Nine…

Nine: Trust No One

Reverend Reese descended the steps toward Aubrey.

“Aubrey? I remember you from the memorial service. Is there something you need?”

“I need to talk to you,” she said.

“Regarding?”

“Regarding… Shawn.” She nervously smiled.

“Shawn?”

She gazed at him a moment; then said, “it’s really important.”

He circled behind her and placed his hand on her back. Then he led her into the next room.

Meanwhile, the blonde woman quietly read the Bible.

“What is this about?” he asked.

“I don’t know where to begin. So to make a long story short, I met a guy the other night who told me Shawn is still alive. He said to talk to you, that you could help me find him.” Of course, she sounded like a whack job. But it was easier just to blurt it all out, than to choose her words carefully.

“And you believed this… man?”

Reverend Reese was calm, as though he’d heard this outrageous story before.

“I don’t know what to believe. That’s why I came to you.”

“Please help me. I don’t have anyone else to talk to. Everyone thinks I’m crazy… I think I’m crazy. Please tell me I’m wrong.”

“I’m not exactly sure if what I’m about to tell you will help,” he replied.

Her eyes widened. Anticipation turned her stomach into knots.

“Your friend was correct. The urn was filled with dust and other debris, but not Shawn’s remains.”

“What?”

“So—so then you believe me? I’m not crazy after all? Shawn’s really alive?”

“Not exactly.”

“What does that mean?”

“There is a secretive society living in Shadowvale. An entire population of… how should I put this? The undead. Likely, Shawn is now with them.”

Aubrey stared at him.

“Shawn wasn’t actually dead. In spite of what the doctors thought, Shawn was on the verge of death when one of the vampires bit him and brought him back,” he added.

Aubrey’s mind lit up with images…

“Are you afraid of vampires?”

“Vampires? Is this some kind of a joke?”

“You asked, I told. What more do you want?”

Aubrey sighed. “Just tell me how to find Shawn.”

“It seems simple enough just to go to Shadowvale, but you’d be in grave danger if you did.”

“Then what am I supposed to do?”

“I’ll go with you and help protect you,” he said. “If there’s one thing they don’t like, it’s a priest.” Reverend Reese grinned.

“What’s in this for you?” she asked with sudden suspicion.

“Absolutely nothing. I’m a priest, remember? It’s my life’s work, God’s work, to help others.”

Then why didn’t you tell me before that Shawn was alive? And why did you help in the charade to cover it up? Aubrey wanted to ask, but didn’t.

The mystery lingered.

Later, Aubrey stood in the kitchen.

                                                           …

It was decided.

I’m not taking that poison tonight. Besides, I’m not crazy.

A few hours afterward, Aubrey tossed and turned in her sleep.

An urgent rapping came at the door.

Aubrey sat up, her heart thundering.

She forced her legs to approach the front door.

Aubrey was terrified of what stood on the other side…

Thump, thump, thump. The sound of her heart beat matched the pounding upon the door.

 

Reverend Reese greeted her.

What the—

“We have to leave right now,” he said, his voice breathless.

“Wait. What the hell’s going on?”

“There’s not enough time to explain right now. Just get dressed.”

“Are you serious? I have to pack some things! I can’t just—”

“No! There’s no time! Just get dressed so we can go.”

“Okay. Fine,” she said turning.

Ignoring her swirling confusion, Aubrey rushed down the hall to her bedroom.

WTH? she wondered as she opened the dresser and quickly dressed. What is happening? Why the sudden rush?

Afterward, the couple hurried to Reverend Reese’s car.

Aubrey hesitated before getting in.

“Get in!” he yelled.

She climbed in and closed the door.

Just minutes later, the car wound its way up the road…

heading out of Sunset Valley, on their way to Shadowvale.

Shadowvale: where the dead walked alongside the living. Aubrey shuddered at the thought.

                                                         ****

Chapter 10 coming tomorrow. ♥