AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My attention darted around the shadows of the large trees, but I didn’t see Wagner. We’d agreed to meet in a private area of a national park. I told him I needed privacy for us to feel comfortable talking. At first, I didn’t think he would buy it, but he did.
Tucking my hair behind my ear, I reminded myself to allow the fake diamond earrings to show. Sutton had created the listening devices, and the FBI would hear every word between us, but it would help if I kept my hair out of the way.
A tall man stepped out from behind a tree and walked toward the picnic table in the middle of the overgrown area. It was probably a beautiful spot to chill and have lunch during summer, but winter was right around the corner, and someone hadn’t taken care of the grass in a while.
My heart rate spiked, and I struggled to catch my breath. Cautiously, I approached the man I recognized from the newspaper article. Undiluted fear and the darkest rage exploded inside of me.
“Wagner?” I asked, plastering on a fake smile.
“Lyndsay?” he asked, raking his blue eyes up and down my body as though I were on display to purchase. Hell, to him, I probably was.
A malicious grin slipped over his face. “You’re absolutely beautiful. Come give your old man a hug.”
Swallowing the bile that had swam up to my throat, I forced myself to touch him. I might not remember the son of a bitch, but he had a slimy, disgusting feeling about him.
Pretending the best I could, I threw my arms around him. “Dad.” I stared into the trees behind him, reminding myself that the FBI and Pierce’s guys were hidden, surrounding us.
Wagner rubbed my back, then squeezed my ass, pulling me against him.Don’t barf. Please, don’t barf. If this fails, you’ll have to see him again.
I pulled away, pretending that what had just happened was normal. According to Kane, the elders could touch someone any way they wanted.
He was several inches taller than I was, with sandy blonde hair, thin yet muscular. But his eyes … As our gazes connected, I realized we had the same shape and color of eyes, cheekbones, and forehead. There wasn’t any disputing that he was my father. “For being in prison the last five years, you look great. You must have worked out a lot.” Brian had encouraged me to feed his ego. Men like Wagner were cruel narcissists, but if I played to that, it would help solidify that I wanted to be in his life again.
I walked to the picnic bench, watched where he sat, then settled across from him.
“How are you, kiddo? It’s been years since I’ve seen you.” He rubbed his clean-shaven chin, his attention landing on my breasts. I hadn’t thought about him looking at me like he wanted to … An uncontrollable shiver slithered down my spine. He disgusted me, and I hated that I shared his DNA. I shoved the thought out of my head, realizing that if I wanted this to succeed, I would have to deal with my feelings later. It wasn’t about me anyway. This was for Kane and every child that had been ripped away from their families.
Clinging to my anger, I answered. “I’m in college in New York, studying law, actually.” I smiled at him as I fed him phony information.
“Wow. I always knew you were smart, but law, huh?” His gaze thoughtfully narrowed. “Good for you. You’ll be an incredible asset to the Light of David. Not to mention, you have the perfect body to reproduce and grow the family.” He offered me a sickeningly sweet smile, and I fought the urge to punch the motherfucker in his face and run.
“Honestly, since you’re my dad, I feel like I can share this with you. There’s a lot that I don’t remember from our time together. Hopefully, you’ll be patient with me as you teach me the ways again. I want nothing more than to stand by your side and resurrect what you worked hard to build.”
Wagner reached over the table and took my hand in his. “I’ve recruited new elders that I want to introduce you to. Do you remember the introductory ritual?”
“I was young, so I don’t remember which ritual was for what. As I said, I’ve not had a mentor from the Light of David with me for years. You’ll have to reteach me. I hope that’s okay.”
Wagner released my hand. “Why are you really here, Lyndsay? That boy Jacob helped you escape, then I haven’t heard a word from you at all. It sounds suspicious to me.”
Feigning shock, I managed to tear up. Brian had coached me on how to respond to Wagner’s questions. He was smart and wouldn’t fall for my bullshit story immediately. It would take some serious acting on my part.
I brushed away the tear that had slipped down my cheek. “It was awful. I was a stupid teen, scared of the virginal ritual, and I ran. Once I saw what was beyond the compound, it was too late. If I’d tried to come back, you wouldn’t have let me. After the arrests, I had to lay low and stay off the radar, preparing myself for the time that we could rebuild everything that was destroyed … together. Father and daughter. I’ve had a taste of the free world, and it’s not for me. Please, forgive me for sinning against you and the elders.” I wrung my fingers together on top of the table. Every move and every word out of my mouth was to convince him that I was on his side. It had to work.
“I always knew you were special, Lyndsay. Let’s do this. I’ll introduce you to the elders, then we’ll schedule the introductory ritual.”
My heart knocked against my chest like it was attempting to run away without me. “That sounds perfect.” I paused. “I’m so glad you’re free.”
Wagner’s chuckle echoed through the small clearing. “You and me both. However, I did learn what I want to do differently in our religion.”
“I’m excited to hear more about the changes. I was thinking about how we could grow faster, though.” My forehead scrunched, and I leaned on the table. “We need children. We need to teach them right from wrong and how to serve while they’re still young. That we are the light, and the world is the darkness. How can we do that, Dad? How can we spread the truth quicker?”
A vicious grin slipped into place. “We take them.”
Pretending to ponder the idea, I straightened. “Isn’t that risky? You just got out of prison. It’s my job to protect you now.” I was beginning to think I’d missed my calling. Maybe I should consider becoming a professional bullshitter if this played out well.
Wagner’s brow rose slightly. “I love your dedication, and hopefully, it will continue.”
“Of course, it will. I’ve been waiting for this day way too long. Do you know how powerful we will be together?”
