Page 114 of Desecrated Saints
“Nearly there, blackbird.”
It’s another fifteen minutes before we stop in the middle of a busy, vibrant market borough. Countless stalls and food vans shout their services, a delicious tangle of aromas floating towards us. Businessmen flag down customers to part with their money, while customers gobble street food and fresh doughnuts.
Guided through the traffic, we head for a tiny coffee bar tucked between two thrift stores. Inside, the warm ambience invites comfort. The smell of freshly ground coffee immediately perks Seven up.
Colourful Tiffany lamps and armchairs dipped in rich velvet warm the coffee shop, reminiscent of an old-school Victorian tearoom. Hudson removes his beanie and strolls towards a table tucked into the furthest corner, where two figures are crouched over their cappuccinos.
“Janet?” Hudson asks nervously.
With a headful of pristine blonde hair and deep, kind hazel eyes, Kade’s mum is the picture of middle-class charm. She looks vastly different from the last time we saw her, heading off to finalise her divorce and run. Her spotless dress and expensive heels are gone, replaced by worn jeans and a floral blouse.
“Oh, Hudson,” she cries out.
He’s nearly knocked off his feet by the strength of her hug. She sobs loudly, soaking him with her tears. Behind them, Kade’s younger sister watches on with wet cheeks. Cece is also blonde and classically beautiful like her mother, all soft lines and bright smiles.
“Calm down,” Hudson grumbles. “You’re causing a scene.”
“You be quiet. A mother is entitled to hug and kiss her baby.”
Seeing something so pure come from such evil warms my chest. Hudson secretly loves her attention; there’s no denying the shine of tears in his eyes. Unconditional love isn’t something he’s experienced a whole lot of.
Seven disappears to order drinks. I laugh at him salivating over the extensive coffee menu. We have a decent stash of cash left over that Kade distributed when we left Scotland. When Janet spots me over Hudson’s shoulder, her tears intensify.
“Brooke. You’re looking so much better, my dear.”
I clear my throat awkwardly. “Thank you, Mrs Knight. I’m getting there.”
Bundled into her perfume-scented embrace, she kisses my short hair. “Please, call me Janet. We’re beyond such formalities now. Come, sit. We don’t have much time.”
Crowded around the small table, Cece offers me a quick squeeze before retaking her seat. Janet refuses to release Hudson’s hand. He rolls his eyes while pecking Cece’s cheek. Seeing him around her is too fucking sweet for me to take. I adore the soft soul within his cruel, hardened shell.
“Do you need anything? More money?” Janet worries. “I can get more for you.”
“We’re fine,” Hudson answers. “Everyone’s safe. We’re staying with the security firm that Kade told you about.”
“Good, good. I needed to know that before we leave.”
“Is something wrong?”
Janet grimaces. “We’re on our way to the airport. My sister owns a villa in Southern Spain. Leroy is putting pressure on us with the divorce proceedings, and we can’t hide here any longer. His threats have become physical. I fear for our lives if we stay.”
“How are you getting out of the country?” Hudson frowns.
“Don’t worry about us. We have all the right documents. My husband isn’t the only one with friends in the right places.” She lifts her sombre gaze to Hudson. “We came to say goodbye.”
Adam’s apple bobbing, he squeezes her hand tight. “As long as you’re safe. Things are going to get messier here as the truth comes out. The more distance between us, the better.”
Seven returns, already downing his third espresso shot. He stations himself against the wall, his caffeine-fuelled gaze trained on the front entrance.
“What about Kade?” I ask nervously.
“That boy has worried about the world since he was eight years old,” Janet says with a wistful smile. “Such a kind child, so full of love. He’s borne the responsibility for our family’s sins for too long. This worry is mine to carry, and mine alone.”
“Mum,” Cece pleads.
Janet tucks hair behind her ear. “You’ll see him again, Hudson too. When this is all over, we can be a family again.”
“May be sooner than you think.” Hudson grins at her.
