Read Online Deamhan by Isaiyan Morrison - Free Book Online Page A

that.
    Mr. Austin turned to Mr. Luzier. “Thank you for your help, Mr. Luzier.”
    Mr. Luzier nodded and he took the umbrella from Kenneth and placed it in Sean’s hand. “If you need anything, Mr. Austin, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
    Mr. Austin motioned at Sean to follow him. “Walk with me for a moment, Sean.”
    The walk. Sean cursed the thought. This is about Veronica.
    Sean measured his steps to match Mr. Austin’s hobbling gait as the two ambled deeper into the heart of the cemetery, passing weather-beaten monuments and new headstones. The older man’s silence weighed heavy on Sean. His palms dripped with perspiration. He wiped them on his shirt, tipping the umbrella to one side, exposing the older man to the rain.
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Austin.”
    “I told you to call me Samuel.” Mr. Austin stopped, hooked his cane over his forearm, and pulled out a pipe and a pouch of tobacco from his overcoat.
    “Sean,” he said, returning the pouch to his pocket and pulling out a small box of matches, “I’m sure you understand why I’m concerned about Veronica.”
    Sean suppressed the impulse to heave a deep sigh. “Yes, sir, I’m well aware.”
    Mr. Austin struck a match and lit his pipe. “Are you also aware of her intentions?”
    Sean nodded.
    “I know she updates you on her progress.”
    “Mr. Austin—er, Samuel—I’m just as concerned as you are about her being in Minneapolis.”
    Mr. Austin held his pipe steady between his teeth and snatched the umbrella from Sean’s hand. “No, you’re not.” Smoke billowed from the side of his mouth.
    The rain dissipated, turning into a light drizzle. Droplets still covered the leaves and grass, causing their color to appear brighter than they were. Mr. Austin’s presence provoked Sean, and he knew Sean had to choose his words carefully. Being in the presence of the President of the Midwest Division and the overseer of all the local Chapters in that region was intimidating. He had to think before he spoke.
    Mr. Austin sucked hard on his pipe, expelling smoke while he spoke. “I heard she went to Dark Sepulcher.”
    “Yes, sir. I begged her not to go, but she went anyway.”
    “It’s obvious she isn’t listening to you.” He fixed Sean in his gray-eyed stare.
    “But, you see—”
    “You’re a valuable asset to this organization, son. More than that, Veronica likes you.” He turned his pipe upside down and smacked its stem against the side of his hand, knocking ash onto the ground. “I spoke to Mr. Luzier and we both agreed that you’re perfect for the task.”
    “Yes, sir, I know, but—” Sean paused. “Task? What task?”
     “Mr. Luzier has agreed to promote you to field researcher,” Mr. Austin replied. “And you’re to go to Minneapolis and bring my daughter back unharmed.”
    “Sir?”
    “My daughter trusts you.”
    Sean shook his head. He didn’t want any of it. A field researcher? Just the thought created a mild pain in his chest. “Sir, she’s only called me once. I mean, I’m grateful you decided to choose me, but I’m not right for this.”
    “You can make her listen.” Mr. Austin’s voice grew louder. “Kenneth informed me and Mr. Luzier that you acquired documents for Veronica. You violated your oath by acquiring these documents and giving them to someone who isn’t a member of The Brotherhood.”
    “Sir, I—”
    “What you did by helping my daughter is punishable, Sean.” Mr. Austin puffed on his pipe. “Do you understand?”
    Sean quickly zipped his mouth shut and he nodded.
    “But I persuaded Mr. Luzier to hand you over to me in exchange for dropping the charges against you and bringing shame to your family.”
    “Yes, sir.” Sean stared at the ground but forced himself to nod.
    Mr. Austin again reached into his pocket, this time pulling out a folded manila envelope. “You will leave tomorrow.” He placed the envelope in Sean’s hand. “And you won’t tell anyone where you’re going.”
    Sean stared