Lehi was indifferent toward his newest wife, Rebecca. He knew her heart was unavailable, but it didn’t bother him in the slightest. He had made peace with the fact that he would never be involved in a love affair with any of his wives. Instead, he chose to appreciate them for their best qualities.
Leandra was a force to be reckoned with; she was strong and she kept the house running in an impressive manner, which reduced his stress. In the bedroom, he secretly called her “Captain,” referring to the tight ship she ran in the Cluff household. But Leandra was also domineering and demanding, and she exhausted him with her constant demands and complaints.
He remembered the day when he’d truly started to love Leandra, back when they’d been married for three years and shared only two children. Since then there were moments—small ones—where he felt complete, as if they could be content with just the two of them. But Leandra’s constant focus on their status as a family was exhausting and drained his heart of any true romantic feelings.
Her determination for the Cluff family to be held in the highest regard was difficult for Lehi during those days, but that was no longer the case. He’d witnessed firsthand how much more comfortable, how much easier life in the compound could be if your family was in good standing with the prophet. And Lehi had no intention of losing the status he and his family had attained. They’d worked for decades to achieve it, and he would fight with everything he had to maintain it.
And so, his indifference toward his eighth wife was not the issue. She was his now, and he was responsible for her actions, good or bad. Burt wouldn’t let go, and in addition to that, he was attempting to coerce Rebecca to leave their community. The shame that action would bring upon both families would be catastrophic.
“Yes, they informed me,” Lehi responded, referring to his meeting with his first and last wives. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a tattered envelope. “Rebecca said you requested this letter.”
“Yes.” The prophet’s face was devoid of emotion. He extended his hand over his desk, retrieving the letter from Lehi’s hand. He studied the simple piece of paper before returning it to its envelope and handing it back to Lehi. “You may keep that.”
Lehi was puzzled. He didn’t feel a need to keep the letter. To him it was a stab at his masculinity, at his standing in the church. That this man would attempt to steal his newest wife was insulting, to say the least. Nevertheless, he stuffed the envelope back into his pocket, vowing not to return it to Rebecca. She needed to forget Elder Jameson, and the sooner the better.
“I’d suggest that you keep an eye on this situation. Make sure that Rebecca is not coerced into acting on such devilish behavior.”
“Rebecca has been nothing but gracious and willing to adapt to her life with us.”
“I’m pleased to hear that.” The prophet leaned back in his armchair, folding his hands together over his midsection. Relaxed, yet stiff. “The Cluff family has always been a model for the community. I’d hate to see that change.”
“I agree. Please be assured that I’ll do everything that I can to maintain that.”
“I’m certain you will.” The prophet shifted his weight and planted his feet on the floor, standing and placing one hand on his desk while scratching at the stubble on his chin with the other. “Which leads us to your seventh wife.”
“Brinley.” Lehi nodded.
“I must tell you that I’m puzzled as to what to do.”
“I understand.” Lehi was hesitant to make his plea. Instead, he would allow the prophet to steer the conversation and respond accordingly. That was what the prophet preferred. There was no questioning Clarence Black, but over the years Lehi had learned how to make requests without insulting the prophet.
“I’m not sure how involved Brinley is with Elder Jameson,” the prophet said. “She delivered the letter. This much we know.”
“Yes.”
“Tell me your impression of the girl.”
Lehi cleared his throat. This was his opportunity, but he had to be careful. “She’s kind, obedient, and an essential part of our family.”
“If she’s so obedient, then why did she deliver that letter?” the prophet asked, his voice rising. Lehi could feel the bite in that retort.
“Of that I’m not sure. But it is possible that Brinley did not know of the contents of the letter. Perhaps, she thought it was for the boys—”
The prophet waved a dismissive hand. “That doesn’t matter. She should have destroyed the letter. It was insubordination of the highest order.”
“I understand.”
“Listen, all wives are to know their place. Every single one. And every man must be cognizant of that, as well, and must treat them equally. Rebecca was removed from the Jameson household for that reason.”
Lehi nodded. “Yes. I strive to do that in my home.”
The prophet narrowed his eyes, perching himself on the corner of the desk and peering at Lehi. “I’m considering reassigning Brinley. There are several men in the Texas compound who are in need of additional wives. She could be relocated. Perhaps then she’d learn not to be swayed by men such as Burt.”
Disappointment spread through Lehi, and he was no longer sure that a plea would be appropriate. Brinley was the most beautiful of all his wives, the one he enjoyed the most in the bedroom, and so he’d wanted to ask the prophet not to reassign her, to allow her to stay in his home. But he feared the prophet would accuse him of favoritism if he were honest regarding his intention.
“You must do what you see fit, but I would be most appreciative if you’d allow her to remain in our household.” Quickly, Lehi thought of a half truth to sway the prophet without revealing his true motivation. “She’s quite helpful with the children and her sister wives.”
“Interesting,” the prophet responded, and Lehi could feel cynicism in that one word. “Your first wife doesn’t seem to agree with you. Perhaps there is some discrepancy here.”
“I-I don’t understand.”
“She seemed quite eager for Brinley to be removed from your home.”
Lehi’s mouth was agape as he heard this bit of information. He knew that Leandra was frequently annoyed by Brinley, which was to be expected given the large age gap between them. But he never expected that Leandra would want to see her reassigned. He had no idea what to say in response, so said nothing.
The prophet considered for a moment, then said, “I’ll take care of this. She’ll be given an honor, a position assisting my mother in her home. She’ll begin on Monday. I’ll gather information and make a decision posthaste.”
“Thank you.”
Thank God.
Lehi was determined not to lose Brinley. He enjoyed his time with her more than any of his other wives. She was the only wife who had cooperated on their honeymoon. Leandra had slapped him across the face when he’d turned on the TV. Others had cried, one had even choked and then vomited on his penis. But Brinley, she’d cooperated, and Lehi had even managed to convince himself that she’d enjoyed it.
She was the only wife who wore makeup in the bedroom without question, without making Lehi feel guilty about his needs. Furthermore, her movements in the bedroom lately were turning him on. She was coming into her own, becoming more sexual, and that aroused Lehi to no end. When he came with Brinley, he came hard. He looked forward to nights with her more than any of his other seven wives. He couldn’t lose that time. He wouldn’t.
Each wife played a role. Leandra managed the home. Brenda assisted with managing the finances. Aspen had the memory of an elephant and could always assist Lehi in remembering important dates and events for the family. Brinley—well, Brinley was his release. He’d fight to keep her in that role.
No matter what.
Chapter 31
The screech of Leandra’s voice broke the silence in the room, but did nothing for the tension. Although she was a tiny woman in stature, her booming voice could alert the entire compound. And part of me wondered if it would.
I said nothing in response. There was nothing left to say, and so I listened. I took the abuse in the hopes that they’d say their piece and leave me be. Leave me to abandon this place where I never quite fit in.
“Did you honestly think you could get away with this, you foul, wicked girl?”
Her shrill voice assaulted my ears. I glanced at Lehi, and although no words came from his mouth, he was visibly shaken, obviously enraged. His chest continued to heave in and out. His cheeks were a deep tone of scarlet and his nostrils flared wide.
As I continued to watch him, memories flashed through my brain, causing my fear to build. Memories of Lehi slapping the children, and Lehi shouting at Leandra behind closed doors. Unlike Leandra, Lehi was not tiny, dainty, or small in stature. He was large, muscular, and dangerous. I watched him carefully from the corner of my eye as I attempted to turn my attention back to Leandra.
While my attention had been on Lehi, Leandra had been digging through my purse, invading my privacy. My pulse quickened as she removed an item from the bag. The cell phone.
“These contraptions are not allowed in this house!” She crossed the room and shoved the phone in my face, so close it almost touched the tip of my nose.
The door creaked open and Aspen entered. My heart raced.
Did Aspen have something to do with this ambush? The idea of her betraying me was more than I could handle.
“I’m sorry to disturb you,” Aspen said, “but is everything all right?”
“It seems Brinley has been keeping secrets from the family,” Leandra spat out. “Lots of secrets.” She then waved the phone in Aspen’s face.
Aspen looked at the phone, then looked searchingly at me. Did she want a reason, an answer?
“Did you know about this?” Leandra narrowed her eyes at Aspen. “Do you have one too?”
“What? No, of course not! Brinley, doesn’t have a phone!” She turned her attention to me. “Tell them that’s not yours!”
I stayed silent, unsure of what to say. No matter which words I chose, they’d all lead back to deception. My deception.
“It most certainly is hers!” Leandra shrieked. “She has messages on this thing. Hundreds of them! With someone named Porter.”
“Porter?” Aspen’s voice was shaken. “Brinley, who in the world is Porter?”
I swallowed hard. Then the tears came, brimming from the corners of my eyes.
The color drained from Aspen’s face. “Who . . . is . . . Porter?” she demanded once again.
“I wanted to tell you,” I said, my voice cracking.
Aspen looked away, looked to Leandra. And just as I had dreaded, I lost her. Lost her support, her love, and her trust.
Leandra lifted her chin. “Apparently, he’s a man living outside the compound. Someone who knows all about us.”
“He used to be one of us,” Lehi growled. “His name is Porter Hammond, yes?”
I nodded, shocked that Lehi would remember Porter.
Leandra turned her attention to Lehi. “How do you know him?”
“He worked for me, on one of my construction sites. His parents removed him years ago. He was a bad seed.”
“Sounds familiar,” Leandra said with a sneer.
I didn’t care what they thought of me; I didn’t. But I couldn’t handle Lehi reducing Porter to such a foul name. “He is not!”
“Brinley, stop!” Aspen linked her arm with mine, pulling me close to her and farther away from our seething husband. She was obviously worried about my safety. Lehi’s anger was building and she probably feared that soon he’d express it.
“There’s more to her lies,” Leandra yelled, tossing the phone on the bed and reaching back into the purse. “How did you get this money?”
Leandra clutched the eighty-five dollars that I’d been saving for months, money from Porter. It all started in the drugstore, and since then he’d given me money whenever I’d accept it. For a moment, I was thankful that I’d chosen to hide the money from Jorjina. If Leandra found that, I had no idea what would happen.
“Are you stealing from us?”
“Of course not!”
“Then, what? Where did you get this?”
“Porter,” I answered, unashamed.
“And what do you need it for?” Leandra demanded, but she obviously already knew the answer.
“I’m not going to answer that. It’s not your business.” I stood tall in defiance, my bravado hiding the fear that consumed my brain, my heart.
Apparently my defiance was the last straw.
“Our business?” Lehi roared, stepping past Leandra. He towered over me, and his rage made him a giant. His eyes bulged from their sockets. His fists balled up so hard his knuckles turned white. “You are my business. You’re my wife! The mother of my child!”
“Not so fast,” Leandra said, her voice wicked, mischievous. “My dear, there’s one more thing in this bag. Something I neglected to show you earlier.”
“What is it?” Lehi asked, annoyed.
And I knew right then, right there, that I was finished. I was done. I would never see Porter again. Or Tiffany. Or the light of day.
“Care to tell us what these are, Brinley?” Leandra held the small plastic disk in her hand, opening the lid to reveal ten pills remaining in the pack.
Her smug grin enraged me, but there was nothing I could do. My anger was moot. I was caught in their web, and there was no escape.
“Medication?” Lehi asked, confused. “You’re on medication?”
“Lehi, dear, this is not medication. Brinley is perfectly healthy.” Leandra strolled past Lehi, planting her feet right in front of me. “No, these tiny little pills prevent pregnancy.”
“What?” Lehi roared.
Leandra pursed her lips and said, “Our little Brinley is on the birth control pill.”
“Birth control pill?”
Lehi snatched the disk from Leandra’s hand. After inspecting the half-empty case, he stormed toward me, pushing Aspen out the way and pressing me up against the wall. Hard. So hard, I thought my muscles might bruise on contact from his thick fingertips digging into my skin. The case dropped to the floor.
“How did you get these?” he demanded. “Why are you taking them?”
“Lehi, please,” Aspen begged, pulling on his forearm. “Let her go. She’ll explain. I’m sure she’ll explain everything. Don’t hurt her, she’s pregnant!”
“You silly girl,” Leandra said to Aspen, pulling her away from Lehi. “You do realize what this means, Lehi, dear.” Leandra crossed her arms in front of her chest.
Lehi snarled, loosened his grip on my shoulders, and glared at his first wife. “What?”
“Our dear Brinley isn’t pregnant. She never was.”
And then it happened. Before I could react, the back of Lehi’s hand smashed against my cheek, sending me flying against the nightstand. The corner of the furniture tore into my side and I screamed, then fell into the lamp, which tumbled to the floor, its light bulb shattering into tiny pieces. I stumbled to fall facedown on the quilt of my bed, until Lehi pulled me back into a standing position.
He slapped me again, catching my other cheek this time, and I fell onto the bed. Both sides of my face burned in searing agony. My ribs ached from the nightstand, my head spun, and I couldn’t focus my eyes.
Again and again, Lehi yanked me up, pulling me to my feet before striking me again. My face, my belly, my ribs. Again and again, he punched me, yelling obscenities and cursing my name as Aspen pleaded with him to stop. A few sister wives tentatively entered the room, glancing at each other in horror while others gathered in the hallway, watching with wide eyes as the drama unfolded in the small room.
“You pretended to carry my child!” Lehi boomed. Another slap, and this time his wedding band cut the skin just above my eye. “You’re going to burn. Do you hear me? You’ll burn in
hell for this!”
“Leandra,” Rebecca said softly, “you promised! You promised she wouldn’t be hurt.”
“I promised nothing,” Lehi said, throwing me to the floor. “No one deceives me like this! No one makes a damn fool of me and gets away with it!”
I couldn’t see Leandra’s expression, but even in my haze I knew she was feeling vindicated. Somehow she’d convinced Rebecca to spill my secrets, and made empty promises to get what she wanted. She wanted this. She wanted Lehi to be enraged. She wanted me on this floor, bent over in pain, blood pouring from my face.
She wanted all of this.
“You did this?” Aspen screeched.
“I-I didn’t—” Rebecca sputtered as she tried to explain, but was interrupted.
“She did what she needed to do. This girl is wicked. And she needs to be purged from this family.” Leandra’s words sent a chill down my spine. Purged? I was going to be purged?
Lehi’s foot collided with my stomach, a violent blow that knocked the air from my lungs. My knees jerked up in response. Instinctively I curled into the fetal position, a belated attempt at self-preservation. But I knew it was futile. Lehi would continue to beat me until I was within an inch of my life.
Of that I was certain.
“Stop him!” Aspen screamed, and I assumed she was yelling at my sister wives who had congregated in the room, watching Lehi abuse me. They stood there helplessly as I clung to my throbbing muscles, watching as blood pooled on the floor beneath me.
“No!” Aspen yelled. “You can’t do this! I won’t let you hurt her anymore!”
I curled tighter into a ball, covering my head with my hands, when I heard retreating footsteps. Someone had left the room, but I couldn’t raise my head high enough to see who had gone, who had turned their back on me. My vision was fuzzy, but I could see several figures in the room. Leandra, Lehi, Rebecca, and Brenda. But I couldn’t see Aspen.
Where was Aspen?
“Mommy?” a little voice called from the door. One of Brenda’s children, I think. A fuzzy figure left the huddled group above me and shuffled to the door.
Wife Number Seven Page 25