Bad Habits: A Dark Anthology - Yolanda Olson Page 0,58
with me."
“Yes.” I groan as his movements become harder, more calculated. There is nothing I can imagine wanting more. A chance to get out of here, maybe live a normal life. But I don’t tell him how afraid I am. How I know that Father Thomas will never let me go. I am his toy. He is the puppet master. I never thought I’d want anything else, until Priest showed up. I look into Priest's eyes, and I try to pour everything into one look. He seals the deal with a kiss that claims my breath as I feel him release inside me. Placing his forehead against mine, he tries to catch his breath. He pulls out and lays beside me before gathering me in his arms. I close my eyes and let the comfort of his embrace chase away the nightmares that I am fighting to keep at bay. When he kisses my hair, I cannot remember a time in my life where anyone was this gentle with me. As I feel myself drifting off, I remember something Mother Superior once said to me. Everyone has a dark side, Celeste, some just don’t show it. But it is the ones who embrace it that truly conquer it.
Chapter Eight
Priest
She is gone when 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