Forgotten Son

But their intimate relationship wasn’t as satisfying, as it was comfortable. Caroline had given up on finding passion—red-hot passion. That didn’t last forever, anyway. But she loved Colin. And he was someone her father hadn’t picked for her. Was that his big attraction? God, no, this place was making her crazy.

A daughter’s guilt.

Earlier—how long ago?—that thought had made her nervous and angry. Now she saw it for what it was—meaningless pride. Her father wanted to bend her to his will, and she was determined to live her own life. In this black abyss, holding on to her pride seemed an insignificant, even petty, struggle.

She’d gladly trade her pride for the sight of daylight, for fresh air and time with her father. Time to say she was sorry and to…

She couldn’t breathe and she fought the suffocating feeling. Caroline was still in command of herself enough to know that the prophet was trying to brainwash her. Slowly, methodically, the darkness would eat away at her until—

Suddenly the wall opened and he stood there, the faint light like a yellow flame behind him. Caroline closed her eyes against the frightening scene. When she opened them again, Ruth was there with a white robe in her hands.

“I have brought your wedding robe,” the prophet said.

Ruth held it out to her. Caroline got to her feet and took it, then threw it on the dirt and spat on it.

“Blasphemy,” Ruth shouted, and grabbed the robe from the dirt.

“You have spirit,” the prophet said with a sinister smile.

“But that will be broken.”

“You can’t keep me here forever. The police will find me and you’ll spend the rest of your life behind bars.”

“The FBI has already been here and they found nothing.”

“What?”

“If they come back, they won’t find you. At least not the person you used to be. You will be one of us by then and ready to fulfill the prophecy.”

“You’re evil,” Caroline declared between clenched teeth. “I’ll never be your wife. I’d rather die.”

His face hardened. “For your dishonor, you will be deprived of bread and water for a day. Then you’ll learn your place.”

“Never, never, never!” Caroline screamed as he disappeared through the wall and darkness engulfed her once again.

She sank onto the mattress, trying to still her trembling. Fear such as she’d never known before filled her. He was diabolical, out to kill her heart and her soul. Her body would survive, though.

To serve him.

No. No. No.

But the FBI had been here. They hadn’t found her. Oh God. Where was she that even the FBI couldn’t find her? In hell, she thought. And there was no way out of hell. She would die here in the darkness.

Or at least all that mattered would.

INFILTRATING THE CULT was easier than Eli had imagined. The police let him out of the cruiser with a few harsh words in front of Buford’s followers. They immediately came to his aid. He told them he was down on his luck and had nowhere to go. They said they’d let him work for food until he got his head straight, and he could listen to the word of the prophet, who would nourish his soul.

Eli was looking forward to that.

He climbed into the bed of an old pickup and they headed out of Austin to the hills. One man, Nathaniel, sat with him; two women were in the front with Samuel, the other man. No one spoke. They turned off a highway onto a dirt road. When they turned again, it was onto nothing more than a cow trail, and the ride was bumpy and dusty. This area was sparsely populated and there wasn’t a house in sight, just thick woods and brush.

Soon they stopped at a locked gate and Nathaniel got out to open it. Eli noticed the eight-foot-high barbed wire fence and the four-foot-high wire mesh that extended from the bottom up and enclosed the property. It wouldn’t be easy getting out of here.

They drove into an area that had been cleared and buildings stood in a circle, as Tom had said. Eli counted six shacks and a larger structure that had to be the kitchen and eating room. Women and children were working in vegetable fields beyond the compound. They all wore brown robes.

Chickens scratched in the dirt and goats wandered freely. Behind one shack was a rickety barn of sorts. The compound had a strange feel to it—as if it was out of step with time. And there was something else about it he couldn’t quite define.

As the truck pulled to a stop, the smell of smoke drifted to his nostrils. He wrinkled his nose in distaste. This wasn’t cigarette smoke, though. What was it? He didn’t have time to ponder the question as two women, both pregnant, and several toddlers came to meet them. The women stared at the ground and didn’t speak. The children looked at him warily.

“Come this way,” Samuel said, and Eli followed him to the largest of the primitive houses. Samuel tapped on the door.

“Come in, my child,” a male voice called.

They walked in to find a man sitting at a table with a Bible opened in front of him. Two men stood behind him. Eli knew this was Amos Buford, and his heart hammered with anticipation, but he was careful that nothing showed on his face.

“Master, I found a needy soul and brought him to you.”

Buford raised his head, and Eli was unprepared for the emotions that gripped him as he stared into those evil gray eyes.

Tuck was right. Eli wanted to kill him.

He wanted to put his hands around his throat and choke the life out of him…as Buford had done to Ginny. But he wouldn’t. Caroline Whitten’s life depended on his honor as a ranger, and he wouldn’t forget that.

“What is your name, my son?” Buford asked.

“Eli Carter,” he replied, using the fake name the FBI had given him.

“Are you in trouble with the law?”

“I’m separated from my wife, and when I went to the house to see my kids, she called the cops and had me arrested. In the separation agreement I’m suppose to be providing child support, but I lost my job and was unable to pay her any money.” That was the story the FBI had also given him. Buford hated women who tried to dominate a man.

“Women do not know their place in this world.”

Neither do you, you bastard.

“Tell me about it,” Eli murmured.

“All persecuted souls are welcome here. You will work for your food. There are fields to tend and goats to milk, but you can only stay if you follow the rules and the prophet’s word.”

“No problem.”

“This is Ezra and Peter.” Buford introduced the men.

“They’re in charge of guarding the compound…and me.” He let that sink in, then added, “They will search you for any hidden devices that might harm us. Do you object?”

Eli got the feeling it didn’t matter whether he did or not. “No. I have nothing to hide.”

Ezra, a big somber man, gave him a thorough once-over. He nodded to Buford.

“We have to be careful,” Buford said. “There are people out to hurt us.”

“I just need a place to stay.”

“Then you’re welcome here, brother. You will not speak to the women, though. They’re off-limits to you. Do you understand?”

“Sure. A woman is the last thing on my mind.”

“If you’re in need of female comfort, let me know and I will arrange something.”

Eli managed to suppress his shock. Did they share the women? It was too sickening to think about.

“You will have a trial period, then you’ll be asked to join us in our beliefs or to leave.”

“I understand and thank you.”

The words tasted like sawdust in his mouth.

“We don’t have extra sleeping quarters, but there are some heavy quilts you can use to sleep under the stars, or if the weather is bad, you can sleep in the eating area.”

“Thanks,” Eli said again.

“Brother Michael and his sons are cutting wood. Brother Samuel will take you to help them.”

“Sure,” Eli replied, and they left. Outside he wanted to suck fresh air into his lungs, but he resisted and followed Samuel through the woods to the chopping site.

Eli kept searching for something out of place, something to indicate that Caroline Whitten was here. The place had an eerie quiet about it. The grass and trees were green and the air was fresh and invigorating, but he didn’t hear any birds or other sounds in the woods. It wasn’t an eerie quiet, he decided. It was a deathlike quiet.

They reached the site. A big dead tree had been felled and Michael and his sons, Daniel and David, were cutting it up with handsaws. Two mules hitched to a wagon waited nearby. Eli was introduced and Samuel left.

Eli helped load the cut wood until his arms ached and he was soaking with sweat. Finally the last piece of wood was on the wagon and they headed to the compound. Michael drove the mules and Eli walked behind with the boys. They had to be around fourteen and fifteen and were already sprouting beards.

“That’s a lot of wood,” Eli commented, trying to get information. “Does it last very long?”

“Not too long,” the older one, David, said. “We use it to cook.”

“And we need it for the wedding,” Daniel added.

“A wedding?”

“It’s going to be a big one. The prophet’s taking his seventh wife. It’s very important ’cause—”

“Daniel!” David exclaimed in a reprimanding tone.

The youth hung his head as he realized he’d misspoken.

“Hey, no problem,” Eli assured them. “The prophet helped me out when I needed it and I’d love to be at his wedding to show my support and appreciation. I don’t know much about your faith but I’m willing to learn.”

“My brother doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” David said, and the boys ran toward the compound.

Eli stopped. Daniel knew what he was talking about. Caroline Whitten was marked as wife number seven. She was here. But where?

Caroline, where are you?

CHAPTER TWO

ELI KEPT HIS EYES AND EARS open, but he didn’t detect any evidence of Caroline. Supper was in the eating area and the men ate at a crudely made table. The meal was vegetable soup, bread and goat’s milk. After the women waited on the men, they sat on the floor and ate with the children. He noticed that most of the women were blond and young, probably in their late teens or early twenties. Two appeared to be in their thirties, and an older woman, maybe forty, with grayish-blond hair, seemed to be in charge.

One woman caught his eye. She had dark hair and eyes and looked out of place among the blondes. He wondered how she fitted in here. The other women made her do most of the kitchen work, and they shouted orders at her as if she were a servant.

After supper, the men had a meeting, and Eli was introduced to them more fully. It was clear that Samuel was Amos’s right-hand man. Ezra and Peter took care of security, along with four Dobermans. Nathaniel and Michael were in charge of maintenance of the compound, which meant they supplied firewood, tended to the vegetable fields and the goats and chickens. Amos informed Eli that he’d be working with Michael, then he was dismissed with another warning to stay away from the women.

He looked around, but since it was dark he couldn’t see much. He listened at the door to Buford’s house, then gave up when he couldn’t make out any of the muffled voices. But they were making plans—plans for a wedding. He hurried away before the men came out.

Later the group met around the campfire and the dark-haired woman brought out an ornate chair for Buford. Everyone sat on the ground and Amos began to preach. He spoke of hell, damnation, sinners and salvation. It was hard for Eli to listen, but he stoically kept a rein on his emotions.

Afterward, the men hugged Buford and the women and children bowed at his feet. This was even harder to watch—how these women had been subdued into servitude, yet praised his name the whole time.

The men retired to their huts with their wives and children. Eli watched the dark-haired woman. She didn’t follow any of the men. Instead, she went to the kitchen area. His curiosity grew, but he didn’t want to cause any dissention that would get him kicked out of here—not until he knew where they were keeping Caroline.

Nathaniel brought him two old quilts, and Eli lay under the stars. The Dobermans guarded the compound and Ezra was out walking them around the fence. This was Eli’s opportunity to inspect the area.

He’d noticed the rickety barn earlier and now saw a corral for the mules. The chickens had gone to roost for the night and the goats were lying around the barn. He was careful not to disturb them.

From the light of the moon, Eli saw a wooden door on the ground not far from the back of Buford’s house. He crept forward to check it out. The door opened easily, but creaked loudly in the process. Waiting to make sure no one had heard, he investigated.

He followed steps down into a dark hole—a cellar of some kind. With his hands outstretched he felt walls of dirt braced with plywood. There were shelves filled with jars.

It was a vegetable cellar—the type used in olden days to store jars so they wouldn’t freeze in the winter and would stay cool in the summer. There was enough food here to last a year. And the cellar provided shelter from tornadoes and bad weather.

Eli wasn’t sure how the ceiling was supported, but it had to be braced with something. He kept searching with his hands, but all he felt was wood, jars and dirt. The FBI had already checked out the room. Had they missed something? He could see nothing in the darkness, and decided to return in daylight.

Climbing the steps, Eli closed the door carefully, making as little noise as possible. A makeshift shed was used for storing feed for the animals, and he made his way there.

He saw no trace of Caroline.

Eli hurried back to his pallet before Ezra returned, feeling his frustration mounting. He fell into a fitful sleep.

The cult’s morning ritual was much the same as the previous night’s. Everyone was up at five and the women served breakfast after Buford gave the blessing. The prophet preached again, then everyone went to work except Buford. He asked to see Eli in his quarters.

Eli followed him to the same room as yesterday. Peter waited outside at the door, with Ezra, who was tending to the dogs.

“Have a seat, my brother,” Amos said, sitting at a small table holding papers, books and a worn Bible. This furniture was not rough or crude. It had probably been brought in specially for Buford and his needs.

Eli did as instructed, wondering what this was about.

Amos folded his hands over the Bible. “You have been with us for a day and night. How do you like it here?”

“Very peaceful and quiet.”

And disturbing.

“Yes. We live close to God and the earth. But we have to build high fences to keep the bigots and naysayers out.”

And the law.

“You can have a home here, my brother, if you so choose.”

Eli rubbed his hands together, wanting to give the right answer. “I’m out of a job, my family doesn’t want anything to do with me and I’m one step away from jail. At this point, any refuge is welcome.”

“Just be aware your choice will be final.” The words held a warning. “Once you are accepted into our faith and its teachings, you will always belong and there will be no going back to your old way of life.”

And when people leave, you murder them.

“We will feed you, give you a home and nourish you mentally and spiritually. In return you will devote your life to me and my teachings.”

There it was. Buford thought he was God—accountable to no one but himself.

“What do you say, Elijah?” Buford asked. “That’s what you will be called here. We use only biblical names.”

“I really appreciate all you’ve done for me, but I’m still trying to get my bearings.” Eli chose his words with care.

“What better way than to start a new life, a new beginning?”

Eli hesitated, not wanting to seem too eager.

Buford leaned back. “I have a daughter turning fifteen in a month. If you join our faith, she will become your wife.”

Eli stared into his gray eyes and saw that Buford was absolutely serious. He felt sick.

“I already have a wife.”

“You will leave your old world behind and everything and everyone in it. I am the law here.”

“I see.”

“In our faith girls are promised for marriage when they turn fifteen, then they start to bear children to fulfill the promises in the Bible—to go forth and multiply and to serve their husband and to spread the word of the prophet.”

“Is it legal to marry a fifteen-year-old?”

Eli was stalling for time, to consider his responses.

“My brother, you have a lot to learn.” Buford gave a slight smile. “I told you there is no law here except mine. We are not bound by society or its absurd rules.”

Eli clenched his hands together. “I’m not questioning your judgment, sir, but I’m having a hard time with age fifteen. How about the dark-haired woman? She seems older.” He knew he could jeopardize the whole mission, but he felt this was a way to get information.

Buford’s face darkened. “Jezebel is sojourning with us. She is not a member of our faith—and never question anything I tell you. That is the first thing you learn here.”

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry. I’m just learning.”

He had to force the words out.

“Don’t let it happen again.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Since you’re new, I will be patient with you, Elijah. Let me explain something about our faith. Only pure-blood women are accepted as wives.”

Eli frowned. “Pure-blood.”

“Yes. Jezebel has dark eyes and hair and her bloodline is tainted by someone with a darker skin. That is not accepted in our faith.”

“I have dark hair.” It was the only thing Eli could say. He was learning Buford was more of a bigot than he’d ever imagined.

“But you have blue eyes, denoting your bloodline.”

“I see.” But he didn’t. All he saw was an evil man controlling a handful of people with his insane ideas.

There must have been something in his voice that Buford picked up on because he added, “Don’t worry about Jezebel, my brother. We found her wandering the streets in search of food, and we took her in and gave her a place to stay. We are not heartless. But Jezebel has no memory. She doesn’t even know her name, so we gave her one. She is happy being a servant to the wives and she asks for nothing else. When she is ready, she will leave and I will let her.”

Eli’s mind went into overdrive with this piece of information. He found comfort in knowing that the FBI would soon raid the compound. He would make sure they knew about Jezebel. Hopefully, they could help her—if Buford hadn’t totally brainwashed her into submission.

“What is your decision, my brother?” Buford’s gaze held his.

“Yes. I’d like to stay here.”

He swallowed back everything else he was feeling.

“Good. Good.” Buford nodded, stroking his beard.

“Bless you, my brother. My head wife, Ruth, will tell our daughter, and in a month I will marry the two of you. First, you will go through a trial of learning our faith and rules. After a week, we will have another conversation, and if I am satisfied with your sincerity, I will baptize you and give you a robe. You will denounce the evils of society and from then on you will be one of us. In the meantime you will not speak to my daughter or go near her.”

Why the hell would I want to?

“Yes, sir.”

“You will find many rewards here, Elijah. After you are baptized, we will build a house for your family.”

“My family?”

“Yes. We’ve needed new men for a long time. Ezra has a daughter turning fifteen in six months and she will also become your wife.”

Good God.

“You are a strong man and you will help to make our faith stronger.”

Like hell.

“Today you will continue to help chop the wood. We are preparing for a big celebration in our faith and you will get to witness it firsthand.”

“A celebration?”

“Yes. I will be taking my seventh wife in a few days. I’m in a state of fasting from pleasures of the flesh. I have twelve daughters and six sons. My seventh wife will bear my seventh son who will be the messiah of our faith and lead my people. This came to me in a prophecy and now it will be fulfilled.”

Never, you bastard.

Eli stood and held out his hand. “Congratulations, sir.” He was getting close, gaining his trust. This was good.

Buford stood in turn and shook his hand. “You will now call me master.”

The word stuck in Eli’s throat like a wad of chewing gum, and with supreme effort he swallowed his revulsion. “Yes, master.”

“Good, Elijah.” Buford nodded in approval. “I could tell when I met you that you belonged with us. You will be a great asset to our group.”

“Thank you…master.” He fought his distaste of the word. “What can I do to help with your wedding?”

“Just do whatever is asked of you.”

The wedding was soon, so Caroline had to be close. He’d wait and watch and be a model pupil in the faith. Because Buford was going down.

Of that Eli was certain.

CAROLINE KNEW she was losing her mind. Slowly, little by little, the darkness was devouring her sanity. Her spirit was weak and her strength was waning. But she would never marry that man. She would die in this black abyss first.

Sitting cross-legged on the mattress, she leaned against the wall. Words from a hymn ran through her head. Amazing grace how sweet the sound… Over and over the song comforted, consoled and tormented her. When I’ve been there ten thousand years… How long had she been here?

Was this how it felt to go insane, to lose one’s mind, lose touch with reality? Think about Colin, your sister, your parents, she told herself. But the hymn played louder.

Amazing grace…

Someone help me. Please.

THE DAY WENT THE SAME AS the one before for Eli. He chopped, loaded and carried wood until every muscle in his body ached. Being in the woods away from the compound meant he couldn’t see what Buford was doing. And he had to know. Was he with Caroline?

With the wagon loaded, they headed for camp. Eli helped Daniel and David unload the wood by the kitchen. He noticed Ruth go into the vegetable cellar. She was carrying a pitcher and something wrapped in cloth. He kept waiting for her to come out, but she didn’t. He wondered what she was doing in there so long. Michael called for his help and he turned to him.

But he kept an eye on the cellar.

Soon Ruth came out with the pitcher and cloth and went into the kitchen. She was taking food and water to someone. Someone in the cellar.

Caroline.

There was nothing Eli could do now. He had to wait.

Later, at supper, Eli watched the others carefully. Buford was the only one allowed to speak—everyone was silent until he spoke to them. Even the children were quiet. The women seemed nervous, hurrying in and out of the room, serving the men vegetable soup and bread.

Buford called the men outside for a meeting, and as Eli rose, Jezebel reached for his bowl and whispered quietly, “If you want more vegetables, they’re in the cellar. But the shelves are empty.”

It happened so quickly Eli wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly. He knew better than to approach her, however—that could be detrimental for both of them. Buford and his men went to his house, and Eli stood outside, wondering what the woman had meant.

He bided his time, waiting for everyone to go to bed. Tonight Peter took the dogs to guard the fences from unwelcome intruders. Apparently, Ezra and Peter took turns with the nightly chore.

Eli stared up at the stars, wishing for a shower and a shave and a steak. He’d had about all the soup he could handle. Most of all he wished he could find Caroline Whitten. After a while he rolled over and glanced around. The camp was shrouded in darkness. He rose to his feet and made his way to the vegetable cellar. The moon was his only light, so he stepped carefully and quietly.