Page 13 of Bad for You

“We did not discuss that,” Father Merry says, shaking his head. “She isn’t up for adoption.”

I narrow my eyes because this is the first time I’ve heard this. Is that why I’ve been stuck here? Because Father Merry has told potential parents just that?

I hate him all the more.

Anger bubbles to the surface, and I take a step forward, ready to punch Father Merry in the stomach, but Aldo gently places his large hand on my shoulder, stopping me.

“I will pay you a quarter of a million dollars for her.”

Father Merry’s mouth gapes wide because money talks. But I can see there is apprehension. And so can Aldo.

“Half a million then for two children. Valentina and Lennon. Both shall be in my care.”

I don’t know what to say because no one,no one, has ever wanted me.

“You can have Lennon, but not Valentina,” Father Merry firmly says, folding his arms.

Visions of ramming a jagged edge of the broken Christmas tree ornament into Father Merry’s throat overwhelm me.

“Bellezza,” Aldo warns as if reading my thoughts.

His voice calms me, and I back down—for now.

“Father, do you enjoy your life?”

Father Merry looks at Aldo, confused. “Not that it is any business of yours, but I do. I live to serve the Lord.”

Aldo scoffs lightly. “Is that what you tell yourself when on your knees, praying to your God? Does that absolve you of your sins?”

“We are all God’s children, and He loves us infinitely, regardless of the sins we commit. If we repent—”

“Save your sermons, Father. They are wasted on a man like me,” Aldo orders calmly. “In three days, I will come for Valentina and Lennon. I will give you your money, and then we will never see one another ever again.”

“I beg your—” But Father Merry never finishes his sentence because Aldo coolly reaches into the back of his pants and produces a gun. He aims it at Father Merry’s head.

“Three days, Father,” Aldo repeats, never wavering, while Father Merry looks seconds away from passing out. It’s a sight I’ll never forget.

Eventually, Father Merry concedes. “Why do you want her?”

Aldo grins, but it’s not a happy gesture. “The same reason you do.”

I spin around, wanting to ask what that reason is, but Aldo bops the end of my nose. “See you soon,bellezza. Stay out of trouble until then.”

And that’s it.

I am dismissed.

I have so many questions, but this is my way out, and I have to pick my battles to win the war. So I look at my savior one final time, hoping he’ll be taking me away from this place.

I walk past Father Merry, but he doesn’t move, and that’s because Aldo’s gun is still pointed at his head. I’m about to turn the corner when I hear a girl’s muffled cry, which is soon drowned out by the squeaks of a mattress.

Squeak…

Squeak, squeak…

Squeak, squeak, squeak…

I know the sound all too well.

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