On the corner diagonally across from The Light was a burned-out house, its driveway blocked by an overgrown tree with saplings all around. I pulled my car behind the foliage and sat. In another few weeks this wouldn’t work, the leaves would be gone. As it was they were various shades of orange and red and doing a great job of hiding my gray car. Unfortunately, they also blocked my vision, seriously limiting my view of the church and totally blocking my view of the old school building. Before I’d parked, I’d driven around the old school twice. While there still wasn’t any indication that it was being used, I did see an alcove that I hadn’t noticed before. It faced toward Glendale Avenue, but what lay beyond was hidden inside. No matter how slow I drove, I couldn’t see if there was an actual door. My curiosity was building. Since this wasn’t the door I’d noticed with the chain and lock, and based on where I’d seen the women cross, it would be the only place they could have entered.
I looked for a worn path in the overgrown grass, but I didn’t find one. There was a cracked sidewalk that would hide footprints. I was sure Bernard wouldn’t appreciate my postponing this research until I could see tracks in the snow.
The streets weren’t as empty as they’d been the last time I was here. I watched the occasional man or woman walk across the intersection, but no one went into or out of The Light. I knew Dylan would be mad if he knew I was there, but that didn’t stop me. I’d driven to my apartment from WCJB and grabbed a bite to eat. There I’d developed a plan. I’d run. It didn’t matter that I’d gone five miles this morning; a woman jogging along the streets would be less conspicuous than one walking, especially one with a thousand-dollar camera.
After one more look around, I eased myself from my car into the autumn air. The afternoon sun had raised the temperature considerably since my morning run, yet again I wore long tight running pants and a long-sleeved T. Putting my purse in the trunk of my car with my camera, I grabbed my keys and phone. With my phone in hand, I hit my camera app and stretched, all the while watching for anyone.
Taking a deep breath, I headed east.
While driving I’d noticed a small park about a half a block past The Light. I started running toward it. The dilapidated surface of the road required my attention as I evened my strides. The last thing I wanted was a twisted ankle during my reconnaissance mission. I slowed as I neared the gate that I presumed the women had entered. There was a rust-free chain holding it closed. I snapped a picture. I’d need to compare it to the pictures I’d taken last time, but I didn’t remember the lock being there. Without getting through the fence, there was no way I could be sure there was a door in the alcove.
As I snapped the picture, I noticed the same SUV I’d seen before turn onto Second Avenue and head toward me. I moved to the side of the street, placed the phone to my ear, and continued to run. Keeping my head down, I watched as the SUV eased into the same parking lot as before. When I turned into the park, I stopped and watched through the colorful bushes. This time four men got out of the SUV. Damn, I want my Nikon.
Using my phone, I snapped pictures as they made their way out of the vehicle and around to a back entrance. Three of them were wearing blue jeans as before, but one was in a suit. I gasped. That was the man I’d seen earlier today on the website, Gabriel Clark.
What do they call him? Father Gabriel?
I was about to stop photographing when the men opened the door and a stream of women came out. Each one appeared to bow her head as she passed the men. They were headed toward the school.
Shit! Fuck!
I wanted to run back in that direction, but could I? The men had seen me running, and they were still in the parking lot. I watched from a distance as one of the women opened the gate and the rest entered. Then, after the gate was secure, they all disappeared into the alcove.
I knew it!!!
CHAPTER 21
Sara