Page 31 of Pure Silence

Day shook his head.

He doesn’t believe you yet.

Day shook his head harder.

He thinks you’re sick.

“I think you’re a very sweet kid, but you need to let me call someone,” Goldie went on. “Please? Before things get worse. I don’t know what you did with Michael’s body, I kinda don’t wanna, but you have to know someone is going to find it.”

Day huffed in frustration.

Of course someone was going to find it. It was a body in a dumpster. It was only a matter of time, but Day wasn’t worried about being caught. As long as he listened to Father, he’d be safe.

Always.

“People will have questions,” Goldie said. “You know someone could have seen you do… whatever it is you did.” He took a deep breath. “Could you maybe let me out now and we can try to talk some more? Please?”

Day went back for the sleeping pills.

He nodded along while he fed Goldie sips of drugged tea, waiting for him to pass out again. Day was sad, and he didn’t want to talk anymore tonight. He should have been in a good mood since he’d dispatched another evil soul, but he couldn’t enjoy it.

Once Goldie was asleep, Day returned the cup to the kitchen. He got ready for bed, stripping down to his underwear and a thin T-shirt.

His thoughts were heavy when he laid down beside Goldie. His many doubts about whether or not this was actually where he was supposed to be were festering, and he wished that God would be more direct with his guidance.

Having that man show up when he did had to be a sign, right? Plus the dumpster right there under the balcony?

It had given Day a chance to save Goldie, his neighbor, and her family, and show Goldie what it is that Day’s mission was all about.

But it didn’t work.

Goldie thought he was sick.

Goldie didn’t believe him.

He will, my son.

Day wanted to believe Father. He really did. He sighed miserably and rolled over to look at Goldie.

He’d turned off the lights for bedtime, but even in the darkness, he could make out little bits of Goldie’s face—the broad lines of his nose, his soft lashes, and the curve of his lips.

Goldie was very handsome, strong, and so kind.

Day thought being here with Goldie could be part of God’s plan for him, but he had to wonder if he felt this strongly because Goldie was attractive.

You need to spread your seed.

That is the way you stay sharp, strong, healthy.

Day rolled back the other way.

No, that wasn’t right at all. He couldn’t do that right now. He wouldn’t.

Maybe he’d feel better if he got some sleep. He closed his eyes and wiggled around to get comfortable. He was tired. Hauling Goldie and the man around had done a number on his back, and he was sore.

Tense.

Anxious.