Chapter 211

Lous wiped his mouth with a napkin. The lemon chiffon pie was light and sweet. A pleasant end to a tense meal. The Prophet King and Rachel stood up.

“The rehearsal is in an hour, Mr. Collins,” the Prophet King said. “We will meet you at the Temple.”

“We will be there,” Louis said, standing up. The butler came to escort them out.

They walked back to their convoy. Yamamoto and his team were waiting for them.

“How did it go, sir?” Yamamoto asked.

“We have a trade deal and an embassy. Plus a list of communists,” Louis said. “How about you?”

“We have coordinated with Sergeant Zhang’s team back at the hotel,” Yamamoto said. “It was quiet on our end.”

“Good,” Louis said. “We are going to the Temple. How’s the security situation there?”

“It’s a fortress, sir,” Yamamoto said. “Only authorized personnel are allowed inside. And the Danites are everywhere.”

“I want Petrov and his spotter to find a good position to watch over the area,” Louis said in a low voice. “But stay hidden. I don’t want to provoke them.”

“Yes, sir,” Yamamoto said.

They got in the RV and went uptairs. Louis sat on the sofa, the others settling around him. Willa turned on autopilot and looked out the window.

“This Joseph Taylor is smooth,” Willa said. “I’ll give him that. He gave us everything we asked for, without a fight.”

“Because he knew he had to,” Savannah said. “He wants to stay in power.”

“And he wants our money and tech,” Gladice added.

“Still, he’s a charmer,” Angelique said. “He knows how to play the game. And he’s good at it.”

“I’m more interested in the communists he’s giving us,” Maeve said. “I want to see if I know any of them.”

“I can’t believe he agreed to give us the list so easily,” Donya said. “It seems too good to be true.”

“It probably is,” Louis said. “But we will take what we can get.”

“I think it’s a good idea to give Rachel and Sister Naomi phones,” Cherish said, her eyes bright. “They will be so happy.”

“I’m sure they will,” Louis said. “Maybe they can see part of the outside world through them.”

“Don’t get your hopes up, Cherry,” Maeve said. “The Prophet King will probably lock those phones in a safe and only let them use them when he’s watching.”

“I hope not.” Cherish frowned.

“Freedom is a relative concept, Cherry,” Willa said. “The Prophet King has his own definition of it.”

“He does,” Savannah said. “And we have ours.”

“I’m just glad we are getting out of here tomorrow,” Maeve said. “I can’t stand this place.”

“Joseph will probably invite us to another tour after the wedding,” Gladice said, laughing. “Maybe to see a secret bunker. Or to watch a public execution.”

“I’ll pass,” Maeve said. “I’ve seen enough executions to last a lifetime.”

“We all have, Mae-Mae,” Savannah said.

“Do you think his men can catch Brother John before we leave?” Donya asked.

“I doubt it,” Willa said. “If he is smart, he’s already out of the Kingdom. And if he’s not, he’s hiding in the mountains. It will take them a while to find him.”

“Or they will find him and kill him. Then they will tell us he tried to escape,” Maeve said. “To get rid of a loose end.”

“That’s a possibility,” Angelique said. “A convenient one too.”

“But we still got Sterling and the list,” Louis said. “That’s a good start.”

“It is, Louis,” Donya said. “I’m glad we are making progress. I just hope it leads to justice. That includes no more deals with men like him.”

“I understand, Donya,” Louis said. “But that’s politics. We make deals with people we don’t like to protect our interests.”

“Our interests,” Donya said. “What about the interests of the people they exploit and abuse?”

“We can’t save everyone, Donya,” Louis said. “We can only save ourselves. And sometimes the ones we care about.”

“But we are the ones with power, Louis,” Donya insisted. “With that power comes responsibility.”

“Donya’s right,” Angelique said. “We have a responsibility. We should use our power for good as much as we can.”

“We do,” Louis said. “We’re forcing a theocrat to give us a human trafficker. That’s good enough for today.”

“I guess so,” Donya said, sighing.

“Don’t be sad, Donya,” Cherish said, putting a hand on her arm. “We’ll find a way to help more people. I know we will.”

Donya smiled. “Thank you, Cherry.”

“Alright, enough of the moral debate for now,” Gladice said, taking a sip of her beer. “Ahh, I needed this.”

“You should have waited until after the rehearsal, Glads,” Angelique said. “The Prophet King won’t be happy if he smells beer on your breath.”

“He can deal with it,” Gladice said, taking another sip.

Maeve looked at her. “I want one too.”

“Help yourself, Mae-Mae,” Gladice said, offering her the can.

Maeve took a swig. “Good.”

Willa looked at them. “I just realized Joseph Taylor did not even search us for weapons. He just let us in with our guns.”

“Because he wanted to show us he trusts us. Or at least that he’s not afraid of us,” Angelique said. “It’s a power move.”

“Or he’s just stupid.” Maeve finished up the beer.

“I don’t think he’s stupid, Mae-Mae,” Savannah said. “He knows what he’s doing. He’s playing a long game.”

“What about the wedding rehearsal?” Cherish asked. “What will we have to do there?”

“Probably just sit there and watch,” Louis said.

“I donct want to watch,” Donya said. “I don’t want to be a part of this. It feels wrong.”

“We have to be there, Donya,” Angelique said. “It’s a diplomatic event. And Rachel will be happy to see us. She will think we support her.”

“Even if we don’t,” Willa said.

“Even if we don’t,” Angelique said. “We have to play our roles. For now. Until we get what we want.”

“I still feel bad about it,” Donya said.

“Sleep with me tonight,” Louis said, his eyes on hers. “We can talk about it more.”

Donya looked at him, her cheeks flushing. “Okay.”

“I want you too, Louis.” Cherish looked at him, her eyes pleading.

“Of course, Cherry,” Louis said, grinning. “We have one spot left. Who wants it?”

The women looked at each other. Savannah laughed. “I think we all want it, Louis. But you can only choose one.”

“I’ll have Angi then,” Louis said. “We may need to discuss the political implication of this embassy.”

Angelique smiled. “Of course.”

Gladice laughed. “A night of politics and sex. Your favorite, Angel.”

“It is,” Angelique said. “I’m good at both.”

Louis cleared his throat. “Alright, I need to call my father again. To update him on the deal.”

He took out his phone and called Constantine.

“Louis,” Constantine’s voice came.

Louis told him about the trade deal, the embassy, and the list. And about the phones.

“Impressive, son,” Constantine said. “You’re becoming a real diplomat and a tough negotiator. I’m proud of you.”

“I learned from the best, Dad,” Louis said. “Have you arranged a plane for us?”

“I have,” Constantine said. “A Dominator-2 is on its way to Salt Lake City. Robin and a team of guards are on it. They will pick up Sterling and the list. If you want to stay, they can stay with you. To provide additional security.”

“I don’t think we need it, Dad,” Louis said. “But I appreciate the offer.”

“The offer stands,” Constantine said. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

“I will,” Louis said. “Talk to you later, Dad.”

“Take care, son,” Constantine said.

Louis hung up and turned to the others. “Dad’s sending a Dominator. And Robin.”

“Robin’s coming?” Gladice asked. “Why?”

“To pick up Sterling, and the list. If needed,” Louis said.

“I thought he was busy with the abductions in the Dominion,” Willa said.

“He is,” Louis said. “But he could use a break from the paperwork. A field trip could do him good.”

“I am glad he is coming,” Angelique said.

They arrived at the Temple Square. The RV parked at a lot reserved for them. Louis and the women got out. Danites in black suits and sunglasses were standing guard at the entrances.

Yamamoto walked over to Louis. “Sir, only four of us are allowed inside. The others will stay with the RV.”

“I understand,” Louis said, lowering his voice. “Where’s Petrov?”

“In position, sir,” Yamamoto said, gesturing with his chin to a nearby building. “He has a clear view of the square and the temple.”

“Good,” Louis said. “Let’s go in.”

Louis led the women to the Temple entrance. The doors were made of polished wood, with golden handles. A Danite opened the door for them. They stepped into a large hall. Another Danite led them to a room with a row of seats. A few guests were already there, including the mayor of Salt Lake City, and a few other officials.

“His Holy Majesty will be here soon,” the Danite said. “Please, be seated.”

Louis sat with the women on the second row. The room was quiet. The guests looked at them with curiosity. Louis tried to ignore them. He felt Angelique’s hand on his arm. He looked at her.

“Are you okay?” she whispered.

“I’m fine,” he said. “Just ready for this to be over.”

“We all are,” she said.

A few minutes later, the Prophet King entered the room, with Rachel at his side. She was wearing a beautiful white wedding dress and a veil. The Prophet King was wearing a white robe. They both looked radiant. His six wives and older children followed them in, sitting in the front row. The Prophet King nodded to Louis and the women.

An elderly man in white temple clothing walked to the front of the room and stood beside a padded altar.

“This is President Hyrum Pratt,” the Prophet King said. “He will perform the sealing tomorrow.”

President Pratt inclined his head. “Welcome to the House of the Lord.”

Louis nodded. “Thank you, President.”

“The rehearsal will be brief,” President Pratt said. “We will confirm where everyone will sit, how His Majesty and Sister Rachel will enter, and where the witnesses will stand. The words of the sealing will be reserved for tomorrow.” He gestured toward the seats. “The family and honored guests will be seated here. His Majesty and Sister Rachel will enter together and approach the altar.”

President Pratt guided the Prophet King and Rachel to their positions at the altar. Louis watched as Rachel knelt on one of the velvet cushions, her hands clasped, her face rapt.

Cherish touched Donya’s arm. “She looks like an angel.”

“She does,” Donya said, her voice tight.

The Prophet King knelt beside Rachel, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. He looked at Louis and the women, a smile on his face. “I am a blessed man.”

Louis nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

“Mr. Collins, I’d like to invite you to be one of the witnesses at the sealing tomorrow,” the Prophet King said. “Along with Sister Sarah. You have brought Rachel back to me. Your presence would be meaningful.”

Louis was aware of all the eyes on him. “I am honored, Your Majesty.”

President Pratt frowned slightly. “Your Holy Majesty, it is not customary for a non-member to witness a sealing.”

Rachel looked up, her eyes pleading. “Please, Your Majesty. I want Brother Louis to be there.”

The Prophet King smiled. “He is a special friend of our family, President. We will make an exception for him.”

President Pratt kept his face still. “As you wish, Your Holy Majesty.” He gestured Louis to a spot near the altar.

Louis stood and walked to the designated position. He could feel the women’s gazes on his back. He stood there. President Pratt looked at him. “Mr. Collins, may I have a word with you?” The man looked nervous.

Louis nodded, and they stepped a few feet away.

President Pratt’s hand went inside his clothing and came out with a pistol. “Brother John sends his regards.” He pointed it at Louis and fired.