Page 20 of Deliver us from Evil

I rub my eyelids.

Zachary’s been MIA. I saw him last at the front entrance of Saint Amos, a fact I reluctantly laid out to my brothers as we began piecing together what had happened this morning.

None of them reacted like I’d expected when I told them what Zach had done. Cass just stared, and Apollo let out a rueful snort like I’d told him he lost a bet he hadn’t been expecting to win anyway.

I don’t even know if he’s still here at Saint Amos. We’d know when we go to the garage. And that’ll be soon, because we have to leave.

That much we’ve decided on at least.

But where do we go? Anywhere past Redwater could be taking us further away from Trinity, from Gabriel. And we’d have no way of knowing.

We tried everything. Searched every record of Gabriel and Trinity’s in the admin office. All we found were dead ends. Gabriel had cleaned house.

I don’t blame Zach for hiding. I would too if I got a message like the one I sent him earlier.

WE WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU

I didn’t have to ask the others. I know they feel the same. Apollo’s chewed his nails to the quick. I’m surprised Cass hasn’t passed out from oxygen deprivation from chain-smoking.

They’re fucked.

We’refucked.

And Zach did nothing. He just stood there and watched. For all we know, he helped Gabriel carry Trinity to his damn car. Maybe even wished him well as Gabriel sped off.

“Might as well head to Redwater,” I say, standing. “Nothing more we can do here.”

“I’ll get Cass,” Apollo says, turning.

I go to put Trinity’s bible on the coffee table, but then hesitate.

I should take it with.

If we find her, I want to give it back to her.

Not if. When.

When.

When.

“What were you reading?” Apollo asks.

I frown at him. “Nothing specific.”

“I mean…” Apollo rolls his eyes. “Read it to me.” He lifts his shoulders.

“You want me to read to you from the bible?” I know my frown is deep, but Apollo looks hurt at my expression.

“Well, yeah.” He flicks his hand. “Wanna know what it says.”

I turn my head a little to the side. “It’s the bible,” I repeat. “It says a lot.”

He crosses his arms over his chest. “Never mind then,” he mutters and heads for the door. Apollo’s never once shown an interest in religion. Spirituality, maybe, when he’s high. But that’s always been a more Universal Mind thing.

I didn’t even stop for a moment to think what he and Cass are going through right now. How losing Trinity, then Gabriel, then Zach, affected them.

I clear my throat, and Apollo pauses by the door. Quickly scanning the page, I pick the first verse that stands on its own.

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