Jeff nodded. “Aye, that does seem to be a major role of the church here. I was told those misbehaving badly are sent to the Edinburgh compound and that’s because Malachi lives here. His permanent residence is registered to a palatial house on Ettrick Road, the most expensive street in the city, we’re talking millionaire’s row.”
“So while he has children working sixteen hour days cleaning the compound,” said Cass. “He’s living in the lap of luxury.”
“On the money given him by his followers.”
“Is he in Edinburgh now?”
“No. As far as I’m aware he’s still in Glasgow. I heard he sent a delegation to petition outside your office and it descended into a fight with some neds.”
“Aye,” said Brodie, grinning at the memory. “And the neds pulverised them. It was pure beautiful.”
Jeff’s lips twitched before going still, the closest they’d ever seen him to having a sense of humour. “You’ve pissed off Malachi. Never a good move.”
“He’s got too used to everyone kissing his arse. He needs bringing down a peg or two.”
“Never underestimate how devoted his followers are. If he ordered them to kill you they would and he has a lot of followers.”
“Our research has thrown up lots of different figures as to how many followers he has. How many bats do you think he’s got?”
“My best guess is around seven hundred, so not exactly a rival to the Catholic church but that’s a big army he’s got.”
“You think that’s what he’s doing,” said Cass. “Amassing an army?”
“He recruits both men and women but he does particularly like to focus on people with combat skills. In April nineteen ninety three, David Koresh and his Branch Davidians staged a siege at their compound in Waco, Texas that lasted fifty one days against nine hundred law enforcement officials, including the FBI and the ATF. He managed to do all that with just eighty followers. Can you imagine what Malachi could do with seven hundred?”
“But he couldn’t get all seven hundred into one of their compounds.”
“No, of course not but one of their tenets is that if one branch of the church is in trouble then they’re all in trouble and the other branches have to come to the aid of the stricken one. If you target one compound, you’ll have every church member in the country coming down on your head.”
“Then there’s only one way to stop them. Cut off the hydra’s head. Without Malachi to bring them all together they’d fall apart.”
“It’s true there’s no one with Malachi’s charisma or talent for influencing others. Fortunately for the world he’s pretty unique. Are you actually on about…killing him?”
“No, just bringing him down,” said Brodie.
“You want to send him to prison?”
“Aye.” Brodie scowled when Jeff chuckled. “You laughing at me pal?”
“No but I am a little surprised by how naïve you sound. You think it’ll be that easy?”
“You ever heard of Lucas Thorne? He thought he was too high and mighty to ever see the inside of prison cell but he did.”
“Before he managed to flee abroad.”
“Gabriel Strong also thought his wealth and power protected him but it couldn’t and Seth and Sarah Creegan thought they’d played the game too well. Do you know what they all had in common? We brought them down and Malachi’s no different. No one is beyond retribution, I don’t give a shit who they think they are.”
“Impressive speech but you’ve never come across anyone like Malachi before.”
“Oh aye. Have you had personal experience of the prick?”
“You could say that.”
Cass and Brodie looked round when the door opened and Malachi himself walked in flanked by the two bats they’d seen on bodyguard duty at Buchanan Street. These bats didn’t look the traditional kind. By the way they carried themselves they were trained soldiers, even though they wore the traditional Higher Light uniform.
Brodie and Cass shot to their feet.
“You dirty bastard,” Brodie snarled at Jeff.
“Sorry but I have to live and work in this city. Making peace with the church is the only way to do that.”
“You spineless fucking blancmange,” he yelled at him before turning to face Malachi and his friends. “You touch us and we’ll rip your fucking arms off.”
“I’ve no wish to inflict violence on anyone,” said Malachi. “I believe in peace.”
“That why you go around with a couple of soldiers?” retorted Brodie, nodding at the glowering bats. “That’s what I hate about people like you. You never practice what you preach.”
“Have I committed violence upon you Mr Brodie?”
“It’s MacBride,” he sighed.
“I haven’t laid a finger on you.”
“But you laid a finger on Elaine Mickleson, didn’t you? I bet it was this dodgy pair who snatched her from her bed,” he added, gesturing to the soldiers.
Malachi’s eyes were so bright the power they held felt to fill the room. Brodie could imagine how that could intimidate a lot of people, forcing them to hang their head as their will was sucked right out of them. Personally that gaze only pissed Brodie off. He glanced sideways at Cass, who stared back defiantly at Malachi. His goddess refused to be cowed too.
“Such a shame about Elaine,” continued Malachi. “We tried so hard to bring her back to the light but she wrestled with so many demons and sadly she lost the fight - an addiction to anti-depressants, alcohol dependency, a history of suicidal thoughts. They overcame her until she didn’t know up from down.”
“So you’re trying to tell us that her experiences in your cult were all in her heid? That you didn’t lock her up in The Breach, torture her mentally and physically, that you don’t have wee weans working like slaves…”
“Before you continue with your terrible litany I would like to see the proof you have to support these allegations.”
“I can’t because you kidnapped my proof Johnson.” He looked to Cass, eyes twinkling. “Isn’t that American slang for penis?”
Malachi ignored the comment and Cass’s snigger. “You’re saying the only evidence you have for these alleged atrocities is the word of a woman with a history of addiction and mental illness?”
“Doesn’t mean she’s a liar.”
“Of course not but if you do have concrete proof then I would love to see it. If children are being used as slaves in one of my healing centres then I will personally put a stop to it.” He looked from Brodie to Cass. “Well?”
“We don’t have it,” snapped Brodie. “But we’re bloody well going to get it.”
“It’s not your fault. You fell for the lies of a sick, delusional woman. Elaine can be very convincing, we know from personal experience. She kept telling our healers that she’d beat her addictions, then they’d find more pills hidden away in her room. I feel like I let her down. She came to me for help and I could do nothing for her.” He sighed and shook his head. “Very regrettable. Every single soul on this planet is so precious and has the divine right to live up to their full potential.”
“I talked to Elaine and she isn’t a drug addict. I’ve had plenty of experience of those in my life. And if you do have nothing to hide then let us take a look around one of your so-called healing centres and see for ourselves.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that. Only members of the church are permitted within the healing centres. They are sanctuaries from the baseness of the physical world, so only the cleansed may enter.”
“And how do you become cleansed?” said Cass.
“You have to give up your attachment to the earthly, setting your soul free to connect with spirit again.”
It seemed the soldiers were indeed genuine converts as they nodded piously, hanging off their beloved leader’s every word.
“You mean you have to sell all your stuff and give you the cash,” frowned Brodie.
“Not myself, the church. It goes to maintaining our healin
g centres, helping people find their spiritual path away from the distractions and sordidness of the world.”
“How much did your big house on Ettrick Road cost?”
“That house doesn’t belong just to me, it is at the disposal of every member of Higher Light. It acts as a retreat for those needing solace.”
“I thought they’d get that in your healing centres.”
“The house on Ettrick Road offers more privacy and peace for meditation and spiritual development. It is not a private residence for myself.”
“Do you live there?”
“When I’m in the city, yes. It’s a convenient meeting place for representatives from all the healing centres so we can discuss any issues that may have arisen. As you can understand, I can’t meet all seven hundred of my followers so I need the members of my closest inner circle to update me as and when required.”
“So if you are all innocent,” said Brodie. “Why do you go around with this pair? I know trained killers when I see them.”
The two bodyguards narrowed their eyes at him but said nothing.
“It is true that Cain and Abel have a military background. Years of training do not simply erase themselves when confronted by spiritual truths but they are two of my closest advisors and accompany me everywhere.”
“They’re bodyguards Malachi. Why don’t you just admit it? Or are you afraid your god won’t protect you on the Scottish streets?”
For the first time, Malachi’s serene countenance slipped and annoyance flashed through his eyes.
“And there he is,” smiled Brodie. “Listen pal, the only thing that’s gonnae make me back off is by letting me take a look around one of your healing centres so I know there are no wee weans working as slaves or anyone locked in any dungeons. And I want to know where Elaine is.”
“As I’ve said, no one is allowed to look around the healing centres unless they’re a part of the church. It is vital they are protected against the corruption of the outside world. However you can see Elaine.”
“When?”
“Right now.” He turned to the door and called, “Elaine dear. Mr Brodie would like to talk to you.”
Brodie was so astonished that he didn’t bother to correct him about his name. Elaine walked into the office dressed as a bat, her hands clasped before her, a creepy smile playing on her lips.
“Hello,” she chirruped sweetly.
“Elaine doll,” said Brodie, rushing to her and placing his hands on her shoulders. “Are you okay?”
“Of course I’m okay,” she said, still smiling. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because you were kidnapped.”
“Kidnapped? Where on earth did you get that idea from?”
Brodie almost blurted out about the footage taken in her bungalow but only just managed to catch himself. Unless Elaine had told Malachi then he didn’t know anything about it. “We searched your bungalow. There were signs of a break-in and a struggle and you left everything behind, including your handbag.”
“I know nothing about a break-in and I left everything because I don’t need it anymore. I get everything I need from Higher Light.”
He stared down at her with concern. “What have they done to you? You sound like you’re reading from a script.”
“They helped me beat my demons, finally. Now all I know is peace and serenity.”
“All I can see in your eyes doll is nothingness.”
Elaine didn’t even blink as she gazed up at him.
Brodie released her and looked to Malachi. “You’ve turned her into a fucking zombie.”
“It may appear that way to you only because you’ve never felt peace or serenity in your entire life. It seems strange and alien to you.”
“Hey, I know peace,” he said, thinking of when he was alone with Cass. “So I know I don’t have to give up who I am to get it. What did you do Malachi? Torture her until she finally cracked, swept away the pieces of her you didn’t like then put her back together and plastered over the cracks, creating this blank…thing.”
“That’s not very Christian, referring to a fellow human being as a thing.”
“Oh shut it you fucking shite merchant,” Brodie bellowed at him.
Malachi waved a hand at his bodyguards when they bristled, encouraging them to remain calm.
Brodie turned back to Elaine. “What about Mary? You forgotten about her?”
Elaine failed to react, continuing to stare up at him sweetly.
“Who’s Mary?” she replied.
Brodie looked to Cass, who appeared as stricken as he felt.
“Actually,” said Brodie, rounding back on Malachi. “That’s something you can tell me if you want me off your back. Where’s Mary?”
“Who on earth is Mary?”
“Mary Strachan.”
“I’m afraid I’ve never heard of her.” Malachi looked to his bodyguards, who both shrugged. He looked back at Brodie. “Sorry.”
“Don’t gie’ me that. Mary joined the church in Glasgow at the same time as Elaine. They worked in the kitchens together then, when some brutal bitch got nasty with them, you threw Mary and Elaine into The Breach together and tortured them.”
Malachi turned to Elaine. “Is that what you told him?”
She hung her head and nodded. “Yes. I’m sorry Sir.”
“It’s alright,” he said, gently patting her shoulder. “Now I understand Mr Brodie why you have been so determined. That is definitely shocking to hear. However I can categorically assure you that it’s not true. As you know, Elaine has struggled with some issues, including having trouble discerning what is true and what isn’t. Our healing techniques can get very intense. They involve purging the mind and body of all pollutants from the outside world. Often this can lead to intense dreams that seem real. Sadly she left us before the treatment could be completed, leading to some unfortunate side-effects, such as a sense of persecution and paranoia. Mary was an invention her mind created to help her deal with the trauma she was releasing.”
“If that’s true smart arse then how did she get from her bungalow back to you? Did she wander out of her house in the middle of the night in her pyjamas?”
“No. She came to us willingly, properly attired I might add. She returned to our church because she knew we were the only ones who could help her, didn’t you Elaine?”
“Yes,” she replied with that creepy vacant smile. “They helped me get better. Now I feel only harmony.”
“It looks like you don’t feel anything at all,” commented Cass.
“That is how it appears to those who haven’t been initiated into higher knowledge,” replied Malachi. “To someone who knows only turbulence, pure serenity can seem unnatural.”
Brodie folded his arms across his chest. “I can’t believe people fall for your patter. You’re no’ some messiah pal. You’re a control freak who happens to be good at brainwashing people. I’ve met plenty of frauds like you in my time and you’re no different to any of those useless roasters.”
Malachi sighed and shook his head. “I’ve tried reasoning with you Mr Brodie, I even took time out of my busy day to come here to try and reassure you.”
“You meant you ambushed us thanks to this fat fud,” he said, gesturing at a frowning Jeff. “You snatched Elaine out of her bed, dragged her back to your church of doom and messed with her brain. Mary exists. You had her brought here to the church in Edinburgh because you couldn’t control her.”
“That just isn’t true Mr Brodie. We don’t try to control people.”
“Try telling Samantha that,” said Cass.
Malachi rounded on her, eyes burning, the serene air falling, fire seeming to shoot from his eyes. “You are not fit to speak her name,” he spat.
“And there’s the real Malachi,” said Brodie. “The loon. What really happened to her? Did you kill her?”
Malachi gnashed his teeth. “Stay out of it unless you want the fury of hell bringing down on you.”
“Hell?
You know nothing about that pal but if you don’t clear out of my city you’ll find out just how bad it can be.”
Malachi stood nose to nose with him. “It’s my city now,” he hissed. “If you don’t stay out of my way I will burn you.”
“That’s what you do to anyone you can’t control, isn’t it?”
“When the day of judgement arrives you will be on your knees before me begging for salvation.”
Brodie’s mouth crooked into a grin. “Oh aye. I bet that pair have been on their knees before you often enough sucking your…”
“What?” erupted Cain.
“You want to make something of it Shirley?” said Brodie, shoving him in the chest.
“Brodie, take it easy,” said Cass, grabbing his arm and pulling him back.
This disruption allowed Malachi to recover his poise. “So, I take it Mr Brodie that you’re not going to drop this ridiculous vendetta?”
“You bet I’m not pal, unless you’re going to close your churches, pack up and fuck off?”
“No,” he replied, voice cold. “I’m not.”
“Then it’s war.”
Amusement danced in Malachi’s eyes. “You’re hopelessly outnumbered.”
“No one knows Glasgow like me. You don’t stand a chance.”
“You know Mr Brodie, I’m looking forward to it.”
“It’s MacBride, prick,” he spat.
“Right,” snapped Cain. “That’s it.”
He launched himself at Brodie, who grabbed his arm and threw him across Jeff’s desk. When Jeff hauled himself up to leap into the fray Cass kicked him in the back of the knee, twisted his arm up his back and slammed him facedown on the desk.
“Want me to fetch my cheese grater?” she hissed in his ear, making him go still.
Brodie laughed at Cain, who was attempting to drag himself to his feet. “Which elite unit did you train with, the boy scouts?”
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