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She pulls away and grins. “Now go and get your girl, soldier.”
Arthur grins as I catch his eye because words are failing me right now. Who is this girl and where did she come from because it’s obvious Purity doesn’t belong in Heaven? I’m curious what is waiting for her in Chicago that has fired her up to do the unthinkable because if she is discovered, her life will never be the same again.
As I watch them leave, I waste no time and dash out a quick text.
Jonny
It’s happening today. 10 am. I have confirmation Hope is at Rosemary Hughes. If you get there before me, watch out for an angel that goes by the name of Purity. Approach with caution.
It amuses me as I press send and as I set about my preparations, it’s with a great sense of excitement because it’s time to go and do what I do best and, as Purity said, go and get my girls.
CHAPTER17
FAITH
Iam physically shaking. I can’t believe this is happening. Miss. Hughes was not gentle with me when she tied my hair into a tight bun, and I mean really tight. So tight it causes my eyes to water, and it’s as if I’m gripped in steel jaws, not bobby pins.
There is no make-up except foundation to cover the bruises. Not that they do a good job and so she shakes her head and snaps, “You must keep your veil on to prevent the congregation staring at the result of your sin.”
My sin? She has got to be kidding me because the biggest sinners in this town are these two.
The dress she has made me wear is plain, practical and scratches like hell. A simple white dress that I’m certain is about to be present at wedding number five. Knowing the previous occupants died because of this dress, makes me want to be physically sick. There is something sinister about life in the reverend’s home and I pray I’m not about to discover what that is first hand.
I know he has been held back by the period of mourning and I’m guessing married life will be no bed of roses. Just imagining what that will involve freezes my blood. The fact I’ll be controlled by the two monsters inside this house tells me why the previous occupants took the easy way out.
If it wasn’t for Hope, I would be considering that option right now, but I’ve never been one to give into a challenge and I would rather fight my way out than die.
Self-preservation is high on my to do list right now and if there is a God, I will not be returning here with a metal band on my finger. Today or any day in the future.
Reverend Peters has already left by the time we are ready, which I’m grateful for. As I follow Miss. Hughes outside, I’m astonished to see my father waiting with his car door open.
The veil covers my face, and I search for any hint of concern at all in his expression, but there is nothing but grave acceptance for my situation.
As we step forward, Miss. Hughes says politely, “Good morning, Sir.”
He nods. “Good morning, Miss. Hughes.”
Without a glance in my direction, he points to the back seat and as I slide inside, my heart is cold. Where is the love? Where is the duty of care he should feel in bucket loads for his daughter? It’s obvious he has washed his hands of me and couldn’t give a shit about my situation.
Then there’s Hope. He can’t even bring himself to mention her name, or even look at her. He has always pretended she doesn’t exist, which hurt deeper than I wanted it to.
I have always craved his affection but never receive any. I’m not surprised that he sold me out because he apparently couldn’t wait to be rid of me. I’m an embarrassment. That’s always been obvious. Now he can enjoy an elevated status in the town as the father-in-law of the most powerful man in Heaven. My husband.
I shiver as the possibility of that strikes me cold.
Not fucking likely. Not if I have anything to do with it and as the car starts its fateful journey, I prepare myself for the fight of my life.
Our journey is spent in silence, largely because Miss. Hughes sits beside me like a demon on my shoulder. However, as soon as the car reaches its destination, she heads inside with a parting sneer.
As we wait outside, the warm sun is a welcome addition to the wedding party and I love the heat it brings to my frozen body, calming me and reassuring me that everything will be okay. I listen to the birds singing in the nearby tree. The sound is like nature’s serenade, pure and sweet. Completely out of place at this wedding.
My father stands silently waiting for the music to start, signifying my descent into madness, so I take my chance and, lifting the veil, stare at him for any sign of compassion at all.
“Pa, please.” I feel the tears glisten in my eyes as I face him with brutality written all over my face. “Please don’t do this. The man is deranged. He is sick, I’m telling you. I’m afraid for my life. For Hope’s life. He has taken her.”
I get nothing back but a look of derision and, in desperation, I clutch at his hand, causing him to pull back as if I’ve stabbed him as I plead, “I’m begging you. Take me home. Take me anywhere but here. I can’t marry that monster. You will be attending my funeral next if you go through with this.”
He leans forward and hisses, “The reverend told us it wouldn’t be pretty. That banishing evil comes at a price.”
