Chapter 10
“The guns arefor everyone’s protection. There are wild animals on the island,” Porter said, noticing my unease.
“And unruly drug addicts,” I added just as Porter’s mother pushed through double doors across the room and stepped out, wearing an apron with a white substance in her hair and covering her arms and face.
“Mother, what in the world happened?” Porter asked.
“We were letting a few students help in the kitchen, and then one thing led to another and a food fight ensued,” she said.
I covered my smile with my hands.
“I would hug you, but I don’t want to ruin your clothes, dear,” Wanda said before turning to look at me.
“Mom, this is Clara Bennett. Clara this is my mom, Wanda Foster.”
A blush crept into his mother’s cheeks, and she lifted her hand to smooth her hair. “I must look like a mess.” She wiped her hands on her apron. “Let me see the ring.”
I held up my hand to show her my bare fingers and smiled. “It’s being sized. I’ve already lost it once.”
“I’m sure it’s stunning.” She smiled. “Why don’t you two get settled and we’ll see you tonight for dinner.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Porter rested his arm around my shoulders.
“We’ve prepared one of the guest bungalows for you two that we reserve for family visitors.” Wanda motioned toward the door. “Edward or one of the others can give you a ride.”
“It’s okay, Mom. We’ll walk across the campus.” Porter wiped some of the flour from his mother’s cheek and kissed her.
He laced his fingers with mine and led me out one of the side exit doors. He nodded in acknowledgment to one of the armed guards standing outside the doorway. Porter gestured to the bungalows in the distance across the open field they called a campus.
An ocean breeze tickled my face and the sun heated my cheeks. It would be a beautiful place if it weren’t for the unease associated with the knowledge that I’d meet my end here.
People watched us as we crossed the open expanse, bypassing the multiple barrack buildings.
In the distance, I saw girls wearing the long flowing New Age-looking beige gowns that seemed to be some type of uniform.
“I’m starting to sense there is a dress code,” I said.
“There is, but it’s only for the newcomers. Those clothes don’t have pockets, and it’s easier for pat-downs and such, even though my stepfather would tell you that they’re just simply because the fabric is cooler on the island.”
One of the girls we were escorted past had snarled blonde hair that looked as though it hadn’t been brushed in days. Anger and contempt flashed in her eyes, highlighting the dark circles beneath. The girl clenched and unclenched her fists like she was mentally talking herself out of throwing a punch.
The blonde’s guard had a firm grip on the girl’s upper arm as she guided her into one of the buildings.
“Drug addicts are angry at first, but if their sponsors are as good as Edward was, they’ll help their students through the withdrawal period and be their shoulder for the rest of their lives.”
“So that girl we just passed is a recent arrival?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder.
“Yep. The first step in rehab is weaning them off the drugs. It’s not a pretty process, but it’s essential.” Porter gestured to the bungalows in the distance.
“My mom’s is the one in the middle. The ones on the ends are kept for visiting family. They offer a little bit of privacy, but not much.”
“And who stays in the other bungalows?” I asked.
“Those are for the instructors and mentors. The women that my mom and Thaddeus trust to oversee things since they can’t be everywhere all the time.”
I gave a slow nod as we neared a woman leaving one of the cabanas. She was dressed in a beige linen dress, only hers had pockets. She looked to be about our age. Her long blonde hair was braided down her back, and she had her fingers clasped in front of her as she approached. She was pretty in a wholesome kind of way.
“I heard you were on the island for a visit,” the woman said.