The First Male by Lee Hayes

Author:Lee Hayes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Strebor Books

CHAPTER 16

Simon stood on the front porch of Clara’s house and took a few seconds to collect himself before he rang the bell. Much had transpired in the hours that had passed since his last visit. After last night, he wasn’t thrilled about returning here or even sure that Clara would see him. Yet, he felt calm, almost settled, even as unsettling thoughts jolted his head. What if she had been seriously injured? Maybe she had been hospitalized. Whatever had happened was his fault. Guilt tried to creep into his consciousness, but he forced himself to put it aside; there was no room for it inside him, he carried enough weight.

He had returned. He knew she had answers, answers to questions that, even since last night, had become more troubling. She was more than a simple, part-time psychic or mediocre medium. She had real power, even if she didn’t know it. He felt it last night, and it was more intense than he had expected from her. Maybe, just maybe, she would help.

Slowly, the door creaked open and a head of uncombed hair appeared from inside. Then, the door opened fully.

“Simon,” Clara said, her voice deep and serious. “It’s very early, dah-ling. I haven’t even had time to put on my face.” She was playful in her words, but her tone was something else. Her face was smooth; her beauty, natural.

“I am so sorry to disturb you—”

“It’s fine. I knew you’d be back.”

“I really need your help. I’m . . . afraid. Something happened.”

She inhaled. “I know, chile. I know.” Her eyes cut across Franklin, who stood quietly at Simon’s side.

“This is my friend—”

“Franklin,” she said, before he could properly introduce them. Franklin cut his eyes back to her and Simon.

“How do you know my name?” he asked, his voice quivering, ever so slightly.

She smiled and rubbed her hands over her red silk robe, straightening out the fabric. She stepped aside and swung open the door.

“Dah-ling, I know a lot of things. Don’t stand there. Come on in.” She opened the door and allowed them to pass into her home. Franklin followed Simon and when he stepped into the foyer, he looked around the grand hallway, his face full of the same wonder Simon experienced the day before. “Go on in there,” she said as she pointed to a room on the right, but neither man moved. “I’d take you to the solarium, but we had a little trouble there last night, didn’t we, Simon?” She made no attempt to mask her displeasure, which showed across her face. Simon smiled, uneasily. “Shall we?” she said as she moved into the formal living room, her voice trailing behind her. Her walk carried the same saunter Simon saw last night, but the movement of her hips was subdued, lethargic. She entered the room and took a seat in a high-backed chair that more than resembled a throne. The wooden chair was painted black with gold trim and its cushioned bottom looked woven from expensive fabric.

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