Into the Light (The Light #1)(49)

“What?” My eyes opened wide. “Do you know something about this meeting?”

Laughter rumbled from his throat. “No, I don’t know anything about the meeting. What I mean is that you’ve got it bad for your wife.”

I shrugged. “Shouldn’t I?”

“Eventually. Things are a little early. She could still . . .”

My heart stopped beating as I mentally finished his sentence. She could still be banished. Her probationary period wasn’t complete. Truthfully, no one was ever completely without that threat. It didn’t happen often to established members, but it could. Though I’d never been told, I had the feeling that had been the fate of the pilot I’d replaced.

Luke patted my shoulder. “Hey, forget I said that. Sara did great here tonight. I think you’ve got this covered.”

I reached for his arm and stopped his steps before we neared Father Gabriel’s office. “After this meeting I need to speak to you about something that happened earlier today.”

The corner of Luke’s mouth moved upward into a lopsided, knowing grin. “Elizabeth told me.”

“Vulgarity? Prideful?” I asked, letting go of my grasp and repeating the words Sara had used earlier today.

He nodded. “New followers. It’s my job. Elizabeth and I see and hear things like that often. It’s not the end of the line for her, and besides, I watched Sara tonight. I believe you took care of it. Am I correct?”

“I did.”

He patted my shoulder again. “Then we’re good. It was dealt with, and according to The Light, it is as if it never happened.”

I sighed with relief. “Wait a minute. Elizabeth told you? Were you planning on telling me?”

“I was. But Elizabeth said she encouraged Sara to tell you herself. We wanted to give her the chance. Again, we do this new-follower stuff all the time. Believe me when I say I only bring the bigger issues to the Assembly. We’d be there all day if I brought every detail. Of course I’ll report this to your overseer, but I know Brother Daniel, and I bet he’ll feel the same. The infraction happened. You took care of it. The issue has been resolved.”

“Thanks.”

“What about the memory she spoke of?” Luke asked.

“What memory?”

How much shit is going to be thrown at me tonight?

“Listen,” Luke said, reaching for my arm. “You and Sara obviously had an eventful afternoon. As her husband, what you do is at your discretion. As the new-follower coordinator, can I offer some advice?”

I nodded.

“Sara mentioned to Elizabeth that she had a memory of recreational running. She said she had the memory one of the first days after the incident. It happened before she was allowed to speak, and she’d forgotten all about it, until Elizabeth mentioned running.”

His words echoed with the beat of my erratic heart. Surely Luke could see the way my chest pulsed.

What other memories has she had?

Luke went on. “Sara also said that she hasn’t had any other memories and has been taking her medication. Elizabeth encouraged her to tell you if any more memories returned.” He rested his hand on my shoulder. “Here’s my advice, you had a lot to deal with this afternoon. It doesn’t matter how many times we tell Sara that none of this is new, it is. The memory was probably not her biggest concern when you returned. She not only had her transgressions with Elizabeth but her one with Father Gabriel. Sara doesn’t understand the significance of recalling a memory. If she’s punished for not relaying that particular bit of information to you, she’ll learn to fear memories; more accurately, she’ll fear telling you. It’s your choice, but remember that’s why Brother Daniel and I are here. We’ll be happy to give advice, and we want you both to succeed. The Light isn’t a singular journey. You’re not in this alone.”

I sighed. “It’s more difficult on this side than sitting on the Assembly.”

Luke nodded. “I was there once. Well, Elizabeth wasn’t acquired, but she still had to be indoctrinated. We’re here for you, and for Sara. Now, let’s see what’s happening in there.” He inclined his head toward Father Gabriel’s office.

I nodded. Taking a deep breath, Luke and I entered the office.

From behind his desk, Father Gabriel looked up. Brother Daniel was already there, seated at one of the chairs facing him. Beside Brother Daniel were two empty chairs.

“Brothers,” Father Gabriel greeted us. “Have a seat. Before we meet with the Assembly and Commission in the morning, I want to discuss my decree regarding Sara’s retribution for the incident.”





CHAPTER 16


Stella


Dylan’s voice had that edge, the one that said he was serious. “No. I didn’t call you to have you run to Highland Heights. I called to tell you to stay away.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” I replied. Though I wasn’t fazed by his tone, I was concerned about letting him know that I was already there. I’d been in Highland Heights most of the morning, not far off Woodward Avenue, sitting in my car parked in the lot of one of the few open businesses.

“What doesn’t make sense is you wanting to come here. It’s dangerous!” His voice was getting louder by the minute. “This is body number three in less than two weeks.”