Highland Tangle

DERRICK/JIM/MRS.K/LUKE

DERRICK

  At dusk, the three of us take our bikes and ride. I say a prayer as we ride, a prayer of protection over us all. I have a feeling this is gonna be a long night and nothing will be the same after. We have decided to go to Old Man Farris' Barn right away. Not wanted to waste any time as we gotta know what's going on. "So what's the plan?" I ask and look back at Faith and over at Carter. "What do you mean what's the plan?" Carter looks at me confused.

  "DO YOU NOT HAVE A PLAN?!" I yell to Carter. "Of course I have a plan.." He says sounding more like he was convincing himself more than me. "So what's your plan?" I challenge and he looks at me than Faith. "You heard him Faith, what's the plan?" Faith rolls her eyes and I can hear her say, "Estos idiotas." If I know Spanish well enough, I think she said 'These Idiots' which makes me laugh. We keep biking towards the Old Man Farris' Barn. "So do we have a plan or not?" I ask them looking to my right and behind me at them.

  "Let's just get to the barn and see what happens, we don't know if Farris' barn is even the right barn. So once we know it's the right barn then we come up with something." Carter says and I see his point but I also think that, that's not the way to do this. "That's not the way to this, Car. We need somewhat of a plan." I say speaking my mind.  Then Faith speaks up, "The plan is we say cautious and vigilant. We don't draw attention to ourselves. Also no matter what happens we don't come out from where we hide."

  I smile and look to her, "See now that's a plan. Take notes Carter." He rolls his eyes and shakes his head then asks, "You think we could grab some food after? Maybe a snack before?" Faith and I look at him, "Really that's what you're thinking about at a time like this? Some of the biggest figures potentially are meeting at a barn in secret and we're about to go to that barn, and you're thinking about food?!" Faith adds in, "Seriously Carter??" He shrugs, "I can't have my world potentially shattered on an empty stomach."

  "You are unbelievable," Faith says as we keeping biking to the barn. Carter's want for a snack goes not obtained. When we reach the barn we hide our bike and take cover outside as people start to arrive. We hear car doors shut and Carter says, "We gotta get inside so we can see what's going on." So we sneak around back to find a hidden entrance or hole in wall or something to get inside. "This is an old barn, look for withered wood," Faith says and we nod and look. We find a few that we can break and move so we can work through it, then we get into the barn.

***
PASTOR JIM

I stand on the platform in Old Man Farris' Barn, I watch as all the people filed into the barn through the doors. The meeting is about to start. The Council is about to meet, and if we are meeting here it's a big deal. The Council doesn't like to come out if they don't have to. I see 50 chairs and not all are even filled but most are. I see Mrs.K, Wade, Marcus, Foster, John and even The Green brothers. Dang, they're here from Utah. Also Ethan is here and Ronnie.

  I take a deep breath as I approach the Podium to the side of the large leather seats that seat all 5 members. I see them as I look at the chairs. Their faces are mostly obscured by shadow, or they wear subtle, unremarkable masks that blend into their features. Their clothing is dark and practical. As I speak my voice comes out resonant and clear, "My dear brothers and sisters, thank you for gathering with us under this humble roof. Tonight, we address... a matter of growing concern. A matter that touches upon the delicate balance of our community. We have convened our Council to offer guidance and to ensure the continued... prosperity of our town."

  I gesture towards the five figures on the ominously large chairs. They remain still, observing the gathering. The attendees don't know The Council names only Leader and Members 2-5. The Council Leader speaks. His voice is even, almost a neutral tone, but it commands attention, "We are here because our peace has been... disturbed. Three of our young citizens have taken it upon themselves to delve into matters far beyond their understanding. Matters that, if mishandled, could have... profound consequences." A few whispers erupt from the crowd. Chief Wade Lamber shifts in his seat, his gaze fixed on the Council.