Defined By Deceit

Jack turned to Shane, his eyes revealing that he didn’t like where this was going. Shane looked back at him similarly. He turned to look for Llew’s reaction, and what he saw had his gut seizing. Llew looked like he’d just witnessed an exorcism. His eyes were wide and filled with fear. Sweat was beading up on his smooth forehead and a trickle had leaked down the side of his face into his collar.

“There is a registered sex offender in Henderson. I’ve been in contact with the probation officer for this individual and according to their office this person has been in full cooperation with to the conditions of release,” the sheriff said, calmly.

“Release!” the old man yelled. “As in prison?!”

“Calm down! I have no reason to believe this individual is a threat to the community.” The sheriff raised his voice and eyed the room, letting them know he was in control.

“I’d like to start a petition that this person not be able to take up residence here,” the old man added before the sheriff could continue. Many people began to yell out their agreement.

Shane watched Llewellyn with a sympathetic heart, because he knew without a doubt that he was the offender they were arguing about. Llewellyn’s shaky fist went up to his mouth as he watched the people of the town rage on about him. Shane thought for a minute that he was going to throw up. His shoulders slumped and his eyes searched the room frantically, as if waiting for someone to point him out.

“Mr. Rockford, take your seat! No such petition will be voted on because it’s illegal. This person is allowed to reside wherever he chooses, as long as he obeys the law and complies with his probation. And so far he has.” The sheriff noted.

“Well who is it?” the senior demanded, with a chorus of “Yeah”s coming in response to his question.

Llew’s whole face, spirit; his entire soul crumbled right before Shane’s eyes. Oh no.

“I’m not permitted to tell you that. The information is public record; you are welcome to look it up yourselves. But I ask that if you do, you don’t contact this person. He has rights, and I will not accept the harassment of anyone in this county. I hope I’m making myself clear.” Several people had pulled out their cell phones as if they couldn’t possibly wait another second to find out who this deviant was.

Shane saw Llew turn and bolt out the door. The room was in such upheaval that no one had noticed but him and Jack.

“I know that look. Don’t do it, Shane.”

Shane was already up and out of his seat, his coat in one hand as he jogged to the door. He scanned the parking lot but he didn’t see anyone. Llew could only have gone one way. He jogged up the sidewalk back towards the center of town. As soon as he turned the corner, he saw Llew’s broad back turn down the narrow alley in between the library and Shirley’s Cookin’ Kitchen. He hurried to catch up, wondering where he could possibly be going since the alley was a dead end. Shane slowed his steps when he passed one of the dumpsters back there. He heard groaning and the sound of gagging, followed by dry heaving. Jesus. He was almost to the end of the dark alley, and he could see Llew bent over clutching his stomach. His back rose and fell as his stomach uselessly tried to rid itself of its contents. It held nothing but anguish now. He didn’t think Llew knew he was there yet, and he felt like he was spying on a personal moment. Llew stood up straighter and rested both hands on the brick in front of him while he tried to catch his breath.

“Llewellyn.” Shane tried to keep his voice soft, but it still scared the big man. He whirled around, his sad eyes nervously scanning the alley.

“What are you—” Llew raised one hand up, and backed further into the corner. “You can’t… just stay… I’m not gonna hurt you.”

“I know, Llewellyn. I followed you though.” Shane stressed the “I” part as he walked closer. Llew looked like his legs were gonna give out, and it made Shane want to wrap his arms around him, but he stayed put.

“Let me guess. You’re here to tell me I didn’t get the job.” He chuckled humorlessly. “I figured as much. They sent you to get rid of me, huh? Well do what you came to do. I won’t fight you or hurt you.” Llew turned back towards the wall, his entire body shaking as he fought to control himself. “I’ve never hurt anyone in my life,” he whispered painfully.

Shane wasn’t sure why yet, but he believed Llew. He truly did.

Shane timidly put his hand on the man’s broad shoulder and gently turned his body to face him. He needed Llew to see his sincerity. “No, Llewellyn. I’m not here to get rid of you. I came to walk you home. Make sure you get there okay. You looked really upset, and um… I didn’t want you to think that everyone in this town thought alike.”