Surrounded by Darkness

by Rachel Dylan

  Layton carefully considered his options. “I need to put some thought into how to play this. Stacey is young and experimental. If we pull the reins too hard, she may cut and run—and I can’t allow that to happen. Maybe we let this simmer and see how it develops before taking any action. What all do you know about this Eliza woman?”

  “Thirty years old, single, lives alone. She works from home doing IT consulting. She has a degree in computer science, so she’s high tech.”

  “Not your everyday witch, huh?” He laughed.

  “Layton, I don’t know if you’re taking this seriously enough.”

  “What’s your concern?” he asked.

  “Stacey will end up thinking the Wiccan way is more compatible with her underlying belief system.”

  He disagreed. “That’s where I think you have it wrong. Stacey’s highly ambitious. The Wiccans are too egalitarian for her. She wants to be in charge. Their touchy-feely stuff won’t be enough for her.”

  Morena leaned back in her chair and stared out the window. “Maybe you’re right. I just have a bad feeling about it.”

  “Remember, she’s made her decision. She’s given her life to the Prince of Darkness. He won’t just let her go. I’m not totally opposed to the presence of the Wiccans in Windy Ridge. They’re the perfect gateway drug. People think they’re practicing harmless spells, and before you know it, bam, they’ve opened the door. And once that door is open, then all bets are off.”

  “What we can’t have is them taking our people,” Morena said in defiance.

  “Of course not, but why don’t we turn the tables and try to recruit theirs? Maybe Stacey would even be the perfect vehicle to make that happen. Let her get ingrained and then use her in that way.”

  “That’s if she’s on board,” Morena replied.

  “And I’m telling you that she won’t have a choice. There’s no turning back for her—or for us, for that matter.” Stacey wasn’t going anywhere.

  “I know that,” Morena said flatly. “I’m telling you I have a bad feeling about all of this.”

  He reached out and took her hand. “I trust your instincts. Keep a close eye on her and provide me with updates. I will intervene if needed. I’m trying to find a way to turn this into a positive for us.”

  “I get that.” Morena took a breath. “Have you seen or heard anything from Nina Marie?”

  “Not a peep. She’s pretty much a recluse these days. I still think she’s trying to recover—not only physically but mentally.”

  “And you’re okay with that?”

  He actually was. “She’s not a player anymore. Let her rot for all I care.”

  Morena looked at him. “I’m surprised you’re able to let her go.”

  He chuckled. “Me too, Morena. But I’m doing it. Believe me, if I felt she were still any type of threat, I’d finish the job, but she’s nothing.”

  Morena didn’t respond.

  “You seem skeptical.”

  Morena nodded. “Once again, just a feeling, but maybe I’m paranoid all the way around.”

  “A bit of paranoia is good. Keeps us focused on the mission.”

  “If you say so.”

  “Morena, I get the sense that something else is wrong with you. You know you can talk to me about anything.” And he meant that. Morena was probably one of the people he was closest to in this world. He had a fondness for her and didn’t want her to be troubled.

  “Like I said, I keep having bad gut feelings about too many things. I don’t think it’s a fluke or coincidence. I think something dangerous is coming down the pike. I just don’t know what or who.”

  “All the more reason to keep close tabs on Olivia and make sure that she won’t start causing trouble for us.” He still thought Morena was holding back, but he wasn’t going to push her right now. They had bigger battles to fight.

  Olivia sat with a woman named Hope who had just shared her story of abuse. Olivia thought she was fully prepared for this type of legal work, but Hope’s story had gotten to her.

  Thankfully, Jess jumped right in and was able to connect with Hope and get even more information. The twenty-year-old, pregnant woman was in a very abusive relationship with her boyfriend. Hope was afraid for her life and the life of the baby.

  “We’ve teamed up with the women’s crisis center in town. I’m going to make a call and see if we can secure temporary housing there to get you out of your boyfriend’s apartment.”

  Hope’s pale hands shook. “He’ll kill me.”

  Olivia believed those words. “That’s why we have to get you out. Because eventually, he will kill you or the baby or both. If not in the short term, then in the long one.”

  “I meant he’ll kill me if I leave. He’ll hunt me down.”

  Jess took Hope’s hand. “We’re going to get a restraining order.”

  Hope sniffled. “You really think Bobby cares about the law? He’s already an ex-con. He wouldn’t think twice about it. It’s like when he’s angry, he turns into a raging monster.”

  “Given that the baby will be here in the next two months, have you thought about getting out of town? Starting over. Getting a fresh start for you and the baby?” Jess asked.

  Hope nodded. “Yeah, but that takes money. Money I don’t have.”

  Olivia’s heart was tied up in knots over this situation. “We’ll take it one step at a time and file for the order of protection while also getting with the women’s center to see if they can provide temporary housing.”

  “And what’s the order of protection again?” Hope asked.

  “It’s the court order that will say he can’t get near you. If he does violate it, we can take further legal action against him.”

  “If I’m still alive then,” Hope mumbled.

  Olivia needed to motivate this woman. “Hope, you have to be strong for the baby. You’re a smart and brave woman. You’ve come this far, and the fact you came here today says a lot. We’re not going to leave you high and dry.”

  The tears started to flow down Hope’s face. “No one has ever treated me this nicely before. I don’t even know how to handle it or how I could ever repay you.”

  “A simple thank you is all we need. Jess, why don’t you get Hope something to drink and wait in the reception area while I make some phone calls?”

  “Of course.” Jess ushered Hope out of Olivia’s office and shut the door.

  Olivia spent the next twenty minutes on the phone with the women’s center, but they had no vacancies at the moment. The person who worked there thought they could get Hope in next week, but that left her homeless until then. She reserved Hope a spot for a week out and ended the call.

  Lord, I’ve got to help this woman.

  She picked up the phone and called Dan.

  “Hey, Olivia.”

  “I need the church’s help.” She explained the entire story and waited for him to respond.

  “I’m sure one of our members could house her for the next week. Let me make some phone calls, and I’ll get back to you. I have two people in mind at the top of my list. Older women who live alone but who have plenty of room for a guest.”

  An hour later, Olivia took a deep breath and walked back into the reception area where she found Hope and Jess.

  “Okay. Here’s the deal. I’ve got you down for temporary housing at the women’s center starting next week.”

  Before she could finish Hope stood up. “But what about now? I can’t wait a week.”

  Olivia placed her hand on Hope’s shoulder. “I know. I reached out to my church and made arrangements for you to stay with a woman named Beth. She’s in her sixties, lives alone, and has plenty of room for you. I talked to her personally, and she’s more than happy for you to stay with her. Free of charge, of course.”

  “Really?” Hope asked. “Are you serious? Why would she do that?”

  “Because I told her you needed the help. I didn’t provide details beyond telling her you were expecting.”

&n
bsp; Jess frowned but didn’t say a word. Olivia was glad Jess was able to keep her thoughts about the church quiet for now.

  “I’ll take you over to her place whenever you’re ready. Then we’ll get started right away on the legal documents.”

  Hope threw her arms around Olivia in an unexpected hug. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “Just knowing you’ll be safe is enough for me. Let me know when you’re ready.”

  “I’ll run to the restroom, and then I’m good.” Hope went down the hall to the restroom, and Jess turned to Olivia.

  “I thought you said this wasn’t going to be a religious mission on your part. If this is how you’re going to operate, then I don’t think I can be a part of it.”

  “Whoa, back up. Hope needed a place to stay. The center wasn’t an option. I did what I had to do. Beth isn’t going to push her beliefs on Hope.”

  Jess huffed. “Yeah, whatever you say.”

  “And for that matter, you don’t even know what Hope’s views are on the topic.”

  Jess shrugged. “I guess, but it seems like an awfully convenient thing for you to do.”

  Olivia was a bit taken aback by Jess’s strong response. “We will finish this conversation later, but I have no doubt I did the best thing here given the situation. A safe place for Hope is all I’m looking for here. If you can’t get on board, then I suggest you quit now.”

  Hope walked back into the room. “I’m ready.”

  “Great.” Olivia turned toward Jess. “Please start working on the order of protection. That is, if you’re staying?”

  “I’m on it.” Jess walked to her office and shut the door.

  “I didn’t cause any problem between you two, did I?” Hope asked.

  “No. Don’t worry about that. You’re going to love Beth. She’s a very sweet woman.”

  As Olivia escorted Hope out, she couldn’t help but wonder if God had a bigger purpose for her legal clinic.

  Morena had invited Stacey over for dessert and coffee. In Stacey’s mind that meant Morena had something to talk to her about. She just wasn’t sure what.

  “Thanks for coming over tonight, Stace. I know you’re juggling a lot right now.”

  “I’ll always make time for you if you say you need to talk. You sounded kinda serious on the phone.” Stacey prepared herself for whatever Morena had on her mind.

  Morena lifted the ivory coffee cup to her pink lips. “I do think it’s serious, but it doesn’t have to escalate further. I wanted to have a heart to heart about something.”

  “I’m game.”

  “I know you’ve been spending some time with the Wiccans.”

  “Oh.” So that’s what this was all about. “It’s not what you think. You don’t have to worry about them polluting my thoughts.”

  “The thing is I do worry, Stace, and so does Layton. We want you to be able to explore and grow, but to do it with all the facts. I can’t be sure what kind of thinking Eliza and her group of witches adhere to, but I know it’s not exactly in line with our beliefs at Optimism.”

  Stacey took a bite of the chocolate pie before responding. “I’m glad you came to me because I want to share some things with you.” Stacey recounted what had happened at Eliza’s and the follow-up visit. “Eliza was completely freaked out. I think she’s better now, but I don’t think she realizes what she’s doing.”

  Morena nodded. “I’ve talked to Layton and, ideally, we’d like to see if we could convince any of the Wiccans to start practicing our ways. They all have an interest in the spirit world and magic or they wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing.”

  “Yeah, it’s a bit more complicated than that. They don’t want true power and control and won’t use their spells for any evil purpose. They’re living in la-la land, if you ask me. I actually thought Eliza might be a fraud, but she does have some magical abilities. I’m the one who was able to show her what true power looks like.”

  Morena dabbed her lips with her napkin. “I’m glad Eliza saw that because I think we can use it to our advantage.”

  “I think it scared her half to death,” Stacey said.

  “She needs to realize that once she starts doing magic, it’s all associated with the evil one. It’s just a matter of whether she’s going to let it spiral out of control or whether she will harness it for certain purposes.”

  “You think I could convince her to join us?” Stacey wasn’t sure that was possible—or even a good idea.

  “I’d love for you to try,” Morena said.

  She needed to level set Morena’s expectations. “Like I said, right now she’s spooked. She might even be too afraid to practice any magic.”

  Morena took another sip of tea. “Their numbers are growing. I’ve been doing some research, and they have about fifty active members right now. A year ago, it was less than ten.”

  “They’re not a threat to us.” Stacey didn’t see how they could be.

  “Not a direct threat, but if they pull our people away, that’s a problem. Their kinder, gentler message appeals to some. We need to bring their members in, not the other way around.”

  Stacey understood the problem. “I can talk to Eliza, but I don’t know if she will budge.”

  “Just invite her to our next party at Layton’s. She’ll see we’re not a bunch of blood-guzzling animal sacrificers.”

  Stacey had participated in Optimism’s special ceremonies before, but it was with a select few VIPs behind closed doors. The general membership didn’t engage in the most hard-core of activities. “I get it.”

  “Good. More pie?” Morena asked.

  Stacey laughed. “You’d have to roll me out of here. I’m good. It was delicious.”

  “Thanks. I love baking. One of my stress relievers.”

  “Why are you stressed?” Stacey asked.

  Morena looked up at her. “I can’t shake the feeling we’re about to be hit by something big.”

  “Whatever it is, we’re strong enough to handle it.” Stacey was ready for a fight.

  Chapter Eight

  Nina Marie walked into church, her stomach a knot of nerves. She had to get over this fear of church. That was one place, Pastor Dan had told her, where she shouldn’t be afraid.

  When Dan had called her about volunteering, she decided to say yes. She still hadn’t figured out her next career move. Since she left her company, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. Thankfully, she’d saved more than enough money over the years, so she could take her time and find something to do that helped people. She was learning she’d been doing life in a completely backwards way. At least her eyes were now open.

  She let out a breath when she saw Pastor Dan in the hallway.

  “Nina Marie, so glad you could come to help.” He gave her a quick hug.

  “Where do you want me?”

  “We’re in the rec room. Follow me.”

  Nina Marie walked with him past the main sanctuary and into the rec room. She wasn’t sure what this volunteer opportunity would include, but Pastor Dan had promised it wouldn’t be too taxing. She was still getting her strength back.

  There were a few volunteers and many different huge piles of clothing. “Wow,” she said. “Are these donations?”

  “Yes. This is our clothing drive. We need to go through everything, sort it, and then pack it up to get it to the right people who need it.”

  This she could handle, right? How hard would it be to sort clothes?

  Dan stepped forward. “Everyone, this is Nina Marie. She’s here to help.”

  She made eye contact with the few other women and one man and held her breath waiting for the worst, but it didn’t come. They smiled and welcomed her.

  “Let me know where to start and how I can help.” She smiled too, trying to be upbeat even though inside she was still nervous.

  “Over here. You can help with our teen clothing,” one woman said. “I’m Annie.”

  “Thank you.”

>   Annie proceeded to show her their system, and they made small talk for the next thirty minutes. That’s when Annie turned toward her. “Can I ask you something?”

  Annie had been so nice that she felt like it was okay to say yes. “Sure.”

  “You used to be a member of Optimism, right?”

  Nina Marie shook her head. “No. But I was a member of Astral Tech, their competitor, and I was CEO of the company.”

  Annie’s hazel eyes widened. “Do you mind if I ask how you ended up here?”

  Nina Marie couldn’t blame her for being curious. “Believe me, I never thought I’d be here. I used to despise the church, the people, everything it stood for, but the Lord stepped into my life in a big way. I left that old life, and here I am. That’s obviously the short version of the story.”

  Annie smiled. “You hear about these amazing transformations or testimonies, but I haven’t ever met anyone who has a story like you. Have you considered sharing your whole story with the congregation?”

  Nina Marie almost choked. “You mean like talking up in front of everyone?”

  Annie nodded. “Yes!” Her eyes sparkled. “I’d love to hear your full story, and I think it could make a big impact on our members. This town has been infiltrated by forces of darkness. The occult runs rampant. We need to know we can withstand them and fight another day. You are the epitome of that story.”

  “It’s not me. It’s God.”

  “Even more important that you tell your story then. I think it could really touch and uplift our members. From the moment a person moves into this town, they know it’s different here. And for those of us who have stayed and call this home, we have a battle to fight. I don’t know why it’s happening in this town, but I can feel the spirit of the living God in you, Nina Marie. He has changed you—I think your testimony is what this church needs right now.”

  Nina Marie folded clothes but didn’t say a word. She was rendered speechless for a few moments. “I know this is going to sound strange. I used to talk in front of crowds all the time for work, and I had no problem with it, but this idea terrifies me.”