Shallow Waters by Anita Kopacz

Author:Anita Kopacz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atria/Black Privilege Publishing
Published: 2021-08-03T00:00:00+00:00

10

WITCH

“If you even think of pulling a stunt like you did at the river,” Phineas threatens, “Tillie is dead.”

We return to the house, and the men hold me steady, close to a heavy wooden stake planted in the middle of the grassy yard. Though my body surges with power, I dare not flex a muscle. I’m passive as the men wrench my arms back to keep me still.

The other goons are holding torches, and I wonder if they’re planning to burn me alive. I feel strangely calm as I look toward Tillie’s dark bedroom window. It reflects the flickering flames of the torches, and I think I can see Tillie’s fragile, pale face pressed against the glass. Suddenly she’s gone.

Three men pull out a dilapidated contraption from the storage house. It’s a large T-shaped wooden device on a rolling platform with a chair hanging from one end and a long rope from the other. Dense cobwebs cling to it.

“Do you know what this is?” Phineas asks with a slight smile. “It’s an antique I had shipped from Salem several years ago. It was used during the witch trials. I think it’s high time I put this little beauty to good use.” He rubs his hands the same way Tillie does when she’s excited. “This here is a dunking chair,” he says as he points to the contraption. “I’m a law-abiding citizen, and I would never induce a punishment without a trial.” He pauses. “So, this is your trial.”

He pats the device as if it were an obedient dog. I know that this man is planning something horrific, but I cannot understand his logic.

“I’ve done my homework on this, and it’s called trial by ordeal. God shall determine your guilt or your innocence. Hell, this chair might be your best friend.”

He smiles, and once again he rubs his hands together. “You see, our little dunking chair will let me know if you’re guilty when we submerge you in the river. If you float up, well, that means you are a witch, and we have to execute you. And if you sink, well, I guess you’re innocent.”

Water? He’s threatening me with water! I have to suppress a smile as I hang my head and quietly thank the irony.

“Oh, don’t worry your pretty little head. I’m sure you’ll prove to be innocent.” Phineas cackles and his men join in. “Take her to the stables and secure her for the night,” he commands. “We’ll commence in the morning.”

Phineas grabs my neck and looks straight into my eyes. His jaw is clenched, and a large vein is raised on his forehead. The force of his grip could kill me on the spot. I cough and he loosens his hold.

“I do not want to ruin my chance of finally using this chair.” He slowly glides his hands down my back. “It’s too bad. You’re one fine nigger.”

I hold my breath until he finally walks away.

The man from the river grabs my wrists and shoves me to the ground.

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