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As much as she’s asked me to leave her alone, I’m afraid I might have to go against her wishes and tell her what I experienced. I don’t have to tarnish her pristine image to let her know her life might be in danger. I just wonder why…
I’m considering my words when everyone is on their feet again. I stand quickly, glancing around to see hymnals are in hands. Reaching down for the red book, I feel a sharp elbow in my kidney. Doris holds one up for us to share. I nod and look down at the words. I don’t know any of them, but I do my best to follow.
The cause of temperance is Thine own;
Our plans and efforts bless;
We trust, O Lord, in Thee alone
To crown them with success.
Books closed, the minister raises both hands over the congregation and recites a blessing. He’s done, and the entire room breaks as everyone makes their way to the door. I hang back unsure what the hell Doris expects me to do now.
“Jim,” she fusses at her actual nephew. “I know you’re bringing this young lady to my house for lunch today.”
“Oh yeah, Aunt D. This is Sally.” He motions to the girl, whose cheeks pink attractively. “Sally, this is my aunt Doris.”
“Nice to meet you,” Sally’s voice is timid as usual.
“I guess you know Kona,” Doris says.
Sally blinks quickly up to me and does a little nod before tucking her chin and stepping behind Jim. I return her greeting.
“He’ll be joining us, too,” the old woman finishes.
“Hey—”
“Don’t tell me,” she cuts those eagle eyes back on me. “Your busy Sunday schedule doesn’t leave time for food.”
I don’t even try to argue. Stepping to the side, I wait for her to take my arm again and lead her out the small building to where a number of townspeople are loitering on the front lawn. It’s a short walk from here back to her house. I’m ready to get moving when a tall, slim guy about my height cuts us off.
He’s wearing a long black coat with a broad fur collar. His skin is fair, and his pale blonde hair is styled back from his face in a swoosh.
“Why, Doris, who is your guest today?” This guy clearly has money. His hands are long and smooth. I’m willing to bet he’s never worked a day in his life.
My landlady stiffens as he steps closer. “Hello, Hayden.” Her voice is curt. “Interesting you decided to grace us with your presence this morning.”
He fake-laughs, waving that long smooth hand. I notice his nails are manicured. “You know I do my best to attend regularly.”
“When you’re regularly up to something,” she quips. Mentally, I give Aunt D a high-five, but I’m distracted.
A flash of menace catches me off-guard, and I step away from her, sweeping the property with my eyes. It was the thing from the woods, and it appeared and disappeared so quickly, I have no idea where it went. For a moment, I consider it’s hiding in plain sight, cloaking itself somehow.
The other churchgoers slowly disperse, heading to their cars or into the surrounding neighborhoods. Nothing is suspicious.
“You always make me laugh, Doris.” Returning to the matter at hand, I notice Steampunk is studying me in a way I don’t particularly like. “Bob said you’re from one of the islands?”
“Kona’s my adopted sister’s kid,” Doris says, pulling my arm. “We’re late for lunch.”
“Hayden Cross,” the guy extends his hand toward me.
I’m about to reach out and shake, but Doris pushes between us preventing contact. “We have to get there before Jim and Sally.”
Lowering my hand, I nod to the strange fellow. “Nice to meet you.”
He stands perfectly still, watching as we make our way down the sidewalk, and I can’t resist glaring right back.
“What’s up with that guy?” I mutter.
