Upon returning home, Lincoln finds an unexpected visitor on his porch.
Lincoln would never have called himself a religious man, perhaps agnostic at best, and, actually, he was frankly more inclined towards atheism and for good reasons. After all, the last years gave him so much evidence that God does not exist that he probably should stop faith in him a long time ago. The only problem was that he couldn't do it because there were still reasons that kept him from doing it.
The most important of these was his 15-year-old adopted daughter Lettice Loud, who was very religious and made God somehow present in his life, even if he didn't want to. Actually, she was doing it almost every year, and the only exception here was April 22nd. All because that day she did not have to because, apparently, God himself reminded him of his presence, making it always rain that day. Something that, of course, was nothing special to other people, but not for the man, who saw in it the other evidence that God might exist.
After all, there was no way that the rain falling as if the world mourned the anniversary of his sister and Lettice's mother's tragic deaths was just a coincidence. Well, at least not for Lincoln, who believed that this was a sign from God, and it's a sign of pure sadism because it always looked the same, that means a short rain, and then again, the sun.
Briefly, as if God was saying: "Ohh, so your sister was murdered, Boo-hoo. Sorry, the world doesn't care". Well, it probably might also mean: "Hey, head up, man. Okay, your sister died, but you can't suffer forever", but the white-haired man never believed it.
He was sure that God was a sadistic asshole who didn't care about humanity or even about his followers. After all, only someone like this would allow someone as faithful to him as his sister to die in such a brutal way but how it had happened wasn't the worst. Of course, it was still, but much worse was that he first made Luna believe she got a second chance to become his follower.
Indeed, his sister was not always so religious and, when they were young, she was even an atheist. Anyway, so did the rest of his family, whose religious beliefs ranged from many gentle kinds of agnosticism to atheism, with only two exceptions.
The first one was Lisa, who believed that God was a scientist, and the second one was Luna, representing rebellious atheists. Although no, the rocker not only disbelieved in God, but she also hated him, showing it every step of the way. Her rock band was called "All the Sinners of Rebellion," her lyrics said that the church was opium for the masses, etc. In short, she was so much an atheist that she was practically a Satanist, and that probably would never have changed. But then something happened that forced Luna to rethink her attitude, and the gray-haired man remembered that day perfectly. Anyway, with good reason, because it's hard to forget the day you found out that one of your sisters overdosed and is now fighting for her life in the hospital.
Briefly, exactly, what had happened with Luna, and that's with the high risk that she didn't survive it. Luckily, nothing like that happened and, instead of it, God decided to give her a second chance. Well, needless to say, the rocker was more than willing to take advantage of it and how she did it.
Honestly, the girl had changed so much that if he hadn't been there, he would never have believed it was her. She got rid of all her piercing, let her hair grow back, her wardrobe returned to the pre-Mick Swagger era, and finally changed her behavior.
Exactly, this was the moment when Luna turned from the greatest hater of the God to its great follower, and she did it comprehensively. She broke up with Mazza, ended up with her old band, started a new one called Salvation for a Dammed, and, quickly, started playing Christian rock.
Anyway, with great success, because people liked her new image, and that's why the fame did not have to wait long. Her band became a global phenomenon and played everywhere from Michigan to Tokyo, gathering crowds each time.
Although no, it was not just a crowd, these were masses that any priest could be jealous of, and probably every other person's success would go to the head, but not Luna.
She stayed the same girl who preached the word of the Lord to make a world a bit better place, and that's why it loved her. Well, at least everybody thought so until another five years had passed, and it turned out that not everyone liked her as much as it seemed at first glance.
On a rainy night, his sister, who never wanted to have bodyguards, was backing home, which she shared with him from the moment when he lost a job, but she never reached there. All because, before she could, somebody attacked her, stabbed her in the torso and stomach over twenty times, then left her in the alley.
To be exact, left her still alive, and therefore, it all was much more horrible because there still was a chance to save her life. Unfortunately, Lincoln, who started to worry about her only an hour later, went to look for her too late, so all he found was her corpse, and it wasn't nice to see.
Luna lay on her back, staring blankly at the sky, and the rain was washing away the blood from the many stab wounds that made her body look like it had been attacked by a wild animal. In short, a sight that had haunted him in his nightmares so far, and the man really regretted that it was one of the few things she remembered about that day. All because the events from the moment he threw up dinner and called the cops were blurred for him. In fact, he was so stunned by what had happened that he only remembered a few things. That the rest of the family took care of the funeral, that he cried at it, cuddling up to the coffin, how he adopted Lettice, and finally how he promised to find his sister's killer.
The latter, moreover, for a reason because he couldn't forget the promise which, in two stages, changed his life forever. First by making him abandon his dreams of being an artist to become a detective, and then by making him a gentle alcoholic because he failed.
Exactly, there past ten years, and he still couldn't find this fucking killer, making his annual visit always look the same. That means he would come here, sit on a bench, and, drinking beer, reported to Luna, who he liked to call his only boss, that he had failed again until drinking beer made him grateful for two things. The first was that they were still living in Michigan, and the second was that he had such a caring daughter.
Otherwise, then, he would be forced to walk five kilometers to their house, and it wasn't something nice in a cold, rainy afternoon. So, it was a relief for him that his adopted daughter cared so much for him that at the age of fourteen, she got her driver's license just to be able to pick him up when he was too drunk.
In short, every year, she saved his life because it allowed him to return home quickly, and this year it was exactly the same. Well, almost, because when he arrived at old Toyota Prius and returned to their house ran normal, then there came already wasn't. That means, yes, his, mainly rectangular, two-story house, with a black slate roof and walls made of white paneling, stone, or colored with yellow paint, looked normal, then the figure sitting on the porch already wasn't
All because she was a damn beautiful woman with c-size breasts, wide hips, long legs, brown eyes and, curled brown hair with the fringe, but it wasn't why he was surprised seeing her. It wasn't even that she was wearing, among others, a purple knee-length pledge-box skirt or a white shirt with black polka dots, which had long puffed sleeves and frills on the cuffs, shoulders, and a stand-up collar.
No, the reason why he was surprised was that this girl looked like Luna on the day of her death, even having crucifix he had done for her and buried with her. In short, someone not only went to the trouble of making such a joke but apparently somehow robbed Luna's tomb, and therefore the man did not even wait for their car to park. He just told his daughter to stop the car, then, happy that there stopped raining, got out, ordered her to park and go home. Which, anyway, Lettice did without hesitation and soon parked in the shed limited by a stone wall on one side and a kitchen wall on the second when her father headed towards the mysterious woman. More specifically, he did it with anger, which effectively made him sober up and began to scold her sharply:
- Who the hell are you and what are you doing here, and what an idea is to dress up as my dead sister. Is it funny for you to mock someone's tragedy?
-Wow, wow, calm down, little dude, nobody here mocks on anything... It's me- Luna, bro. - The girl, grabbing him for the shoulders, tried to calm him down.
-Do you think this stupid outfit fools me. My sister has been dead for over ten years. - White-haired stated aggressively.
-But it is me, dude, you must believe me.
-Ohh, please, and what yet you say? That ten years ago you faked your death because someone was lurking for your life? - The boy replied sarcastically, then added: -Listen, miss, I don't know who you are, but please go away and tell the Author of this stupid joke that it wasn't funny, now sorry, but I have dinner waiting on me.
And with that, Lincoln was ready to pass next to her, but the woman suddenly said one word:
-Treehouse
-What?
-The treehouse in our backyard, it was a cloudless night, we slept in it, you were six, I was ten, and we ...
The woman wanted to say something more, but before she could, Lincoln suddenly covered her mouth with his hand and then looked at her in shock.
All because only two people knew about it- one was him, and the second was Luna. So, no matter how weird it might sound, it was true. Somehow Luna, after ten years back from a dead and came here. He didn't know why or how, and he didn't care because he was so happy about it. So, the only thing he did was burst into a cry before hugging her such that they both fell, and he started saying:
-Omg, Luna, it is really you, but how it is possible, you should... you know, it doesn't matter, it counts, only that you are here, and I am glad to see you again, Luns. - With that, he hugged her tighter and added:-I really missed you.
-I missed you too, little dude- his sister replied when with a smile and tears of joy, returned a hug, then added: - It had been definitely too long.
-Yes, it's been over ten years, but why have you never called or made a sign of life?
-Sorry, dude, but there is poor signal quality in heaven, and their red tape is worse than ours. - The girl stated.
-Please, Luna, stop joking- just tell me where you were all this time and why you faked your death. - The Man asked her and, grabbing her for arms, started begging: - Please tell me. Did you have to hide because someone was chasing you, you were in danger, did you have to hide because of the witness protection program?
-Nothing like that, dude. I am really back from a dead. - She tried to convince him, but her brother's face remained skeptical, so she added: Ehh, just, look, dude.
With that, she hit his porch's rectangular stone pillar, which was strong enough to cause hard damage, and exactly it had happened. So, of course, Lincoln could do only one thing that's means fell in panic and, trying to take Luna inside, babbled:
-Omg, Luna, did you go crazy? Why have you done It? Come on, we have to...
And probably the man could continue his panicked monologue ever longer, but, suddenly, the rest of these words had been interrupted by shock. Anyway, not because of any shock but probably the biggest in his life caused by the sight of Luna's hand, which just started to regenerate itself.
Briefly, something that had no right to happen and therefore teenager one more time had to accept the impossible - his sister back from a dead. The only problem was that he didn't know why, and this made him, as soon as he regained the ability to speak, he stated:
-So, it is true, you really back from a dead but why? - Then, white-haired stopped and, a moment later, added suspiciously: - Wait, don't you tell me that God didn't let you into heaven?
-Kinda. Actually, I only entered the vestibule before some unknown force stopped me, which, of course, surprised me because I was a good Christian and all. But then God came with two angels and made it clear that I still couldn't go in because of unfinished business here. - His sister explained.
-Ohh, sorry, Luna, it is all my fault- I should try harder. - Lincoln apologized, believing that he knew why his sister had been stopped.
-Wait, what are you talking about?
-That I still can't find your killer, it is a reason why you stuck on earth, right? -The depressed man stated.
-Yes. - The rocker replied, sounding suspicious, then added confused: - But what do you have in common with it- this is police job.
-Maybe, but they already have given up, and it's not why I had become a private eye to do the same and break given you promise.
-Wait, do you want to tell me that you become a private eye just because you promised that you find my killer? - Really surprised Luna asked, then added: -But what about your dreams about being a cartoonist?
-Nothing. First, you are more important than any of my dreams, and second, I decided that if they waited so long, a little longer really made no difference here. - The white-haired stated, then added, shrugging: -Besides, what's the point in being on top without a sister who always supported me on my dreams even if others stopped.
-And didn't it occur to you that the same sister would be much happier if, instead of chasing ghosts, you focused on making your dreams come true?
-Yes, I did, and you even don't know how many times it was, but I already had given you promise, and we both know I'm always the man of my word. - The man stated, then his voice cracked, and he clenched his fists before he continued, barely controlling his emotions:
- So, even if I wanted to, I couldn't let go, and that's why I've spent the last ten years trying to find him. I researched everything, every clue, every clue, every rumor, everything that could help me, but it was for nothing. Each of them turned out to be a dead-end, and with so many things on my mind, such as taking care of Lettice, there was little I could do.
-Wow, Wow, wait, bro. Did I understand right- you not only sacrificed your dream but also took care of my daughter? - The musician interrupted him, at which the man nodded, causing she added: -But why?
-Because I knew if you had the chance, you would ask me about it. Besides, I couldn't let my favorite niece grow up in the orphanage. -Lincoln explained as if it was obvious and then noticed tears in his sister's eyes that worried him, so he asked with concern: - Hey, Luna. Is something wrong- Why do you cry?
- It's nothing, bro, I'm just so happy to have you in my life, and I just wish that all I ever gave you was trouble. - The woman explained, wiping a tear, then added: - First I forced you to postpone your studies just to make you my pillar that keep me over darkness, and now I found that because of me, you sacrificed ten years of your life
-Stop, Luna, don't say that. I didn't sacrifice anything. Being a detective is an even more interesting, well-paid job than being a cartoonist, and, without Lettice, I wouldn't live a day. - The Man assured her, and in both cases, it was true. All because he really liked to be a detective, and it always dragged him in, so without Lettice, who was in charge of cooking, housework, and so on, it would be bad for him. Fortunately, his adopted daughter was here for him, and, in gratitude for taking care of her, she took care of him, allowing him to concentrate on his work. Moreover, unlike him, his niece not only inherited his father's culinary talents but even surpassed them.
-Are you telling the truth or just trying to console me? - His further musings were interrupted by the rocker, who asked hopefully.
-I'm sincere, I really love to be a detective, and Lettice, who cares about homework, is the best thing that ever happened to me. -Lincoln stated.
-Hehehe, you know, bro, it sounds like you kept her just because she is your personal Cinderella on the dusty cellar. -The chestnut admitted.
-Luna! What kind of person do you think I am? -The man, putting a hand on his chest, stated indignant, then swore:-I would never ever do something like that. Lettice is like my own daughter, and I would never do anything as mean as taking a baby just to use him as a slave housekeeper and personal cook.
-Yes, I know it, and I would never suspect you on it- it was just a joke. - His sister apologized and added playfully: -Besides, I know how bad in cooking you are, so I perfectly know what you mean, bro.-Luna stated, shrugging.
-Well, luckily, Lettice is even better than our father. - The Man admitted, making his sister proud of her child, then added: -Ohh talking about it, she just should park a car, so probably already Cook dinner, don't you...
-Did you let her drive- she has like fifteen years old! Are you lost your mind-she could be hurt or worse! -And once again, Brown-haired interrupted him, this time when, with the anger of mother bear, she grabbed him for shoulders and shook him.
-Luna, calm down, I know you are mad, but you must understand that it was Lettice's idea.
-What? -The shocked woman asked.
-Lettice asked me to allow her to make the driving license since she was worried about me. - The man explained, but that only made his sister look at him more confused.
- Worry about you, but why? Are you sick?
-Honestly, I wish it was that, but no. Simply, after your death and because I never could solve this case, my sanity deteriorated, so I ... - Lincoln looked down at the floor in embarrassment and just then continued:
-I began to succumb to heavy alcoholism until it became dangerous for me to drive and ...
-Lettice decided that it's better to learn driving instead of letting you get behind the wheel and risk that you die. - The rocker finished for him.
-Exactly, none of us wanted me dead, and, since Michigan law allows fourteen-year-olds to apply for a Driving License, Lettice decided to take the exam for it.
-Wow, my brother started drunk heavily, and my little angel learned driving? I see that I have missed a lot for these ten years
-You even don't know how much, Luna and I will be glad to tell you all, but, first, maybe let's go inside. - With that, he pointed behind him with raised thumb and finished: - You must be hungry, and your daughter probably just reheating dinner- so you can eat with us.
-Thanks, bro, you are very kind, and I really would love to eat dinner with you, but I don't want to impose myself. Besides, I have less than seven days to get things done. -Luna refused, taking out, seemingly out of nowhere, a silver pocket watch engraved with two honking angels and checked an hour.
-Luna, stop talking rubbish- Lettice missed you even more than I do, so, she...we will be happy if you eat with us and about this case, I will be happy to help you. - He stated convinced, then added, shrugging: - you know, we both want to know the truth, and two heads are better than one, so what do you say?
-I say, I am in, and thanks for the help. - The woman accepted with joy.
-Hehe, no thanks me, it is me who should thank- I am really stuck in place with this case, but with your help and knowledge, to solve this will be a piece of cake. -Lincoln replied, then added: - But maybe we would better talk about it over dinner- I bet you are dying with hunger.
-Pff, I think it is too late to die for me, bro.- The chestnut joked, causing them both to giggle, then added: - But serious dude, actually, I am not breathing and holding on just by a thread, so I really don't have to eat.
-Fine, you don't have to, but I bet that you have no place to go, and I can't let my sister sleep on the street, so why don't you stay with us we have a free guest bedroom. - The Man suggested.
-Wait, do you really want me to stay with you, isn't it too big a problem for you?
-Luna, stop talking nonsense- You will never be a problem for me, Luna.
Besides, you took me in when I was on the bottom, it's high time to pay the debt. -The white-haired man replied, then offered: - So you can stay as long as ... you want.
And those last words he could say only barely since Luna hugged him so rapidly that they almost fell down again. Fortunately, the fact that, over the years, he had developed quite a good reflex and strength saved them from it. It, however, couldn't save him from almost dying by suffocating caused with a strong hug that the chestnut gave him when she thanked him hard:
-Omg, thanks, bro, you are the best.
-Don't mention it-this is what family members do for each other. - The man replied, when he finally broke his grip, then added: - Now, come on, Lettice's probably getting worried about me, and I don't want her to meet her mother again under such circumstances.
With these words, the man headed toward home, or rather, he was ready to do it but then noticed that his sister didn't move: - Hey, Luna are you going?
-Yes, dude, just gives me a moment. I have to get ready for this meeting.
-Okay, take your time. I'll tell Lettice that we will have a visitor today, and then I'll call you.
Lincoln explained as he opened a white door with a large arched frosted window. Then, once last time, he looked at his sister, who lifted a thumb, nodded, and he stepped inside.