Free Secrets and Scars: A Gripping Psychological Thriller (Fatal Hearts Series Book 3) by Dori Lavelle Page B

that we were not here to ask questions, but Ingrid was so kind and open, I couldn’t help but be open in return.
    “A couple of years. We’re actually from Germany, although Jeordi is half German, half Jamaican. We only come to the farm several times a year to check on the plants.” She lifted the basket, motioned for me to follow her. “We grow the cannabis for research and medicinal purposes.”
    “Oh.” It surprised me that she answered the question I had not dared to ask. “That’s interesting.”
    I followed her into the hut I knew to be their bedroom. Like the dining hut, it, too, was sparsely furnished, with nothing but a single chair, a large mattress on the floor, and a small table covered with cosmetics. Since the sun was setting, the hut was a little dim, but not so dim we could not see.
    “Please have a seat.” Ingrid started folding clothes but then suddenly stopped, scrunching one of Anna’s dresses in her grasp. “We had a son, Andy. He died when he was ten from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.” She continued folding the clothes, her face turned away from me. “We found out later that cannabis could have helped cure his epilepsy.”
    “I’m sorry.” I stood and went to place a hand on her back, returning the comfort she had given me earlier. “I’m so sorry.”
    She gave a deep sigh, wiped her eyes on the clothes she had in her hands, and turned to me with a smile. “Since the death of our son, Jeordi changed his medical career from a medical doctor, to a doctor who believes in the healing powers of nature. We work with several research organizations around the world. Our son didn’t survive, but maybe we’ll be able to save someone else’s child.” She reached for a pillowcase. “Coming to the farm and living simply for a few weeks is always refreshing.”
    “That’s a great sacrifice. You’re wonderful people.”
    “Our son is dead. What we do is our way of turning something bad into something good. There’s a positive in every negative. You just have to be brave enough to look past the pain.”
    I nodded but didn’t speak. I was not yet at the stage where I could see the good in my situation.
    “He seems to really love you.” She pointed through the door to where Owen and Anna played. “He’s a keeper.”
    “Yes, he is. But it’s complicated.”
    “Are you sure it’s not just you complicating things?”
     

Chapter Eighteen
     
    Darkness fell over the camp and Jeordi was still not back. We’d just had dinner and were sitting around the fire outside. All we could do was wait.
    Ingrid still didn't seem worried as she plaited her daughter's hair. She’d braided mine moments before.
    Unlike her, I was becoming increasingly worried that Alvin had gotten to them first. What were a few men to an angry monster? I kept expecting Alvin to show up any second and take us all by surprise. When I’d voiced my concerns to Owen earlier, even he didn't hide that he was worried too.
    I wanted to thank Ingrid for her hospitality so far and leave as soon as possible in order to keep them safe.
    “Alvin can’t be underestimated.” My eyes met Ingrid’s over the blazing flames. The heat made my skin glow. “I can’t help but worry.”
    “It doesn't surprise me at all that they’re not back yet. It won’t be the first time they’ve disappeared for hours. They probably went fishing or hunting, and stopped somewhere to barbecue.”
    Owen shoved a hand through his hair. “But what if Alvin attacked them?”
    “I don't think one man with a gun is more dangerous than several of them.” Ingrid smoothed Anna’s freshly braided hair. “Trust me, my husband and his boys know how to use their weapons. Now try to relax.” She rose and stretched. “I hope you won’t mind if we leave you. Anna needs to go to bed.”
    “No bed,” Anna cut in. “I want to play with Owen.”
    “No, Anna.” Ingrid reached for her daughter’s hand. “Owen will be here tomorrow. You’ll play