Orphan Maker Read Online Free Page A

move we vote on whether or not to keep these kids here.” Someone called out that they seconded the motion. Things happened too fast, it was too confusing to the newcomers.
    “All those in favor of farming these kids out to the different homesteads?” Walker raised his hand.
    Gwen looked out over the townies. It was slow, but eventually hands began to rise. The constriction in her throat squeezed tighter. Most of them agreed with their mayor and Loomis. Around her, her companions sat frozen in fear, waiting for someone to tell them it wasn’t what they thought.
    “Those against?”
    A half dozen hands shot up.
    “I’d say we have an agreement.” Walker turned to Weasel who blinked uncertainly. “You folks are welcome to stay.”
    The street tough’s shoulders slumped in relief, the shaking more evident. “
Graciás
.” He stumbled when he shook Walker’s hand.
    Several of the older Gatos began to cry, the young ones joining them in confusion. Even the soldiers had wet eyes, as did their leader. Only Gwen’s eyes were dry, and they studied Loomis with intense concentration. With just a couple of sentences that girl had changed everything. Her word carried enough weight that those most against the decision had agreed. Gwen had to go home with her.
    The mayor returned his attention to the audience. “Let’s take a bit of a breather and get to know these folks a little. Then we can figure out how to divvy them up amongst us.”
    As the meeting broke up, those that were voted down denied any responsibility for the mess and left. Others approached, making tentative gestures of friendship, moving among the young ones with caring eyes. Gwen ignored them all, rudely stepping past a boy who had spoken to her to watch Loomis. She was fascinating; so serious and strong. A group had gathered around her and when she spoke, they really listened. What kind of person was she to command such respect? Why wasn’t she running this town? When Loomis began drifting toward the door, her brother or whatever following, Gwen felt her heart seize.
She’s not going to leave, is she? She can’t spout that shit about taking people in, and then not do it herself!
    Walker also saw Loomis preparing to leave. He dropped his conversation with one of the Gatos to intercept her. As Gwen observed, he spent a few tense moments speaking with her, gesturing to the refugees still gathered on the dais. Loomis seemed reluctant, flat-out refusing at one point before grudgingly allowing him to persuade her. The boy with her made a comment, shrugging. Finally, she nodded at Walker, a curt up and down motion revealing her exasperation. Gwen felt her gaze with an electric shock as it swept over her. Swallowing hard, an unfamiliar sting in her eyes, she barely noted the beginning of tears. She stared so attentively at Loomis, she read her lips as she said, “Two or three,” and then something else.
    Pleased, Walker scanned the crowd. He fairly strutted toward Gwen, whose heart raced. Instead of speaking to her, he stopped at a boy standing alone a few feet away.
    “What’s your name?”
    The boy stared, eyes wide. “K…Kevin.”
    Walker put a hand on his shoulder. “Kevin, do you have any brothers or sisters here?”
    “No. My brother died last year.”
    “You’re about ten or eleven, aren’t you?”
    Kevin dropped his gaze, and shrugged. “I don’t know,” he mumbled. “I don’t know when my birthday is.”
    “Well, you look like you’re ten or eleven,” Walker said, not to be dissuaded. “Why don’t you come with me? I’ve got someone who has a place for you. They have a boy your age, too.” As Kevin nodded, Walker looked at the kids in the immediate vicinity. “And two girls, any age.”
    Gwen jumped forward, feeling as if a knife had been thrust into her backside. “Me! My name’s Gwen.” The others were reluctant, uncertain what would happen to them if they got separated. Not allowing that to daunt her, Gwen reached out and