Page 142 of Seven Deadly Sins

His gaze fell to the long legs stretching from under an oversized tee-shirt. He swallowed against a dry throat and wrenched his gaze away from the legs that seemed to go on forever. “I, uh.” He cleared his throat. “I think you should do a press conference tomorrow. Ask people with any news of Thompson to come forward and fabricate how the building is going. If Thompson thinks things are moving quickly, maybe he’ll let Mrs. Barker go free.”

“This could’ve waited until morning, but okay.” She climbed back into bed, pulling a sheet over her. “Close the door on your way out, please. I had just fallen asleep.”

“Sorry.” He grinned and stepped out of the room, pulling the door closed behind him.

Maybe now, he could sleep since they had a plan for the next day. He left his door open a couple of inches. The soft glow of a nightlight in the hall shined through the crack. He turned on his side, closed his eyes, and slept dreaming of Thompson behind bars.

Chapter Five

Robert stared withdisgust at the blubbering woman in front of him. “What is wrong with you?”

“You’re treating me like an animal. I’m sitting here in my own filth. I’ve had nothing to eat or drink. What have I done to you to deserve this?”

“Oh.” The woman was right. He’d been extremely neglectful. “I’ll send someone to tend to you.” He glanced at the camera. Did they see how he wanted to help people? Even this woman whose husband was guilty of sin? He gave the camera a nod before leaving.

The first woman he came to had small children. While she would know how to clean someone up, he didn’t think her children needed to be subjected to what was in the cellar. Besides, the young mother couldn’t keep her children in line if she worked. He found a woman around the age of fifty.

“Clean her up, give her a clean gown, food and water. Do not look at the camera. Wear a hat if you need to.” He didn’t want anyone knowing the identities of his new followers. Secrecy was key to his winning.

“Yes, sir.” She bustled away, a spark of fear in her eyes.

Good. Fear made people follow orders. Following orders would allow them to win the coming fight. And win the fight they must.

~

Harper watched as a woman wearing a hat pulled low cleaned and changed Amber before attaching a chain around her ankle. Then, she handed the woman a tray with a bowl of something and a bottle of water.

Amber attacked the food and drink like a ravenous animal. “Thank you,” she mumbled through a mouthful of what looked like oatmeal.

With a sigh, Harper clicked off the live feed and donned her suit jacket. Time to try and convince a mad man to let the poor woman return to her husband.

A crowd of news reporters and civilians filled the parking lot in front of the station. Taking a deep breath, Harper opened the door and stepped outside where Liam waited with an encouraging smile on his face.

She squared her shoulders and approached the microphone as flashbulbs exploded in her face. After a few seconds to allow the reporters to settle down, she began speaking.

“I’m Detective Scranton. I’ve come to you today to ask for anyone who has information on the man we seek to step forward. It’s quite possible that he has approached you with information about being enlightened. If he, or one of his followers, have approached you, please contact our office using the number on the bottom of your television screen.” Her gaze roamed the crowd looking for Robert, hoping she’d recognize him if he showed up.

“In addition, we’d like to inform the community that the build on the self-sustained living community is moving forward much quicker than we’d anticipated.” She forced a smile to her face. “Barker Construction has worked a miracle while not sacrificing quality and superb workmanship.” She bit her tongue to keep from calling Robert out. “Chief Donnelly will take a few questions.” She stepped back, keeping her face toward the camera.

The chief took her place. Reporters peppered him with questions. He raised his hands. “I’ll tell you what we know.” When they quieted, he continued, “Robert Thompson has gone into hiding. His latest victim, Mrs. Barker appears to be cared for. We do not know where he is, which is why we are asking all citizens to keep their eyes and ears open and to let us know if he is spotted. As the detective said, we want to know of anyone having contact with this man or one of his people. If we work together, we can bring an end to this mad man’s endeavors. That is all.”

He turned and entered the building as the reporters resumed shouting questions. When he didn’t stop or turn around, they directed their questions at Harper.

“No further comment.” She rushed into the building. Her phone buzzed with a text from Robert. “Liam.” She jerked her head toward the breakroom.

“Right behind you.” The moment he stepped inside, he closed the door.

“Text from Robert that asks if the building project is really moving as far along as I said.” It had been a while since the man had made contact.

“How will you respond?” He leaned against the counter.

“I’m going to say yes,” she started typing, “and tell him to fulfill his part of the bargain by releasing Amber Barker.”

“What if he sends someone to the construction site?”

“Unless he has people working for the city, he won’t know how far along permits are. Want to run along and see for ourselves?” She slid her phone into her pocket. “It won’t hurt to know exactly what’s been done in case he asks more questions.”

“Sure.”