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What now?” I answer, unenthused.
“Summer? Is that you? Thank god you answered” I know the voice immediately, but he sounds a little taken aback.
I purposely ignored all incoming calls from my mom and Eric and blocked Harry. They have no reason to contact me anymore.
“Eric?” I find myself straightening in my seat.
“I need to speak with you, Summer, it’s urgent.”
Before I protest, Eric speaks again. This time, his voice becomes lower, as though he’s cautious as to who could be listening.
“It’s about your father. I really need you to hear this.”
His words grab my attention immediately but feeling torn between his loyalty to me and towards Harry, I bit my lower lip, unsure of how to answer.
“Just tell me, Eric.” I feel my body shaking still, forcing the words out. I try to sound in control.
“I…I can’t. I need to give you something.
“Fuck sake.” I mutter, running my hand over my face. I glance out the window, thinking of a suitable place to meet. “Meet me at the church from my dad’s service. I’ll meet you inside as soon as I can.”
Ending the call, I don’t give Eric a chance to answer. I immediately regret my decision to meet him, but the sound in his voice wasn’t something I can ignore. He genuinely sounded worried, which was unlike him. If he knows something about my dad, then I need to hear it, even if it’s just him confirming what I already know. Harry was behind it all.
Once I’ve given the driver the address, I fall back into my seat and continue to pick at my thumb nervously. Catching myself, I sigh, glancing around for the obvious camera following me around. The street begins to look familiar, seeing the church in the distance. Twenty or so minutes have passed as the taxi has driven through the busy rush hour traffic, and the sun has already begun to set.
Once the car pulls up on the sidewalk, I pass the driver the money and slide out. Standing at the bottom of the steps, I look up. The church looks almost eerie in this light. I take a deep breath and kick myself for agreeing to meet here when it’s getting dark.
Turning around, the street is busy. Smartly dressed men and women in suits finishing their hectic days, tourists snapping photos with their families and groups of friends heading to the local bars for a catch-up. I feel like a complete outsider as I suspiciously glare around the street, wondering if I’m still being watched or followed. Eventually I turn back to the church and roll my eyes.
He’s hardly going to stand in a busy street masked up, where everyone can see what a fucking psycho he is.
Shaking my head, I ascend the steps to the church.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Summer?
Stepping into the church, I spot Eric sitting at the end of the pew halfway down the aisle. As he stares straight ahead, I feel myself begin to pick at my thumb again. Shaking my right hand, I glance around the quiet area as I approach. Hearing my footsteps, Eric snaps towards my direction, then looks around before facing forward again.
My brows pinch as he shuffles over, and I sit next to him. His knee nervously bounces, while he tries to steady his trembling hands.
Lowering my voice, I lean in. “Eric, what’s this about? You’re worrying me.”
He refuses to meet my gaze, but I can see the sweat beading on his forehead. I find myself nervously glancing round, his entire demeanour is off. He’s scared, but I have no idea what of.
“Has something happened?” I ask again.
I feel myself sink into the pew, spotting Father Dudley lighting candles at the altar. I try my best to avoid looking in his direction and turning my head slightly but as he turns, I can see him in my peripheral. My gaze burns holes into the side of Eric’s head with my intense stare, hoping it won’t prompt an unwanted guest to try to speak with me.
If he thinks we’re in a deep conversation, he’ll hopefully not interrupt. But with Eric refusing to look my way, I feel myself failing. Letting out a low breath, I feel the frustration building.
“You know something about my dad, now fucking tell me, Eric!” I speak through gritted teeth, hoping no one nearby can hear me swearing in church.
My entire body is tense, waiting for Eric to speak. The silence is killing me, like some god-awful medieval torture. Glancing around, there are a few people dotted around the large church but look as though they’re far enough away to be unable to hear us speak.
“I want you to know how sorry I am, Summer.” Eric finally turns to me. As I look around his face, I see an immense sadness deep within his eyes.
I shake my head slightly, unsure what he means.
