Page 107 of Protected By the Sinner

“Beau?”

“Yeah?”

“Was it you guys who did this?”

I take the phone Amber’s holding. It’s showing a news website.

Texan steel industry businessman accused of pedophilia in secret cult

A supposedly honorable businessman and family man, Josiah Wiley, was arrested this afternoon at his company headquarters, charged with being part of the cult ‘Children of the Six Enlightened.’ In this cult, girls—ages fifteen to eighteen—were called wives of the six elders.

According to the police column of our newspaper, the young women were subjected to psychological and physical abuse.

The names of the other cult members have not been released, but the leader, Tobias Cohen, is missing.

Somehow, the girls were freed a few days ago and are now in the care of the Texas state government.

Women’s rights organizations around the world have issued statements of support for the victims.

Some accuse local law enforcement of ignoring reports made years ago...

“It was you guys, wasn’t it?”

I nod.

“And the other men?”

“Don’t ask me that, Amber. I can’t answer without implicating you.”

“It doesn’t matter. I know you did what had to be done.” She climbs onto the bed and rests her head on my chest. “But there’s still one left,” she says, referring to her father.

“All the trash has been taken out,” Amos says on the other end of the line.

I know it means they’re all dead, except Tobias, who’s still missing, and Josiah, who was arrested.

“Yeah, but there’s still one bag left, and I’m taking that one to the dump myself.”

“Not alone, Beau. I want to be there.”

There’s no way I could deny him that. Their father stole part of all three siblings’ lives. Amos has the right to his vengeance.

Chapter 51

Dallas – Texas

One Month Later

“Beau?” she says as soon as I pick up the phone.

I don’t know if it’s the way she says my name or just instinct, but immediately, I know something’s wrong. “Amber?”

She and Elodie wanted to come to Dallas with me this week. Amber hadn’t talked about traveling in a long time, so I thought she was just bored and wanted to come along.

But now, my gut is screaming that something is very, very wrong.

“I love you, Beau,” she continues. “Do you remember what you told me that day at the hospital? You said youwouldn’t give me a second chance if I ever lied to you? I need you to forgive me. I didn’t cheat on you. I’m protecting our family by not letting him hurt Violet.”

“Amber, what happened? Why are you crying?”