Page 57 of Heart Sick Hate

“You know about the protestors picketing the sight of the new church.”

I nod.

“They’ve been growing in numbers. And a few weeks ago, they started leaving messages and sending letters.”

I shake my head. “So why haven’t you called the cops?”

“We have. Max and Rhett have been working with them.”

My stomach sinks at the fact that everyone is in the loop except for me. Even if I don’t involve myself in my father’s church as much as I should, they could at least tell me they were in danger.

“Have they threatened you too?” My heart hammers at the thought.

Rhett might be the new face, but it’s still my father’s church for the time being. If these are the people who did this, he’s in as much danger as Rhett was.

“Don’t worry. Max has security on me.”

“So they have?”

He avoids my question, but his eyes reveal the host of secrets he’s been keeping.

I’ve never liked the way Max Kingsley took my father under his wing after the deal we made, even if it was necessary. But for the first time since that moment, I wonder how deep his influence goes.

If Dad needs security, then things are worse than I realized, and he’s kept me in the dark through all of it.

“It’s going to be okay.”

“Is it?” The question comes out louder than I mean for it to.

Down the hall, I’m aware of Crew’s attention returning in my direction, but I try to ignore it. I brush my hair off my face and take a step back.

“Echo honey, I’ll be okay.Rhettwill be okay.”

“None of this is okay, Dad.”

And what’s worse, there’s nothing we can do about it. The protesters aren’t going to stop. The church’s stance isn’t going to change.

Even if I believe in Rhett’s cause, he’s bringing this heat on my father. Signs and rallies are one thing. Threats and bullets are another.

“Max has this handled.” Dad wipes his forehead, giving himself away whether he realizes it or not. “He’ll deal with it.”

I bite back my thoughts and nod. Dad’s too trusting of Max Kingsley. He doesn’t seem to realize the Kingsley men are nothing but trouble. But there’s no convincinghim of that. And even if I don’t like it, at least Max is using his power to protect Dad right now.

The elevator pings behind me, and I look over my shoulder to see Adam walking out of it. Doesn’t matter that it’s four in the morning, he’s in one of his ridiculously expensive suits, looking perfectly put together as always. At his side is his girlfriend, Lakeyn, looking more human than he does, even if she’s still ridiculously pretty. Her blonde hair is in a messy bun and she’s wearing jeans with her white cashmere sweater.

Adam and Lakeyn head straight for Crew and his father, which makes my stomach turn. It’s rare to get all three Kingsley brothers under one roof, and the sight of them coming together has to be a bad omen.

Breaking my stare at them, I turn back to Dad, who’s going through his phone and messaging someone.

“I’m going to go see Rhett.”

“Of course.” He nods, before jutting his chin to the left. “He’s in room fifty-three. Down that hall.”

Hopefully, he thinks I want to check in on my boyfriend and doesn’t sense the real reason—I need to escape.

Dad steps close and plants a kiss on the top of my head. “It’ll all be okay, Echo. Promise.”

The problem with promises isn’t the intention behind them. Most people make them to keep them. The issue is that some things are outside our control. And as Dad steps back to take a phone call, and I turn to walk away, I can’t help but feel like this promise is one he has no control over.

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