Fear the Wicked (Illusions Series Book 2)(27)

ELIJAH


The family had filled the bench seats of the room I called our sanctuary. With the windows sealed shut and blackened by paint, the only illumination inside was the warm glow of overhead bulbs, the yellow cast light that brightened the interior just enough to chase away the shadows. Standing near the door, I waited for my special guest, unconcerned about how the night would play out. Eve was tucked away in her special box and before long she'd have a friend to keep her company.

I knew Richard well enough to know he wouldn't fail in the task I'd given, and I'd be a liar to say I wasn't excited to see the results of our actions against the man we'd brought to the compound.

Just as that thought was flitting through my head, the honored guest of the evening stepped inside. I caught his gaze immediately and used a practiced smile to set him quickly at ease.

"Mr. Holmes," I crooned lazily as I extended a hand in greeting.

Gripping my hand, he smiled hesitantly. "Gentry, please. There's no need to be formal."

"Of course not," I answered, giving him time to scan his eyes around the sanctuary, to take in the altar and religious symbols, the two large crosses at the back that appeared safe and assuring unless one knew what they were for. "I know the drive out here is a long one. Can I get you something to drink before the service begins? Tea, perhaps? Or water?"

Darting his gaze to mine, he nodded. "If you have a bottle of water, that would be appreciated."

"Stay here. I'll be back in a second."

I'd made it five steps before he called out to me. "Don't you need to prepare for the service? Why are you the one fetching water?"

Slowly spinning on my heel to face him, I grinned. "It's like you said, Gentry. There's no need for formality in this place. We are a family sheltered in God's light. This isn't like the Catholic service you're used to. You'll see what I mean soon."

Inclining his head, he returned to studying the room while I snuck into a side room. Pulling a bottle of water from a cooler, I slipped the cap off, added a powder that would help Gentry along on his journey. Not enough for him to notice the effects, but just enough to make him susceptible to suggestion. In truth, it wasn't really needed when considering what I had planned to show him, but it wouldn't hurt. I tightened the cap back on the bottle before stepping back out where he could see me. Once his eyes were locked to mine, I made it appear as if that moment was the first time I'd ever opened the bottle. Handing it to him, I waited patiently as he pulled down a long, deep swallow.

Pulling the rim from his lips, he wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand and said, "That's much better. Thank you. I didn't realize how long the drive would take until I'd actually made it."

"That's understandable. Most people don't even know this place exists, so once they learn of it, they are still somewhat unaware of how far back it was built."

Purposely setting him at ease, I turned my gaze to the family as they took their seats and settled in for my sermon. Most now attended the parish during Sunday Mass, but preferred the sermons I gave here only because I was free to be myself - I was free to speak of the army for God we were steadily building.

"What is this place, anyhow?" Gentry's voice drew my attention back to him.

Rolling back on my heels, I clasped my hands behind my back. It was the posture of a man at ease, a man with no secrets and nothing to hide - a man completely in opposition to me. "It's an old tuberculosis hospital." Seeing the concern in his eyes, I quickly added, "It hasn't been used for that purpose in decades. They were planning on tearing it down thirteen or so years ago, and I couldn't bear the thought of it. You'll have to come out during the day sometime soon and see what I've made of it. The gardens alone are impressive."

The mention of gardens drew his undivided attention. "What kind of gardens? Food or flowers?"

"Food," I answered casually, knowing that he'd want to see the progress of our crops. The weather hadn't been hospitable over the past year, which had led to the failing farmlands. But, I had secrets hidden up my sleeve when it came to maintaining our particular plot of land, secrets I wouldn't be sharing with Gentry. It was better if he believed God has graced this area more so than others. Especially, if I wanted him to believe that we had only deserved that grace based on our steadfast battle against evil.

The family were all seated, quietly conversing amongst themselves while waiting for me to begin. I didn't give Gentry the chance to inquire further into the gardens before lightly touching his shoulder to lead him to a seat. He swallowed down the rest of his water, drawing a smile from my lips.

"I need to begin the service, Gentry, but be sure to wait for me afterwards. I have some interesting issues I'd like to show you when we're done."

He cocked a brow, but took his seat regardless. The anxiety of his situation was still riding on his shoulders, and it would only be amplified by what I'd slipped in his drink. Before long, he'd be eating from my hand, begging for assistance as he promised to convince his Sheriff brother to join our cause.

The room grew quiet except for a few hushed whispers. Slowly making my way up the aisle, I didn't raise my eyes to the family until I was in place behind the altar. The room was completely silent by the time I lifted my eyes.