Page 63 of Finding Secrets

One week, when we were watching foster homes on the list, we saw a woman trying to find her daughter. She was working on getting her back from the system. She had cleaned up her act and had been sober for a few years, with a whole new life to get her daughter back. We saw her walking around the foster homes, asking questions. They all told her they didn’t know anything about her. Until the last house told her that her daughter had run away. She broke down on the curb outside.

I walked up to her to see if she was okay. She just looked so broken. She opened up about her daughter to me. I think I was the first person to actually listen to her. I told her I would look for her daughter and that I would bring her home when I found her.

She didn’t look convinced, but there was hope in those eyes. I don’t blame her for not fully believing me. Everything we had acquired were all dead ends. The more we searched, the less we thought there would be any leads. But I made it my mission to follow through.

Even though we knew we couldn’t give up, we still wanted to smash our heads against a wall out of frustration at how well this place is hidden. When we finally got a taste of the area of Everton, we jumped on it, hopping from small town to small town. There was talk in those towns on the outskirts of here, but the locals only knew very little. Some, I could tell knew more, but their lips were sealed. That is, until Marcus got his hands dirty on one of the nightclub workers in the towns nearby. He got a small piece that led us here, and I thank Marcus every day for it.

So, here I am, talking to a shithole that is Samuel Donovan about all of my options and how this whole indoctrination works in my favor to find a wife so I can fully commit my life to their Divine One.

“It’s all very easy. I will have a discussion at a spiritual level with the Divine to see what path they see you on. The induction ceremony will help the Divine and me get a closer look at your place here in Everton.” He places his elbows on top of his desk. “Now is the matter of... preferred age. I want it to suit your likings as well as the Divine’s.”

I have to stop from grinding my teeth. “Preferred age?” I cock a playful eyebrow at him, already hating myself a little for it.

I know this is a cover-up, but it never gets fucking easier to have to pretend to be a piece of shit. How could Samuel actually think anything here is okay?

That’s the difference between him and I, where I’m pretending to be a monster, but Samuel Donovan just is one.

“The Divine prefers youth. With their purity and untainted with sins, it’s easier for them to pledge their devotion to not only the Divine but to their chosen husband and our community.” His eyes light up as he continues more about the working of his religion.

He doesn’t say it out loud, but we both know what the fuck this place is.

A fucking cult.

All of this is a front. The community. The leaders. The fucking Divine themselves is a lie. To justify all their dirty ways of living they have brainwashed everyone to think is “normal.”

There isnothingnormal about Everton.

“I think I will put my trust in the Divine to know who the best wife for me will be. As for age, I would have to agree. Youth would”—I gulp—“very much be a path I would love to be on as I devote myself, my life, and future family to this community.”

“And to the Divine,” Samuel adds.

“Yes, and to the Divine, of course.” I bow my head.

“I think the Divine will find a great spot for you here in Everton, Stephen.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“As for the ceremonies to come, I hope you are ready for the tasks at hand.”

I’m trying to listen to all the details so that I am fully ready for whatever is to come, but my brain keeps flashing to the fact that I will actually have to participate in these things. Out of all the infiltration I have done throughout the years, I have never been this deep. The way he is talking about each step makes my brain hurt. I have to stay in character.

“As you know, Mr. Harris, we need you in Everton until the Divine has found a fit for you. I hope your work has allowed you the opportunity to take some time off.” He looks at me cautiously.

“Yes, the perks of being your own boss.” I smile at him.

“I’m glad to hear. So, everything sounds like it’s in order, then?”

I lift my eyes to see his. “Perfect.”

The door opens behind me as someone steps into the room. “Mr. Donovan, you’re needed at the cathedral for your meeting.”

“Thank you, Joshua.” Samuel stands, pushing his chair out. “I look forward to our next ceremony.”

I stand as well, giving him a small bow. “As do I, Mr. Donovan.”

“Joshua will see you out.”

With that, Samuel is out the door, and Joshua waits for me next to it.

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