“It’s okay, buddy,” Sean said. “She’s with us now.”
Matt nodded but didn’t speak again. It was clear he was trying to contain overwhelming emotions.
“We went back into the main sanctuary, where the other children and adults were. We thought we could lead everyone to the escape route we’d found. But all the adults, including my parents and yours and Matt’s, turned their guns on the children and then each other.”
The shocking story caused her entire body to shake. “Oh my God.”
“My dad spotted me and aimed his gun at my head. That’s when some of the women set fire to the drapes using gasoline.” Sean sighed. “A spark hit my dad’s shirt before he could fire his gun. Matt and I ran back to Willie’s office and scrambled down the tunnel. The FBI found us in a field about a mile from the compound. They thought that the only survivors were us and Willie. The bastard was never found. The authorities have continued hunting him without success.”
With tears running down her face, Jena said, “Thirty-seven adults died. And for years it was believed twelve children did, too. But one of the twelve survived, Carrie. You.”
“Carrie, you didn’t start the fire,” Matt said. “You weren’t even there. You were in the tunnel by the time the flames were roaring.”
“I believe you,” she said. “You have no idea how this makes me feel. A very heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Willie lied to me, filling in blanks that I couldn’t remember.”
“You were only three, Carrie,” Matt told her. “How could you remember?”
“I remember the smoke.”
Chapter Seven
Carrie sipped the delicious coffee that Jena’s mother Janet had brewed for her.
“How about I make us some bacon and eggs for breakfast, Carrie?” Janet sat across from her at the kitchen table.
“Thanks, but I had a bowl of cereal with Kimmie before Jena took her to school this morning.”
“I can’t believe I slept in so late.” Jena’s mom was a very sweet woman, and quite attractive, too.
“Everyone but Kimmie was up past two. No wonder.”
Janet smiled. “How could any of us go to bed early? My sweet Jena found you. You’re family, Carrie. In fact, I hope you will call me ‘mom’ like your brother and Sean do.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “I’ve never remembered my own mother. So for you to include me gives me such happiness that I’ve never known before.”
With a tear rolling down her cheek, Janet reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “You’re home, Carrie. Always know you can come to me for anything, anytime.”
“I appreciate that so much, but not ever being close to anyone it may be a little hard for me to get used to.”
“It will happen faster than you can imagine. Just being in this family and this town has filled so many gaps in my own life. And you’ll understand that better when Jena and I tell you about our past. It wasn’t easy for us either. We made our share of mistakes, but now we couldn’t be happier.”
She squeezed the dear woman’s hand. “Thank you, Mom.”
“Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?”
Grinning, she said, “It’s a start.”
“Good for you. What a wonderful night. Seeing how happy Matt was having you back was incredible. If it hadn’t been for Sean’s champagne, I doubt I would’ve been able to sleep at all. I promise that tomorrow I’ll make a big breakfast for everyone before they leave for work and school. And for lunch, I’ll put something together just for you and me.”
Jena, Matt, and Sean had wanted to take some days off but with Shannon’s Elite in full alert it wasn’t possible. Their skills were required to try to find Cindy Trollinger, a woman who Carrie had learned was very dangerous.
The doorbell rang.
They walked to the front door together.
“Are you expecting anyone?” Having been on the run for so long, Carrie felt a little uneasy.
Janet peered through the peephole. “Oh my God. It’s Gary. We had a breakfast date this morning set up. With all the excitement last night I completely forgot.” Before opening the door, Janet turned to her. “Don’t worry. I’ll just cancel. Gary will understand.” She swung the door open.