THIRTEEN FOR DINNER

Twenty-nine

TWENTY-NINE

            It’s September 9th, a week before the dinner of the damned and already preparations are being made for the last supper. My stomach knots whenever I hear Mrs. Faulkner speaking of the occasion, which she does quite often, so my insides are in a consistent state of turmoil. This morning she is in rare form, planning out the menu and finalizing the guest list. Forget my stomach being in knots, it completely falls to the floor when she looks across the breakfast table and invites Quillan, Mike and me to the ill-fated banquet.

            Our reaction must puzzle her instead of the expected, why yes, of course thank you so much for the invitation, we break out in a cold sweat and just stare at her.

             “I’m not sure we’ll be here this weekend?” Mike is quick to send his regrets.

            “But Quillan and I will be,” There goes that damn ventriloquist again; “We’re honored to attend.”

            I pick up my glass of juice and take a quick swallow as if I am downing a shot of whiskey. What have I done?

            “Great, Elizabeth smiles as she adds our name to the guest list. Sixteen for dinner it is.”

            “Make it seventeen,” Mike clears his throat and rolls his eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him sound so defeated. Elizabeth raises an eyebrow giving him a wary look before adding his name to the list.

            At noon, Pearl prepares a big basket of food for Emily and I to deliver to the boys. It’s hard for me to look Pearl in the eye seeing I know she’s having sex with James Faulkner in one of the upstairs bedrooms. I still have his wedding band. I don’t know why I have felt the need to hold on to it, but I have. I consider things like this as leverage so I’ve kept it in the pocket of my dress just in case.

            Emily and I decide to walk into town instead of taking the carriage. The air is fresh outside on this beautiful autumn afternoon, much different from the stifling heat almost a month ago. The turning leaves on the massive oaks paint hues or orange red and yellow against a cobalt blue sky providing a master piece for us to enjoy.  I inhale deeply taking in the spicy scents of autumn.

            Emily seems extremely giddy and carefree, laughing at everything I say. She always gets this way before she sees Lunar. I can’t blame her I notice I pick up the pace too, the closer I get to Quillan.

            Mike’s been behaving himself, he and Quillan sort of called a truce the morning Mike spilled his guts about momma. I don’t think the two could ever be best friends, but for now, Mike’s decided to help us until he can take me home.

            I hear a loud commotion just as we enter town. A crowd is gathered outside the courthouse, listening to someone grandstanding, making a speech on the high portico. Emily and I make our way closer, standing on tiptoe to get a glimpse. My heart drops at what I see and I turn quick to Emily wondering if she saw it too. She hasn’t yet, and I panic; I need to prepare her first. My hands are shaking so terribly I can barely control them.  I try and pull her back, “Emily,” I choke out. Her eyes widen when she sees me. “My God Avery, what did you see?”

            “Don’t look Emily, please don’t look.”

            “It’s Lunar isn’t it?” her face pales. “What have they done to Lunar?”

            I can’t answer her question because I don’t know. All I do know is that he is still alive and no rope is around his neck. However, he’s been badly beaten and is tied to one of the pillars supporting the portico. I drop the basket; with one hand I lift my skirt, and with the other I grab Emily’s arm and start pushing my way through the crowd. My heart is racing, thumping hard against my chest.  I don’t care who I knock down, I’m getting to the front. I don’t know what I will do when I get there but still, I press forward, knowing I’ll figure something out. A hand grabs me and pulls me back; how dare anyone mess with me. I’m mad as hell right now and ready to fight. I turn in fury. “Quillan!” I sigh relieved. He pulls me close wrapping his arms around me and Emily.