Chapter 5: Scandal at Silver Hollow

"Hey, did you hear? Today at Silver Hollow Church, the Task Force accused Pastor Caleb of being tainted by dark energy, saying he’d lost his way. The mayor’s furious—ordered the church closed for seven days and wants to put the pastor in holding."

"Yeah, I heard. Everyone’s talking. Councilwoman Avery even knelt and begged for him, cried her eyes out. Lucky for Caleb, the State Office vouched for him—otherwise he’d be toast."

"Say what you will, Pastor Caleb’s truly devoted to his faith. Councilwoman Avery’s head over heels, but he won’t even glance her way."

"Shh! Want to get in trouble? Keep your voice down. If the authorities hear, you’re done for."

I finished my fried chicken at a food truck, neon menu buzzing overhead, the smell of fries mixing with autumn air. I slapped down a few bucks and left.

The paper bag grease stained my jeans. From this gossip, I pieced things together.

Councilwoman Avery, desperate for love, drugged the pastor to try to force herself on him. The pastor somehow resisted, made it back to Silver Hollow Church, and then ran into me—leading to that insane night.

I silently added Councilwoman Avery to my blacklist. One night I’ll sneak into city hall and shave her bald!

Before sunset, I returned to Silver Hollow Church and headed for Caleb’s shabby room.

At first, I was going to barge right in, but thought better of it. Better to scope things out first.

I quietly cracked the window and peeked inside.

Caleb was still sitting on the bed, same pastor’s robe as yesterday, cross-legged in meditation.

But the bed—nearly destroyed last night—was now neat and tidy, bedding folded, no trace of chaos.

It smelled faintly of dryer sheets and old cedar. Squinting, I saw my precious waist pendant sitting right in Caleb’s folded hands.

...

How to get it back?

I probably can’t beat him.

After some thought, I leapt up into the maple tree outside his door and settled in.

I don’t believe he’ll never need to use the bathroom.

I hunkered down in the crook of the branches, watching the sunset paint the church windows gold and purple, feeling every mosquito in the state come after my ears. My tail twitched, but I kept my eyes fixed on the window.