I swallowed my fear and wiped my eyes.
What if?
My voice stuttered, “You swear you won’t do anything except look at them.”
“I swear.” Austin dragged his finger across his heart twice to form a cross.
After John drove me to Grannie’s to get my car, he and Austin followed me home. They waited while I went inside to get the blanket and Eddy. Using a step stool, I reached for the plastic container on the top shelf. Only two things were inside: the sealed plastic bags protecting the most precious things I owned. The only evidence I had of my life prior to living with the Novaks.
Nana Sue was napping, so I snuck back outside with her being none the wiser.
“Promise me,” I said before handing it to Austin.
“I promise.”
I wanted to believe him, but when he tried to take the bin, my hands refused to let go.
Austin stared deep into my eyes for a heartbeat before saying, “Nina, I promise I won’t let anything happen to them.”
This time I believed him.
I released the bin, and the breath I’d been holding.
“Thank you. I’ll return them to you as soon as we’re finished.”
John signaled for someone to come over. “Nina, this is Sammie.”
“We’ve met,” Sammie said, holding out her hand. “Or have you forgotten I’m a regular at Grannie’s?”
She was, and Mary had introduced us ages ago.
“Caramel macchiato with extra whip.”
“See,” Sammie said.
“My apologies.” John laughed. “Sammie will be the one watching over the house tonight. Matt will come back in the morning to drive you to work.”
“I can’t drive?”
“You can, but it’s easier for us to protect you if you’re in the same car.”
Protect me. Unable to stop myself, I looked up and down the street.
Bushes I’d never given a second thought to now seemed threatening.
Every neighbor now seemed suspicious.
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” Sammie said, handing me a business card. “Here’s my cell number. Add it to your contacts. You can call anytime, no matter how late, if you need anything.”
“Should I give you mine?” I asked.
“John already did,” Sammie admitted before adding, “I’ll only call if it’s absolutely necessary.”
“Is there anything we can do for you before we leave?” John asked.
You can promise me that I’ll be safe.
You can promise me that you’ll find out the truth about my parents.
