Page 45 of His Sacrifice

Kim chuckled softly. “It’s never too late to get back into it. Maybe you and Jada can do some crafts together.”

I smiled at the thought. “That sounds like a good idea. I’m sure she’d love that.”

As we continued working, I couldn’t help but think about Jada. She was probably in her meeting with Candace. I just kept praying that Candace took what little info Jada had for her and didn’t hurt her.

“Do you have any children?” Kim asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

The question caught me off guard. “No, not yet,” I replied, feeling a pang of longing. “But maybe someday.”

Kim nodded thoughtfully. “Children are a blessing. They bring so much joy into your life.”

I smiled, thinking about the future. “Yeah, they do.”

We finished the craft, a beautiful collage of colorful shapes and patterns. Kim held it up, admiring our work. “This looks wonderful. Jada will love it.”

“I’m sure she will,” I agreed, gently taking the collage from her. “Thank you, Kim. This means a lot.”

She smiled warmly. “You’re welcome. Just remember to bring her next time.”

“I will,” I promised again. “I’ll see you next week.”

As I left the Larson House, the collage carefully tucked under my arm, I couldn’t stop thinking about Jada.

It was only half past eight, and I didn’t think she would be back home yet. The drive alone from Green Door to her house was at least half an hour, and that was in clear traffic.

I knew if anything happened, I would know right away.

This should be an easy meeting with Candace, and then Jada would come home.

I kept reminding myself that she had six people keeping an eye on her. They knew nothing was to happen to Jada.

She had said she would bring dinner home, so all I needed to do was get to her apartment and wait.

I hated waiting.

Chapter Twenty-One

Jada

The Green Door was buzzing with life. A long bar stretched along one side, illuminated by vibrant, colorful signs that adorned the walls. Booths lined the opposite wall, each one occupied by diners. The place was well-lit, casting a warm, inviting glow that made the colorful decor pop even more. The clatter of plates, the hum of chatter, and the occasional burst of laughter created a lively symphony that filled the air.

I had managed to find a table toward the back, away from the main hustle and bustle. I had been there for ten minutes, anxiously checking the time every few moments. With every minute that ticked by, my worry grew. I worried about my mom. I worried about Creed. I worried that Candace knew I had spilled the beans to the Banachis, and this was just her way to get me away from Creed and my mom so she could kill them.

I took a sip of my water, trying to snap myself out of being such a worrywart. I was like Tatum, and maybe I needed to stop reading too much. My mind was always racing with crazy things that could happen.

I had already ordered two burgers and fries to go and just needed Candace here so I could spill all my info to her and get home to Creed.

“Isn’t this such a quaint place?” Candace’s voice startled me as she slid into the booth opposite me, setting her purse next to her. She smiled at me, but I could see the evil glint in her eyes. “No hello for me?” she asked.

“Hello, Candace,” I said tightly, forcing a polite smile.

“You look like you have a stick up your ass, Jada. Smile, or people are going to think I asked you to be here against your will,” she laughed lightly.

The waiter approached the table and set a glass of water down for Candace. “I’ll also have a dry martini, please,” she ordered.

The waiter nodded and headed off to get her drink.

“You’re not going to at least have a drink with me?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

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