Page 8 of The Watcher

Nathan continued clapping and moved to stand next to Kateri. “Thank you so much for that fascinating story, Sheriff! Anyone have questions?”

Aidan raised his hand and asked in a very serious tone, “How big is this Frog God? Because I visited New Orleans a few years ago and ate frog legs, and I bet the Frog God could feed us all for a good long while.”

Mariah and Emily started giggling first.

Naira guffawed from her chair by the fire.

Soon the whole group was doubled over with mirth.

As the laughter died down, Jessica jumped up. “Well, now that it's safe to leave the circle — it is safe, right?"

The adults nodded.

Jessica continued, "— I seriously have to pee.”

“After that? I'm surprised you didn't wet yourself!” Samson said.

Everyone laughed.

He grinned and for a moment forgot for a moment to hide his acne.

Jessica stuck out her tongue at him and gathered Emily and Avni to head to the wooden bathrooms on the other side of the longhouse.

"Take the younger kids," Marie called.

"Yeah, yeah," Jessica said, ungracious as only a popular teenager could be. But she turned on her flashlights and led the younger kids towards the bathrooms. Bryan followed them with another high-beam flashlight. For all his earlier show of sarcasm and football-throwing prowess, he seemed to take pride in keeping the camp kids from being too scared. As they left, Samson and Aidan excitedly recounted the fiery explosion.

Behind Bryan, Marie and Naira followed arm-in-arm. They enjoyed this part of the evening at camp, when everyone was sufficiently exhausted from the day’s activities that they brushed their teeth quickly so they could fall into their sleeping bags.

Nathan clapped Kateri on the shoulder. “Here’s hoping that did them some good! I know I enjoyed hearing someone else tell a story for a change.” He winked at her.

“Liar! Don’t worry, I won’t enter your territory too often.”

Nathan winked, then turned to grab his drum. He strode towards the longhouse to ensure everyone got into bed safely.

Lily stayed behind, warming her hands by the flames, her eyes darting around nervously.

Kateri waited until the sounds of the other kids faded before approaching her. Kateri looked into the fire. “Are you all right?” She knew that if Lily were anything like she had been at that age, not looking directly at her would allow Lily to speak more openly.

Come to think of it, Kateri was still that way when it came to telling secrets or discussing fears.

Lily started softly. “During your story about the Frog God, I could see two dark green eyes shining out of the darkness." Her voice gained volume until Kateri no longer had to strain to hear her. "Lookingright at me.”

Without a hint of surprise, Kateri asked, “Where?”

Lily mutely pointed to the edge of the forest behind the fire circle’s benches. The firelight didn’t reach that section of the trees, and it was so dark under the cedars, Kateri couldn’t make out any individual trunks.

She did not see any glowing eyes.

But then … she didn't quite look.

Kateri turned back to Lily. “I believe you."

Lily furrowed her brow. “It has to be my imagination. Even if he was there, the Frog God only wants the most beautiful woman in the world. He was probably staring at Avni or Jessica.”

"But you believe hewasthere."

Lily nodded.

---