“She’s gone,” Pearl said sadly.
We both stood there helpless, heartbroken for Wrenna. I swiped a dark palm over my face. “She’s been running wild and doesn’t even realize the monster is dead.” I barely breathed.
“You can kill the one under the bed, but there are always a few more in the back of the closet waiting,” Pearl said.
I rubbed the rising hairs on my arms, scanning the dense woodlands for the ones walking amongst us in daylight or lurking just beyond the shadow-darkened trees.
Thirty-Eight
The June morning unfolded slowly over the mountains as the fog wound its way through the woods and skated up into the hills. Hours later, we rode into town under a sapphire-shimmered sky.
Resting my cheek against Junia’s withers, I gave her an oat cookie and one last stroke before heading into the looming white courthouse for my hearing. Pulling out the photograph of Grandpa Elijah from my dress pocket, I pressed a kiss onto the curling photograph and slipped it back inside, patting the other side that held the paper I’d stuck in there this morning. Calling for strength, I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath. One more and another.
A horse neighed behind me and I turned, surprised to see Pearl riding into the parking lot on Pie. “Honey!” She climbed down and tied the horse to a post. “What? You didn’t think I’d let you go to the hearing alone.”
I reached for her outstretched hand and gave a grateful squeeze.
“That sure is a pretty scarf.”
“I’m so glad to see you. Obliged, and it’s one of Retta’s.” I touched the dangling knot of fabric with my gloved hand, fidgeting. The scarf was comforting, like having a part of her with me today.
From across the street, Francis called out my name and sprinted over.
“Honey, I wanted to ask you something.” He glanced at Pearl and looked down at his feet, mumbling, “In private, if you got a minute.”
“We can talk over by Junia. I should probably double-check her to make sure she can’t get loose.”
Pearl raised a brow. “I’ll just wait here.”
It was good to see him again, and I peeked up at him, sneaking glances. Francis followed beside me, grinning, his eyes warm and cheerful.
“What is it, Francis?” I asked, checking the mule’s reins.
He stepped toward me, and Junia nibbled at the air and kicked a warning leg forward.
I raised a hand. “Best stay there, Francis. She’s a little feisty with men until she gets to know them.”
“I like her already.” He shoved both fists into his pants pockets, rocking slightly on the balls of his feet. Concern spread across his face. “Honey, I heard the judge’s secretary talking in the store about you having a hearing for your freedom.”
Did everyone know? I touched my collar, then locked my hands behind my back. Junia blew and pawed the earth, cautioning him back.
“Steady, Junia,” I ordered with a tug to her halter, embarrassed that he knew and now the whole town did too.
“Well, folks were talking and all. Wanted to see if I could help ya.”
I didn’t want the town talking behind my back, and I didn’t want to tell Francis about my troubles. “Obliged, but my lawyer is seeing to my personal family business in a few minutes.” I circled around the mule, checking that she was secure. As if on cue, Junia whinnied and I checked my timepiece. “Better get inside.” I stepped back, stumbling on a busted brick. Francis caught me, and silently I cursed my feet for betraying me again with him, while Junia rippled out what sounded like soft nickering laughter.
Straightening, I said, “Well, they’re waiting.”