Page 88 of Die for You
“Am I to make myself seen?”
Gianna smirks. “Oh, of course. You can do the honors in telling him that you are the one responsible for his brother’s death. An eye for an eye.” She snickers as if remembering a fond memory. “Well, that seems rather obsolete, seeing as Lewis has none.”
I can’t believe I once respected this woman.
What a fool I was.
“No time to waste, then.” I stand, wanting this to be over ASAP.
Gianna is happy with my enthusiasm to destroy Lenny. She sends a text to my minder, no doubt. “Danny will meet you around the back.”
I don’t ask any questions because I know better.
Walking through the orphanage on autopilot, I wonder if I should send a text to Lenny. It’s too risky. Gianna is the one who taught us never to assume no one is looking, because that’s usually when someone is.
I can’t help but see the irony that once again, I am a prisoner behind these walls.
This ground is forever cursed, for it has been housing nothing but horror and pain. If I make it out of this alive, I plan to change that.
No child deserves to be frightened, abused, or neglected. And that is all this place seems to offer. But I vow to protect children like Elena who don’t have a voice. I’ll be their voice because I’ll ensure vile people like Father Merry and Gianna will listen.
I didn’t have a voice when locked away in here, abandoned and forgotten.
But I have one now.
It surprises me to see a security guard stationed at the back door. This is new and, no doubt, under the orders of Gianna.
She’s worried about someone breaking in.
But when the guard eyes me closely, I realize it’s not about someone breaking in; it’s about someone breaking out. And that someone is me.
I’m under no false pretenses. I’m a prisoner here.
I do what Gianna says. When she says. And if I don’t, if I dare disobey her again, then those I love will suffer the consequences.
If only it was as easy as killing her. But until Lettie is safe, I am her slave.
The guard covers the keypad when he punches in the door code. Next time, I’ll ensure I make note of what the code is.
I step outside, and it’s pouring rain. The sky is black. The wind is bitter cold. A perfect reflection of the predicament I find myself in. A white van has pulled up by the ramp. I sprint to it and open the passenger door.
Danny doesn’t bother saying hello.
I peer over my shoulder into the back. I see a blanket covering something. Or rather,someone. This is how I’m to deliver Lewis to Lenny—in a floral blanket.
We commence our journey in silence.
The wipers grate my nerves, and soon, their sequence is in time with the thumping of my heart. The louder they swipe, the more anxious I become. I grip the leather seat and measure my breaths as I feel a panic attack approaching.
I focus on Lettie and how happy she was on her birthday. That calms me down because if I don’t keep it together, she’ll forever be five because she won’t live to see another birthday.
The car ride feels like ten hours, but when we pull up to the familiar gates, I wish I had more time to prepare. But nothing can prepare anyone for what’s about to unfold.
The guard at the gates is the same man who let me in yesterday. Or was it the day before? Time just seems to be one excruciating loop. He peers into the windshield and reads my expression immediately. He places his hand over his gun holster, but I subtly shake my head.
He’s debating what to do.
Thankfully, he chooses to go back into the gatehouse and picks up the phone.
