Free Hidden Sins by Karice Bolton

was safe?
    I laughed, thinking how pathetic I must look if I sounded this bad. I began scanning the database again for some sign of a non-profit or something masquerading as such with her old address and was relieved when one finally came up as a match. The one at this address went by New Life, acted upon as NLC. I assumed the C stood for church? NLC was established in 1979 as a social welfare organization and has been claiming not-for-profit status ever since. I quickly put the name through one of the watch lists and it came up with nothing. I ran it through a cult database and took another sip of beer as I awaited the results. Was I dealing with a Heaven’s Gate meets the Amish or what?
    As I gazed at the long list, Hannah popped into my head again. The package that contained the cell should have been delivered this morning, and as if on cue, I received a text from her. She’d received the package. I tried my best to sound playful but failed miserably. Her text sounded sweet as hell and…
    And then it occurred to me. What if she still had an old phone? They could track her.  I opened another window and logged onto the database. Entering my credentials, I began searching for any sign of Hannah Walker or Martin. I prayed that she’d only used disposable once starting this whole move, but I couldn’t be sure.
    “Damn it,” I muttered, seeing a cell number with her name pop up.
    I transferred her number to another system and watched as the pings triangulated, giving me her approximate location.
    If I could find her this easily so could they.
     
     

 
    Hannah
     
    The police cruiser pulled in front of the house behind my blue truck. The officer got out of the car and walked around to let me out. The police had managed to catch up to the guy who threatened me. They had the entire conversation recorded thanks to my phone, which I was told would give them enough evidence to request a search warrant. His name was Donald Jamison. And, at least for now, he was in custody.
    “Thank you,” I replied as the officer closed the door. I knew the most I’d probably get out of this ordeal was a restraining order against Donald, and we all knew how well those worked.
    “If you have any questions, call or email. All my information’s on the card,” the officer replied. “I’ll reach out to Mr. Fletcher since he’s also considered a target by Donald Jamison.”
    “Will do and thank you.” I nodded.
    The officer got back in the cruiser and pulled away as I heard the front door open. Nancy pursed her lips together and shook her head.
    “You have brought more attention to this house and the people in it in less than twenty-four hours than any of the other occupants ever have,” her voice angry, as she glared at me.
    I glanced at her, analyzing her reaction. Was it genuine? Did she really care about the people at the house or did she just care about the payment she received in the beginning? She herself said that there were always strings attached. After all, someone had to have told the people back home that I was here, and she was the only one who knew I was coming.
    I pushed my way past her and walked to my room. I needed to let Luke know that he was in danger, and now more than ever I was certain I’d be taking the job tonight, if it was offered. This location was no longer safe, and I needed to get out of here as quickly as possible. Sitting on the bed, I looked around the room full of boxes and wondered if escaping this nightmare was even possible.
    I heard Nancy’s footsteps and looked up.
    “You signed a full disclosure agreement, Hannah,” Nancy said. “Would you mind telling me why the police felt the need to escort you home?”
    “They found me,” I replied.
    Nancy’s face fell and her eyes widened.
    “What do you mean they found you, Hannah? Who did you tell you were coming here?” Her brow arched.
    “Absolutely no one. You’re the only one who knew I’d be arriving. So you can imagine my skepticism as