Lena nodded as Alex, Mon-El and Cora relayed to them what had transpired a short time ago. Rhea hadn't been bluffing when she'd said she wasn't done with Lena. But Lena hadn't been expecting this. To hear Mon-El relay it, the whole town was ready to lynch them. He hadn't said it directly, but Lena didn't doubt that her interpretation was a close-to-accurate description. Rhea was apparently still roaring up the crowd, and some men had grumbled about heading to Kara's cabin.
"That must have been why Mr. Ray was here," Kara said.
Alex furrowed her brows. "What?"
"Mr. Ray. He was just here. He tried to harm Lena."
Mon-El raked his hands through his hair. "Son of a..."
"He seemed so kind," Cora said.
Kara rubbed Lena's shoulders as she hugged her closer. "He was. But to go after Lena the way he did? All because of how we feel about each other? You should have seen him."
Lena stared up at Kara, seeing the anger still bubbling at the surface of the woman's emotions. She wondered if now was the right time to voice her suspicion that Mr. Ray had been involved in pushing her off the edge of that cliff. Or had possibly done it himself. But what proof did she have?
Alex and Cora moved to Lena, looking her over and running a hand along her arm and hair respectively. "I'm fine," she said. "Kara got here just in time."
"We have to make ourselves scarce," Kara said, moving to grab a sack that had at one point been used for potatoes.
"And go where?" Alex asked, stepping in front of Kara, her hands raised, clearly signaling Kara to stop.
"Anywhere but here," Kara said, pushing past Alex and stuffing the bag with items that had meaning to her and Lena.
"Kara, now just wait a minute," Alex tried again, looking to everyone before again settling her gaze on her sister. "You might be safer here. Yer cabin is farther out from the other homes in town, close to mine, where you can go if you really feel the need to skedaddle. But going into the immediate town area? Heading off into the woods this time of night? Neither will do. Yes, we heard a few men talkin' about heading this way, but you're the apple of this town's eye. Remember? They wouldn't hurt you."
Kara turned to her with a frown. "Did you not hear me moments ago? Mr. Ray, the sunniest man the Lord's ever seen, just attacked Lena. That hurt me. And if he can change like that, then the door's open for everyone else to."
"Just..." Alex held up a hand, backing away toward the front door. "Just sit tight while we go check thangs out. James, Winn and Maggie are already workin' to talk down those throwin' a fit and are prepared to jail any that need jailin'."
"I think they are throwing more than a fit," Lena said, moving beside Kara.
"Listen to me, okay," Alex continued. "We'll serve as a diversion. Get them to focus elsewhere. On us if necessary."
"We can tell 'em we just came this way and we saw no sign of ya," Mon-El chimed in. "Unlike my ma and pa, no one's ever known me to be a liar."
Lena rolled her eyes. Did he really believe he was a beacon of honesty?
"Even so," Mon-El continued, "they're hangin' on my ma's every word. If they believe her, they've gotta believe me." He ushered Cora toward the door, but not before the girl pulled Kara into a bear hug.
"We'll find Brian and Del." Alex moved to Kara to hug her after Cora had finally let go, and offered Lena a sympathetic nod. "Kara... We'll handle this. Trust me."
The three of them left as quickly as they came, closing the door behind them. But it was clear to Lena that Kara didn't plan on waiting like — what she surely perceived them to be — sitting ducks. She didn't hesitate to continue what she'd been doing before Alex had halted her actions.
"Kara?"
"Pack your things. We're leaving. Now."
"But -"
Kara moved to her, grabbing her by the arms. "I love my sister. And I trust her. But I'm not willing to risk your life. She thinks she knows this town, that these people are better than they seem. That mourning my 'death' and building things in my memory and such means that they're good people. But I remember how they were before. I know they still hold the sentiments they held before. Sure, there are good people here, but they will hold on to their beliefs like it's nobody's business. Those beliefs twist you, spur you on to do things you know you shouldn't do." She tucked a strand of hair behind Lena's ear, caressing her chin. "Like turning away the love of your life." Tears seemingly fought to stay at bay. "It's the fear," Kara continued. "Fear of having your safe world taken from you. And it's worse when there's a mob mentality. I remember how the people here were willing to destroy the brewery and anyone in it just to get rid of drunks. Imagine what they'd be willing to do to get rid of us."
She pulled Lena to her, kissing her brow. "I always saw the good in people, and I still do, but I know what I speak of. And considering what Mr. Ray did here tonight... Well, I won't be a fool again." She moved back a little to stare Lena in the eyes. "Pack. Clothes, food, and anything you deem valuable. We also need to get water from out back. Now go."
Kara ran into one of the bedrooms with the potato sack in hand, leaving a panicked Lena to think on the last thing Kara had said: "Water."
She rushed into the kitchen, grabbed a couple of canteens at the corner and ran outside to the pump. She was almost done filling the containers when through the enclosed gate farther out, her eyes caught the movement of shadows furtively flitting along. She heard Wrangler neigh with distress.
Quickly, and hoping that she wasn't seen, she rushed back inside. Kara's bedroom door was wide open, and when she entered, she found Kara seated on the edge of the bed. With a bit of light filtering in from the hall, she could see that the blonde was fully dressed and held a pistol. The woman's pallor and the tensed jaw muscles were visible indications as to the gravity of the situation.
"Maggie gave it to me," Kara said, eyes forlorn. "In all my years, Lena, I never expected to brandish a gun."
A quiet fell on them that spoke of hopes dashed and fears being realized.
"There are people outside," Lena announced softly.
"Maybe it's Brian and Del," Kara said, rising in an instant. "Stay here and stay silent. I'll watch them."
"I will do no such thing," Lena argued. "And do you even know how to use that?" She nodded toward the gun.
"No, but I'm a fast learner." She gave Lena a wayward grin. "We both know that."
"Hand it over." Lena gestured for the weapon, ignoring Kara's juvenile reference to sex. She was aware that Kara had developed a tendency to lighten the mood when things were heavy, but this wasn't the time. "If we are to shoot anyone, I'll bear that burden," she vowed.
"I can't let you do that." Kara reached for the gun. "Besides, I'm not sure I'd shoot anybody."
"That's where you and I differ, love," Lena asserted. "Not only do I know how to use it, I absolutely would shoot someone if it meant saving you." She pulled the pistol to half-cock.
Kara wrinkled her nose. "When did you -"
"-Shhh." Lena held up a hand. "I heard something."
Kara motioned toward the window behind them. It overlooked the fence area and the woods farther out. They silently made their way to the window and ducked beneath it, at first peeping every few seconds. They were thankful for the darkness in the room, candles having been placed in the living area instead, but the cloak of darkness outside made it hard to see. Then, fluctuating light hit tree after tree and moved closer until they identified it as a lantern. One of the two men was carrying it.
The men halted near the fence enclosing the horses, and one seemed to taunt Wrangler. The other hit his partner on the shoulder and pointed toward the house. They were dressed in ragged clothing, were reasonably slender, and one was taller than the other. The lantern was held too low to identify either of their faces.
"They definitely intend to head this way," Lena whispered, attempting to get up, pistol still in hand.
Kara watched them with a frown as she pulled Lena back with barely any effort. The two men now appeared to be arguing over something. "Gonna take them on by yourself, are you? Stay still. You'll only serve to get yourself killed."
"Must I remind you, Kara Danvers, that I'm the one with the weapon?"
"We don't know what they have. We'll wait this out unless we have to act."
Lena ran to the other end of the room, with Kara worriedly calling after her in a hushed voice. She closed the bedroom door, shrugging to Kara when she came back to kneel beside the blonde. "Don't look so horrified," Lena chastised, reaching upward to open the window just a crack.
"What else would you have me do? I love ya."
Lena looked at her. If their lives weren't potentially in danger, she might find Kara's expression adorable. But as it was, all she could do was offer the blonde a kiss to the forehead while nodding toward the window. "This way we'll be able to better hear what they're saying. I hope." She knew that her words came out very matter-of-factly, but she was terrified.
They waited in tense silence before hearing the sound of wood shattering. It was coming from the living area. The front door was thicker. So the back door maybe? They at least knew that the men were tearing into a door. Lena hadn't seen an axe; so the men's feet must have been doing the work. They heard the distinct sound of a door flying open and then something dense being dragged into the living area.
The men's voices reverberated throughout the house. They were clearly arguing, but making out their words proved futile. Kara gripped the slender hand that clutched at her shoulder, and Lena let her fingers relax under the blonde's grip as if deferring the hefty authority of their protection.
Silence fell over the house and they heard fast-moving footsteps leave the living area and make their way outside. The figures ran past the window and soon returned, dropping another heavy load on the floor. Then the quiet resumed until the steps returned and a wet sound — splashing — was heard. And then the scent of coil oil made its way throughout the house, inciting mutual fear.
Lena's fingernails dug into Kara's shoulder, but Kara didn't make a peep. In a very short time, choking smoke followed, and the crackle of flames left no doubt. Their home was on fire. They could hear the men laughing outside.
"The monsters! Those fucking monsters!" Lena yelled, no longer caring if she was heard. "I should have yanked that pistol out of your hand and riddled them with bullets." She began to sob, choking on the air. She loathed the men who would dare set her home aflame. It was her home with Kara. What right did they have to destroy it? Her body shook with anger as much as it did with coughs.
Kara took the pistol out of her hand and tucked it away. She cupped her face, trying to make her focus. "Lena, listen to me. We have to go. Now!"
Lena nodded her understanding and let herself be pulled forward before breaking free to turn back.
"Lena!"
"I know this means a lot to you," she said, grabbing Kara's journal from a drawer. She'd put it back there after Kara had left earlier. She also grabbed their marriage certificate.
"Not nearly as much as you do. Now come on!" Kara growled, lifting her off her feet and carrying her out the room.
Thick smoke rolled toward them as they headed to the living area, bombarding their noses and stinging their eyes. As expected, the backdoor was engulfed in flames, which worked their way across the living area. Kara and Lena headed for the front door instead.
Horse hooves and gun shots fired outside and they heard familiar voices. "Get away from there!" Brian's voice sounded off in the distance.
They were thankful to hear the men flee, which meant their pathway to the outside was clear. Kara yanked the door open, carrying Lena across the threshold and getting them to safety. Their lungs did their best to expel the smoke with ragged coughs.
Brian and Del hurried to them. "Quickly," Brian said, putting away his gun and ushering them away from the house. "Del, the horses."
Del went to free the animals farther back as Kara looked to Brian for answers. "Who were those men?"
"Random locals. Called themselves doing their neighborly duty, or so I was told by one of the men who chickened out at the last minute. Your sister said we should get here as soon as possible."
Kara coughed. "So not too naive after all."
"Not with what is going on in town, no," Brian said.
Lena turned toward her home, staring at it as though willing it to stop being demolished.
"There's nothing we can do," Kara told her, pulling her away and holding her in strong arms as they stared at a piece of their life together burn to ash.
Brian went to go help with the horses. Instinctively, Wrangler made his way to Lena, and Kara helped her onto the horse before getting onto Midnight right beside her.
"Let's go," Brian beckoned.
When they moved farther into town, near the overseer building, Lena felt like she was witnessing a scene out of some war novel. Men, including Clarence, brawled in the street. Women argued to the top of their lungs. Some women, Ms. Merriam among them, hit men with brooms. Children watched from windows or porches. Teenage boys assisted their fathers. It was a sight to see indeed. The no-touching rule clearly forgotten, and rage begetting rage. And at the center of it all was Rhea jumping up and down on some large stool surrounded by two large torches and decrying sinners as people around her urged her on.
Was this really all because of the love between two women?
Mon-El stood with his father and Cora at his side trying to talk Rhea down. Lar said he was done with Rhea once and for all, and she accused him of championing divorce. People argued over whether or not to punish him. Lena never thought she'd see the day that she felt sympathy for Lar Gand.
Kara's parents were embraced challenging every call to do harm to their daughter or to Lena. Alex, Maggie, James, Winn, Sam, and Siobhan were right there challenging such arguments as well. Sam kept Ruby close behind her, holding on for dear life, then advised her to head inside Ms. Merriam's house where Hazel and William were. She watched as Ms. Merriam pulled her to safety, hitting one more man with the ruffle end of her broom before heading inside with the child.
The arguing was nearly as bad as the physical violence. And it was a waste of time. These people's minds wouldn't be changing. They wanted someone to pay for disrupting their peace, and they wanted that someone to pay now.
Kara hopped off her horse to run and embrace her parents. Lena followed suit. And Brian and Del, brandishing their weapons, shielded them as best they could. This served to bring attention to them, especially after Clarence, cradling a wound to his neck, stumbled into them. Kara and Lena held him up, before James lowered him to ground to try tending to his injury.
"There they are!" Rhea yelled. "The ones who corrupted my boy. The ones who corrupted this town!"
As all eyes focused on Kara and Lena, Brian didn't mince words: "If any of you dare move to harm these women, their family, or friends, I will shoot you dead."
Del cocked his pistol. "We both will."
Before anyone could test the men's threats, horse hooves sounded in the distance.
"It's Father Mable!" a man yelled. "He's returned. Bless the Lord."
The crowd instantly calmed down. To Lena, it was a surreal sight to see. They all seemed like children who'd just been caught misbehaving and awaited judgment.
Father Mable pulled his horse to stop behind Rhea. "What in the name of all that is holy is going on here? Don't ya folks know it's past curfew?"
The town erupted into chatter, one person after another trying to explain what happened. After Father Mable heard more than one tale of Kara and Lena's supposed treachery, he'd had enough. "It is apparent that the Devil has taken a hold of this community since I've been away," he said. "This leaves me deeply disappointed, for I felt our faith was stronger than that. But while it is clear to me that I must do a better job of fortifyin' your minds and this includes workin' through dark issues, rumors such as the ones you've given voice to must not be allowed to fester as wounds. I will not hear of any such slander of Kara's good name without due process. Not without the case bein' channeled through an appropriate venue. First, we begin to heal. And then we discuss."
He moved his horse back. "Now get to your homes. Get."
Lena marveled at the power this man held over others. It may have just saved her and Kara's lives, but it wasn't a good power by any means. And Lena knew she would dwell on that once she got to whatever home she would be getting to.
IIII
"With the impending you know what coming up, I'm puttin' two more guards outside the house within the hour." Alex walked to the front door and looked around. "Can never be too safe."
Lena nodded. "Thank you, Alex."
Alex left the house, and Lena stared at the door before looking down at the pistol in her hand. A week had passed since Mr. Ray had tried to kill her, fled to who knows where, and she'd told Kara her suspicions about the man. A week since the town went haywire after discovering the true nature of her relationship with Kara.
Lena ran a hand along the gun. For two years, Alex had been giving her lessons on how best to incapacitate a man, with or without a weapon. And her sister-in-law, if allowed to think of Alex in that light, had learned from Maggie. Currently, the woman was putting her lessons to good use thinking up punishments for the men who'd burned down Kara's cabin. They'd turned themselves in, saying they wanted to be free of sin and how they'd thought the house was empty, as if that made Lena feel any better. At least her wedding dress had survived, having been with Ms. Merriam after the older woman had offered to tweak a pearl placement on it.
She put the gun beside the other weapons on the table in front of her. Since the incident with Mr. Ray, people gave them disapproving looks, angry glares, spouted all sorts of offenses, or spat at their feet. No one, except a few indifferent people, bothered to hide their disdain.
"Lena... Hazel... Some water, please," Clarence croaked out. He was stretched out on a bed a few feet behind the couch she was sitting on.
There had been unanimous agreement — from their family and friends, including Clarence himself — that Kara and Lena should stay with him. Living alone in the home Kara built on the outskirts of the woods or in Lena's house would be too risky, given that they would be farther out from the rest of the town. Men were less emboldened to attack when neighbors were very close by, and setting a fire to Clarence's house would mean nearby houses would likely catch fire as well. Kara's parents, who had refused to be ran out of their home, also didn't live close enough to the intermediate neighborhood to not be a target, which was why guards had additionally been set outside their residence. The same went for Alex and Maggie's dwelling.
A point had been made that they couldn't trust the regular townsfolk to stand watch; so Brian and Del had brought in trusted outsiders for assistance. Lena had cursed their luck that both the Danvers and Luthor families hadn't sought to live as closely to others as possible. But she also thought on how this spoke to them having somewhat of their own minds. She'd witnessed the Danvers spouses foregoing the no-touching rule times before, which was the biggest indication that they hadn't been completely restrained by Breighville's grip.
"Here, papa," Hazel said, moving to hand Clarence a cup of water.
Lena stood to cross the room so that she could hold up his head for a drink of the liquid. He'd gotten progressively worse since getting stabbed in the neck. While one doctor was optimistic about his recovery, the other said he should consider getting his affairs in order. Both said he was swollen with water. "Dropsy" is what they termed it. Lena knew enough to deduce that actual water wasn't the problem. From her previous studies, she knew he presented with a pooling of fluid in the bilateral lower extremities. He was experiencing shortness of breath and excessive tiredness. The doctors feared his lungs were also affected, as he had serious bruising about the ribs. But like them, she was unsure how best to treat him. Currently, he was being treated with foxglove leaves.
"Lena, sit," he said, patting an area beside him.
She did as told while he asked Hazel to step outside and see what Kara was up to. The little girl bounced her way past the entrance.
"Lena," he said, taking her hands into his. "If I don't make it, I just... I want you to know..."
"Clarence..."
"No, you need to hear this," he coughed. "I want you to look after Hazel if I ain't here. I see the way you are with her. Kara, too. And while Ms. Merriam would be a good choice, she's gettin' old." Another coughed escaped his throat, and he winced, raising one hand to cover his bandaged wound. "Don't tell her I said that - the gettin' old bit."
They smiled, which was pleasant enough, but Lena found it difficult to find any humor in the matter at hand.
"Just," he continued, pushing through the pain. "Promise me."
There wasn't a way she could say no. But she could make a request of him as well. "And you promise me that you will try your best to beat this. No rolling over and heading off to the field."
Clarence gazed at her with weak eyes. "I'm fightin' every day. I promise you."
Lena studied him as his features took on an unmistakably somber expression. "Now see what my little girl is up to, will ya?" He sank back against the bed, attempting to pull the covers over his body.
She was tempted to say more, but nodded instead, helping him to cover up and offering a comforting hand to his shoulder before she moved to the front door. As she walked outside, she saw Kara stepping down from a ladder placed against the roof and Hazel staring up at her. She grabbed the child's hand, needing some type of comfort herself.
"Hey," Kara said.
Lena found herself staring. It was cold out, and Kara's chapped lips reflected the chilly environment, but she still looked stunning. Her hair was free-hanging rather than placed in its usual ponytail. She wore a simple blue shirt, tucked into black pants. Her blue eyes seemed brighter than usual. She was both unassuming and imposing, and her wife. Lena's heart swelled with emotion, a somewhat uplifting contrast to her interaction with Clarence just moments ago.
"Problem?" Kara asked, pushing her spectacles back up on her nose.
"The only problem, Kara Danvers," Lena said, "is you without a coat." She let go of Hazel's hand to pull Kara to her by the arms. "You're going to catch your death out here."
"Already did," Kara said with a wink, rubbing her arms.
"Not funny."
"Sorry. Too soon?"
"Yes."
Hazel tapped on Kara's arm. "Papa said I'm gettin' to be such a big girl."
"You sure are." Kara bent down and softly pinched Hazel's chin. Hazel beamed.
Lena marveled at how easily they interacted. There had been a number of people in Hazel's life since she was brought out of isolation. And she was a happy child. But except for Lena, she'd never bonded with anyone else as much as she'd bonded with Kara.
This brought Lena back to Clarence's request. It was reasonable. And it wasn't as though she'd simply be upholding a favor. She cared about Hazel perhaps more than she should, which was exactly why she couldn't help feeling guilty. For years, she'd talked about Hazel being like the daughter she never had. And for that to become a reality now, and in this way? She didn't wish it on anyone. Had the town been without a same-sex scandal to fodder over, Clarence would be fine now.
"What's that?" Hazel asked, pointing to some medium-sized cans that Brian and Del were retrieving from a wagon out front.
"Paint," Kara said. She ran to take one off Brian's hands and returned to sit it in front of Hazel and Lena.
Lena looked to the objects. "What for?"
Kara smiled. "Winn mentioned something about painting to help ease the mind. And Clarence said the house could use a livelier touch. So I figured that you and Hazel might enjoy it. You know, first the outside and then the inside." Her expression took on a bit of nervousness. "I probably should have ran it by you first, but I just figured..."
Kara stared at the woman before her gauging her approval.
"No, thank you, Kara. It was very thoughtful."
Kara wrinkled her nose. The adorableness of it made Lena want to hug her. It made her consider their intimate moments together and how they could be intimate again. But they weren't alone. Clarence was behind them, and Hazel was beside them. She supposed they could cuddle. Although they lived in the same home, Clarence's house was very small, with only one bedroom, and that one belonged to Hazel. They'd all been so busy with the aftermath of the Mr. Ray's attack and the fire that she still hadn't kissed Kara in what felt like forever.
"Can I draw now?" Hazel asked.
Lena looked down at her. She'd promised the child playtime if finishing all of her breakfast. "Of course."
Hazel jumped up and down in excitement and ran to the other side of the room, where the art utensils were ready for her.
"You draw good now," Kara told her. "I might need you to paint one of your masterpieces on the front door."
Hazel looked up and giggled before going refocusing on her emerging creation.
"I'll be outside loading some of the paints up on a different cart for Ms. Merriam next door," Kara told Lena. "She said she wants someone to fix up the area around her back window. Oh, and I'll check on the state of our house later. See if there's anything more to salvage from the fire."
Lena watched Kara walk outside, and she moved to observe her from the doorway. Brian stayed close while Del assisted Kara. Some wary townsfolk stopped and watched her. Others called out insults that Kara roundly ignored; Brian looked like he wanted to pull out his pistol and murder them. Things had changed so much within a week. People who had loved Kara now hated her. Perhaps they'd never loved her. Perhaps it had only been a manifestation of their ideals, the way Mr. Ray had obviously felt for Kara. Perhaps they were simply now scared. Whatever the case, Lena blamed herself. If she'd never come back to town, Kara wouldn't be enduring this. But then, she wouldn't have reunited with Kara. And that, she didn't regret.
"Ready for the meeting later on in the evening?"
Lena looked up to find Sam standing in front of her. Where had the woman come from? Had she truly been that focused on Kara that she hadn't noticed her? "The meeting, right," Lena sighed. The get-together suggested by Father Mable that was meant to serve as a compromise for those upset about her relationship with Kara. She didn't know how it was to resolve anything. It was quite clear that the community, if one could even call it that anymore, wouldn't just let them be as they'd been. "Ready? No. But what's new?"
"Nothing like a bunch of old stuffy folks deciding over others' love lives to make one 'not ready', I reckon. At least many of 'em have refused to attend."
"Well, they can say anything they want, but Kara and I won't adhere to any unreasonable condition."
"How's Clarence doing?"
Lena waved for Sam to come inside. "He's resting, but he fears the worst."
"Don't you?" Sam whispered, moving to sit on the couch after waving to Hazel and offering a brief glance Clarence's way. He appeared to be sleeping.
"It's something I'm trying not to think about. But how can I not?"
"They both looked to Clarence." The rise and fall of his chest made him look serene. He seemed so unlikely to succumb to any illness, a stark contrast to his appearance when Lena had first met him. For Hazel's sake, she held on to whatever small hope there was that he'd be all right.
IIII
Kara fiddled with the ruffles at the end of her blue and green lily-patterned dress before covering them with the sleeves of her coat.
"You look miserable," Lena said.
"And why wouldn't I?" She gestured ahead. "We're standing in front of a school that isn't used much per year. They didn't want us in the church because of claims we'd taint it, as if we haven't been in that church times before. And now they think they get a say on how we live our lives?"
"True. But Breighville has always had a say on how people live their lives." Lena grabbed her by the hands. "I'm still determined to stand by my convictions if you are."
Kara stared at her fondly, gently squeezing her hands. Lena was right. Of course, she was right. Breighville had always been like this. At one point as children, she, Lena and all the other girls were required to wear the same hair style, pinned up and away from the face. It had been a measure to make the girls with shorter hair — the ones who just weren't blessed with the desired length reaching nearly halfway down the back — to not feel left out.
"If you truly desire it, we could leave now," Lena said. "Turn our backs on this whole town. Given all that's happened, I'm sure your family would finally be willing to leave with us."
"No." Kara frowned. "I'm tired of letting these people have their way. This is about more than us. It's about the ways others are forced to live as well. They shouldn't fear being burned for who they love."
"They have a choice, Kara. But they stay."
"And where else are they to go?"
"As you said before, 'anywhere but here.'"
"And if the same rules apply there, too?"
Lena looked down, contemplating.
"Someone has to fight for a change. It might as well be us, right?"
Lena met her gaze then, this time with a nod. She was dressed in a plain black and gray dress. Honestly, she looked more prepared for a funeral. But Kara couldn't blame her. She war a wool coat, which contrasted the gray. Her hair fell about her shoulders. During the winter, she had always preferred to have her hair down to offer her ears some warmth. And the chilly air always made her cheeks appear quite rosy.
Kara smiled. Lena looked lovely in anything and in any weather. Truly.
They casually moved along the path leading up to the building. Both seemed to know that holding hands like they were doing was provocative, given the circumstances. But as others started to appear, moving along behind them or cutting in front of them from the bushy areas, they also knew that it was a statement. They were unified, unafraid to display their affection. Unafraid of the no-touching rule, which had barely applied to two women touching anyhow. And this meeting wasn't going to change that.
Besides, they had Brian at the ready. Several feel to their right, he moved along with them, stealthy as a predator, his hand on his holster, and his eyes roaming their surroundings. Del had stayed behind to look after Clarence and Hazel, with the help of Sam, who'd brought Ruby along and had also offered to watch over William. Brian, on the other hand? There was no way he was going to stay behind. He didn't even have to say it. Kara couldn't hep but think that trying to bargain with the man when he was set on only one goal was fruitless.
"Beautiful day for such a somber event," Lena said, observing the bright sky.
"It is," Kara agreed, watching her face temporarily light up. Lena loved sunny days. Kara supposed that she'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn't, but she'd never known one to love them as much as Lena did.
"We're going to find him, Lena. I know you don't truly want to leave town until we do."
Lena's eyes met hers. "You mean Anna's rapist."
Kara nodded. "And if Mr. Ray pushed me off that cliff, he's going to get what's coming to him, too."
Lena squeezed her hand. "Good. Because I wouldn't want to leave without making that bastard pay as well."
As they approached the front entrance to the school, Alex and Maggie came rushing to stop in front of them. "Somethin' hasn't quite gone right."
"Not right?" Maggie scoffed. "It's a damn injustice."
Lena's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Kara looked from Alex to Maggie before pushing past them.
"Kara!" Alex called out.
She entered the school and saw her family and friends seated in chairs on one side of the room. Even Lena's attorney, Walter, was there. Her parents held hands looking her way with worry. Ms. Merriam looked just as worried. Winn was with Siobhan, Mon-El was with Cora. And James, who was with his wife and children, stood as if he was ready to go to battle. And then his eyes darted to someone on the right side of the room.
That was when Kara saw him — Mr. Ray, looking smug and cheery all at the same time. "Lovely day, ain't it, Kara?" He tipped his hat and grinned before turning his back on her. Rhea was seated beside and him and patted him on the shoulder as though he was in need of consoling. Jonathan was also at his side, and whispered something in his ear.
"You!" Kara meant to head toward him, but was pulled away by Alex and Maggie.
"Kara," Alex pleaded.
"He tried to kill Lena!" She just about threw Alex and Maggie off of her before Lena moved in front of her.
"I know it's not right," she heard Alex say. "But it's his word against yours and Lena's. And the people aren't listenin' to you two much these days."
"Kara," Lena's voice came to her like a caresses. And then she felt soft fingers grasp her neck, willing her to tear her eyes away from the man she wanted to punish and to instead focus on pleading green irises. "I want to see him go down just as much as you do. We just got through talking about that, remember? But this isn't the time or place."
Kara looked around to see her loved ones standing with concerned eyes and people on the right all looking at her with scandalized or disdainful glances. She allowed herself to be guided to a row of chairs in front of her parents and seated. But as she intertwined her fingers with Lena's, her eyes didn't leave the back of Mr. Ray's head.
Father Mable entered from a side door and then took his place at the podium. "I want to thank all of you for coming to help us heal our community. We're here today to talk about the rumors regardin' two of our female residents, Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor." As he talked, his gaze scanned the room. He paused when looking at Kara, but then continued on.
He addressed a number of supposed remedies, including Kara and Lena paying hefty fines and having Kara and Mon-El wed already. When he was finished, a woman stood, pulling her shawl close around her shoulders. "I say we have a trial," she proposed. "That is one of the options. As far as I'm concerned, it's the only option. We can't afford to have deviants in our town. Think of the children."
"I'm sorry to say, ma'am," a voice boomed from the back. "But there are already various deviants in this town."
The woman gasped as everyone turned to locate the owner of the voice. It was Sara. She was dressed in her usual manly attire and grinned wickedly. "Sorry I'm late," she said, taking a seat in the last row on the left side and propping her feet up. "Heard I missed a lot."
Lena bit back a laugh, while Kara let out a chuckle. "Quiet now," she whispered to Kara as she leaned toward her. "Corrupting children is a serious topic. We must respect that."
Kara looked to her, eyes dancing with mirth. "Yes, yes, you're right. Poor Hazel is surely one of Satan's minions now." She looked over at Mr. Ray and Rhea and found them fuming.
A man stood as the woman who'd gotten her say sat down. "If there are more traitors to the Lord in town, that's all the more reason to banish Kara and Lena. More will feel emboldened, and the disease will spread. We maybe can't identify them all, but we should surely expel the ones we know of."
"That's right," another called out. "The no-touching rule is our law. But they were holdin' hands right before we entered."
"It's true, I saw 'em," yet another spoke out. "They have no shame."
Kara gulped when she saw Lena stand.
"And what should we be ashamed of?" Lena challenged. "What is deviancy? Or traitors to the Lord? Are those who tell little white lies not traitors to the Lord as well?"
Father Mable wiped at his brow, clearly anxious as the room erupted into murmurs.
"So you admit it then?" Rhea asked, her voice laced with scorn. "You admit that you've had ungodly relations with Kara Danvers?"
Lena turned to the woman swiftly, her eyes taking on a steely form. "I've loved Kara Danvers, yes. There wasn't anything ungodly about it."
The right side of the room burst into discourse. The murmurs had transformed into loud, full-on discussions. Kara turned behind her to see her family and friends supporting her with smiles or otherwise reassuring looks. Sara was giving her a thumbs-up.
"The no-touching rule and other such rules have oppressed this community for long enough," Lena said. "It's time we do away with them."
"What insolence!" Mr. Ray argued, finally rising to his feet. "Do you want us ta starve, woman? Keepin' our population down means everyone can eat. And we all know the sin that comes with sexual relationships outside of marriage. And what about crime?"
"I'm not saying we should do away with punishment for rape, murder or theft, obviously," Lena countered. "But some of the rules here... They aren't right. And I think everyone here knows that. And did we all not violate the no-toughing rule just one week ago?"
Kara attempted to stand, but Lena gave her a reassuring look that she had it handled.
"Yes, Kara and I are women. But save for that, we are just like every other couple in town."
Lena's declaration was challenged by at a least dozen or so voices calling her all kinds of names. "And therein lies the problem," one stated. "A couple, she said. The nerve."
"Ladies and gentlemen, calm down," Father Mable insisted. "Calm down."
Kara watched as Lena looked about and saw Mr. Ray and Rhea's eyes on her. Mr. Ray still stood in place. Everyone else on that side of the room was embroiled in fierce debate.
Lena retook her seat beside Kara. "Looks like I really stepped in it."
Lena's expression was playful. The commotion around them was deafening and yet Kara found herself focusing only on Lena. She wanted to be alone with her. To kiss her. Regardless of the threat of their surroundings. Regardless of being disavowed by Father Mable himself. The Devil could appear and scorch her, and still she'd do anything to just be with Lena.
"Ask her about Kara's engagement to my son!" Rhea yelled, standing to offer an icy glaze toward Lena. "Is that not also law?" She looked to Father Mable. "Kara is Mon-El's betrothed. But both of them are livin' in sin with others."
"I am not, mother!" Mon-El rose. "Cora and I," he said, urging her to rise with him, "we haven't done anythang improper."
"Oh no?" Rhea challenged, turning to him. "How about touchin' when you shouldn't? Have ya done that?"
Mon-El lowered his head, but was saved by a man shouting, "And what about Luthor's betrothed?" Kara had always meant to ask Lena about that.
"Her father never signed a contract," a woman stated. "Probably always intended to leave. Never was one of us. The rapist."
"You're one ta talk, Mrs. Wallaby," Ms. Merriam weighed in, not even attempting to budge from her seat. "Didn't yer son have a habit of touching women in their private areas before he was banished?"
The other woman cowered under Ms. Merriam's statement, and Ms. Merriam nodded as though she'd just bested the woman in some duel.
"They consider themselves married," Mr. Ray stated, turning toward Kara and Lena. "They had a celebration in our church. Our very church! And that woman," his tone rose as he pointed to Lena, "admitted it."
Father Mable looked absolutely heartbroken. "Is that true, Lena?" He then turned to Kara. "Is...is that why you had me leave town?"
"And you tried to kill me for it," Lena replied to Mr. Ray faster than she could think not to, and seemingly not hearing Father's Mable's query.
If Kara thought that the commotion in the school was loud before, it was nothing compared to now. Men were standing, looking as though they were about to wrestle one another to the ground. One bared his teeth at James, saying that the nature of his people allowed him to side with deviants. James's wife gathered up their children and left.
"Kara?" Father Mable questioned. He was still trying to get to the truth of Mr. Ray's latest revelation.
Kara took in a deep breath and then met his eyes. "I'm sorry, Father. But how accepting would you have been if I'd been honest with you?"
Father Mable stumbled back a bit as though hit with a dagger. He looked at his podium, woeful.
"We should also keep an eye on the other Danvers sister," Mr. Ray suggested. "She and that Mexican are 'playing house', I tell ya."
Alex stood, sneering. "You..."
Maggie pulled her back to her seat.
"Their parents are to blame," Mr. Ray charged.
"If we're at fault for anything," Jeremiah stated, "it's letting you ever get close to Kara."
"Lena told us what you did," Eliza commented. "May the Lord strike you down."
As Mr. Ray glared at Kara's family, Father Mable again tried to get the attention of the people. It took Brian firing a shot into the ceiling to get everyone to halt in place. Father Mable cleared his throat. "It saddens me to say this, because Kara Danvers has always been a shining example of Breighville... But in light of the animosity displayed in this very room, there seems to be no other course of action." He eyed Kara as he spoke his next words: "It is in the best interest of everyone if Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor leave Breighville. For good."
Father Mable again looked to his podium, seemingly struggling with his decision. Kara could see him shaking. "The town will take an official vote tomorrow. This meeting is dismissed." He left out the same side door he'd entered through.
"That's it?" Mr. Ray raged. But people were no longer concerned with what he had to say. To them, the issue was resolved, and they were relieved that their community would be free of the two people who, to them, had disturbed the peace in an insurmountable way just last week and again here today.
"Let's get you two out of here," Brian stated, still on alert as he approached Kara and Lena. Outside, they hugged family and friends. Jeremiah and Eliza said that although big city life wasn't for them, they would look to move. They couldn't bear to stay in Breighville any longer, not with the way it currently functioned. Ms. Merriam just about vowed to move with them, while Alex, Maggie, Sara and Brian vowed to bring the wrongdoers to justice first. James said he had to think what was best for his family and that Breighville wasn't it. Mon-El and Cora, as well as Winn and Siobhan, talked about finding their own way. And Walter said he'd be ready to legally represent any of them if needed.
Of course, for the same reasons given by Alex and others, Kara and Lena knew they weren't leaving yet either. "They think they've gotten rid of us," Lena said with a smirk, walking side by side with Kara. Brian trailed behind.
"And, subsequently, so will our enemies."
They got into their wagon up the road. Brian took the driver's seat and stopped to look back at the school before driving them away from there.
IIII
Just a few hours later, Lena sat in the overseer's building behind what used to be her desk as her former employees, as well as Siobhan and Sara, diligently worked to help with the Anna Davies case and to find some way to get Mr. Ray into publicly admitting that he'd tried to kill her. Proving he'd pushed Kara was a long shot; so they'd decided to put their energy into what they could. It was past town curfew, but it didn't matter. They were all done with Breighville anyhow, and figured it was best to go out as a team.
Ms. Merriam watched over Ruby and William while they set out to accomplish this. Kara had wanted to help as well, but she'd stayed behind to watch over Clarence and Hazel, and to ensure that Hazel had some sense of normalcy. If Lena wasn't home, then it was best that at least Kara was, and vice versa. The meeting had been one instance where they'd both needed to be absent; Hazel had thankfully understood while enlisting Del to assist her with her drawings.
Earlier, the town had gotten word that Anna Davies would be visiting Clarence. Anna had heard about his health and didn't want to regret not talking to her brother at least once. Lena couldn't imagine how difficult it must be for the woman to return here, but she was thankful for the peace of mind it would no doubt provide Clarence.
As the others talked over theories and the like, Lena mindlessly scribbled thoughts on a paper. She looked to her left to see Brian and Del sitting at a table playing cards with hardly any enthusiasm. Kara had insisted that the two accompany her, and that she herself would be fine alone with Clarence and Hazel. Brian had rejected the notion that both he and Del leave Kara "unattended" or that the two extra guards should retire for the evening. But Kara could be quite convincing when she wanted to, telling him that Lex was more so concerned about his sister's well-being than hers and that Clarence's home was too close to other residences for an offender to really get away with anything. She'd also made a point of showing them the gun she owned and that she would use it if needed.
Lena turned her pen against her cheek, observing Alex and Sam interact and thinking on how it was a rare sight and that their children interacted more than they did, but that they got along quite well.
And then her thoughts moved to the rapist's motives. Had he raped Anna to frame her father? Did he do it for the sheer pleasure of it? For power? And what of his age? The rape had occurred twenty years ago. If the rapist had been in his twenties or thirties at the time of the rape, as reported, he'd be in his 40s or 50s now. And the green substance Anna, Brian and Del had reported. Why would anyone's shoe prints track it? What could it be?
Lena abruptly sat up in her chair. There was a disturbing picture emerging in her mind. It explained things, but not fully. She needed to be sure. She looked to her friends. "I think I know what we're looking for."
IIII
Kara knew she'd heard something in her sleep. One could be fooled into thinking that it was a part of a dream. But Kara had always been a light sleeper, and possessed better hearing than most. The sound she'd detected a few moments ago was loud and was followed by the door cracking open.
She sat up in bed. Was Lena back?
Getting got off the bed and careful not to wake Hazel, who'd requested that she sleep beside her after reading her a story, she grabbed her pistol and opened the door. She entered the living area quietly. "Lena?"
But it wasn't Lena she found in the room with Clarence. A tall, masked figure stood over him, at the head of his bed, with a knife in hand. It was dark, but Kara could see that the mask had a slit for the intruder's eyes and that the intruder's hand was shaking.
"You don't want to do this," she said, arms slightly raised and moving closer.
She thought about rushing forward and slamming into him, but they were both taken by surprise when Clarence reached up with both hands, took hold of the man's grip and brought the knife down so that it stabbed the man in the hip. The intruder screamed and stumbled back, and headed for the door, but Clarence was able to make it off the bed enough to grab him by the leg, groaning in the process as the both of them crashed to the floor. The knife had pushed farther into the intruder's hip, and he let out another pained sound.
Hazel came running out of the room. "Papa!" She tried running to Clarence, but Kara scooped her up, immediately pocketing the pistol in her back trouser pocket.
The intruder kicked Clarence in the face, causing him to recoil and allowing the intruder to rise to his feet. As the man looked over his shoulder, his eyes met Kara's. There was something eerily familiar about them, as well as his gait as he dashed out the door.
"Stay here, sweety," Kara said, running outside after the man. He'd jumped onto the back of a wagon that drove him away before she could reach him.
Cursing under her breath, she ran back inside, closing the door behind her. The lock had been busted. She looked to Clarence, who was sitting up against the bed, Hazel in his arms crying.
"Shhh, baby girl," he said. "He's gone. No more need to worry."
Kara rushed to them, looking them over. "Your pa's right." She ran soothing fingers through the girl's hair. "You don't have to worry about him anymore." She turned to Clarence. "Are you okay?"
Clarence grunted, shifting a little as she rubbed Hazel's back. "As good as I can be."
"Good. Good." She looked about the room. "I'm going to get some more light up in here." She looked for utensils to do just that.
She knew who the man who'd just attacked them was. There was no forgetting that walk. And it couldn't be explained away by the wound at his hip. In all her life, she'd never seen another person walk like that. His voice was also aligned with who she knew him to be. But why attack Clarence? And considering how he'd hesitated, was the intruder truly capable of killing?
"Kara?" Hazel's voice sounded off behind her, offering a respite in light of the storm clouding her thoughts. "Are you sure the bad man's gone?"
Kara turned to her, forcing a smile as troubled eyes matched Clarence's. "I promise."
The little girl inhaled and exhaled deeply, and Kara had to force her own emotions to stay at bay. Calling out for help, given the town's feelings toward her, probably wouldn't do any good. And heading to the overseer building would mean leaving Clarence and Hazel alone, and she couldn't risk that. And then there was the matter of Lena's whereabouts. Was Lena even still at the overseer building? As panic bloomed in her chest all over again, Kara prayed that Lena was safe and would return to her unharmed.
IIII
As the sun rose over the town, Lena, Brian, Del, and the rest of the crew headed straight for Clarence's home. As they rode the large wagon they'd acquired, people gave them the usual wary or angry looks, but it didn't matter. They knew who the rapist was, and they needed to act fast.
Lena shook her head at her own previous inability to see the clues. How could she not have seen them?
They pulled up in front of Clarence's home. Ms. Merriam was on the porch with a pistol in her hand. Kara's pistol.
"Ms. Merriam?" Lena questioned. "What's happened?"
Ms. Merriam stood. "Hurry inside, child."
Lena looked behind her to the others before they all rushed in after the older woman.
"Lena!" Hazel yelled, running to hug her about the waist.
"Someone tried to harm Clarence last night. Gave the girl quite the scare," Ms. Merriam informed them.
Lena found Clarence sitting up on the bed, sipping some sort of beverage. His weak eyes conveyed a lively spirit even now. A red-headed woman who appeared to be in her late thirties or early forties sat beside him. Was this Anna Davies?
"And Kara?" Lena queried.
"I'm right here," Kara replied, emerging from Hazel's room and heading straight for Lena to pull her into a tight hug, Hazel giggling between them. "Thank god you're okay." Lena hugged her back just as tightly and echoed her sentiments. Kara stopped to look at the others. "What's all this about?"
Lena knelt in front of Hazel and kissed her cheeks. She saw the shadows under Kara's eyes and wanted to ask her more about her ordeal. But seeing as Clarence had just been attacked and the information they now had, she strongly believed the matters were related and didn't want to waste any time thinking on what could have happened while she was away. Kara, Hazel, and Clarence were fine, and she wanted to make sure it stayed that way. "We left to go track down something."
Kara made a confused expression. And Alex nodded to Brian and Del, who walked outside to their wagon, which was loaded up with bags of material.
"Kara, it's worse than we thought," Alex said.
"He's sick in the head," Maggie commented.
"Beyond sick," James said with a sneer. "Can't believe he's been under our noses this entire time."
"And I thought the city cretins were the worst of it," Siobhan opined.
"Apparently, you haven't traveled the country enough," Sara chirped.
Lena watched Kara move to the door and observe Brian and Del pulling one of the bags off the wagon and dragging it their way. They plopped it before Lena's feet. Sam moved beside Lena as though for moral support.
"Green fertilizer," Lena said. She knelt down and ripped the bag open, immediately running her hand across it to get a feel for the texture.
"It stinks," Hazel remarked, holding her nose.
"Kara, it's the same type," Winn said. "It matches the shoe print material left in and around church."
"And," Sam stated, briefly looking to the red-haired woman, "one of the authorities who examined Anna's crime scene wrote about remnants of green fertilizer."
"We learned that only one person - one farmer - around here uses it," Lena said, looking to Kara, just as it seemed clarity was forming in those light, stormy eyes. "He only uses it once a year. You may have occasionally seen it. You may have even seldom tracked it here and there after visiting his farm."
"Mr. Ray," Kara and Lena uttered in unison.
"Good lord," Ms. Merriam breathed.
Kara turned away from them, clearly attempting to regain her bearings.
"Now I know the evidence doesn't seem to be the strongest," Lena admitted. "But it all adds up. His odd behavior towards you, feeling that he owns you. His age. The fertilizer. Trying to kill you. That is, if it was indeed him who pushed you. And trying to kill me. And -"
Lena stopped because the red-haired woman who'd been seated next to Clarence was now standing before her staring at the green fertilizer at their feet. She looked ghost pale, like she was reliving horrors all over again.
"Anna," Clarence called, grimacing as he tried to rise to go stand by his sister.
"What about the other one?" the woman said softy. "There were two of them."
Kara turned to observe her.
"What, child?" Ms. Merriam asked.
"The other one." Anna pointed to the fertilizer. "He was so young. Just a boy. A few years younger than I. He helped hold me down. I thought...I thought I heard the older man say his name. It was... It was -"
"- Jonathan," Kara said it for her. And now it was Alex who looked like she'd had the wind knocked out of her. "And the man who attacked Clarence last night... That was also Jonathan."