Sweet Justice

by Christy Reece

  After she had been closed in for the night and all the overhead lights turned off, she had spent over an hour with her head under her pillow, whispering to Seth. Though she’d known he’d heard every word Pike had spouted, she’d described in detail everything she had seen. When Seth and LCR came in, they would know as much as she did.

  Yesterday had been enlightening, giving her and Seth an opportunity to see what they faced. During lunch at the dining hall, she’d noticed that there were only men at the tables. The occasional woman did pass by, but apparently only to see to a man’s needs. At first, a few curious looks had been thrown her way, but once the men saw Pike’s hand on her elbow, his possession clear, they quickly glanced away and never looked again. Not one person spoke to them.

  After lunch, they’d walked down the main road again. Pike had pointed out a small general store, a library he’d described as having only “the right kinds of books,” whatever the hell that meant, and a building he said housed their “healer.” When she’d inquired if the man was a licensed doctor, he’d frowned, saying, “That’s nothing to concern yourself with.”

  She’d seen several women on their walk, all of them dressed modestly in long corduroy dresses and with pleasant expressions on their faces. None of them seemed desperate or anxious to escape. In fact, they looked too damn happy. Their appearance had given her pause. Were some of them here because they wanted to be?

  When Pike had received a call on his cellphone he’d said he had to take, Honor had gotten an answer to her question. An answer that had left her chilled to the bone.

  Looking a bit put out at the unexpected interruption in their tour, Pike had glanced around and spotted two women sitting on a park bench at a small play area. Three young children were in front of them, having fun in the snow. He’d guided Honor to the women and said, “Sisters Sharon and Linda, would you two be so kind as to visit with our newest member while I take this call?”

  The women, both in their early twenties, had shot to their feet, their expressions of reverence sickening. Having Pike talk to them was apparently seen as a rare privilege. After he’d walked away, she’d soon learned why they’d acted enamored. For at least half an hour, Honor had listened while the women extolled Alden Pike’s virtues and how much they loved living in Tranquillity. When she’d asked where they were from, both had answered with wide-eyed sincerity and identical words: “We lived nowhere before Tranquillity.”

  By the time Pike had returned for her, she’d concluded that brainwashing was the only explanation. She’d seen no evil, no subterfuge in their answers. The women truly believed all the crap they’d told her because that’s what they’d been conditioned to believe.

  On the surface, if she’d known nothing else about this community, she could almost have convinced herself she was visiting some kind of extreme religious cult. Only problem was, she had seen beneath that surface. “Extreme” was a good word for this place, but whatever their belief system, God had no part in it.

  Last night at dinner, Pike had treated her with an odd, pseudorespect. He’d never touched her inappropriately or said anything overtly sexual … for which she was extremely grateful. The man’s attitude had been more that of a superior being condescending to spend time with an underling. Though repugnant, his narcissism had been reassuring. An ego that huge would never suspect an infiltration of his kingdom. She looked forward to showing the arrogant asshole how very fallible he was.

  By worldly standards, his home was upper-middle-class modest. Compared to the small houses of his followers, it was palatial. He made no attempt to hide the immense pride he felt in what he had accomplished. And though it was nauseating, she had to admit to being impressed with what he’d managed to get away with for so long. He had his very own kingdom, with people falling all over themselves to please him. Convincing one person to do something against their will could be difficult; doing that with dozens of people and being able to maintain that power and control was phenomenal. Scary as hell, too.

  A middle-aged blank-faced woman who never made a sound had served a surprisingly nutritious dinner of grilled trout, brown rice, and steamed vegetables. During their meal, Pike had asked her no questions, making it obvious that her past didn’t matter. No doubt because he intended for her to forget that past. Instead, he had continued his diatribe about the benefits of living in Tranquillity … a sales job she had pretended to buy.

  After showing her around his backyard, which included a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, along with a breathtaking view, Pike had escorted her back down the hill to her small cell. Before locking her inside, he’d given her another one of those smiles that creeped her out, along with a warning: “Training begins tomorrow. Remember all you’ve seen, especially tonight. The more cooperative you are with your training, the faster you’ll be able to enjoy all the luxuries I’m willing to give you.”

  What the hell that training would include, she didn’t know. She’d yet to see any of the girls they were looking for. A couple of times, she thought she’d glimpsed a familiar-looking face, but Honor wondered if that was wishful thinking on her part.

  She hadn’t been tied down last night, so apparently she had convinced him that she wasn’t a flight risk. That one blessing of not being restrained was severely diminished by what she’d found in the corner after she’d been locked in for the night: a plastic bucket. This was apparently for toilet purposes, since toilet paper had been placed beside the bucket. As much as she’d hated to use it, she’d had no choice. The act was demeaning, which was exactly what, she knew, it was meant to be. What else did he have in store?

  A sound outside alerted her that someone was coming. Was her “training” about to commence? Tense with equal parts anticipation and dread, Honor waited. A slot at the bottom of the door opened and a tray appeared. Instead of her training, breakfast had arrived.

  Honor stood and picked up the tray of cold cereal, milk, and hot tea. She didn’t hesitate to eat the meal. She’d already been drugged a couple of times. If Pike wanted her unconscious again, the sadistic Tabitha would likely be happy to jab another needle into her neck.

  Just as she took her first bite of cereal, a creaking sound caught her attention, alerting her that she was being given another surprise. Honor looked down at the slot and watched as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a glass of water appeared. So Pike encouraged good dental hygiene in his slaves. How thoughtful.

  Honor finished her cereal and tea and then retrieved the toothpaste and toothbrush. Resenting the inhumane treatment would do no good. She was sure he intended much worse. So she took a few moments to appreciate the small convenience and relished the feeling of a clean, fresh mouth.

  Breakfast and teeth cleaning out of the way, Honor sat down to wait. While eating her cereal, she’d noticed a minuscule black dot in a corner of the ceiling. Though she couldn’t get too close since she didn’t want Pike to think she was becoming suspicious, she was almost sure it was a camera.

  So instead of pacing around the room or looking for an escape, she sat on the bed and acted as if being held captive by some sort of maniac was just where she wanted to be. Sure, a normal person would have put up resistance, but so far, Pike seemed to be buying her act. If he thought she would be an easy one to “bring over” or whatever the hell he called it—maybe he’d let his guard down sooner.

  On edge to get this thing started, Honor stared hard at the solid steel door, willing it to open. Finally a sound outside had her attention. Was this it? The door opened and two women and a man entered. The tall, almost emaciated-looking man was in his mid-sixties, wore glasses, and had deep furrows on his forehead. He gave her a cold, clearly sadistic up-and-down glance. “Strip.”

  Honor stood. Playing this thing out was going to take every bit of the courage she had and then some. Noticing her hesitation, the women who’d come in with the man began to tug on her clothes. Jerking away from them, she snapped, “I can do it.”

  She took everything off, but she’d
fight them to the death before she removed her watch. Right now, that was her only connection with Seth and freedom. Damned if she’d give that up.

  Thankfully, no one seemed to care that she’d retained it. The man nodded at the bed. “Sit.”

  Honor sat down and watched in surprise as he withdrew a stethoscope from his pocket and approached her.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Nothing more than a physical exam. We like to make sure everyone in our community is well.”

  Several sarcastic responses came to mind, but Honor held them back. Staring straight ahead, she submitted to a humiliatingly thorough exam—one that included checking her teeth and gums.

  Half an hour later, the man stood back and gave a satisfactory nod. “You’re in excellent health. Brother Alden will be most pleased.”

  He turned and went out the door. The two women, who’d never said a word during the entire ordeal, followed him. One of them carried her clothes.

  “Wait. Let me have my clothes back.”

  As if they didn’t hear her, they closed the door behind themselves, and she heard the lock click again. Hell, what next?

  She didn’t have to wait long to find out. The lights went off, creating an inky blackness her eyes couldn’t penetrate. Then Alden Pike’s voice boomed into the room:

  “The time has come for you to learn our ways. You will memorize our mantra and recite it repeatedly until it is ingrained so deeply inside you that it is a part of who you are. The laws and mandates of Tranquillity will be your companion, your ally, and your security.

  “Welcome to your destiny.”

  Honor took a breath. Okay, so this was the true beginning of her indoctrination. Knowing she was strong enough to resist the insanity the bastard was about to enforce didn’t negate her dread. Though the room was dark, Honor closed her eyes and thought about Seth. About the last time they’d made love. Keeping him at the forefront, she knew without a doubt, she could survive whatever these monsters threw at her.

  Seth would be her light in the darkness.

  twenty-eight

  Pacing back and forth, every muscle screaming with tension, Seth listened to Alden Pike’s insane manifesto. As the man bellowed his beliefs, Seth pictured a naked, vulnerable Honor sitting in a small, cold room having to endure his teachings.

  He told himself she was a strong woman. Never had he known anyone more grounded or stable. He told himself she could withstand anything Pike could dish out. Seth believed that. What he was having trouble dealing with was listening as Honor endured.

  The information she had unearthed yesterday had been remarkably revealing, giving them insight into not only Pike’s twisted mind but also what his victims had been through. Had Kelli gone through the same thing? If so, how had she fared? She was twenty years old and still trying to find herself. What kind of effect would this maniac’s brainwashing have on a young, impressionable woman? He knew the answer to that question. The young women Honor had talked to yesterday had given a good indication of what Pike’s victims became. Was Kelli there yet? Would she be able to recover and return to the innocent young woman he remembered?

  Yesterday, Seth had done a thorough search of the area. Situated between two large hills, Tranquillity was a formidable fortress. The armed guards had changed shifts at midnight. And this morning, at eight sharp, they’d changed again. With LCR’s help, they should be easy to take out.

  McCall, Livingston, and Thorne would be here soon. The decision had been made for the rest of the team to wait a couple of miles away. When Honor signaled for them to come in, he and the three men would go in as quietly as possible. Any other way could get someone killed.

  After listening to the tour Honor had been subjected to, he’d called McCall again. Learning that many, if not all of the women had been abducted wasn’t that big of a surprise. And it didn’t surprise him that several of those women were pregnant or that there were children in the community. It did ramp up his concern, though. As much as he’d like to go in like gangbusters with the strength of dozens of LCR operatives behind him, the risk was too great. Silent stealth was the only way to ensure the safety of the innocents.

  The light crunch of leaves had Seth whirling around. McCall, Thorne, and Livingston stood about five yards behind him. Hell, either he was getting rusty or these men could move in like fog. All three were dressed in full camouflage, and their serious, determined faces reflected Seth’s own feelings.

  “What’s happened?” McCall asked.

  “You bring a radio receiver?”

  Dropping a bag to the ground, McCall nodded. “Yeah, it’s designed to pick up Honor’s mic.”

  “Get it out. Honor’s training has begun.”

  The grim expression on McCall’s face echoed Seth’s terse words. Retrieving the radio, he adjusted the setting, and soon all four men were listening to Pike’s tirade.

  Noah propped the radio against a rock, and the men began to unpack their gear. McCall cast an approving eye at the weapons lying on a sheet of canvas—weapons Seth had checked and rechecked, all in an effort to keep himself busy. “Looks like you came prepared. We’ll have plenty of firepower. Doubt we’ll be able to use much.”

  Seth gave a grim nod.

  Pulling his backpack from his shoulders, McCall said, “Any new information?”

  “Not really. Breakfast was delivered to her this morning, and then some man I think Pike calls ‘the healer’ gave her a physical examination. The man said Pike would be happy about her physical health. It’s clear the bastard intends to keep her for himself.”

  “And still no sounds indicating that the other girls are there?” Livingston asked.

  “Not yet. She’s in a place with several small rooms, so they could be there and unconscious.” Seth shrugged. “Or they might be in another building.”

  “So what’s the plan?” Thorne asked. “We going in?”

  McCall shook his head. “We wait. There’s no point in going in until we know exactly where the girls are. If anyone gets the idea that Honor isn’t one of their victims, we’ll be placing her and the others in even more danger.”

  As much as he hated this plan, Seth had to agree.

  “Honor will alert us as soon as she sees one of the girls.”

  “What if she doesn’t see anyone?” Thorne said.

  That was the easiest answer of all. “We go in and save Honor.”

  “How long do we wait?”

  “We play it by ear,” McCall said. “Let Honor make the call. If she’s in danger or can’t handle this part of the training anymore, she’ll let us know.”

  “Any idea what other kind of training this guy was talking about?” Livingston asked.

  Seth shook his head. He didn’t want to speculate out loud, but he’d spent a sleepless night thinking about just that. Anticipating what a sadistic psycho would do was difficult.

  The men fell silent, listening as Pike continued his insane ravings. Had the volume been turned up? It seemed the man’s voice had gotten louder and harsher. Though he had seen Pike only from a distance when the man had carried an unconscious Honor to the Hummer, Seth could imagine the bastard standing before a microphone, his eyes gleaming with an unholy excitement, spittle on his lips … maybe even standing and pacing as his disturbed brain issued its rules and regulations to his “people.”

  His gut twisting into knots, Seth turned away from the too shrewd eyes of the LCR men. Though Honor couldn’t hear him, he closed his eyes and spoke softly to her anyway: “Be strong, sweetheart.”

  “Father, may I approach you?”

  Alden looked up from his account books. He had much to do this morning. Training had already begun for his woman. He had stayed for a few minutes to watch the beginning … he loved to see the initial reaction. It was almost always one of sheer panic, at least at first—an “Oh shit, what have I gotten myself into” moment.

  As time went on, myriad expressions would cross their faces. Pain, confusion, anger, desp
air, and then that edge-of-insanity moment when each one finally accepted the inevitable. That look always gave him the biggest rush of all.

  Once that initial phase had passed, it would be time to step up the game. A joint orientation to give the girls a chance to not only see one another but to observe how the others reacted. Sometimes their fear for the other girls was as fulfilling as their own.

  The group training also showed him each girl’s threshold, both physically and mentally. After he learned that, he would have little free time until he was able to gauge each individual’s breaking point. Once that was determined, he’d structure a training session based on their needs. After that was decided, Tabitha would assist him. But until then, the time-consuming, backbreaking, yet admittedly enjoyable work was all his.

  “What is it, daughter?”

  He saw Tabitha move toward him until he said the last word. When he referred to her as “daughter,” it was an indication of displeasure. Had she really thought he would forgive her so soon?

  “I wanted to apologize once more. Beg your forgiveness.”

  “Has it been a month since you defied me?”

  She lowered her head. “No, Father.”

  “Then what makes you think I’d consider granting forgiveness so soon?”

  “Because I know what a forgiving, loving man you are.”

  That was true. Many people had betrayed him. Years ago, he had punished them without remorse, his only desire to appease his rage. Once he’d realized his potential in controlling others, however, he had gained control over his temper, too. Now when he punished, the results were rarely fatal. If behavior could be controlled and then changed to his liking, what was the point in killing, other than self-gratification?

  Ruling over his followers allowed him to be the gracious, forgiving leader his people worshipped.