Page 134 of For I Have Sinned

“I don’t think it’s a shame at all,” I counter.

Father Keaton sighs dramatically. “I guess it’s a good thing I made copies.”

“What?” Alex scowls.

“You never know if a computer will crash.” A sly smile forms on Father Keaton’s face, and when he glances at mine, he can tell what I’m thinking. “Don’t bother trying to find the thumb drives. They are hidden well, and if you step foot in my office again to snoop, I’ll know.”

I grind my teeth together in irritation because if we don’t get those files, then he wins.

“If you keep getting yourself into trouble, Celine, I’ll have to tell your parents you aren’t ready to leave,” Father Keaton throws the threat in my face. “They were planning on talking with me next week, right?”

The realization of how he knows this clicks immediately. There is a camera in the office used for visitations.

“You son of a bitch,” I curse, trying to mentally talk myself out of jumping across his desk to strangle him.

“And Alex, since you accused me of threatening you behind your back, I’ll do it to your face,” Father Keaton murmurs. “If you go looking for those files and try to get the police back here, I’ll make sure it’s you who ends up behind bars before you get a chance to leave the convent and have your freedom.”

“Go to hell,” Alex spews.

“If I do, I’m sure I’ll see you there.” Father Keaton winks with a vile grin and then claps his hands together once. “Now that we have discussed everything and we are all in agreement, you two are free to leave my office. I have to get prepared for tomorrow’s event.” His eyes flick to mine. “It’s going to be a great birthday present for you, Celine. One you’ll never forget.”

Chapter 43

Celine

“What do you think he meant by it’ll be a birthday I’ll never forget?” I ask Alex as we stand in my bedroom.

Now that we know Father Keaton hides cameras everywhere around the convent, this felt like the only safe spot. Unless he somehow snuck into my room one day and planted one. He is demented in the head, so I wouldn’t put it past him.

What if he did plant one?

What if he watched me touching myself in here all those nights?

The thought sends shivers down my spine, and I glance frantically around the room. My eyes dart to each corner of the wall, my body spinning as my gaze moves from space to space.

“What are you looking for?” Alex questions.

“Do you think he put cameras in here?” I ask, searching behind the curtain of my bed.

“No,” he answers, uncertain. “I’d like to think he wouldn’t have.”

“Yeah, well, I’d like to think he was a normal priest. Not one who abuses his power.” I look back at Alex, who is now scanning the room. “So? What do you think he meant about my birthday?”

His eyes find mine, and he says, “Who knows. Maybe he was just trying to scare you.”

Bringing my hand to my mouth, I pinch my bottom lip between my fingers and shake my head. “Knowing him, there is a meaning behind it.”

“There is nothing we can do now, Celine.” He takes a step toward me and removes my hand from my mouth. “You heard his threats.”

“I know,” I say sadly.

“Don’t stress about tomorrow.” He offers a soft smile. “Which I didn’t know was your birthday.”

“We never shared that information,” I tell him. “But yes, my birthday is on Halloween.”

“Bet that sent your parents into a spiral.” He laughs.

“Sure did.” I grin proudly. “What about you? When is your birthday?”