by Ellie Aiden
As I walk back to my room after the meeting is over and he’d given me everything I asked for, I think of all the ways I’m going to make Anna Cress suffer.
***
ANNA
It didn’t long for Luke to find me after I left lunch yesterday. I had found a spot under a large oak tree behind The Castle to sit and think. On the one hand, part of me wanted to be alone. On the other, I didn’t. Just knowing that Luke was there, even though neither of us spoke for the longest time, helped reassure me I would never be alone again. After at least an hour, he had done his best to console me, telling me absolutely nothing bad would happen at the council meeting. He’d also mentioned that the Osage were the wild card here, that they had been one of the violent groups at the last meeting, but that they had lost a lot of men since then, and they were ruled by a new Chief. A fact that had him believing things would be different this time.
As we had been about to get up and head back inside, Ash and Chase had shown up, shortly followed by Cody, Easton, and Tommy. The seven of us had ended up sitting in a circle, talking and laughing for the rest of the day. Brea had even had our dinner sent outside to us, and we’d continued talking late into the night.
Just after midnight, each of us had gradually made our way to bed, Ash, Chase, Luke, and I going up last. At the top of the stairs, Ash had pulled me in for a tight hug, whispering reassurances, and I’d tried to do the same for her.
This morning I found myself outback a half hour early, waiting on the General to show up for training. Now more than ever, I felt like this was important. We had been caught completely off guard when David showed up on our turf. Us being so far away from the compound, I think it gave us a false sense of safety, or at least that’s how I had felt. Never had I imagined that David would show up and attack us with the intention of dragging me back to the church. And why? Why do they care if I left? As much trouble as they think I’ve caused them, why not just let me leave?
For David, I think it’s personal. Within days of him taking over the security department, not only is the compound attacked, but my team stages an escape. I think he feels like that’s a direct negative reflection on him and his ability to do his job. He needs to bring me back to prove he’s capable. At least that’s what he wants the church to think, but I think an even bigger purpose is revenge. David wants revenge on me.
With my wondering thoughts, I hadn’t noticed the General appear through the back door, or him taking a seat next to me on the bench that has been my place for the last half hour. When he speaks, I nearly jump out of my skin.
“Lord Paul and his men just arrived, and it was reported that Dakota of the Osage would be here within the hour.” He stares out across the property, seeming lost in thought before he speaks again. “You’re worried about Luke, but that isn’t the thing you should be focused on.”
I turn to him surprised by his words. What could be more worrisome than a council meeting turned blood bath?
Seeing the look on my face he adds, “The last meeting of the council was nothing like this one. For starters, every lord and leader across the country was called in. Granted, only eight showed, but most of those didn’t have a vested interest in the issue. The rogue gang was attacking an area that really only affected Diablo and the Titans, possibly Osage, but not really. The other leaders didn’t care what was happening in someone else’s territory. They were just trying to take care of and rebuild their own.” Turning to me, his eyes are filled with knowledge and compassion, so when he speaks again, I truly listen. “The fact that it didn’t affect them made it easy to look away and try to make it about other things. That’s what caused all the fighting. This is different, Anna. Things are different now. Every leader, every gang, tribe, republic whatever, they are all affected by the church. It’s a common interest. They’ll want to work together.”
Standing, he steps away from me seeing Cody and Chase step through the back door, and then he turns and adds one more thing, “The council meeting won’t end in blood shed, you don’t have to worry about Luke or the other leaders. You need to focus on the church.” Pausing once more, he begins walking to our training area before bellowing over his shoulder, “Now, get your ass up. It’s time to train.”
I can’t help the laugh that slips out as I shake my head and make my way over. I have a feeling this man may be the death of me today.
***
ANNA
I was right. I’m dead. The General had trained us harder than ever before. Almost as if the fight the other night, seeing what was done to Ash, lit a fire under his ass, and he wanted to do the same to us. Chase had puked twice during training. Once after the five mile run we endured, and then again half way through the two-hundred up downs the General ordered us to complete. I’m not really sure how I had managed to keep the contents of my stomach in place, other than to say it was a miracle.
Two hours into training, we had finally started sparring. Me against the General, and Chase and Cody up against each other. As the only girl going through training, I can’t understand why anyone would think it was a good idea to put me up against the biggest man I have ever seen. Seriously, I am one-hundred percent certain, any rumors about Big Foot, were actually about the General. Big Foot is real, and his name is Rob McNeal.
Thirty minutes before he had finally called an end to training for the day, I noticed two men I didn’t recognize watching closely from the back of The Castle. And that had been a mistake. I had taken my eyes off my opponent, a big no-no, and the General had charged me, flipping me over his shoulder and ending with me landing too hard on my back. The wind had been knocked out of me hard enough that I saw Luke jump to his feet, his eyes filled with concern. I had waived him off, after all, I didn’t want to look like a baby, but really I had wanted him to kick the General’s ass. You know, just a little.
When training had ended, we’d headed back to our rooms, Luke whispering about the two strangers observing our sparring session. It had been Lord Paul and Dakota, both here staying in rooms in the refinished basement. Whoever those rooms actually belong to would stay elsewhere until Mateo’s guests left. Luke had said there was still no word from the Republic, but that it didn’t really matter. They could take down my compound without their help. Or I guess it’s not really my compound anymore. I have nothing left there that I care about. My family and friends are here with me. The only person still inside those walls that matters to any of us is Andy, Chase’s cousin, and Andy’s wife. Cody and Ash arrived at the compound alone, and Chase’s mother died during childbirth inside the compound. He doesn’t even know who his father is. So that leaves me with no ties to the church. No reason to go back. No reason not to destroy everything The Way stands for.
chapter 13 - Parlay It Is
ANNA
I woke up this morning filled with dread. I know the General and Luke both said there was nothing to worry about with the council meeting, that everything would go smoothly, and that it wouldn’t end in Luke or anyone else getting hurt, but nothing they said makes me feel better. Waking up and knowing Saturday is finally here, and in just two hours Luke, Mateo, and the others will be walking into a meeting with a bunch of men I don’t know, is terrifying. What’s even more terrifying is that I won’t be allowed in the meeting with them. I’ll have to stay back at The Castle and wait.
Yesterday afternoon I had watched as several men set up a large enclosed tent in the field behind The Castle. Last night, Ash and I snuck out and got a peek inside. We saw several long wooden tables pushed together to make one long table, and it had been covered with several black table clothes. On one edge was another row of tables, lined with trays and other serving dishes, that would most likely be filled with food and drink for everyone in attendance. In each corner of the tent stood black metal lights, with a lamp post feel, and each was connected by long orange cords for power. It wasn’t really as exciting as Ash and I had anticipated. Just an ordinary meeting room, only outside.
Ash and I had discussed searc
hing The Castle for a recording device so we could at least listen to it later, but we knew that was silly. Luke would tell us everything that happened when it was over, so there was really no point in doing that.
I had already been up for hours when breakfast was served on the back patio, where tables and chairs had been set up to accommodate the large increase in guests. Everyone was laughing and joking while Lord Paul told a story about Mateo’s uncle from back in the day. As for me, my heart just wasn’t in it. Not only was I stressed about what could happen once this meeting started, I also didn’t understand the need for all this pomp and circumstance. We knew what we were all here for. We knew what needed to be done. So why can’t we just cut to the chase with everyone involved present, instead of isolating a few people in a tent in a field while following some antiquated guidelines. The whole thing seems stupid to me.
At least they seem to be getting along over breakfast. So there was that, but I still found the whole thing ridiculous. While everyone joked around, people were suffering. Not just inside the church but outside too. Their people were suffering at the church’s hand while they sat here enjoying their bacon and eggs, dragging this out even further.
And those thoughts led to my unprovoked outburst. “Stop!” I stand abruptly, knocking my chair over in my haste, and every head turns to me. Scanning each face, I see various expressions ranging from shocked, to concerned, to anger, and everything in between. But I don’t care about any of that. I’m done with this, and even if they don’t want to, I plan to make them listen, even if for only a minute.
“Stop.” I repeat much more calmly. “Listen, I’m not trying to shame you, but while you sit here laughing and joking, telling stories of the old days, people are out there suffering. The church is doing horrible things to people as we speak, and you aren’t doing a damn thing about it.” I stop to take a breath and before I can continue, Mateo speaks out.
“Anna, we are doing something about it. That’s why we’re here. That’s why I called a meeting of the council. Listen, I know…”
Before he can finish I cut him off. “No, you listen.” Judging by the look on his face my outburst offended him, hurt his feelings, so I decide to tone it down, but only a little. “Listen, Mateo you know how much I appreciate and respect you. I’m not trying to be rude.” I see Lord Paul lean over to Easton asking who I am as Easton whispers an explanation but I trudge on. “I don’t understand the need for secrecy. This isn’t a true council meeting, only three leaders are even here. Everyone here wants to see the bad aspects of the Church of The Way destroyed. So instead of following guidelines,” I say, putting quotation marks around the last word, “how about we all work together. Instead of laughing and joking over breakfast, how about we spend this time planning how we go about doing this? Every person at this table has a vested interest in taking down the church.” Sucking in a deep breath I look to Ash, studying her features. She looks proud, and that gives me the confidence I need to finish this, but before I can I’m interrupted by Lord Paul.
“Young lady, I understand this may affect you differently than it does the rest of us, but…”
With a smile, I beg him to let me finish, “It does, but Lord Paul please, just let me finish, and then if you don’t agree, fine.” Siting back in his seat, he nods. “Do you see that girl down there?” I nod my head at Lord Paul and Dakota before pointing to Ash as she waves. “That’s my best friend Ash Booker. It’s been a few days, so she’s healed quite a bit, but do you see her face? Do you see the gash, the cuts, the bruises?” Turning, I look to each of the leaders faces before going on. “They did that to her. The church did that to her. And the physical stuff, the stuff you can see, well, that’s nothing compared to things you can’t. I won’t give you the gory details because that’s not my place but…”
Before I can finish Ash stands from her seat. At first I think she’s mad at me for drawing attention to her like this, for calling her out, but when she speaks it’s clear that isn’t the case. “Each compound has an elder over the security department. At ours, well at the one closest to here, that was Elder Jacobs. He molested me,” and then pausing to look at me she adds, “he molested both of us as punishment. No telling how many other girls he did that to over the years, but then he died and was replaced by David.” She shutters when she says his name, a chill going up my own spine. “David is the one that attacked near here the other night. I’d been his prisoner for the last couple weeks. He…he kept me bound and gagged in his guest room most of that time.”
She stops as a tear tracks down her cheek, and I look around realizing everyone seems uncomfortable, especially each of the leaders at the table. Oh yeah? Well too bad. I hope your uncomfortable. How uncomfortable do you think Ash was when he was abusing here? How uncomfortable do you think she is now, replaying her story for complete strangers just so maybe you will listen.
Chase reaches up whispering that she doesn’t have to do this, but she shakes her head, clearing her throat and finishing. “What Anna said is true. The physical stuff you can see, that’s nothing. In fact, I wish that was all that happened. I prayed he would only beat me or cut me, but that wasn’t the case. David did everything short of raping me, and the only reason he didn’t cross that line is because there is enough good left in the Vater that if he had found out he would have banished David. David knew that, and I promise it is the only reason he didn’t cross that metaphorical line. He did awful things to me, but I’m alive, and I’m here. I want to see the church destroyed. Not for me, but for all the girls still stuck behind those walls, and not just at the Texas compound. If you think it’s only happening here your wrong. They are selling girls to the Vater at the west coast compound too. What do you think he does with those girls? He does what was done to me only worse, and I want him destroyed too.” She pauses, sucking in a breath and I think she’s done until she says, “So cut the crap! We don’t need a tent and some rigidly ruled meeting. We all want the same thing. So let’s do this.” And with that she plops back down in her chair, crossing her arms across her chest as she eyes everyone around the tables, daring them to contradict her.
I do the same, and I can tell Chase and Cody are also ready to defend her argument should it be necessary, as Dakota stands and waits to be recognized.
“The Osage, we respect our woman, and first and foremost, we condemn what’s happened to you, young one. My ancestors would return from beyond if I were to turn my back on what’s been done to you. After what you have been through, you have the right to be heard, a right to a seat at the table. The Osage will forgo the council guidelines.” Dakota’s eyes never leave Ash as he agrees to allow the meeting to include us all.
When he sits, Lord Paul stands in his place, and he too forgoes any such rules. When he’s done, Mateo follows suit.
After they are done and each take their seats, I feel a complete sense of accomplishment. I finally feel heard, and from the look on Ash’s face she feels the same way. But that was the easy part. Now we have to work together to come up with a plan. We have to find a way to work together to destroy everything the church stands for. Now the hard part begins.
***
ANNA
I want to gouge my eyes out, and when I’m done with that, my ears. It has been two days of non-stop talking in a circle. Every single person at the table wants to speak their piece about every aspect, and then by the time the last person speaks, we are brought full circle and it starts all over again.
Yesterday after Ash’s big impassioned speech we jumped right in, and at first it looked like things would go well. Ha, tell that to my eyes and ears. This could not be going any worse, unless of course someone had died or been gravely injured, but that is the only way it could be worse.
At one point or another, each of the leaders has gotten up and stormed off, only to return later, trying to jump back in where they left off. But they aren’t the only ones. I stomped off last night when Lord Paul said we have no proof or jurisdiction over t
he west coast compound. If we tried to invade the Redwood gang’s territory, even with good intentions, it could start a war we aren’t prepared to fight. So yeah, I stormed off and went to bed.
When I’d returned this morning, everyone was just sitting down from having at least slept a few hours, and guess what they were talking about. No proof. No jurisdiction. Ugh. I’m so over it.
Now, I’m pacing a few feet away from everyone, going over in my head what I could say to get us on the right track. We aren’t going to accomplish a damn thing if this keeps up, and if it does, we could still be sitting around this table six-months from now, no closer to taking down the church.
“What about what Ash said?”
Stopping in my tracks, I turn to face Lord Paul as Ash asks, “What did I say?”
“The first day at breakfast,” he starts, “when you said there is enough good left in Vater Harry.”
“Henry. Vater Henry,” I correct.
Lord Paul nods, and then elaborates. “Ash said there is still some good left in him. Enough that he wouldn’t tolerate rape. Maybe he chooses to ignore that girls are being sold, but rape is too far for him. I think she’s right. That means there is at least a shred of decency left in him. What if we use that to our advantage?”
“What are you getting at Paul?” Mateo asks, somewhat impatiently.
“Well, I mean…shit, I don’t know. I don’t know what I mean. But I just feel like somehow we can use that.” Lord Paul stands from his seat, pacing the length of the table and then looking back and forth between me and Ash. “There are a lot of innocents inside the compound, right?” Searching the faces, he nods before continuing. “Right. So, we don’t want innocents to suffer anymore. That’s the whole reason we’re doing this, but if we outright attack the compound, then isn’t that exactly what’s going to happen? Innocent people will be hurt, possibly killed.” He doesn’t continue, instead taking his seat back, elbows rested on the table, and hands clasped tightly together.
