C H A P T E R
I I
A Queer Disappearance
A S G O S S I P spread through town, people began to wonder about the strange artist who had suddenly disappeared. Word got out, and rumors were spread. Artemis knew that if the townspeople were to find out she was dead, they would ask questions. But Artemis promised himself they would never find out the whole truth. If they knew she was murdered, their entire reputation and honor would be destroyed forever.
Athena burst through the door with a bucket of water in her hand. She set it down on the ground. “I’m going to brew some tea.”
“I don’t want any.”
Athena looked down. “I talked to Armand.”
“I know. He cried.” Artemis put a log on the fire. Times were tough in Jamestown, when winter came. “Don’t say anymore.”
“I thought you wanted him to believe Mother was on a trip.”
“He’s just too smart, he probably already knows. He’s so young. He doesn’t deserve this.”
Athena straightened up. “Artie, get up. It’s been a week. You’ve had your time to grieve. It’s time to get back to life.”
Artemis shot a warning look at her. “Don’t you see? What life is there? We’re orphans. Orphans are useless. You see the beggars that were raised orphans. They’re pathetic.”
“They refuse to get a job, yes. But that’s not your concern. Now get up!” Athen now stood with hands on her hips, angry as a mad hen.
Artemis stood. “You know ‘Thena, every time we’ve tried to talk, it just turns out to be an argument.”
“Dare we try again?”
“No, ‘Thena. You listen to me and do what I bid you. But no more. If Armand sees us fighting…he’ll know.”
Athena scoffed. “So that’s it? Let’s just completely stop talking to each other, for the child’s sake.”
“Yes! It’s bad enough we’ve fallen apart, but I’m not going to let my brother fall apart either!”
“Maybe you have. But I haven’t. I’m going to grow up and be the first one to fly to the moon, or the most famous scientist to ever have lived. But I’m not going to sit in that chair and watch life fade away.”
Artemis looked at the fire withering. He poured coffee on it. “I’m going to town. Stay here.”
“What will you do?”
Artemis shrugged. “I’m sure we need supplies.” He stood up, grabbed his hat, and fled out the door.
The snow began to fall harder but Artemis didn’t seem to notice. And as time went on, the moments turned into hours.
Athena watched by the window, worried sick. Armand tugged on her skirt.
“What is it?”
“I’m hungry. We haven’t any meal.”
Athena sighed and went to check the cupboards. “I’m sure we have something.” But her confidence was to no avail. For she knew what lay beyond the cupboard doors.
“Why are we always hungry? Why must we be so poor? Now we’re orphans!”
Athena gasped. “Wh-why would you say something like that?”
Little Armand sniffled lightly. “Mama’s gone.”
The house was silent for a moment. And then Athena felt the overwhelming wave of truth wash over her. That, yes. Mama was gone. Gone forever. Just like Papa.
Athena brushed her thoughts passed her. “Artemis will bring home food.” Athena glanced out the window. It looked to be a howling mess outside. “It’s a blizzard.” She whispered. She turned to the eight-year-old boy. “Armand. I need you to stay here. I am going out to find Artemis.”
Athena grabbed her coat and wrap and dashed outside. The strong force of the wind made it almost impossible to stand up straight. But she pressed on.
“Artemis!” Her voice hardly carried over the wind, and she was sure he couldn’t hear her.
Artemis heard the distinct voices inside.
“And you killed her?” A plump man questioned.
The man—the killer who killed Mother, stood there, still bundled up. You could hardly see his face.
“I did what I thought what best. I couldn’t trust her. She could get us all hanged.”
The plump man sighed and ran his chubby fingers over the smooth sides of the chair. “Do you think they have….allies, perhaps?”
The man shook his head. “They looked secretive. But…”
“Yes?”
The killer hesitated.
“Out with it!”
Artemis gasped. He recognized that voice. “Mr. Beltifar.” He said to himself. He had been his father’s work partner and true friend. He also owned almost everything in Jamestown.
The killer approached quietly. “They have children.”
Beltifar eyed him suspiciously. “You are afraid of children, now?”
“No. But what I’ve heard…their family is strange. Evil, perhaps.”
“What?” Artemis covered his mouth. He spoke loudly than he should have.
“Did you hear that?” Beltifar walked to the window.
Artemis sat underneath, still as a stone, praying he wouldn’t get caught. Or he would be the next to go..
“They have strange names. Greek names. Some say, they study mythology. The girl gets taught by her brother. She’s smart. He’s…clever.”
Beltifar leaned back in his chair. “What do you propose we do? And also, what shall I call you? I have yet to know your name.”
“Rage. Matthias Rage.”
Beltifar chuckled. “Rage? Oh, well, people don’t get to pick out their names. Anyway, you didn’t answer my first question.”
“I don’t think it’s right to do so…”
“Do what? I haven’t got all day!”
“Kill them.”
“Kill the children?”
“Yes.”
Beltifar shrugged. “Fine. But make it silent and quick. Not too painful. I used to know these children. And yes, very bright.”
Matthias tipped his hat.
Athena walked out in the blizzard, and could hardly see her own hand in front of her face. Then she saw an orange light. It was the light in a window.
“Artemis!”
Artemis gasped. “No.” He whispered.
Matthias ran outside. “Who’s out there?” He yelled. He saw Athena. He prepared his gun and just as he shot, Artemis sped across the yard and pushed her from the way.
“You’re crazy!” He stumbled to get up but couldn’t.
“What is it? What is it?”
Artemis looked at his hand. Blood dripped down. “I’ve been shot.”
“We’ll get you a doctor!”
“No! They’re going to kill us.”
The snow got thicker and Matthias couldn’t see them no longer.
That gave them a chance to get away.
“We need to go home.”
“And then we need to leave. They know where we live.”
Athena put her arm under his and helped him walk. The bullet was deep into his leg.
Matthias looked out into the whiteness of the blizzard. “I’ll find you. I’ll find very last one of you.”
