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“Ready?” Zeke offers me his arm and Rex waits by the door, smiling.
For some reason, being around them makes me feel safe. I can face whatever is coming next.
“Ready,” I reply, and I take Zeke’s arm as he escorts me out of the door.
Chapter 10
Marigold
Warden is sitting at his place of honor at the head of the table, the same place as when I first saw him last night. He frowns, his head looking down at his cell phone. There’s a steaming mug and a lit cigarette in an ashtray on the table in front of him, seemingly forgotten.
Gunner raps his knuckles against the wood of the open door and Warden’s head snaps up.
“Mornin’, prez,” Gunner grumbles and Warden waves us inside with his silver ring adorned hand.
“Good morning,” Warden strokes his long gray beard, and I watch as he exchanges a glance with Gunner. My heart thumps in my chest as I wonder what it means.
“Have a seat,” Warden offers, motioning to the chairs directly beside him. I feel my knees wobble, but I manage to plop down. Gunner slides in next to me, and I wish it was Zeke or Rex, but they take seats on the other side of the table.
Warden lifts his cigarette from the ashtray to take a long drag. He stubs it out as he exhales a plume of smoke. I hold my breath when Warden steadies his gaze on me.
“Marigold,” Warden begins.
“Goldie,” Rex corrects quietly. He smiles at me and I feel warm inside. I’m able to inhale.
A small smile plays at Warden’s lips. He flashes Rex a knowing look before returning his focus to me.
“Goldie,” Warden begins again. His voice is soft and I know that he’s trying to be gentle, but he’s still terrifying.
“I’d like you to call your father and tell him where you are,” Warden’s bloodshot blue eyes stare into mine. I feel my palms begin to sweat.
No, no, no.I’m screaming inside of my head. I think that I’d rather die. My father has a way of twisting everything around, and this will undoubtedly be all my fault.
“What do you want me to say?” My voice is so high-pitched that it sounds squeaky. I feel all the color drain from my face.
Warden’s brow furrows in confusion. “Just tell him what happened. Tell him where you are.”
Gunner sits next to me, stone-faced, but Rex cocks his head with a look of concern. Zeke leans forward and rests his hands on the table.
I swallow hard. I can’t explain. My father is famous for preaching about love and understanding. So why am I so afraid to phone him when I should be ecstatic for his help right now? Would anyone believe that the good reverend doesn’t practice his preachings when dealing with his disappointing daughter?
“Okay,” I finally answer. I squirm in my seat, but Warden nods at me with approval. He doesn’t notice my dejection.
I’m ready to recite my dad’s phone number, but Warden doesn’t ask. With some surprise, I watch as Warden’s thick finger stabs the buttons on his phone’s screen. He switches on the speakerphone option and my heart pounds when I hear the long trill of the ringtone.
“Hello?” It’s my dad’s deep voice. The unmistakable twang identifies a Southern preacher.
“Dad, it’s me.” My voice sounds hollow.
“Marigold!” His tone is angry. “What have you gotten yourself into?”
Gunner flinches in his seat next to me. I see frowns on Rex's and Zeke’s faces before I bow my head in shame.
“Dad, I’m sorry, I-”
“Don’t bother,” My father interrupts coldly. “I’ve spoken to Bianca. I know all about it. Sneaking out like awhore,” Reverend Bennett rages.
I let out a quiet sigh. I can always count on my best friend to save herself. Bianca obviously left out certain details of the story, like how she accompanied me on the night out. But I can’t blame Bianca now. I’m sure my father left her no choice but to tell himsomething.
