Page 17 of Brutal Sinner
Quietly, I head inside the darkened interior and, as my eyes adjust, a whisper from the darkness stops me in my tracks.
“Over here.”
I peer into the gloom and am surprised to see the white cotton of a dress, revealing this is no threat to me, causing me to relax.
“Jonny.”
For a moment my heart lifts, hoping like hell its Faith, but as she steps into the light, she reveals herself to be her best friend instead.
“Purity. Is that you?” I ask in my husky drawl, and she says with fear in her voice, “I shouldn’t be here. Nobody must know.”
She steps into the light, and I regard her ashen face, staring at me with a mixture of fear and relief.
“Thank the lord you came.”
“What is it darlin’?” I say kindly and she peers nervously around her and whispers, “Faith. She’s in danger.”
“How?” My voice comes out like a rusty blade on a battle shield because there is no way in hell I’m leaving her here and Purity nods, the relief shining in her eyes as she whispers, “She is due to marry Reverend Peters in nine days’ time. She would be signing her death warrant.”
“So I’ve heard.” I hiss and her eyes widen.
“We need to rescue her.”
“Rescue?” I raise my eyes and she nods, peering around with wide-eyed fear.
“She is being kept prisoner until the day before her wedding. I overheard my father telling my mother.”
“How does he know?” I’m curious and Purity says quickly, “He works for Reverend Peters. He cares for his business interests, and they have many meetings that I make a point of attending.”
“They let you?” I’m surprised at that, and her impudent grin makes me smile because it appears that Purity Sanders is a girl after my own heart.
“Ilet me, Jonny. They don’t even know I’m there.”
She carries on quickly. “I want to help you, but nobody must ever discover my part in this.”
Anonymity is a recurring theme in this town, so I nod. “Of course.”
She moves closer and stares at me with the wide eyes of the innocent and says in awe, “What’s it like, Jonny?”
“What?”
“Life outside this town. Is it really as bad as everyone says it is?”
“Of course not.”
I shake my head. “This town fabricates stories to keep everyone here. If they realized what life was really like, they would pack up and move on in no time. Don’t be afraid of what’s out there, Purity. Be afraid of missing it.”
“That’s what Faith said.”
“She left town?”
That would explain why I couldn’t find her, and she nods. “She got as far as Jackson’s point before they found her and brought her back.”
“What happened?” The pain is unbearable knowing she ran from me, and Purity surprises me by placing a gentle hand on my arm. “Don’t be angry, Jonny. You haven’t heard the full story.”
“Then tell me.”
“I can’t.” She shakes her head.