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hand. “And this is CJ Johnston.”
    She held her hand out, beckoning CJ to take it. She did, stiffening only slightly as Paige’s fingers entwined with her own.
    “We’re kinda new,” Paige explained shyly. “Is it proper to say partner already?”
    “Oh, newlyweds,” Becca exclaimed with a clap of her hands. “I love it. How long?”
    “Just six months,” CJ said. “I can’t believe we’re here together. This is exciting.”
    “Oh, honey, it’s a good thing you’re newlyweds then.” She gave an exaggerated wink. “It’ll give you something to do,” she said with a laugh. “Because exciting is not how I would describe this job.”
    “Don’t jade them already,” Suzette said. “Come on, let’s get out of their hair. Burgers at Jules’s place tomorrow. You’re both invited.”
    “Jules?”
    “Three houses down. Bring your own burgers to grill. There’ll be plenty of side dishes.”
    “We’re kinda empty on the food department,” Paige said. “We’re told there’s a grocery store here.”
    “Oh, there is, but, honey, I wouldn’t recommend it. Drive the forty miles to San Augustine and be done with it.”
    “Is something wrong with the one here?” CJ asked, feeling a light squeeze from Paige’s fingers.
    “We don’t have enough time to go into all that’s wrong around here,” Suzette said with a short laugh.
    “I think they should stop in,” Becca said. “It’s an experience everyone should have at least once. If they’re open. They keep odd hours.”
    “They don’t like lesbians?”
    They both laughed. “That’s not it. That , at least, you could explain.” She shook her head. “No, it’s just a weird little place.” She smiled broadly. “Nice to meet you both. Don’t forget burgers tomorrow.”
    They let their hands fall apart as soon as the door was closed. CJ tried to lighten the mood.
    “Look at that, baby. We’ve already made new friends.”
    “I wonder how long they’ve been here,” Paige said, ignoring her comment. “They seem to know enough about the town.”
    “Wonder if they know anything about the disappearances?”
    “Depends on what local TV stations they get here. I’ll assume Lufkin stations.”
    “If they watch local. I think every cabin has a satellite dish.”
    “Shame we don’t have a TV,” Paige said, looking at the empty spot on the small entertainment center.
    “Good thing we’re newlyweds,” CJ said with a grin.
     
    ***
     
    “So you really think it’s just some sort of cult?”
    “A cult can have many meanings,” Paige said. “Are you referring to a satanic cult? Or something less sinister, like pagans or even Scientology? Or perhaps occultism, with magic and witches?”
    “I don’t know,” she said. “Just, you know, a cult.”
    “Well, that’s a broad statement. The Nazis in Germany were considered a cult. White supremacists are a cult. Jim Jones and the People’s Temple. David Koresh and the Branch Davidians. Terrorists.” Paige smiled. “Catholics.”
    CJ laughed. “Okay, I get your point. Maybe I should wait until I’ve actually seen the place before passing judgment.”
    “Of course, a community of over fifty people, that’s a large number to control, to manipulate. I mean, that’s what cults do. But if it has no outside influence, I suppose that makes it much easier.”
    There were no signs signaling their approach to Hoganville. The two-lane road sliced through the tall pines, a link between the two national forests where the school was located—the school and the tiny, secluded community. CJ slowed when they first spotted the buildings. They were as Avery had described. Neat and well kept, unpretentious to say the least. An almost too simple sign hung above each door. Hogan Grocery. Hogan Café . The service station had no sign of any sort, only faded numbers advertising the cost of fuel. All three appeared to be closed.
    CJ stopped in front of the small grocery store. There was no open or closed