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Officer Garcia got out of the car. “Stay put.”
“I can’t exactly get out.” My words were stolen by the distance between us as she leaned in toward the intercom. In a matter of moments, the gates moved, their metal teeth cracking open like an image from Jaws.
The gates parting offered me a glimpse of the Shadow Hill Institute. An expansive compound sat cradled at the foot of a colossal mountain that was slightly intimidating. Beyond the building stood other smaller structures straight out of Gothic times, adding to the surreal and isolated woodland. I’d swear I just stepped into a horror movie. The place was made for serial killers with hooked hands.
Perched atop the hill was a worn cathedral, casting long shadows over the institute below. Barren windows, which I guessed once upon a time held stained-glass, yawned back with darkness.
Returning to the car, the officer drove us through the gates and down a dirt path, causing the cruiser to jostle beneath us.
“Are you sure this is the right place? It just seems… ancient and haunted.” I swallowed hard, staring outside.
She laughed, throwing her head back. “I know it’s a bit daunting at first glance, but believe me, this is the right place. Sometimes, the most ancient things provide the greatest value.”
Once we parked near the main building, she got out and opened my door, finally letting me out. The air felt crisper, the silence deeper, as if the town life hadn’t yet reached this abandoned-looking place.
“So, you’re one-hundred percent certain I should be here?” I asked. “Because it looks... deserted.”
“It may look a bit rundown, but this place has been a sanctuary for many women like you, Katerina.” Officer Garcia wore a soft smile, calming me as it had done since she decided to become my guardian angel. “I spoke to Father Michael yesterday, and he assured me they have a room ready for you. He said they will be busy today, but someone will meet you upon your arrival.”
A sanctuary. After everything I’d been through, it sounded welcoming. As long as there were other people at the place.
“Here’s your bag,” Officer Garcia said, handing me my backpack—mostly things I quickly packed when she took me home to pack while they held my stepdad for questioning about the drugs. “You won’t fall behind in your classes.” Her voice broke through my thoughts. “They have a long-distance college program, so you’ll be able to continue your studies. They have all your information.”
“That would be great. Thank you so much.” Before I could think, I hugged the officer, the most compassionate person in my life since I lost my mother. And even she had barely tolerated me, so it said a lot about much Officer Garcia meant to me.
When she cleared her throat, I drew back and smiled at her, shrugging.
“Sorry, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to hug you or not.” I laughed softly, feeling stupid for even saying that.
She pushed a strand of hair out of my face. “You remind me very much of my niece, who just needs a bit of guidance. Now, let’s get you in there.”
Drawing a shaky breath, I made a silent vow. Regardless of what happened, I would find a way to make this work. Going back to the dependency of my stepdad wasn’t an option.
We moved toward the grand, arched front door with its intricate metal fleur-de-lis patterns. The front door creaked open, and a girl, not much older than me, burst out with a huge grin. She was a splash of color against the dark building, with her flaming red hair bouncing around her shoulders, freckles coating her nose and cheeks. Bright green eyes smiled at me, and I decided I liked her. I’d expected to encounter angry women with biker tattoos who were going to rough me up, but this girl had a bubbly energy that reminded me so much of Emma.
“Hey there, fresh meat!” she greeted, bounding over to me and hugging me. She was slightly smaller than me, but her strength was incredible. “I’m Lily and this is the Shadow Hill, where all the secrets come to be buried.” She snickered, which was kind of cute, then glanced at Officer Garcia. “I was told to let you know that she will be well taken care of, and Father Michael will be in contact with you later today.”
“Perfect. Take care, Katerina.” She patted my shoulder, then returned to her cruiser and made her way back up the driveway, the gates closing behind her.
“That was fun. We normally don’t have anyone escorted to the door by a cop. It’s usually a guardian, or they’re dropped off by a cab. I want to hear all about the trouble you caused, but first, welcome to your new abode.” She waved me into the institute. I felt slightly confused and intimidated.
The inside of the place resembled the exterior—old, worn around the edges—but not terrifying. The stone floor was worn with time, lofty ceiling was lined with weathered wooden beams, and faded photographs in black frames hung on the walls. They were monks in long flowing robes.
“Are they the teachers at the Institute?”
“Oh, those were the monks who once owned the cathedral up on the mountain. This place was built in their honor, you know.”
To my surprise, so far, the location felt less like a correctional facility and more like an old cottage.
“This place isn’t what I expected,” I murmured, following Lily down a hallway.
“Yeah, everyone says that. I expected to be locked up when I first arrived, and now, I enjoy being here. I feel safe, and I’m working on getting into college to get a real career for myself.” She waved her hands in the air before making a large circle with them. “All this is about building our trust, Katerina.”
“You can call me, Kat.”
“So, you see the Fathers are trying to teach us without resorting to punishment.” She kept on talking, quite a lot, explaining how she ended up at Shadow Hill by falling in with the wrong crowd and got busted trying to rob a small local bank with them. There was something liberating about how easily she wore her past and shared it with a stranger. I guessed I’d have to take some classes where they’d make me talk about what I did and my feelings.
Lily showed me around, her chatter filling the silence. I met a few other girls in passing, all who seemed to be rushing from one class to another, most not really paying me attention.
