Page 14 of Charlie
“What if Charles is in a relationship with someone inside the cult?” I asked.
Eileen snorted. “He’s not.”
“Why not?”
“Because O’Brien doesn’t like to share attention and I’ve never seen him allow couples in the group.”
“But you said that you offered your body to him and that one of the other women has two sons with him, so clearly O’Brien allows sex in the house.”
Eileen looked away. “I offered but he rejected me. I’m not as attractive as some of the others.” Again, her tone was heavy with sadness.
My heart went out to her and I placed my hand on top of hers and looked deep into her eyes. “In the US we have a saying. Sometimes a rejection is God’s protection.”
“I like that.” Kit nodded. “And in this case, it’s the truth. I wouldn’t ride that man if he came with pedals. Ye should be relieved that you didn’t give him yer body. He might have been inside yer head, but at least he never got inside yer fanny.”
I liked Kit. She had to be at least five years older than me, but she was feisty and opinionated and her accent alone was amazing. “The more I hear about the mastermind group, the more I want Charlie out of there.”
Eileen tapped the armrest of her chair. “I’ve seen friends and family show up and demand that members leave with them, but that never works. One mother once had her daughter kidnapped, but that backfired when the daughter pressed charges. Not only was the mum convicted of kidnapping but her daughter never wanted to see her again. How well do you know Charles?”
“I don’t. Well, we met five years ago and there was chemistry but it never evolved to anything.”
They both stared at me and then Kit exclaimed, “But I thought ye were his girlfriend.”
“No, I’m not. I’m just a girl he had a crush on once.”
“Oh, for God’s sake.” Kit stared at me. “What made ye think ye had a chance then? I mean, friends and family of the members haven’t been able to get them out. Ye hardly know the bloke.”
“Charles’ grandfather asked for my help and I’m here to try.”
They both sighed but it was Kit who spoke, “Aye, ye might as well give it a go, but when ye do, it has to be all or nothin’. Ye’ll have one chance to seduce the hell out of Charles and make him fall in love with ye. To get him out, ye’ve got to bind him to ye in a stronger bond than anything Conor could ever offer him.”
Eileen looked thoughtful. “Do you know anything about what he likes or doesn’t like? What his dreams are?”
“No, not really. I mean, I’ve read some of his diaries but I’m still not sure what he wants out of life.”
Eileen looked at me with a grave expression. “I guarantee that O’Brien knows and it gives him power over Charles. Never forget that.”
The two women were looking at me, and the silence in the small kitchen made the sound of the clock on the wall sound louder. “Tick, tock, tick, tock.”
Kit’s bright red hair stood in contrast to the green flowery wallpaper she was sitting against. Her raincoat was in her lap and the sleeves of her thin knitted sweater were pushed up on her forearms.
“I can’t make Charles fall in love with me on purpose. It’s been five years and he might not like what he sees anymore.”
Kit studied me. “I’d do ye.”
It was so forward and unexpected that I didn’t know how to respond. There was no flirtatious smile and I hadn’t taken Kit for a lesbian.
“Yes, I would too,” Eileen muttered. “There are no men to fancy here anyway.”
I put both my hands to my chest. “Aww, aren’t you two being nice to me.”
“Just trying to pump yer self-esteem a little ’cause when ye meet Charles, ye’d better knock his pants off with a wink.”
“I’m not here to have sex with him.”
“Why not?” Kit wrinkled her nose up. “Don’t ye fancy him?”
“Yes. I had a massive crush on him, but I can’t just throw myself at him.”
