The narrator explains the culture of brothels in California in the early 20th century. He posits that just as churches were built to provide an escape for the hard-working men of the Salinas Valley, so were brothels. He notes that in his contemporary period, the brothels have become a sort of myth.

Salinas at the time has three major brothels, one run by a woman named Faye. Faye’s brothel is where Cathy Ames finds employment as a sex worker, but she calls herself Kate Albey as a disguise. Cathy’s arrival disconcerts Faye because (as Mr. Edwards once noted) Cathy is so unlike the women typically involved as sex workers. However, Faye quickly grows to like Cathy, who makes herself indispensable to Faye and is kind and intelligent.

One day, the sheriff visits Cathy. He tells her that he knows who she really is and that she shot Adam—but that if she keeps her new identity and life a secret, he won’t do anything about it.

Cathy manipulates Faye into believing that she’s like a mother to her. Faye calls Cathy her daughter, and Cathy begins to refer to Faye as “Mother.” Meanwhile, Cathy spreads a rumor to the other girls that Faye has been ill.