I make my way upstairs and to my office quickly. I’m running a little behind schedule today, and I only have ten minutes to get to the council meeting. The very meeting that will hopefully confirm my status as Vater. If not, it doesn’t really matter to me, I already have a backup plan. If the vote doesn’t swing in my favor, then my men and I will take out every elder who votes against me, and I’ll take my place as head of the church by force.
After talking to Elder Thompson this morning over breakfast, I don’t think that will be necessary. He’d indicated he was confident we had the votes. All I know is he better hope we have the votes, otherwise he’ll be the first elder I take down, and I’ll make sure he suffers.
Grabbing a few papers off my desk and sneaking a quick swig of the moonshine hidden in my bottom desk drawer, I leave my office heading to the meeting room. When I arrive at the door leading into the room, Elder McGee meets me. He gives me an encouraging nod, and then the two of us enter the room one after the other. Looking around, I realize we’re the last two to arrive. That’s good, we can get this over with.
“Elders,” I bellow, grabbing everyone’s attention, “let us begin.
Each elder takes their place at the round white table, including myself, as Elder Thompson clears his throat. As the highest ranking elder, he’ll be the one to lead us today.
“Gentleman, as you know we will go around the table, and each of you will indicate a yes vote with a green paddle, and a no vote with a red paddle, with my vote last, and Elder David Taylor abstaining for obvious reasons. In addition, since Elder Berry is still missing, his vote will be an automatic yes, as is stipulated in the meeting rules. Any questions?” Looking around and seeing none, the vote begins. “Elder McGee.” Green paddle. “Elder Smith.” Red Paddle. “Elder Jameson.” Red Paddle. “Elder Cooper.” Green Paddle. “Elder Jackson.” Red Paddle. “Elder Jenkins.” Red Paddle. “Elder Clarke.” Green Paddle. “Elder Parker.” Green Paddle. With the final vote, Elder Thompson holds up a green paddle, and then claims, “The vote is in favor. It is my honor to introduce the head of the Church of The Way, Vater David Taylor.”
Making his way to me, he extends his hand to shake, and all I can think is there are four more people I need to get rid of. Four elders voting against me might not seem like a big deal to some, but that’s four men who might conspire against me in the future. There’s no way I can take that chance. I already have to deal with the fact Elder Berry is still missing. Brian has yet to find him, and he hasn’t returned to the compound. I have two men stationed in street clothes in Bonham to see if he’ll surface there, but so far there’s been no sign of the man.
After everyone has offered me congratulations, we sit down for my first orders as the new Vater. The issue of Mutter Vera has to be dealt with, but that isn’t the most pressing issue in my mind.
Clearing my throat, I begin, “Elders, my first request of the council is to rush my wedding to Tara Calloway.” With those words, at least two Elders begin objections, but I cut them off. “I understand that is unorthodox, however under the circumstances, I think it’s necessary. If you will, let me explain first, and then we can discuss it.” I take a moment to make eye contact with each person in the room, and when no one speaks out, I continue. “We will announce the Vater’s death tomorrow evening at service, as well as my new status. I assume we will also take that time to tell them Mutter Vera was also killed. Again, we can discuss that when I’m finished. With that said, this is a lot for the congregation to take. The death of both of their leaders, as well as a missing Elder, it’s a little much. They are losing a Vater and a Mutter. They both need to be replaced immediately. We have rightly taken care of one. I think under the circumstances, Tara and I can have a closed door ceremony tomorrow morning. That way the people will see exactly what they just lost, a Vater and a Mutter.”
Leaning back in my seat, I take a breath, giving everyone and myself a moment. No one speaks for some time, seeming to mull this idea over, and then it’s Elder Thompson who speaks first.
“That actually makes sense. What does everyone else think?” He asks, leaning across the table.
“Well, I would say if the girl is okay with a rushed ceremony then I don’t see what the issue is,” Elder McGee adds.
There is a chorus of agreement, followed by a few whispers. The only one who does not chime in is Elder Smith. That’s a pity, I really liked him. Too bad, he’ll be the first I do away with.
Once the room seems to be in agreement, Elder Thompson conducts the vote, and it’s all in favor with the exception of Elder Smith. After a few less important discussions, we decide to adjourn and table the Mutter Vera issue until after we see how the congregation takes all this news tomorrow night.
Now, all that’s left is to tell my bride.
chapter 18 - How Rude
DAVID
After yesterday’s vote, I had
