Page 121 of Forgive Me Father

“Are you really surprised, Roman?” David’s eyes flicker past me, his gaze resting on the others in the room. “I’m aware of your little scene at the fair,” He hisses, causing my heart to race. “I can’t afford any leaks in this operation. I’m giving you a chance to leave Idlewood without my daughter by the end of next week. There will be no consequences if you do,” David warns. “I’d hate for someone to get hurt because you can’t rid yourself of your sinful ways.”

I step back, adjusting my collar as David’s words echo in my mind. The urgency of the situation intensifies—I have even less time to expose the horrors lurking behind these walls.

I click the record button, the small device hidden in my pocket. Taking a seat among the group, I cast a wary glance at Seth’s vacant chair. Is he monitoring Eden and me from the outside?

“Hello, everyone, and welcome to one of our final meetings of the year before the big day,” David announces with a forced cheer, eliciting applause and cheers from the crowd.

Brainwashed fools.

“As some of you know, this will be Father Briar’s last meeting with us before our beloved Kevin returns home,” David continues, his gaze sweeping over the assembly. All eyes turn to me.

Why hasn’t David exposed me yet?

What is he holding back?

What’s his game?

“Why is Kevin coming back so soon? Last year, it took him nine months—”

“After Seth’s abrupt departure, Kevin felt the need to return sooner, to be here with all of you,” David responds brightly, his focus locked on me. “I’m concerned that Seth wasn’t working alone when he killed that poor boy Eric. I suspect we may have more traitors among us than I’d like to admit,” David adds, his voice tinged with concern, causing murmurs to ripple through the group.

What does David want?

What is he trying to achieve with all this?

“In addition to announcing Father Briar’s departure, I’m pleased to inform you that a new family is joining our organization,” David announces. “They won’t be present until the night of the bidding, but their financial contributions are a significant factor in our operations this year... and Father Briar,” He says, finally locking eyes with me. “You are required to attend. Kevin wishes to see you off and to give you a glimpse of what you’releaving behind,” David adds with a disconcerting smile, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

I swear to God, I will have this church raided before David can blink.

“How is the lineup looking?” Someone asks.

David, with his portfolio clutched under his arm, presents the catalog filled with children like a prized possession.

“I think there are some this year that will keep you at the edge of your seats,” He boasts. “Remember, the bidders can’t bid on what they can’t see. If you favor any of the lots, make sure to keep it clean.”

Rage boils within me. I imagine SWAT storming this place, tearing it apart from top to bottom. I grip the recorder tightly.

“Any questions?” David surveys the group.

“Let’s see the updated portfolio,” I demand, watching David’s smile widen.

“Gladly, Father.”

With a flourish, he places the portfolio in my lap. My eyes dart to the back of the folder, where my worst fears are confirmed. I swallow hard as bile rises in my throat.

Bright eyes stare back at me—Eden Faulkner, Bid #30, Active.

I hurl the portfolio to the ground, seizing David by the collar. My fury erupts.

“Why the hell is she in there?” I roar, shoving him against the edge of the holy water pool, ready to unleash my anger just as I did with Zack.

“You know damn well why she’s in there,” David hisses. “So better pay up, or she’s going far away, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

I slam my fist into his jaw. Gasps erupt around me, and some stand in alarm.

As his blood splatters, I keep my foot on his chest, catching my breath.

“If any of you lay a fucking hand on her, I swear to Christ I will kill all of you,” I growl, revealing my true intentions.