Page 93 of Whispers of Helena
“It’s written up. Ruth’s finishing the job tonight,” I say, my voice even, though the tension coils tight in my chest.
Marcel exhales. “And Bennett?”
I turn to him, my jaw set; the answer already decided.
“The second those papers are locked in my safe…it’s Bennett’s time.”
The four ofus sit in hushed anticipation. Eli and I on the couch, Caroline curled up in her chair with her Bible, while Marcel and Kiran play checkers on the coffee table. The only sounds in the room are the occasional clack of game pieces and the steady tick of the clock. All of us are on edge, because we know everything hinges on those three pieces of paper.
Caroline shifts in her chair, the soft creak of the wood somehow amplifying the tension.
“I’ve never been a patient person,” Eli mutters, tapping his foot against the rug.
Marcel doesn’t look up as he jumps two of Kiran’s pieces. “Everything will be fine.”
Kiran huffs at his loss, then glances around at all of us. “Why is everyone so quiet?”
Caroline offers a gentle smile. “We’re just waiting on Ruth. She should be here any minute.”
His face brightens. “Is she bringing dessert?”
Caroline chuckles. “No, sweetheart. She’s bringing something for your father.”
He shrugs, turning his attention back to the board.
Minutes drag by, stretching unbearably until, finally, headlights sweep across the front windows. Eli and I exchange a glance as Caroline sets her Bible down on the side table.
“Stay here and finish your game, Kiran,” she says, standing. “We’ll bring Ruth in to see you.”
“Okay,” he mumbles, not looking up as we move toward the front door.
Eli pulls back the sheer curtain, peering out. His body tenses. “Shit. She’s not alone.”
My stomach tightens. “Is it Gregory?”
“Can’t make it out,” he mutters, gripping the doorknob. He swings the door open just as Ruth approaches, her pace brisk, her face flushed.
She barely steps inside before shoving an envelope into my chest. “It’s done.”
Relief crashes over me. “Thank you, Ruth.”
Caroline pulls her into a tight embrace. “You have no idea what this means to us.”
Ruth waves a dismissive hand, but the tension in her shoulders betrays her exhaustion.
“Miss Ruth!” Kiran comes barreling up the hall, throwing his arms around her waist.
“My dear Kiran,” she coos, patting his back. “It’s so lovely to see you!”
He hooks a finger, motioning for her to lean down. She obliges, and he whispers, but it’s still loud enough for all of us to hear, “Your makeup is kinda messy.”
We all bite back our laughter, though Eli lets out a quiet snort.
Marcel, ever observant, steps into the hall. “Why is Ruth’s makeup messed up?”
Ruth’s cheeks flush crimson as she shoots him a sharp glare. “Mind your own damn business.” Then, with an air of defiance, she straightens her cardigan. “Some things had to be done to do what needed doing.”
Caroline pulls Kiran close, hiding her smile, while Eli just shakes his head.
