Page 11 of The Cult

“I have a family issue. I will say this, though. You might get the biggest story the magazine has ever had if things work out.”

“What does that mean?”

“I can’t really tell you right now, but let’s just say this time off might not be all about lying around at the pool working on my tan if things go south. Just trust me on this, Mario. I’ve never let you down before, have I?”

“Well, no, but there’s always a first time for everything.”

Always the optimist, this guy.

“That’s the way to think. Ever tried the glass half full vibe, Mario? It might make you a happier person.”

That gets me another sigh. “My ex-wife used to say that all the time. It’s just not my style.”

“It’s okay, Mario. We are who we are. By the way, you probably won’t be able to get in touch with me for the next couple weeks, but know that if I can use anything I find out, I promise to give you an article that will knock your socks off.”

“Find out? Find out what? What are you looking into?” he asks with a hint of concern to his voice.

“Not to worry. Talk to you in a couple weeks. Bye!”

And with that, I end the call and throw my phone back in my purse. The police don’t seem interested in my sister being missing, so it’s up to me to find her.

Remembering something Rina mentioned about meeting up with some new friends of hers, I think I know exactly where to look.

6

Lara

Yesterday,I decided to check out The Golden Light group to see if Rina is with them. Then I had a head full of steam and the confidence I could do this.

This morning is a completely different issue. The group sounds like a cult. I’m not sure what I’m getting into. But what choice do I have? If Rina is with them, with or without her permission, I have to know. It’s not like her to be gone for days without telling me.

It’s just that the sound of that woman sobbing out at that farmhouse the group uses still echoes in my head. Something terrible happened there.

Last night, I remembered Rina mentioning meeting some new people in Wilmington, so that’s where I have to go today. She didn’t specifically mention The Golden Light, but she did say something about how nice these new people were and how they were looking to have people join their group. Hopefully, they know something about where she is.

As I settle in behind the wheel, my phone vibrates and my heart soars. It’s got to be Rina. I’ll listen to her, but she better have a good reason for scaring me like this. What good is calling me her best friend if she doesn’t tell me the important things, like where she’s going for days?

Searching for my phone in the bottom of my purse, I feel around until the cool metal touches my palm. I lift it out and answer it without even looking at the name on the screen.

“You better have a good reason for making me worry these past few days, chickie.”

That’s what we call one another when we’re upset. I listen for her to start explaining herself, but instead, I hear my mother’s voice.

“What do you mean? Who’s making you worry? Are you talking about your sister? I knew you were lying yesterday. You’re a terrible liar, Lara. Now tell me what’s going on.”

I close my eyes and wish to be anywhere doing anything other than this with her. “Mom, it’s no big deal. Rina has just been ignoring my calls for a few days. She’s probably mad at me. You know how she gets.”

Much of that is a lie. While it’s true my sister does have a habit of going inside herself when she’s upset, it’s rare that she pulls that kind of thing on me. We’re too close for that. I just don’t want my mother freaking out and thinking my sister is missing.

Even if she is.

“What did you do? You know your sister is more sensitive than you are, Lara. You probably bullied her into doing something she didn’t want to do. You’ve always done that ever since you were a child.”

Her words sting, and I try to hold back from saying anything in response, but I fail miserably. “I don’t bully anyone, including Rina. Now that you’ve upset me, I have to go, Mom. Don’t worry about her or me. We’re fine. I’ll call you later, okay?”

“Don’t be so touchy, Lara.”

“It’s okay for Rina to be sensitive, but when I am, I’m a bad guy? Okay. Got it. I have to go, Mom. Talk to you later.”

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