Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“I’m bound by God. This stays between us.”
“Good,” he breathes out.
I can hear the desperation in his voice, the quiet plea for help. “Sometimes, sharing your burdens can be the first step to finding a solution,” I suggest, hoping to draw more information out of him.
“I don’t know who I can trust,” he confesses, his voice barely a whisper. “These men... they have eyes everywhere.”
I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “There are always options. Sometimes, the hardest step is reaching out to the right people. Have you considered talking to someone outside of their influence? Someone who might be able to help you without putting you or your family at risk?”
Gregory sighs heavily. “I’ve thought about it, but... I don’t know who to turn to. I don’t want to endanger anyone else.”
“You’re not alone,” I say softly. “There are people who can help, who want to help. Sometimes, taking that first step can change everything.”
The confessional falls silent again, and I can almost hear Gregory weighing his options, wrestling with his fear. “I’ll think about it, Father,” he finally says, his voice resigned but with a glimmer of hope.
“Please do,” I urge gently. “And remember, you’re always welcome here. Anytime you need to talk, I’m here to listen.”
“Thank you, Father,” Gregory says, his voice sincere.
I think this is a step in the right direction. I’ve felt more optimistic about this case since Eva came on board to help. Now, with the seed planted in Gregory's mind about seeking help, I feel more hopeful than I have in months.
I grab my phone, sending off a quick text to Vin to tell him we need to protect Gregory Saunders. Vin replies immediately that he’ll try to get a team to watch over him, but until he comes forward there’s not much we can do.
Maybe I can get Eva to help Gregory come forward. It’s worth a shot. At this point anything’s worth a shot.
Chapter 16
Evangelina
After dropping Nate back off at his father’s house early this morning, I return home to get ready for church. My nerves are tingling with a mix of anticipation and apprehension as I prepare to set eyes on Benedict again.
I haven’t seen him since the other night at the club. Since he stormed out of the surveillance room after kissing me.
What am I supposed to say? How can I even face him?
The memory of his lips against mine still lingers, a tantalizing reminder of a forbidden desire. But beneath that, there's a layer of uncertainty and guilt.
As I slip into my Sunday best, I try to steel myself for the inevitable encounter. I guess I can’t hide from him forever.
I walk the few blocks to the church, the weight of each step matching the turmoil in my mind. The sun casts long shadows across the sidewalk, but there's no escaping the heat of anticipation building within me. As I approach, I spot Sandy standing at the door, a familiar figure greeting parishioners like she does every Sunday.
“Hey,” I say to her, my voice a little too bright, betraying the nervous energy coursing through me.
She smiles in return, her knowing gaze lingering a moment too long. It feels like she can see right through me, like she knows the chaos brewing beneath the surface.
I force myself to return her smile, giving her a quick hug that does little to ease the tension coiled in my chest. “Where’s your husband?” I ask, scanning the congregation for any sign of movement.
“He’s over there chatting with Father Carmichael,” she replies, gesturing toward a cluster of people near the altar.
I turn my head to follow her gesture, and that's when it happens. Father Carmichael. Our eyes connect, and time seems to stand still. Benedict's gaze is intense, penetrating, and it sends a jolt of electricity through me. My heart races, and my palms grow clammy as the intensity of his stare leaves me breathless.
I tear my gaze away, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. This is going to be a long service, and I'm not sure how I'm going to make it through with the memory of his gaze burning in my mind.
Before long, Sandy leads me inside, her graceful stride matching the solemnity of the church's interior. She guides me over to where her husband and the priest stand, their conversation interrupted by our arrival.
I glance at Benedict, unsure of what to say to him. But to my surprise, he appears calm, collected, his demeanor as composed as ever. He nods at me, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.
“Eva, so happy you’re here,” he says, his voice deep and resonant, carrying the weight of authority and warmth simultaneously.
“Hi,” I peep out, my voice barely above a whisper. My face grows hot as I think about the kiss we shared the other night, the memory lingering like a forbidden secret between us.