And then my legs collapse as Easton catches me.
I don’t have the strength to say anything else, but I do see the look that crosses the Vater’s face. He believes me, and I don’t think he’s okay with what David did. But he doesn’t say a word, the General with his imposing size and clenched fists ushering them out the front door.
chapter 16 - Mua-Ha-Ha
DAVID
That little bitch. I never even imagined she would bring up Ash Booker in the meeting. Although, I don’t know why that thought hadn’t crossed my mind. I guess I had been so focused on everything else, things that effected the livelihood of the church, that little insignificant thing didn’t seem important. That had been my mistake, it won’t happen again.
Then on top of that, for the Vater to say he didn’t condone stealing, and that it would be stopped immediately should he find their claims to be true, well that was a problem too. Maybe not as big as him knowing about mine and Tara’s little torture sessions, but a problem none the less.
I knew exactly what was about to happen. As soon as we got back to the compound a council meeting would be called, requesting an investigation into Anna’s claims about me and Ash Booker. Even though half the elders wouldn’t give two shits what I did or didn’t do to the girl, they would need to keep up appearances. Which means they’d have no choice but to vote against me. I’d be found guilty and cast out.
This wasn’t just about me though. This was about Tara too. Anna had told the Vater that Tara was there, that she watched and participated. They would put her on trial right alongside me, and there was no way I could let that happen to her. No way I could let that happen to either of us.
Then there was the matter of the other two elders in the meeting today. I had nothing to worry about with Elder Thompson, but Elder Berry was another question. I wasn’t certain where he stood in all this. On the one hand, I know he has never been involved in any of the side businesses some of the elders had going on, but that didn’t necessarily mean he would be against them. On the other hand, I find it very odd that he showed up today uninvited. Not to mention, I caught the man looking at Anna too many times during the meeting. I’m not sure what that means, but I have a bad feeling about it.
No, I think he will have to be dealt with too. Just maybe not as harshly as Vater Henry.
Coming to this realization as our group makes our way down the main road in town, I search out Elder Berry first. Looking to my right and then left, I don’t see him. I stop, turning to face the direction we’d come from, maybe he was just slower than the rest of us, but no. He isn’t further back either. Making a slow circle, I scan every visible inch of the main road. The man just disappeared. Vanished into thin air. Well, that answers that question. No matter, he can’t have gone far.
Seeking out Brian and making my way to where he stands, I lean into issue an order. “Find Elder Berry. Take him into custody discreetly, and then return him to the compound. No one can know he’s in your custody. I want to talk to him first. Do you understand?”
He nods his understanding and then turns, grabbing the attention of three of my men and ushering them back down the street.
Now to deal with the Vater.
***
ANNA
It’s only been moments since the Vater and elders left the hotel, and I have yet to move. Everyone else seems to be in nearly the same state, with the exception of Luke and the General. They have both been barking orders since the moment they left. I appreciate that. That Luke is able to keep it together when I’m not.
I notice he stops speaking to one of his men, catching my eye and then making his way to where I sit slumped over in my chair.
Squatting down in between my knees, he runs his finger down my cheek before clasping my hand in his. “Little Minx, are you okay? Can I get you anything?”
It hurts to breathe right now, but I suck in a breath anyway, leaning down pressing my forehead to his before whispering, “He believed me, Luke. He believed what I said about David and Ash, and he still just walked away.”
He squeezes my hand gently before pulling back and agreeing. “I think your right, Little Minx. I think he did believe it. But I think he couldn’t admit that in front of us. I actually believe out of all the things, that’s the only one he will do anything about. At least you can take comfort in that. And if they do cast David out, well, Little Minx, then he’s fair game.”
He smiles a genuine smile, and I think I see a twinkle in his eyes.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“He’ll be out here. He’ll no longer be protected by the church, by those walls. And the second that happens he’s ours. We’ll take him back and let Ash decide what happens to him.”
That’s the first thing that’s been said all day that’s made me happy. In fact, that thought actually makes me giddy as I let out an evil villain laugh, “Mua-ha-ha!”
Every head in the room turns to look at me, but I just shrug my shoulders and go back to being giddy.
Luke leans forward kissing me on the cheek, and then stands to bark more orders. I hear him tell Tommy to head to the alley across the street and keep an eye on everything, make sure they all leave. I
