Page 9 of Beast of the Bayou

Lenora looks at me for a brief moment. "Well…" She looks up towards the third floor. "That's where Solomon's parents died."

"Oh." I blink, my breath quickening. "How long ago?"

"'Bout twenty years now."

I don't know what to say to that. Suddenly, that whole joke about working in a haunted house is a lot less funny now. "Both of 'em died here?"

Lenora's eyes come back to mine. "Yes. His mother and the man who raised him were killed on the third floor." She hesitates before continuing. "A murder-suicide."

Oh God…

That quickly, the house feels different. Still beautiful, but heavier now. My head feels light and I stumble back a step. "What?" I whisper, eyes widening. "Murder. This is a murder house?"

Lenora grips my arms softly, her eyes looking deep into mine. "They were murdered in this house—yes. But this isn't a murder house. This house was built by the Mourne's. Built on love. Survival. Pride and strength. That’s the foundation of this home."

"Did—did he see it?" I stammer.

"No," she answers quickly. "He and I were out shopping when it happened. I found them."

"Jesus Christ." I gasp. "How horrible for you, Ms. Lenora. For you both."

She takes a deep breath, her eyes shimmering. "I manage. I had to put all my focus and attention on loving and raising him. Ain't have no time for much else." She looks towards the staircase again. "Solomon doesn't talk about it. He doesn't like people asking questions. And he doesn't like pity."

"I wouldn't pity him," I reply. "But that does explain a lot."

"I know." She gives me a soft smile. "You seem like a good girl, Lila. Real sweet. You remind me of his mother. That's why I'm telling you. Not so you'll be afraid of him or what happened here, but so you'll understand the full picture. I'm hoping that in due time, you two will both find solace in each other. Something tells me that you need it just as much as he does."

I chew my bottom lip in thought. She has no idea how much I do.

Ms. Lenora continues. "It'll do my heart some good to know that I've brought some light back in these walls."

I look toward the staircase processing the weight of everything. And instead of feeling scared, I just feel sad about the whole situation. But mainly for Solomon. He's not some intimidating brute. He's just lonely. I know what that feels like.

"I know it's a lot to take on, but I can assure you, you're safer in this home than anywhere else." The conviction in which she says it makes me believe her. "So…what do you say? Will you stay, Lila?" Lenora asks me gently.

I pause to think, before nodding slowly. "Yes. I'll stay."

Chapter 5: Solomon

Lila has been here a week and I haven't gotten much sleep. Last night was no exception. I kept smelling her. Hearing her voice even when I tried to mute out the sound. I've managed to stay away from her so far. My meals have been placed outside my bedroom door or outside my study where I spend most of my time reading and reflecting. Daydreaming about her as well. Wondering what it would be like to have a woman like her as mine.

There's no reprieve at night. The nighttime is the worst. My senses become more heightened when darkness falls. So even though she's all the way on the other side of the house, it feels like she's right next to me.

When the sun finally rises Sunday morning, I'm tired and grumpy. Lying on my back with my arms behind my head, I stare up at the ceiling trying to figure out how to make this my new normal.

"Another rough night?" Edgar asks jumping on the bed and curling under my arm. He rests his chin on my bicep staring at me.

I exhale slowly still looking up. "I don't know if I can do this, Edgar," I admit gruffly.

"She seems quite kind. I don't think you have any concerns."

"That is the concern. What if—what if I can't control myself? What if I hurt her?"

"Unlike your stepfather, you've never hurt anyone who didn't deserve it, Solomon. Bayou Mourne is one of the safest parishes because of you. Don't internalize the lore. You're not what they say you are."

As much as I've tried not to, I've absorbed the rumors over the years. So to be reminded of my humanity helps to offset that underlying pain. My head turns to him and a small smile crosses my lips. "What would I do without your counsel, old friend?"

He smiles lazily. "Become inconsequential I would imagine."