Page 37 of Deceit

Before she can respond I’m practically dragging her to the car, opening the door and pushing her in before slamming the door shut. Look at me, being all gentlemanly and shit.

When I make my way around to the driver’s seat I put the car in gear and take off almost immediately. We drive in silence for a few moments, and I relish in the peace. Until she decides it’s a good idea to open her mouth again.

“That man back there. You knew him?” she asks.

I nod as I hit my blinker and take a turn.

“I know everyone.”

“How?” she counters.

I frown at that. “What do you mean how?”

“How do you know everyone? How does everyone know you? I looked it up, there are close to forty-four-thousand people inSalem, Massachusetts. How on earth do you know everyone? How do they know you? Know me?”

I contemplate on how much to tell her. According to the Elders, I shouldn’t tell her anything. Women were never meant to be involved, and if they ever became so, they didn’t live long after. That thought isn’t nearly as terrifying as it should be, but rather enticing. No future bride, means no future wedding.

Fuck it.

“I don’t know everyone, just those that matter. Those that are connected to The Brethren.”

“The Brethren?” she questions slowly. “What the hell is that?”

“A group of families, with common history and goals for the future.”

She’s silent for a moment, before she practically guffaws at me.

“A cult?”

Amusement plays on my lips. If only the Elders could hear her say such an egregious thing. She’d have her tongue cut out before she could even take her next breath. Now there is an idea, if I can’t get out of a wife, maybe one that can’t talk wouldn’t be so bad. Though, I’m sure I’d miss that tongue for other purposes eventually.

I don’t respond, curious if I let that little idea fester and bloom what will come of it. Hopefully, something that benefits me.

“Every family at Gallows Hill University is connected to The Brethren. Why do you think the college is invitation only?” I ask, taking my eyes from the road to give her a ‘duh’ look.

Understanding comes to her, and she nods.

“And my father? He’s a part of this…society?” she hedges.

There we go, that’s a little more accurate.

I nod my head as I turn to pull into the parking lot outside of her dorm.

“Does everyone on campus know, except me?”

I park the car and nod.

“All of us grew up together. The same elementary, middle and high schools. Same sports teams or other activities.”

“Why was I excluded? Why was I sent away then?”

I roll my lips together, knowing this is a secret I can’t share. So instead, I just continue.

“The Brethren believe in keeping our future lineage clean from outsiders, hence why most will end up in arranged marriages. Usually arrangements aren’t made until after graduation, but ours was expedited.”

“Why?” she asks, leaning towards me like she’s desperate for any morsel I’ll give her.

I wish I could give her this one, but I’ve been wondering the same myself.

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