I went to church early with Sam this morning. He likes company, I get free coffee.
Once there, he turns up the heat and leaves me to pass out bulletins and set up while he runs for the coffee. We're a good team. I'm still a preacher's wife and a damn good one. The door opens far too soon, no way he could have made it all the way to Starbucks and back so I head down the sanctuary to help him with his purchases and just as I make it through the door I'm greeted by two Russian bodyguards and the kingpin himself, or whatever they call him. Papa is actually what they call him but I don't think any of them are related.
I take a step backwards but then one is taking my arm, walking me back toward him.
Don't be afraid, Papa orders as we reach him.
I'm not.
Such a firefly, he says softly.
Caleb is on his way.
No he isn't.
Are you here for the service?
No, this is personal, actually. I need to know if you need help with him.
Caleb? No.
He hurt you as a child. Does he continue to hurt you? Think carefully before you answer me.
No. And I have no reason to protect him.
Bridget, I'm going to give you a card.
I have one already.
This one is different. It reaches me directly.
Who does the other one reach?
My people.
Oh.
If you need anything you call the number on it. Anything. Twenty four hours a day. You call me. I will send someone or I will come myself. Twelve people have this privilege in the world but I like you. You ask for nothing.
I nod.
Don't let him hurt you. You're worth more than that.
I nod again.
How much are you worth?
More than that.
Good girl. Have a nice day, okay? Don't show that card to them. I don't care if you tell them you saw me but the card stays with you at all times okay? It's not for them, it's for you.
Okay. I whisper. He bends down and kisses both my cheeks, the left one twice and then they're gone.
I'm still standing in the hall shaking like a leaf when Sam comes in with coffee and croissants ten minutes later.
Bridget, you're as white as a sheet! What's wrong?
Nothing. I just had a visitor.
Who?
Papa.
The Russians?
The Russians.
What did they want?
They apparently have my back.
What?
'Save the Bridget, save the world', I guess.
Man, you charm everyone.
But I DON'T. That's the thing!
