Was he already too late?
“They never would have been able to get away with that while Mother Margaret was in charge,” he continued. “But she died not too long ago. Of old age or who the Hell knows? The new Headmaster was supposedly ‘hand-picked’ by the Capital.”
“And you obviously think they’re connected.”
He shrugged. “Please don’t tell anyone yet. It’s just a hunch.”
“They’re going to want a reason.”
“Just be vague. I trust your judgement.”
“I don’t know why, but okay. So, you’re heading north, then?” At his nod, they changed directions. “I’ll walk you to the fork,” she added, not taking no for an answer.
The snowfall and wind had picked up. The sun wasn’t going to make an appearance, not for days, most likely. The temperature was also plummeting. It was almost too cold to function, and she was heading farther away from Bernie’s manor, where she intended to stay that night. Hannah was already there waiting for her. Gospel was in a mood for sharing, though, and that made the likelihood of frostbite slightly more bearable.
Glancing over him for what she refused to believe was the last time, she should have known he was up to something. He had his rifle over his shoulder—that was no surprise—but he also had a loaded knapsack. It could have been all he owned. He didn’t usually weigh himself down like that.
This wasn’t good news for The Rising Tide.
“And just so I’m clear,” Blasphemy went on, once the curiosity got the better of her. “Why in God’s name did you do their taxes when you were just a child?”
He chuckled as if genuinely fond of the memory that came to mind. “Mother Margaret wasn’t good with numbers. And she liked me for some reason. I was a genius, or so she said.”
“Smart lady.”
“That, and I was obedient. I had no reason not to be at the time. And I worked for candy.”
“You almost sound like you miss her.”
He took a deep breath. As he released it, the fondness and then the sadness flit from his expression. In its place, the bitterness and resolve settled back in. “She was the closest thing I had to a real mother. She even named me.”
That tidbit was said for fun and it was meant for her. It was accompanied by a nudge. “Oh yeah? And what was that?”
Gospel knew how to build suspense. She had asked a few times before. He knew her real name. But he would never tell. Just as he was about to embark on a task already besmirched with torment and peril, he decided to enlighten her . . . maybe. His look, now contemplative, wasn’t hinting at which way he’d lean. “She was a King James Bible expert . . . and believer. She told me that there was no way I would have survived the night on their doorstep unless angels were watching over me.”
“You’re named after an angel?”
“An archangel. I faked my own death and destroyed all record of my existence that I could find. Essentially, Michael is gone and Gospel rose from the dead.”
Upon hearing it, she took him by the hand. “Your secret is safe with me.”
“I know.” He glanced down at the light grip she had on him. He took a gulp and then forced a slight grin, as if he were trying to convince her that the connection wasn’t awkward for him. “That’s why I told you.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you? Bring the camera. Blow their cover. . .”
They came to the fork. They stopped walking. She released his hand. But she didn’t let him evade the appeal from her eyes. “Not this time. You have Hannah. And Law needs you just as much. Keep him safe and honest, all right?”
He blinked away and gazed off to the left . . . the direction he intended to go . . . without her.
“He needs you too! But. . .” she softened, and his eyes wandered back. A touch sad. A great deal nervous. And perhaps . . . hopeful? “I understand. So . . . good luck, Michael.” That earned his full attention. “You will be missed. So please. . .” She was quick and decisive about it, so she didn’t lose her nerve. And she surprised him, thoroughly, with a short but very direct kiss to the lips. “Hurry home.”
Also by ALICIA J. BRITTON
The Fairy Tale series:
Disgrace (Prequel)
Fairy Tale: Winter’s Bite, Book 1
Fairy Tale: The Rising Star, Book 2
Other Work:
Full Twist
For more information, please follow Alicia Britton—Author on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/pages/Alicia-Britton-Author/351622061645290
Or Wattpad:
https://www.wattpad.com/user/Fairytale_Fabler
***THANK YOU @SunniDProofread (Twitter) for the proofreading and Mike Roach for your assistance with the book cover***
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