Page 27 of Priest

Hi, Priest. Yes, I’ve checked the register, she’s still here

Me

Okay, thanks for that. I’m gonna come by and drop her off a phone if that’s okay?

Linda

Of course, no problems

I take off as quickly as I can. Bella doesn’t have to come every night, but I find it odd she didn’t show up tonight. Something must’ve happened. I rack my brain with the endless possibilities, not once believing her not wanting to come could be an option, and when I arrive, I see Linda and she lets me drop off the phone. There are no visitors allowed at the center for safety reasons, but somehow that doesn’t fill me with hope. She’s also not in her dorm, so she’s out.

The Soup Kitchen is closed, now I wonder if she didn’t go there later, looking for help… my mind reels.

“I’ll see that she gets the phone,” Linda says. “I can text you when she gets back if you’d like? I’m on all night.”

I nod. “Thank you, that’d be great.”

I take off, that uneasy feeling settling in my bones.

A few hours later, Linda messages me.

Linda

Sorry, Priest. No sign of her yet.

It’s past midnight now, and I know this can’t be good. Should I go out and look for her? Where would I even begin?

I don’t sleep a wink. The next morning there are no new texts from Linda and I wonder if she even made it back to the shelter at all. If she didn’t, then where did she spend the night?

Did something bad happen?

Did I put ideas in her head and now she’s doing unspeakable things for money?

The color drains from my face. Maybe this is my fault?

I stop by the shelter on my way to the clubhouse, but the new staff member on the desk says she never checked back in. I take the phone back, knowing I’ll be giving it to her myself when I find her, and the girl promises to call if she comes to collect her things.

I start to scour the city. I don’t know where people hang out when they have no place else to go, but I don’t spot her in any of the parks, and nobody will give out her information at other shelters for security reasons. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place and I don’t like it.

I try not to let my mind run away with me, but I know. I fucking know.

Sometimes having this sixth sense can be a gift, but on times like today, it feels more like a burden.

When I have to leave to get to the clubhouse, I’m tense and upset.

“You good?” Riot asks. “You look like someone just pissed in your cereal.”

I glance up at him from my place at the opposite end of the head of the table.

“I’m fine.” No use going into details, church is about to begin soon.

“Gotta be a woman,” Riot goes on.

“What’s gotta be a woman?” Nevada asks, giving me a chin lift.

“Just askin’ Priest here why he’s so glum,” Riot informs him. “Wasn’t sure if his bout of celibacy is now over.”

I glance at Riot sideways. “Thanks, fuck face.”

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