Page 13 of Hell Yes
“Maybe it’s from one of my friends back east.”
“You go there often?”
Val bit back the urge to say ‘none of your business’ and was relieved when another customer, another local named Wally True, walked in. “Sorry, Bryan, I’ll be right back.”
Val felt Bryan’s eyes on her as she walked over to greet Wally. A retired miner, Wally lived across the street in an apartment above the only grocer in town. He had kind eyes and was as quiet as Val, preferring to sit in a booth, by himself, and not at the counter.
“Afternoon Wally, cup of tea and the special?” Val asked.
“You got it, please and thanks.”
Val nodded and headed for the kitchen. Sam and Callie were deep in discussion and both startled when Val walked in.
“Sandwich plate and a meatloaf, please.”
Sam nodded and he and Callie started the orders while Val made a pot of tea and grabbed a refill coffee for Bryan.
Once both men had their drinks, she had a moment to herself.
Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out the letter. Opening the envelope, she unfolded the white paper and was startled by what was on it.
It is time to return home. You are destined to be betrothed to the holiest of men. Heed this warning and obey. Or face eternal damnation.
The letter fell from her hand as a panic unlike any other gripped her.
Breathing was impossible.
“Val? Everything okay?”
Callie’s voice startled her, and she bent down to retrieve the letter, shoving it back into her pocket.
“Fine, just a letter from a friend.”
“Bad news?”
“Yes, unfortunately,” Val replied and turned around. “I need go for a quick break, can you cover me?”
Callie nodded, her eyes full of concern. “Of course.”
Val headed for the back door and then climbed the stairs to her apartment.
It couldn’t be. There’s no way they would have found her here, could they?
Once inside, she opened up the letter again and re-read it.
Head this warning and obey.
Oh, hell no.
CHAPTER 5
JESSE
“What do you think about Val?”
“Who?” Xander stared at him as they sat in the dining hall, eating.
“The waitress.”