Secrets of Innocence

by V.

  “Wesley wasn’t afraid.”

  Alexander stopped typing and turned toward Danny in silent disbelief.

  “Okay, he was afraid, but not as much as I am. Besides he fights for his dream at the end of the book. I’ve barely even started. I’m only on page twenty.. .thirty tops.”

  Alexander exploded with laughter, but Danny failed to find the humor in it. When his amusement finally subsided, Alexander returned to his typing. Danny resumed pacing.

  “What happens when the entire town finds out what I did?”

  Alexander typed with mock concentration.

  “What will Ms. Eldrige say?”

  Alexander stopped. “Who?”

  “My English teacher—she’s very good to me. Will she call me a victim or a villain? What about Ellie? What will she say? Oh God. Ellie.” He sped up his pace and clutched his head as if trying to contain an inevitable internal explosion. “What about my parents? Oh God! It’ll kill them. Shame them forever and ever—especially my dad. Can you imagine what people will say about the minister’s son and how he failed as a father? Oh God.” He turned to Alexander and pulled on his arm. “Alexander, help me. Please, you’ve got to help me.”

  Alexander slammed his fists on the table. “Danny, I’ve given you Wesley, I’ve given you my opinion. The rest is up to you.” He rose and headed into his bedroom. Seconds later he emerged with a shabby looking book and handed it to Danny. “Here, I was going to give it to you when I left, but since you might leave me first, you should have it now.”

  Danny took the tattered book and stared at the cover. He opened it to find the corners frayed and the pages stained from countless rereading. Beaming, Danny closed it and caressed the cover. He turned to Alexander and smiled. “Rainbow.. .Your book.”

  “My very own copy. You deserve to have it now.”

  Danny’s eyes began to tear as he tenderly thumbed through it.

  “Read the title page.”

  “You’ve dedicated it to me?”

  “Read it.”

  “‘Danny, you have no potential.. .you are complete. My love to you, my best and only true friend. Alexander Pitman.’” He looked with awe into Alexander’s eyes. “You’ve signed it. You actually signed it even though you told me you never do that.”

  “Remember why I don’t sign books?”

  “You said it traps your soul.”

  “There you have it.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Good.” Alexander returned to his typewriter.

  Danny rushed over and hugged him. “Thanks.”

  Alexander smiled to himself. “Yeah, yeah. You’ve got to go now. I need to write.”

  “But—”

  “Go.”

  Alexander began to type again. Stunned, Danny backed away and, book in hand, silently left the cabin and walked off into the night.

  “Sarah, this stew is delicious,” Elisabeth managed between bites.

  Sarah blinked, her surroundings wrenching her back to the present. “Oh. Thanks.”

  “You created a unique flavor blend. I’d love to see the recipe,” Daniel chimed in.

  “Well, not my doing at all. It’s probably my mother’s secret ingredient— chicken stock—coupled with the long cooking time.”

  “It sure worked great,” a cheerful Elisabeth added. “I can’t thank you enough Sarah, for asking me over and teaching me how to make it. I had a ball, and the little ones learning all those words in Spanish and French while we cooked their dinner turned out to be a treat.”

  “They had a great time, even the twins,” Sarah told Alyana. “They kept us plenty busy.”

  “They’re a handful, and I appreciate having an afternoon for housework. It’s hard to keep up with four kids. I never have enough time, even with the European tradition that Sarah started.”

  “What tradition?” Elisabeth asked.

  “To have the children eat before the adults. Listen to the silence. Now that they’re asleep upstairs, we can all enjoy a nice evening of adult conversation.” “Well, for my part, I’m looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning with my wife at my side,” Tom said as he winked at Alyana.

  “We’ll all have a nice sleep”—Elisabeth giggled—“after the pineapple compote dessert with tequila and Tuaca we’ve prepared for you. Wait till you taste that.”

  “That’s a first, even for me,” Conrad said as he patted his wife’s hand. “Darling, is this is a good time to talk about what to do about Sheriff Williams?”

  After a brief hesitation, Conrad nodded. “It’s as good a time as any.” “Daniel’s told you what happened at the store this afternoon,” Sarah went on, “so now that we’re all aware of what transpired, we should—”

  “Pretty gutsy, Sarah,” Tom interjected.

  “Gutsy? That wasn’t my intention, but I refuse to live in fear again.” “Fear?” Daniel asked with surprise.

  Sarah glanced at her husband who smiled and nodded.

  She took a deep breath and looked straight at Daniel. “I grew up denying that I had a sixth sense because as a little girl my ability caused horrible trauma to my best friend’s family.”

  “Why? Did you misinterpret one of your visions?” Daniel tilted his head.

  “No, I spoke the truth. But it was a truth no one wished to hear—or accept.”

  “Oh.” Daniel lowered his eyes. “Now I get it.” He swirled his fork on his plate, and then looked up at Conrad. “You’re worried Sarah might cause me similar trauma, aren’t you?”

  Everyone’s eyes turned to Conrad. “What worries me is that, at this point in time, she doesn’t have enough information to make an informed decision. And I’m worried Williams might try to do her harm.”

  “Dad, you’re not serious.” Tom stiffened. “He’s a cop, he wouldn’t hurt Sarah.”

  “I don’t mean physically, but he’s definitely capable of causing public distrust, and you’re well aware of the harm prejudice can do.”

  “C’mon Dad, no one could possibly think ill of Sarah,” Tom insisted. “Everyone in these parts is well aware of Grandma and her gift. It wouldn’t be any different with Sarah.”

  “Tom, Grandma was born here. Sarah’s a newcomer and you understand as well as anyone how mistrustful folks here are about outsiders.”

  “Yes, but not Sarah. She’s part of our family—part of you, part of me, and Alyana. For that matter, Sarah was summoned by Grandma to come here and to join our family.”

  “You realize how odd that sounds—your dead grandmother calling from beyond and beckoning Sarah to come here? Williams can wreak havoc with talk like that.”

  “He could certainly try, but he wouldn’t succeed,” Tom said, but he spoke hesitantly.

  Conrad glanced around the table. “What do you all think?”

  “I agree with Tom and Sarah,” Alyana answered first. “Papa, there’s no question that prejudice can cause a great deal of pain, but we can’t live in fear.

  Some folks might behave badly—people who don’t know us well. But we shouldn’t allow their actions to affect us.”

  “But,” Daniel interjected, “I’m well aware that public opinion carries a heavy load.”

  “What do you mean? You’re on to something?” Elisabeth asked excitedly.

  Daniel shook his head. “I’m not sure what it is, a feeling, I guess. Somehow I’m aware of the price one pays when we challenge those whose approval we seek.” He looked at Sarah. “As much as I admire your guts and how you stood your ground against Williams, I have to agree with Conrad about the harm public opinion might bring to you and your family. It’s hard enough for most people to understand the generosity you’ve extended to me, let alone—”

  “That’s no reason,” Sarah said emphatically. “To begin with, you were attacked, and everyone understands how difficult it must be for you to have lost everything.”

  “And yet it’s my presence that has caused all this trouble.”

  “You’re the victim,”
Elisabeth interjected. “The attack on you may be what brought Sarah to everyone’s attention, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that you are the victim.”

  “Okay,” Conrad cut in, in an attempt to regain control of the discussion, “I think I get where we all stand, and it’s true that there’s no point in living in fear, particularly of things that are beyond our control. However, the cat—as they say—is out of the bag. Williams knows that Sarah is psychic and he’ll do whatever he’ll do. We must do our best not to provoke him, to tread lightly and exercise caution. Are we all together on this?” He tilted his head and eyed Sarah pointedly.

  After a few seconds, she nodded.

  With a collective sigh of relief, everyone smiled, and returned to their dinner.

  “I think I can help him uncover who attacked Daniel,” Sarah said as she sipped her wine.

  “Now, Sarah—”

  “Conrad,” she interrupted, “I have to do the best that I can with the gift I’ve been given.”

  “But not until you have all the facts.” Conrad insisted with controlled impatience.

  “You mean until the movie that’s playing in my head makes sense.” Sarah shook her head. “It doesn’t make any more sense now than when it began. I suspect it’s waiting for someone other than me to interpret it.”

  “You have a movie in your head?” Elisabeth asked excitedly. “Is it about Williams?”

  “She doesn’t know,” Conrad snapped. “She shouldn’t even be talking about it until she’s certain of its meaning.” He reached for Sarah’s hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t wish you to live in fear, and I’m proud you’re no longer hiding your gift. But you must keep your visions to yourself until you understand them. If you jump to conclusions the wrong people might get hurt. Including us.

  Sarah lowered her eyes and nodded. “You’re right. I need to be more careful.” She looked up at Elisabeth. “I don’t wish to keep this movie from you, but I truly don’t understand it. All I can say is that it isn’t about Williams, but about Daniel, or someone close to Daniel.”

  “Sarah, please, you have to tell us about it,” Elisabeth insisted.

  “No, Conrad’s right. I’ll wait a bit longer. Maybe things will become clearer.”

  “What’s the harm in telling us?” Elisabeth pushed.

  “If it isn’t about Daniel, it could confuse him, or influence him,” Alyana replied calmly.

  Elisabeth pouted and then shrugged. “Okay, so you can’t tell us about this movie, but what about Williams? How could you help him with the investigation of Daniel’s attack?”

  “I have this feeling—” Sarah started to answer, then glanced at her husband who squeezed her hand and smiled. “I sense that Williams is on the verge of figuring out where Daniel came from, but he’s so worried about me that he keeps getting derailed.”

  “Why is he worried about you?” asked Tom.

  “He fears my psychic abilities.”

  “Why? What does that have to do with Williams?” Tom insisted.

  Elisabeth gasped. “Oh my God, Sarah. He’s afraid you’ll find out how his dad really died, isn’t he?”

  Sarah nodded. “I believe so.”

  “What? It was a hunting accident.” Tom’s forehead furrowed as he shook his head. “This doesn’t make any sense.”

  Sarah glanced at Conrad and then back at Tom. “I’m certain that Williams believes he’s the one that killed him.”

  Elisabeth brought her hands to her mouth. Alyana reached for her husband’s hand. For a moment everyone stared at Sarah in silence.

  “Did he?” Tom asked at last.

  “I’m not sure yet. But I’ve seen what Williams sees in his dreams.”

  “How he killed his father?” Elisabeth whispered.

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, Sarah.” Alyana reached over and embraced her. “How awful it must be for you to sense these things—to experience such horror.”

  “And all this because you felt the urge to help me. That’s what I mean when I say that everything bad that’s happened is because of me.” Daniel’s words were barely audible.

  “Daniel,” Sarah said gently, “I’m glad I helped you, I’m glad we’re all here tonight—together—trying to make sense of it all. I’m glad to call you my friend. I’m not thrilled with the visions about Williams and his fears, nor am I certain about the meaning of the movie playing in my head, but if you trust me and give me time, I hope I’ll be able to help you.”

  Daniel smiled. “I trust you, and if there’s one thing I can give you, it’s time.”

  CHAPTER 13

  Danny and his parents sat around the kitchen table finishing breakfast.

  “I do notice you.” The minister sighed with exasperation. “I’m busy.” “You come home late at night and leave right after breakfast, you don’t come for lunch or dinner as is.. .as was your habit. I can’t figure out what to make of it.”

  “I’m very busy, Shirley. If anyone in the world should understand that, it would be you.”

  “I understand that your congregation needs attention, but this is too much. We are your family.”

  “I have my work, Shirley. You have Danny, doesn’t he keep you company?” “He’s having fun. It’s summer.”

  “He should get a job. Look at him, he’s half asleep.”

  “I’m not half asleep,” Danny protested.

  “Then what’s the matter with you, boy? You’re acting like you’re at a funeral.”

  “You’re arguing and.. .this could be the last meal I have with both of you.” Hugo Michaels rose, pushing his chair back. “Don’t be so melodramatic, son. We’re sparring like any old married couple. It doesn’t mean we’re splitting up. Pull yourself together.” He folded his newspaper, placed it on the counter, and headed out of the kitchen.

  “That’s not what I—”

  “Get a summer job. Start looking today.”

  “But Hugo, he should at least have a few weeks of fun with his friends.” “Shirley, you baby this boy too much. I have to go. I’m off to the ministers’ meeting, which means I’ll be wasting my whole day with a bunch of useless preachers. Oh, and I won’t be home for dinner, so don’t wait up for me.” With that, he turned, and left.

  Dejected, Shirley collected the breakfast dishes from the table and carried them to the sink. “He didn’t even give us a kiss good-bye. I don’t like it. Something’s going on with your father. He’s hiding something.”

  “I guess.” Danny, head down, made circles in his cereal.

  “I hope he hasn’t got some awful disease he doesn’t want us to know about. Or maybe something’s gone wrong with the congregation. You’re familiar with how some of those people on the Board of Directors are.”

  “Uh-huh.” Danny continued swirling with his spoon, resting his head on his free hand.

  Shirley stared out the window as she rinsed the dishes. “He doesn’t look ill. Does he?”

  “I suppose.”

  Shirley turned and took a good long look at her son. She shut off the water, dried her hands on her apron and approached him, caressing his hair. “I’m sorry, please don’t worry, he’ll be fine. It’s my fretting. I get a bit lonely sometimes—I’m not used to him being gone so much. You don’t need to find a job today. Take your time and enjoy another week of summer. Go on,” she said, removing his cereal bowl, “get your swimming trunks and go join your friends at the beach. They’ll be waiting for you.”

  “But, Mom—”

  “No buts, do as I say.” She kissed him on the forehead and ushered him from the kitchen.

  Danny turned back and embraced her. “I love you, Mom. Don’t forget that, whatever happens. I love Dad, too. Make sure you tell him.” Without waiting for a response he rushed out.

  Bewildered, Shirley stared after her son as the scene faded to black.

  Robert and several teenage boys ran out of the lake to join Danny who had parked himself on the sand in a distant corner of the beach away from the crowd.


  They dropped down next to him, lit up a couple of cigarettes, and passed them around. Danny refused their offer to partake and instead sat staring pensively into the horizon.

  “Anyway,” Robert addressed the group, clearly finishing a story he’d started earlier, “I told her to sneak out of her house with me, and we could come here and count the stars.”

  “So what did she say?” demanded Chris, a chubby, freckle-faced redhead who showed signs of having exceeded his allotment of sunshine for the day.

  “Thursday at midnight,” Robert boasted, looking about with feigned indifference. “I’m going all the way. The Milky Way and the Big Dipper.”

  “How’d you do it? Sue Ellen, man, she’s a fox,” an amazed Paul exclaimed.

  “No big deal.” Robert dragged deeply and then released the smoke as slowly as he could.

  They spotted a group of young girls walking down the beach, Ellie among them.

  “Hey, Danny. Ellie’s here.” Robert poked his friend.

  Danny turned to catch a glimpse of Ellie and her girlfriends as they set their towels carefully on the sand, then dashed toward the water. Ellie wore a bright yellow bikini that accentuated her lithe body.

  As she frolicked with her friends at the edge of the water, she caught a glimpse of Danny and his friends eyeing them from afar.

  “C’mon, let’s go get them.” Chris sprung to his feet followed by Paul and Robert.

  After a few steps, Robert stopped and turned back to Danny who remained motionless. “Coming, Danny boy?”

  “Go ahead, I’ll catch up.”

  “What’s wrong, man? You’re so gloomy.”

  “When you’re close to death, everything is meaningless.”

  “Death? What the hell are you talking about?”

  “You wouldn’t understand.”

  “You’re turning into a real bore.” Robert ran off to join his friends who had already started teasing the girls. They, in turn, pretended to ignore them.

  Danny rose slowly to his feet and sauntered toward Ellie who had broken away from the group and headed over to meet him halfway.

  “Hi Danny,” she said with her typical bright smile.

  “Hi. Glad you’re back.” He turned toward the horizon unable to look at her directly.