Page 20 of Damnation
My boots crush the dirt beneath me as I all but run to the Good home. Edward is quick to keep beside me, his words harsh and brash.
“Whatever is the hurry? Surely, she is not going anywhere.”
“I want justice for Salem and security at once,” I speak, not turning around to look him in the eye.
He does not respond, though I know that is trouble. Edward surely always has something on his mind, and when he remains silent, it is when the thoughts run rampant in his head.
My heart plummets when we arrive at the Good house to see Sarah and Dorothy out front. They are laughing, spinning in circles filled with joy. I so wish she had been away.
They both notice me, Sarah’s smile on me for a moment before it drops at the sight of Edward.
“Mr. Putnam and Mr. Putnam,” she greets.
“You need to come with me, Mrs. Good. Now,” I say, attempting to sound as authoritative as possible.
Fear flashes upon her features as she tucks Dorothy behind her.
“Whatever for?”
“There are claims against you. You are required to appear before the town this Sunday,” Edward speaks.
“Claims?” she asks as her husband steps outside.
“What is the meaning of your trespass?” he slurs, his stance wavering as he does.
The drunk arse is worse off than I ever knew. The stories Sarah has told me ignite my soul with a burning anger that will only have relief when William Good is cold and rotting beneath the earth. I do not have a moment to channel any ire to him. Instead, I have only one to think of.
“Witchcraft,” Edward says, startling William. “Your wife has been accused of bewitching two young girls. We’ve been sent to fetch her for examination.”
William turns to face Sarah, rearing back his hand to deliver a blow to her face. I do not allow it, though. I step in between them, catching his arm easily as I toss it to the side.
“You shall not touch her. She is needed in town. You may be allowed visitations after she is seen.”
Like hell I would allow such things.
William scoffs. “Why would I want to see her? Take her from my sight, banish her, hang her for all I care. Devil woman, curse of my life!” he shouts, spitting at her feet.
I turn to face Sarah, who has gone white in the face. She turns to run, and I make no effort to grab her. Unfortunately, Edward does. He sees her eagerness to flee and grabs her up in the next moment.
“NO! Let me go! ‘Tis a lie! I am but innocent! Nooo!” she screams as Edward hauls her towards the road.
My heart cracks in half at the sounds of her screams as little Dorothy chases after them.
“Mama! Mama!”
I stop her quickly, kneeling down to speak to her.
“Please, do not follow us, Dorothy. Everything will be as it should. I promise.”
She looks up at me, tear filled eyes so full of fear. I have yet to spend time with this child, though I have promised Sarah to care for her like my own. In this moment, she feels more like my own than any of my real children do.
“Stay, please. I will take care of us,” I say softly, only for her little ears.
She looks confused at my words but nods as she watches Edward carry on, hauling her mother down the road. I hurry after them, casting Dorothy one last look as tears pour down her sweet face.
Once I catch up to them, I pull Sarah from Edward’s grasp immediately. Edward attempts to steal her from me as I shove him away. He looks at me with outrage.
“What is the matter, brother? Want the witch all to yourself?”
