Page 57 of Deadly Designs

Knowing Aja Blue was alone meant she had to be quick.It only made sense to look around while Pastor Chet was otherwiseoccupied. You never knew what you might uncover.

Presley glanced over her shoulder. Though severalcars, primarily trucks, dotted the lot, no people were wanderingabout. She glanced at the building in front of her, which haddulled yellow aluminum siding and two sizeable white garage doors.No cameras. She tried one of the side entries to find it locked. Noproblem. Presley removed the lock-picking kit from her cargo pantsand made quick word of the obstacle in front of her. Then she wasinside.

There were no windows, so the darkness was complete.She waited for her eyes to adjust. It smelled of gasoline, cutgrass, and something she couldn’t identify—maybe turpentine. Sheidentified the large shape in front of her as a vehicle. She tookout her phone and activated the flashlight app.

Presley smiled to herself and said, “Well, well,well. What do we have here?”

Chapter Sixteen

Christian glanced around the areaas he and Kayne approached the church doors. A few people werefiling in, and all the men dressed much like they were, so theyblended in. Both slouched and shuffled their feet as they entered.A man with a buzz cut, wearing a starched white shirt, sat at atable. His name tag read Denny.

“Welcome. Are you here for Pastor Chet’s leadershipand guidance meeting?”

“Uh, yeah,” Christian muttered. “Heard he shares ourviews.”

Denny looked them over. “Well, I don’t know whatthose are, but Pastor Chet is very knowledgeable and wise. You willbe inspired. How did you hear about us?”

“Met a guy about a week ago. Zikes. Said to check itout.”

“Oh, yes. Byron is one of our loyal footsoldiers.”

Interesting choice of words. “He here tonight?”

“I haven’t seen him yet, but I’m sure he’ll be here.He never misses a meeting.” Denny placed a hand beside his mouth towhisper, “He’s kinda obsessive about it,” like it was a bigsecret.

Christian doubted Denny was a good enough actor topretend he didn’t know Zikes was dead. Either his murder hadnothing to do with Pastor Chet, or Denny wasn’t part of the innercircle. Christian bet on the second scenario. He was a minion. Hedid the grunt work, salivating at the chance to impress the boss,but he held no actual power.

“Was Pastor Chet responsible for organizing theprotest at Crystal Galaxy last week?”

Denny smiled deviously. “Sure was. We came out inforce.”

It had been a wild guess that the incident Charlottamentioned was conducted by the Church of the Enlightened.

“Are there just meetings, or can we get more involvedif Pastor Chet motivates us with his speech?” Kayne wanted toknow.

“Well, that’s up to Pastor Chet,” Denny repliedcarefully. “Everyone wants to be involved, but he hand-picks histeam. He’s in high demand, so his time is limited.”

Sounded like Denny was bitter about being a glorifiedreceptionist. “Zikes is part of that group?” Christian wondered.When Denny hesitated to answer, he added, “It might pay to have aconnection with an insider, if you know what I mean.”

Denny shook his head. “Again, it’s up to Pastor Chet.I’m not privy to that information.”

In other words, a lackey.

“What are your names?”

Denny had clammed up, probably realizing he wasn’tone of the chosen ones. “Darrel, and this is my brother,Gerald.”

Denny scribbled their names on self-adhesive tags andhanded one to each of them. Christian removed the backing andslapped it on his chest.

“No phones are allowed, so I’ll need you to leaveyours here.” Denny held up a basket already full of devices.

Christian hesitated. He wasn’t worried that anyonecould tamper with his cell. COBRA Securities phones werefundamentally tamper-proof. He wanted to take pictures of theothers in the group. Kayne elbowed him and subtly tipped his headto the side. Christian followed his gaze to see a metal detector.Shit.They were loaded down with weapons. “Not that I don’ttrust you, Denny, but we’re going to put our phones in thetruck.”

Denny shrugged. “Your choice, but we’re notresponsible for items left in vehicles, so don’t try to sueus.”

“Got a theft problem, Denny?” Kayne drawled.

“Doesn’t every city in America?” Denny shook hishead. “We need stronger leadership, like what Pastor Chet preaches.Then, people would be terrified of breaking the law. Hurry back.The session will start soon.”

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