Page 4 of Eternal Surrender

He dismissed my last question with a wave of his slender arm and his long fingers brushed through the air.

“What was I doing on the beach?” I asked.

“Minutes after it happened, you ran.” He slipped both his hands into the pockets of his cassock. “It’s probably better if you remember naturally.”

“And how long do you think that might take?”

“You must believe me when I say you’re safe here.”

I glanced back at the coffin to make a point.

“With the return of your memory,” said Jacob, “new challenges will arise. I want you to prepare yourself for that.”

I went to ask what he meant but he’d gone, and I was left staring at nothing. I slipped my hands through the bars and fiddled with the silver lock.

Alex, the young man from the beach, appeared out of the shadows and leaned against the cell gate opposite. I let go of the lock.

He was holding a blanket. “You really don’t know who I am, do you?” he said.

“Alexander?”

He sucked in his breath and then realized. “Don’t hurt my brother.”

“I don’t know who he is.”

Alex squeezed his eyes shut and whispered to himself, “Soon.”

I ran my fingers through my matted hair. “I need to take a shower.”

“I think that’s a good idea.” He slid the blanket between the bars and let it go.

It fell at my feet. “I’m not planning on staying.”

“Won’t be for long.”

“Did I mess up?” I asked.

“I did.”

I wrapped my fingers around the bars. “Then why am I the one in here?”

He flinched, uncomfortable with that question.

“Well you’re forgiven.” I glanced at the lock. “Now let me out.”

“Jadeon?” he asked, searching.

“That’s my name?” On his reaction I asked, “That’s not my name?”

“What do you think your name is?”

“What. . . is. . . my. . . name?” I clenched my teeth.

“William,” Alex said flatly.

I hesitated and then said, “You just called me Jadeon?”

“Your father’s name was William too.”