Chapter 38 - Lily
Lily
So many bodies filled the school cafeteria, I’d swear we had visitors from West Lake and New Lake. Batteries powered the electric lights and sound system, signaling the meeting’s urgency.
The sheriff, Julian, and council members sat in a lineup on the stage, waiting as people trickled in. Above the people rather than with them. That bothered me.
“I wish my father were here. Does this feel directed towards us?” I asked.
“You feel that way because it is,” Dean said.
“As much as I appreciate you agreeing, it’d be better if you disagreed.”
“Okay.” Dean kissed my temple. “That’s intuition. Listen to it.”
“I’m scared.”
“So am I.”
My eyes snapped to his. Dean hadn’t shown fear once during our journey home. “Now I’m terrified.”
“We have each other. Focus on that.”
“Optimism from you raises my panic levels.”
He faced me and leaned in close. “I can try to get us out of here. Do you want me to do that?”
Try. Dean had never used that word before, not in relation to him. “Don’t worry, this will all work out.” He frowned at my fragile smile, but didn’t comment. “Is it muggy in here?” I wiped my forehead.
“A little warm.” Dean rubbed my thigh.
“I’d like to welcome everyone here-” The sheriff drew the microphone from his mouth as painful feedback burst from the speakers. He tried again. “Sorry about that. Let’s try again.”
Polite titters and scattered applause echoed.
“We have much to celebrate, starting with the supplies my men gathered to keep you safe.” The sheriff rambled, naming several audience members for their acts of service.
Rose slumped in a front-row chair, glancing towards the closest exit, where Bud, the man who flirted with her a couple of days earlier, stood. He didn’t acknowledge her; instead, he stood, legs spread and arms on his hips, unsmiling.
“Now, for our upbeat news of the evening,” Sheriff Gustafson said. “The council will sponsor a town celebration next week to mark two months since the comet landed. Food options will be limited, but we can dance and enjoy our company.”
Dean met my eyes. “You remember the doomsday party?”
I winced. “At least that came with food.”
Cheers erupted, along with scattered thank yous, and a few yelled Gustafsons.
I leaned close to whisper in Dean’s ear. “I can’t decide if they want you back in time or planned it to occur while you’re still gone.” Knots climbed up my stomach, so the acid ate my throat. I tried to decipher any meaning behind the timeline and failed.
“Maybe I should ask for more men and trucks,” he whispered back.
My shoulders relaxed as I leaned on Dean’s reassurance and my hope that this was the worst of it.
Julian caught my eye and looked past me to the men stationed at each exit and throughout the room, blocking any escape attempt.
“Dean, they have guards in here.”
He acknowledged my words with a stiff nod.
The sheriff waited until the applause faded and said, “We now move on to the painful part of this evening. The council learned today about an attack in West Lake. We have few details at this time, but I promise to share as we learn more.”
Hushed whispers sounded in the room. I squeezed Dean’s hand tight enough to bruise it.
“My father is there,” I choked out. “What if he’s hurt?”
The sheriff ignored the growing nervous energy. “Masked men broke into West Lake’s supply depot and escaped with most of their supplies. I have ordered several deputies to West Lake for protection and to track down this gang.”
More applause from the audience.
He waved his hand with a bold smile. “Given the risk to our community, the town council authorized a curfew in Deer Lake. All citizens must be indoors before sunset, unless granted an exception.”
The cheers faded as the groans grew.
The sheriff waved again, tamping down further complaints.
“I understand your frustration, but your cooperation ensures your security.” He paused for any objections.
No one spoke. “Considering this, we’re adding three additional security guards to tomorrow’s foraging mission to keep the crew safe while they serve Deer Lake. ”
“Fuck. What the hell?!” Dean spoke under his breath, so only I heard, and squeezed my hand until I winced. “Sorry. Sorry about that. It makes no sense. I don’t get it.”
Neither did I. “He already offered you those three men.”
“Now, before we open the floor, I learned some distressing news earlier today. A security guard was attacked outside the grocery store.” He pointed to the main entrance.
“As you know, we have a zero-tolerance policy for violence in this town. I asked the security guard to speak, to make his charge here in the open. Bud Northman, come up here.”
I choked on the name. Dean’s mouth fell open.
“That’s the man who attacked Mrs. Willoughby,” Dean said.
“What do we do?” Besides panic, obviously.
“Don’t show fear. We’ve done nothing wrong. Look guilty, and people will believe you are.”
“But we aren’t guilty.”
“Do you think people will care?”
That shut me up.
Bud Northman stood beside the sheriff and recounted his attack, claiming he’d been busy helping a fellow town member when an unfamiliar man came up behind him, threatening his life and demanding the contents of his pockets. He claimed that a witness saw the entire incident.
Mrs. Willoughby. I covered my mouth. She’d come by to clear her conscience first. Did Julian’s offer of support stem from this night’s events, too?
“We need to leave,” I whispered to him.
“Not an option. Stay still.” Dean remained rigid, eyes planted on the sheriff.
I willed my heart to slow, remembering our morning in the red brick house. Dean’s soothing words and soft touch on my breast calmed me then. He had forced my heartbeat to match his. Deep breath. In and out.
The sheriff shook his head. “This is our first act of violence in Deer Lake since the comet landed. As a peace-loving town, we must maintain order and ensure justice is served. Mr. Northman, would you recognize who attacked you?”
Bud nodded.
“Could you identify this person now?”
Dean leaned down and spoke in a rush. “They’re going to take me. When they do, find the Chance family. Tell them who you are. They’ll protect you. Do you understand?”
I nodded, unable to believe him. Unable to believe any of this. “I understand.”
Dean lingered in Deer Lake for one reason: me.
I’d known that and not cared, preferring its safety to his well-being.
Hadn’t I lectured my father for not caring about other people?
He’d raised me to be better, and in the end, I accused my father of the same act against Dean. I was as guilty as my father. More.
What had I done? “Dean, I’m so sorry.”
“What are you talking about?” he asked.
“Thank you, Mr. Northman. We now ask our other witness to speak.”
Mrs. Willoughby approached the stage and took the offered microphone.
“It pains me to say there’s a thief in this town.
I’d know because I was there. It was that man, right there.
” She raised her finger, pointing it at Bud Northman.
“He stole from me, and I threatened him. I said if you ever touch me again, I’d tell the whole town.
” Her voice rose to a yell. “Sheriff, I’ve known you since you were in diapers.
You’ve looked after us and protected us, so do it again.
Bring justice to this town before more of us are hurt. ”
The cafeteria erupted into chaos as people spoke over one another, yelling and demanding justice.