Rolland was sitting at the opposite end of the restaurant. His back was to them, and his attention was elsewhere, but at any second he could turn and see their table.
No amount of make-up or disguise was going to hide Bryson from him.
Rolland knew him.
“Eric isn’t back,” Adria said.
“We will text him when we leave,” Kaydon said, grabbing her hand.
For a terrifying breath, Bryson thought she would refuse. But a gentle pull of Kaydon’s hand and she was out of her seat. Bryson and Seth behind them.
Out of the building, Bryson looked around. A few houses were nearby, but he didn’t see a good place to lie low. They couldn’t just walk around on the street; they would stand out too much.
Adria had her phone out, texting Eric.
“Eric has eyes on him,” she said.
Seth pointed to their left. “A church.”
Bryson nodded. “Let’s go.”
CHAPTER 41
CURITIBA PARANÁ
Adria felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She knew Eric was calling.
Adria admired the church as the four of them entered through the green painted door. The exterior was a clean white, with gold trim around the roof line.
On the inside, it was open and bright, and Adria was surprised at the amount of color that greeted them. Vibrant paintings lined the walls, and the sun seemed to pour in from all sides.
Bryson kept glancing at the doors behind them as Kaydon pulled her into a row near the back.
Seth sat to her right, and Kaydon sprawled his arms out, saying, “Brings back memories, doesn’t it, Bryce?”
Adria looked at Bryson. “You went to church?”
Kaydon leaned into her, saying, “What? He doesn’t strike you as a good catholic boy?”
Bryson rolled his eyes. “My mother brought us, before…”
Viola, his mother, had died in the same car accident that had taken his brother Luca’s life.
Adria put his hand under hers and gave it a squeeze.
The church was mostly empty, except for a few people in the middle rows. A man in large robes came out and the already quiet space fell into an even further silence.
Adria checked her phone.
Adria: Safe. We are in a church down the road.
Eric: He is still here. Just stay put until I come get you.
“Who is he?” she whispered to Bryson.
“That’s the priest. He gives communion and sermons.”
Adria gripped his chin, forcing him to look at her. Not wanting to draw attention, her voice was soft, but her nails dug into his face.
