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“Yes, a circle, but don’t worry. It’ll go by fast. After the initial community news, they just do a dedication over the offering, and once that’s through we all go up and get our refreshments, the rum punch. It’s the only time we get any liquor around here so it’s kind of a big deal. Then we get dressed and party the rest of the night. I just can’t wait for you to meet everyone!”
The field emerges and I watch as one by one adults of all ages peel off their clothes as if they were at the beach. Although there’s not a swimsuit in sight. And soon there won’t be a stitch of anything in sight.
Not on their bodies, not on mine.
It’s showtime.
24
Special Agent Fallon Baxter
Sloan and I fall in line and take off our clothes. I’ve done many things that have felt unnatural to me, but this feels as if I’m peeling off my skin.
It’s dark out, save for an expansive table in the center of the enormous circle where dozens of candles glitter over its surface. In the middle of the table sits a giant silver basin where a few people add something to it then stir it with a long-handled ladle.
A man steps into the middle of the grounds, naked, as is everyone else by now. And even though I’m doing my best not to look, my eyes keep stealing snatches.
If Erin is in this crowd, then I’m going to find her. I’ll scour miles of flesh to find my sister and tonight I’ll have to do just that. But so far, I can’t spot her anywhere. But it’s dark and there are so many bodies here tonight. I could be scanning right past her. Thankfully, Sloan is determined to introduce me to everyone and anyone, and I hope that includes my sister.
A man sets foot in the center of the circle, holding what looks to be a ram’s horn in his hand. He blows into it, and soon a quiet hush falls over the crowd.
Sloan gives my hand a squeeze.
“Remember”—she leans my way and whispers—“it’s all dress up. It’s all in fun. Sort of like Halloween.”
I’m about to make a sarcastic remark about the fact there’s not a costume in sight just as three cloaked figures step forward.
There are a man and woman wearing long black robes. And another figure, taller with broader shoulders than the first man. He, too, is wearing a dark cloak, but he has a red hood over his head.
“That’s Malcolm and Patty without the masks,” Sloan whispers once again.
“Who’s the guy with the hood?”
“The supreme leader,” she says, growing far more sober than I’ve yet to see her. “Time for talking is over.”
“Welcome, one and all,” the man in the red hood booms to the crowd and I startle because it feels as if I’ve heard that voice before. “Welcome to the most important event horizon of your life.”
The crowd cheers for a moment, and yet my insides pinch again because those words sound as familiar as does the voice delivering them.
“A blood atonement must be made for our sins. And once you drink of my blood, you, too, will be cleansed.”
He pulls out a knife and slices his forearm until a trickle of blood drips in the silver basin and the crowd gives a raucous applause.
Rum punch with blood. It’s safe to say I won’t be partaking.
But at least I have a better idea of who the hooded enigma might be. White male according to the skin around his eyes and that of his forearm and hands, sturdy build, good shape. I may not be able to take him.
The woman in the black robe gives a pious wave. “Do we have any new members with us this evening? Please take a step forward so we can acknowledge you.”
I shoot a look to Sloan and she gives my hand another squeeze.
“I knew that might spook you, so I didn’t want to say anything.” She giggles. “Don’t worry. It won’t last but a second. Go on.” She pushes me forward and I’m one in a handful. The three robed figures make their way to those brave enough to step out, and soon enough they arrive to me.
“Welcome,” the man and the woman say in unison, but the man in the red hood tips his head thoughtfully at me.
The moon shines over us and it feels like a spotlight as he steps my way.
“Tonight”—he reaches out and swipes his thumb over my lips—“you’ll be my special guest in Nightshade.” His fingers snake down my torso, all the way down, but I dare flinch.
