Thom breathed deep and his shoulders slumped slightly.
Ember shook herself, breaking free of his hold. “What are you about, Thom? Why are you acting strangely?” It was odd enough that he sent a note rather than visiting himself. His countenance worried her.
He looked toward the door the Reverend had entered. Satisfied with what he found, that it was still closed she assumed, he pulled her through another doorframe and closed that door, leaning with his ear to it.
“Pastor Mather believes Dorothy is…possessed.”
“What!” She clamped her hand over her mouth and Thom frowned, leaning his ear to the door again. “Why would he think that?”
“You saw how her babe recovered? How quickly? He believes she made a deal with the devil to save the child.”
Ember shook her head, thinking of Dorothy, their cousin, only a handful of years older than Thom. Dorothy was…outspoken. She let her hair down when in her home and unbuttoned her collar and cuffs, but in all other ways she followed every letter of every law laid out by their Lord. She couldn’t be less evil or more good.
“What are we going to do?”
“Warn her. I couldn’t write this. I can barely speak it.”
“I will, Anne. I’m asking Pastor Mather just that, carefully. Hoping he’ll take my interest as mere curiosity. If I find anything, I will call on you again.”
“Oh, Thom. You don’t think he would hurt anyone, do you?”
He shook his head. “I don’t, but you’ve heard of other rumors, other towns. Salem is no different. It could happen here as easily as anywhere.”
Ember nodded. “I understand. Take care, Thom.”
Just then the door opened and they both jumped.
The Pastor opened the door only wide enough to peer in. “Thom, I need you. Please see your sister off.”
“Yes, Reverend.”
“Thank you, Reverend, for letting me visit.”
His frown smoothed. “You are welcome, Anne. Our Lord opens his arms for each of us, including you.”
She bowed her head and kept her eyes on the floor.
He didn’t close the door, leaving it ajar as he walked away.
She spun and hugged Thom in a tight hug. “Take care.”
“I will. Go.”
Reluctant, she released her brother and walked out the door.
Now that you've read mine, you should check out the rest of the blogs participating this week.
