Chapter 218

Louis woke up from the gentle touch of Cherish. He opened his eyes. She was already in a light green dress. She smiled at him.

“Wakie wakie, Louis.”

Louis sat up and stretched. His chest still ached. “What’s the time?”

“Nine in the morning,” Cherish said. “We have finished breakfast. We saved some for you.”

“Thanks, Cherry,” Louis said, kissing her cheek. “Why didn’t you wake me up earlier?”

“You needed to rest,” Cherish said. “We were worried about you. And Angi said we were safe.”

“Safe? That’s a strong word,” Louis said, getting out of bed.

Angelique walked inside. “Slept well, my love?”

“I did,” Louis said, walking to her and kissing her. “Any news?”

Angelique smiled. “The Prophet King woke up in the early morning. And he arrived in Salt Lake City an hour ago.”

Louis stared at her. “What?”

“It’s true,” Angelique said. “He’s alive. He still lies on a medical bed with bandages all over, but he’s conscious.”

“What about the Legion?” Louis asked, feeling a surge of adrenaline.

“He commanded them to keep the order and hunt down the remaining Danites,” Angelique said. “He also said the Dominion convoy was an honored guest and we were attacked by Danites. He wants to thank you personally for rescuing him and his family.”

“That’s a good turn,” Louis said. “So we can leave now?”

“Yes,” Angelique said. “He’s at a hospital near the airport. He wants to meet us there. Your father is also sending a cargo plane to Salt Lake City. It should be there in soon. And we will go back together.”

“Finally,” Louis said, walking to the bathroom.

He washed his face and brushed his teeth. The bruise on his chest had started to fade. He put on a clean shirt. He looked at himself in the mirror. He looked tired. But he also looked determined.

Louis went to the dining room. The others were at the lounge, talking and laughing. Gladice waved a beer bottle. “About damn time.”

Louis smiled and sat down. Donya put a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast in front of him. “Eat up, Louis. Cherry and I made it for you.”

“Thanks, Donya,” Louis said. “Thanks, Cherry.”

“It’s good, right?” Cherish asked, her eyes bright. She brought a glass of orange juice for him.

Louis took a bite of the eggs. “It’s delicious, Cherry.”

Cherish beamed. “I’m glad you like it.”

The RV started to move. “We’re going to the hospital, Louis,” Willa said, her eyes on her laptop. “The Nauvoo Legion has taken control of security there. We are their friends now.”

“Fascinating,” Louis said. He took a bite of bacon. “I was about to blow them up with a tungsten rod this morning.”

“And now you’re a hero,” Maeve said, sharpening her sword. “What a world.”

“The Prophet King is a clever man,” Angelique said. “He knows how to turn a disaster into an opportunity.”

“And how to get rid of the Danites for good,” Savannah said.

Louis took a sip of his orange juice. “How are you feeling? All of you.”

“Excited to go home,” Gladice said. “I’ve had enough of this place.”

“I’m just glad the children are safe,” Donya said.

Maeve snorted. “I’m not. I lost my knife. It was a good one.”

“Is that the one you threw into the Danite’s throat?” Savannah asked.

“Yes,” Maeve said. “That was Brother John’s knife. I want it back.”

“I don’t think you can, Mae-Mae,” Angelique said. “I’m sure the Legion has already collected all the weapons as evidence.”

“Or they sold them,” Maeve said, shrugging. “Or one of the guards took it. They’re all thieves anyway.”

Louis laughed and took a bite of egg. “At least you have a sword.”

“That’s true.” Maeve shrugged.

“Let’s go over the plan again,” Angelique said, her expression serious. “We will go to the hospital and meet the Prophet King. We will show our support and thank him for the deal. And we will not discuss the Rod.”

“Or the deepfake,” Willa said.

“Or the fact we bombed their missile sites, airport terminals, and a TV station,” Gladice said, trimming her fingernails with nail clippers. “Plus a patrol boat.”

“Right,” Angelique said. “We are just honored guests and allies, who happened to be in the right place at the right time.”

“They won’t buy that,” Willa said, shaking her head.

“They won’t,” Louis said. “But the Prophet Kinh will choose to believe it. Because it’s the best story for him right now.”

“Politics,” Savannah said. “It’s all about stories.”

“Exactly,” Angelique said. “And who gets to write them.”

The convoy drove through the highway. The city was quiet. The streets were empty except for a few Legion patrols. Smoke and signs of fire damage could still be seen across the city. A Legion helicopter flew over them, circling around.

“They’re escorting us,” Maeve said, looking out the window. “How nice.”

“Or they’re just keeping an eye on us,” Savannah said.

Louis finished his breakfast and wiped his mouth with a napkin. He looked at Angelique. “What’s the plan with the cargo plane? Are we all going back together?”

“Yes,” Angelique said. “Your dad said it was the same plane that delivered our RV from Germany. He bought it shortly after our journey to Idaho. He said it was a very large plane.”

“Impressive,” Gladice said. “So we can take the RV with us?”

“Of course,” Angelique said. “But I think it will need a deep clean and some repairs.”

“And a missile launcher on the roof,” Maeve said.

“We’ll think about it, Mae-Mae.” Louis laughed.

The convoy exited the highway and drove to the hospital. APCs and Humvees were blocking the streets. A squad of Legion soldiers waved them through. The RV parked near the entrance. A tall, broad-shouldered man in a Legion officer’s uniform was waiting for them. He saluted as Louis stepped out of the RV.

“Mr. Collins. I’m General Jacobson. The acting commander of the Nauvoo Legion. Welcome.”

Louis returned the salute. “General.”

“Follow me, please,” Jacobson said. “His Holy Majesty is waiting for you.”

Louis and the women followed the general into the hospital. The lobby was full of Legion soldiers and medical staff. They walked down a quiet corridor and entered a private room. The Prophet King was lying in a bed, with an IV drip in his arm and a bandage on his stomach. Sister Sarah and Sister Abigail were sitting beside him, holding his hands. The room was filled with the beeping of machines.

“Mr. Collins,” the Prophet King said, his voice weak but clear. “Come in. Please, have a seat.”

Louis nodded to the women and walked to the bed. “Your Majesty. It’s good to see you alive.”

The Prophet King managed a weak smile. “It’s good to be alive, all thanks to you and your family. You saved my life. And the lives of my family. I will never forget that.”

“We’re glad we could help, Your Majesty,” Louis said. He looked around. “Your other wives are still in Sacramento?”

The Prophet King nodded. “They are. Along with my children. My son Ephraim is with them. They will come back when I am more stable.”

“We will arrange for a plane to bring them back,” Angelique said. “As soon as possible.”

“That’s very kind of you, Princess,” the Prophet King said. He looked at the women. “Thank you, ladies. For your bravery. And for your compassion.”

“You’re welcome, Your Majesty,” Cherish said, her face flushed. “We were happy to help.”

Donya looked at the Prophet King. “How are you feeling, Your Majesty?”

“I’m in a lot of pain,” the Prophet King said, wincing. “But I’m alive. That’s what matters.”

“How’s Rachel?” Cherish asked.

“She’s with the other wives,” the Prophet King paused. “I’ve made my decision. I will not marry her.”

The women exchanged glances.

“I think that’s a wise decision, Your Majesty,” Angelique said.

“I agree,” the Prophet King said. “The Lord has shown me the way. She was a test. And I have learned from it. Now, I will focus on my recovery.”

Sister Abigail squeezed his hand. “We’re with you, Your Majesty. Always.”

The Prophet King smiled at her, then looked at Louis. “Mr. Collins, I would like to speak with you. Alone. If you don’t mind.”

The women nodded and left the room, closing the door behind them. Louis pulled a chair closer to the bed.

“What’s on your mind, Your Majesty?”

“I am aware of what you did in my capital, Mr. Collins,” the Prophet King said, his eyes narrowed. “And several other places.”

Louis’s face was still. “It was necessary, Your Majesty. Brother John had to be stopped.”

The Prophet King studied him. “You are a dangerous man, Mr. Collins. But you are also an honorable one. You kept your promise. You saved my family. And you did not abandon them. For that, I am grateful.” He paused. “So, Brother John was struck down by the Lord with His lightning. His followers have been scattered. And their plot has been foiled.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Louis said. “It seems your Lord punished the wicked.”

“Indeed,” the Prophet King said. “Now, about our deal. The terms we discussed are still valid. And I want you to know that now I consider you and your family as friends of the Kingdom. You will always be welcome here.”

“I appreciate that, Your Majesty,” Louis said.

“You may call me Joseph, Mr. Collins,” the Prophet King said, a smile on his face. “When we are in private.”

“Then you may call me Louis, Joseph,” Louis said, smiling back.

“Good,” Joseph said. “Now, you must be tired. And your family must be worried. I will not keep you any longer. Go home, Louis. You have earned it.”

“Thank you, Joseph,” Louis said, standing up. “You too. Get well soon.”

“I will,” Joseph said. “We will meet again in better circumstances.”

“I’m sure we will,” Louis said.

He turned and left the room. The women were waiting for him in the corridor.

“How did it go?” Angelique asked.

“Good,” Louis said. “He told me Brother John was struck down by the Lord’s lightning.”

The women laughed.

“I’m sure he was,” Gladice said, rolling her eyes.

“Let’s go home,” Louis said, putting an arm around Angelique. “I need a vacation from this vacation.”

“We all do,” Angelique said.

They walked out of the hospital. General Jacobson was waiting for them. “Mr. Collins. A cargo plane of yours has landed at the airport. Your men are clear to board along with your vehicle.”

“Thank you, General,” Louis said. “We appreciate your cooperation.”

“It’s my honor, Mr. Collins,” the General said. “Thank you for saving our Prophet King.”

Louis nodded and led the women to the RV. The convoy drove to the airport. The Legion soldiers cleared the way for them. They arrived at the airport and drove onto the tarmac. A massive Europa Colossus cargo plane was waiting for them, its ramp lowered. A group of Dominion Guard soldiers were standing guard.

“Wow, that’s a big plane,” Cherish said.

“It’s the biggest one I’ve ever seen,” Maeve said.

“I bet it can carry a double-decker bus,” Willa said. “Our RV will be a perfect fit.”

“Let’s go home,” Louis said, leading the women to the ramp.

They boarded the plane. The RV and the four SUVs were secured in the cargo hold by a team of engineers. Louis and the women went to the upper deck. It was a spacious lounge with comfortable sofas and a bar. Several Dominion Guard soldiers were standing guard.

Robin was waiting for them. “Louis.”

“Robin,” Louis said, shaking his hand. “Good to see you again.”

“Glad to see you in one piece, kid,” Robin said. “We need to talk.”

“We can talk here,” Louis said, sitting on a sofa. The women settled around them.

Robin sat opposite him. “Remember the hacking of Tengri home page?”

Louis thought of the picture of the women smiling during the pool party, and the message: WE ARE COMING FOR YOU. “I do.”

“We found who did it,” Robin said.