Where is the Brian Sessions
As Baylor City reels from the latest fire, Rachel’s fractured memories suggest Colin may not be the only danger lurking in the shadows. Meanwhile, Cassandra’s search for answers leads to another troubling question—where in the world is Brian Sessions?
“How many more buildings have to burn before your department admits you've lost control?”
Sheriff Conrad Spriggs stared over the microphones at the reporter.
“We haven't lost control.”
“Then where is Colin Mercer? He should be in custody.”
“If I knew that, son, we wouldn't be having this conversation.”
A few reporters laughed. Most didn't.
Questions erupted.
“Is Mercer responsible for the Abner fire?”
“Is Rachel Abner expected to survive?”
“Are the fires connected?”
Spriggs raised his hand. “Enough.”
The courtyard quieted.
“Colin Mercer is wanted for questioning. That's it. He has not been convicted of arson, attempted murder, or anything else. Until my investigators give me evidence saying otherwise, I will not let this department—or this town—convict a seventeen-year-old boy in front of a television camera.”
Off beside the courthouse steps, Allen glanced at Laric.
“He practiced that.”
Laric kept watching the sheriff. “Sounded pretty good.”
“He practiced it.”
A reporter shouted, “Sheriff, when do you expect an arrest?”
Spriggs gathered his papers.
“When we find somebody worth arresting.”
“Sheriff—”
“That's all.”
He stepped away as another wave of questions followed him toward the courthouse.
Allen shook his head. “He's going to be in a great mood tonight.”
Laric grinned. “Want to stay at my house?”
“Absolutely.”
___
Rachel Abner opened one eye when Cassandra stepped into the hospital room. A bandage covered her left temple, with the edges of several angry red marks disappearing beneath it toward her cheek.
“If you're here to tell me smoking is bad for my health, you're about twelve hours late.”
Cassandra pulled a chair beside the bed. “How are you feeling?”
“Like my house fell on me.”
“Part of it nearly did.”
Rachel's smile faded.
Cassandra touched her hand. “I heard it was Colin.”
Rachel looked toward the window.
“He came to my door.”
“You taught him, didn't you?”
“Last year.” Rachel swallowed. “Quiet kid. Awkward. Got picked on more than he deserved.”
“Why would he do this?”
Rachel shook her head. “I don't know.”
“Rachel—”
“He was scared. Exhausted. I told him I'd call someone to help, and he panicked.”
Cassandra leaned closer. “Then what happened?”
Rachel frowned. “I don't know. I remember looking past him...” Her fingers moved unconsciously toward the bandage on her temple. “I saw a flash of something.”
“A flash of something?”
Rachel studied her. “The police think Colin did it, don't they?”
“Looks that way.”
“He needs help, Cass.”
“You always find the good in people.”
“There has to be some explanation for what's going on with him.”
“What did you tell the police?” Cassandra asked. “What exactly did you see?”
“There was something behind him.”
Cassandra frowned. “Behind Colin?”
Rachel nodded slowly. “I thought it was a man at first.”
“Thought?”
Rachel stared toward the window, struggling with the memory.
“It looked like one. Tall. But its skin...” She shook her head. “It was dark. Charcoal, maybe.”
“Charcoal?”
“Like something that had already burned.” Rachel closed her eyes. “I remember the porch light flickering. Then... heat.”
Rachel touched the bandage again.
“And then a hand.”
Cassandra frowned. “A hand?”
Rachel looked at her. “It was on fire, Cass.”
Cassandra's eyes moved to the red marks beside the bandage. “You think the man's hand was on fire?”
“It was burning.”
“Rachel, the house was on fire.”
“Not yet.”
Cassandra watched her carefully.
Rachel's voice dropped.
“The fire came after.”
Cassandra's gaze returned to the marks beneath the bandage. She hadn't given them much thought when she walked in. Now, looking closer, their uneven spacing took on an unsettling shape.
A partial handprint.
Cassandra frowned. “Those marks...”
Rachel touched her temple. “That's where it hit me.”
Cassandra reached for her phone. “I should call Brian.”
___
Cassandra made her way through the Arklow Bible Museum and headed straight for Brian's office.
Deidre sat behind her desk, a phone tucked against one ear while she sorted through a stack of folders.
She looked up when Cassandra approached and held up one finger.
“No, Mr. Wilkes, I haven't forgotten. The problem is I need Mr. Session’s signature before I can—” She stopped, listened, then sighed. “Yes. I'll tell him. Again.”
Deidre hung up and looked at Cassandra.
“Please tell me you know where he is.”
Cassandra stopped. “No. I’ve been calling. I get voicemail.”
Deidre leaned back in her chair. “Same here. This is not like him. He’s a very responsible person.”
“I know. I’m getting worried.” Cassandra said.
Deidre gave her a look.
Cassandra caught it.
“Maybe we should call the police.”
“You don’t have to.” Laric said, walking in the office, Allen closely behind.
Cassandra stopped in front of them.
“You know where your uncle is?”
“Not sure.”
Cassandra looked at Deidre.
“You’re not sure?” Cassandra asked.
“No.”
“Has he called?”
“No.”
“Texted?”
“No.”
Cassandra folded her arms. “When did you last see him?”
Laric hesitated. “Before all this started.”
“And you're not worried?”
“He does this sometimes.”
Allen turned to him. “Does what?”
Laric shot him a look. “Gets busy.”
“So busy he disappears?”
“Thank you, Allen.”
“Just helping.”
Cassandra stared at Laric. “His museum doesn't know where he is. You don't know where he is. He's not answering his phone.”
“I need to talk to him, Laric. It's important.”
“About what?”
“Rachel.”
Laric's expression changed. “What about her?”
Cassandra shook her head. “First I need to find your uncle.”
“He'll turn up.”
“And if he doesn't?”
Laric stared at her.
“He's not missing.”
“Laric if you know where he is, you need to tell me so i can tell Board of Directors.” Deidre said.
Laric opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.
Cassandra pointed at Allen. “Your father's the sheriff. Call him.”
Allen immediately raised both hands. “Don't drag me into this.”
“Why not?”
“Because my dad just spent half the morning explaining why he can't find Colin. I'm not calling to tell him the Director of the Arklow is missing too.”
Laric smirked.
Cassandra gave him a look.
“Laric, I'm serious.”
His smile weakened.
For the first time, he glanced toward the closed door of his uncle's office.
TO BE CONTINUED…
🔄 Previous Episode 26: The Keeper
As old secrets collide with present dangers, Obadiah realizes one of his own has gone farther than expected. Meanwhile, Laric, Allen, and Zanna discover that the mystery surrounding Colin reaches back to one of Judah's darkest kings. Follow the series for updates, relic lore, and the full eBook launch.
Discover More: Note: The story above is a work of fiction created for inspirational purposes. Any resemblance to actual individuals or events is purely coincidental. Enjoy more heartfelt stories from the Obadiah: Clipped Wing series—each one crafted to uplift, inspire, and reflect God's presence in everyday life. Read more stories » ☕ If you’ve enjoyed our stories, you can treat us to a cup of coffee through PayPal or visit the Faithfully Encourage Shop for notebooks, mugs, and candles inspired by everyday faith.
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