by Raven Steele
"I'm glad he was with you," Ethan said after they got into his car and pulled onto the road.
Claire just stared out the window thinking of Gage. How did he know she was there?
"It should’ve been me,” he said. “I went to the balcony first, but when I didn’t see you, I went back to the dressing room.”
“We must’ve just missed each other. Don’t worry about it.”
"It's a horrible feeling."
She looked at him. "What is?"
He gripped the steering wheel tight. "Not being able to protect you."
"You don't have to protect me. I actually enjoy fighting, remember?" But what she didn’t admit was that there was something inside of Gage she didn’t know how to fight and it terrified her.
"That's not what I mean,” Ethan said. “I want to protect you from evil. That's not something you can physically fight."
She startled. It’s like he’d read her mind. "You really think he’s evil and not some messed up teenage boy?"
Ethan shook his head and furrowed his brow like he was trying to figure out his next words. "I think this Gage guy goes beyond messed up. You said so yourself, there was something dark in him, indescribable."
Claire turned her attention to the darkened window, not knowing how to respond. He was right. Something about Gage frightened her beyond anything she’d ever met and that included her father. Maybe evil was the right word to describe him.
"That's what I want to protect you from,” Ethan said. He reached over and took her hand. “I can tell you’re scared, and I'm not used to seeing that side of you."
"I'll figure it out."
"Not alone." He squeezed her hand and said nothing else until they pulled up to her house a few minutes later. At the front door, he stopped her from going in.
"One day soon," he said, his face close to hers, "you're going to fall in love with me as much as I am with you.”
He kissed her briefly and walked away.
Claire thought the night had been ruined and nothing could salvage it, but in one simple and sweet sentence he'd made her feel whole. If this was love, then she was really looking forward to feeling more of it.
Chapter 17
Albert had lost control. And it had only taken one seemingly perfect distraction to cause the tear in his identity, and what had oozed out the jagged wound was the familiar darkness he'd been trying to hold back. Gage.
He stared into the mirror across from his bed. His gaze was strong, immoveable.
Gage had made his appearance while Claire was singing without the help of any drug. His prison had been carelessly unattended; his guard distracted by the voice of an angel. Fortunately for Albert, the rip was not wide enough for Gage to fully take control, but it had given him enough time to steal a phone and contact Claire. To scare her.
Gage had seen her frightened expression just before he was mentally shoved back into his cage. The fear in her eyes had given Gage an added strength, and Albert feared it was just a matter of time before he returned.
Chapter 18
Lunar Festival of Lights. That's what the mayor had called it. The celebration was meant to bring in more tourists during August when they began to taper off. Another solid month of tourist income would do a lot for Bandon’s economy. That’s what the mayor had said. And if it worked, then the festival would become a yearly tradition.
Claire was excited for it, mostly. The city had called Kate to ask if their band could play a few songs, their tamest ones, they had been quick to say. But Claire had a couple of reservations about playing at the festival—Bodian Dynamics, more specifically Gary, and Gage. Even though nothing had happened for several days, she was still nervous that one of them might easily find her if she performed in public.
In the end, however, she didn’t let her fears stop her from singing and attending the event. She wanted to make the festival memorable. She and Ethan together, beneath the light of the full moon. She couldn't imagine a more perfect setting. Besides, the police would all be at the festival so she should be safe.
"You coming?" Kate called from her car.
Claire stared up from her porch into a cloudy night sky. So much for her perfect setting. Already a heavy mist was creeping through the trees as if it, too, wanted to experience this new celebration. She zipped up her jacket and bounded down the stairs.
"So how come Ethan didn't pick you up?" Kate asked when Claire closed the passenger door.
She put on her seat belt. "He had to work over at Bullard’s Beach Park. He'll meet me there."
"So you two seem to be getting serious,” Kate said, eyeing her sideways as she eased the car onto the road.
"Maybe."
"Don't you think it’s weird? I mean, a few years ago you guys were practically a couple and then you don’t speak to him forever and now you’re back in love?”
“I wouldn’t say we’re in love,” Claire said, squirming in her seat. “I just forgot how cool he was.”
"Maybe he’s not as cool as you think he is.”
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Kate tightened her lips like she was trying to keep from saying more. Instead, she said, “So did Logan mind playing for Audrey tonight?"
She turned the car right toward town.
"Yeah. When is she coming back?" Claire was glad Kate changed the subject. Ethan was still a sore topic between them. Sometimes, she wondered if Kate was jealous that Claire had a boyfriend and she didn’t.
"Tomorrow. Wish I could be in Hawaii.”
“Don’t we all.”
Claire’s phone buzzed. She looked down and read a text message from Logan out loud. "Logan says not to worry about all the equipment. He’s already setting it up."
"Good. Logan’s so cool. Too bad you’re not dating him.” Kate tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. "I hope this festival isn't lame.”
Claire chose to ignore the first part of her statement. "I'm sure it will have some lameness to it. A sixty-year-old planned it."
"Whoa!" Kate said and slowed the gas.
Claire looked up. Lining the streets was bumper-to-bumper parked cars and they were still six blocks from town. Not only that, but just up ahead their small city was practically glowing with lights.
"Maybe there will be more people than I thought," Kate whispered.
"Where are we going to park?" Claire looked in all directions, trying to find a spot.
Kate’s lips curved up. "VIP parking."
"Where's that?"
Kate didn't answer, but after a minute Claire knew what she was talking about. Barely fitting between a fire hydrant and a parked car, Kate slowly guided her old Buick over the concrete curb and up onto the grass. She proceeded to drive into the park, swerving through trees that were glowing from millions of strung lights. The white light tried to push through the growing fog, but it pushed back, creating a haze of blurry trapped light.
She was about to comment on the illusion to Kate, but just then her skin turned cold. She wasn't sure why until her brain registered what her eyes were looking at through the side window. Not far off, standing beneath a streetlight as if a ghost, was Gary. His stare touched her, and ran up her spine, leaving shaking nerves in its wake. She quickly looked away and clutched the dashboard.
"You okay?" Kate asked as she parked next to a homemade stage in the middle of the park.
Claire forced herself to relax. "Just fine. You sure we can park here?"
"We're rock stars, remember?" Kate got out of the car.
"Right."
"You coming?" she said, peeking her head back into the car.
Claire remained frozen in her seat, staring straight ahead.
Kate banged the top of the car with her hand. "Hey! You coming or what?"
She jumped. "Yeah. One sec."
Kate closed the door.
Claire glanced in all directions for Gary before she opened the door. He must have wandered off because she couldn't see him now.
“Relax,” she breathed.
Gary probably lived in this area so it shouldn't surprise her that he was here. Besides, he hadn't bothered her in a couple of weeks.
A few minutes later Logan appeared. "Now you're sure we're up first, right Kate? Because everything’s set up."
"That's what the lady at city hall said."
"Good." Logan eyed Claire. "What's wrong?"
She turned away. "Nothing. Long day is all."
"You sure? Because you look like you've seen a Chupacabra."
Claire tried to smile. "Once I start singing, I'll be fine."
And that’s exactly what happened. Thirty minutes later she jumped from the stage after performing their last song feeling great. There wasn't much of a crowd, mostly teenagers, but she didn't care. Singing was all that mattered.
"Should we walk through town? See what else there is?" Steph asked.
"Can't. I've got a date," Kate said.
Up on the stage, a man and woman, who looked like they were attending prom wearing a matching tux and pink ruffled dress, set up a cello and a violin. Claire felt Logan come up behind her.
"Who with?" Steph said.
"It doesn't matter. Later," Kate said and walked away.
Steph turned to Claire. "That was weird."
She nodded, although nothing Kate did surprised her. The woman on stage began to play the cello. Her long fingers fascinated Claire as she moved them across the strings.
"So are you guys coming?" Steph asked.
"I'll go. Claire?" Logan asked.
She turned around. "Sure. Just down Main Street?"
"That's where the action will be," Steph said.
"Cool. I'll text Ethan so he knows where to look for us."
With Steph on her left and Logan on her right, they followed the path of lit-up trees. The melancholy sound of strings followed behind them. Claire couldn’t believe how Main Street had been transformed. All the shops had placed little white bags with candles inside them on the sidewalk and brought out their inventory, discounting their prices significantly. Old-fashioned street vendors walked the streets selling everything from hot dogs to cotton candy.
"You can still hear the music," Logan said.
Claire stopped and listened. Sure enough, she could still hear the couple playing their haunting melody.
"Hey, guys." Ethan's voice.
She turned around and smiled. He stood, hands in pockets, grimacing. "Did I miss it?"
"We played first,” she said. “But don't worry about it. It's not like you haven't heard me sing before."
He took hold of her hand. "But there's nothing I love more."
"Oh, please," Steph said and pulled on Logan’s arm. "Let's keep walking before I vomit."
Claire and Ethan followed behind them until they reached Town Square. Lights had been hung above them and with the fog they looked like stars close enough to touch. She had to hand it to the mayor; the place looked amazing and would no doubt become a yearly tradition they all looked forward to.
"Why has everyone stopped?" Steph asked. A growing crowd was huddling together in front of the library, preventing them from walking past.
"It must be time for the drawing," Logan said. He reached inside his pocket and pulled out a ticket.
"What do you win?" Claire asked, trying to peer over the crowd.
"Bandon Motor Sports is giving away a four-wheeler.”
"Where have I been?" Ethan asked.
From seemingly nowhere the mayor appeared on the library steps. His round, balding head stuck out of his checkered shirt like an over-inflated red balloon. After wiping sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, he used a megaphone to speak.
Claire listened for a few minutes while he spoke about Bandon's history and the significance of the festival. "Amidst a raging storm, sailors looked for light,” he was saying. “It was this light that brought safety and loved ones together…”
She whispered in Ethan's ear. "I'm going to grab a hot dog. Want one?"
He looked beyond her to a hot dog stand. "Sure, but let me go get them."
She shook her head. "The mayor's shirt is making me dizzy. I’ll be right back."
Claire waited in line behind three people before it was her turn to buy two barely warmed hot dogs from a man whose beanie was pulled so far down, she could barely see his eyes.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
"Good luck with the drawing," he said.
She looked back to the mayor, whose face had grown even more red. "Luck won't help me, but thanks."
She maneuvered her way back to Ethan, and noticed how the fog seemed to be growing thicker, pressing on them from all sides. She picked up her pace, feeling suddenly claustrophobic.
"Excuse me," she said to the backside of a man. She tried to move around him, but he shifted to the left, blocking her path. She tapped him on the shoulder. "Um, can I get by?"
Very slowly, the bald headed man turned around, eyes gleaming, mouth turned up into a crooked smile. The hot dogs fell from Claire’s hands at the same time her heart skipped a beat.
"Hello, Claire," Gary said. "It’s time for that chat.”
She stepped away from him and gulped. "Why can’t you just let it go?"
He clicked his tongue and stepped close. "That would make me a bad employee. Bodian said to keep an eye on you and that’s what I’ve been doing. But in light of certain developments, they are insisting I find out exactly what you saw and heard. Before I was just messing with you, but now I’m all kinds of serious.” He reached up as if to touch her. “I liked seeing the fear in your eyes.”
Up front the mayor bellowed, "And now for the main event!"
The crowd cheered. Tickets were being pulled out of pockets and waved in the air.
"I didn't hear anything,” Claire said and stepped back. “I already told you that."
Gary moved forward, almost too slow to notice. "I don't believe you."
The mayor spoke again, "And the winner is,” he paused for dramatic effect, “ticket number 24839."
There was a flurry of movement as people silently read their numbers. No one was watching Claire.
"You need to leave me alone," she said.
"Not until we have a little talk. In private."
"And what if I don't?"
"Your lover of a boyfriend. Do you like him much?"
Suddenly there was a scream to the right of Claire, and several women started bouncing up and down. All eyes turned toward them, even Gary’s.
"We have a winner!" the mayor shouted into the speaker. "Let's celebrate!"
Surprising everyone, music blared from speakers that had been secured high on lampposts. A country song, meant to excite the crowd, made Claire’s heart race faster.
She took advantage of the frenzied moment and bolted, pushing her way through the least crowded area in the back. Away from Logan and Ethan. But all that mattered now was getting away from Gary.
She made it to the other side of Town Square before she dared turn around. Gary was still there. She hadn't shaken him like she'd hoped.
At this point Claire wondered what to do. She didn't want anyone hurt because of her, but she didn't want to talk to Gary either. The way his eyes slid over her made her think he wanted to do more than just talk.
Not having enough time to think through her options, Claire ran. She sprinted down the street then turned left onto the sidewalk. Up ahead she noticed a small souvenir shop with its lights still on. She prayed for the door to be open. Her prayers were answered.
"Hello?" she asked, gasping for breath.
No answer. She walked to the back of the store and stuck her head in a darkened stock room. "Hello?"
The owner must be outside celebrating with everyone else. She turned around to go back but stifled a scream. Gary stood outside, staring at her through the window. His hand was pressed to the glass and when he slid it down, the force of his sweaty palm against the window made a screeching sound.
He grinned.
Claire turned and ran in
to the storage room, searching for a back door, but found none. Air caught in her chest when she heard the jingling bell of the front door opening. Heavy footsteps, one sliding behind the other, crossed the tiled floor.
She quietly slipped behind a stack of boxes, praying the darkened room would conceal her. This time her prayers were ignored.
A light flipped on.
"Claire," Gary breathed and she imagined his breath killing every spider in the room.
She tugged on her necklace reminding herself that she’d beat a man like Gary before. Besides, Gary wasn’t Gage. She was grateful for that. Had he been, she would’ve been trying to claw her way through the wall to get away. No, Gary could be handled if she was careful. She stepped into view.
"Let’s get this over with,” she said.
Claire didn't know if it was the sight of her, trapped and trying hard not to look frightened, that made his eyes grow big like an addict in a meth house. All of a sudden he rushed her. She jumped over a box, while shoving another in his direction. He stumbled but only for a moment.
She managed to make it to the door before he was upon her. His cold, clammy hands gripped her arms and pushed her into the wall. She turned her head away, afraid to smell his breath.
"Who have you told?" he said, inches from her face.
Claire shook her head. "No one, because I didn't hear anything.”
She squirmed beneath his grip.
"You heard all right, or you wouldn't be so afraid." He sniffed her, the tip of his nose grazing her neck. "You reek of fear."
She tried to push back, but even her legs were being pressed up against the wall by his body. "Let me go!"
"If you tell anyone, you'll ruin a lot of lives. Is that what you want?"
She struggled again, finally crying out in frustration. Her upper arms felt like they were going to snap. How was he so strong? He looked like a skeleton with glued-on skin.
"Is it?" he shouted.
Claire shook her head, and then relaxed because she didn't know what else to do.
Gary smiled. "Good girl. The others wanted me to use tact in talking to you, but I knew only fear would make you understand how important it is that you keep your mouth shut."
