Page 108 of Boxed In

“You trust them with that knowledge?” the priest asked.

“Yes.” Luke answered.

“Then your friends will remember,” Father Delanos said. He looked from her to Luke. “It is time for you to leave us. The temple will not be in this location for much longer.”

“Where will it be?”

“Where it is needed.”

“Oh.” She climbed off the bed, and Luke came around to her side, reaching for her hand again. She looked down at her dress and saw that it was smudged with ashes. So was Luke’s suit.

The priest led them down the hall to a long room with two doors. “Walk through there,” he said.

They followed directions, and when they came out the door at the other end, their clothing was as clean and fresh as when they’d put it on.

“A neat trick,” Olivia murmured.

“They have a lot of neat tricks,” Luke said.

The priest gave them a broad grin, then led them up the stairs and down the hall toward the front door of the temple.

Several of the priests were waiting near the large wooden doors, including the two men who had pulled Luke from the fire. She was relieved to see they had recovered.

She embraced both of them. And to her surprise, so did Luke.

“Thank you for your bravery,” he said.

“We have met you here before. And we have been impressed with your loyalty and your courage. We couldn’t leave you in the fire,” one of them said, his eyes moist.

Luke looked embarrassed.

Then Father Delanos began speaking. “We want to reward both of you for your service to us.” With a smile, he handed the briefcase back to Luke.

“What are you giving us?”

The father’s smile widened. Apparently he was feeling pleased with himself, now that the crisis was over. “Something that will be useful out in the world.”

“Thank you,” Luke said.

Olivia added her thanks. The priest pulled the heavy door open, and she looked out into the ordinary Baltimore street. It had a feeling of unreality. They’d come here at night. It was morning again. And her eyes widened as she saw an SUV parked across the street. Brand Marshall was sitting behind the wheel. He looked toward the open doorway, then climbed out and raised his hand in greeting.

“He can see us,” Olivia whispered.

Father Delanos stared at the lone figure. “He is not like other men.”

“What do you mean?” Olivia asked.

“He’ll have to tell you himself—when you know him better,” Luke answered.

Brand didn’t approach, but he leaned against the car, staring at them.

“It is time for you to leave,” the priest whispered.

“Thank you,” Olivia said, turning and embracing him. “Thank you for letting me bring Luke back.”

“I am glad it worked out for you,” he said, sincerity ringing in his voice.

They walked through the doors and down the steps. When Olivia looked back, the temple was gone.

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