We walked outside in silence. It was still cold, and I wrapped my arms around myself. The first thing I noticed was the teeenage boy I had met at the cemetery. He stopped a few inches from a blond man lying on the cold ground. His hands were cuffed behind his back, wrists facing outward, and tears streamed down his chubby face. My eyes became wide. What were they doing to that man?
"Listen to me. Whatever you do, don't look him in the eye, okay." I was too stunned to answer. Who was he? I looked around and saw people talking in hushed voices. The teenager cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. I couldn't take her eyes off his tanned face.
"Who is he, Grandma?"
"You don't know who he is?" I shook my head.
"That's Jacob Black, honey."
"We are here to let you know that someone has broken the rules," said Jacob. His voice was low and alluring.
"The rules say that you must seek permission before you have sex with a minor." He stopped, and there was a pregnant pause.
"This man here slept with a girl who is barely sixteen. Do you want to say something, Mike?"
"I didn't do it, I swear. I didn't sleep with Jessica. She's lying. Please, you've to believe me."
"Why would Jessica lie, Mike? You know the rules better than anyone else, Mike."
"I don't know. Where is she anyway? Maybe the Mayor got it all wrong?"
"You dare to question the Mayor?"
"No, of course not. I would never, Jacob."
"And yet you did. What a shame. We shall cut off your dick for this."
"No, please. I'll do anything. Please, spare me."
"A little too late for that, Mike. Cut off his dick and see if I care, Paul." Joe grabbed my hand when I heard the most soul-piercing scream ever. Jacob leaned against an old tree, watching the scene silently.
"Don't worry. Michael's not dead, yet," said Grandma Joe. My eyes went wide. What had I gotten myself into now?