Chapter 200

Louis spoke to Yamamoto through the comms as the RV approached West Yellowstone. “Captain, we will have a brief stop here. I have a phone to return.”

“Copy that, sir,” Yamamoto said.

The convoy stopped near a hotel. The bus parked behind the RV. Louis got out with Maeve. Jessica and her boyfriend were waiting in the hotel lobby, looking nervous. Louis walked toward them.

“Jessica,” Louis said. “I believe this is your phone.”

He handed her the phone. Jessica took it, her hands shaking. “Thank you, Mr. Collins.”

“You’re welcome,” Louis said. “My financial team will contact you with the details of the compensation. I apologize again for the inconvenience.”

“It’s okay, Mr. Collins,” Jessica said. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to.” Louis looked at Maeve. “Mae-Mae, I believe you still owe Jessica an apology.”

Maeve nodded. She looked at Jessica. “Sorry for scaring you. And for pointing a gun at you.”

Jessica’s eyes widened. “It was you. You’re the woman on the road, Miss Fyres.”

“Yeah, that was me,” Maeve said. “I was having a bad day.”

“I can see that,” Jessica said, looking at the bus and the UIS vehicles in the distance. “What was going on, if I may ask?”

“Family operation,” Louis said. “Watch VOP tonight. They’ll explain everything, I think.”

Jessica nodded. “Okay. Again, thank you. I want to let you know that I’m a big fan of your family, Mr. Collins. I believe in what you’re doing for the Dominion.”

“I appreciate your support,” Louis said, extending his hand. Jessica shook it, her face lighting up.

“Can I have a selfie with you?” her boyfriend asked.

Louis nodded. “Sure, we can do that.” He stood between Jessica and her boyfriend. Maeve took a picture with Jessica’s phone. “There you go.”

Jessica looked at the picture, a huge smile on her face. “Wow. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Louis smiled. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a long drive ahead.”

Louis and Maeve walked back to the RV. The convoy left West Yellowstone behind. Angelique looked at them as they sat at the table. “That was a nice touch.”

“Had to be done,” Louis said, pouring himself a glass of water. “I made a promise and I intended to keep it.”

“A promise to a random tourist?” Gladice asked, pouring herself a glass of whiskey.

“Yes,” Louis said. “She’s our citizen and a loyalist. She deserves to be treated well.”

“Fair enough,” Gladice said, sipping her whiskey.

Louis leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes. He thought of the battle. The adrenaline was fading, replaced by a deep exhaustion. When he opened his eyes again, the RV’s navigation screen showed they were approaching Ashton again.

Yamamoto spoke through the comms. “Sir, the UIS has raided Big Sky Beef. Hank Williams is in custody.”

“Good for them,” Louis said. “Let’s keep moving.”

“Sir,” Zhang’s voice came through. “Dave Turner said his family lives in a small house on the edge of town. We can pick them up on the way.”

“Do it,” Louis said.

The convoy turned onto a side road and drove for a few minutes, then stopped in front of a small, white house with a porch. A swing hung from the porch roof, and a garden of flowers bloomed in the yard. A woman with blonde hair and two young children, a boy and a girl, were standing on the porch.

Yamamoto’s SUV parked in front of the house. A guard got out and walked to the porch. He talked to the woman. She nodded, tears streaming down her face. She ushered the children inside, then came out with two suitcases. The guard took the suitcases and put them in the back of the SUV. The woman took the children’s hands and led them to the bus.

Louis watched them from the RV’s window. He felt a pang of guilt. They had just destroyed a family’s life. Or had they saved it? He didn’t know. He only knew that he had made a promise. And he intended to keep it.

“Let’s go,” he said.

The convoy started moving again. They left Ashton behind, and the main road stretched out before them.

“Did I do the right thing, Donya?” Louis asked, turning to her. “By taking them away from their home? From everything they know?”

Donya looked at him. “I don’t know, Louis. Only Allah knows. But I do know that they are safer in the Dominion than they are here, with the Common Roots looking for them.”

“I hope so,” Louis said. “I really do.”

“You have a good heart, Louis,” Donya said, taking his hand. “Even when you pretend you don’t.”

“I’m not pretending, Donya,” Louis said. “I’m just tired. I’m tired of all this cat-and-mouse game. Sometimes I just want to send a nuke and blow up the entire Lumen Path and Common Roots with it.”

Gladice laughed. “That would be fun. We could watch the explosion from a safe distance. With a bottle of champagne.”

“It’s gonna be a waste of good champagne,” Savannah said. “But I like the idea.”

“If we can find every single one of them and put them into one place,” Angelique said. “A small, isolated island would be ideal.”

“I like that,” Maeve said. “We can call it the Island of Bastards. And we can sell tickets for the show.”

“I object to this,” Willa said. “It may harm the local ecosystem. We should think of a cleaner solution. Like a virus that only targets assholes.”

“An asshole virus,” Gladice said, her eyes lighting up. “I would invest in that. A virus that makes them all have diarrhea until they die.”

“Eww. That’s disgusting,” Cherish said, making a face.

“It’s a fitting punishment for what they did,” Maeve said. “But I still prefer the explosion.”

Donya sighed. “I wish you all would stop talking about killing people. We should focus on healing and justice.”

“Speaking of healing,” Louis said. “I’m looking for my roasted lamb.”

“Our restaurant had started preparing it when we called, Louis,” Angelique said, smiling. “It will be ready when we get there.”

The convoy arrived at Idaho Falls in the late afternoon. A large crowd was gathered in front of the Horse Bite Grill. Reporters and cameras were everywhere. Chief Morgan and a few of his officers were trying to control the crowd. The convoy stopped in the parking lot. The bus pulled in behind them.

“Looks like we have a welcoming party,” Louis said.

“Let’s handle this,” Angelique said, getting up. “Venessa is on her way. She will make sure this is a good story for us.”

Angelique got out of the RV, followed by Louis and the others. The crowd went wild. The reporters rushed forward, shouting questions. Mark pushed through the crowd, his face excited. He was wearing a new T-shirt with a horse biting a snake.

“Mr. Collins! You’re back!” Mark said, shaking Louis’s hand.

“Mark,” Louis said, nodding. “What’s going on here?”

“We were very busy today, Mr. Collins!” Mark said. “You wouldn’t believe how many people came for lunch! We changed the sign and distributed the T-shirts! The place was packed! Too bad we had to close for the evening for you.”

“Good job, Mark,” Louis said. “I appreciate it.”

“Anything for you, boss,” Mark said.

Angelique spoke to Chief Morgan. The chief nodded and ordered the police officers to form a line, pushing back the crowd. Yamamoto’s guards guided everyone off the bus and into the restaurant. The rescued girls looked terrified at the sight of the crowd and cameras. The guards shielded them and escorted them inside.

Mark stared at them. “Are they—”

“They are the guests of our restaurant for the night, Mark,” Angelique said. “Take care of them.”

“Of course, ma’am,” Mark said.

Louis and the others entered the restaurant. The girls had taken seats across the dining hall. Zhang and his men brought Dave, Dan, and their families to a separate private room. Louis led the women to the same round table where they had sat the day before. They took their seats.

“So,” Gladice said, leaning back. “What now?”

“We eat,” Louis said.

A few minutes later, a whole roasted lamb was brought to the table on a large platter. Mark carved the meat himself and served it to everyone. Louis looked at the rescued girls’ tables. The staff was serving them beef stew, salad, and bread. They ate hungrily, some of them still crying.

The reporters kept flashing their cameras through the restaurant’s windows. Mark gestured the staff to pull the blinds.

“How long will they stay here, Louis?” Willa asked.

“We need to find out who they are. Where they are from. Their families,” Louis said. “And we need to send them home.”

“What if they are from Dixie?” Donya asked.

“Then they go to the Dominion,” Angelique said. “Or somewhere safe. We are not sending them back there.”

“I agree,” Louis said. “If they prefer, they could stay here as employees of the restaurant.”

“Employees?” Gladice asked, her eyebrow raised.

“Yes,” Louis said. “We need more staff. They need a job and a home. We can provide both.”

“That’s very thoughtful of you, Louis,” Donya said, smiling.

“It’s the least I can do,” Louis said. “After what they’ve been through.” He looked at Yamamoto, who was already working on the girls’ profiles on his laptop, with the other hand holding a sandwich. “He’s an industrious man.”

“He’s a good captain,” Angelique said.

“I’m impressed by the quality of the meat,” Gladice said, taking another bite of the lamb. “It’s not bad.”

“I’m glad you like it, ma’am,” Mark said. “We had new suppliers since you bought the place. The lamb is imported from New Zealand.”

“It’s good,” Maeve said, chewing. “But I’m still thinking about the steak Hank promised me. I earned that steak.”

“You heard her, Mark,” Louis said. “Find her a steak. The best you have.”

“Right away, Mr. Collins,” Mark said, scurrying away.

A few minutes later, Venessa walked inside, dressed in a sharp suit. She looked at the chaos, then at Louis, and smiled. She walked to their table.

“Hello, Louis,” she said. “I see you’ve been busy.”

“Venessa,” Louis said, gesturing to a chair. “Have a seat. Join us for dinner.”

“Thank you, Louis,” she said, sitting down. “But I can’t stay long. I have to prepare my statement for the press.”

“How’s the story looking?” Angelique asked.

“Very good,” Venessa said, taking a tablet from her briefcase and showing them a draft. “‘Louis Collins, Accompanied by His Seven Partners, Rescues Dozens of Young Women from Sex Trafficking Ring in Central Union.’ We’re focusing on the heroics and the unity of your family. Of course, the helpfulness of the UIS and their agent Olivia Powell too.”

“Is she still here?” Louis asked.

“She’s on a plane to Denver,” Venessa said. “President White want a full report.”

“I’m sure they do,” Louis said.

Maeve looked at Venessa. “I blew up a truck with a grenade. Are you going to put that in the story?”

Venessa smiled. “No, Maeve. The local police have concluded that the truck’s engine malfunctioned. A tragic accident.”

“Tragic for whom?” Maeve asked.

“For the truck,” Venessa said, fainting a smile.

“It was a good truck,” Maeve said. “But it had to die.”

“Of course,” Venessa said.

Mark ran over to the table with a sizzling steak on a plate. “Here you go, ma’am. As requested. A prime ribeye. Medium.”

“Thank you, Mark,” Maeve said, her eyes gleaming. She picked up a knife and fork, started cutting the steak, then took a large bite of the steak, her face blissful. She looked at Louis. “This is a good day.”

“I’m glad you think so, Mae-Mae,” Louis said, smiling. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, Venessa. We have a feast to finish.”

“Of course, Louis,” Venessa said, getting up. “I’ll check on the girls.” She walked to their tables, her smile warm and reassuring.

Mark returned with a tray of wine bottles. “Here’s the wine, Mr. Collins. The best we have. We imported them from Tuscany. Your mother selected them herself.”

“She has good taste,” Louis said. “Open them.”

Mark opened the bottles and poured the wine into the glasses. Louis took a sip of the wine, savoring the rich, fruity flavor. He looked at the women. “A toast. To a successful mission. And to our family.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Gladice said, raising her glass.

“To our family,” they all said, clinking their glasses.

Rachel came to their table before she was stopped by the guards. She looked at Louis, her eyes pleading.

“What is it, Rachel?” Louis asked, setting down his glass.

“Can I speak with you? Alone?”

“Why?” Louis asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Please,” she said, her hands clasped together. “I need to tell you something important.”

“Alright,” Louis said. “But these are my family. They stay with me.”

Rachel looked at the women, then nodded. “Okay.” She looked at Louis again. “I was wrong about you. I see that now.”

“I’m glad you see that, Rachel,” Louis said. “Now, what is it?”

“I shouldn’t have called you devil’s prince,” she said. “I have sinned. Please, forgive me. I have made a grave mistake.”

Louis looked at Angelique, who raised an eyebrow.

“Alright, Rachel,” Louis said. “I forgive you. Now tell me what you wanted to tell me.”

“The Lord’s will is mysterious,” Rachel said, her eyes intense. “I think you were right, Louis Collins. You are an agent of his will. A fallen angel. A test for us.”

“I’m glad you think so, Rachel,” Louis said, looking at Mark. “Get her a plate and a glass of wine.”

“Yes, Mr. Collins,” Mark said.

“I don’t drink wine,” Rachel said, her face pale. “I’m fasting.”

“Not anymore,” Louis said. “Your shepherd commands you to eat and drink.”

Rachel’s eyes widened. “Yes, my shepherd.” She took a seat next to Cherish. Mark brought her a plate of lamb and a glass of water. She stared at the food, her hands trembling. Cherish put a gentle hand on her arm.

“It’s okay,” Cherish said. “The food is good.”

Rachel looked at Cherish, then at the plate. She picked up a fork and took a small bite of the lamb. Her eyes filled with tears. She chewed slowly, then swallowed.

“It’s divine,” she whispered. “Praise the Lord.”

Cherish nodded. “Yes. Praise the Lord.”

Rachel looked at her. “You are a believer, too?”

Cherish smiled. “I am.”

Rachel’s face softened. “Then you understand. You understand the trials we must endure.”

Cherish looked at Louis. “I do. But I also understand that the Lord helps those who help themselves.”

Rachel looked at Louis. “And he helps those who follow the true shepherd.”

“I’m glad you see it that way, Rachel,” Louis said, cutting a piece of lamb. “Now, eat. You must be hungry.”

Rachel nodded and took another bite of the lamb. She looked at Cherish again. “What is your name, sister?”

“Cherish,” she said.

“Cherish,” Rachel repeated. “A beautiful name.”

“Thank you,” Cherish said.

Louis turned to Angelique and whispered. “I hope we don’t have to deal with this for too long.”

Angelique sighed. “We will find her family and send her home.”

Rachel shook her head. “No, my shepherd. I have been betrothed to a man from the Kingdom. Brother John had arranged it.”

Louis looked at her. “What? Who is he?”

“Prophet King Joseph Taylor,” she said, her voice soft. “The ruler of the Kingdom.”

“The Prophet King?” Angelique asked, her eyes wide. “You’re engaged to the King of Utah?”

Rachel nodded. “Yes. Brother John said I am blessed. That the Lord chose me to be one of his wives and to bear his children.”

Louis stared at her. He looked at Angelique. “Well, that’s a problem.”

“A big problem,” Angelique said.

“Why didn’t you tell me this before, Rachel?” Louis asked.

“I was deceived,” she said, looking at her hands. “I didn’t know who you were. I thought you were the devil. But now I see the truth. You are the true messenger of Brother John’s will.”

“Brother John is not a messenger of the Lord, Rachel,” Cherish said, her voice gentle. “He is a sinner. He used you.”

“You are wrong, sister,” Rachel said, looking at Louis. “He is a holy man. He sent you to guide me and test me. Please, you have to bring me to the King.”

Louis put down his fork. “Okay, I’ve heard enough.” He looked at Angelique. “We need to call my father.”

“I think you should, Louis,” Angelique said.

Louis stood up. “I’ll be back. Take care of her.” He walked to a corner of the dining hall and took out his phone. He dialed Constantine’s number.

“Louis,” Constantine’s voice said. “How’s the dinner?”

“It’s interesting, Dad,” Louis said. “We have a new development. One of the girls says she’s betrothed to the Prophet King Joseph Taylor himself.”

Constantine was quiet for a moment. “Are you sure she’s telling the truth?”

“She believes she is,” Louis said. “She seems sincere.”

“Sincerity can be a form of delusion, Louis,” Constantine said. “But it can also be a valuable piece of the puzzle. If it’s true, then you can use her to get into Salt Lake City.”

“You want to use her as bait?” Louis asked.

“I want you to use her as a key,” Constantine said. “A key to a door that has been closed for a long time. The Kingdom is a black box, Louis. We know very little about what goes on inside. But this girl could be our way in.”

“And what happens to her after we open the door?” Louis asked.

“That depends on you, Louis,” Constantine said.

“I’ll think about it,” Louis said. “I’ll call you back.”

He hung up the phone and walked back to the table.

“So,” Gladice said, looking at him. “What did the big boss say?”

Louis glanced at Rachel, who was eating her lamb with a newfound appetite. “Let’s talk about it after dinner. In the RV.”

“Mysterious,” Gladice said. “I like it.”

Rachel looked up at him, her eyes bright. “Did you speak with the higher power, my shepherd?”

“Yes,” Louis said. “I did.”

“And what did he say?”

“He said that you should eat more. You need to regain your strength.”

Rachel’s face glowed. She picked up her fork and ate with enthusiasm.

Gladice laughed. “This is hilarious.”

“Be nice, Glads,” Donya said.

“I am nice,” Gladice said. “I’m just amused.”

Louis looked at the women around the table and thought about what Constantine had said. He felt a knot in his stomach. He had rescued a woman from one hell only to consider throwing her into another. He knew he had a choice. But he also knew that he couldn’t let Brother John and his network get away. And Rachel was the only way in.