Page 57 of Wyoming Cowboy Undercover

Marshall nodded. “One of you, run to the infirmary. Tell the doctor Mercy went into anaphylactic shock. We need him to set up an IV for her in an SUV. She’ll need fluids and vitamins to help her recover and an extra EpiPen for her journey just in case.”

Shawn tapped one man on the shoulder, issuing orders. The guy ran from the room. Shawn and the other guard each took one of Alex’s arms.

“Get him out of my sight.” Marshall waved them off with a dismissive hand.

They hauled Alex out of the office. Rocco glared at him. He’d make him pay later, but he suspected Marshall would do the job first.

Marshall grabbed the map from the desk and turned to Rocco. “I’ll walk you down to a vehicle.” He put a hand to Rocco’s back as they left the house. “Sometimes when the medicine wears off, it’s possible for the symptoms to return. You’ll have an extra shot of epinephrine if they do. Watch her closely. When you get to the camp, stick to the story. Mac has always had a soft spot for Mercy. Play on that and you’ll both be fine.”

“If this is a setup,” Rocco said, “Mercy will be hurt by it.” He was now even more reluctant to involve her in her weakened state. Everything about this operation felt wrong. But there were so many lives at stake.

“I almost lost my daughter minutes ago. Trust me. I have no intention of endangering her.”

As much as Marshall might have believed his own words, Rocco put no stock in them. Her father couldn’t be trusted.

Chapter Fourteen

Marshall waited until after the commune had eaten lunch and his temper had subsided before going to the unburdening room.

Alex had been unhinged. There was no telling what he might do next.

Marshall nodded for Shawn to unlock the door. He stepped inside. “You may leave us,” he said, and Shawn closed the door behind him. Clasping his hands, he stared at Alex.

Hissonsat handcuffed to the bed, calm and composed. Gone was the remorse in him, replaced by a steely glint in his eyes.

“The punishment for an act of violence committed against an anointed member of the commune is banishment,” Marshall said.

Alex stood, the chain of his cuffs clinking against the bed rail, his head held high. “That’s true. But Mercy isn’t anointed. Is she?”

It was an undisputable fact. Still... “She is my daughter.”

“And I am your son! You chose me. Over any other that could’ve been yours. You took me under your wing. Brought me into your house. Molded me in your image. It’s me you’re grooming to succeed you. Nother. She may wear white, and you may have us call her a leader, but it’s one big joke. She’s never proven her faith or devotion by taking her vows. Because deep down we both know she’s a nonbeliever.”

Marshall prowled up to him and slapped his face. “How dare you?”

Licking the blood from his split lip, Alex smiled. “How dare I speak the truth? You’ve given her allowances that no one else is permitted. When it comes to her there is a blatant double standard. Everyone loves Mercy—she radiates light—but they all see the truth and whisper about your hypocrisy.”

“You tried to kill her!” He took a calming breath, regaining his composure. “Why would you do such a thing?”

“Because I remember,” Alex said, not making any sense.

“Remember what?”

“You know.” A long, slow grin spread over Alex’s face. “The reason Ayanna left but Mercy stayed.”

A sudden chill swept over Marshall as though someone had walked over his grave. He turned away and stared at the symbol of the Shining Light painted on the wall. Alex couldn’t possibly know. Even if he did, Marshall would not speak of it. Refused to think about it.

“If I wanted to kill her,” Alex said, “she would be dead. I tested her.”

“You what?” Pivoting on his heel to face him, Marshall shook his head at the ravings of this madman, trying to spin his way out of this. “Others who have done far less have been banished.”

“Before you can banish me, this must be brought before the council of elders. I’ll argue that I haven’t violated any bylaws. I will confess to putting crushed peanuts into the nonbeliever’s chili. To test her faith,” he said, his dark eyes glittering with unfathomable devilry. “After learning that Mercy—the woman who agreed to a courtship with me in front of everyone—ran off with an undercover ATF agent sent to spy on us and slept with him. In the end, I chose to save her, despite her transgressions. Doubt plagues your daughter like a disease. While I, your chosen son, took my vows to the commune at sixteen.” He pointed to the tattoo at the base of his throat. “When will MercyMcCoytake hers?”

Marshall stared at Alex, bowled over that he was responsible for creating this monster.

This was a delicate situation. The issue of his daughter not taking her vows to the Shining Light had reached a tipping point. Sooner than he had hoped.

Commitment was their power. Mercy was a weak link. A liability. This problem and Marshall’s hypocrisy would become the center of the discussion among the elders and the commune.

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