Page 64 of Debts and Desires
“Oh,” I breathed. I looked him over as if I’d be able to see the religion on him. He didn’t really look like a threat, and I didn’t believe someone would just lie about being a preacher. I stepped forward and extended a hand. “My name is Emogen, but I go by Emmy.” I offered a smile.
“Emmy. What a sweet name for a darlin’ girl,” he said, shaking my hand briefly before letting it go. His grip was tight, bruising, as if he was showing me his strength.
“T-thank you.”
“Of course, of course.” He nodded behind me. “I saw youplayin’ on my way up.” I looked behind me at my guitar and then back. “You sing, too?”
“Yeah,” I smiled again, my jaw starting to hurt from the forced expression.
“Havin’ a hobby is a good thing, I think. Keeps us out of trouble sometimes.” I nodded in agreement. “I assume you’re with Le—Carter? In the biblical sense?”
I blinked, taken aback by the intrusive question. “That’s… not really any of your business,” I replied, my tone firm. I could feel my cheeks growing red.
“I apologize. Sometimes my words come out wrong. What I meant was, I haven’t seen you around here before. You’re a pretty little thing and the boy’s somewhat of a recluse. I just wanted to make sure you’re safe here? Here of your own free will?”
“Oh, uh, yes. I want to be here.” I replied, somewhat relieved that he seemed to mean well despite his awkward phrasing. Still, there was something off-putting about him.
“Good to hear.” He grinned again. For whatever reason, that smile put the unease back in me. There was something…strangeabout Jed. Almost familiar. “Well, it was nice to meet you. I should get goin’ if I wanna catch him. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome!” I watched as he headed back to his truck. Another smile and wave, and he was heading back down the driveway.
Even after he’d left, I still felt weird, like I was being watched. I couldn’t see anyone and chalked it up to having been startled by a visitor. I called Mac back outside, patting and praising him for being a valiant protector. He seemed on high alert, letting out small barks now and then.
It took me a little, but eventually I settled back into working on my song.
26. WHAT’S IN A NAME?
October 3
Day Thirty-Seven
125 Hours to Go
Inever mentioned the strange interaction with Jed to Carter, assuming that Jed had made his way to the shop once he’d left. After two days, I hadn’t heard anything about it, figuring it all worked out, whateveritwas.
I had convinced Carter to let me come to work with him. And everything I needed to have done for the day, I did. He came in not long after, finding me laying on the couch with my feet propped up. I was scrolling aimlessly on social media.
“You look comfy,” he grumbled.
“I am,” I said with a smile.
“You get that paperwork done?”
“Yup,” I answered, popping the last syllable. “And before you ask, I did everything else, too. I deserve a break.”
“Didn’t say anything, did I?”
“No, but you look like you want to.”
“I’m just lookin’.”
There was a long, awkward pause. He looked so tired, more tired than he looked this morning. And stressed.
“Me and Bandit have been talking and we think that you need a break,” I said.
“Who?” Carter asked, wrinkling his brows.
“Bandit,” I replied, pointing to the poster. “She’s been very supportive and inspirational. We had a rough start, but we came to an understanding.” Carter went over to the window and opened it. “Are you okay?” I was unsure why he’d open the window with the AC on.
