Page 24 of Sinister

“Because I’ve been watching you.”

I freeze. “You—what?”

His lips curve into a sad smile. “I’ve been watching you for months. From afar, yet so close.”

I shake my head, stepping back. “What are you saying?”

I collide with the wall.

I’m trapped.

There’s nowhere to run.

Can I scream? My gaze darts around the empty church. My voice would echo, but no one would hear. No one is around at this hour. Even if there were someone, they would blame me, wouldn’t they? They would say I invited it.

My hands on the wall, I slide away from him, waiting for the perfect moment to run.

“Stop,” he commands.

And I do.

My body trembles with fear, but I hold myself still, eyes locked on him.

“I will not hurt you,” he says.

“That’s not reassuring,” I sneer.

“I give you my word, Petra. I will not harm you.”

“Why? Why are you doing this? I don’t understand.”

“Will you let me help you?” His voice is soft, comforting.

“Help me?” I ask incredulously.

“You’re in pain,” he states.

My breath catches, but I steel myself.

“You’re the reason for that,” I retort. “Please let me go. You’re too close. We’re alone. You could do whatever you want, and I wouldn’t be able to stop you.”

“And yet, I give you my word that I won’t.” Holding something in his hand, he extends it toward me. “Will you please let me help you?”

I look down at the small jar he holds out.

“What is this?”

“An ointment. It will help with your injuries.”

I stare at the tin jar and gulp down uncomfortably. How many times have I wished for something like that?

My congregation is against medicine and anything that might interfere with the human body as God created it. If you are meant to die, you will die. It is a thing to rejoice, for you will go to the heavenly realm and take your seat next to God.

“Take it,” he urges. “Please.”

I let out a dry laugh. “You must know this is forbidden, too.”

“What should be forbidden is for someone to hurt you; to lay a hand on you.” His voice is harsh, an undercurrent of violence behind his calm countenance.