Page 14 of Stranger Gifts

CHAPTER EIGHT

“They’re on their way back now,” said Ace looking at the men gathered for dinner. “The woman is with them.”

“Sister Agatha is with them?” frowned Ghost.

“She no longer goes by her name as a nun. She’s gone back to her given name. Jenna Brooks.”

“Wh-what did you say?” asked Nash giving the room a strange expression of uncertainty and familiarity.

“Jenna Brooks. Originally from Arizona, moved to Louisiana to join the Sisters and become a nun. She’s lived here ever since.”

“Arizona,” he whispered.

“Nash, you okay?” asked Kane.

“I don’t know. I knew a Jenna Brooks a lifetime ago. We went to high school together in Arizona. I left for the Marines and she was going to go to college. We just lost touch.”

“Well, if you know her maybe it will make this transition easier for her,” said Nine.

“I don’t know. Like I said, we were just kids the last time we saw one another. I can’t imagine that she even remembers me.”

“You’re about to find out,” said Ghost nodding toward the door. Irene walked in first, Jenna behind her with Angel and Trak at the rear. The woman immediately looked up and her eyes went right to Nash’s.

“Nash,” she mouthed without a sound.

“Jenna. Jenna Brooks,” he grinned slowly walking toward her. Irene quickly moved toward him, whispering to him.

“She’s scared and skittish, baby. Take it slow. Let her lead.” He nodded then continued toward her.

“We can stay if you like, Jenna,” said Angel.

She turned, smiling at the two very sweet protectors sent for her. Although, she believed the older woman might be the one to truly fear, she knew that she was safe.

“No. No, he’s an old friend from Arizona. A very old, very dear friend,” she smiled.

When Nash stopped in front of her, she looked him in the eyes then crumbled to the floor, sobbing. Nash kneeled beside her, gently placing an arm around her shoulders.

“It’s alright, Jenna. You’re safe now,” he said softly. Bree kneeled beside them along with Doc, both of them introducing themselves to the woman.

“Let’s get her to the private clinic space in the office,” said Bree.

“No. No, I’m okay now,” she sniffed. “I’m sorry. It was just such a shock seeing Nash. It’s been almost forty years. You joined the Marines. You went off to protect our country. I should have stayed in touch with you but the convent wouldn’t allow letters to males unless they were relatives.”

“I did join the Marines,” he nodded. “I became a Special Forces Marine.”

“Oh,” she smiled. “Well, that makes sense. You were always special Nash and handsome. He was the most handsome boy in school.” Nash could only shake his head at his old friend.

“Why don’t we get you two off the floor,” said Doc. “A good plate of food will make you feel much better. When you’re done, Nash can show you to your cabin on the private island where we all live. No one gets on the island without us knowing about it. And no one knows where it is.”

She nodded, standing with Nash as he offered her his arm. They walked toward the food and she laughed for the first time since they’d met her. Gaspar looked down at his mother.

“Did you know about that, Mama?” he asked.

“Why are you always so suspicious, Gaspar? The world is a mysterious place and mysterious things that can’t be explained happen all the time. That’s all.” She walked away and Kane chuckled.

“She didn’t answer your question.”

“She never does, brother. Never.”

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