“So what do we do?”Cole asks.
“Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do without proof.We just have to hope the townspeople know better,” I say.
“We need to wait for her next move.Laying low is our best bet for now,” Ally says.
After everyone leaves, Cole decides to stay the night.We are too worried to eat or do much of anything else, so we just hold each other, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Fifty-Five
Cole
Daisy - Ashniko
T
he other shoe dropped the following morning when I woke up to an alert on my phone.Caleb was already out of bed, and the shower was running, so I assumed he got up early to shower while I was still sleeping if he slept at all.I pick up my phone and read the alert.
*** Emergency Town Hall Meeting***
To be held at the High School’s Gymnasium @ 7 pm
All town residents are asked to attend to discuss their concerns about the story regarding Father Nichols in yesterday morning's Town Sun issue.
She is making this into a public slaughter of Caleb’s character and possibly Caleb.She really wants to destroy him.Well fuck that.I am going to fight for him and with him.I may not be able to prove she tried to kill me.But I can at least speak to Caleb’s character.
I jump out of bed, my heart racing.I need to tell Caleb about this right away.As I rush to the bathroom, I hear the shower turn off."Caleb!"I call out, knocking on the door."We've got a problem!"
The door opens, and Caleb steps out, a towel wrapped around his waist.His hair is wet, droplets of water sliding down his chest.Any other time, I'd be distracted by the sight, but right now, my mind is focused on the upcoming meeting.
"What's wrong, Angel?"He asks, his brow furrowing with concern.I show him the alert on my phone.As he reads it, I watch his face, seeing the emotions play across his features - shock, anger, and then determination."Charlotte's really pulling out all the stops," he says, his voice low and controlled.
Going up against the entire town will be tricky and who knows what kind of spectacle Charlotte has planned.She may try to have Caleb arrested on the spot.I'm so worried about the irreparable damage this could cause him.I know he said it wasn't my fault, but guilt still grips my heart.
“We could skip it,” I say, partially hoping he will agree.
“No…No, we can't.”He sighs.“Well,Ican't, but technically, you're no longer a resident.”He winks at me and smirks, and I shake my head.
"No way," I say firmly, stepping closer to Caleb."We're in this together.I'm not letting you face that shark alone."
Caleb's eyes soften, and he reaches out to cup my cheek."I appreciate that, Cole.But this could get dangerous.Charlotte's going to throw everything she has at us."
"Then we'll face it together," I insist."I love you, Caleb.I'm not ashamed of that, and I'm not going to hide it anymore."
He pulls me into a tight embrace, his damp skin cool against mine."I love you too," he murmurs into my hair."God, I love you so much."We stand there for a moment, drawing strength from each other.
As evening approaches, tension coils in my stomach.Caleb and I dress in silence, stealing glances at each other.He looks handsome in a crisp black shirt and dark slacks, his clerical collar a stark reminder of what's at stake.We drive to the High School, the streets eerily quiet.It seems the whole town will be there.
As we approach the gymnasium, I can hear the low rumble of voices inside.My heart pounds in my chest, and I reach for Caleb's hand, squeezing it tightly.He gives me a reassuring smile, but I can see the worry in his eyes.
As we step inside, I can see that the stage is currently set up with a podium in the middle and several chairs near the back.An ample space is cordoned off on the floor in front of the stage.Multiple rows of metal chairs lead to the back of the room, leaving space for an aisle down the middle and along the sides.
The chatter immediately stops, and all eyes turn to us.The silence is deafening, broken only by the sound of our footsteps echoing through the large space.I spot Charlotte at the front of the room, a triumphant smirk on her face.She thinks she's won already.
Ally rushes over to us, wrapping us both in a quick hug."Are you ready for this?"She whispers.We nod, and she leads us to some empty seats near the front.
Charlotte is at the podium, accompanied by the town Sheriff and his deputy on the right, and her assistant Elle, on the left.The Sheriff and his Deputy stand at the corner of the stage.While Elle sits in a chair, Charlotte stands at the podium with an arrogant air.
Charlotte looks every inch the concerned mayor in her tailored suit."Thank you all for coming," she begins, her voice dripping with false sincerity."As you know, some disturbing information has come to light about one of our most trusted community members."
