“Well, hello.”
“It’s Dorian,” I mouthed.
“Brynne, don’t ignore me. I’m quite disappointed in you.”
“Why are you calling me on this phone?” I took the phone from Joseph. “This is my dad’s way to contact me,” I said in an accusatory tone.
“The better question is, where are you? I came to your graduation, and you’re not here.”
“I want to talk to my dad.”
My sweet man brought a robe from the bathroom and helped me put it on.
“He’s unavailable, but Alfred is here. Speak to her,” Dorian said.
“Brynne, are you safe?” Alfred asked in a tight voice.
“Yes, how’s my dad?” I waited several seconds for a reply. “Alfred?”
“Don’t trust—” A gun went off.
I screamed and turned into Joseph’s chest. He closed the flip phone.
Someone pounded on the door.
“Enter,” Joseph said.
“That scream didn’t sound in the throws of passion,” Espada said.
“Destroy the phone.” Joseph tossed it to him. “Church in fifteen minutes.”
“Yeah, boss.”
“Why did you end the call and tell him to destroy the phone?” I trembled in his arms, tears rolling down my face.
“So he couldn’t trace the call. Alfred is probably dead, baby.”
“I know.” I wiped my eyes. “I wasn’t close to him. I’m not sure why I’m crying.”
“You’re overwhelmed.” He rubbed my back and kissed my neck.
“What’s church?”
“Just a different way to say meeting.” He looked down at me. “Let’s clean you up.”
I nodded and let him guide me to the shower. We got under the water.
“Do you think my dad is dead? Dorian hasn’t let me talk to him.” I stared at the tile wall while Joseph washed me.
“I don’t know, sweetheart.”
“I don’t want to be an orphan. I’ll be all alone.”
“No, you won’t. I’m here.”
I heard him, but what was there to say?
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