Nefarious (4 Ch. Sample)

Chapter Three

"Yes. They're outback. I was just letting you know we're here." Answered Luke. He knew Rylan and Marlysa's story from both rumors in the town and from the Sheriff. He knew this must be hard on the both of them.

"I got muffins and coffee for you guys." Rylan handed over the muffin box never really making eye contact with him.

"Marlysa will you take the coffee out? I need to run upstairs for a minute."

"Yeah, sure." Marlysa watched her cousin leave. She looked back at the man standing in the kitchen with her. "Sorry about that. Marlysa Somers."

"Luke Caxton." Marlysa Somers had a sweet smile with pink gloss, long shiny blonde hair and despite her tears she made it work. She was dressed more for fashion in skinny jeans, heels and a fitted sweater.

"The pastor, right?" She whipped out a mirror from her purse to inspect her face. Thankful for waterproof mascara and eyeliner.

"That would be me."

"Nice to meet you." In Marlysa's mind she still pictured old Pastor Moore at the local church. Not someone young and gorgeous looking like Luke Caxton with his boyish features and wavy brown hair. Maybe now she will try church.

"Likewise, Miss. Somers. I would shake your hand but," Luke held up the box of muffins. Marlysa laughed.

"We better get this out there to the others." Marlysa led the way.

"I hope Rylan and you won't mind that another one joined us." Luke said from behind her as they made their way down the stairs.

"No, it's fine." Marlysa looked out over the yard. Tate stood with two others. One she assumed was Collin. "I know one has to be someone named Collin and the other one is?"

"Casper Eckhardt."

"I don't believe I know him either."

"He's only been in Oak Harbor a year maybe."

"Okay." Marlysa came to a stop with the Pastor beside her. "Hi, I'm Marlysa and I bring coffee."

"Perfect." Said Tate. He took one of the cups from the holder in Marlysa's hands. "Mar, this is Collin Bancroft," He pointed to a sandy blonde-haired man wearing a police hat. "And the other one is Casper Eckhardt."

"Nice to meet you two." Marlysa shook their hands. Out of the three men she had just met Casper Eckhardt was the best looking out of them. He had the most piercing blue eyes she had ever seen. "There are also muffins here."

The men dove into the muffins and started talking about the land around them and what they were going to do first.

Marlysa got Tate's attention with her eyes. He moved over next to her. "Where's Rylan?" He asked.

"She got upset." Whispered Marlysa.

"About me?"

"She's worried it might be too hard on you seeing her, all things considered."

Tate slowly nodded his head. He looked over his shoulder up at the house. Rylan stood on the patio, her arms crossed, looking at him. "I'll be right back." He touched Marlysa on the shoulder.

Rylan felt her insides squeeze at the sight of Tate walking toward the house. A memory started playing in her mind.

"Look, isn't he gorgeous!" Giggled Rydel pulling on her sister's arm. Rylan laughed.

"He's okay." Rylan said watching as Tate Warner walked from the dock where he had tied up his boat. Rydel looked at her like she was crazy.