Page 23

Kameron

A knock on the door echoes through the house as I type away on my phone and computer, trying to get everything I need organized before I head home, home home, not this house here in Everton.

Who in the fuck would be here?

I look out of the front door's peephole and see Lee, Elliott’s friend, standing there fidgeting with her purse strap before she knocks again. I open it and see her eyes widen, as if coming here was a mistake. Her mouth parts, but no words come out.

“Mrs. Wellington, can I help you?”

“Mr. Harris–” she takes a deep breath “Can I come in?” Her words rush out of her. The fear of being caught is palpable.

“Of course.” I step aside and she swiftly walks in.

I close the door behind me as I follow her into the house. She stops when she gets to the kitchen, turning on her heels and crossing her arms tightly around her torso until her eyes look directly at me.

“Look–” she blurts out, “I don’t know you well, I don’t know what the reason is behind why you would do it, and I don’t know how the hell you did it, but–” her eyes flicker to the ground and then back to me, “thank you.”

“I’m glad to be the one here in Everton. Aren’t you? Others don’t realize how lucky we are to be a part of a community like this.”

She scrunches her brows at me, confused at my response.

I wish I could reassure her, but can’t take any chances of someone hearing us through a bug that might be planted on her or in this damn house.

“I know you must be so worried about your friend, Ms. Donovan. You were close, correct?”

“Yes, best friends actually.” She catches on. “Praise the Divine.”

“Well, I’m sure she will return safely. I have a good feeling that the Divine will keep her from harm's way.” I give her a slight wink, hoping she is reading between my words.

Fuck, I want to just yell she is safe!

She nods, her eyes welling up with tears.

“Please know if you need anything, I am here. I know I might be a new member, but I want you to know I can be trusted.”

“I can see that now. Thank you, Mr. Harris.” She flicks a tear from her cheek while clearing her throat .

“Thank you for stopping by, Mrs. Wellington. I pray to the Divine that we see Ms. Donovan soon .”

Her eyes widen, indicating she understands, and I give a small smile of reassurance.

She rushes to me, taking me by surprise, and wraps her arms around me tightly.

“Praise the Divine you are here.” She whispers into my chest.

“Praise the Divine, indeed.”