Page 52 of Before the Storm
“I feel so bad for all the women and children being displaced. It’s going to be hard for them. This world is so foreign. It took me a long time to get used to it. I still struggle sometimes, and some of those people still believe in the doctrine. They will be susceptible to other people like my dad and Brother Jim.”
“Unfortunately, there will always be people like them in this world. But what you did has brought major awareness to whatgoes on behind those compounds’ walls. It’s made it easier for the FBI to help women like you.” He leaned forward and lifted his wineglass. “Thanks to you, Jason and Anne Marie are free to continue their work.”
“You’re making me out to be some kind of hero.”
“Because you are.” He polished off the glass. “Come on. Let’s go to bed. We both have to be at the restaurant early.” He took her hand and gave her a little tug.
“You know, I’ve been sleeping in your bed every night. People are going to start thinking we live together or something.”
“Would that be so bad?”
“Are you asking me to move in with you?”
“You’re the one who brought it up.” He laughed, shrugging his shoulders. “But since we’re on the topic, I would love it if you never left. I mean, I’d be lonely in that bed all by myself and this house would be empty and depressing without you.”
“Okay, if you insist, I’ll bring the rest of my stuff over.”
“That was easy.” His phone buzzed in his back pocket. He pulled it out and stared at the screen. “Fuck,” he mumbled.
“What is it?”
“We have a big problem.” Quickly, he sent a text message to his brothers, his parents, and to Stacey.
“Please don’t leave me in the dark.” She raised up on tiptoe, trying to get a look at his screen.
He took her by the shoulders. “I need you to go to the bedroom and stay there.” Patting her bottom, he raced to the cabinet where he kept his weapon.
“Phoenix, you’re scaring me and I need you to talk to me.” She stood right behind him with her hand on his hip.
“Your father’s lurking around the property.”
“I thought he was in jail,” she said with a shaky voice.
“So did I.” He turned. “Please. I need you to go?—”
“No. There’s a big sliding glass door in there. I’m not leaving your side.”
He sucked in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “All right. But you have to promise me you’ll do exactly what I say. I don’t know if he has people with him or not. I only saw one person on the security camera. My mom has access to my system. She’ll be my eyes and ears. Maverick is on his way. Nelson was at Blue Moon, but he’s headed here and will be here as soon as he can. I also informed Stacey of the situation.”
“I guess this is your area of expertise, so?—”
Ding-dong.
“Really? He’s going to come to my fucking front door?” Phoenix tucked his weapon in his belt. “Let me do the talking.”
“That might be hard.”
Phoenix laughed. “I really do like this side of you.”
Janelle stood behind Phoenix as he opened the front door. She gripped his hips and peered around his massive shoulders.
Coming face-to-face with her father wasn’t something she expected she’d have to do until the trial. If there was one. Rumor had it he might plea it out.
“May I help you?” Phoenix asked.
“Let’s not pretend that you don’t know who I am,” her dad said. “May I come in?”
“No.” Phoenix crossed his arms. “You’re not welcome in our home.”
