Page 123 of Forgive Me Father
“I’m calling in my favor,” I warn, hearing him shift in bed.
“Roman, what’s going on? You’ve never called like this—”
“That church I took a job at? It’s a fucking trafficking ring,” I yell. “And they’ve got the woman I love caught up in it—”
“Woman you love?” Echo’s surprise is evident. “Jesus, Roman, I didn’t think Idlewood—”
“Echo, I’m begging you,” I plead, my voice cracking. “I can’t let anything happen to her. When was the last time I gave a shit about my own life? This woman has given me a reason to live. I almost lost her before I even had a chance. Help me, please.”
“I can get on a plane with a few of my guys in a few hours,” Echo says, his tone shifting. “How bad are we talking, Roman?”
“There’s a whole fucking catalog of children,” I sigh, glancing at the discarded portfolio. “My girl’s in there too.”
Silence hangs heavy before Echo speaks again.
“When’s the drop?”
“Next Sunday. Here at the church. I don’t know where they’re keeping them—”
“I’ll see you soon, brother,” Echo replies firmly. “Glad to see you’ve found some fight again.”
I end the call, a wave of relief washing over me. I reach for Eden’s trembling hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Who was that?” She asks, her voice laced with fear.
“Echo. His real name is Elijah. We served together. He’s been working for DHS since he got out. It was time to call in a favor.”
As we approach her apartment building, I glance around. No one seems to be trailing us, no police in sight.
I park and turn off the car. Gathering Eden in my arms, I whisper, “I shot your dad. I couldn’t keep pretending—”
“I don’t want to be here anymore, Roman,” She sobs, her voice breaking with genuine pain. “I don’t want to be in danger—”
I hold her close, bracing for the uncertainty that lies ahead.
“I won’t let them hurt you, Eden,” I whisper, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “You need to stay with me at all times. Aiden too. I’ll keep you both safe—”
“Aiden is at Zoey’s mom’s tonight,” She cries, her voice trembling with urgency. “We need to go get him—”
“He’s safer there tonight,” I reassure her. “I’ll get him firstthing in the morning—”
She kisses me, holding on as if her life depended on it, and I respond with a fervor I’ve never shown before, kissing her as if it’s the first time. My arms wrap around her with an intensity that makes me forget everything but her.
“Can we go inside?” She sobs. “And please, don’t leave my side tonight.”
I wipe her tears away, nodding solemnly.
“Only if you promise to do the same.”
With little hesitation, I lift her into my arms, carrying her inside. I only release her once we’re in the bedroom, gently laying her down on the bed.
Chapter 35
Eden
Jolted awake by the relentless buzzing of my phone, I glance over at Roman, who sleeps peacefully beside me. It seems all he needs for a good night’s rest is to exhaust every ounce of energy, leaving me sore and walking funny for days.
Wincing at the soreness, I carefully climb out of bed, pulling on a pair of Roman’s sweats and a tee. I grab my phone and quietly slip into the living room, closing the door as gently as possible.
