The Children of Fear Read Online Free PDF

floor, with Leah’s and Corey’s following close behind.
    Luke saw Mr. Hammond step through the curtains that led into the storeroom.
    â€œGood day, young Fiers. How are you all today?” Mr. Hammond asked solemnly.
    â€œWe’re fine,” Luke replied. “It seems quiet in town today.”
    â€œIt’s been quiet all week,” Mr. Hammond told him. “People are battling to save their cows from this strange sickness. But they aren’t having much luck. How many have you had to shoot?”
    â€œWe haven’t had to shoot any.”
    Mr. Hammond’s eyes widened. “What are you giving them when they get sick?”
    Luke shrugged. “None of our cows have gotten sick.”
    Mr. Hammond narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “Why do you think that is?”
    â€œI guess we’re just lucky.” Luke shrugged.
    Mr. Hammond’s gaze darted over to Leah. “Maybe,” he quietly answered. “Or maybe it’s more than luck.”
    â€œLeah can’t control diseases, Mr. Hammond,” Luke said firmly.
    Mr. Hammond nodded. “I guess she can’t. Everyone is just a little nervous these days. What can I do for you?”
    â€œWe need some sugar and flour,” Luke told him. “And some canned goods.”
    Luke reached into his pocket and pulled out the last of his money—five dollars. He placed a half dollar on the counter. “We need as much as this will buy.”
    Mr. Hammond nodded. “I’ll get you a box.”
    He bent down behind the counter and stiffened. “You children get out of here,” he said in a low voice.
    Luke leaned over the counter. He could see that Mr. Hammond had lifted a box. “What is it, Mr. Hammond?” he asked.
    â€œSnake,” Mr. Hammond whispered. “I’ve never seen one this big. Go find someone with a gun.”
    Before Luke could stop her, Leah walked around the counter and knelt beside Mr. Hammond. “It’s all right, Mr. Hammond,” she whispered. “He won’t hurt you.”
    She held out her arms. Frozen with fear, Luke watched as a huge green snake slithered up her arm and across her shoulders. It wrapped itself around her, its wicked black eyes watching her, its tongue darting in and out. Luke quickly pushed Corey behind him, shielding his younger brother with his body. He swallowed back a lump of terror as his gaze fixed the snake’s pointed, curled fangs.
    She stood, running her hand over the snake’s head. It hissed. Leah met Luke’s gaze. “When we get home, I’ll set it free in the woods.”
    She walked out from behind the counter. Corey reached up and touched the large snake’s tail. Luke shuddered. He knew Leah had a gift, but it gave him chills to see the shiny green snake draped over her shoulders like a shawl.
    Mr. Hammond stood. Luke could see that he was shaking.
    â€œI’m closing the store,” Mr. Hammond said, his voice quivering.
    â€œBut we need supplies,” Luke said.
    â€œYou’ll have to get them another day.”
    Luke scraped his coins off the counter and put them in his pocket. “Come on, Leah and Corey.”
    They left the store. Luke heard Mr. Hammond slam the lock into place behind them.
    As they walked down the street, Luke could feel people staring at them. He saw a woman draw her curtains together as they walked past. Leah and Corey seemed unaware of the attention they were getting as the snake moved sinuously over Leah.
    Luke couldn’t wait for them to get home so Leah could set the snake free.
    â™¦Â â™¦Â â™¦
    Late that night, Luke jumped up in bed. He felt confused. What had awakened him?
    Then he heard it. A man’s voice yelling. Harsh, angry words.
    No, more than one man. Many men. Many voices.
    And along with the voice, the dull pounding of horses’ hooves. His heart thudded wildly in his chest.
    The sounds grew louder.
    Coming closer.
    He