Hearths of Fire by Kennedy Layne Page B

giggles, Charlotte almost sat in one just to see what Robert and Patricia would
     do upon their return.
    “Don’t even think about it,” Neal murmured, taking a hold of her hand and leading
     her to the couch. They both sank down on cushions that were as hard as two-by-fours.
     There was a cheap laminate table with short legs in front of them that was situated
     in between the couch and two chairs. “They’ll come at me first and then they’ll tell
     you what they want you to know about Ashes to Dirt. Just follow my lead.”
    “Is it bad that I don’t like them already?” Charlotte whispered back, sitting forward
     on the hard cushion. She felt the urge to be ready to run, which was laughable. Neal
     was here and armed. Nothing was going to happen. “Wait. Should we drink what they
     give us?”
    “Absolutely not.”
    Charlotte’s gaze swung his way in astonishment when he didn’t even hesitate to answer
     her question. She was technically being facetious, but now that he’d stated so clearly
     what he thought the Ashes were capable of…she was suddenly feeling a little nauseous.
     Hearing the sound of footsteps coming through from what must be the kitchen, Charlotte
     sat up a little straighter.
    “Here we go,” Patricia said with another pasted on smile. She was holding a tray with
     four glasses of water sans any ice cubes. She placed the circular serving tray on
     the table, chose one of the glasses, and then sat in the chair to the right. Robert
     did the same, choosing the seat on the left. “Water is our choice of beverage here.
     It cleanses the body and the soul.”
    Charlotte once again found herself a little speechless, but she picked up a glass
     anyway. Even though she wouldn’t drink out of it, it gave her something to do with
     her hands. Neal blatantly left his on the tray, although no one pointed that out.
    “Neal, I think we’ve had this conversation before.” Robert paused to take a sip of
     his water. Once he was done, his smile was back in place as if he’d been programmed.
     “I know the town was a tad bit nervous when we first brought our followers here, but
     Hearth is such a peaceful town. As we stated previously, we’re only here to promote
     good. We’ve been called by a higher power to spread the word.”
    “Yes, that is what you said.” Neal’s green eyes never wavered from Robert. Charlotte held her breath
     as she waited to see which direction Neal would take this conversation. “Of course
     that was before your son started to date Mandy.”
    “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were of any relation to the Whitefalls.” Patricia didn’t
     cross her legs, but instead kept her feet flat on the floor. Charlotte had known that
     one of them would bring up the subject of Neal’s relationship with Mandy. What she
     hadn’t expected was the knives to come out so early…so much for promoting peace. Her
     anger started to stir that these people would think they had a right to comment on
     their friendship. “It was our belief that you two were to be married and that Charlotte
     decided against that at an early age.”
    “Our past decisions have no bearing on the fact that Charlotte and Mandy are like
     family to me,” Neal said in a hardened voice. “Which is why I’ve come home to ensure
     that Mandy makes the right decision in regards to her future. Is it true that Garreth
     is taking over the leadership of Ashes to Dirt?”
    Charlotte saw Robert’s smile slip somewhat and wondered why he was so displeased that
     they knew that fact about their son. Patricia didn’t move a muscle or show any sign
     that it bothered her. Charlotte was finding it rather hard not to ask her own questions.
     If Neal didn’t hurry this conversation along she was going to take part, regardless
     of his previous warning.
    “Yes, Garreth has been groomed for this his entire life,” Robert responded, his fingers
     tightening on the glass. “He will lead us to a better