Page 14 of The Cult

Once certain that Heath and Archer were gone, I carried Orcus’s sorry ass to the back seat of his SUV, scrutinizing his unconscious guards on the ground as we passed. I doubted The Reaper and The Priest even broke a sweat taking out this pitiful detail. If this was what I was up against, I shouldn’t have any problems getting Oliver’s family out of his cult.

“Mmm,” Orcus groaned. He must’ve recalled what happened before he blacked out because his eyes popped open.

“You’re okay,” I said, waving both of my hands—front and back. “They’re gone.”

“Umm … what? How?” Orcus asked, appearing disoriented.

“I took care of them. They’re not coming back.”

He peered out the window and the fear on his face was replaced by disgust when he saw his unresponsive men. I didn’t blame him.

“Is there someone I can call for you?” I asked. “Can I take you somewhere?”

He didn’t answer, a response I’d anticipated. “Who are you?”

“Toby.” I extended my hand to shake his. There was no way I was telling him my real name, even though the likelihood of Orcus knowing my past was slim to none.

“Orcus,” he introduced. “I owe you my life. What you did …” He hooked his thumb outside before continuing. “Your bravery is admirable.”

“Nah.” I waved him off. “Anyone would’ve done the same.” That wasn’t true. People were selfish cowards. They would’ve looked the other way or run the moment they were faced with the decision to intervene. My adopted parents did. They did nothing when I was suffering. They made me feel like it was my fault. Bile coursed through me at the reminder of their neglect, abuse, and manipulation. I would never fall for that again. No one would ever have power over me.

“I highly doubt that.” Orcus shook his head. “Are you from around here?”

“Nope. Just passing through, looking for some adventure.”

That must’ve been what he was hoping to hear. His eyes sparkled; I could sense his mind spinning. He flashed a sinister smile, and I knew I had him where I wanted him. “Actually, I could use a ride if you don’t mind.”

“My ride is back there.” I pointed to my nondescript car.

Orcus grabbed a black briefcase from the floor of the Suburban before jumping out of the vehicle.

“What about them?” I nodded in the direction of his men.

“Leave them. They’re worthless.”

***

Amid the encroaching shadows from the lush giant trees, the compound loomed like a fortress of dread. The imposing concrete wall extended as far as the eye could see. Barbed wire lining the top of the wall glinted malevolently, and if you looked closely, electric wires were hooked to the iron rods keeping them upright.

“Where did you learn to fight like that?” Orcus asked.

I had anticipated that question. “Oh, you know, life. Gotta do what you gotta do to survive out there,” I answered coyly. “You learn how to fight when you’re all alone.”

Orcus beamed, unable to hide his excitement. “No family?”

I shook my head.

“Friends?”

“Nope.”

I slowed the car as we approached the compound, my sight fixated on the four leashed rottweilers, black with tan markings on their faces, wearing spiked collars. They barked incessantly, drool dripping from their mouths. Two guards holding AK-47 rifles raised their hands, interrupting our progress.

“Whoa!” I whispered. “Is this where you live?”

We stopped before we arrived at the gate, but the guards’ demeanor changed when they realized who was sitting in my passenger seat. Without a word, one of the guards looked up at the watchtower and raised his thumb. “Should I drop you off here?” Please don’t say yes.

“Can you stay a little? I might have the adventure you’re looking for.”

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