Doc took his desk chair and folded his hands in his lap. Like he was doing a consult. Seth wanted to snort. Instead he pulled out his notepad. He motioned to Kate to ready her camera. He wanted a recent photo of the good doctor.
###
If only she hadn’t lost it in the hallway. Kate worked to even her breathing as she waited for Seth to begin. Hopefully, she hadn’t blown it by blasting Adriana and the doctor. But really? They took Debbie so they could change her into the woman they wanted. The town reminded her of a bad movie. What had she done moving here? Why hadn’t she run when she saw what the place looked like? Was there a way out? She would search for a new job tonight. Surely she could find something to support herself.
Her thoughts raced as she waited. She didn’t want the doc to see how worked up she was. She exhaled, slowing her breathing.
“We’re here to ask a few questions about the Bend, if you don’t mind, Doc. You’ve told me on several occasions you’re open to an interview. Now works for me. How about it?”
Doc looked at Kate instead of Seth. “I told this young girl I would love to share the history of the Bend with her one day. What is it you want to know?”
Kate cleared her throat. So he was throwing the conversation her way. Seth must be seething. But this was no time for jealousy.
“I’ll get to the point. Tell us what you know about Earl. About that compound in his back yard and don’t look so surprised. Mary told us about it too. Plus, we saw it.”
“There’s nothing to hide.” Doc spread his hands palms up. “Earl has done a fine job for the Bend. He has vision. Vision to turn this place into a haven for many. A place we’re proud to call home. The women who go to the compound do so willingly—convinced about a better lifestyle for their family. Ask Mary. She was glad to go.”
“And your kids? Is that why they don’t live around here anymore? You forced them to follow Earl?”
Doc’s face reddened. “I don’t force anyone, Miss. It seems you have the wrong story about this town. Have you ever considered taking another job? Elsewhere?”
His comment infuriated her. She took another deep breath. “I live here. This is my town for now. What I want to know is how Earl does it. What is he threatening people with? And why the missing women? Where are they, Doc?” She leaned forward, matching his glare with one of her own.
“What she means to say is we're concerned about the missing women. Becky, a waitress in town; Shelly, a girl at the rodeo: and then Debbie winds up at the compound. Are the other women there, too?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Miss Debbie came willingly. Earl doesn’t resort to such scare tactics.” His chest puffed out like he was truly offended. Kate perused his hands, his eyes, and then his mouth. If he thought she would believe his nonsense, he was mistaken.
They were getting nowhere.
“I don’t agree with you,” Seth said. “You and Earl and your followers are capable of more than you say. Tell me about this upcoming rally. Why all the hoopla about it? What’s the purpose?”
“You should be asking Earl about that one. I’ll be another attendee like I always am.” He turned toward Kate again. Why did she ever think he was this kindly old country doctor? Pure evil radiated from him. For a moment, she couldn’t breathe and she had to shake off a heavy cloak of despair. They were in over their heads.
And Doc knew it.
He picked up a silver paperweight and rolled it around in his meaty palms.
Back and forth.
Like their questions. Like his answers.
Seth reached over and grabbed it from his hands. “What about the rings? What do they mean?” He set the paperweight on the floor between them. Doc glanced down for a moment.
“We designed them years ago. A bunch of us went hunting together. Up on Black Mountain. Earl has a cabin there. Mary didn’t like me to go, but you know how it is with men. If you don’t, you’re taunted until the living end. So I went with my shiny new rifle. I actually shot a few squirrels. Nothing more. The highlight of the weekend was when Earl shot the hawk. A huge one. Almost mistook it for an eagle though I knew nothing then. Anyway, we got to talking and David suggested the hawk be our symbol. We were young then. Didn’t realize how significant that weekend would become.”
He stopped and wiped his glasses with his finger. “Changed our lives that weekend. When I went home and told Mary, she wanted to learn more. She agreed to become the kind of wife a man with the power of a hawk should have. That’s when we built the cabins.”
“You said David was there too? Wasn’t he too young?” Kate raised her chin.
“Sure, he was a boy. But a boy becomes a man. Train them up in the way they should go.”
Her stomach lurched. “I don’t think that verse was meant for your situation. Why the rings for the women?”
“Shows the world who they belong to.”
Kate glanced at Seth. Did he remember the ring left at her house? The feeling of darkness inched higher. She didn’t want to hear more.
“One more thing. Can Kate take your picture? For the article?”
Doc looked at her. A smile gathered around his cheeks. “More than happy to accommodate you. That's what we men in the Bend aim to do.”
CHAPTER 71
The Trainer waited in the parking lot as fresh storms washed cinder into the culverts. He would take the package into the newspaper office when Kate returned. He needed to see her one more time before executing his plan. He wanted to see her at work, doing what she loved. For the last time.
His hand tightened on the steering wheel.
Soon. He had allowed enough time in his plan for them to reacquaint themselves. Share fond memories of a time before the bombing. Before she was taken away from him. Sent to another school. He had a challenging time tracking her those remaining school years. His cousin, Mel, went to the school with her and for a few candy bars, would report what he knew about her.
How many years had he waited?
Twenty. Twenty years too long.
And their anniversary was approaching.
He checked his watch. Where was she? She didn’t have any stories to go out on. Rhonda told him that news this morning when he dropped off an order of envelopes. “Do you have a crush on our newest photographer?” she asked, while chomping on her wad of gum. Her question worried him. Made him afraid he’d gone too far with checking.
“Only you, dear. Only you,” he said in return. The stupid woman had offered him a stale doughnut. As though that would make him want her.
He checked his rearview mirror. Was that the Jeep? Sweat built on his brow as he contemplated his next move. Kate got out of the passenger side. His Kate. He groaned as he anticipated the upcoming reunion. It was all he could do to not grab her now and start his plan. But he must be careful. Exercise patience. He had schooled himself how to wait over the years. The golden moment always arrived.
It seemed it had again.
###
Kate followed Seth inside the office. Her insides still burned with frustration. Rhonda waved as she chatted on the phone. Seth veered for his desk while Kate made a pit stop in the woman’s room. She didn’t want Tim to see her like this. Red faced. Angry eyes.
She ran warm water into the sink. Splashed it onto her cheeks.
What could she and Seth do now? Write their story. Hope someone took notice and helped. They couldn’t make false accusations. It had to be the truth. The entire truth.
She would also tell her story. She had no further reservations after speaking to the Doc. If one more person fell for Earl’s false teachings, and she did nothing to stop it—she would never sleep again.
As for Shelly’s disappearance, they had reached a dead end. She thought again about the photo. Had Tim gone into her computer?
She wiped her hands on a paper towel. Paused.
There was only one way to find out.
CHAPTER 72
Kate left the bathroom. She turned right into Tim�
��s office. Forget knocking. She didn’t care.
He looked up at her and frowned, his glasses slipping down his nose. “This better be good.”
“I hope you think so because I do.”
Tim took off his glasses and set them carefully to the side. He pushed up the cuffs of his white dress shirt. Dark circles hung below his eyes. She glanced at his fingers. No ring today. Must be a holiday for cultists.
“You were in my computer.” She raised her voice. Enough so he knew she meant business.
“Last I remember, I own those computers.”
“Last I remember, I took those pictures. Why did you delete Shelly’s?”
Tim sighed. She gave him credit. He managed to look bored and irritated with her all at one time.
“The case was closed. We aren’t the police. You and Seth seem to think there is a big bogey man in the Bend. You’re chasing your own fears. That girl, Shelly, or whatever her name was, is long gone. Probably in the next state with a new boyfriend. You were hired to complete the assignments I give. Not chase your own.”
“I didn’t chase Shelly. Her friend came to us. I wanted to see her picture so I could send it out to other newspapers.”
He waved his hand toward the doorway. “Get back to what you were hired for, Kate. I don’t remember detective being on your job description.”
His arrogance made her chest boil. She was more than certain he was part of Earl’s band of brothers. Maybe Debbie would become his bride after she transformed. She gritted her teeth. Should she quit? Walk out of there and ignore the strange going-ons? Then she remembered the flyer. Could she leave knowing she had always been right? Hundreds of people could die soon.
She raised her face and met Tim’s glare. “What do you know about the upcoming rally?”
He shrugged. “Same as all of them. A good place to meet your neighbors. I expect you and Seth to cover it. From what I hear, Earl has big news to share.”
“Big news? And you don’t know what it is?”
He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t you think you should go back to your desk and mind your own business?”
Mind her business. The Bend had become her business the day she drove into town. She left her chair, closed the door behind her. Seth was waiting for her at his desk. “Did you get your answer?”
She sunk into her chair. “More than I wanted.”
“Before you go all dramatic on me, I want you to read what I’ve written. Sending it now.”
She faced her computer. Fired it up. Read his opening paragraphs without blinking. His story was good. Even before he added her story to it. Maybe, maybe he wouldn’t need her part.
“Don’t say it. I’m adding your story next.”
“It’s good, Seth. Really good. If no one sits up and takes notice with this story, they never will. I sure hope there are enough good people left who care. It seems like Earl has his thumb on anyone who is anyone in this town.”
“You’re right. But there is one person he doesn’t control.”
She watched his eyes light. “Tell me.”
“Better yet, I’ll introduce you.”
He grabbed his pen and notebook and shot for the door. Kate reached for her camera and fought to catch up with him in the foyer. “Who?” she asked when she found her breath, bumping into Seth who had stopped his mad rush. The local delivery guy was holding out a clipboard for a signature. Rhonda usually signed but was nowhere around.
“Thanks. Looks like you’re headed out. Short day?” The driver looked past Seth toward Kate. Something about him . . . sure, the guy who brought her filing cabinet.
“Always news to chase.” Seth handed back the clipboard. He took the square package and placed in on Rhonda’s desk.
As they left the building, the guy tagged along. “Too bad it’s raining again. Hate the stuff.” She was in no mood for idle conversation. Seth had piqued her curiosity and this man seemed intent to slow her down.
“I hear you. I prefer blue skies.” She flashed a quick smile before cutting the corner toward the Jeep. Sales and delivery people. They needed a life. She caught up to the passenger side and opened the door. Seth already had the engine running.
“Did the guy ask you out or what?” He gave her a smirk before peeling out of the parking lot.
“I think he wanted to.” She smiled and glanced over to where the delivery truck was still parked. After David, she was not taking any more chances. Good looks or not.
CHAPTER 73
The white clapboard church standing in front of them shook Kate’s insides. The resemblance to the one she attended as a teen could not be denied. She unhooked her seat belt. The storm had resumed and driving rain pelted the stained glass windows, sending cold shivers through her.
“How did you find this place?” They had driven for miles but actually they weren’t that far from the Bend. A few hills. A few twist backs. Kate had considered begging Seth to turn around but he wore such a determined look she didn’t dare.
“He found me.”
“He?”
“Pastor Ruel. Rick, actually. I don’t go for the title stuff. Came into the office one day. He told me about a woman who had stopped to see him, asked for help. She was disheveled, dressed in a dirty skirt that touched the ground. She took off when he questioned her like she was scared someone would hear.”
“Then what? Did he give up on her?”
Seth shook his head. “Rick never gives up on anyone.”
Kate opened her door. “I want to meet him.” She ducked her head and sprinted to the outcropping of a roof over the double doors. Seth raced up behind her. He pushed on the right door, opening it with a loud crack.
The interior smelled like her grandmother’s attic. About ten rows of wooden pews filled the sanctuary. A gold cross at the front drew them further into the darkened room. Seth led the way. Kate sneezed, twice. Dust. Coating everything. She ran her fingers on the edge of one pew. Didn’t anyone use them?
When they reached the front, Seth paused. “He lives in the rooms behind the sanctuary. Let me go first. I don’t want to scare him.”
“Scare him? He’s a pastor.” She glanced upward to where a chandelier hung. Unlit. Unused for a long time.
“He’s also somewhat of a hermit. It took a lot for him to find me at the paper.”
She would wait. Seth stepped forward toward a door on his right. He knocked twice, and slipped inside.
Kate didn’t care to be left alone in this forsaken church. She heard the rain pelting the roof and wished they had waited to come once it passed. A crack of lightning sent her diving for a nearby pew. Dust or no dust, she sat and wished Seth would hurry up.
As she waited, she scoured the scene in front of her. A lonely lectern. A few song books, six unlit candles. How long ago was this church filled with people? People who worshiped the real God, not Earl? After the bombing at her school, Kate had refused to attend church. Packed places caused her to remember. Her grandmother finally found them a church frequented by less crowds. Like this one. She attended but her heart stayed put at her parents’ and brother’s graves.
The door Seth had disappeared through opened. A slightly bent older gentleman hobbled toward her. Wisps of white hair that fell into his eyes bounced along with him. Kate rose and held out her hand. “Pastor Ruel?”
He took her hand into his gentle ones. Squeezed it slightly before releasing it. “My friends call me Rick. Please, sit back down. We’ll talk.”
Kate glanced at Seth who stood behind him. He nodded and joined them on the front pew. “You know about Brother Earl?”
“Brother Earl has been around for a long time. His influence grew with him. Unfortunately. I will tell you a secret.” Rick leaned close. His breath smelled like peppermint. “When Earl was a child, his parents brought him to this church. I was not the pastor, yet but soon after. Earl knows right from wrong. He was taught like I’m sure you were at one time.” His strong gaze met hers.
Rick continued, tellin
g a story about a determined young man who wanted to prove himself to others. “Earl left the church shortly after he married his wife. It seemed she could not live up to his standards. So he devised a plan that would teach her and the wives of his friends. His personality convinced others as much as he transformed his wife.” He paused. Looked away for a moment. “He proposed the same plan to my wife, Helena.”
“What happened to your wife, Pastor?” Kate wasn’t sure she wanted to hear this part of the story.
Rick stood and shuffled over to the lectern. An old man shuffle. How did Seth think he would be able to help them?
“She joined. Convinced that Earl was right. That she would learn to be a better wife to me.” He stepped close again. “I never complained. Believe me, I loved her the way she was. But Earl has developed this way about him where people can’t say no. He promises happiness like no one else can give. Even God.”
“What became of your wife?” She leaned closer to hear his soft voice.
Rick raised his head and glanced at the cross. “She killed herself.”
A gasp shot from Kate’s mouth. “I’m sorry.” She turned her attention to Seth. Glared at him. Why did he bring them here? Rick was an old man, filled with sorrow for a wife who left him.
“Oh, but don’t be sad for me, miss. She’s in a better place than the one she left. I trust God for that knowledge.” Rick returned to her side and placed his gnarled hand on hers. “I’ve been plotting how to stop Earl since that day. Now that you two are here, I think we can succeed.”
###
Kate listened as Rick spelled out his plan. None of it made sense. An old man’s hope, nothing else. Why did Rick think he could deliver anything else? His own hope, that’s why. Hope for revenge against an ideal that stole his wife. From the way Seth looked, he felt the same way as her. Probably sorry he brought her here. She lowered her eyes.
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