Secrets and Shadows
Chapter 4: Secrets and Shadows
The sun was setting by the time they got back to the house, casting long golden streaks across the sky. Sookie pulled into the driveway, turning off the engine before glancing at Harry.
“You were quiet on the way back,” she observed.
Harry shrugged. “Just thinking.”
“’Bout what?”
He hesitated before answering. “Sam.”
Sookie raised an eyebrow. “What about him?”
Harry leaned against the passenger door, studying her carefully. “He’s not normal, is he?”
There was a beat of silence before Sookie sighed, rubbing her forehead. “Why do you say that?”
Harry gave her a look. “Come on, Sookie. I know the signs.”
She chewed her lip, debating how much to say. “You’re not wrong,” she admitted finally. “Sam’s… different. But he ain’t dangerous. Least, not to us.”
Harry didn’t look entirely convinced, but he let it go for now. “Right.”
Sookie sighed. “Look, I get it. You’re used to people keepin’ secrets. But this town? It’s full of ‘em. You’ll learn soon enough.”
That didn’t exactly reassure him.
They got out of the car and headed inside, where Adele was already setting the table for dinner. The smell of fried chicken and mashed potatoes filled the air, making Harry’s stomach growl.
“You two have a good trip into town?” Adele asked, smiling warmly.
Sookie nodded. “Ran into Sam. He offered Harry a job at Merlotte’s.”
Adele’s eyes lit up. “Oh, that’s wonderful, sweetheart! It’d be good for you, gettin’ out and meetin’ people.”
Harry poked at the mashed potatoes on his plate. “Haven’t decided yet.”
“Well, no rush,” Adele said kindly. “You do what feels right for you.”
They ate in comfortable silence for a while, but Harry couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something was just under the surface—something he couldn’t see yet.
After dinner, he stepped onto the porch, enjoying the cool night air. The stars here were different from the ones in Britain—brighter, clearer. He leaned against the railing, exhaling slowly.
“Y’know, you keep broodin’ like that, people are gonna start mistakin’ you for a vampire.”
Harry smirked without looking over. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Sookie stepped up beside him, arms crossed. “You really think Sam’s a problem?”
Harry sighed. “Not a problem. Just… something else. I can feel it.”
Sookie studied him for a long moment. “You ever think maybe you ain’t the only one with secrets?”
Harry chuckled dryly. “I’d be surprised if I was.”
A comfortable silence stretched between them before Sookie nudged his arm. “You’re gonna be okay here, y’know.”
Harry wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince him or herself.
But for the first time in a long time, he thought maybe—just maybe—she was right.