Page 47 of The Reaper

I recalled the moment with clarity. It was the Sunday after my first mass, when Archer had propositioned me and those tourists had interrupted us.

I dropped the tablet on the desk, shooting them a look. They knew about me and Archer. “How did you—”

“It doesn’t matter how. We still believe you’re the right man for the mission,” Cardinal Lopez said before I had a chance to finish my question.

“But … won’t this complicate things?” Was I the only one who thought this mission was already compromised? My face burned, and I shifted my glance down to the polished table. I couldn’t bear to look them in the eyes, but I could still see their reflections.

“Only if you let it.” It was Cardinal O’Brien’s turn to speak this time.

“I have one word.” Archbishop Lloyd rested his joined hands on the table. “Discretion.”

One word. That was the last word they uttered before I was ushered out of the office. I felt like a fool. They had known all along.

“Can you point me to the nearest restroom?” I asked my escort, the same man as before. “I better go before I hit the road again.”

He hesitated for a second, but pointed to the end of the hallway. “To your left,” he said. “I’ll wait for you by the main entrance.”

I released a shaky breath when I entered the marbled bathroom, heading to the sink to splash cold water on my face. I stared at my dripping reflection. “You can do this,” I told myself. One last mission, then I would reconsider what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

I didn’t realize how long I was in there until a soft knock caught my attention. The door opened and the man peeked inside. “You have to go,” he said.

“Give me a minute,” I said, fishing my phone out. “I have to text my ride.”

He shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Okay.”

I opened Archer’s message to let him know about the change of plan.

Me: I’m going to have Jessica pick me up today. Thanks for the offer.

I wasn’t sure why it made a difference, since the Church knew about Archer. The archbishop’s voice replayed in my head. Discretion.

Archer: Fuck no. I’ll be there in a minute.

Me: In a minute? Where r u?

The door opened and Mr. Impatient walked in. “You really need to get going,” he stressed.

“Understood,” I said, and left.

A couple of priests were walking toward us as we made our way to the lobby. They smiled and I nodded in acknowledgment. I didn’t know them personally, but I’d seen them in one of the meetings organized by the Church. Their escort led them to the waiting room I’d been in just minutes ago.

The metal gate clicked, locking me out the moment I stepped off the property. Shaking my head, I looked behind me and sighed. My phone rang.

“Look to your right,” Archer said when I answered. He was standing next to his bike, a block away from the mansion. He was wearing a dark helmet and I couldn’t see his face. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah,” I said. “I’ll come over there.” I didn’t want anyone to see me taking off with him.

Archer handed me the same helmet I’d used earlier. “I thought you were spending the night?”

“Are you kidding me? They couldn’t wait to get me out of there.” I wouldn’t have stayed even if they had offered.

“Let’s go then.” We hopped on his bike. Archer grabbed my trembling hand, scorching my skin with his touch. I wrapped them around his waist. “Ready?” His hand dangled to his side, squeezing my leg.

“Yes,” I said, tapping his stomach.

Wind swept over my body, the chill causing me to shiver. I’d been in such a state of disbelief that I’d forgotten to put on his jacket. I pressed my chest closer to Archer’s back for warmth, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

“You should’ve worn the jacket,” he said.

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