Page 124 of Bronco

I strip the spare bed where Olive has been sleeping, pile that up in the laundry and make the bed with fresh sheets. By the time that’s done, I make Brew a coffee.

“Sugar and cream?”

“Yep.”

“Both?”

“Uh, huh.”

“A little sugar or a lot?”

“A lot.”

A simple please wouldn’t go astray.

I make it, and one for myself with less sweetener, and walk into the lounge. He’s got the news on, something I never watch at home because it’s way too depressing.

When I glance up at the screen, I almost drop his cup. Titan jumps up immediately, running toward me. His ears are forward, his tail straight and he lets out a questioning mewl.

“Reports say the church named The Kingdom of Faith was purchased back in 2010, set on one-hundred acres, and was fully self-sufficient, luring members to its sect with promises of peace and religious freedom within the walls of the church,” the reporter on the screen says. “What we now know is this organization was a coverup for exploitation of women and minors, unlawful acts and deprivation of liberties. One of the cult leaders, Steven Gallows, is tonight in custody charged with several varying offences from kidnapping to child imprisonment. Vincent Mead is still at large?—”

“Oh, my God.” The cup wobbles and I barely keep hold of it before Brew is standing, taking the cup from my hands, Titan bymy side. I mindlessly touch the top of his head, letting him know I’m not in danger.

“What’s wrong? You know that fucker?”

I stand, frozen, staring at the screen as the woman keeps talking. I can’t even hear what she’s saying, but the caption on the TV reads: Illinois Cult Leader Caught. Another Founder On The Run. Links to Human Trafficking.

My legs wobble and Brew is steering me back to the couch and telling me to breathe. Titan sticks by me like glue, nudging me on the shin with his nose. His concern is so endearing. He’s so much like his daddy.

“Ex,” I try and whisper, but I don’t even know if any words come out. “He’s my ex?—”

“Just breathe.” Brew’s dialing somebody, barking something into the phone about turning the TV on and recalling The Kingdom of Faith to whoever he’s shouting at. He hangs up, then turns to me. “You got a history with assholes?”

I nod.

“Did you escape this cult?”

I nod again.

“Does he know where you are?”

I shake my head.

Brew scratches his chin. “If he’s into organized crime and traffickin’, there’s every chance that he may be more equipped with technology than you think.”

“We never had computers.”

“They just seized a whole roomful of devices.” Brew's words shock me. We weren’t allowed any technology or mobile phones. They were strictly forbidden.

“What? We never had anything like that…”

“Had a whole operation. Now that fucker, your ex, he’s on the run, not like he’s gonna get far.”

My skin prickles. “How long has he been missing?”

“News said five days or so.”

I feel uneasy. I know Vince has no idea where I am, but that doesn’t make this any easier.

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