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favorite was one of the lesser used. It was next to the church, starting behind it and going on for miles to join one of the main paths. Technically it was closed off, but Alana knew that place like the back of her hand, and was sure it hadn’t changed much.
     
    A few cars dotted the church’s parking lot for a weekday evening service. Alana considered riding by without saying hello to anyone, but decided against it. It would be good for people to know where she was, in case something happened and, more to the point, it was just plain rude. As she pulled her bicycle aside the church, lowering the kickstand once more, people began to pour out of the church doors.
    She spotted Pastor Whitman coming out along with the congregation as he normally did, chatting with them. At the moment, he was talking to an attractive woman with dark skin and black hair who Alana didn’t recognize. Alana got the distinct impression she wasn’t from the town. She overheard their conversation:
    “…wish I could help you more.”
    “Yes. It’s so embarrassing. I left my phone back at home, and Mark wasn’t at the cabin. Do you know someone who would know where he is?”
    “Well, the town isn’t that large. I would suggest waiting at the local diner, downtown. Of course -” at that moment, the pastor spotted Alana.
    “Ah! Alana! Dear girl, when did you get back to town?” Alana walked up to the pastor waving hello. She liked the way he always referred to her “getting back.” It was as if, to him, she would always be from the town.
    “Just yesterday, pastor. I thought I’d stop by and say hello,” she said, smiling.
    “Oh, where are my manners? Alana, this is Tammy Thompson. She’s here looking for her -er- husband,” it was clear the pastor had heard about the divorce. “You and he were joined at the hip when you were smaller. Have you seen him?”
    Tammy’s eyes met Alana’s, and almost nothing else needed to be said. Alana knew why Mark had cancelled on her. The question wa s, had he known she was coming?
    “Uh… No. I didn’t know he was in town.”
    Tammy looked into Alana’s eyes, and Alana looked away. It was a look of guilt. Tammy knew. She felt it in her bones. This woman had fucked her husband. So, she resolved to do the only thing she really could do at that moment. Play dumb.
    “Well. Thanks anyway,” Tammy said. “So nice to have finally met you, pastor.”
    “The pleasure was all mine, young lady,” Pastor W hitman said, smiling and nodding his goodbye as he turned toward the other congregation members.
    Tammy and Alana were alone for an awkward moment, smiling politely at each other. Alana broke the silence.
    “It was nice meeting you, Tammy. I’ll see you later.”
    “You, too. Oh, wait. Could you show me to the nearest local restaurant? I’m famished.”
    Tammy felt anxious to get out of this woman’s presence, but didn’t feel the need to be especially mean.
    “Sure. It’s down the road and to the right. Can’t miss it.”
    “Thank you so much. Alana….What’s your second name?”
    “ Alcock. Alana Alcock. It was nice to meet you, but I’ve really got to get going.”
    “Alright Alana. Take care.”
    Alana Alcock pedaled as fast as she could away from the church, foregoing any more chatting with its members. She wanted to get as far away from the people as she could, far away from everyone. Alana’s mind kept turning over to Tammy. She was beautiful, refined. Alana understood why Mark had married her. She also sensed something behind Tammy’s geniality. Something intense, almost vicious. Maybe that was the reason they’d gotten divorced.
    Coming onto the main trail and ignoring the rusted “This trail is closed” sign as she always had, she turned her bike light on as the sun set. Unfortunately, it would have to be a short ride. Bike riding in the forest at night fall was never a good plan.
    Alana wasn’t angry that Tammy was in town. It was more like she felt exhausted. What