Chapter Eight
Priest
She is gonewhen I wake up. I stand and stretch out the kinks in my body. I meant what I said. This place isn’t healthy for either of us. I freshen up, drink some coffee, and make my way to the garden. She kneels, praying quietly to herself. I wait until she’s done before walking over and sitting beside her. I don’t make a move to touch her. I hope that my silence will give her the courage to say whatever she needs to.
“I was abandoned here, as an infant.” She casts me a sidelong glance. “It is the only home I know. These people, as vile as some of them are, are the only family I have ever had.”
“This isn’t healthy. It isn’t safe. Sooner or later the cops are gonna come knocking.”
“I know. And it’s why I’ve decided to go with you, Priest.”
My heart explodes at her words. “I have a few contacts, it might take me a couple of days, but we’ll leave here.” I slip a hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze, then leave her in the garden. It will not be easy, not with my father’s connections, but I have to believe my uncle Benjamin will come through. I dig out my cell phone. I haven’t bothered using it since I arrived here. I switch it on, wait for a signal, and dial my uncle’s number.
“Where the hell have you been?” he answers.
“A long and complicated story, but that's not why I’m calling.”
“I’m listening.”
I tell him everything, leaving out nothing. He listens, asking for clarity at times.
“You got yourself in quite a situation, nephew.”
“Can you help me?” I ask.
He sighs, and I know that I am asking too much of him. He and my father have not been on speaking terms for a number of years. I’m not the only one who couldn’t tolerate my father’s controlling personality.
“I will help you. I can have someone drive you to the airport at the end of the week. Send me over a picture of both your passports. If you want to get lost, I’m going to have to get you out of there with new identities. Tickets will be waiting for you at the check-in counter.”
“Thanks, Ben.” I tell him.
“Don’t thank me yet. Wait until you’re out of there.”
I end the call and sit on the bed, my head in my hands. A knock on the door has me standing. I open the door and Sister Mary Concessa stands on the threshold, a satisfied grin on her face. “You have a visitor, Mr. Michaels.”
I close the door behind me, following the woman with her rigid back to the church office building. I freeze when I spot the uniformed officer through the glass. She turns around, no doubt checking if I am still there. I don’t have many options; if I run I just risk being chased and arrested anyway. I wonder who called the cops? There is no way that my family or Father Thomas would. Both have a lot to lose.
“You contacted them?” I say when we reach the staircase leading up to the office.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” she lies. I think about Celeste. How will she escape this hell without me? I climb the stairs and approach the officer.
“Mr. Michaels. I wondered if we might ask you a few questions?”
“Sure thing, officer.” I motion toward the small table and chairs in the corner of the reception area. The elderly administrator peers at me over her glasses. I smile at her only to be met with a frown.
“Mr. Michaels, can you tell us where you were on the night of September third?”
I frown, scratching my head. “Probably at home, officer. It was a couple of months ago, you’re pretty specific. Is there anything in particular you want to know?”
He sits up straighter in his chair. “We received an anonymous tip that you may have information on a hit and run that happened that night.”
I cross my arms in front of me. “Doesn’t ring a bell. You should check your sources.” I look over at Sister Mary Concessa who is pretending to busy herself in the reception area. I know she’s listening.
“If you think of anything, Mr. Michaels, feel free to call the station.” He stands, his eyes scrutinizing me as he hands me a business card.
“Sure thing.” I extend my hand, taking the card.
He waves at the Sister as he makes his way to his vehicle.