Page 37 of Prophet
Jewel and I sat down. Across from us were Cinnamon and Redemption.
Cinnamon stared at Jewel her eyes luminous with fear and worry.
I hoped she wouldn’t upset Jewel just now. We had a helluva trip ahead of us. I met Redemption's gaze and gave him a nod.
Taking Cinnamon’s hand in his, he got my message. Of course he did, no man knew me better than him.
“I will say grace today,” Ma spoke up so all could hear her.
Bowing our heads, we all joined hands.
“Dear Lord, bless this family,” Ma spoke. “We have suffered and we have received joy. Today, some of us will pass through the valley of the shadows. We say unto thee: I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.”
We all repeated, “Amen.”
Her words were more than just a bible verse to me.I fear no evil…I had thought of what my dad had said about fear. The same thing in essence. So I really took this as a sign. I hoped it was. I closed my eyes.We are coming for you, dad.
Jewel patted my hand.
I opened my eyes to look over at her. It seemed so odd that today, I noticed every small detail about her. The color of her eyes. The creaminess of her skin. The way she licked her lip a bit as she concentrated on something. Fucking adorable.
She wasn’t looking back at me as she got some toast and honey to put onto her plate. She then poured herself a small cup of coffee and added a little sugar and cream to it.
I took mine black, not from preference but from cattle drives. Yes, ranches still did those to an extent and all we had was coffee...black. It became a habit. I had biscuits and gravy on my plate, though I doubted I would eat it all. Talk about my stomach rolling. It rode a fucking roller coaster this morning.
“Prophet!”
I raised my head to look around. I’d been lost in my own head again. Damnit, I needed to get my focus. I met Jarret’s gaze as he had called my name.
“You okay, son?” he asked.
I shook my head. I’d never lied to this man in all the years I’d known him. My uncle by marriage, his wife had been my mother’s sister. “No sir,” I gave him an honest answer. “But I will be soon.”
He gave me a nod. He knew what the plan was, as did most of the people here.
After another half hour, breakfast was finally over. I never believed I would see the day when the Walkers all ate quietly. It was like someone had died. Maybe some of us would today. I shut my eyes and took a deep cleansing breath. I needed to stop thinking like this, fear again. Only Deacon would die today. I would chant this in my head all damn day until it came true. I stood from the chair and took Jewel’s hand.
Now again, the walk down to that fucking basement. If I never saw it again, it would be too soon.
Chapter Twelve:By Any Other Name
Jewel
When we came in, I noticed a big change in the basement. The wall now had a huge hole in it. I also heard voices coming from inside the large gap. Looking up, I saw Talon and Logan with some devices in their hands. They were speaking into them and voices spoke back. This told me and Prophet that the tunnel was ready.
Liv came over and motioned to me.
Following her, we went in and I stood in the corner of the large closet as I waited to put on this tracking bra.
Liv handed it to me then she looked over at Prophet. “He looks steady as a rock.”
I put the bra on and donned my shirt as I stepped over to look. Prophet talked in low tones with Talon and the men. He did look calm, but I knew turmoil boiled just below that seemingly smooth surface. “He's the best man I have ever known,” I replied sincerely. “And I will do anything to keep him that way.”
Liv turned her head to look at me. “I can understand that. When you find that kind of man, you...” She shook her head as she didn’t finish.
I stared at her and understood what she was trying to say. I never would have before this, but I loved him and that had changed my whole world. “If this goes wrong, I don’t know what will happen, but I am praying you all find his dad. If Prophet really turns himself in as a trade…” I bit at my lip as tears filled my eyes.
Liv grabbed my arm. “Look, I know this has to be the hardest thing maybe that you have ever had to do. But don’t let your fear take over.” She met my eyes. “In my work that was… well, a deadly thing to do. You keep yourself together in order to come out alive, Jewel. You understand?”
