Chapter 76

• Xavier had recently checked on Leonard, leveraging his connections. At school, Leonard was observed joking around and spending time with Bell. We also kept tabs on him at home, where he showed no signs of distress or abuse. When they sent me a picture they had taken of him laughing in the schoolyard, Bell by his side, I found that it touched my heart more than anything else could have—except perhaps bringing Leonard to us.
• It bewildered me to consider that they were military, which meant they had served under my father. Though my knowledge was limited, I understood enough to know that my father's regime revolved around dark treachery and punishing decrees. I struggled to reconcile the caring Steve and Xavier I knew with the man who likely commanded unspeakable actions during his moments of insanity. Unfortunately, those moments were frequent. This revelation provided clarity regarding a few things: the sudden disappearance of their car, the adoption of new identities, and their ability to keep me safe. It also shed light on their financial situation. I had overheard enough from the less reputable boys at school to realize that high-ranking special forces members made substantial sums of money, as if they were swimming in wealth. My father had surely compensated well those who followed through on his abhorrent orders.
• Connor, one of their friends, shifted from where he had been standing and plopped down beside me on the couch. I instinctively jerked away. My reaction was unintended, but other than Xavier and Steve, I hadn't been around any males since Andrew. Feeling the pressure of Connor's presence, I was thankful for Xavier, who had perched himself on the arm of the couch. The moment he laid a hand on my shoulder, I felt myself relax. I sensed Victoria's gaze on me, while Connor exchanged a knowing glance with Steve, who had been lounging in a nearby chair. Steve rose and returned to lean against the wall, casting a brief glance at Xavier along the way.