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  He said, ‘If it’s good money, I don’t care.’

  ‘That’s my point,’ she said. ‘You should care. Close your eyes.’

  He complied.

  Now that his world was dark the nicotine had a greater effect. His body tingled, and he figured this was a far lesser version of what she usually did with Bodhi.

  Her voice was all-encompassing now. Closing his eyes heightened his other senses. He took another draw on the Cuban as she started to speak.

  ‘Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.’

  He did.

  She said, ‘Slower.’

  He went slower.

  She said, ‘Feel your heart rate going down. Feel the oxygen coming in, the carbon dioxide going out. In with peace. Out with unease. In with stillness. Out with stress.’

  Even though he knew what she was doing, it still had an effect on him.

  He was tranquil before he knew it.

  Then she started to speak.

  ‘Mother Earth is alive, Jason,’ she said. ‘Do you feel it beneath you? Always in motion. You can’t fathom its power, but it’s there, and it’s waiting for someone to harness it. You may not believe me yet, but bear with me. I want to try a visualisation exercise. I want you to imagine the power of the earth, of Mother, of Gaia, moving through you. Coming up through the floor, starting with your toes. Feel them tingle. Feel the power work its way to your calves, your thighs … your hips, your stomach … your chest, your arms … your head.’

  King sure felt something.

  Now he got it.

  She combined powerful substances with meditation and her own rhetoric to put her followers in a heightened state. Then she fed them what they wanted to hear, building their confidence, their mood, their devotion.

  After enough sessions, they’d do whatever she wanted.

  She was a drug.

  Mother Libertas was an addiction.

  And he couldn’t deny it felt good.

  She kept talking in her own soothing way, relaxing him, coaxing him into a state of ecstasy. When she finally told him to open his eyes, the world flooded in. Colours were brighter for a beat. It took his eyes a moment to adjust.

  He sat bolt upright in the armchair and decided to shiver for dramatic effect.

  She said, ‘Do you see what Mother Earth has to offer?’

  He nodded, then drew on the cigar one final time and tamped it out in the ashtray on the table.

  She said, ‘You’re going to do fantastic things for us, Jason. Your limitations are perceptions. Together we’re going to liberate the world.’

  He said, ‘I can’t fucking wait.’

  ‘Tomorrow,’ she said, raising her hands in admittance of the late hour. ‘We’ll speak tomorrow. Thank you for your time. Elias is out front, and he’ll show you to your room.’

  ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘I mean it.’

  She lowered her voice like she didn’t want her husband to hear. ‘I’m excited to get to know you better.’

  She put a look on her face like she wanted to tear his clothes off right there.

  He knew it was just her way of gaining his devotion, but the primal part of his brain believed it all the same.

  He nodded to her, got up, and walked out.

  Before he reached the front door, he took stock of his own mood. He was buzzed from the cigar, relaxed from the guided meditation, and had to admit her words were soothing. He was more in touch with his body, aware of every muscle, his movements smooth.

  Vivid memories flashed in his mind. First, a naked woman suspended from a meat hook. Then a kid ripping the skin off his hand so he could get out of his restraints and commit suicide.

  He met Elias on the front porch and the blond man led him wordlessly down to the commune.

  49

  Slater lay on the bottom bunk in a room that was barely larger than a supply closet.

  The walls were damp in places, the floorboards chipped and faded, and the bunk frame creaked every time he shifted his weight.

  He calmed himself. We’re in. Not long to go.

  All they had to do was assess the routines, find an opening, and execute the Riordans.

  Deep down he knew it wouldn’t be as simple as that. There had to be over a hundred people living here, religiously devoted to Maeve and Dane, and they wouldn’t take an upheaval of their life lightly. There’s a time and place for all-out war, and with this many potentially innocent lives in the mix, that time wasn’t the present.

  The door opened and Slater tensed up in anticipation of an attack.

  King stepped in. He was calm as ice.

  Slater said, ‘How’d it go?’

  King mouthed, ‘Bugged,’ and swept a hand around the room.

  Slater nodded knowingly.

  King said, ‘That was some crazy shit. They’re onto something.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Maeve told me about what they’re doing here. Showed me a few of the practices. I … can’t even explain it. It was fucking wild. You’re going to love it.’

  ‘You reek of smoke.’

  ‘We had Cubans.’

  Slater grumbled like he was discontent at being left out.

  King said, ‘Start showing more appreciation and she might want to involve you.’

  ‘We hardly know a thing about this place.’

  ‘Now I know more than you do,’ King said. ‘Because I’m pleasant to be around. You should try it.’

  Slater said, ‘I’ll give it a crack tomorrow.’

  Their fake conversation completed for the benefit of any microphones that might be listening, King turned out the light and vaulted into the top bunk.

  They lay there in silence, wanting to say so many things but not being able to.

  It made the atmosphere crackle, and as a consequence it took them an eternity to fall asleep.

  50

  Alexis woke at dawn.

  She listened, waiting to hear Violetta stir, but heard nothing. Eventually she peeled herself off the thin mattress and stood up, at eye level with Violetta’s bunk.

  Violetta opened her eyes and swept blond hair off her face. ‘Hey.’

  ‘Hey,’ Alexis said. ‘I’m taking a walk.’

  Violetta opened her mouth to ask a question, then remembered the room was probably bugged and clamped it shut. She nodded quietly, and mouthed, ‘Careful.’

  Alexis nodded back.

  She stepped outside into the cool morning air. A fine layer of mist swept slowly away from the commune as the sun rose over the prairie. It was a scene straight from the Wild West. The community was already alive with people, most of them trending younger — mid-twenties or early thirties. Everyone had a place to be, something to do. The disciples operated as a well-oiled machine, an amalgamation of parts tasked with some divine manual labour job to keep Mother Libertas running smoothly. Supplies were carried between buildings, clothes were washed and hung up to dry, loose dirt was swept off pathways. Each of the followers moved with purpose, like their every movement mattered, which they probably thought it did.

  With this level of coordination and synergy, Mother Libertas would never stop growing.

  Alexis turned in a half-circle and saw Slater across the commune.

  She froze.

  He noticed her at the same time, and their eyes met with sharp understanding.

  She didn’t outwardly react, but relief flooded her.

  They made it. They’re here.

  She realised she could go talk to him without ruining their cover. She’d been the one to recommend them to Dane, after all, and she’d told him she’d met King and Slater at a bar, so it made sense that they’d be familiar with each other.

  She started for him.

  Addison stepped into her path.

  The young woman had materialised out of nowhere, as if she’d been waiting for an opportunity to catch Alexis alone. Her face was still shy, and Alexis could tell it made her uncomfortable to approach a strange
r.

  ‘Hi,’ she said softly.

  Alexis stopped in her tracks, because to do otherwise would have seemed suspicious to anyone watching. She took her eyes off Slater and trained them on Addison. ‘Hi. Nice to see you again.’

  ‘Could I…?’

  Addison trailed off and looked over her shoulder. She was clearly paranoid of being overheard.

  Alexis said, ‘What is it?’

  ‘Could I speak to you somewhere private?’ Addison said. ‘It won’t take long.’

  Alexis looked from her to Slater, who hadn’t moved.

  Addison said, ‘Please.’

  There was desperation in her tone.

  Alexis ushered her round the back of the bunkhouse, to the perimeter of the commune. It made no sense for the building’s exterior to be bugged, and the grasslands swept out endlessly, capable of snatching their words away.

  Alexis put a hand on Addison’s shoulder. The girl was trembling.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Alexis said.

  Addison looked left and right, then mustered her courage and said, ‘I need to get out of here.’

  51

  King stepped outside into the morning light and found Slater standing motionless, staring into the distance.

  The disciples flowed smoothly around the commune, attending to their tasks.

  King walked up beside Slater and muttered, ‘You good?’

  Slater said, ‘They’re here.’

  ‘Who?’

  Slater hesitated. ‘The girls from the bar.’

  King looked around, assessing their surroundings. He lowered his voice. ‘You think they’re listening to everything?’

  Slater turned and raised an eyebrow. He mouthed, ‘Not worth the risk.’

  They looked away from each other like nothing had happened.

  King felt it. The cold tendrils of paranoia, slowly enveloping his world. That’s when it struck him — how hard it would be to break free from a cult. The lack of control, the uncertainty…

  Not knowing who was listening, and when.

  It was so much easier to obey.

  King raised his voice to full volume and proclaimed, ‘I’m going for a walk.’

  Slater shrugged. ‘Be my guest.’

  Then it clicked.

  King thought, If they’re listening, they’ll stop me.

  Slater nodded when he realised.

  King strolled through the commune, passing the church and the mess hall, heading in the general direction of the farmhouse.

  He rounded a corner and Dane was there.

  Waiting for me? King thought. Or just a coincidence?

  ‘How did you sleep?’ Dane asked, leaning against the side of an outbuilding. His hair was perfect and his eyes were sharp.

  Like he’d been up all night.

  Plotting.

  Scheming.

  King said, ‘Like a baby. After two tours you can sleep anywhere.’

  Dane shrugged off the insinuation that the living conditions were terrible.

  Dane said, ‘There’s a congregation this afternoon. You can see how Maeve runs it.’

  King said, ‘Can’t wait.’

  ‘What are your plans this morning?’

  King thought, He knows.

  He decided to test the man by sticking to his guns.

  ‘Thought I’d go for a stroll.’

  Dane shook his head. ‘You don’t want to do that. There’s nothing out there. You’re better off staying here, meeting the disciples, getting to know them.’

  ‘How’d you know I didn’t mean a stroll around the commune?’

  Dane quashed a wry smile and said, ‘There’s not much of it. I figured you wanted to walk in the prairie.’

  ‘I do.’

  ‘I wouldn’t.’

  ‘I’ll be okay. It’ll be good to clear my head.’

  ‘Clear it from what?’

  King hesitated, made up his mind, then pressed forward. ‘Listen. I’m not here to be a follower. I’m looking for employment. If you have a problem with me doing things that the disciples aren’t allowed to do, then I’ll have a problem, too.’

  Dane raised an eyebrow. ‘Oh?’

  His eyes were steel.

  King had seen the worst of humanity. He could deal with a withering gaze. ‘You heard me.’

  Dane thought about escalating it. King could see it in his eyes. He was drunk on his own power, considering mustering reinforcements. If he called thirty followers over to prevent King from leaving, then King’s only option would be to break free with brute force. Dane wanted to call King’s bluff.

  But he didn’t.

  He said, ‘Go on, then. But we’re going to have a proper discussion about who the boss is when you get back.’

  ‘I know who the boss is,’ King said, subtly de-escalating the tension. ‘I’m just very particular about my own freedoms.’

  ‘Mother Libertas is the true freedom,’ Dane said. ‘Remember that. Remember what you felt last night with Maeve. There’s so much more of that to come. If you listen. If you obey.’

  Compared to Maeve’s subtleties, Dane was like a sledgehammer.

  But King wasn’t fazed. ‘Sure. Just let me have a walk.’

  ‘Are you asking permission?’

  Silence.

  King said, ‘Yes.’

  Dane smiled. ‘There we go. Of course. Don’t wander too far, though.’

  King knew the last thing Dane wanted was losing track of the newcomers, but the power trip had him in its grasp.

  King nodded respectfully and walked away, heading west.

  52

  As soon as Addison spoke, Alexis’ stomach knotted in fear.

  She tightened her grip on Addison’s shoulder, raised her eyebrows, and waited for the girl to look her straight in the eyes before she shook her head vigorously.

  Addison lowered her voice. ‘What?’

  Alexis leant in close and whispered, ‘Don’t say that to anyone other than me.’

  ‘That’s why I asked to speak over here. And that’s why I asked to speak to you. You’re not—’

  She stopped herself short.

  Alexis whispered, ‘I’m not what?’

  Addison’s eyes were wet. ‘You’re not in too deep. Yet.’

  ‘Listen to me. Addison, listen. You need to be very careful. I don’t want you ever repeating this to anyone. You hear me?’

  Addison said, ‘That’s what you just said.’

  ‘I need you to understand.’

  Addison chewed her lower lip, thinking. ‘You know they’re evil, don’t you?’

  ‘Who?’

  ‘You know who.’

  The Riordans.

  Alexis opened her mouth to respond, then froze. She had a sudden, overwhelming urge to walk away. It wouldn’t surprise her if Maeve or Dane had put Addison up to the task of ensnaring traitors. She was barely an adult, easily influenced, and she’d obey anyone in a position of power. They could take advantage of her.

  No, she told herself, looking into the young woman’s eyes. No.

  Addison wasn’t faking it. She’d have to be an Oscar-worthy actress to do it, and the fear in her eyes was palpable.

  After a long rumination, Alexis said, ‘Yes. I do.’

  It made her heart hammer. If she’d judged the girl wrong, now was the time for Addison to walk away, report her findings to the Riordans. Then Alexis would be taken, overwhelmed by the sheer number of followers, maybe imprisoned and tortured and killed for her dissidence.

  Addison didn’t walk away.

  She nodded slowly, shocked that she’d found someone who didn’t worship the Riordans, then her brow furrowed. ‘Then why are you here?’

  ‘We know what’s going on,’ Alexis said. ‘We’re here to put a stop to it.’

  Addison’s eyes widened.

  Alexis said, ‘You need to stay put.’

  Addison shook her head, her face white. ‘No. I can’t. Not anymore. I need to get back to Gillette.’

>   ‘To speak to the police?’

  Addison went even paler. ‘No. I can’t do that.’

  There was still terror in her eyes, but now there was something else.

  Guilt.

  Alexis thought, What did they make you do?

  Now was not the time to find out.

  Alexis said, ‘Does anyone suspect you’re seeing things differently?’

  ‘I don’t know.’

  ‘Have you been acting differently?’

  ‘Maybe.’

  ‘You need to stop doing that. It’s only temporary, but you need to fit in. Don’t draw attention to yourself. You don’t know what they’re capable of.’

  Addison clammed up.

  Her eyes turned wet.

  Alexis said, ‘What?’

  ‘I know what they’re capable of. They’ve made me do things…’

  Alexis touched a finger to her lips.

  Addison squeezed her eyes shut, blinked back tears. ‘Maybe I don’t deserve to get out of here.’

  ‘You do.’

  ‘I didn’t protest. I didn’t refuse to do anything they told me to do. I’m … I’m a terrible person. I deserve to die.’

  ‘You were scared. You knew what they’d do to you if you refused.’

  Addison didn’t nod, but Alexis saw agreement in her eyes.

  ‘Go back out there,’ Alexis said. ‘Act normal. Don’t even think about what we just spoke about. Don’t treat me any differently. Let us do our thing.’

  ‘Who’s “us”?’

  ‘There’s a few of us.’

  ‘The two new guys?’ Addison said. ‘They’re with you.’

  ‘Don’t worry about it. Nothing happened here. Go about your duties. Don’t act suspicious.’

  Alexis had enough experience now to know her advice was unproductive. Telling someone not to act suspicious makes them act suspicious.

  Addison nodded, trying to stop her lower lip quivering.

  Then she turned to walk away.

  Alexis said, ‘Addison.’

  The girl looked over her shoulder.

  Alexis said, ‘Not a word of this to your brother.’

  Addison nodded again.