Heaven On Fire

Thirty Seven

"WHAT DO WE DO NOW?"

Deniel’s voice was firm. “We’ll gather more evidence. I’ve already assigned agents to keep an eye on Hubert’s known associates, and I’ll make sure you’re protected.”

David took a step closer to Loren, his presence a comforting weight beside her. “We’ll figure this out together.”

The thought of him being involved in something so dark and dangerous made her almost threw up.

Deniel turned to leave, but paused at the door. “I’ll be in touch soon. In the meantime, keep your guard up.”

*****

In the weeks following Loren's recovery and her mother's funeral, she and David rented a quiet, modest condo on the outskirts of Seattle. The suburb was a world away from the turmoil they'd left behind, with tree-lined streets and a peaceful atmosphere. Saoirse adjusted quickly, delighted by the new space, the small garden in the back, and the friendly neighborhood.

One evening, David returned with bags of groceries. He seemed almost relaxed for the first time in months, though his eyes still flickered with watchfulness. Saoirse darted around him, giggling as he handed her an apple.

“Dinner duty falls to me tonight,” David announced, grinning.

“Oh, that’s new,” Loren said, giving him a smirk as she arranged the groceries. “Since when do you cook?”

“Since a few minutes ago,” he replied, rolling up his sleeves. “Get ready to be amazed—or horrified.”

Loren chuckled. For a fleeting moment, life felt normal, almost like family. But even as they enjoyed the lighthearted moments, the shadows of their recent past were never far behind.

After Saoirse was put to bed, Loren and David shared a quiet cup of tea on the small balcony. The air was cool, and the city lights glittered in the distance. Loren took a sip, and gaze on the horizon.

David," she began the conversation softly, "do you ever think… this will all be over?”

He looked at her, the weight of his own memories and worries settling in his expression.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “But I’m going to make sure you and Saoirse stay safe. That’s a promise.”

*****

One crisp morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the living room of the condo. Loren was sipping her coffee, watching Saoirse play nearby, while David flipped through the morning news on his phone. The peaceful quiet was broken by the shrill ring of the landline—a phone they rarely used and hadn’t even given the number out to many people.

Loren exchanged a wary look with David, her hand hovering over the phone. "Do we answer it?" she whispered, her voice tense.

David hesitated, glancing at the phone as it continued its insistent ringing. “Maybe it’s just a salesman,” he suggested, though he didn’t sound convinced.

But something in Loren’s gut told her this wasn’t a random call. Her fingers finally closed around the receiver, and she lifted it to her ear, trying to mask the unease in her voice.

“Hello?” she said, her tone tight.

"Mrs. Rivera… I trust you're well."

Loren's breath caught, and she looked at David, whose posture had instantly stiffened.

The voice on the other end was low and pertrub, with a rasp that seemed to crawl out of the phone. Loren felt a chill race down her spine as the stranger spoke, each word measured, like he was savoring the tension in her silence.