Chapter 59: Innocent Lives Lost

Pastor eyes go past me to Zack before looking up at Skylar, who's watching us from a few feet away. It's obvious he's considering what to say me, every line in his face showing indecision. I take another sip, getting nervous with each second and he rubs a hand over the balding spot on his head.

"What are you hiding?" I ask reluctantly. Jesus, do I even want to know?

"We had to be sure." Pastor's voice is low and steady.

"Be sure?" I tilt my head, "Of what?"

He squeezes his lids shut like he's in physical pain before finally looking over to me, "Gideon returned an hour ago."

"Yeah, so?" I ask abruptly, remembering he was supposed to bring back Dr. Mansfield's husband and son. "Oh, wait, yes-Peter and Jason. "Where are they?"

Zack shakes his head and I put my cup down on the pew and wait. A few seconds go by like hours and I can no longer stand it.

"Zack! What?!" I blurt out.

"Katie," he reaches for my hand, "they're both dead."