calmly.”

She broke away and started pacing. “I don’t believe this! It’s one thing after another! All I want is a little peace and quiet, and then …” She plopped back down on the sofa and slapped her hands over her face. Her voice cracked as she spoke. “I’m just so … tired!”

“It may be nothing.”

“It isn’t nothing. It’s never nothing! It’s always something! She’s been bleeding hard. I just thought it was a rough period. I didn’t even think about pregnancy.” Again she started to pace. “Is she in trouble with the law?”

“Obviously, there are circumstances here.”

“It’s going to be hell! I just know it! I’m going to need a lawyer. I’m going to have to make a court appearance! And I’m going to look like a total idiot! How could I have not known!”

“She’s a heavy girl. It’s completely understandable. The main thing is to get her medical attention. That’s the reason I’m here. To help her, not to hurt her.”

She stopped racing about, covered her mouth with her hand, then let it drop to her side. “Of course. You’re being very understanding.”

“Both of you will be okay.”

She looked at my face. “The baby’s okay?”

“She’s absolutely adorable.”

A smile spread over her distraught face. “Thank God!”

“Ms. Sanders … did you know that Sarah—”

“No idea! She never mentioned any boy … any special boy. She mentioned lots of boys. She was supposed to be on the pill.”