Deep Redemption

Vike tapped the tank of the chopper. “GPS. What a fuckin’ good stalkin’ invention.”

Ky’s chest bumped into mine. “One turn you shouldn’t make, any sign that you’ve jumped ship and joined your long-lost fuckin’ Manson family, and we’ll know about it.” His mouth went to my ear. “And then we’re comin’ for you, and your kiddie-fiddler brother.”

My jaw clenched. “I won’t fuck up,” I said. “I want those people saved. And I want all the other fuckers dead. And Judah . . . ” I forced the words from my mouth. “You get him. As promised.”

Styx clapped Ky on the shoulder. Ky moved aside, and Styx signed, “AK decided to give you a four-hour head start to get your part in this done. We’ll be right on your heels to come do ours. That entrance better be open like you said, and if there’s anyone in our way—kid, bitch or dick—we’ll fuckin’ mow ‘em down. Got it?”

I nodded my head. Styx stayed planted in front of me for several seconds, fucking eyeballing me to push home his point. I glared back. The prez smirked, then stepped out of my way.

I threw my leg over the chopper’s saddle. It took about two minutes for muscle memory to return and find my seat. I slid the keys into the ignition. As the engine roared to life, I noticed Bull up ahead on his Harley.

“Bull will drive you out to make sure there’s no fuckin’ detour. Then you’re on your own until we arrive,” Styx signed. “Don’t fuck up.”

Nodding, I revved the engine. Bull pulled out onto the narrow graveled road that led from the barn to the clubhouse. As the chopper cruised along the path, I focused on the task ahead.

In a matter of hours, it’d all be done.

I ignored the pit that was caving in my stomach. I had about an hour’s ride until the shit hit the fan. I intended on just riding. Nothing was simpler than when it was just me and the open road.

I’d forgotten all this, how good this freedom felt, when I became the prophet. But I made a promise to myself to never forget it ever again.

*****

When I arrived at the fence, I felt nothing but relief. The wire had been cut as planned—Samson and Solomon had done their job. This fence was at the opposite end of the commune to the one we had escaped from yesterday. Just in case.

I slid through the fence and began tracking my way through the trees. With every step my heart pounded harder and harder. I willed myself to keep going, picturing Bella’s face in my mind.

This has to be done, I told myself. My feet faltered when I thought of yesterday. When, as Judah was tied up, knocked out from my punch, we had managed the switch . . .

*****

Yesterday . . .

“You ready?”

I nodded at Solomon and took in a deep breath. Harmony had just been taken away for her wedding preparations. When Sarai had come to collect her, it had taken all of my willpower not to jump from my cell and slit the bitch’s throat.

But what haunted me most was the sadness in Harmony’s eyes as she left my cell. I hadn’t been able to comfort her. I was too wired. I needed to make this plan work. I had to be the one to meet her at the altar. I couldn’t let her be under Judah’s hand—no cause was worth that.

Solomon left the cell, and I sat down. And I waited. There wasn’t anything inside me that doubted Judah would come. I wasn’t stupid enough to think it was out of love. Judah would come here for his own selfish pride.

He’d come to celebrate his victory of breaking me . . . then I’d take him down.

Brother Stephen appeared at the doorway, a cloth in his hand. “Are you ready?” he asked.

I nodded. “You have the chloroform?”

“Yes,” he replied and held up the white rag. I had been amazed at what the defectors had managed to smuggle in from Puerto Rico. “Cain . . . maybe it is best if we . . . take him out now . . . permanently.”

His suggestion immediately filled me with such emotion I could barely breathe. I shook my head. “If we want the Hangmen onside, we need to keep him alive. He is the leverage. Believe me, there are more than just us who want him dead.” Inhaling, I said, “Keep him sedated. Make sure he looks like me. I will convince the Hangmen to return before the four days of the celestial cleansing are over. No one should look for him in that time. And I can come back in and free the people. I will assure the guards and people that I have exorcised the devil from Harmony in record time and that she is resting. They’ll be too blinded by my success to doubt me . . . at least for the time we will need for everything to work.” I sighed. “I will order the people to the far side of the commune, where they will be safe. I will gather the guards and elders somewhere the Hangmen can find them.” My jaw clenched. “Then I will hand Judah to them too. They will take it from there.”

Brother Stephen nodded.

“Are you sure you all want to do this?” I asked. “It’s risky. So many things could go wrong. Are you prepared for the punishment that could fall on you if we fail?”

“I am ready. I am ready to die if that should happen too.” He gave me a watery smile. “I have failed my daughters too many times to count. I will not fail this time.”

“And Sister Ruth?” I said. Something flashed behind Brother Stephen’s eyes at the question “She has her reasons to fight too. She is ready for whatever the stars have planned for us.”

I heard the sound of people approaching outside. Brother Stephen met my eyes, silently wishing me luck. He shut the door, and I moved to the corner of the room. I waited.

The door burst open and, without looking up, I could sense it was my brother. Slowly, I lifted my head. Judah glared at me through narrowed eyes, his arms crossed over his chest. He was dressed in his wedding tunic. I was relieved. So far the plan was working.

“Judah,” I whispered, ensuring my voice was raw and vulnerable. “Thank you for coming.”

Judah didn’t say anything at first. When I shifted to my knees, Judah staggered back. But I kept my head down and gradually lifted my hand. This was how our scholar had always told us to greet my uncle. It showed his supremacy over us all.

Our submission.

A long breath escaped Judah’s mouth. I almost screamed as I recognized that sound of victory. I had told Judah so many times in our lives that he let his pride blur his vision, govern his choices.