Page 6 of Secrets

“Irene Robi-Robishex?”

“No, honey,” she laughed. “Robicheaux. She’s a great woman with a huge family. They have a bunch of businesses on private property and run a café and multiple cafeterias for everyone who lives and works there.”

“But I don’t have a place to live or any money,” she said quietly.

“They’ll take care of everything,” she said, smiling at her. “Let’s get your things packed, and I’ll drive you to the bus station and get you a ticket to New Orleans.”

“New Orleans? That’s a long way from here,” she frowned.

“It is. But it’s a good place for you to start over, Millicent. These are good people, and they’ll know how to protect you.”

“D-did you tell them who I am?” she asked with fear in her eyes.

“That’s your job, not mine. I told Irene that you were going through a rough time. But listen to me. The sooner you tell them about what’s happening in your life, the better things will be. They don’t like surprises, and they damn sure don’t want any trouble from anyone.”

“Do they kill people?” She took a deep breath and sat down in front of her once again.

“Millicent, these people run a security agency, but they were all former military. They are the best of the best when it comes to protection. You have to trust me. This is the right place for you to be.”

“O-okay,” she nodded.

The whole way to the bus station, she tried to reassure her that things would work out for her. Inside the bustling station, she purchased a one-way ticket to New Orleans and then walked her toward security.

“You’ll be boarding in a few minutes. When you get there, take a taxi to this address, and they’ll be waiting for you.”

“I don’t have any money,” she said, looking at her. She handed her an envelope, and Millicent gasped at the stack of cash.

“You’ve earned that money. That and more. Find a way to live a happy life, Millicent.”

“I’ll never be able to thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

“You’re a good kid. Now go make yourself a good life.”

“You gave her that money out of your own pocket,” grinned her husband.

“She deserves a good start to her life. The world sure didn’t give her anything to go on.”

“How long have you been working in restaurants?” asked Sara.

“All my life,” whispered the woman. She didn’t want to lie, but how could she possibly tell them the truth?

“I’m sorry, Millicent, I can’t hear you,” she smiled.

“All my life. I’ve worked in kitchens since I was seven.”

“Seven? Did you cook with your mother? Grandmother?” she asked the woman.

“N-no.”

“Millicent, I just need to be sure that you can cook. If you’re in trouble, if you need help, our team can help you with whatever it is.”

“I-I can cook something for you.”

“Alright,” said Sara. “This is the kitchen you would be in every day. Use whatever you like, and I’ll wait outside in the dining room.”

Sara, George, and Mama Irene walked out of the room and left the woman to prepare something for them.

“That girl is in trouble,” said George.

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