C rayer’s tent was an ugly military green. It was medium sized compared to the other tents, and small compared to a couple of the larger camper/trailers. The flap was pulled down and tied off on the front. Not much of a lock, but I figured that the people in the village watched out for each other. There had to be some valuables in each abode, and the inhabitants probably kept a sharp eye out for anyone who looked suspicious. Hey, I sell security systems. I understand how it works.
“This is it?”
“This is it. I’ve watched him go back here several times.” My throat felt raw. I was anxious to speak in a normal voice again.
Em kept her hand in mine. While I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the situation we found ourselves in, I was pleased that she was keeping so close. There was something about being in a dangerous situation that seemed to foster intimacy.
“The flap is tied down.”
“Couldn’t be tied down from the outside if he was on the inside.”
Even in the dark I could see her smile. “Good point, kemo sabe.”
“But, that doesn’t mean that someone isn’t inside.”
I felt her grip tighten. “Daron? James?”
“Can you keep a look out while I check inside?”
“Yeah.”
“Em -”
“What?”
“No falling asleep.”
She let go of my hand and punched my arm.
I leaned down and untied the two strips of canvas. Slowly I raised the flap. Behind it was a see-through mesh cover closed by a zipper. It was too dark to see beyond. I slowly unzipped the mesh and parted the halves.
“Do you see anything?” She spoke in a hoarse whisper.
“Too dark.”
“Let your eyes adjust.”
I did. There was a little moonlight and starlight from the outside, as well as a soft light coming from a trailer parked nearby. As I stared into the tent, my eyes started to adjust. Not great vision, but I could make out a cot and sleeping bag. They were empty.
I stepped inside. The tent was too small to stand up, and I could make out a couple of bags, probably containing clothing and personal effects. That was it. A cot and a couple of bags.
I stepped back out, zipping up the mesh.
“Big disappointment.”
“You were seriously hoping to find one of them?”
“Would have been nice.” I tied the canvas strips down, duplicating the knot that Crayer had used.
She grabbed my hand again. “So where do we go now?”
“Let’s try the truck one more time. I keep thinking that James would go there when he couldn’t find us.”
“If he’s capable.” I felt a tremor in her hand. “Oh, God, Skip. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t even think things like that.”
We walked back toward the truck, keeping an eye out for any of the security guys.
“Skip, they could have taken James and Daron off the grounds.”
“Could have.”
“If they’re afraid of a backlash from Cashdollar’s congregation, they certainly wouldn’t do something to them here, would they?”
“Something?”
“I don’t know. Beat them up or -”
“Or kill them?” As soon as I said it I felt her shudder.
“They wouldn’t. Not here.”
I thought about it. They had call girls visit the poker group. They played high-stakes games of chance, although I questioned whether there was much chance in those games, and Cashdollar preached against intolerance by being intolerant. But murdering someone on his own campus? Would they kill James or Styles?
“Forget I said it.” She tugged my arm, hurrying to get back to the truck.
“You know the story about my first revival meeting?”
“You’ve told me.”
“And the day after?”
“Something about the seventeen-year-old girl?”
“The something was they found her dead body in plain sight. Probably in this same area, so I don’t think they have a problem killing people right here on the grounds.”
We walked in silence. The tent loomed in front of us, a huge mountain of a structure. I could see the truck, sitting on its four brand-new tires. Maybe James would be there. Maybe Daron would step out and everything would be back to normal. Well, nothing was going to be normal again.
“I’ve got to use the toilet.” Em nodded in the direction of the portable johns.
“Go behind the truck.”
“I’m not going to go behind the truck. I’ll just be gone a minute.”
“Em. It’s not safe. For either of us. Just go up by the tent. I won’t watch.”
“You couldn’t see anything anyway. I’m going to the Porta-Johns. I’ll be able to find my way.”
“Em -”
“I’m going.” She started walking.
“I’m right behind you.” I took two steps in her direction.
“Go back and see if James is in the truck. I’ll be all right.”
I turned and walked to the truck. The moon was in and out of the clouds and when it was hidden the night was black. It took that moment to hide, and I wished with everything in me that I’d followed her. I shouted out in a coarse whisper. “James.”
There was nothing. No response.
I looked across the way, and Em was gone from sight. No James. No Em. Five feet from the truck I decided to walk back to the portable restrooms and stand guard for Em. I turned, took a step, felt my foot hit something solid, and pitched forward. It was the last thing I could remember until I started to drown.