Leo arrived at the Haven Church's headquarters a little after five p.m., dressed in a blue silk kimono and Japanese sandals for his meeting with Oroku Tim, which had been arranged over the phone. The kimono and sandals had cost him over a grand to his dismay, but hopefully he'd be reimbursed for them the following month.
"Hi," Leo said to an elderly gray haired, dark eyed and plump woman, who was on the way out. "I'm Sato Brian. I'm here for a meeting with Oroku Tim."
"Did you make an appointment?"
"Yes. I saw a brochure about the church at my uni. It piqued my interest, especially as you do so much good for everyone and that's how I'd like to spend my life. You know, dedicate my life to serving others," Leo said and flashed his warmest smile. "But I have several questions I'd like answered before I commit myself."
"Do you know the other Turtles here?"
"No Ma'am. I don't know anyone."
"You wait here. I'll see if one of our junior pastors can answer your questions. Mr. Oroku's busy," the woman said and disappeared into the church.
She returned a few minutes later with an emerald skinned, green eyed and surly looking Turtle, who wore a red silk kimono and Japanese sandals.'
"Raphael, this is Sato Brian," the woman said. "He wishes to join our church and has a few questions he wants answered. I trust you can assist him."
"Yes, Mrs Suzuki," Raphael said and bowed.
"Good boy," the old woman said and beamed. "You're a fine pastor and we're all very proud of you. Good day, Mr. Sato. Raphael, I'll see you at the service later."
"I can't wait," Raphael muttered when the old woman had left. He scowled at Leo and said, "Come on already. I ain't got all day and I've got more important things ta do."
So much for the welcome reception, Leo thought, as he followed Raphael inside. That Turtle's extremely sexy. I wouldn't mind getting to know him, but why's he so hostile?
XXXX
Seated inside Raphael's office, Leo smiled at Raphael and said, "I was really hoping to talk to Mr. Oroku. He said he was available."
"He ain't, so ya get me. I'm Tanaka Raphael. I've spent my entire life in the church and am perfectly qualified ta answer yer questions. Ask and make it quick, because I've got things ta do."
"I'm an only child….."
"I didn't ask yer family history. What do ya wanna know 'bout my church?"
Leo bristled at Raphael's rudeness and said, "Why are you so hostile? Do you treat all potential members this way or is it just me?"
Raphael sighed and said, "It ain't ya, Mr. Sato. I've been up since four and had a long ass day runnin' after everyone and doin' what they wanted. I'm tired and all I wanna do is sleep, but I can't, because I got evenin' service ta help with and then I've gotta talk ta a couple, who're havin' trouble with their marriage, so I probably won't get ta bed before midnight. I apologize. Let's start over. Do ya want anythin' ta drink? Caffeinated drinks ain't permitted, because they're unhealthy, so I can offer ya water."
"No, thanks, Mr. Tanaka. Apology accepted. I know what it's like being stressed out. Anyway, I was at university, where I studied history and I came across a brochure on the church….."
"Raphael," a female voice said from the doorway.
"Good gosh, Maya," Raphael snapped, his green eyes flashing. "Don't ya knock? I'm busy talkin' ta a potential member of our church. What do ya want?"
"To talk to you about the wedding," Maya a thin, dark eyed and dark haired Japanese girl said.
"I'm busy!"
"But we have to discuss it, Raphael. You keep putting it off and we're supposed to be getting married in May and….."
"That's a whole year away!"
"Shall I go?" Leo asked. "I don't want to…."
"No! Ya stay there, Mr. Sato," Raphael said. "Maya, I'll talk ta ya later. I'm busy. Get out and don't come back."
Maya's eyes brimmed with tears and she said sadly, "Raphael, why are you so cruel to me when I love you so much?"
"Out!" Raphael hissed.
Maya fled.
"Sorry 'bout that, Mr. Sato," Raphael said. "That was my charmin' fiancée, Maya. Girl just can't take a hint."
"Do you love her?" Leo asked. "Or is it an arranged marriage? Sorry if I'm prying."
"Arranged. We've been engaged since I was fourteen and she was seventeen. I'm twenty now. The church thinks it's time we get married and start a family, but I…." Raphael lowered his voice and said. "That ain't what I want, but I'll end up doin' it. Got no choice if I wanna stay parta the church. Anyway, what do ya wanna know?"
"That stinks."
"That's the way it is. Ya do what the church wants and if ya don't, yer shunned and deemed an apostate. I couldn't bring that shame ta my family, especially my elderly parents, so I do everythin' I'm asked, even if I don't wanna. Ya will have ta as well if ya plan on joinin' us. Yer every move is watched."
"Sounds like a prison and a cult, rather than a church. Don't you think, Mr. Tanaka?"
"Screw the Mr. Tanaka. Call me Raphael or Raph. I don't mind. Mr. is for my dad. No. It ain't a cult. I get why ya think it might be, Mr. Sato, but it ain't. We have loadsa fun with singin', honorin' the King and Queen, prayin', gatherings, picnics and we're all happy here. No one wants ta leave and it's a good place ta raise kids. I'm happy here. My only blight's Maya."
Raphael sounded brainwashed, so Leo knew he had to tread carefully.
"You're a dutiful son, Raphael," Leo said. "Your parents must be proud to have raised such a fine son."
"I try ta be after the way I used ta be, Mr. Sato. I was a rebel in my teens. I smoked, drank and did all I could ta rebel. The only thing I didn't do was have sex. I couldn't find someone who intrigued me enough ta do it," Raphael said, his green eyes boring intently into Leo's and sending a shiver down his spine. "I ran away, but was caught, brought home and given an ultimatum: conform or I'd be kicked out forever. That's rough for a fourteen-year-old, who's got no other family, skills or money, so naturally I changed and became the good kid they all wanted me ta be. What 'bout ya? Ya got a girlfriend?"
"Brian. Nope. I'm single. My parents died in a car crash when I was five and I was an only kid, so I'm all alone in the world. I grew up in an orphanage. That's another reason why I want to join the church. You all seem like a happy family and I want to belong and feel like I matter to people."
"I'm so sorry, Brian. That musta been tough. I hope ya join, because ya'll love it here and I got no doubt ya'll fit in real quick."
"Thank you. Is it true you're not allowed to eat meat?"
"Yep. We're all vegetarians. His Majesty says that's the best way ta be and alcohol and stimulants are forbidden."
"Your accent's Brooklyn?"
"Yeah. My family's from there, but we all live on the compound now. I got a huge family. Five moms, loadsa step siblings, who're also my cousins, aunts and uncles. My siblings are all much older than me. Dad married my uncle's four wives when my uncle passed and they never had kids with him, so my cousins are also my step siblings. Ya follow?"
"How does your mom feel about polygamy?"
"It don't matter how she feels. Men rule and women are subservient."
"Do you agree with that? What about equality?"
"Women are only good enough for breeding' and for cleanin' house. That's just the way it is. Been that way since the church began and it won't change. It don't matter if I agree or not neither. It's Church Law."
"But how can you be okay with it, Raphael? Don't you think it's wrong? Do you really want multiple wives and hundreds of kids? What would you want if you could choose?"
"A husband," Raphael blurted out, his cheeks flaming. "One husband and livin' with him far away in France or wherever, where we can do whatever we want, but it's a pipe dream, Brian, because my life is the church and bein' under their rules. Don't tell no one. I'll deny it if ya do and if word gets out ta my parents, I'll be punished again for that." Raphael lowered his voice and said, "I was fourteen when I discovered I liked boys and I found naked images of them on the Internet. My dad caught me and was furious. My parents asked His Majesty for help on how ta cure their 'perverted' son. I was subjected ta electric shock therapy, beatings and so much more. It broke me so much that I apologized, said I was straight and didn't mean it. They forgave me, took away the PC and hooked me up with Maya. I ain't never kissed or touched her. The thought of it disgusts me, because she don't turn me on and I still like guys, but….I don't know why I'm tellin' ya."
"It's easier telling a stranger. I'm sorry for all you've endured. You didn't deserve it and your feelings aren't wrong, Raphael. God made you and you're perfect as you are, okay? You have nothing to be ashamed of. Love is love."
"If only I'd met ya when I was younger, huh? Maybe my life woulda been different. I sense we coulda been wonderful pals and maybe more. It's too late now. My fate's chosen for me," Raphael said despondently.
"Rubbish. What if I joined and left after a month or so? You could come with me and stay with me. I'll find you a job and you can do what you want."
"Why would ya do that for me?" Raphael said, his green eyes wide in surprise. "What would ya want in return? There's always a catch, right? I know. Ya want me as yer bed mate, don't ya? Or maybe yer doin' it outta pity. I don't need no one's pity!"
"No to both, although I do think you're very handsome. I'm doing it, because I can sense you're not really happy, Raphael. How the heck could you be living in a church that dictates every facet of your life, right down to who you can marry and probably how many kids you can have? A church that preaches absolute obedience, that shuns those who don't confirm and that considers women subservient. That's not a church. That's a cult. Why the hell do you stock pile guns, Raphael?"
"We don't stock pile guns. It's just considered a necessity ta have them. I've got a few," Raphael said defensively. "Me handsome? Thanks. No one's called me that before. Yer sexy and I love yer sapphire eyes. I could drown in them forever, but seriously, the guns are just for protection."
"Why?"
"Ta protect ourselves. What's wrong with it? The second amendment says we should have the right ta arms."
"But kids as young as twelve have them. That's dangerous! You see, Raphael, the outside world's worried the church is going to create another Waco."
"They're nuts, because that ain't the King's intention and it ain't true 'bout kids usin' them. They only use them when they're eighteen and older. Our king just wants us ta be able ta protect ourselves in case there's trouble, because people don't understand us and keep callin' us a damn cult! People like ya. Nosy parkers. They don't see the happiness here and how content we all are…."
"Did you know that the suicide rate of ex-members is extremely high?"
"Manipulated statistics."
"Manipulated? Four hundred people commit suicide every month, Raphael, but yet people keep flocking to the church. Why is that? What's the great appeal of your King? Must be a fine orator and manipulator."
"He's an awesome guy and very carin'. That's why," Raphael said icily. "We all love him very much and I consider him a second dad. The statistics sound manipulated. Probably by the cops. They hate us and would do anythin' ta shut us down. They'd probably also send an undercover cop ta investigate us. Are ya one, Brian?" Raphael asked and frowned.
Leo's stomach churned in dread at Raphael's words. Had he been found out? Shit. Some cop he was.
"No. Of course not, Raphael," Leo lied. "I'm just an interested party wanting to join and wanting questions I have answered. That's all. The ex-members commit suicide, because they have no one and no skills. They have nothing and they feel all alone and disconsolate. Shunned by their families and friends, they think suicide is the only way. Most who commit suicide were victims of child abuse. It happens in the church, doesn't it? Don't you think a child bride is also a form of abuse? It's immoral and illegal and going on here. You see it, Raphael, don't you? You know it's wrong….."
Raphael swallowed the lump in his throat and said thickly, his green eyes filling with tears, as unpleasant, traumatic and soul-destroying memories flashed in his mind, "Things sometimes happen that shouldn't happen. Ya shouldn't ask questions if ya wanna join, Brian. Ya could get into trouble. Do ya understand? Huge trouble. Ya seem like a nice guy. I like ya a lot and I don't want ya ta get hurt. Drop it. Please. Go ta the service, see what ya think 'bout it and make a decision."
"Were you abused, Raphael? You can tell me. I won't tell anyone. I promise. I'm going to join, Raphael. I've decided, so we can be friends and you can talk to me about anything. I could use a friend. I don't know anyone here. You can come with me if I leave. Remember that, okay? You can have the life you want. I like you very much and I'll help you."
"I…"
"Raphael!" a male voice said from the doorway.
The emerald skinned turtle glanced up and blanched when he saw the dark haired and eyed, twenty-nine-year-old Oroku Tim in the door way.
"Yer Majesty," Raphael said nervously. "I was just talkin' ta Mr. Sato here. He wants ta join our family. I've answered his questions 'bout us as best as I could. He's real excited 'bout it all. I think he'd be a wonderful asset ta our family. He seems smart and educated and overall a decent guy."
"Like your opinion matters," Oroku said sharply. "I make the decisions. You can leave. Go on. What are you waiting for?"
"It was lovely meetin' ya, Brian," Raphael said. "I'll see ya 'round soon. Later, Yer Majesty."
Raphael's anxiety and unease around Oroku hadn't gone unnoticed by Leo, who suspected Oroku had harmed Raphael. Maybe sexual abuse, because Raphael had seemed distraught when Leo had mentioned child abuse in the church.
Leo watched Raphael leave and said, "Mr. Tanaka was a great help, Your Majesty."
"That's a relief," Oroku said. "He's not known for his intelligence and he's brought a lot of shame on us all at times, so I'm pleased to see he didn't disappoint this time. You've decided to join and we're honored. It's always a pleasure welcoming a new member. Mrs Suzuki mentioned you were here to see me, but she sent you to Raphael when I was busy. I'm so sorry. I shall answer any other questions you may have."
"Thank you. Is it true that I have to give all my money to the church?"
"No. You can give as much as or as how little you wish, but the more you give the more esteemed you are. Raphael's family gave everything they owned, so they're high in the ranking system and are well-respected. Maya's my sister and when Raphael marries her he'll be considered part of the royal family and called a prince."
"I see. Why is Raphael afraid of you?"
"Is he? I don't know why if he is. We're like brothers and extremely close," Oroku said and grinned. "The whole church is. We're one big, happy family."
"I heard rumors of child abuse."
"Categorically untrue. If there were, I'd know about them. Would you like to see the grounds? And you can tell me more about yourself."
"I'd like that. Where would I be staying?"
"There's a vacant house next door to Raphael's house. He lives with his parents. The previous owners left. I can't understand why. We're all blissfully content here. It's paradise."
"Some might consider it a prison. So I've heard anyway."
"Only the apostates, who don't understand us and our ways. They fabricate all kinds of stories about us, but it hasn't stopped our church from growing and it never will. And you know what? Most members join and never leave. They have a choice, but they choose to stay, so what does that say about us? That it's a haven, like we advocate, right? Come along, Mr. Sato."
Leo followed Oroku out of the office and outside and thought, it's a prison, a living nightmare for everyone and they're too brainwashed to realize it. And if they do, they're too petrified to leave, fearing they'll be shunned from everyone they love. I suspect Oroku raped Raphael and he's too ashamed and frightened to tell anyone. I'll be a friend to Raphael and will help give him the strength to fight for what he really wants and to leave this hellhole.
A/N Next up, Leo meets Raphael's family.
Was Raphael abused, like Leo thinks he was?