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“I’m gonna tell my mom and dad on you.”
Deacon Block rocks back to his heels and pushes himself up to stand. He towers over us and glares. “Tell them what?”
“That you touched my brother.”
“I touched his arm, Paul,” he says, stepping to the side so he can see Mark. “I didn’t hurt you, did I buddy?”
Mark shakes his head.
“See, Paul. He’s fine.”
Deacon Block moves to the side of the room where there’s a cabinet. When he opens it, I can see a stack of clothes inside, and he pulls a few things out.
“These should fit,” he says as he drops the trunks on the floor in front of me. “Go ahead and change.”
I wait for him to leave the room, but he doesn’t. Instead, he moves a chair in front of the door and sits. I’m only eight, but I’m not stupid. A stranger shouldn’t be watching us change.
“We’ll be out in a minute,” I tell him, desperately wanting him to leave.
“I’ll wait.”
“No, really, um…” I pull Mark into my side. “We’re good. I can help him.”
Deacon Block stands and steps toward us. He’s a large man, with an intimidating scowl. “Maybe I should help both of you.”
He reaches for Mark, and I slap his hand away, causing him to arch a brow. “I suggest you let me help,” he sneers. “I’d hate to have to tell your parents you were both misbehaving.”
“They won’t believe you,” I insist as my heart pounds in my chest.
He tilts his head. “You sure about that? Because you’re just kids, and kids misbehave.”
“Paul,” Mark whines. “I want Mommy.”
Deacon Block laughs at my little brother, but it isn’t a funny laugh. It’s creepy and makes the hair on my arms stand on end.
“Aw, you want you—”
The deacon stiffens when there’s a knock on the door. He inhales deeply before turning to open it. I breathe a sigh of relief when I see the priest standing in the hall.
“What’s taking you so long?” Father Brine asks.
“Seems the big one is protective,” Deacon Block responds as the priest steps inside and locks the door again.
“Father Brine, he was touching my brother,” I spit out.
“Was he now?”
“Yes, sir.” I bob my head. “And he wanted to watch us change.”
“Well, now, that’s inappropriate,” Father Brine says and then looks at the deacon. “I think you should return to the picnic, Ray.”
“Bill, I just need a few more minutes.”
“It’s Father Brine,” the priest snaps, not at all sounding friendly like he did earlier. “Go back outside, and we’ll be out in a few minutes.”
“And what am I supposed to tell their parents when they see me come out without them?”
“I don’t care. You’re good at lying, so do that.”
