Page 7 of Secrets

“I know she is, but I can’t make her tell me. What do we do about backgrounds? I’m concerned that if I tell her we need to do a background check on her, she’ll disappear,” said Sara.

“You let me handle that,” said Irene. “I’ll make sure it’s all good. I know who sent her, and there’s a reason she’s here. I’ll let Gaspar and the boys know when it’s time.”

An hour later, Millicent appeared with a plate of shrimp and cheddar grits with a side of cornbread. The three interviewers took a bite, moaning as it slid down their throats.

“That is delicious,” grinned George.

“I couldn’t agree more,” smiled Sara.

“You’re hired,” said Irene. “And it comes with a cottage right here on property.” George and Sara looked at Irene but didn’t defy her.

“A cottage? I can live here?” asked Millicent.

“You will live here, child. You will.”

CHAPTER FOUR

“Mama, how could you do that? How could you bring that girl onto our property without us knowing all there was to know?”

“You gonna turn her away?” she snapped.

“Well, no. But it would have been nice to know her history,” said Gaspar.

“Now you know. She’s young, she’s scared, and she’s never had a chance at a life. She’s a good cook. Y’all said so yourselves. We need the extra help, and she’s willing. Let me handle her. Me, George, and Sara. We got this.”

“Irene, it’s not that she isn’t good at what she does, but as you said, she’s young. The girl went from being in a criminal, abusive household to being in federal protective custody. If she leaves this property, someone may recognize her.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” she snapped. “I know what awaits her if she leaves. But she ain’t leavin’ any time soon. She’s doin’ well here, and with any luck, she’ll make friends.”

“Friends?” frowned Miller. “Mama, who did you earmark for that poor girl?”

“I didn’t earmark no one. I just see an attraction and help it along. That’s all. Now, you leave that to me. I just wanted you to know about her.”

“After the fact,” muttered Ghost. “I’m sorry, Irene. I know this is your home, but you told us about her after you hired her, moved her into a cottage, and had her working here for nearly four months. That’s not exactly being direct with us.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry for that, but this is exactly how I knew you would react.” She stared at her ‘boys,’ taking a seatagain. “Listen to me. That little girl has been abused and beaten her entire life. She watched her father and brothers beat men and women to death, bury their bodies, and hide the weapons. Her entire life has been under threat of death. Can you imagine that life?”

“No, Mama. We can’t,” said Miller. “We’ll help the girl if she needs it, but she needs to be honest with us, and so far, she hasn’t been.”

“I know, I know. I’m hoping that Trevon can help her to break out of her shell.”

“Trevon? You’re going to put a man six-feet-seven and more than three hundred pounds in front of her, hoping he can connect with her? Mama Irene, he’s thirteen, maybe fourteen years older than she is. She’s going to pee her pants when she sees him.”

“Shows what you know. She’s already showin’ signs of bein’ sweet on him. Gives him extra portions every meal.”

“Out of fear,” muttered Ghost. Irene gave him a look that said he’d better watch himself. He straightened and cleared his throat, nodding at her.

“Just give her a chance, Gaspar, Nine, all of y’all. That’s all I’m askin’. If we put that girl out, she’ll be dead within a week.”

“That’s the first honest thing you’ve said,” frowned Gaspar. “I won’t put her out, but I need you to get her to talk to us.”

“I’m glad you agree,” she said, opening the door. There, standing nervously with Sara and Bree was Millicent.

“Mama,” growled Gaspar.

“What? She’s here to speak to y’all.”

Gaspar frowned at his mother but stood, walking toward Millicent. She’d been skittish and nervous when encountering any of them in the cafeteria, but in a room alone with them, she might just die of a stroke.

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