Fallen Death (The Trihune Series Book 3) by RB Austin Read Free Book Online

days, I’ll open my bible and the message I need to receive is right in front of me. It’s a sign that the Lord is watching. He’s saying, ‘I’m here. I care.’”
    She nodded. Took a small sip from her Styrofoam cup. “I wondered, do you know anyone in the congregation who could watch Keandre after school. Mrs. B left for a couple weeks to help her sister.”
    “Yes, I heard about that. I’ve been praying for Velma’s health. Well, I can definitely make an announcement Sunday at both Worship services.”
    “Thank you, Pastor. That would help.”
    “What time does school dismiss?”
    “Three-thirty. I get off work at five-thirty and am home most nights by six.”
    “I’d be happy to watch him the rest of this week.”
    She blinked. Shook her head. “Oh no, that wasn’t why I brought it up. I couldn’t possibly impose.”
    “You brought it up because you need help.” He placed a hand on her arm. “And I want to help. My afternoons are spent working on Sunday sermons. Keandre would be a welcome distraction.”
    She scratched her cheek. “I don’t want to put you out.”
    “Nonsense. Although I did agree to meet a parishioner tomorrow at five o’clock, so if you don’t mind, I’ll bring Keandre to my house. He can work on his homework or watch a bit of TV while I visit.”
    “Are you sure? I mean, his school does have an after school program. I can—”
    “Asjhone.” His tone was kind, soft. “Please allow me to help. You, Keandre, and the other members of this church are my family. Family helps family.”
    Warmth flooded behind her eyes. She swallowed before speaking. “Yes, Pastor. Thank you.”

Chapter 13
    Asjhone held Keandre’s hand on the way home. The sun was setting, but was bright enough that she felt safe walking.
    “You’re quiet. Aren’t you happy? No latchkey tomorrow.”
    Keandre’s eyebrows furrowed, and he glanced over his shoulder.
    Asjhone turned as well, but spied no one. “What did you discuss in bible group tonight?”
    “Hurry, Momma.” Keandre walked faster, pulling on her hand.
    “What are you rushing for? It’s just bath and bedtime when we get home.”
    Another look over his shoulder. “I don’t like what he’s saying. It’s scaring me.”
    Asjhone whipped around, tripping on a crack in the sidewalk. An older lady was getting into her car about a half a block away. On the opposite side of the street, two teenagers had just left a coffee shop. Air rushed from her mouth. She scanned the surroundings once more. “Who are you talking about? There’s no one around us.”
    He shook his head, yanked on her hand.
    She frowned. “Did Mrs. Mackie allow you watch a scary show again?”
    “No, Momma.” Keandre didn’t slow down. His hand was tight on hers.
    “So you and Devan were watching TV and she didn’t know?” She sighed. “That’s why I don’t like you over there. She doesn’t supervise. Both of you are too little to watch whatever you want.”
    Fear flickered across his face, and he twisted again to look behind them.
    Asjhone’s anger at Tamera spiked. Was it too much to monitor a child’s TV habits? She thought of something to distract him. “How about we skip the bath tonight and have a piece of Ms. Tynice’s apple pie instead?”
    Keandre glanced up, eyes wide. “Really?”
    She nodded, smiling. Sometimes it just hit how much she loved him.
    “Can I have ice cream with it?”
    Annnd the guilt was back. “Sorry, lil’ man. We don’t have ice cream yet. But I’ll warm up the pie. Add some whip cream. How does that sound?”
    Disappointment was clear, but he said, “Okay.”
    Keandre’s fear never completely left until they were in the house with the door locked. She’d have to talk to Tamera about the shows Keandre could and could not watch.

Chapter 14
    Sarid closed the door and set off on foot, forgoing the Hummer locked in his garage. The apartment building and garage were rigged with a massive alarm system, similar to the HQ’s.