“Okay,” he said, not arguing like he had expected nothing less. “After you . . .” He held out his palm towards the seating places in the living room.
I took a few steps into the living room and took a seat on the edge of the black leather chair that was placed closest to the bedroom for an easy getaway. He stood right where he was, knowing not to follow me like he would have any other time.
“I’m sure you are surprised to see me,” he begun. He seemed surprised that it was me of all people here, and I felt the same way.
“What gives you that idea?” I muttered with an eye roll.
Ignoring my remark, he continued on. “Just because I worked with your father for a number of years doesn’t mean I have the same views. He’s a Preacher, and with my line of work I needed a way in. I’ll take just about any work in with a number of people if I can.”
It didn’t escape my notice that he purposely didn’t saywhathe did, or who he worked for.
“But my boss pulled me away late last night to come keep an eye on you here. I can’t blow off the family, even in times of distress. The Boss demands me to do things I have to do without question.”
He was making no sense. I’m sure he could see in in my expression as I squinted my eyes at him.
“I didn’t know it was you until I peeked in on you after Mr. Melendez left. I got a bit of time to put pieces together, and I’m not thrilled with how this all went down. I really am glad you are okay, even though you have no idea what is happening outside of this loft, and it’s for the best.
“I’ll do my best to make sure no harm comes to you. I promise. I’ve always seen you like a niece since I got to know you and your parents. That will not change, Avidya,” Jonas spoke, a look of serenity on his face.
“Now, to keep Mr. Melendez on your good side, please don’t try to escape. He will find you, he always does. His . . . .punishments. . . are not just a grounding or a yelling. He’s strict but not nearly anything like what you are used to, thankfully. He just expects you to act your age and be respectful for the most part.”
“What . . . how are my parents doing?” I asked, knowing he wouldn’t answer the main question that plagued me.
“Your mother is quite upset, and last I knew hardly left her bed,” Jonas answered. “Your father . . . well, he’s doing as he always does in times of high stress. He has hardly left the church, thinking God will bring you back home while the community puts search groups together. You know how he gets . . .”
Yeah, I did. He always thought that God could bring salvation to anyone, and those that committed sin would get what they deserved. His view of God’s word tended to be wrong. He’d take parts of the bible and make his own view of everything. I never agreed on that. I always thought that God’s words went verse by verse, and the ten commandments were our rules, our type of guidelines to live by. Father’s strict parenting style showed his views clearly in not only his personal life but also his religious live as a pastor.
“So, he’ll expect me to be found dead rather than be returned touched in any way,” I huffed, letting my body slouch back in the chair. I almost feared father’s response, either way, knowing that he’d pretty much detest me no matter what happened.
“Basically,” he said with a half-sad look. “But I think that Mr. Melendez will be a better option if I do say so myself. He can offer you more than the views and expectations your parents ever can.”
Where had that come from?Jonas skipped topics, and I became lost on what he was trying to say.
“Mr. Melendez is a powerful man and does things completely differently from what you are used to, but he won’t hurt you, that I can guarantee,” he went on, almost as he lost himself in thought.
“Surely, they won’t stop looking for me,” I mused. “And mom will start drinking again. I can’t just sit back and do nothing.”
I wasn’t proud that my own mother was an alcoholic, but I never looked at her different because of it. Living with that man I call a father would make anyone want to drink more than anything else.
“Mr. Melendez is pulling strings to get that taken care of,” he spoke. ”You do not need to worry about it. He doesn't want you to worry.”
“You have got to be kidding me!” I said, standing up as anger grabbed a hold of me. “Do nothing? Don’t worry about it? My best friend was murdered! Right beside me on top of it! I was kidnapped, drugged and handled as though I’m a piece of meat. Then I’m given to a man as agiftto be paid off as a debt repayment!
“You expect me to just go along with whatever you people demand? I’m sick and tired of being a puppet, goddamnit!”
“Yep,” he said, amused as he crossed his arms over his chest. Who was he agreeing with? Me, or his own thoughts?
“Well, I’m not!” I seethed. There was absolutely no way I could just stay here without fighting. Even though there wasn’t much I could do, as Jonas was strong enough to stop me from leaving. I sure as Hell would not be standing here, letting whoever just boss me around.
I was done.
“Then you’ll learn the hard way, Avidya,” he simply shrugged. He didn’t raise his voice, but his words spoke volumes. He justknewwhat was in store for me, no matter what I did.
And I was not going to make it easy on anyone.
