Chapter ONE - Weebly

natural wood. Given the chapel’s somber exterior, the
cheeriness of the sanctuary surprised Ethan.
A robed man, tall and narrow-shouldered, stood at
the pulpit, poring over the Bible. He looked up as soon
as he heard Ethan enter.
“Yes?” he called, his voice echoing through the
sanctuary. “What do you want?”
“Mister Caner?” Ethan asked, walking forward.
The man frowned and descended the curving
stairway to the stone floor. He had a thin, bony face
and a somewhat sallow complexion. His nose was
overlarge, his eyes were small and hard, his lips thin and
pale. His robe was black and he wore a stiff white
cravat at his neck.
“No, I’m not Mister Caner,” the man said, waiting
for Ethan at the base of the steps. “I’m the curate,
Mister Troutbeck. And you are?”
“My name is Ethan Kaille. I was sent by Abner
Berson. I’m to see his daughter’s body.”
The minister’s frown softened. “Yes, of course.
Mister Caner mentioned that you might be coming. This
way.”