Found Obsession

Chapter 118: Breaking Into Orphanages

March 19, 2006

As dawn broke, Rose and Jonathan sat quietly, unable to sleep, the weight of their discovery refusing to let them rest. The fear of this place vanishing, the children being taken or lost, loomed over them like a storm cloud. When Father Quill finally stirred and the nuns began preparing the small breakfast Joshua had brought, the children eagerly pitched in, their chatter and laughter filling the space with a warmth that made the early morning bearable.

Jonathan reached into his wallet, pulling out every hundred-dollar bill he had and handing them to Father Quill.

"When we get back, we'll be bringing more children," he whispered knowing they would bring work.

The older children, who had gathered nearby, responded with enthusiasm, nodding eagerly at the prospect of helping others like themselves. The hope in their faces was a stark contrast to the horrors Jonathan and Rose had faced just hours earlier.

"We'll also arrange for funds to resume" Jonathan added, turning to Father Quill, who clasped his hands together in relief, nodding fervently.

"Until we figure out how to control the situation, these children will need to remain homeschooled," Jonathan said, addressing the nuns and the priest.

The nuns agreed without hesitation, their determination matching his. As breakfast was served and plans were quietly discussed, Jonathan pulled out his phone, dialing Wyatt.

The call connected after a few rings, Wyatt's groggy voice coming through. "Why so early?"

Jonathan smirked faintly. "Brat," he greeted, though his tone carried none of the usual humor. "I need my monthly profits redirected to another account."

Wyatt, sensing the seriousness in Jonathan's voice, immediately sobered. "To where?"

Jonathan gave him the necessary details of Father Gabriel's bank account, and Wyatt, ever efficient, wasted no time. Rose silently thanked Mark for having trusted Wyatt with the truth from the start. His efficiency now was a lifeline.

"It's done," Wyatt informed them after a short pause. Rose appreciated him asking no questions.

"Thank you, take care brat" Jonathan said, his tone sincere before Wyatt groaned and they hung up. He turned to Father Quill.

"The deposit has been made. When you go out to buy supplies, be discreet just like you've been all these years. Always use civilian clothes, and never confirm to anyone that this place is an orphanage. If word gets out..." His voice trailed off, the unspoken consequences heavy in the air.

Father Quill nodded solemnly, his gratitude evident in the way he clasped his hands together.

Rose watched Jonathan as he spoke, noticing the faint lines of worry etched into his face. She could tell that beneath his composed exterior, he was afraid—afraid that this fragile beacon of hope, this sanctuary they'd stumbled upon, could vanish as easily as it had appeared. Rose shared that fear.

The papers of ownership and the loan were entrusted to Father Quill, along with the photograph he already carefully protected. If no one else ever knew what they had tried to accomplish, those three nuns, Father Quill, and the fifteen children were enough. The knowledge that someone understood, that someone carried the truth, made Rose's chest bloom with a bittersweet sense of relief.

Rose and Jonathan climbed into the car, and it sped away into the quiet morning.

"So," Rose broke the silence, her voice soft, "you mentioned you ditched them. What happened after I left?"

Jonathan exhaled heavily, the weariness in his tone unmistakable. "It was chaos," he began. "Everyone kept asking why those people—those survivors—committed suicide. They wanted to know what I knew about you. I told them I didn't have answers. I don't think they believed me, but they were too drained to press any further."