Capture My Heart

Truth

Roman and Casey were setting up for the day when Connor walked in. They were discussing the next exhibit.

"Hey Connor," Casey said cheerfully.

"Hey Casey. Roman."

"Connor."

"It's a good thing you stop by, we have a check for you. Let me go grab it," she said walking away towards the office.

"We're almost sold out with your work," Roman said to him.

"Actually, I didn't stop by to talk about my work. I stopped by to talk to you about Sera."

"Something happened?" Roman looked at him with concern.

"Can we talk privately?"

"Yeah, sure. Let's talk in my office." They walked into Roman's office and he closed the door. "What's going on?"

"Sera mentioned when you and her were in the foster home together."

Roman let out a sigh.

"She said something happened one day but wouldn't elaborate."

"She must have mentioned the day I got back late. I had detention and she left before I did. Shit."

"What happened?"

"Sera, got home before I did. When I got there, it was bad."

"What happened Roman?"

"They tried to have their way with her but she fought back. They got angry and beat the crap out of her then threw her into a closet, locking her inside. When I got home, I looked everywhere for her until I heard her crying. That's when I found her. Connor, it was horrible. After that they pulled her but she refused to leave unless I went with her," Roman explained.

"Who were they?"

"The Millers. They are a nasty, horrible family. They shouldn't even have kids," Roman said his tone oozing with contempt.

"I see."

"Connor, look I know you care about Sera but leave it alone. It was a bad time. It took Sera a long time to get close to anyone," he advised Connor.

"I know but it's just I can't help but want to do something."

"I know. Trust me I know. Every day, I think back to that time and had wished I hadn't been late. Sera is a sweet kid. She didn't deserve it."

Connor looked at him and sighed. Casey walked up and handed Connor an envelope with a check.

"Is everything okay," she asked them.

"Yeah, everything is fine," Roman reassured her.

"Look, I got to go. Maybe we can have dinner this week at my house. I know Sera would be happy to see you guys," Connor said to them.

"Ah, yeah, sure," Casey said to him as Connor walked out. She looked Roman, "what was that about?"

"Love," Roman sighed.

*******
Connor left and made a call. He hung up and waited. When his phone rang, he answered it, spoke a few words then hung up. He got into his car and drove.

A half an hour later he pulled up into a driveway and got out. He walked up to a door and knocked on it. A woman answered.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, I'm looking for the Miller family. They wouldn't happen to be here, would they?"

"No," she shook her head. "They moved out a long time ago."