Ruinous Love Trilogy, #2
Leather & Lark
by Brynne Weaver
Contents
Chapter Sixteen: Hymns
Overview
Lachlan’s quiet evening at Kane Atelier is interrupted by Abe Midus, who brings an heirloom saddle and requests the hymn line “Nearer, my God, to thee.”
Lark arrives, sings the hymn, and debates belief with Abe. The encounter feels ominous, sharpening tension as Lachlan and Lark head to their next investigation.
Summary
As dusk settles over Kane Atelier, Lachlan works leather and anticipates meeting Lark before their planned Club Pacifico check. A stranger, Abe Midus, enters early for a next-day appointment carrying a worn Western saddle. Abe describes its lineage—grandfather to father—and hints at hardship reclaiming it, his demeanor edged with restrained menace.
While Lachlan inspects the saddle and notes restoration needs, Abe requests an inscription: “Nearer, my God, to thee.” Lark arrives, joking with Lachlan, then instinctively sings lines from the hymn. Abe seems captivated and steps closer, the atmosphere turning taut as Lachlan remains wary of Abe’s readiness to weaponize a tool moments earlier.
Abe asks if Lark is a believer and quotes John 11:25. Lark answers that perseverance yields proof, just not the kind he expects, signaling her loss of faith. Sensing rising tension, Lachlan ends the meeting and ushers them out, keeping Abe’s order for tomorrow if needed.
Abe departs, whistling the hymn, leaving Lachlan unsettled by the encounter and the undercurrent of threat as he and Lark move on to their night’s plans.
Who Appears
- Lachlan KaneLeatherworker anticipating a risky outing with Lark; entertains Abe’s request while sensing potential danger.
- Abe MidusNew client with an heirloom saddle; requests hymn inscription; projects quiet menace and probes Lark’s faith.
- LarkArrives mid-appointment, sings the hymn, and firmly counters Abe’s question about belief before leaving with Lachlan.