[Legacy of a Martyr #1] Masquerading the Key (A Key Keepers novel)

Episode 4

Mom held my hand tightly as we went to town to buy some fish for tonight's dinner. Dad was going to make his famous grilled bluefish. It was super tasty! Especially when dipped into Mom's special hot sauce. I would've liked to have helped her prepare it, but I wasn't very good with a knife still. I almost cut my fingers off while cutting potatoes a few months ago. Luckily, dad blocked the knife with a butter knife.

The way he moved made me wonder if he was a knight once upon a time. But if he was, why would he decide to retire in the middle of nowhere? It made no sense.

"Hey, if it isn't Caroline and Duke," a voice called out. It belonged to the town chief, Meir. "What brings you here today?"

Mom giggled. "Oh, hello, chief. My son and I came down to get some fish."

He glanced down at me and smiled. "My, he sure is a tall boy! He might be as tall as my little Z one day!"

"If you call him little then I will overtake him for sure," I said with a smile.

Mom laughed nervously. "Duke, he's using little as in he's young, not as in short."

I crossed my arms. "Huh? That's kinda confusing if you ask me."

The mayor and Mom smiled awkwardly.

I put a hand above my eyes and glanced around the marketplace. There was no sign of the chief's kids. For some odd reason, they were the only kids who would play with me. I had no idea what was wrong with the other kids. They must've been jealous because of how tall I was! Or because of how strong I am!

"Oh, look, Lee, it's Duke!" a boy called out. I glanced at the lanky boy. A little girl with pigtails riding on his shoulders.

"Dice!" the girl said, jumping off of her brother's shoulders. She ran over and tackled me, nearly knocking me over. The girl sure packed a lot of strength despite that small frame of hers.

"Hey, Lee," I said, patting her head. She might've been my age, but she felt more younger than that because of our height difference.

"Can we play catch?" Her big eyes sparkled.

"Maybe later." I smiled. "Mom and I are shopping, and we don't have a ball."

The poor kid hung her head.

Z put her back on his shoulders. "We can play with Duke after we eat maybe. I'll make sure to grab our ball."

"Speaking of eating." Mom had the biggest smile on her face. "Would you and Diana like to join us?"

Meir smiled slightly and nodded.

Lee waved excitedly as they went on their way.

I blinked. "Mom, I know we have to get Dad's fish, but do you need anything for your hot sauce?"

"You're a good boy, honey." Mom ruffled my hair. "I got that taken care of while you were playing with Lee yesterday."

My cheeks got hot. "Mom..."