“How?” asks Martha.
“Keep me here.” I turn to Wrath and smile. “Tell them Wrath is refusing to let me out.”
“They’ll send guards down with weapons,” says Alex, shaking his head. “It’s not worth the risk.”
“If they have weapons, they’ll come anyway, no matter what we do,” Anna says.
I groan. “I don’t know what to do.”
Abe steps forward. “We conquer and divide,” he repeats. “We partner up. Lead us to the forefathers’ homes, and we’ll take them out one by one.”
I take a minute, thinking over his words. “It’s the middle of the night,” I say. “That could work if we go now.”
“I have an idea,” mutters Wrath, and I turn to look at him, smiling because he’s finally spoken in front of everyone and I know that wasn’t easy for him. “We round them up and bring them to the place where ceremonies take place.” He takes a deep breath, and his fists clench as his sides. “Alex will go to each home, tell the guard on duty that Anthony Sanchez is requesting them to come alone to the church for a celebration.”
“What about Anthony Sanchez?” asks Alex.
“I’ll tell him myself,” he says firmly.
“And if they question it?” asks Martha, looking worried.
“Tell them I am the one on the communion table,” I say. “They’ll believe that, and Anthony will come, no questions asked,” I add.
Jaycee smiles. “I’ll take the warriors over to the church.”
“I’ll help,” adds Anna.
Wrath looks to Martha. “I need lemons, or maybe a cleaning product?”
She nods. “I have both. I’ll get them.”
“You’re going to clean up after?” I ask, smirking.
“It’ll be a different kind of cleanup,” he replies.
I step closer and slip my hand in his. “Are you ready?” I ask as the others begin to file out.
He kisses me. “There’s a fire burning in my soul,” he mutters, not quite meeting my eye. “I need to know that you’ll understand or at least forgive my actions. I want them to pay.”
I nod, stroking a hand over his cheek. “Me too. Whatever happens tonight stays in that church.”
We head up the hill, making sure to hide in the trees. Alex is just behind, ready to deliver the message to the other guards. As we approach the large gate to my old family home, I feel a sense of peace. After tonight, I might actually be able to set everyone free.
Wrath taps on the gate and steps back behind the brick pillar. The guard opens it and frowns at me. I smile, offering a small wave, and before he can question me, Wrath moves from the shadows and hits him hard in the face. The guard stumbles back, and Wrath grabs his jacket, hauling him against the wall and pressing his arm to his throat. The guard gasps, trying desperately to tug his arm away and free his windpipe, but it’s no use, Wrath is too strong. A minute later, he stops fighting and his head slumps to one side. Wrath carefully lays him on the ground and removes the taser from his pocket.
As we approach the front door, I notice the office light on and sigh in relief. If Father is awake, this should be a lot easier. The door is unlocked—they never bother to lock things here—and we slip inside. We head straight for the office, and I carefully press the handle down until the door releases then slowly open it, sticking my head around just as my father looks up from his desk. He frowns at the sight of me. “Evening, Father,” I whisper.
“What the hell are you doing here?” he asks, jumping out his chair and rounding his desk. I wait until he’s closer before stepping to one side and letting Wrath fill the doorway. I smirkwhen his step falters and he comes to an abrupt stop. “What’s going on?”
“We need you to come with us,” I say, still smiling.
“Absolutely not.”
“Oh, it’s not a choice,” I say sweetly. “And if you don’t come quietly, Wrath’s gonna make you.”
“Where are his chains?” he hisses.
Wrath punches him in the face, and he crumples to the floor, passed out cold. I grin. “Wow, you’re good at that.”
