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“I still can’t believe someone shot at you.”
Neither could she. “I know. It’s crazy.”
The front door opened. In walked Mercy McCoy.
“Hello,” the young woman said. Charlie guessed she was in her early to midtwenties. “Is Rocco here yet?” She was dressed the same as always when she came in. T-shirt and leggings, all in white.
Come to think of it, Charlie had never seen her wear anything but white. She lived on the Shining Light compound, where her father was the leader of a cult. Charlie had heard that they had a color system, where each hue held a different meaning.
She’d always wanted to ask Mercy but didn’t want to make her or anyone in USD uncomfortable. This was a safe space for everyone.
“Afraid not,” Charlie said. “He’s not coming in today.” Sometimes her cousin popped in for afternoon sessions. But she could usually rely on him to cover a couple of evening classes one night a week.
Mercy frowned, the disappointment in her eyes evident. “We were supposed to have a one-on-one training session.”
It hadn’t been on the schedule. Mercy had started out taking group classes, but once Rocco offered individual training, Charlie hadn’t seen much of her.
“Sorry about that,” Charlie said. “He’s caught up with work today.” She had no idea how long Rocco had been out of town. “I posted on the website that training sessions with him would be canceled until further notice.”
“Internet access is limited on the compound.” Mercy glanced around as if lost or as though she wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself.
“If you want, Dustin can fill in and train you before the next group class.”
“Oh, no.” Shaking her head, Mercy eased back toward the door. “I don’t want to inconvenience anyone.”
“I was about to take my break, but it’s no trouble,” Dustin said. “Just give me ten minutes.”
“That’s okay. I should’ve checked the website for changes.”
If Charlie had known about the appointment, she would’ve called Mercy to inform her.
“It’s no problem,” Dustin said. “Honest.”
“I’m used to Rocco’s style of teaching. I’ll just wait until he gets back.”
Charlie suspected that the young woman didn’t want to get used to a different trainer. Whenever Rocco and Mercy were in the same room together, she stared at him like she was captivated.
Charlie would have to be blind not to see the effect her cousin had on women, but this time she thought it might be mutual. Rocco seemed equally taken by her. Mercy had a glow to her, radiating light. She was one of those natural beauties, who looked fragile on the outside, but if she was anything like her father, Marshall McCoy—Empyrean, as his acolytes called him—she was far from weak.
Underestimating Mercy would be a mistake.
“Are you sure?” Charlie asked. “You’re already here.”
“I’m sure.”
“Sorry about the confusion,” Charlie said.
“Please let him know that I stopped by.” With a wave, Mercy left.
Charlie turned to Dustin. “I need a favor,” she said.
“Anything. Just ask.”
“Make that two favors. Can you cover things here on your own?” It was a lot to ask. Her other trainer, Teddy Williams, had failed to show up yet again. Sometimes he came in late. Or left early. Called in sick. Regardless of the warnings she’d given him, Teddy was growing more unreliable. She understood that working at USD was only a part-time gig for him, but if this continued, she was going to have to let him go.
“Sure.” Dustin didn’t look enthused. “What’s going on?”
“I need to take care of some things. That brings me to favor number two.”
