Estie lays a gentle hand on Fran’s shoulder.
“I didn’t realize it was a secret,” I say to Fran. “I was only curious?—”
Estie grabs my hand, pulling me toward the bakery. “Forget about Reverend Statton. I am craving something sweet. Pumpkin pie? No, pumpkin cake. Or maybe some caramel corn. It smells heavenly.” She glances behind us. I follow her gaze and see Fran leaving the square.
“Did I say something wrong?” I can’t shake the feeling the two of them know something I don’t.
Estie inhales deeply, then gives me a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Just leave it be, honey. Let’s you and I grab her a treat for later. One for Alesia, too.”
My stomach is growling uncontrollably by hour four of our Sunday service. I’ve always claimed to be devout in my relationship with the Lord, but today my mind is wandering. Glancing out the colored panes of the church’s decorative windows has me eager to step outside.
It’s hot in here. It was a brisk autumn morning on my walk to service. The coolness of fall beckons me as I watch the breeze rip several orange leaves from a nearby tree and spin them away. There are too many bodies crowded together in the pews. I’ve been sweating so long that my dress feels glued to my body.
I’m to meet with the girls after Sunday service. Glancing around, I spot them sitting throughout the church with their husbands and families, most fanning themselves. Alesia is not in church. Her absence will be noted.
Reverend Statton seems to come to the same conclusion within seconds of my noticing. “We’ve a missing lamb from our flock today. Has anyone seen our faithful Alesia? Let us pray she has not gone astray.”
An uneasy weight settles in my stomach. I need to check on her.
I slip out right when the cinnamon buns are served. Perhaps she’s sick in bed. My pace quickens as I step out of the church and directly into the town square. I slow when I find Alesia standing in my path.What in the world?
“Where were you? ” I ask her. “Reverend Statton asked about you in front of the congregation.”
Alesiadoesn’treply, just moves to the center of the square and ascends the small wooden platform used for musical performances.
“Alesia?” I prompt. “Are you ill?Alesia,” I repeat, more sharply.
The look in her eyes when she finally turns my way gives me chills.
“Alesia?” I say her name yet again, softly, the worry inside me growing stronger by the second .Why is she being strange?
“I won’t stay quiet anymore ,” she says. “He can’t do this to us. It’s not right.”
“Who? Lessy”—I gaze up at her on the platform—“what do you have planned?”
“Everyone passes by this spot on their way out of church.I’mgoing to tell them the truth about Reverend Statton.”
“What truth?”
Her eyes narrow. “I know you’ve heard the rumors.”
My throat tightens. I have heard the rumors. We all have. But we’re taught that continued blind faith in our religion is the only thing saving us from burning in hell for all eternity. If I believedeven half of what I’ve heard about Reverend Statton’s actions since his revelation, I would lose my faith too fast to fathom.
“Lessy. They won’t believe you. You know the sway he holds over the town.”
“Then I’ll make them believe!” She raises her skirts, revealing a sight that sickens me to my core. The shape of his gem-encrusted cross has been burned into her inner thighs. The outline is unmistakable. No other cross is as large or ornate. His initials have been branded beneath them.
“When?” I can’t conceal the horror in my voice.
“Does it matter? He has to be stopped.”
“He—he wouldn’t.” Years of religion-induced fear wriggles up my throat. “Even if he did, you just…you must be careful. His influence is powerful.”
She studies me, and in her empty gaze, I find no trace of my former friend. The one who would race through the sunflower fields and dance naked beneath the midsummer skies.
“How fortunate it is for you, Emeline, to have been spared his touch. He’s always favored darker hair. I wonder, is it your golden locks that keep him at bay? Does he think you a gilded angel and I a dark-haired demon?”
“Lessy.” I reach for her hand. She steps away.
