Scar
For Dave. My love.
Contents
Cover
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Copyright
Chapter One
My chin hits gravel; teeth on tongue.
The foot on my back is Jack Minnow’s. He presses harder, enjoying the sight of a new believer forced to worship. I spit blood and dust from my lips and Mayor Longsight’s bare foot is sprayed red. He leans down and whispers.
“Welcome home, Leora. I have so much to tell you.”
I spit again, this time aiming right for him.
The crowd – a respectful distance away from their leader – only see me bow. And they roar their approval – not joy at my return, but jubilation at Mayor Longsight standing above me, above them, ruling over his people. A man, made divinity.
I thought we were safe, I thought everything was new. I thought that Longsight was dead.
Jack Minnow’s strong hands drag me to my feet, grasp my hair and hold my head rigid. He turns me to face the townspeople, who hush enough to listen. I stare out at the crowd, at the people I thought were my friends. People I grew up with. My eyes searching for Gull. I can’t see her.
“Here is your traitor.” Longsight’s voice is triumphant. “Here is the one who brought the enemy to our door and an assassin to our square.”
A horrible growl rises from the gathered herd of people. The mayor waits for it to ease. “But, friends, what she intended for evil, I have used for good. She planned my destruction, and yet, I wrought my resurrection. There is a higher purpose, and even the wicked plans of a traitor cannot halt true destiny. Do not be worried or afraid. I have conquered.”
I shake my head, regretting it immediately when I feel Minnow’s fingers tangle in my hair and the ache and sting of my injured mouth. Minnow releases my hair and grasps my arm, pulling me with him towards the dark doors of the government building.
“Time for us to talk,” Mayor Longsight says as he follows us inside.