Page 128 of Enthrall Shadows
“Nice to meet you, Lotte.” She seemed to sum me up.
“This is Reese,” said Henry, resting his palm at the base of my spine. “Reese, this is my girlfriend.”
Her mouth twitched with jealousy.
I found it super weird, considering she’d given him up.
“Over here.” She pointed to the furthest hut.
“Great.” I wanted them to have privacy.
Reese led the way.
The crowd watched us carefully.
We walked up a few steps and entered a modest hut. Posters and maps were pinned to the wooden slatted wall. This was probably where they held meetings.
“Is this place safe?” I asked her.
“How do you mean?” she asked, though her focus remained on Henry.
“We met Tony,” I said. “He used his gun to intimidate us.”
She gave a weary shake of her head. “I’m guessing he works for Community Development.”
A thousand more questions loomed but right now their private reunion was more important. They needed a few minutes alone.
I excused myself and went through the door marked “Restroom.” I intended to listen in case Henry raised his voice.
The mirror was blurry, but I managed to catch my reflection. My face had been slightly burned, despite the sun block. I had a red nose and my hair was caked to my scalp.
Next to the serene Reese, I was a hot mess.
The toilet was basic, but it felt good to be around some normality. I navigated the small space as best I could to pee.
My thoughts turned back to Henry, trying to imagine what he was thinking.
After a few minutes, I rejoined them.
Reese stood on the other side of the hut with her arms folded across her chest in a defensive pose.
It was hard to tell who needed space from whom.
“Could we have some water, please?” I asked.
“It’s on its way,” said Reese. “We’ll get you fed, too.”
Her expression turned kind, her blue eyes showing compassion for our ordeal.
Henry glanced at me. “Give us a moment, please?”
“Of course,” I said.
Reese glanced at me again. “I’ll explain everything. Why it was important for you to see this place yourselves.”
I directed the answer to Henry. “It’s been quite the adventure.”
I let him know with a glance that I would be just outside should he need me.
