Read Online Transcending Queen by SK Thomas - Free Book Online Page B

rang
unrelentingly and became a distraction from his stare.
    “It’s been an exhausting day. We can pick
this up again later.” He stated at the end of his rope.
    He followed behind as I made my way to the
front door before turning to ask him a question, “What if I don’t
want to go?”
    He hesitated before asking, “What are you
implying?”
    “The other day when Jack interrupted, you
tried to block me from leaving. What did you want from me?”
    He looked as if the air had been cleared from
the room and started to turn pale. “Melissa, it’s not good timing
or something I want to discuss…”
    I cut him off tired from these games, “I feel
it too, the chemistry and tension between us.” But before he could
comment, I saw blood on his shirt. “What’s this?”
    “Gardening accident…cut my hand. My mind was
elsewhere.”
    “Must’ve been one hell of a cut?”
    He shrugged his shoulders checking the time
on his watch assuring he’d forgotten another appointment at the
last minute, not to mention he would now have to change his
shirt.

Chapter 10 -- Lost

“Luann?” I hesitated.
    “Yes, what is it this time?” she asked
fatigued and with a sigh.
    “Look, I want to apologize about before. I’m
just drained from people assuming things without even asking or
including me in their decision.”
    She shot a look and a grin letting me know
she’d accept the apology, “Well, I probably deserved it. This place
gets to all of us at times.”
    “So, I need your help.”
    “Alright, well, spit it out.”
    “What do you really know about Father
Clayton? I want to know the truth, no more smoke and mirrors.”
    “I know enough to stay away.”
    “I hear you, more details and make sure to
only give me the facts.”
    “He’s nice enough and very private, tends to
several churches and stays busy with congregation members. I’ll
tell you, if you don’t heed his way then it’s the wrong way.”
    “His personality, have you noticed unusual
quirks?” I asked.
    “He can seem very charismatic, empathetic and
loving but a smart chameleon when he needs to be. He plants ideas
into their heads so people believe exactly what he needs them to.
Nobody can pull off being everything to everyone if you’re truly
being yourself, except for him.”
    I stayed quiet soaking in all she was willing
to part with, not interrupting her train of thought.
    “I’ve seen sides to him that most people
overlook. It’s hard to explain and he’d deny it in a
heartbeat.”
    My ears perked up as she stated those words,
“Like what? Tell me what you saw.”
    “I had sessions with him after my father
died. One session, a man I had never seen before came to ring the
bell when Clayton told him to get lost.” She lost herself deeper in
thought as her eyes glazed over before continuing the story. “A
little later the man came back and when they exchanged heated
words, Father Clayton eventually raised his voice and the
discussion didn’t end there.” She stopped momentarily.
    “What happened next?” I asked with shallow
breath.
    “He punched the guy.”
    I eagerly waited for more, “And then?”
    “They stood under this tree with a good size
branch hanging low from the storm that took place days before. He
grabbed the branch, swung it as hard as he could and knocked the
man unconscious. It was like he had the power of several men in one
blow.” She admitted as if she still relives it over and over again
in her head. “This man, I still don’t know who he is, but he lay on
the ground bleeding while Father Clayton walked away. It’s not
exactly what you’d see from a typical priest.”
    I squinted at her wondering if that’s all she
saw. I’ve personally have never seen a priest hit anyone. However,
a punch is a punch and it’s not likely he pulled a gun or beat the
man to a bloody pulp. “Is there anything else you can give me?”
    “Nope, that’s enough.” She said as she went
back to finishing her desk duties.
    “You