Page 19 of The Heart of Smoke

“Oh, so like last year?” Callum teases.

We all crack up laughing and it feels good. I don’t think he’s being cruel or picking on me in a bad way. All the men in this family are tall, solid, and sturdy as hell. In comparison, I’m a waif.

“Keep it up and I’ll hustle your ass too, man,” I joke back.

“Nah, I only attempt things I know I can excel at.”

The therapist in me wants to pick apart that statement, but since we’re not in a session—and I don’t know that Callum will ever do one—I let the comment blow over. Tonight, it’s about making friends and enjoying the company of others without fear of repercussion.

Willa tells him a story about the crazy lady at the coffee shop who took our order while I drift to other thoughts. One that keeps cropping up is that I wonder how Sean is dealing with my sudden absence. He was probably pissed at first, but then went on a rampage trying to hunt me down. Luckily, I left without telling a soul where I was going. On my way here, I took several weird routes until I finally backtracked over to make sure I wasn’t being followed.

Which brings me to my next big ask to maintain my safety…

“I was, uh, wondering if I could park my car in your garage.” I wince at how shaky my voice sounds. “I know it’s a piece of crap next to yours but—”

“Yeah, man. You don’t have to ask.”

I stare at him, eyes unblinking for several seconds. He doesn’t ask why or challenge me in any way. The relief that rushes through me is dizzying.

I think I’m actually going to like it here.

My bedroom overlooks the dark, imposing home across the road. A few lights shine through the windows downstairs, but other than that, it looks like a tomb. It’s hard to believe people actually live there.

Once I finish my nighttime routine and ready myself for bed, I turn off the lights and sit in the chair by the window. The wind howls outside, but it’s otherwise quiet. Out here, there aren’t noisy neighbors or cars or anything. It’s peaceful. Safe. Protected. I can see why Jude wants to preserve that.

I’m about to head for bed when I get the distinct feeling someone is watching me. All the hairs on my arms stand on end as a thrum of nervous energy buzzes through my body.

Sean?

I frantically search the shadows and the dense trees surrounding the homes and road. Nothing stands out or seems out of place. Still, I can’t seem to be able to stop my erratically beating heart.

If Sean is here, it’s over for me.

He will humiliate me in front of them just like he has all my other employers. If that doesn’t work, he’ll vandalize their property until they get sick of me being a liability.

Please don’t be Sean.

God, please.

A shadow moves and my eyes latch onto it. The outline is massive and bulky, immobilizing me with fear. But then I see the horrible, terrifying white mask.

Not my monster.

Their monster.

It’s just Jude.

Somehow, this brings me a tiny kernel of peace. I offer him a small wave to let him know I see him. As I close the curtains, he waits for a brief moment and then disappears into the shadows.

I’m still safe.

Thank God, I’m still safe.

Jude

He’s afraid.

Of someone or something, it’s hard to tell.

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