A Town out of Time

By Amber Whiting

A dark secret lies in Alium, Mississippi.

Canaan Evans, a sixteen-year-old, grew up in Alium, where it is a town out of time. It was run by the Ku Klux Klan. Most of his life, he believed their every word, until a visit to his grandparents in Tennessee changed his life. He was exposed to the love of God and his view of all the other races. Canaan returned home on fire for God and sharing the gospel with everyone. While he spreads the good news, he finds himself in love with an African American girl named Hayden Williams. When Canaan finally gets the courage to confess his feelings, he is asked to go undercover to find out about a strange plan cooked up by the Klan. He agrees after he tells her his heart, but on one condition: that she be his anchor. Life in his new role is causing him to teeter on his beliefs in God and the lies of the Klan. Will Canaan be able to keep his sanity as he goes undercover?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781532060816

Amber Whiting

Amber Whiting is an up and coming author. She has a B.S. in History from the University of Montevallo and a Certificate of Ministry from Bethany University. Amber has a heart for God and a desire to share Him with the world. She currently lives in Arizona with her two cats. You can reach her at her social media accounts @amberlassiewhiting or @amberlassie.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Canaan sat staring out the window of the hospital bed. The throbbing of his head, bandages throughout his body, and numbness of his heart told him what he already knew. It was a rough night. Thoughts flooded his mind about the past two years. It was not how he expected. Nor what he wanted. Laughing to himself, he mumbled, How did I let it get this far? It was a dumb question to ask. He knew. He allowed himself to slip into a world that he swore he’d never be a part of. Now, he was seeing the consequences of his actions in real time.

Maybe he should have listened to her. She was against this from the start. He might not be here if he had. But then…where would he be? He had become a double agent to solve the mystery of the town only to end up in the hospital. But what did that give him? Nothing but pain and heartache.

He looked around, adjusting his weight and groaned in pain. Apparently, he had broken a few ribs and bones. The cast on his right arm, bandaged around his chest confirmed he got beaten badly. Leaning back onto the pillow, he heaved an agonizing sigh.

The air smelled sterile, with the vague whispers of nurses outside his door. The heart monitor beeped, and the IV bag hung over the side of the stand, dripping its clear liquid into his veins. The tray of bland chicken, rice, and carrots was pushed away. He could smell the dried blood on his face, with a faint taste on his tongue.

Dear Lord, I have strayed from your path and have sinned greatly against you. Please, Father, I beg you, please forgive me, His eyes became cloudy. Canaan felt like he was begging for more than his life. Maybe even his salvation. He had walked away from God. Even went so far as to avoid spending time with God. He admitted that he didn’t want to share Him with the girl he loved. What kind of person had he become?

A horrible one.

His relationship with God had become vague, distant. When was the last time he honestly prayed to God? He could not remember. It had to be longer than a year. Well, actually it was last night when she was in trouble. She was trapped under—That’s sad. He thought, kicking himself for not keeping up with the God he forced her to accept. Her. Hayden. The girl he loved and betrayed.

Lifting an aching hand, he raked it over his face. His face was uneven and painful. In these two years; he lied, cheated, and stole from the less fortunate. He even dated two girls at the same time. She didn’t deserve that. Canaan knew he was wrong. He shouldn’t have agreed to it, but he was following orders. Orders his father had given him. Orders he followed mostly without question. His stomach tied itself in a knot at the thoughts of what he’d done. What he became.

He touched his swollen face wrapped in gauze. One of his eyes was shut by his inflamed cheek and forehead. What a beating he took. Well, at least she got away. She was safe from what Judas told him. That’s all he wanted. Still, his head hurt and his heart seemed to sit in his stomach like a rock. This wasn’t the best time to start feeling sorry about something he had no control of. What’s done is done. He can’t go back in time and listen to her warning.

The sound of footsteps coming up the hall gave him pause. It could have been the Klan coming for him or his mother. No, she would be with his father. He had shot him. But he could not tell whose footsteps they were. They sounded frantic, maybe rushed. His heart jumped to his throat. This could be the end of his life. It might not be so bad. He would pay for the sins he had committed. God could be sending the angel of death to claim it. Tears filled his eyes, and his hand trembled. Oh God, he wanted to see her one last time. If he could. If only for a minute. Closing his eyes, he whispered a prayer.

Knock, knock.

He sucked a breath ready to meet his fate. After exhaling, he looked up to see her. She had beautiful almond eyes, jet black hair with a pink highlight at the back. She wore his black and gray hoodie with jeans and skater shoes.

Hay—Hayden? He choked out.

She smiled as she walked over to him, Oh Canaan. Are you ok? I was so worried about you. Her face was covered with worry as tears spilled down her cheeks. She had a few cuts and bruises.

He saw that she had been crying long before she got there. She reached out to him but withdrew as if scared to touch him. Slipping his good arm behind her, he pulled her to him and planted his lips on hers. It was magical. Even though they kissed hours ago, it felt like forever. When they broke their embrace, Hayden climbed into bed with him, leaning softly on his chest. He adjusted to her body weight. She wasn’t heavy, as he thought she would be. His body seemed to welcome the extra warmth. Her smell filled his nose, and he drunk it in. Canaan whipped away her tears as she hiccupped and moaned as if remembering the earlier events. What had he done to her? She didn’t deserve this. He should have…

I missed you, Baby. I’m sorry I made you worry. He pulled her as close as he could get her. The memory of her entrapment came to mind. Canaan pushed the boiling rage aside and just enjoyed this moment.

What happened, Cane? She asked, her voice trembling. She looked up to him, her eyes filled with tears, It all happened so fast it’s like a blur.

He thought back to the whole thing and sighed. Brushing away some hair, kiss Hayden’s forehead, Let’s make it a story for another day. Right now, I want to hear about your relationship with God.

CHAPTER 1

A year and half earlier…

August 1st: Monday

C anaan waited patiently at the front of the school. He wore his short sleeve black and gray plaid shirt open with a white undershirt and blue jeans. Today was the first day of school, his sophomore year. He had butterflies in his stomach since last night. As he watched, everyone made their way to their groups. Taking a breath, he tried to calm the anxiety crawling up his skin. This year was going to be a good year, he told himself. Well, he at least hoped it would be. The school, Samuel French High, was a single-story building. It housed a diverse group of people, of all races. It was far too advance for the town it was in. In other parts of the city, Alium, were still segregated because of the presence of the Klan. Yes, the Ku Klux Klan. They enforced it and even ran amuck through town. Since it was such a small town, the government didn’t seem to worry too much about them.

The sun hung over the horizon met with the cool of the morning, making it a sweet sixty or so degrees. He could feel the sun’s heat dancing on his skin, and a soft breeze eased the tension of his nerves. Yet, as he scanned the crowd, they returned with a raging force and a flood of thoughts.

Since seventh grade, he had been trying to tell this girl how he felt, but never got up the courage to say anything. Maybe this would be the year he would tell her the truth.

He desperately searched for her in the crowd of students. She may have already gone inside. Maybe she had not made it just yet. Would he really be able to confess this year? How could he? A better question, should he? He was friends with her brother, so there was no way that he would be okay with them talking. Would he?

He sighed, pushing up his glasses as he looked one last time. Nerves were in a bunch. Did she drop out? He heart sank to the stomach. She wasn’t tha—there she was! She had caramel skin, almond eyes, short jet-black hair with pink highlights. She was wearing some kind of a gothic black shirt with a red and black plaid skirt and black boots that came up to her knees. She was the most beautiful girl in school.

He looked away in shame. He was a coward. Canaan had been a coward since that day his heart stopped after their touch. That day, he saw a longing in her eyes and a deep sadness that he wishes he could take away. But even now, he could not find the courage to walk up to her and spill his guts. It should have been easy to tell her how he felt, but why couldn’t he? What’s the worse that she could say?

Canaan! a voice called.

He turned to find his best friend since last year, Ty Li, his English name was Judas. He was a Japanese-American who worked at the local, and only, cleaners/electronics place in town with his family. He had shoulder-length black hair, dark grey eyes, and always wore a suit coat over a t-shirt with blue jeans. It was strange how he had the name of the disciple that betrayed Jesus. Yet, according to Judas, his mother liked the name.

He had become close with Judas despite all the terrible things of his past. Judas was a part of some Asian mob and ran drugs all over the state. He was well known for being able to steal anything for the right price. They said that Judas had even hacked into the bank and transferred small funds over to an offshore account he created. Though they have not proved it, Judas seems always to have money whenever there came a time for it. He often wondered if Judas could pull something like that off. Canaan smiled at the thought of that night.

The moon was full on the night they met on that cold October night. Leaves scattered over the ground and gentle breeze that would cause anyone to bundle up. Judas was about to break into the house of the youth pastor. Canaan was on his way out the door when he bumped into him. The brief exchange of words and a small Bible made the difference. After an encounter with Canaan, Judas turned over a new leaf and became a fellow Christian and his best friend.

Hey Judas, sup? He answered.

Nothing, Judas said, it’s looking like a good school year. The sun’s out, and there’s not a cloud in the sky. I think that is a good sign. God is definitely with us.

I agree, Canaan nodded, It’s definitely going to be a good year.

He tightened his grip on his book bag straps, took a deep breath, and stepped across the threshold. This year had to be his year. He would no longer hide in the shadows and wait around, he was going to act. Better grades, he sighed, I’m going to need them to get out of this place.

Me too, Judas laughed, I’m looking for the best and furthest college from here.

Canaan smiled. Even though they were both born and raised here, they had no plans to start a life here. He wanted to be on the next transportation out of this place. There was nothing here for him except taking his father’s place in the Klan, not something he wanted to do. Canaan’s heart was in missionary work in other countries, helping bring more people to Christ. Not terrorism.

That’s all good son, he remembered his father telling him, but it is easy to see that no other race would be saved except us…our kind.

His father, Elliott, was the pastor of his old church and for a long time. Canaan had finally stop listening to his teachings. A summer with his grandparents in Tennessee made all the difference. Elliott did not preach the truth of the gospels, more like a twisted version. That was not what Canaan promoted when he ministered to everyone. He loved going to a desegregated school. It did not matter your race, you would learn about Christ in some way from him.

As they started to go in, there were murmurs behind them. They glanced over their shoulders to see what it was all about. Walking up the path, on the opposite side of the school came two people. Canaan smiled as he recognized who she was. This was Hayden Williams, an African-America that he had a crush on for a long time. The person next to Hayden is Makaila Camarillo, a Latin-American. She wore a dark purple jogging suit with white tennis shoes. They had been friends for what seemed like forever and were always together.

I wonder what’s up with Makaila? Judas asked as he turned to face them.

Great question, Canaan thought as he studied them. Makaila looked miserable. She glanced their way for only a second. He saw the hurt that went deep into her soul. It sent a shot of pain to his heart. What had happened to cause such dreadful look?

Canaan only halfway turned when they heard. Makaila is dating the school’s star quarterback, Desymin Goodson. The girl clicked her tongue, And a lucky girl she is.

There’s nothing special about dating a dumb quarterback, Judas growled, spinning on his heel marched into the school.

Good morning, Aarti, Canaan said as they watched him leave, How was your summer?

It was good, she answered, What’s with Ty? She looked after him concerned.

Canaan shook his head, Don’t think about that too much. He’ll be fine. He glanced over at Makaila and Hayden. Maybe this was not going to be that great a year after all. He and Judas had agreed to tell the girls about their feeling this year. With this new turn of events…it may not happen.

He looked back at the lightly tan Native American with a smile. Aarti wore a casual orange t-shirt under a black zipped up hoodie and blue jeans. She pushed her glasses up on her face, tilting her head. She bright hazel eyes, How was your summer, Canaan?

Very well, he answered, thanks for asking. Hey when is your family having that back-to-school bonfire?

This Friday, she smiled and held out some papers, Want to help me put them up?

Sure. He grabbed half the stack and fell into step alongside her.

They walked into the school and talked a little about things that happened over the summer. He went to his grandparents’ house in Tennessee. It was his favorite time of the year. His mother’s parents would make missions trips out of the country and service at the local shelters. It was fun. They were the reason he wanted to do missions. Aarti, on the other hand, had gone back to Canada to spread the gospel to other Native Americans. She also learned about her family’s history and met people that had a significant impact on her life.

Will your parents let you come to this? I know how your father feels about all other races. She said somberly, as she tacked the paper on the board.

Don’t be scared, Canaan said rubbing the back of his neck, I don’t have to tell them anything more than ‘I’m hanging out with my friends.’ I wouldn’t be surprised if my parents have given up on converting me to a White Supremacist. And my aunt will be bringing me, so it’ll be fine.

Aarti had every right to be nervous about his appearance to the bonfire. His father was one of the top leaders of this branch of the Ku Klux Klan, the Grand Monk. But he would not miss this chance to be with other people his age, who shared his beliefs.

The bonfire really brought the kids from all around town to join with the idea that we are all human. They would tell stories about their Native American tribes, tell jokes, and even hold an open floor so everyone can talk about their summers. In the end, they would pray and help anyone struggling with their faith. Canaan would hate to miss it. He loved going to see the Lakota’s on their farmlands. They owned the third largest lands in the Alium, next to his father and Hayden’s father. It had all the usual farm animals. The Lakota’s mostly focused on breeding horses for races up in Kentucky and Tennessee. Not to mention some other uses of horses throughout the country. His dad had to buy some of them not too long ago, and Elliot hated to admit that they were some high-quality horses.

I think my parents are going to change it up this year, Aarti said as they stopped in front of a billboard. She studied it like it was a college application.

He leaned against the wall next to it, watching her. How so?

I don’t know, she pinned the flyer up, They just said we have a shocking surprise planned of some kind, that’s all…and it makes me a little nervous. She stepped back admiring her work.

I bet it will be exciting. He smiled, as he waved to someone who passed by.

I hope so, she pouted. Aarti’s brows came together as she turned to him.

They put up as many flyers as they could, before finding Judas sitting at a lunchroom table.

Hey Ty, Aarti sat down. Coming to the bonfire Friday?

His head was pressed against his bookbag, his answer sounded like a moan.

Huh? Canaan leaned closer.

He moaned again.

Aarti shook her head, I don’t understand.

How long are you going to pout, Judas? Canaan asked, pushing his shoulder.

Judas lifted his head and growled, As long as I want, Cane! and then he let his head fall back into his bag. He mumbled something else.

Canaan chuckled to himself, Look here comes Makaila now.

His head shot up as he looked around. He frowned, You’re a bad liar.

It got you to lift up your head, Canaan and Aarti snickered.

Oh, that’s right, Aarti said, I still haven’t invited Makaila personally… Canaan saw Judas’ ears perked up, Do you mind giving this to her? She scribbled on a highlighter pink flyer and then handed it to him.

Judas stared at the paper for a long time, before taking it.

And this one is for you, Canaan, She handed him a bright green flyer.

For what? He looked at it. Who would he give it to?

Who else? She smacked her lips.

Canaan arched a brow while taking it. His mind went back and forth on trying to figure it out. Why would she give this to him? His mind was blank.

I forgot. I’m surrounded by boys…Hayden, Silly.

Canaan got