“She was always down on herself. Believed she wasn’t pretty enough or smart enough.” She caught Kate’s gaze. “She was, though. I wanted to look like her.” Her tone grew louder. “I’m the one who’s stuck in this mausoleum with parents who haven’t a clue that maybe I want more than to inherit their dumb money. Like college.”
Kate straightened. Not expecting the conversation to go in that direction.
“Tell me about Shelly. Was she easily swayed by men?”
“Sorry, yes. She had been dumped earlier this spring by a guy she fell for hard. She would do anything a guy told her to do even when I warned her to be careful.” She picked at her manicured nails. It seemed Mandy was unhappy with her lifestyle in the same way Shelly had been.
“You know Brother Earl.”
“I’ve met him.” She glanced over her shoulder toward the house. “My mother knows him better. She goes to all his rallies. Tries to get me to attend but I won’t. Who wants to hear that old guy go on and on about cell phones and movies?” She rolled her eyes. “Actually, my father took my mother to the first one. Then she went to some dumb camp for a month or so and came back a different person.” She leaned closer to Kate. “I think something more serious is going on with the Bend.”
Kate hesitated. Should she confide in this young woman what she knew? Would it save her life? “I agree. Something is different about Brother Earl. I think he's started a cult or a group that likes to control others. Please be careful in your interactions with them.”
“I knew it. Ever since my mother went, she’s been different. Talking about Earl as though he's God. Do you think that’s where Shelly went?”
“I honestly don’t know. I haven’t been able to figure that out and it seems like no one is talking.” She stood, anxious to leave. She wouldn't find her answers here as she hoped. Mandy joined her and they walked toward the steps. “If I hear anything at all, I’ll contact you, okay?”
As she lowered her foot to the first step, one of the double front doors opened. An older version of Mandy joined them. But unlike Mandy this woman was dressed in a dark skirt that fell near the ground, and she gripped a black Bible with both hands.
CHAPTER 77
The Trainer gunned his truck’s engine. His fingers gripped the steering wheel as he careened over the back roads toward his house. Heat filled his vision. He had never once changed his plans but today he did. All because of Kate.
If only he had taken her when he planned instead of befriending that waitress. When he saw his next candidate sashay—the only word to describe her disgusting canter—out of the restaurant, he knew she was a bad candidate.
No one could fulfill what he needed from Kate. The urge to move forward with his one and only plan destroyed his previous desire. It was time. Time to proceed with his master plan. The plan that would meet all his desires—not these temporary ones that his candidates gave him over the years.
He slammed his fist against the dash. Practice. That’s what his father told him to do. Well, he was done practicing. How many had he sharpened his tactics on? He couldn’t count nor remember especially when his vision burned with Kate’s image.
He was ready for her. His focus would only be for her.
The Trainer’s breathing slowed. Control. Yes, that’s what he needed. Control over the entire situation. Monday morning. No later. No sooner.
He turned into his driveway. Shut off his truck. Stalked to the building behind his house. He unlocked the padlock. Entered the dark interior.
A smiled discovered his lips.
Let no one ever say he hadn’t prepared.
CHAPTER 78
Mandy’s mother stepped between them. Kate smelled the strong odor of whiskey before she could clear her brain.
“What are you, a reporter, doing on my property?” She spit her words into Kate’s face.
Mandy placed her hand on her mother’s arm. “Mom, Kate’s a friend. We were talking about Shelly.”
Mrs. Baker glared at her daughter before turning her angry face toward Kate again. “Get off my porch. You don’t belong here.”
Kate raised her hands, palms outward. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude. I was trying to help find your daughter’s friend.” She glanced at Mandy, hoping for further back up. She wouldn’t get it. The young woman’s face had turned red. Embarrassment or anger. Kate couldn’t be certain.
“Do I have to report you to Brother Earl? He doesn’t like nosy women.” She raised her Bible. Waved it between them. “Read what the Lord has to say about the virtuous woman. It’s all in here.” She slapped the front cover like it was a baby’s bottom.
Kate took a step backward, navigating her feet on the flight of steps. Mrs. Baker followed,pressing her, holding her Bible as she quoted verse after verse.
“I’m leaving. I’m sorry.” Kate threw one last desperate look at Mandy and then spun around, hobbling down the steps as quickly as her lame leg allowed.
Had everyone in the Bend fallen for crazy Earl’s garbage? She didn't want to wait around to see if Mr. Baker had, too.
Kate locked her car. Shot down the driveway.
Away from this craziness. Away from this insanity. Toward the Bend. To more of the same.
###
Seth recalled his last trip to Earl’s funeral home. Amy’s funeral. A dismal day. Like today. He rolled up to the double gates, waited as they slowly opened. He’d dressed simply but neatly for this occasion. Dark pants and a white shirt. He wouldn’t wear a tie. Brother Earl or not.
But he must convince his skeptics he had decided to join them. To find a willing woman. Cross over to their darkness and ways.
He spit the remainder of his lollipop into the cup holder. What he’d give for a cigarette. He flexed his cramped hands. Scanned the parking lot. At least a dozen vehicles filled it.
The good old boys.
The cream of the crop.
Ready or not. If this is how he was to get the story of a lifetime, then so be it.
His sister’s doe-like eyes rose into his thoughts. Yeah, he’d do it for her too.
After locking his Jeep, he strode up the steps to the entrance marked private. He raised his knuckles to knock. David opened the door before he struck wood. “Greetings, Seth. We were waiting for you. Earl was about to begin.” The smile David gave him didn’t reach his eyes. Seth forced a matching one on his face. He shook David's hand with a matching strong grip.
The men sat in the good living room, surrounded by photos and a baby grand piano in the far corner. If he hadn’t known the real reason he was there, he might think he was attending a men’s Bible study. Seth nodded to the hardware store owner, to Doc, to the guy who hooked up his Internet, to the owner of the bakery and to a few other men he’d met in passing. Good thing he dressed up. Not one pair of jeans in the crowd. These men met business.
So did he.
Seth finished his greetings, took a comfortable chair in the far corner next to a plant dripping with leaves. He placed his back to the corner. On purpose.
Earl came through a doorway that led into the hall. He was wiping his face with a napkin. Late dinner? Seth watched the way the man navigated the room. Eye contact. Pats on the shoulder. A few atta-boys. When he stood in front of Seth, his cheer faded. Seth jumped from his seat and offered his hand.
“Heard you were coming tonight. Be ready to give your testimony.”
After ignoring Seth’s outstretched hand, Earl retreated to the front of the room where he stood behind a music stand turned into a lectern. Handy. Seth dropped back into his seat. What did he mean by a testimony? He shot a questioning glance to David who politely ignored him. Actually, everyone ignored him. Except Earl who stared at him a full minute before slapping his Bible onto the stand.
“It’s good to be together like this. The Lord is blessing us as I speak. Can you feel his presence? He knows we are doing good work. Right work. His work! The work that will save our sweet Bend.” He paused, took a deep breath.
>
One by one, the other men began to clap. At first in rhythm and then it grew louder. A few whistles, catcalls, and then all out shouting as they jumped to their feet. Earl, still locked behind his makeshift podium, raised his hands in the air and shut his eyes, “Yes, Lord, yes Lord, we hear you. We are doing your work!” And then, as though on cue, the men dropped to their seats and stared at the door behind Earl.
Seth had remained seated during the ruckus, unsure as a newbie what was expected of him. David reached over and touched his knee. He pointed in the direction everyone had set their interest. With increasing alarm, David watched as a petite woman clothed in dark clothing that showed nothing but her white face, crossed the threshold and stood in front of Earl. She bowed her head,
Who was she? Seth strained to identify the woman but most of her features were covered with a head cloth.
Earl turned back toward the group of still men. The only sound Seth heard was heavy breathing near him. Doc. His thoughts made him want to scream.
“Gentlemen. Gentlemen. Our newest candidate is ready. She’s gone through extensive training. Prepared not only her mind and soul but her body as well.” Earl looked at Doc. Nodded. He tipped his head in agreement.
Seth swallowed. He clenched his fists in his lap. Was this woman to be auctioned off like a cow at a fair?
“As we always do, we must first pray over this young maiden. She’s changed her life for the good of the Bend. Tells me she is ready to step into the world a changed woman. A woman who wants to serve the Lord though serving man and procreation.” He clasped his beefy paw on the woman’s shoulder, spun her around. Like a prize.
It was all Seth could do to remain seated. He schooled his thoughts, straightened his lips. A story. That’s why he was there. Not for some noble reason like Kate wanted. No, a story so he could get out of this forsaken town.
CHAPTER 79
Kate tried calling Seth’s cell twice before turning in to bed. Tomorrow, Monday, she could quiz him all she wanted while at work. Besides, if something important had happened, he would call her. Despite her best efforts, she trusted Seth. More than she first did. Maybe it was the way he acted like he cared about her well-being without showing it. Or the way he spoke about the missing women.
She pulled off her jeans and shirt. Tugged her pajamas over her head. Seth had changed this summer. She remembered the first time she met him at that rally. A real oaf. Never would she have pegged him for a man who would put others’ needs first. Nope. He had been on a mission to sell a big story. His story of the year, or century. Whatever.
After brushing her teeth, she sat in front of her computer. Another glance at her photos wouldn’t hurt. Maybe there was a clue she had missed. Something. The Bakers had been no help. They had been sucked in. Yes, sucked into Earl’s lies like dogs to trees. Except for Mandy.
Her pictures came into focus. Kate kept her work photos and personal photos on this computer too. She found Mandy’s. Waited. Nothing. A sigh left her throat. She hoped nothing would happen to that girl since it was evident she was in direct opposition to her mother’s beliefs. Kate had read about cults that did away with family members who obstructed the teachings. Mandy was smart. It wouldn’t surprise Kate to learn that she left town one day. With a mother like hers, Kate couldn’t blame her.
She scrolled through several other pictures until her cursor stopped on the one she’d taken of the church. The aura still circled it. But it had grown darker. The rally was planned for next week. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe this aura had nothing to do with that rally. She shoved her fist against her forehead. Think. Why else would it be there?
Kate zoomed in closer. Several people were milling around out front. David’s face focused first. To his left, she saw Doc and Mary. David had waved to her that day. Did he know what was going to happen? Was he going to harm all those people?
Her thoughts raced. Maybe David wanted Earl’s role. Maybe he was tired of being second. Isn’t that what Cain did to Abel? From the little she knew about David, it was obvious he liked to win. Maybe he didn’t like being under Earl’s thumb. Maybe that family plot might add a few more bodies. She peered closer. The aura didn’t quite reach David.
CHAPTER 80
“Sorry you weren’t ready, Seth. She would have made a fine wife for you.” Doc stood next to him by the Jeep. The other followers had already left the parking lot, leaving Seth in Doc’s company.
“I need a little more time. I’m sure she would have made a great wife. And yes, I’m looking for one. After Amy . . .”
“The new theater owner, right? I heard you were sweet on her.” Doc removed his glasses and wiped them on his shirt. “Surprised me to hear you wanted to throw your lot in with us. Especially after the way you spoke to me.” He returned his glasses to his face. Stared at Seth a little longer than needed.
“Mary’s a sweetheart. Why wouldn’t I want someone like her?” He ached to get into his car and get out of there. After seeing that woman paraded in front of him, he had better plans. Plans to get out of town. Story or no story.
“I guess I thought your someone special was more like our Kate.”
Our Kate. His fingers tingled to crush that look from Doc’s face. Instead, he shrugged. “She’s a little too opinionated for my taste.”
“Got to agree with you there. Not sure any man would want to take that fox on.”
“Listen. I was wrong about Kate. She’s a know-it-all but I have to work with her. That’s all. There never was anything romantic between us.” He frowned hoping to sound convincing. This whole evening had been a long shot. They were probably playing him like he was them. He was stupid to have tried. Tomorrow they’ll probably run him out of town.
Seth slapped Doc’s arm. “I got to get going, Doc. Back to work tomorrow.”
“Yes, the news. Sorry Tim couldn’t make it tonight. I bet he’ll be pleased to see you’ve joined the boys and me. Tim played a key role in getting our little group organized.”
“A key role? How long has he been involved?”
Doc laughed. “Sounds like the reporter I know. Hard to break old habits, eh, Seth? You might want to start writing the real news. I’m sure Tim will point you in the right direction.” After a pat to Seth’s arm, Doc left his side and pecked his way over to his truck.
Seth followed him out of the compound. He unwrapped another Tootsie Pop, changed his mind and tossed it back into the bag. Candy wouldn’t . . . couldn’t take away the rancid taste in his mouth.
###
A cup of tea didn’t ease Kate’s worries. She shrugged across her living room in her slippers to her kitchen to her fridge. Maybe a plate of cheese to take her mind off those pictures? And David. What if he was planning something?
She slammed the fridge shut. Crazy. Crazy thinking, her grandmother would say when Kate started with her fears. Valid or not, her fears kept her safe from the media. Maybe her fears could prevent someone from dying. She glanced at the window on her front door.
A flash of light?
Since her road received little traffic, a car passing alerted her no matter the time of day. She crossed into her living room, pulled back the curtain as a knock sounded on her door. Kate jumped, dropping the fabric.
“Who is it?” She scanned the room for her knife. Grabbed it from the end table where she put it before changing.
“It’s Seth. Are you awake?”
Seth? The meeting. Something must have happened. She snapped the lock. Opened the door.
“Do you always dress so well?” He glanced down at her running shorts and torn sweat shirt.
Kate stepped aside to let him enter. She eyed his outfit. “Do you always dress so well? Let me guess. You don’t own a tuxedo.”
“I dressed to impress. Not sure it worked.” He kept walking straight toward her kitchen. When he got there he picked up one of her cheese slices and tossed it into his mouth. “But they offered me a woman.”
Kate stopped her movement toward him. “The
y what?”
“Got any crackers?” He opened the cupboard over the stove.
“By the sink. What do you mean they offered you a woman?”
Seth pulled out a packet of saltines. Stacked slices of cheese on several. “Just what I said. Want one?” he asked through a mouthful of crumbs.
She sat at the table. Seth joined her. “Tell me what happened.”
“Peanut butter?”
She nodded. “Tell me first. Or I’ll never be able to understand you.”
Seth chewed, swallowed. He wiped a few straggling pieces from his chin. “They did everything I thought they would. Earl preached then brought a woman out. For me. Already been trained and packaged to go. The poor girl didn’t say a word. It was disgusting. I was waiting for Earl to open her mouth and show me her teeth.”
“Did you recognize her?”
“No one I knew. But that’s not saying much. She could be anyone’s daughter. “
“How did you say no?” She reached for the cheese.
“Told them I was still learning about their expectations. Didn’t want to mess anything up. They bought it. At least they acted like they did. Probably playing me but I’m on the inside for now.”
“When is the next meeting? We’re running out of time.”
“David will contact me. Guess they like to keep the meetings secret until right before.”
“Why bother? Everyone in the Bend knows what he’s doing.”
He shoved the crackers aside. “Yeah, even dear old Tim.”
“Tim?”
“Seems he’s been involved since the beginning.” Seth’s expression darkened. “I believe that’s another whole story to investigate. If I stick around long enough.”
“What do you mean? We have to stop whatever is going to kill those people.”
He ignored her question and unscrewed the top to the peanut butter. She wanted to yank his knife out of his hand. Wisely did not.
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