FANGS IN DISGUISE

THE BABY IN THE BASKET

CHAPTER NINE

THE BABY IN THE BASKET

The Red Light District was a well-known place, especially among men.

Madame was the woman who ran the place. She managed the women who worked there and was known for being a strict and frightening woman.

One rainy evening, a basket was left on her doorstep.

Inside the basket was a baby.

Beside the baby was a shocking amount of money—$100,000.

Margaret was on her way home after visiting her tailor to discuss some new clothes when something caught her attention.

A basket.

It was sitting directly outside Madame's place.

Margaret stopped.

At first, she thought it might be a trap.

She looked around cautiously.

Then the baby inside the basket began to cry.

Margaret's heart softened.

She quickly picked up the basket and carried the baby inside.

The women living in the Red Light District gathered around her.

Margaret carefully lifted the baby into her arms and gently rocked her, trying to calm her down.

“She’s pretty,” one of the women said.

Margaret nodded.

“She really is.”

But the baby wouldn't stop crying.

Margaret tried everything she could think of.

Nothing worked.

Then her diamond necklace accidentally brushed against the baby's face.

The crying stopped.

The baby opened her eyes and reached toward the necklace.

Everyone stared.

The necklace was one Margaret had received as a gift from a man.

“Baby likes crystals,” one of the women said.

Margaret smiled and nodded.

“Yes, she does.”

She looked down at the baby.

I wonder who would leave their baby on the doorstep of the Red Light District.

Margaret couldn't understand it.

Why would anyone abandon such a beautiful baby?

Danielle, one of Margaret's friends, suddenly spoke.

“Madame won't accept her.”

Everyone became quiet.

Madame was the owner of the place, and she was a frightening old woman.

“If she finds out about the baby, she might send her away.”

Margaret looked down at the baby in her arms.

“We can't leave her outside.”

“So what do you plan to do with her?”

Margaret sighed.

“I'll speak to Madame. I'll try to persuade her.”

She looked down at the baby again.

“What should we call her?” one of the women asked, gently touching the baby's head.

Margaret smiled.

“She loves crystals.”

The baby reached for Margaret's necklace again.

“And look at her bright eyes and that beautiful smile.”

Margaret stared at the baby for a moment.

“Her name will be Crystal.”

“Crystal.”

The women repeated the name.

“Such a beautiful name.”

They gathered around the baby, smiling.

Margaret smiled at Danielle.

But beneath her smile was worry.

Both women knew one thing.

Convincing Madame to keep the baby wouldn't be easy.

And neither of them knew that the little girl they had just named Crystal would one day become connected to a world they didn't even know existed.