The Lamplighter by Crystal J. Bell

Author:Crystal J. Bell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Horror YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / 19th Century YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Thrillers & Suspense / Supernatural
Publisher: North Star Editions
Published: 2024-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

chapter 13

There was no evidence of anything afoul at Gideon’s workshop or his house.”

Henry gulps down half of the glass of water Pru provides him. In the weak light of our single lamp on the kitchen table, Henry’s eye sockets are dark, skeletal-like. He’s a specter delivering unwanted news.

“Of course there wasn’t.” Pru glares at me as she pulls her shawl off and drapes it over the back of a chair. “Because there is nothing to find.”

Henry shrugs. “Perhaps it was a trick of the light?”

I open my mouth to protest the ridiculous suggestion, but Josiah catches my eye before I can. He shakes his head and makes a downward motion with his hand. I need to tamp down my reactivity. I won’t get far with Henry by lashing out in frustration.

Pru runs a hand across her face, tucking her loosened curls behind her ears. If the situation weren’t so dire, I would laugh at her actions. At sixteen years, she’s acting like a harried mother, disappointed with her child. Me.

“When Molly disappeared, Gideon wasn’t home when I lit his lamppost.” The memory flares up suddenly, catching others that respond in kind. “And I heard the scream coming from the direction of his workshop. It wasn’t until later, when I relit the dead lanterns, that he was back home.”

The intention to remain calm and collected disappears without a trace. I hear the intensity in myself, feel the passion of my twirling hands and pacing. It may not be evidence of his direct involvement, but it is suspicious he was missing at the same time Molly disappeared. Truthfully, I’m trying to catch a whale with a net, but instinct requires I at least try.

Pru’s glare is scalding.

“This is a serious accusation you’re making against one of Warbler’s citizens.” Henry’s expression gives nothing away. “I cannot say how the council will react, especially without solid evidence.”

I nod as the heavy implications his report will cause sink into me. “I understand.”

Whether I am believed or not, the possibility of Gideon’s involvement will be out for all to decide. As a member of the council himself, there certainly is a conflict of interest. One the other councilmembers will not object to, on account of Gideon’s unnatural pull with them. But I cannot imagine Molly’s parents will allow his possible involvement to be dismissed so quickly. If, however, his status in Warbler shields him from investigation, there is one thing in my power to do: refuse Pru’s marriage with him.

In the meantime, I can only hope to retain my position as lamplighter. The possibility of losing it and marrying Josiah out of necessity feels like someone has tied a weight to my ankle and thrown me into the river. He says none of it bothers him, the extra mouths to feed and no additional income brought in. But the ones you put your trust in can hurt you the most if they abandon you. Life isn’t easy, and you can’t know a person, not really, until they’ve gone through difficult times and come out the other side a survivor.

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