Play with Fire

chapter Fifty-Five

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN Church of Oakley was located in a quiet block of Maple Street, and as the blue SUV drove slowly past Theron Ware said, “This should serve very well. According to Pastor Lewis, whom I phoned an hour ago, Sunday services start at ten thirty and attract between one hundred and fifty and two hundred self-righteous prigs who worship the Sheep-Savior.”

Sitting behind Ware, Mark furrowed his brow. “He said that about his own church?”

Ware stifled the impatience he usually felt at Mark’s stupidity. He could afford to be patient – success was very nearly at hand, and afterward he would never have to hear Mark’s idiotic questions, ever again.

“No, that’s my own interpretation of his remarks,” Ware said. “The important thing is two hundred people, more or less, will be inside that building on Sunday. That’s a manageable number, don’t you think?”

Elektra was seated next to Ware. She peered through the side window at the building. “You think it’ll be enough for... you know?”

“I’m quite sure it will be,” Ware said. “Our master will be very pleased. And you will, each of you, receive your reward soon thereafter.”