Rhénee Johnson: Emelda's Sapphire (Book One)

Chapter 6

Eugene couldn't believe what he was hearing. Nothing made any sense with what Mr Chamberlin said. He couldn't take it any longer. All he wanted was his father to go away.

"I don't believe you, dad," said Eugene, "it would be better if you just leave."

"I won't leave unless you take this seriously, Eugene. Your life, your brother's and mother's are also in danger."

"And why should I listen to you anyway? You've never cared for us, why do it now?"

"I still care about-"

"No, you don't! If you really did you wouldn't have left."

"Eugene, even though I've caused you so much pain, I still care about my family."

"I don't think so. Stop telling me all this nonsense."

"This isn't nonsense, Eugene. I want you to stay away from that girl. You haven't been close to her, have you?"

Eugene raised an eyebrow. "Rhénee arrived yesterday. Why would I need to be close to her?"

Mr Chamberlin took in a deep breath and looked at Eugene. "Don't you remember her? Any memory of her when you were little?"

"No. I don't remember anything about her. But I did meet her yesterday and I felt like I knew her before, but I couldn't see past my memories."

"All the more, you shouldn't get close to her."

"Why? Is she dangerous? If she is, she doesn't look as dangerous as you portray her to be."

"People might not see it, but that girl has a danger symbol all over her. Believe what I say."

"I'll believe you when you convince me. What the hell is wrong with Rhénee?"

"I can't tell you, Eugene."

"And why not? And you want me to believe you? I want to know, dad. I need proof. Who even told you that Rhénee is dangerous?"

"I've my sources."

Eugene folded his arms. "Mmm, your sources? What sources, dad? Are you in some criminal gang or something?"

"No, I'm not."

"Then who told you, dad? What if you're lying about Rhénee? And what danger would Rhénee inflict on me? I think she doesn't even know who I am."

"Come on, Eugene. You would rather defend that girl than take the side of your father?"

"In this situation, I've no choice. There is something you're not telling me, dad. And thats making me doubt you even more."

Eugene stood up and walked to the door and opened it. Eugene looked at his father with a stern face. Mr Chamberlin knew he was being kicked out and so he walked to the door. Eugene banged the door shut behind him.

Eugene sat on his chair behind the desk. He didn't tell his father how he had felt the time he met Rhénee the previous day. Was what he felt corresponding to what his father had told him about Rhénee? Was she really a danger to him?

No. There was something his father wasn't telling him. Eugene knew that Rhénee wasn't a danger to him and what he was feeling now was the complete opposite.

Maybe Rhénee was the one in danger.

***

Rhénee packed all the jewellery boxes back into the safe except the one with her grandmother's name on it. She put up the picture of the beach covering the safe from view. She sat back down on the chair and looked at the black jewellery box on the desk. She looked up at the door just in case Miss Griselda was there. Luckily, she wasn't.