Page 54 of Hex You

“Excuse me, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Wilson, but I really need you to hear Mrs. Ashley and me. We would never think Tiff or Heather had anything to do with hurting anyone.” The polite but manipulative words came easily to Kirk—almost as if someone whispered them to him.Hey, I’m smart. It’s just some people who think I’m not ’cause I can kick ass on a football field.“But the Goode twins are trouble. I know Hunter made it sound like I tried to hit her, and of course everyone believed her because she’s just a girl and I’m a big guy. But like I’ve been trying to make everyone understand,shehurtme.And Hunter totally knew no one would believe me, which is why she’s getting away with it.” He held up his injured hand.

“Exactly.” Mrs. Ashley nodded vehemently. Her florid face was flushed and sweat dripped down her neck. “Please believe Kirk. I witnessed Hunter trafficking with Satan myself. There was bloodeverywherein our garage apartment.” She shuddered and clutched hercandle crucifix more tightly. “Cathy, I heard the twins were helping Tiffany and Heather take equipment to the practice field. But I’m very much confused as to why. We all know the Goode twins do not get along with the cheerleaders.”

“Yeah, ladies, please listen to Mrs. Ashley. Hunter and Mercy arenotfriends with Tiff and Heather, so whatever they were doing out there this morning didn’t have anything to do with helping your daughters.”They need to keep their daughters away from the twins.The words washed against him, a tide of hatred and malice. Kirk nodded in agreement with his super smart inner voice. “I know I’m just a kid and all, but I really care about Tiff and Heather and they need to stay away from those witches.”

Mrs. Johnson sighed heavily. “Kirk, Coach Livingston’s throat was torn open and her blood was drained.”

“That is definitely part of a Satanic ritual!” Spittle flew from Jana Ashley’s lips like salty rain.

“Well, whether it has to do with Satan or not,” Mrs. Johnson continued in a reasonable voice, “it certainly is difficult to believe that two sixteen-year-old girls could do something so gruesome and then pretend innocence so well that they hung around the crime scene and helped our daughters move equipment.”

Kirk lifted his injured hand again. “As hard to believe as the fact that sixteen-year-old Hunter Goode broke all five of my fingers?”They’re caring mothers. Make them listen.“Hey, I know you’re real good moms, and you’ll do the best thing for your daughters.”

Mrs. Johnson frowned at Kirk, and then dabbed her face with the back of her hand. “It’s really hot and humid out here tonight. I don’t think I’m going to wait for the principal to lead the prayer. I need to get home to Heather, but be assured, I will consider all that you have said.”

“I will be sure to say a prayer for you and for Heather,” said Mrs. Ashley as Mrs. Johnson walked quickly away.

“Mrs. Ashley, Mrs. Wilson, I swear on Jesus’s cross that I’m tellingyou the truth. I didn’t break my hand hitting the bathroom mirror—and Hunter and Mercy are Satan’s witches.” Kirk wiped away another pretend tear and stared at Jax’s gullible mom beseechingly.

“Oh, honey, I believe you!” Mrs. Ashley pulled him into a one-armed mom hug—with the other hand she still clutched her crucifix candle.

“You know, I am starting to wonder about those twins,” said Tiffany’s mom slowly. “Jana, I’ve never known you to lie.”

“As God is my witness I never tell untruths,” Jana said quickly.

Mrs. Wilson nodded as she fanned herself with the vigil’s hastily put together program of events. “Yes. It is odd that the twins are connected to almost all of the deaths in town. I never liked Abigail Goode. She was such a loner. Always acting superior to everyone else, even after she had those girls out of wedlock. Like Latisha, I am going to carefully consider what you two have told us tonight.”

“You are showing great wisdom and discernment,” said Mrs. Ashley.

Mrs. Wilson patted her flawless blond hair into place. “You know, Jana, Iamgoing to speak with my husband about the Goode twins. Bob and his friends will know what to do. If those girls have any responsibility at all for these deaths they must be stopped and held accountable.”

“It is always wise to get our husbands’ opinions,” agreed Jana. “The Bible made them our leaders for a very good reason.”

“Exactly,” echoed Mrs. Wilson. “It is awfully humid out here tonight. I believe I should go home to Tiffany.”

“I shall pray for you and for your lovely daughter,” said Jana. She gave Cathy Wilson a hug. “Please don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything—especiallyafter you speak with Bob about this.”

“Oh, I will.” Mrs. Wilson smiled at Kirk before turning away and said, “Young man, I appreciate your tenacity.”

“As do I,” said Mrs. Ashley after her friend left. “But more than that I appreciate your righteous indignation.For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, whoby their unrighteousness suppress the truth,” she quoted, nodding to herself in agreement with the verse. “Romans 1:18.”

“I’m just so glad you believe me.” Kirk wiped another pretend tear away, though it was just sweat.Shit. I wish it would just rain.He mentally shook himself and continued to manipulate gullible Mrs. Ashley. “I hope you don’t mind if I tell you something kinda personal.” Kirk shuffled his feet and looked down as he swallowed audibly.

“You may tell me anything,” said Mrs. Ashley, moving closer to him.

“Sometimes it’s really hard not having a mom anymore.”

“Oh, honey, I’ll always be here for you.” Mrs. Ashley pulled him into another one-armed hug, but she let him go quickly to wipe real tears from her cheeks. “Now, come with me, my sweet boy. Let us pray together for poor Coach Livingston, and then I must tell you more about why I believe what you have been telling everyone about the Goode twins. God has touched me and through His wisdom He has shown me more than the truth you have been speaking.”

With an effort, Kirk kept himself from laughing as Mrs. Ashley threaded her arm through his and began to tell him about the voice of God.

TWENTY-TWO

Nure-Onna’s need to complete Amphitrite’s command and claim her reward would not allow her to rest. The two tastes of blood had awakened more of her memories. She could now remember the scent of her son’s hair—the way his soft, perfect skin had felt—the weight of him in her arms. He had been so handsome. So trusting. Unlike his Samurai father, he had loved her completely. He had not cared that she was only a beautiful servant. Even as she had taken him under the glassy surface of the ocean surrounding Kyushu, he had simply clung to her. He’d hardly struggled. Together they had let the peaceful turquoise waters close over their heads.

We were supposed to be together forever! I saved him from being taken from me! He is not in the World of Darkness, but the goddess knows where he rests! Amphitrite gave me her word. If I obey her she will return my child to me. So I will obey her.

Resolutely, Nure-Onna slithered from the offal-scented slime hole that bridged worlds and followed her moist trail to the creek. It was dusk, but that did not matter. She had not depended upon her eyesightfor thousands of years. Her tongue flicked out to taste the humid night air—and in it she found traces of the ocean goddess, as well as another scent. One that was much less familiar, but no less distinct.