Into the Light (The Light, #1)(30)

“Brother Timothy?” Brother Daniel asked. “Is there something I missed? Are you aware of anything else that happened during Sister Sara’s examination that wasn’t acceptable?”

I held my breath as Timothy glared in my direction.

“Dr. Newton doesn’t believe he was allowed full access to his patient.”

“Brother Timothy?”

We all turned toward Father Gabriel’s voice.

“Yes, Father?” Timothy responded.

“Perhaps you’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a new wife. I believe Brother Jacob’s protectiveness is supported by my doctrine. Do you see a problem with that? If so, please, Brother, enlighten us.”

I bit my tongue, wanting to interject, but happy with Father Gabriel’s input.

“No, not at all.” Brother Timothy sat taller. “However, I’m concerned that we won’t be able to get a good assessment of Sister Sara until Dr. Newton and my wife are able to spend significant time with her.”

“Fine. Brother Jacob.” Father Gabriel changed the subject. “Have you continued Sister Sara’s speech restriction? Since she’s spoken, she obviously knows she can do so without damage to her vocal cords?”

“Yes, Father. I’m only allowing her to speak with me.”

“And?”

“And she’s obeyed. I realize that speaking now is sooner than the protocol recommends. For that reason, Father, I request your permission to allow her to only speak to me, for the next few days. As we all know, this early stage of indoctrination is extremely formative. If you agree, I’d continue to allow Sister Lilith’s training and Sister Raquel’s assistance. Of course Dr. Newton can treat her, with me present, but I request that for now she only be questioned in a yes-no format by anyone other than me.” This was a rare opportunity to bypass the Commission, and I presented my case. “She’s still confused, as is standard. Even if she’s allowed to get the walking cast, with her other injuries she won’t be able to move without pain. I understand this important stage. I’ve seen what can happen. For Sara, myself, and our future family, I ask that I be allowed to be the one who walks my wife into The Light.”

My request was brazen and unusual, but then again, Brother Timothy was right, most women were given to followers who needed the guidance of the Assembly. As a member of the Assembly, I was exercising my right, or so I hoped.

“Brother, after Assembly, I’ll meet with the Commission. Brother Daniel will contact you later with my answer. Shall we carry on?”

“Thank you, Father,” I said, resuming my seat and avoiding Brother Timothy’s glare.

“Now,” Brother Raphael said. “It’s time for our report regarding the powerhouse. With the colder-than-normal November temperatures, tell us about the turbines. Is there any fear of them freezing?”



Two and a half hours after I’d left Sara, I returned to the clinic. Though parts of it resembled a hospital, only Dr. Newton had a medical degree. The others who staffed the clinic were there on assignment based on their attributes. Most of the support staff’s skills were acquired here at the Northern Light, unless they came willingly with prior knowledge. Either way, the dedication and commitment of the followers made them excellent learners. As I approached Sara’s room, one of the only single rooms—the primary one used for acclimation of acquired followers—I listened.

Hearing only silence, I assumed Lilith had left. Though I considered looking for Raquel to learn more about the training, I chose instead to open the door. I was right: Sara was alone. With the head of her bed reclined, I saw only the back of her head, her golden braid loose from lying against the pillow. I waited for her to turn, wondering if she was awake or asleep, and then I heard the sniffles and saw her shoulders shudder. She was awake—and was crying.

Clenching my teeth, sure that this was Lilith’s doing, I moved cautiously to the side of her bed and continued my assignment.

“Sara?”

At the sound of my voice, her shoulders sagged. Slowly she turned in my direction. Her cheeks were damp and blotchy. The bandages, with their solid domed patch over each eye, allowed her tears to escape. When she didn’t speak, I moved closer. Raising the head of her bed and lowering the side rail, I sat beside her. Fear and sadness not only showed on her wet cheeks but settled around her like a cloud.

Screw the timetable and the rules. She won’t make it through this in this shape.

With my leg against her wounded body, I grabbed a tissue and began to dry her cheeks.

Where the hell is Raquel, and most importantly, what did Lilith do?

My chest ached at Sara’s labored breathing. Surely she had things to say, but she was obeying my last command and remaining silent. When her breathing finally settled, I said, “No one else is here, you may speak. What is it? Why are you crying?”





CHAPTER 10


Stella


Detroit in July might as well be Miami. The humidity and heat were as intense without the benefit of the Atlantic Ocean. The Detroit River was definitely not as spectacular. Stepping into the cool air conditioning of Jumbo’s, I eyed a table near the back, next to a pool table. Thankfully, it was still too early for the players to be out. Come ten o’clock, this place would be rocking.

Though I’d been thinking about that cold beer Dylan had mentioned before I left him in the parking lot, I ordered lemonade and sat down to wait for Dr. Howell.