Knight of Penn Quarter by Terri Ann Johnson & Michele Sims

Author:Terri Ann Johnson & Michele Sims [Johnson, Terri Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781952871078
Publisher: Macro Publishing Group

Chapter Thirteen

After Heaven’s shower, Rachel placed the tray in front of her, sensing there was a shift in Heaven’s mood.

“Sweetheart, I need to tell you that there was a small memorial service and your brothers were cremated.”

Chewing her first bites of food, Heaven looked up from her plate. “Do we know where their ashes are?” Her eyes moistened, but no tears fell.

“I don’t right now, but we can find out.” Rachel was concerned as Heaven gave her a blank stare, rubbed her eyes, and rested her chin in her left hand.

She has to be in a state of denial and shutting down her emotions. This child may not be able to handle the weight of this situation.

Aware of how devastating grief could be, Rachel was determined Heaven would not have to face it alone.

“Okay Miss Rachel. Anything else?”

“Try to eat something.”

“I can talk and eat.” She looked up at Rachel. “I mean…that’s not rude?”

“No, it’s not.”

“I know that you want me to explain some things.” Heaven picked up her fork.

“I do, but only when you’re ready,” Rachel assured her.

After stabbing the fork into the chicken, chewing it as though it would be her last meal, Heaven responded, “I’m ready. I knew that I had to find you because I have lots to tell you.”

Heaven poured some of the strawberry lemonade into the glass over ice before she continued. “I’ve been on the street and there are a lot of teens living out there, but they helped me find food, and a place to lay my head. Most of them ran away from home and created a new family.”

Heaven stopped and gulped down her drink. “I really thought I might find my brothers and I kept praying, but then I overheard a conversation in a warehouse where some of the kids go to get out of the rain or the cold. I knew I couldn’t stay there long, because I didn’t want to get caught up in the things I saw some of them doing to survive.”

“What did you overhear?”

“Two men talking about our so-called foster parents and my brothers. They said that they were glad that they did what they did because Mr. Williams wouldn’t be able to make it in jail. They—”

Rachel saw the despair and sadness settle in her eyes. Since she didn’t want her to feel like she was being interrogated, she was supportive of her taking her time.

“I know it’s hard, but just remember I’m here for you,” Rachel whispered, stroking Heaven’s arm. “You don’t ever have to worry about being alone again and you can share anything with me.”

“They want what’s in my backpack.” She patted the bag.

“There’s a lot of money in there. They said something about fifty thousand dollars.”

“Why do you have the money, Heaven?”

“I took it from the drug dealers.”

Rachel shut her eyes tight as her heart sank into the pit of her stomach hoping somehow this wasn’t true. She had been around long enough to know the code of the streets, and she knew the drug dealers would stop at nothing to get it back.

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