Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
In the distance, the rumble of motorcycles patrolling the perimeter drifted through the building. Eliza flinched at the sound, her eyes darting toward the windows.
“Just the guys doing their rounds,” Hannah explained gently. “They keep the perimeter secure around the clock. You’ll get used to the sound. Most of the women here come to find it comforting.”
“Are they nice like Cash?” Lily asked, surprising all of us with her direct question.
Hannah’s eyes flicked to mine briefly, a knowing smile playing at her lips. “They’re all very nice, honey. They help keep everyone here safe.”
Lily nodded solemnly, as if this confirmed something important for her. “Cash sings pretty,” she informed Hannah. “And he has pictures on his skin.”
Hannah laughed softly. “Yes, I know. Would you like to meet some of the other children who stay here?”
Lily looked up at her mother, seeking permission. Eliza swallowed hard before nodding. “Go ahead, Lily-bug. Stay in this room with the others though, OK?”
“Yes, Mommy.” Lily skipped toward the play area, still clutching Mr. Flopsy. The two children looked up as she approached, a boy around seven and a slightly younger girl with braided hair. Both had the same hair and eye color. They shifted to make room for her in their block tower construction without hesitation.
“Let me show you to your room,” Hannah said, gesturing toward a corridor lined with doors. “We put you on the third floor. Corner room with good morning light.”
Eliza nodded, following Hannah with small, hesitant steps. Lana and I trailed behind them, keeping our distance to allow Eliza space to process everything.
“Each room has its own bathroom,” Hannah explained as we climbed the stairs. “The communal kitchen is on the ground floor, stocked with basics. We do group meals three times a week, but you’re welcome to cook for yourselves whenever you want. We all help with chores. No one is really assigned anything, but we manage to get it all done by helping each other.”
Eliza nodded mechanically, taking in the information but clearly overwhelmed. When we reached the third floor, Hannah unlocked a door at the end of the hall.
“Here you are,” she said, stepping aside to let Eliza enter first.
The room was simply furnished but comfortable. Two beds with cheerful quilts. A small dresser. A desk beneath the window overlooked the compound. Someone had placed a vase of fresh flowers on the windowsill and a small basket of snacks and toiletries on the desk.
“We stocked the mini fridge with some basics,” Hannah said, opening a small refrigerator tucked beneath the desk to reveal milk, juice, and some fruit. “The bathroom has towels and everything else you might need. If there’s anything missing, just let me know.”
Eliza set her suitcase down, her movements almost robotic. “Thank you,” she said, her voice barely audible. “This is more than I expected.”
“The door locks from the inside,” Hannah added, her tone gentle but matter of fact. “No one enters without your permission. Not even staff.”
Something in Eliza’s posture eased slightly at this information. “Thank you.”
“I’ll leave you to get settled,” Hannah said. “Lunch is at noon in the common room if you’d like to join us, but there’s no pressure. Take your time. Also, there’s always a couple of the old ladies downstairs with the kids at all times. We never have the guys in the way. Anytime they’re here they’ll be either outside or in the security office.” She glanced back at me before continuing. “If you want Cash to visit, go right ahead. He’ll stay with you and Lily while he’s inside Haven and you escort him in or out unless he’s on security duty.”
“So I have control over who I have to interact with?”
“Oh, honey,” Hannah reached for Eliza’s hand and squeezed. “Yes. If you want Cash to leave, he absolutely will. If not, Knuckles or Tiny will help him leave. You don’t have to be around anyone you don’t want to be. The only thing we ask is for you to let us check on you both throughout the day. Until we get to know newer residents, we like to keep an eye on everyone for both physical and mental health and safety reasons. You wouldn’t be here without a traumatizing event happening. We just want everyone as safe and happy as we can make them.”
For the first time, Eliza’s shoulders relaxed and she finally looked like she believed Haven was exactly what the name implied. “I know the jury is still out,” Eliza said quietly. “I know, even though Ms. Thompson is doing everything she can to help me prove there is something wrong with Lily, she’ll put me away if she comes to believe I really did hurt Lily. And I respect that.” She leveled a pleading look at Hannah. “Just please always give it to me straight. I can handle the truth. I don’t think I can be blindsided again. Do what you have to do to safeguard my daughter. As long as you keep her safe and happy, I’ll accept whatever judgment Ms. Thompson deems necessary.”