Page 118 of Pretty Little Fears

“Iheard whispers at the gala about the children that were being taken fromBlackwood.Everyyoung faceIsaw made me think it wasJames’sdoing, and then of you, hoping and praying that you were safe, shielded away from this world.WhenIsaw her at the gala,Iheard how she was sold and that someone had started gunfire during her auction, trying to get to her.Ithought of how lucky she was to have someone fight so hard for her.Andit was you, wasn't it?”Shesmiles a knowing smile.

“Ididn’t mean to run from her at the gala.Ijust couldn’t stand to see another young girl being paraded around.”Lookingout at the water, it’s silent as we both absorb everything.Hergasp breaks the silence as she turns back to me.

“Jamescannot know thatI’mback.Ohmy god,I'vebeen so stupid.Ifhe finds me, he’ll kill me.Hecan’t-”Idon’t mean to, but a laugh builds in my throat and booms out.It’snot funny, butJameswill never be a problem foranyoneever again.

“He’sdead.Itook care of him.Youwon’t need to worry aboutJamesanymore, mom.”Iwatch as relief washes over her features.

“Ohthank goodness,Iwas so worried.”Herbody stiffens and she adds, “I’mnot happy that’s on your conscience, but someone hadto do it.Thankyou for stepping up and saving us.”

Inod, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and giving her a squeeze.

“Iwas actually wondering if you wanted to move back into the house?Ican take care of everything.Removeevery trace of him from it.Wecan even knock it down and build it back up, but it’s yours.”

“Thatwould be wonderful, sunshine.Thankyou so much.Ican’t express my gratitude enough.Ilove you, my boy.”ThewordsIthoughtI’dnever hear again wrap around my fragmented heart, securing the final pieces that were loose.

“Ilove you too, mom.”

BREAKING: UPDATE ON DEAN BLACKWOOD

DearBlackwoodStudentsandStaff,

Itis with heavy hearts that we share with you this news.Aswe all knew, about a week ago our dean ofBlackwoodUniversity,JamesBlackwood, was reported as missing.

Therehas been no contact from him since the report of him missing.Thepolice were notified of his disappearance and an extensive search was conducted.Ithas been reported that remains have been found, and were identified asMr.Blackwood.

Hisremains were discovered in the burnt remnants of a shed located behind his house.Thepolice are still overseeing an investigation to find out the cause of death.Wewill share more with you when we know more.

Atthis time an interim dean,JackHamington, will be taking his place until a permanent replacement is found.

Ifyou have any questions or concerns, please reach out to:

CharleeneBeckett,DirectorofAdmissions: 701-391-5578 ext. 2

MarcelinaRamos,HeadofWelcomeCenter: 701-391-5578 ext. 4

Ifyou need to speak to someone during this time, please reach out to our counselor:

SamanthaLee,DirectorofSchoolCounseling&StudentPersonnelServices: 701-391-5578 ext. 6

JackHamington

JackHamington,InterimDean

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

EMMETT

GrimmandIarrive atDevil’sDen, a new bar in town, and locate our third party.Wesit down in the booth across fromGreg,Grimm’sfather.

He’sa member of the police force and has friends in high places, which will come in handy for the trail of bodies we left behind, specifically my father,James.Hewastes no time getting straight to the point.

“Alrightboys, what’s going on?”Hepicks up his glass of whiskey and takes a sip from it as he watches us with narrowed eyes.

“Well, as you knowJameshad partaken in illegal activities for many years.Whatyou don’t know is what and whom those illegal activities consist of.”Isay, leaving room for him to confirm or deny what he may know.

Gregleans back while letting out a deep sigh.

“Humantrafficking.Yes,Iam aware.”Hegives a solemn nod of his head.

---