Page 79 of Now Until Forever
“Just call me immediately if they come around. The rest of it we’re leaving to the FBI.”
“And Luci?”
His eyes lit with a note of grief he probably didn’t think she saw. But Eliana saw more than Carlos wanted her to—she was sure of that. “I have no idea where to find her,” he said. “Or even if she’s alive.”
One thing she knew? “We can’t give up hope.”
Even if that horrible woman, Sarah, had inferred Luci would pay a price for their actions, Eliana was going to trust that God had this whole situation in His hands.
She couldn’t believe Luci would willingly stay with those people. She must’ve succumbed to some kind of brainwashing, or the powerful draw of a community of likeminded individuals, even if it would inevitably turn deadly. No one could say they’dnever fall victim to something like that. It sounded too much like hubris, and that only led to destruction.
People had been duped throughout history by so many persuasive leaders. Manipulated into doing or saying things they never would have without the influence of a figurehead to follow. Those people probably never would’ve imagined it could happen to them.
“I’m not giving up hope. Ever.” He squared his shoulders. “I’ll be hounding the FBI and asking my own questions. We’ll find her.”
Eliana reached over and pulled the knife free of its sheath. “I’ll help.”
Carlos shook his head. “I don’t want you in danger.”
“I’m not going to sit here and do nothing.”
“I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Well, it’s too late for that, so you can let me help you.” Just saying it was terrifying, and all she had was sentiment. Facing the Reverence Sisters was another matter entirely. “I need my phone back from the police. They took it as evidence.”
“Your phoneisevidence.” His expression softened. “You should probably just get a new one and have everything transferred over.”
“I need my phone. What if my mom calls?”
“I filled her in on everything. They’re wrapping up their case and then they’ll head here. But driving from Alaska to Chicago in the RV will take a week. At least.”
“Then we have a week to find Luci.”
Carlos smiled. “You should get some rest. Try to sleep tonight. I’ll come back tomorrow and take you home.”
“And sleep on my couch again?”
He nodded. “I’ll pack a bag and sleep on your couch.”
Relief loosened the knot in her chest. “Thanks, Carlos.”
“You’re family.” He knocked his knuckles on the tray table at the end of the bed and walked out.
Eliana leaned back on the pillow and realized she still had the knife in her hand. She sat forward and got it back in the sheath, then closed the lid. She put the box on the bedside table. Those were gorgeous flowers, which she hadn’t exactly thanked Carlos for.
Another lean back, and a sigh.
Closed her eyes, the haze of the overhead light still shining on her face. She needed Carlos to shut off the light on his way out.
“Knock-knock.” A light tap on the door drew her attention.
She opened her eyes and saw Tony standing in the doorway. “I’m not in the mood.”
A light chuckle was the only response, and despite what she’d just said, he came into the room anyway. Then sat in the seat that Carlos had tugged over, leaning back and lacing his fingers across his stomach.
Eliana sighed. “Shut off the light when you leave, okay?”
“I can do that.”
