35. Chapter 34
Chapter 34
Roman
I check the time as the other members of this nefarious club filter into the space, their movements synchronized with chilling precision. I instructed Eden to lock all doors and windows and stay confined in my room. The proximity of so many vile individuals to my home and to her unsettles me deeply.
It’s almost over.
Just one more meeting to endure—
“Roman!” David’s voice cuts through the tension as he strides over to me, an unusually bright grin on his face.
His cheerful demeanor is out of character.
I shake his grimy hand, forcing a smile. “David. How are things? How's the wife's mood swings been?”
“Could be better,” He replies, dismissing the mention of his wife’s declining mental health. “She’s been insufferable since the kids left. But who cares about her feelings? She’s nothing but a nuisance,” He sneers, showing no remorse for belittling Aiden and Eden’s mother .
“Ready for the last meeting?” David asks, glancing around the room.
“Last meeting?” I echo, puzzled.
“The last one before the bidding,” He explains with a grin. “Everyone’s coming in this Sunday. They’re eager to see this year’s lot.” His tone hints at something more. “Millions are pouring in. I imagine you’re looking forward to leaving Idlewood.”
“Leaving Idlewood?” I narrow my eyes at him.
“Didn’t Kevin tell you?” David continues, his smile widening. “He’s finished scouting next year’s lineup and decided to head home earlier than expected. Your time here will soon be up. By the end of next week, you won’t be needed.”
I meet David’s gaze directly, raising my eyebrows. “I was unaware of my imminent departure.”
“Are you really surprised, Roman?” David’s eyes flicker past me, his gaze resting on the others in the room. “I’m aware of your little scene at the fair,” He hisses, causing my heart to race. “I can’t afford any leaks in this operation. I’m giving you a chance to leave Idlewood without my daughter by the end of next week. There will be no consequences if you do,” David warns. “I’d hate for someone to get hurt because you can’t rid yourself of your sinful ways.”
I step back, adjusting my collar as David’s words echo in my mind. The urgency of the situation intensifies—I have even less time to expose the horrors lurking behind these walls.
I click the record button, the small device hidden in my pocket. Taking a seat among the group, I cast a wary glance at Seth’s vacant chair. Is he monitoring Eden and me from the outside ?
“Hello, everyone, and welcome to one of our final meetings of the year before the big day,” David announces with a forced cheer, eliciting applause and cheers from the crowd.
Brainwashed fools.
“As some of you know, this will be Father Briar’s last meeting with us before our beloved Kevin returns home,” David continues, his gaze sweeping over the assembly. All eyes turn to me.
Why hasn’t David exposed me yet?
What is he holding back?
What’s his game?
“Why is Kevin coming back so soon? Last year, it took him nine months—”
“After Seth’s abrupt departure, Kevin felt the need to return sooner, to be here with all of you,” David responds brightly, his focus locked on me. “I’m concerned that Seth wasn’t working alone when he killed that poor boy Eric. I suspect we may have more traitors among us than I’d like to admit,” David adds, his voice tinged with concern, causing murmurs to ripple through the group.
What does David want?
What is he trying to achieve with all this?
“In addition to announcing Father Briar’s departure, I’m pleased to inform you that a new family is joining our organization,” David announces. “They won’t be present until the night of the bidding, but their financial contributions are a significant factor in our operations this year... and Father Briar,” He says, finally locking eyes with me. “You are required to attend. Kevin wishes to see you off and to give you a glimpse of what you’re leaving behind,” David adds with a disconcerting smile, causing a shiver to run down my spine.
I swear to God, I will have this church raided before David can blink.
“How is the lineup looking?” Someone asks.
David, with his portfolio clutched under his arm, presents the catalog filled with children like a prized possession.
“I think there are some this year that will keep you at the edge of your seats,” He boasts. “Remember, the bidders can’t bid on what they can’t see. If you favor any of the lots, make sure to keep it clean.”
Rage boils within me. I imagine SWAT storming this place, tearing it apart from top to bottom. I grip the recorder tightly.
“Any questions?” David surveys the group.
“Let’s see the updated portfolio,” I demand, watching David’s smile widen.
“Gladly, Father.”
With a flourish, he places the portfolio in my lap. My eyes dart to the back of the folder, where my worst fears are confirmed. I swallow hard as bile rises in my throat.
Bright eyes stare back at me—Eden Faulkner, Bid #30, Active.
I hurl the portfolio to the ground, seizing David by the collar. My fury erupts.
“Why the hell is she in there?” I roar, shoving him against the edge of the holy water pool, ready to unleash my anger just as I did with Zack.
“You know damn well why she’s in there,” David hisses. “So better pay up, or she’s going far away, and there’s nothing you can do about it. ”
I slam my fist into his jaw. Gasps erupt around me, and some stand in alarm.
As his blood splatters, I keep my foot on his chest, catching my breath.
“If any of you lay a fucking hand on her, I swear to Christ I will kill all of you,” I growl, revealing my true intentions.
I stomp on David’s hand. He screams, his companions readying to pounce.
Prepared, I draw my Glock from my waistband, aiming it at David’s head.
“I fucking did it to Eric, and I’ll gladly do it to this piece of shit,” I hiss. “If any of you try anything, I’ll have DHS in here in minutes,” I warn, hoping my bluff isn’t too obvious.
“Do not fucking threaten me in this house,” David sneers, glancing at the statue of Jesus above the altar.
“I’m taking Eden and Aiden, and we’re getting the hell out of Idlewood,” I declare, ready to put a bullet in every one of these fuckers’ heads.
“You’ll regret this, Roman,” David spits.
“Yeah?” I retort. “Apparently you don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
I aim for a femoral artery in David’s leg and fire. The shot rings out with a sickening satisfaction. His scream echoes off the walls. I level the gun at anyone who tries to approach, my finger poised on the trigger.
“I’m leaving,” I snap. “Call the cops, and you’ll just make DHS more suspicious,” I threaten.
Gun still in hand, I snatch the portfolio and shove past anyone in my way, heading for the doors .
“You’ll fucking regret this!” David’s voice, pained and desperate, follows me.
I turn, raise the gun, and fire again, hitting his hand with grim pleasure.
As he screams, I smile, bloodlust consuming me.
“I fucking quit,” I growl. “All of you will burn in Hell.”
Without another word, I exit, determined to get Eden far away from this nightmare.
“Roman, what’s going on—”
“Grab your things, Eden. There’s no time to explain. We’re going to your place, then getting the hell out of here. Just until things blow over.”
I toss a few essentials into a duffel bag, keeping the one thing most precious to me close at hand. Eden’s eyes, heavy with sleep and confusion, follow my hurried movements.
“Roman, I need some answers—”
“They put you on the bidding list, baby,” I snap, cupping her face in my hands. “They put you on the bidding, and I need to keep you safe. Please, listen to me. They’re all here. We have to get out before they realize we’re still around.”
Finally, she nods in agreement, her fear palpable.
We exit the house and sprint to my car. I make sure Eden is secure before ripping the plates off the front and back, tossing them in the backseat. Starting the engine, I see people beginning to pour out of the church. I back out quickly, keeping the lights off, and make a break for it.
As we hit the main highway, my hands tremble with adrenaline.
“Roman—”
“Hand me my phone,” I whisper, watching her reach for it. The screen is filled with missed calls from Kevin. My cover is blown.
“Call Echo,” I command, trying to steady my breathing.
The phone rings several times before Echo picks up, his groggy voice laced with irritation.
“Jesus fucking Christ, Roman. It’s like 3 a.m. my time—”
“Echo, shut the fuck up,” I snap, my mind racing. “I need your help. This isn’t the fucking time to ridicule my life choices. Do you still work for DHS?”
“Yeah—”
“I’m calling in my favor,” I warn, hearing him shift in bed.
“Roman, what’s going on? You’ve never called like this—”
“That church I took a job at? It’s a fucking trafficking ring,” I yell. “And they’ve got the woman I love caught up in it—”
“Woman you love?” Echo’s surprise is evident. “Jesus, Roman, I didn’t think Idlewood—”
“Echo, I’m begging you,” I plead, my voice cracking. “I can’t let anything happen to her. When was the last time I gave a shit about my own life? This woman has given me a reason to live. I almost lost her before I even had a chance. Help me, please.”
“I can get on a plane with a few of my guys in a few hours,” Echo says, his tone shifting. “How bad are we talking, Roman? ”
“There’s a whole fucking catalog of children,” I sigh, glancing at the discarded portfolio. “My girl’s in there too.”
Silence hangs heavy before Echo speaks again.
“When’s the drop?”
“Next Sunday. Here at the church. I don’t know where they’re keeping them—”
“I’ll see you soon, brother,” Echo replies firmly. “Glad to see you’ve found some fight again.”
I end the call, a wave of relief washing over me. I reach for Eden’s trembling hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Who was that?” She asks, her voice laced with fear.
“Echo. His real name is Elijah. We served together. He’s been working for DHS since he got out. It was time to call in a favor.”
As we approach her apartment building, I glance around. No one seems to be trailing us, no police in sight.
I park and turn off the car. Gathering Eden in my arms, I whisper, “I shot your dad. I couldn’t keep pretending—”
“I don’t want to be here anymore, Roman,” She sobs, her voice breaking with genuine pain. “I don’t want to be in danger—”
I hold her close, bracing for the uncertainty that lies ahead.
“I won’t let them hurt you, Eden,” I whisper, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “You need to stay with me at all times. Aiden too. I’ll keep you both safe—”
“Aiden is at Zoey’s mom’s tonight,” She cries, her voice trembling with urgency. “We need to go get him—”
“He’s safer there tonight,” I reassure her. “I’ll get him first thing in the morning—”
She kisses me, holding on as if her life depended on it, and I respond with a fervor I’ve never shown before, kissing her as if it’s the first time. My arms wrap around her with an intensity that makes me forget everything but her.
“Can we go inside?” She sobs. “And please, don’t leave my side tonight.”
I wipe her tears away, nodding solemnly.
“Only if you promise to do the same.”
With little hesitation, I lift her into my arms, carrying her inside. I only release her once we’re in the bedroom, gently laying her down on the bed.