The Augurs by Ann Werner

Author:Ann Werner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: thriller, paranormal, psychic, dystopian, post apocalyptic fiction, dystopian science fiction
Publisher: Ann Werner

Twenty-Two

The Sunday following the departure of Sarah and Marisol dawned hot and humid. Barker walked to church under a cloudy sky and thought about Louise Dixon. He hoped she’d decided to stay in town and intended to court her, but recent events had put that on hold. Even so, he looked forward to seeing her reaction to the sermon he was about to deliver. He’d spent hours practicing in front of the full-length mirror in his bedroom, for it had to be perfect in order to achieve his goal. Secure in the righteousness of his mission he squared his shoulders, entered the church, and made his way to the sacristy to prepare for the service.

Deacon Silas Barringer greeted him. “Good morning, Reverend! Hot enough out there for you?” He offered Barker a glass of water.

Wiping beads of sweat from his forehead, Barker gratefully accepted it and drank the contents down in one, long gulp. “I’ll be glad when cooler weather arrives. This heat saps my energy.”

“I’m looking forward to hearing your sermon today,” Silas said. “I know how hard you worked on it.”

Removing his shirt, Barker opened the small closet and exchanged his sweat-stained clothing for a clean shirt, jacket, and clerical collar. “I couldn’t have done it without your advice. It was hard for me to exclude telling my congregation about the Lord speaking directly to me, but you made me see it would be a mistake. As much as I love them, I realize they don’t possess your understanding of the ways of the Lord and the spiritual nature of our respective callings.”

Silas nodded, then steepled his fingers. “I’ve been thinking. It might be beneficial to plant a seed. Perhaps frame it as a dream?”

Buttoning his shirt, he turned to face Silas and considered his suggestion. “Yes! I can pave the way.” He smiled. “Once again, Silas, you’ve offered invaluable assistance.” He tucked in his shirt, took his jacket from the hanger, and put it on. Then his face darkened. “Sarah running away was a blow. Especially since I thought we’d reached at least a modicum of understanding. But like so many women, she deceived me. She may be young, but there is a deviousness in her that I will not forget once I get her back. She will pay for her transgression.”

“And the other one?”

A disdainful grunt emerged from Barker’s throat. “I don’t care if she lives or dies. But if I encounter her again, she will regret betraying my trust. I saved her, and she repaid me with ingratitude.”

Silas watched Barker dress and was quiet for a moment, then spoke. “I know you’ve had misgivings about today’s sermon. I know your fears. I understand them.”

Turning to the deacon, Barker smiled again. “I know you do. The Lord has made clear to me what must be done. My fears have been banished. I know God is on my side. You’ve played a large part in helping me to see that, and I am indebted to you. You’ve been more than a deacon, more than a friend.

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