“Deep down,” she said.
“I reckon he’s right about that,” Mrs. Albright said softly. “Wherever he is, I pray he keeps that fire. The world needs people like that.”
That was when Rachel’s throat tightened. It had been so long since she’d seen Blaze.
A part of her had already forgotten what he looked like.
Slowly, Rachel turned toward her. “You really think he’s still alive?”
“You’d know if he wasn’t,” Mrs. Albright replied, her eyes softening.
Rachel let out a shaky breath. “Sometimes I think I do feel him. Like I can hear him talkin’ to me when it’s quiet enough.”
“What does he say?” she asked.
“Hold on,” Rachel said. “That’s all.”
Mrs. Albright smiled sadly. “Then you best listen.”
They sat in silence for a while, the sound of the wind outside filling the gaps between their words.
“I hate the dark,” Rachel said suddenly.
“Why’s that?” Mrs. Albright asked.
“It hides everything,” she replied. “Makes it too easy for men like Kane to move around.”
“Or maybe it hides you from him,” Mrs. Albright said, chuckling softly. “Never thought of that?”
“Guess that’s one way to see it,” Rachel replied, smiling at her.
The church bell creaked above them as the wind shifted.
“Do you think he’s out there now?” Rachel asked.
She didn’t need to clarify who she was talking about. Rachel could tell Mrs. Albright knew by the way she stiffened next to her.
“Men like Kane don’t sleep easy,” Mrs. Albright said. “He’s looking, sure enough. But the Lord’s house is thick-walled. He won’t come here.”
Rachel looked toward the door below. She remembered seeing his shadow outside the window, the way it stopped for a second too long before continuing on its way.
“He already did once.”
“Then let him try again,” Mrs. Albright said firmly. “He’ll find he’s not the only one with a spine in this town.”
Rachel couldn’t help but laugh quietly. “You sound like Blaze again.”
“Then maybe I’ll fit right in with your family.”
The laughter faded, leaving a hush between them.
“Mrs. Albright?” Rachel asked quietly.
“Yes, dear?”
“If...if somethin’ happens, if he finds me, don’t let him hurt you too,” Rachel replied.
Mrs. Albright reached out, brushing a lock of hair from Rachel’s face. The touch surprised her. “Hush,” she said. “Ain’t nothin’ gonna happen. You’re safe here.”
