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“Thank you. I’m working hard at keeping them safe.”
“I have some thoughts on it. We can definitely sit down and discuss some ideas. I think it can happen for you.”
“I would appreciate any help.”
“For sure. Little girls are my kryptonite.”
* * *
I leftthe conference room to go to the restroom and found the entire floor deserted. Everyone except Samuel and I had gone home.
Morris and Xavier left earlier to go and interview some of Princeton and Deyshonda’s neighbors in the hopes of finding character witnesses for the trial.
I looked at my watch and realized it was almost ten o’clock. I went into the beautifully decorated women’s lounge and used the restroom. They had a poop spray feature attached to the toilet. I’d never seen that before, but if you hit the poop spray button before pooping, it releases a spray into the toilet which neutralizes the smell. It works! I’ve ordered some for my house and the office since discovering it.
I glanced at myself in the mirror over the automatic sinks while I was washing my hands and thought I saw my mother, but it was me.
“Ugh…I need to get more rest! I’m looking more and more like mommy!” I chuckled to myself while I dried my hands and exited the lounge. There was a loud clap of thunder, and then the entire floor went black. I froze in place not knowing what to do.
“Averie?” I heard Samuel call, but I couldn’t see him.
“I’m here!” I called back. This would have been horrible if the lights had gone out while I was sitting on the toilet.
“Don’t move! I’m coming for you,” Samuel called again.
It had been raining all day. It seemed to have really picked up after dark. I’d noticed the thunder but didn’t pay much attention. I stepped to my right until I bumped into the wall outside of the women’s lounge.
I saw a small light rounding the corner and then the tall frame behind it.
“Are you okay?” He asked stopping in front of me.
“Yes, I’m fine. Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
He reached for my hand and gripped it tightly in his as he led me back to the conference room. I know I was supposed to be scared or nervous in this unfamiliar building with no lights, but I have to say I was very comfortable with Samuel. Very comfortable.
“Grab your things, we can go to my office. The generator should kick on soon.”
He pointed the light toward the table so I could see my things. I grabbed my purse and phone. He gathered some things and then came for my hand again. I had a flashlight on my phone too, but I let him lead me. We arrived at his office just as the generator turned on. All the lights didn’t come on, but there was enough light to add a nice soft glow to his office.
I placed my things on a couch and then went to my phone to make sure I hadn’t missed anything from my family.
Everything okay? – Dad
My dad had sent a text to the family group.
We are good. – Kerem
What’s going on? – Ken
Bad storms – Mom
Vee? – Dad
That text had just come through giving me time to respond promptly. If I hadn't seen this, they would have deployed the National Guard to find me.
I’m good. Power out but the generator is on. Do you guys have power?
