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Moe's expression became more forlorn before he looked away. "There are still people loyal to Dale who will come back when she dies. The ten men who left in the wake of Dale's arrest are still a threat. They moved into the mountains and were living a meager existence, coming down once every few months to get supplies from Cinderhill.”
“There are men living up in the mountains who follow Dale’s nonsense?”
“Yes.”
“And everyone here just gives them supplies?”
“They still have some contact with Dale. He’s prophesied all these things are going to happen and they believe him. Bailey's mother brokered a deal with them, telling them to keep their distance until it was safe again. There was a chance they all could be arrested too.”
“Why weren’t they?” King asked, a heat of anger rolling up his back.
“Like I said, they moved out into the woods. Laid low. The police seemed satisfied with cutting the head off the snake. As if that would solve all the problems. What they didn’t realize was just how many snakes were out living in the woods around us.”
“So they are waiting for Bailey’s mother to die and then what?”
“They plan to come back. That’s what Dale has foretold or whatever. He writes them letters from prison. They have been struggling more, demanding more supplies. Something is going to blow soon.”
“And what recourse do you really have to keep them out? If Dale is telling them to come back, and they are desperate, how do you keep them from doing that?”
“We have no recourse. When they see a chance to come back in, they will. They are desperate men who were completely loyal to Dale and, by extension, to his wife. With her so ill, it’s just a matter of time.”
“Will they listen to Bailey? Can she make some sort of deal with them?”
“No. They blame her for Dale’s arrest and the collapse of the Cinderhill he was creating. They hate Bailey, and the moment they get a chance, I believe they will come back, reclaim Cinderhill, and push her out.”
“By force?” King felt a sense of unease wash over him. He had heard about the dangers of cults and their leaders, but now he was seeing just how deep this control ran.
Moe nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. "I've been trying to keep an eye on them each time they come for supplies. I’m a different man than I was back then. I don’t intend to let anyone come and take this place or hurt Bailey. I might be an old man, but I’ll be ready for them this time.”
King placed a reassuring hand on Moe's shoulder. "You're not alone this time. We'll do whatever it takes to protect Bailey and keep those men from coming back to Cinderhill.”
They continued working until the dam seemed secure. Moe pushed his shovel into the ground and wiped sweat from his forehead. “You asked if I thought this was sabotage. I do. And there will be more to come.”
Walking back toward Bailey’s house, King couldn't help but notice the tension in the air. The normally quiet paths were filled with people, their eyes darting around nervously. It was as if everyone was collectively waiting for something terrible to happen. Clearly they knew Bailey’s mother’s health was worsening and that something may come of that.
“King,” Bailey called, waving him over to the gardens. “Were you able to shore up the dam?”
“It’s all fixed,” he assured her, dusting his hands off. “I’ll fix whatever you need around here. You just have to let me.”
Bailey drew in her lip and nibbled on it nervously. “Moe told you about the men still loyal to my father?”
“They’re coming Bailey. I know losing your mother is scary, watching her suffer is terrible. But while you are in that pain, trying to convince her to get care, I’m worried these men will see an opportunity to strike. Moe thinks the dam breaking was a message from them.”
“There are whispers,” Bailey agreed. “Everyone here is on edge. I need to find a way to reassure them that no matter what we’ll be safe here.”
“Are you safe here?” King pressed. “Maybe fighting for Cinderhill isn’t feasible. What recourse do you have against these men if they come muscling their way back in?”
“None really.” Her eyes dropped down to her shoes. “But we can’t run away.”
“Then we need a better plan.”
“We?” Bailey asked, the word catching in her throat.
He reached out and took her hand in his, waiting for her to look up at his face. “I have a unique skillset. Let me use it.”
Nodding, she sniffled back the emotion. “I’m sorry you’ve gotten mixed up in this. All you wanted was a tank of gas.”
“I think I’ll end up with a hell of a lot more than that. And I’m good with that.”
