Page 13 of Stranger Gifts

“No,” said Trak. “He’s gone.” Angel and Irene knew what that meant but poor Jenna was lost.

“They’ll send his replacement in a few minutes. I’m never left alone.”

“Can you tell us what happened, child?” asked Irene.

“Wrong place, wrong time, or wrong place, right time. I’m not sure any longer. I saw the motorcycles at the grocery store when I went in to buy supplies for the convent. I didn’t think anything of it. Frankly, I find them fascinating. Loud, but fascinating.

“I was standing in the produce section and turned to put the tomatoes in my cart. This man grabbed my arm and pulled me close to him. I was in my habit. I would have thought that would matter but it didn’t,” she said shaking her head.

“Take your time sweet girl,” said Irene.

“I asked him to let me go but he refused. Jeremy, the boy who works at the market tried to help me but he-he shot him. No thought for his life at all. He just shot him. I could hear people screaming and running. Then-then he started pushing up my skirt and pushing me to the floor.

“I started screaming for help but no one came. No one. I gripped my cross and began praying as he ripped off my undergarments. He hit me with something, I’m not sure what but I blacked out.”

“Maybe that was a good thing,” said Irene.

“I think it was a blessing,” said the woman softly. “When I woke, I was in the hospital and they said they hadn’t expected me to live. While I was knocked out, he beat me severely. Most of my injuries are healed, although I hurt when it rains. I had several broken bones.”

“That’s normal,” said Angel. “I have had a lot of injuries as well and hurt when it rains. So has Trak.”

“I am faster than he is. I do not have as many injuries.” She couldn’t help but smile at their attempts to ease her discomfort.

“Are you police officers?” she asked.

“We were in the military and now we run a security agency,” said Angel. “We heard about what the Flaming Skulls did to you.”

“Th-they won’t leave me alone. Parishioners bring me food but I don’t leave the house at all.”

“Why did you leave the convent?” asked Irene. “You weren’t to blame for what happened. No one blamed you. You didn’t have to leave.”

“I’m different now,” she said shaking her head. “I-I have different thoughts.”

“You’re frightened,” stated Trak.

“I am. But I’m also filled with thoughts of vengeance. I have no way to give it but I’m consumed by it.”

“Miss Jenna,” said Angel, “the man across the street is taken care of. His people won’t find him.” She eyed Trak who just stared at the woman, trying to reassure her that all would be well.

“They’ll send more and blame me. They’ll make it worse for me.”

“You’ll come with us,” said Trak. She stared at the strange native, titling her head at his tone. These two men didn’t make her fearful, instead made her feel as though she would be alright.

“Come with us, child,” said Irene. “You’ll be safe on our property and no one will know where you are. If you need legal help, we can provide it.”

“That would be helpful,” she said shaking her head. “My lawyer informed me yesterday that he didn’t think handling my case was a good idea. He said that I wasn’t listening to his advice and if I wanted him to stay, I had to do what he told me.

“I’m not doing what he tells me. I refuse. I would have to find another lawyer and that only delays the trial again. I’m not sure how much longer I can do this.” Her hands were shaking and tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Then come with us now,” said Irene. “You’ll be safe, we have attorneys that can help you, and we’ll fight this with you. These men are trouble and we believe they’ll be lookin’ for trouble around New Orleans, real soon. Let my boys keep you safe.”

“What if I put you in danger?” she asked. Angel and Trak both gave a small smile, shaking their heads.

“It’s not possible.”

“I think you underestimate these men. They’ve made my life a living hell for the last six months and I am a woman who has studied hell intimately.” Irene gently gripped her hand, hoping she wouldn’t pull away.

“Then let’s give you back a little peace and a slice of heaven.”

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