“Morning, Hayden” I look up from pinning Michael’s shirt on the clothesline to see Pastor Sturgill standing there smiling.

“Good morning, Pastor. You’re early, I didn’t expect to see you until later this evening,” I tell him with a smile. I finish pinning the shirt to the line, and dry my hands on the sides of my pants.

“I came by to collect the baked goods you made for the yard sale,” he says.

“I have them ready, Pastor. I thought that Michael and I were bringing them by this evening,” I tell him, and I take the time to really look at him. He looks like he hasn’t slept, his hair—which is always well-groomed even looks unkempt. Then again, he was friends with Charlie, all of this must be affecting him too.

“I did too,” he says with a shrug. “But Michael called me at the church and asked me to swing by and pick them up. He said the two of you had plans for this evening,” he answers, and I’m glad I turned around to go back inside while he was talking.

His words are completely innocent, but I can’t help but blush. I remember what Michael and I did together last night. I really want more of that. Is that why Michael called him? The thought makes me smile as I make it to the steps.

“Well, I want to see Charlie later, once evening visiting hours begin, so maybe he is just planning ahead,” I tell him.

“Probably. I’m sorry that you had to worry about fixing items for the church. I probably should have canceled the sale, but so many depend on the good that the church does. It wouldn’t be possible without our fundraisers.”

“It’s no problem, Pastor. I promise,” I tell him, turning around. I don’t want him to feel guilty. I’m glad he depends on me for help. I owe him and Charlie a lot for saving me. “Besides, I was nervous and upset. Baking helps me. Do you know if there has been an update on Charlie?”

“Not that I’ve heard. I actually was just about to drive by there and check on her. Would you like to go with me?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Crusher interjects, standing on the top step by the door. Dani is behind him, standing at the screen door. I had almost forgotten how annoying they can be.

“Actually, I really would like to go. Are you sure I wouldn’t be in the way, Pastor?” I interject, mostly irritated.

“Of course not. You know I always love our rides together, Hayden,” he admonishes.

“Beast said you leave this house with no one but him, or without his orders. That means you stay right here, Hayden,” Crusher adds, and really, I get that Michael wants to protect me, but this man is just an asshole. Would Michael have left me with him if he knew how much he enjoyed putting Michael down? I’d prefer to be around the Pastor.

“I’m sure he didn’t mean Pastor Sturgill. He’s a friend. I travel with him all the time,” I argue, unable to keep my aggravation out of my voice.

“I’m just as positive that it includes the Pastor,” Crusher maintains, crossing his arms against his chest, like his words are final.

“Whatever,” I mutter. “If you give me just a minute, Pastor, I’ll get the baked goods.” I walk up the steps, giving Crusher a mean look. “Do you mind?” I ask him, when it doesn’t seem like he’s going to let me by. Then he does, and I huff past his wife to go to the fridge. I take the container out. It’s kind of huge, because I did get carried away baking. I wasn’t kidding when I told the Pastor that baking helps me when I’m upset. When I turn around Crusher and Dani are standing between me and the Pastor as if they are protecting me. These two are so weird. I do my best to plaster on a smile, then I take the food to him. “Here you go, Pastor.”

“You baked so much, Hayden, there’s no way the church paid you enough this time,” he says, peering through the plastic cover to look upon all the goods inside.

“You’re always more than generous,” I tell him. “The church is lucky to have you.”

“I’ve only been with the church for about five months now, but I’m starting to find my footing,” he answers with a smile.

That surprises me. I assumed he had been here much longer. I guess we must have gotten into town about the same time.

“If you will carry these, I’ll just get the box of cookies I have on the freezer and follow you out,” I tell him. Before I can get the cookies, Crusher walks in front of me and does it.

“I’ll take them out. You stay in here, with Dani,” Crusher says. His face is tight and he looks nothing like the lunatic who was laughing and annoying me about Michael. In truth, he’s got a very serious vibe about him right now. I look over at Dani and I can even see tension there. Does he sense danger? I’m not sure what’s going on, but my gut tells me to hang back.

“Fine. I’ll see you this afternoon, Pastor.”

“This afternoon?” he asks, and he looks rattled. Of course, why wouldn’t he with the way Crusher is acting. I really need to talk to Michael about him.

“I’m sure you’ll be at the hospital when we come by,” I remind him, and he nods his head.

“Oh. Yeah, I’ll probably be there,” he says, and he looks upset. Before I can question him about it, he and Crusher leave the kitchen. The screen door slams behind them, leaving me alone with the beauty queen, Dani.

Just great.