Restoration: Christian Urban Fantasy by D.M. Turner

Author:D.M. Turner [Turner, D.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-02-28T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Friday, February 22, 1952

Eugene, Oregon

TREPIDATION crawled up Max’s spine, and he halted on the sidewalk. His gaze rested on his parents’ house, two doors from where he stood. His father’s sawmill stood not far beyond it, along the Willamette River.

Dakota stopped at his side. “Something wrong?”

“You mean, other than the fact everybody keeps staring at the lily-white boy walking down the street with a black man?” They’d gotten odd looks, some outright hostile, ever since they’d reached town. Glares had come from folks of both skin colors. Max had always dealt with people who hated him for the dark color of his skin, but seeing the same disdain directed at his very white friend was disconcerting.

Dakota’s eyes widened, and humor filled them. “I’m black? Wow. I had no idea! Why didn’t somebody tell me?”

Max laughed, despite the gravity of the situation.

Amusement faded, and his friend crossed his arms loosely over his chest. “It doesn’t bother me, so why should it bother you? Racists will always be racists. Letting their hateful attitudes bother you when they do nothing but stare and point gives them too much power. Ignore them. They don’t deserve anything better.” He cocked his head. “So? What else is on your mind?”

“What if my family was sent word about my injuries?” He held out both hands and motioned to two perfectly normal legs. “How do I explain the fact I’m whole when they’re expecting otherwise?”

Dakota held up one hand, index finger pointing skyward. “First, don’t assume they were told anything beyond you being found until you actually get hit with it. You may be worrying about something that’s not even an issue.” A second finger joined the first. “Second, if they were told anything, let them assume they were given wrong information and let it be. Mix-ups happen all the time.”

Max opened his mouth then closed it. That could work. He didn’t want to lie to his parents, but he might have no choice if they asked him a question outright. “Okay.”

Dakota nodded then started walking again, waiting only until Max caught up to ask, “Are you sure they won’t mind you bringing home a lily-white boy?”

He chuckled. “They won’t mind at all. Both of them have white friends and customers. As long as you don’t hassle them, they’ll like you just fine. Give them grief, and Pa will throw you out on your ear without warning.” He grinned.

“Good to know.” Dakota laughed.

The front screen door opened as they turned up the sidewalk and headed to the house.

“Max?” His twelve-year-old sister’s eyes widened to show the whites, then Maggie squealed, ran down the steps and walkway, and launched herself into his arms. “I knew you’d be okay! I just knew it!”

He hugged her. “You bet I am. I couldn’t let the Commies keep me from coming home, now, could I?”

“Nope!” She released him and leaned back to grin up at him. “They told us you’d been taken prisoner and had all sorts of bad things done to you.

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