Page 103 of Tempting God

I take my seat.

Charles looks at me, smirking.

He says, “All in favor of changing Rule 84, raise your hands.”

Brooks, Alessandro, and I are the first to raise our hands. Irons and Santos are next. Slowly, hands begin to raise around the room until there are only five men whose hands aren’t lifted.

Blanc’s face turns a deep shade of purple, but he says, “The Brotherhood has spoken. Rule 84 shall be amended. Now, if this concludes tonight’s business, I have a party to attend.” He turns to me. “I’m pledging my support for Walt Ryans.”

I say nothing. He wants me to react, and right now, my reaction will be violent. I might even give Alessandro a run for his money.

It’s Dimitri Santos who speaks.

“While we’re here, should we not settle the matter of why Walt Ryans, a nonmember, has been allowed into our inner sanctum?”

He’s looking right at Blanc, who glares back.

“I do not have to explain myself to you.”

“You’re wrong, Brother Blanc,” Brooks says. “Per Rule 99, he is not allowed here unless he is to become a member.”

Alessandro adds, “And if he’s not a member, then he knows too much, which means he must die.”

Blanc says, “He’s going to become a member.”

“Like hell he is,” I say. “That man stands for everything we’re against. Besides, there has been no special vote about his membership.”

“Then let’s have one now. All in favor, raise your hand.”

A few hands lift.

I turn to Blanc. “You have put the Defiant God Brotherhood at risk by bringing him here. The Brotherhood has spoken. Walt Ryans will not become a member, which means his path is death. Since you were the one who brought him here uninvited, you must choose how he will die.” I pause. “By your hand.”

Blanc snorts. “This is bullshit.”

Brooks asks, “Are you saying you will not uphold Rule 99?”

Everyone waits to see what he’s going to say.

Finally, he says, “I will uphold Rule 99.”

Brooks says, “You have one week.”

Charles dips his head and then storms from the stage. Brooks meets my gaze, rolling his eyes.

He says to the room, “Brothers, this meeting is adjourned. We’ll let everyone know when Brother Blanc has completed his task.”

People file from the room, though Dimitri stays behind.

He joins us and asks, “Think Blanc will really do what he’s supposed to?”

Alessandro answers, “He has no choice.”

“We all have a choice.” He pauses. “Has anyone spoken to Jones outside of today?”

Brooks says, “Not if I can help it. Why?”

“Jacqueline Chanel Minty-Smith called me the other day. Said Buffy Jones was worried about her husband. He didn’t answer when I tried to call.”

---