"Tell me exactly what Jacob said to you."
Taken aback by the unexpected name, Avery hesitated.
"… Jacob?" She wasn't exactly sure what she expected from John's proposal, but the soldier definitely wasn't in any of her guesses.
"Yes. What did you discuss when you two were fighting, and what did he whispered to you in the chair? Tell me what he said, and I'll leave your… wrath… alone." His eyes drifted to her chest and he lifted his hand to touch the fresh wound again.
Avery blanched and scooted back in the seat, mug still in hand. "Fine—alright! Just let me remember—and stop trying to touch me."
Once certain he would keep his distance, she thought back to the hours before, back to the chair she was bound to where she pleaded the older brother to side with her and not read about her blatant murder. It seemed like a distant memory more than a recent recollection of events.
"…He told me what I was displaying was weakness. I was begging and having… panic attacks and it made me… I suppose, pathetic in his eyes. He said that you would read my file and rip the weakness from me no matter what I had to say."
"What else?" John urged. "There's more."
"…" She wracked her brain, trying to remember what transpired, as well as understand why John was so concerned about it. "I don't remember what else he said. Why don't you just ask him?"
"I want you to tell me in your own words. If you can't do that, then our little deal is off the table."
For the first time since her confessions, Avery worked up the energy to glare at John.
"That doesn't answer my question…. Look, I don't know what you want me to say, but this is stupid and I'm tired of playing your games. I can clean my own cuts—I don't need you to do it for me."
To prove her point, she moved for the alcohol pad in his hand, which he yanked out of reach.
Not being one to miss an opportunity to get close, John grabbed the back of her neck with his free hand to prevent her from retreating into the couch. Instantly, Avery brought her hands up to push away from his chest but his hold on her was firm.
The thought of pouring the hot tea in his lap crossed her mind however she refrained at the last second out of fear of his retaliation. She was alone, injured, and weaponless. Not to mention there was no other sibling around to keep him in check. What he would do in return was limitless to her imagination. And probably his…
"Let go," she grounded out, trying to maintain her glare despite how close she was to him now.
"You've been here for only an hour and already making demands."
She made another attempt to create distance, but his hand tightened on her neck while the other lifted and clenched her pride mark.
"You're such a fucking control freak, you know that?" she bit out as harshly as she could. She didn't want to escalate the situation between them, but it was proving harder than she expected to desist the urge.
Whether he was aware of her struggle to keep good manners, he never showed. Instead, the venom in her tone washed off him as he cracked a smile.
"Must you fight me on everything? I am aware of my controlling tendencies, and I don't really see a problem with it. Usually, women like that about me…"
Avery's glare intensified and John continued, unphased.
"Right now, you're resenting me because you have no say in what happens next and upset that I don't care. But look at it from my perspective. Here I am trying to be courteous and meet you in the middle. Especially, when it's obvious that you don't want to deal with your wrath tonight and I want you to tell me about your little chat with my brother. Why is that so difficult for you to agree to?"
She opened her mouth to retort, but John was on a roll. "I get why you're frustrated. You always have to fight for control, and you probably even think you have it with the rebel sinners you run around with. But the truth is, you don't have it. Your friends don't care about what you want, only what you can offer them. Why do you think they are so eager to send you out on these errands to piss me off?
It's because they are using you and making it out to sound like it's your idea. Take my word for it because it's the same stunts they were pulling before your team even arrived in Hope County. You are just better at fighting back then they are, so hats off to you for burning down my things and getting on my nerves."
"You don't understand the dynamics of my friends," she retorted. "They want things back to normal-when they weren't being harassed and robbed all the time."
"Is that what they told you? Making themselves out to be the victims but never taking responsibility for the same actions done to us." He pulled her closer but her hands against his chest wouldn't allow more than a couple inches. "Maybe I was wrong about you, dear. Clearly, you don't have any qualms about keeping company with sinners and liars. I thought you were a truth seeker and wanted what's right in the world."
"Stop trying to twist things around with me… I'm not interested in playing your mind games, John," she breathed, finding his words left her feeling stung.
"Mind games aren't my flavor, dear. Which brings us back to the topic. What did Jacob say to you?"
It was obvious that he wasn't going to let the subject go. Avery felt her shoulders slacken; a compromise seemed to be the best offer she would get for the night. A compromise, though. Not full submission.
"I'll tell you when you let me go."
John mulled over her response languidly, making her wait longer than Avery knew he needed for a reply. She began to wonder if she would even get an answer, or if she would be subject to the odd embrace all night.
Finally, he spoke and she felt his fingertips dig a little deeper at the back of her neck. "Alright."
He released her arm first, followed by her neck after brief hesitation.
Avery scooted back in her chair, thankful for the distance between them once again. John's eyes watched each of her movements until she settled.
"So," she began while rubbing the ache in her forearm, "I suppose I should start at the fight."
"The order is up to you."
"Right. Yeah." She eyed him suspiciously, knowing that there was more to his reasoning for wanting to know, but she just couldn't put her finger on it.
It dug under her skin and she hoped that her recollection wouldn't backfire somehow. Then again, how would it? It wasn't like Jacob discussed anything that would aid her in releasing her friends. Nothing of the sort. Just toyed with her.
So, why did John want to know about something, which seemed insignificant, so badly?
"I was heading out of the room when he showed up. He knew I was trying to escape, and he offered a game; Winner got a reward, of course. If I lost, I had to sit in the chair and not cause any more problems for the night. If I won, he said that he wouldn't interrupt my escape, though I'm certain I would've had the whole compound after me within minutes," she bitterly stated the last part more to herself.
"Explain the interaction before the 'game'."
"Um, he tried to have small talk. Was pretty smug and confident I wouldn't attack him, which kind of pissed me off."
John scoffed at this. "He can be like that."
Avery got a strange sense of déjà vu as she recalled Jacob commenting on John's questionable behavior earlier that night. She thought about bringing it up to John in hopes it would aggravate him to know his brother thought he was difficult at times and was willing to voice it to the enemy. But the little voice in her head said it would be a bad idea to try pinning hearsay against the brothers with a half-baked plan. In the end, she decided to not bother with it.
"He asked if I was going to poke my way out with the scalpel. I told him that was the plan, so then he brought up the game. Not much interaction prior. I guess you could say we were sizing each other up."
"Tell me about the fight."
Avery wanted to roll her eyes at his demands but directed her attention to a loose string on the hem of her shirt instead. "I went on the offensive, hoping to catch him off guard but he was expecting it. It was one sided for most of it; he just blocked or deflected my attacks. At one point, he pushed me into a wall and said I was being predictable."
"So, he didn't exchange attacks?"
"Not initially. He was just toying with me, or at least that's what I accused him of. But he said that I needed to earn the win; he wasn't going to give it to me. I went back in to attack and started to give up my own defense to improve my speed. He used that opening to throw a few punches and kicks in but still didn't draw his blade. That's when I cut his shirt. Afterwards, he was more serious but still didn't draw his knife. Not until my last attack… Er, just before you arrived, he said he was impressed and admitted that I caught him off guard a couple times. The rest you know."
When Avery finished, she looked to John and noticed his scowl aimed at the couch. She wasn't sure why he looked displeased over her recollection, but she didn't like it. Perhaps, he had expected something different?
"The only other thing I can think of is that he said if I didn't atone, then I would be transferred to his region." She paused, waiting for John to say something. When she didn't get a response, she decided to test his boundaries. "But if I'm being honest, I find his ultimatum unlikely…. For both scenarios."
The comment stirred John from his thoughts with a smirk forming, although forced. "After all of this, I had hoped you would see reason and finish the atonement on your own will."
Avery shrugged and looked off indifferently. "What can I say? I'm not a people pleaser."
"So, it would seem… I wonder why the old man has put up with you for so long."
"Old man? I'm guessing you mean Whitehorse?" She couldn't help feeling a small amount of relief that he was no longer brooding. A playful sadist was safer than an irate sadist. "Yeah right. The sheriff would be lost without me."
"I'd venture to say better off."
"…Ok. That's a low blow."
"If the truth bothers you so much, then atone for your sins."
"Tsh. You're wasting your time."
"Then sit there in denial, Deputy. The longer you resist it, the more it will hurt." John stood up and began packing the remaining medical supplies into his bag. Avery observed the Baptist from her location and sipped her tea.
She wasn't sure what to think of the entire night or strange courtesy between them. She still didn't trust the man; the hate for him lingered just below her polite veneer. Maybe hate was a strong word. Dislike? Loathe? Resentment?
No. Hate would suit her for now.
Avery took another sip of her tea and leaned back into the deep cushions of the couch, her mind drifting to the next move. She needed to escape and get back to the others at Falls End. The sooner she got back, the sooner they could leave to find Hudson. Of course, before she could think of freeing Hudson, she needed to get free herself.
What was John's plans for her now? Would she be held in his ranch house until she atoned? She hoped so. It would make escaping a little easier.
Then again, he could just lock her away. Or even tie her up and find out what other little sins she had. The latter she hoped to avoid, even though she didn't have anything of real significance left. The mission was the worst…
Back to the topic at hand, what was her strategy? None of the events that played out were anything she could have prepared for. She was outwitted, tortured, and dragged about the county without any idea of what was next. Not to mention, it seemed that John was reluctant to leave her unattended for long, which made escaping more difficult. Obviously, John would expect it from her, too. There was no way he would allow an opportunity to present itself so easily for the deputy.
Patience would be key. Civility her friend.
Despite John's… 'charitable' act, she knew he had his guard up, fully expecting her to act out at some point. But who was to say that the followers would be like-minded? They weren't nearly as clever as John was, so it only made sense to focus on the chink in the Project's armor: prey on the trusting and complacent.
The zip sound from the bag interrupted her musing. John turned and walked to the desk, dropping the medical bag near the leg of the table. Settling into the upholstered chair, he regarded her with a bored gaze.
"Do you need anything else for the evening or was the tea enough?"
"A cab would be nice."
"Oh, of course… Anything else, princess?"
"No. I think that would be it. Oh-wait" Avery padded her pockets as if looking for something. "Do you mind paying for the fare? I don't seem to have my wallet. How embarrassing…"
John rolled his eyes and opened a drawer to pull out some papers. "New idea. You can just sit there and behave. I have work to do."
"At this hour? Shouldn't you go to bed? Or do you not sleep?"
"Would you like to join me in bed?"
"… No thanks. I'm fine where I am."
"Then so am I."
Realizing he wouldn't leave her so willingly, Avery sighed and looked at the hazy tea in the mug. The bottom of the cup peaked above the liquid, only enough for one more sip. The last of her comfort was near its end.
Shifting in her seat, she finished her cup and set it on the coffee table. The silence that ballooned between them was comfortable despite her animosity at the situation she was in. At least, he was done with her for the night. Why he didn't have her tied up or locked away, she didn't know, but she wasn't complaining. His attention was elsewhere, and she wasn't bound.
After another ten minutes passed, Avery was losing the battle against sleep. She managed to gather enough energy to remove her boots, noting the clumps of dirt on the intricate rug.
Ugh, why do I feel like John is going to gripe about the mess later?
Deciding not to disturb the silence between them, she stuffed the boots under the couch and leaned against the leather padded arm. Glancing at the desk, she could see John still focused on the papers with his pen scribbling notes here and there. Even though he didn't appear to notice her, Avery knew better.
Shifting again to get comfortable, she let her eyes close, feeling sleep take her all too quickly.
/./././
Across the room, John skimmed the deed of a follower's house, but he wasn't paying attention to what the words said. His mind was replaying what Avery and Jacob spoke about earlier that night.
It wasn't enough that Jacob hadn't restrained Avery once she escaped the chair. No. He had to play a stupid game with her. Usually, the game wouldn't have gotten under John's skin, since he was confident in Jacob's sparring abilities, but she had almost bested the soldier. That wasn't to say she would have successfully escaped, although John didn't want to put the idea to the test.
Nevertheless, the source of his annoyance was that Jacob didn't just toy with Avery. Instead, he was testing the deputy's skills to see what she was capable of, his own miniature trial right under John's nose. What's more was that Jacob even complimented the girl on a few occasions.
"…it may have been enough to convert her… But if it didn't, then you should know it will be my turn to take her."
It was blaringly obvious now. Jacob had taken a liking to the deputy.
There was no doubt in Jacob's words that he wanted to get ahold of Avery, regardless of his indifferent attitude on the subject.
John's attention drifted to the couch where the girl had stretched out and already deep in her slumber. Losing the last of his interest in the deed, he set the paper down and leaned back in the chair.
He wasn't keen on letting Jacob get Avery so soon after her confession. He had a right to let this play out. Jacob would have to wait his turn…
However… if she didn't atone after all of that, then what was the next move?
There were a few different ways John could play it out. The easiest being to keep her compliant at the ranch house with hopes that she would unintentionally settle in and see they weren't the villains they were made out to be. If she resisted, he would act in accordance with the grievance she caused.
And when she tried to escape, he would be expecting it. Punishments would need to be a last resort of course. It wouldn't do him any good to push her away through discipline.
All of it sounded good in theory, but he knew that the problem would be his temper if she continued to push. Her cynical commentary and sarcasm was entertaining for the time being, but if it continued, he couldn't say it wouldn't become annoying. Then again, he didn't want her to be serious and gloomy like her co-working. Hudson wasn't fun at all. Tears and screaming…. No. He would take Avery's snide remarks and jabs at him happily.
Surprisingly, the banter was enjoyable and borderline flirtatious. He vaguely wondered what could come from it if he continued to allow it.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts and his gaze landed on Avery who didn't stir.
Getting up, he walked to the double doors, cracking it open to see who was disturbing him now, of all times. A middle-aged man who stood taller than John by a few inches greeted the Baptist.
"A radio call came over," the follower reported as John stared impatiently. "Father Joseph would like to meet with you at the church tomorrow, er, today… later in the afternoon."
"Fine. Anything else?" John questioned with a glimpse at his watch; 4:34 am.
"…" The man fidgeted, trying to gather the right words together to tell the other news to the Baptist.
"Just say it. I don't have the patience to stand in the doorway forever."
"The rebels infiltrated the compound… and retrieved the Deputy before they were forced to retreat the site…."
John's grip on the doorknob tightened but the follower didn't need to see that to know that the news displeased him. "Is that it?"
"Yes-yes, sir."
Without offering another word, John moved to shut the door firmly but halted. Once again, he glanced at the couch to see Avery hadn't moved. His attention returned to the follower who waited expectantly.
"Are the guards still posted outside the windows?"
"Yes."
"Alright. You just got promoted from radio duty to watching these doors." John stepped out to join the taller man who looked surprised by the news, if not nervous. The Baptist didn't take note and locked the doors behind him. "Make sure she doesn't get out. I'm going to bed."
"Er…Ye-yes sir. Goodnight, Brother John."
John didn't respond as he started up the stairs, already deep in thought. He knew it was likely the rebels would get Hudson, however that didn't help ease the need to take his frustration out on the nearest lamp or wall.
"I suppose I should look at it like a trade," he mumbled under his breath as he reached his bedroom door, managing to restrain himself from lashing out. "I got the better deputy in the end."
Treading into the large room, the queen size bed nestled between wooden posts greeted him. The site looked welcoming after being up for nearly 24 hours. Too bad the deputy didn't take him up on his offer to share.
With practiced fingers, John smirked while he unbuttoned his shirt and rolled onto the bed, not bothering to crawl under the covers. He didn't have the luxury to sleep for long seeing as he had things to tend to before his meeting with Joseph, and possibly Jacob…
Before his mind could drift back to the earlier sore subject, he closed his eyes and focused on the success of the evening, replaying his favorite parts with the Deputy.
/././././././././
Outside the ranch house, a group of followers gathered around a table in the living quarters of the expansive bunkhouse. Playing cards were held between calloused fingers with faded poker chips and odd trinkets heaped in the middle of the group. The air was sour with cigarette smoke while the men silently contemplated the fresh cards they were given.
"Well, shit."
Liam looked at his uncle beside him who sucked in a long breath from his cigarette. "Announcing another bad hand or are you trying to bluff again?"
"Hey, kid. Stop revealing what everyone is thinking. Your uncle is bad enough at this game as it is," joked a follower to Liam's right. The dusty blonde hair peaked under a ballcap, hinting that he was the second youngest in the group at 27 years old. The man glanced to the side and cracked a smile at Liam before continuing in a hushed voice, "I'm trying to win back my money from the last two hands."
"You have bigger opponents then my uncle, Dean."
"Oh? And who's that?" Dean glanced around the table mockingly. "Because I know you ain't referring to yourself."
"Keep underestimating me. It will be cute when I take your money."
Dean barked out a laugh, oblivious to the sharp glares from the older men across the table. "You are playing a dangerous game trying to get in my head that way."
"Game or not, I'm going to win this round."
"Goddamn it! Shut 'er mouths and focus! This isn't board games with the family. It's serious business," an old man scowled, earning a few agreed nods. He looked to be in his seventies and was respected by many of the followers. The younger members of the Project didn't always show the same reverence, which usually got him off to a poor mood.
The two younger men didn't say anything in response and turned their attention to the cards. In the corner of his eye, Liam could see Dean twisting his face in grave contemplation, as if it was suddenly the World Poker Tour.
Bringing his cards to his face he murmured under his breath, "Hmm, such serious business this is…."
Liam tried to hide his snicker, but the old man was zeroed in on the younger men the entire time, knowing the silence wouldn't last long before they acted out again.
"That's it!" he shouted, causing Liam to jump and Dean to narrow his eyes at the outburst. "I damn well told you—"
"What's all the yelling for?" a female voice asked from the hallway.
Most of the occupants looked to the newcomer while a few were still focused on their cards, eyes darting about the table to see if anyone would be foolish to reveal what they had through the distractions.
"Darrel's nephew and Dickhead Dean are fooling around!"
"Whoa! I resent that name…. Is that what you call me when I'm not around to hear?" Dean questioned indignantly.
"Only when you're acting like a dickhead!"
"I ain't acting different then I normally do!"
"Exactly!"
"Wha-?! Listen here, you senile old bastard, you—"
"It's four in the damn morning! People are trying to sleep, assholes," the woman snapped.
The outburst from her was enough to make the men hold the insults that remained at the edges of their tongues.
"What has you up at this hour, Whitney?" Darrel grumbled, while tapping the ash at the end of his cigarette into the tray, not bothered by the commotion.
"I was called to help Brother John… You want to guess who I had to watch?"
Liam didn't miss how Chuck, a salt and peppered haired man, tensed his jaw with a hardened glare aimed at his cards.
"Not really. Who is it?"
"The rookie Deputy that's been causing all the trouble."
The living room fell into a tense silence as each one mulled over her words. Liam couldn't help but perk up at the mention of it and his attention darted to his uncle who glowered at the news.
"Hey," Dean broke the men's musings. "Ain't she the one that you two encountered?"
Liam nodded. "Yeah, she's the one that… well, let us go."
"Enough," Darrell ordered at his nephew.
Dean turned his attention back to Whitney, ignoring Darrell's frustration at the news. "What is she doing here? Is Brother John having her atone?"
"I assume so."
"He should just put the bitch down," Chuck interrupted. "Bullet to the skull, slit throat, I don't give a fuck. Whatever stops her breathing."
"… well, aren't you a ray of sunshine," Dean muttered with a deadpanned expression.
Shocked by Chuck's animosity, Liam gawked at the older man before looking to his uncle. When he didn't say anything on the matter, Liam decided to speak up. "She isn't all that bad. I know she isn't on our side, but I don't agree that she needs to die."
"Liam, shut up." Darrell demanded harshly, bringing the cigarette to his lips. Directing his attention to the others he asked, "We going to talk all morning or are we going to play?"
"What's happening with the Deputy afterwards?" Dean persisted, ignoring Darrell. A few other men followed suit.
Whitney shrugged. "Fuck if I know. Brother John's trying to make her atone and she's already confessed some sins. Saw that he's marked her. If it makes you feel better, she didn't just get the needle, she was carved up pretty good." She directed the last part to Chuck to ease his animosity, but it didn't seem to have an effect.
"I'll feel better when the crows are picking her clean," Chuck added cynically, not caring who was paying attention.
Becoming more unnerved by the comments, Liam leaned an elbow on the table, drawing Chuck's unfriendly attention. "Father Joseph will be upset to hear you talking like that."
"…Are you threatening me, kid?"
"Fucking shut up, Liam—" his uncle growled again, sending a kick under the table. But Liam wasn't deterred.
"And Brother John wouldn't be pleased to know you're threatening someone he's been trying to convert."
"You better listen to your uncle—"
"If you need proof she isn't bad then look at us! She spared us and let us go and even gave my uncle first aid-"
SLAP
The cards Liam was holding coasted across the table and floor, while the room became uncomfortably still.
Liam's eyes were wide with shock and pain stung the side of his face, radiating around his eye. He could feel a dribble of blood on his cheek from his uncle's ring nicking skin, which Liam wiped away with the back of his hand. Refusing to meet anyone's eyes, he forcefully pushed himself from the table, but every person could see the embarrassment.
"Fine… I'm tired of hanging out with old drunks anyway." Liam stormed out of the living room and past Whitney who stepped aside sympathetically.
Once he was gone, she spun on the men in the room with her ire focused on Darrell. "That was uncalled for! You shouldn't have slapped him."
"Don't tell me how to treat my nephew."
"He wasn't doing anything wrong-"
"The little shit was threatening me," Chuck argued.
"He was holding you accountable! You don't like it, then change your attitude!"
"Why are you defending him?" Darrell pushed. "Or am I wrong and it's the Deputy you are defending?"
"I'm supporting your nephew's right to an opinion. I don't give a fuck about the woman, but he has a point. She spared you two for some reason and I feel like it should be you defending Liam, not me."
"Liam is naive and too trusting. That woman has blood on her hands and a manipulative soul… She isn't who he thinks she is…"
Down the hall, Liam clenched his fists, still followed by the voices in the living area. As he reached the room, he let himself in and shut the door, barely managing to refrain from slamming it shut.
The voices became muted until eventually they faded to a different subject.
"Fuck him. Grumpy bastard," Liam muttered, feeling all respect dissipate for his uncle. The drunk had never been the same since his parents had died in the car crash and occasionally, he wondered if it was his presence that caused his uncle to act out. Feeling like a burden to his uncle wasn't new but it was still a bitter taste after all this time.
With a bruised pride and stinging cheek, Liam glanced toward the bunk bed with both comforters tossed back, rarely ever returned neatly.
It won't be long now until Anthony is off his shift.
His roommate was around his own age, but Liam hadn't known him for long. Since the railyard incident, they had been assigned a new location at John's ranch, where they pulled the usual guard shifts on the grounds. While Dean had welcomed Liam into the group enthusiastically, Anthony was a little more reserved.
Too riled up to sleep, Liam took a seat at the folding card table pushed under a dirty window. Through the smudges and streaks, the ranch house porch lights glowed in the darkness.
The deputy was here, captured and forced to confess her sins… What would happen to her now? Would she try to atone or resist?
If he was being honest, he hoped she would atone and join the project. There weren't many people that he got along with. Then again, he couldn't say he knew her well enough to know that they would be friends. But there was a mutual respect there which was more than he got from others in the Project. After pushing him around until certain he wasn't a threat, she had opened up and even let him play with her dog. She could have spared only him, but she was compassionate enough to help his uncle as well.
He wasn't exactly sure why she resisted them or what her motives were, but that didn't mean she was the enemy, right? If she was truly this evil sinner, then why help them?
The logical part of him knew that even if she did atone and join the project, she wouldn't be welcomed by many people. He didn't think it would come to it, however the thought of Chuck enacting his revenge did not sit well with him. Maybe it would be better if she didn't join…
Liam looked back at the silent ranch house. His uncle wouldn't like it. Then again, Liam couldn't bring himself to care one way or another about the old man's opinion. Family or not, he was losing Liam's respect day by day. If Liam wanted answers, he would have to get them himself.
He just needed to find a way to talk to her.
/././././././././
The sound of the door shutting startled Avery awake, causing the deputy to jerk up from the couch. Blinking away the sleep, she noticed the living area was bathed in bright sunlight and the fireplace had returned to its cold slumber for the day.
Peeking over the back of the couch, she recognized John and the older man from the night prior strolling around the furniture towards her. The former, she noted, looked refreshed and wearing new clothes, a darker pair of jeans, blue button up, and ash grey vest. She felt insecure at how she must look in comparison.
"Good afternoon… I hope you slept well." John came to a stop in front of her with his hands partially in his jean pockets, while the follower waited behind him, holding a tray of food.
"Afternoon?"
"It's 2pm to be exact. I figured you needed the rest."
"And here I thought it was morning and you just didn't sleep."
John rolled his eyes playfully. "I'm not a vampire. Just what sort of villain do the rebels paint me to be?"
"A sadistic one that eats bugs." Avery swung her legs off the couch, so she was in a proper sitting position, trying to hide her body's protest.
"Well, that is fair on them. Anyway, I regret to inform you that I have things that need tending to. I'm afraid I won't be able to spend much time with you until later. Until then, I figured you were hungry."
The brute used the mention of food to step forward and drop the tray on the table, sneering at her as he did so. Avery returned the glare until he left out of the room, ignoring the mild interest John watched the interaction with.
"…I'm positive he spit in my food," she voiced, eyeing the tray suspiciously.
"Entirely possible. Chuck has some hard feelings against you, dear."
"Why? What did I do?"
"You killed his step-sister," John answered bluntly "At the railyard."
Any smart retort she had ready to release, died in her throat. The animosity towards her all made sense now.
Avery dropped her gaze to the scrambled eggs and toast. She couldn't imagine the frustration of being forced to care for someone who murdered a family member. No wonder why he wanted her dead. But what did she expect? It was only a matter of time before she ran into surviving family. Hope County wasn't the same war she had trained for.
Realizing the deputy was withdrawing; John waved the matter off and patted her shoulder, ignoring the glare aimed at his hand.
"Don't worry about it. He'll get over it with time… Or maybe he won't. You could always try to make amends. It would help your atonement process…"
"I'm certain there are no amends to be made between me and him."
"Never know unless you try," John said in a sing-song voice. Avery raised a brow at him and he smirked. "Alright, I have to take care of a couple things. I have guards all around, so if you want anything, all you need to do is whisper and one will arrive."
"You have that many guards, listening to my every move? That's not creepy at all."
"I'm just letting you know that there are precautions in place. It's a not a matter of if, but when, that you try your Houdini tricks."
"If you are so worried, why not just tie me up?"
"Oh, this again? I will if that is what you prefer. I just figured you would like to have a little freedom is all."
"…Never mind, I'll sit here and find a book to read."
"Hm, no fun." He turned to leave before mentioning one last thing. "There is a room upstairs that is set up for you if you get bored in here. Besides there and the bathroom, I'm afraid you don't get to explore much else. In the meantime, try to behave!"
/./././././
Only an hour later, John found himself standing in front of the alter at Joseph's church. Sunlight filtered in through the high stained-glass window that hovered over a walnut cross, draped with a crème-colored fabric. It was no longer the pristine white after years of collecting dust, and no one bothered to clean it off now. More pressing matters of battling non-believers took precedence over cleaning schedules.
Small particles of dust sifted through the sunlight around him, and the thick smell of incense and hymnals infused the wooden pews. Though the Project didn't use incense, the aroma had merged within the walls and would linger for years to come. How the scent could be so warm, yet the room feel cold never made sense to John.
Before him now, Joseph leaned against the alter with legs crossed and arms folded, while he observed John through yellow lenses. He had an air of laziness about him that John knew was wrong for what he really felt. The tensions in the Father's shoulders and twitching of fingers hinted to the irritation he withheld.
"… While I'm not overly concerned with Hudson, I don't want similar results with Mason," Joseph resumed. "If Hudson has the tactical skillset of Mason, we will be back to square one and have to deal with that."
"You and I both know she doesn't. Hudson's skillset is nothing more than emotions and fear. She doesn't have the training that Avery has."
"Even so, Mason's cooperation is key for the Project and I do not want a repeat of results, or what happened at the cleansing…"
John already knew all of this. He did not need constant reminding on what his job responsibilities were. Plus, it wasn't like he still had a chip on his shoulder against Avery, like he did at the cleansing. The two of them had overcome those silly inconveniences and were moving onto civility. But of course, Joseph wouldn't know that.
He was too busy running the Project and believing that his younger brother needed incessant guidance on proper behavior. John could correct Joseph and admit that he and the deputy were having decent, if not teasing, conversations just hours ago. However, he wasn't too fond of the idea to let Joseph in on what his discussion with Avery entailed. No doubt, there would be more reminding to not stray toward sin with the woman…
So, instead of voicing his frustrations and defenses, John merely nodded.
"Jacob mentioned her confession and that you're confident it is enough to turn her…," Joseph paused, fixing John with a stern look. "Seeing as you haven't reached out to me, I think I know the answer, but I will ask anyway… Has she completed her penance?"
John resisted showing any annoyance at the fact that Joseph did already know the answer. He supposed that while Hudson's unintentional rescue was a score to the resistance, him having Avery was a better standing to be at. It was still a painful blow to the non-believers who used her as a weapon against them. "Not yet, but she is close. I am making progress, even if it seems slight."
Joseph mulled over the words for a passing moment before unfolding his arms and softening his gaze. "….Alright, brother…. I'm pleased to hear there is progress being made. I would like to know sooner than later when you expect her to reach atonement. Especially if progress stops or starts to go backwards."
"Sooner than later? Why is that? You've never put a deadline on recruitment before."
"You noticed Jacob outside." It wasn't a question.
Earlier, when John pulled up to the Church, the eldest brother was posted outside the doors, instead of being in his own region. John had lingered in the truck, thinking over the different reasons why that would be. None of the scenarios eased John's rising concerns.
He had thought about confronting Jacob to find out what his game was this time, though the bickering would likely draw Joseph's attention. And he knew there was nothing good that was going to come from that either.
Not getting a response, Joseph continued. "I spoke with him briefly on the matter while we waited for you… You should know that he has claimed an interest in the girl."
"An interest." John echoed stiffly.
"Hm. For his trials..."
Joseph noticed the younger brother flinch at the admission before he took a bold step toward the alter.
"But I haven't finished with my atonement process. She is still in the middle of it and just finished her confessions less than 12 hours ago! We know how devoted she was to the sinner's cause, so it's obviously going to take time to work. It's not like he's helping the cause either! Jacob has already stepped over the line once last night and could have ruined my opportunity with her! Now he wants to take her to become some mindless weapon? How about he just waits his damn turn!"
"Stepped over the line?" This was news to Joseph. "How so?"
John felt his anger at the oldest reduce to a simmer. Of course, Joseph would grab the little slip-up from John.
Despite feeling backhanded at knowing Jacob had toyed with Avery, he hadn't meant to air out the act and frustrations to Joseph. Jacob may have gotten on his nerves and teased him, but he always kept John's dirty little secrets from Joseph, who was far less forgiving.
"Stepping over the line may be an exaggeration," John waved off as carelessly as he could, "but he did interrupt my session with Avery a few times which gave her an appropriate enough distraction. And softened the blow of the emotional penance." He moved away from the topic to avoid further slips. "My point is, that he is trying to rush things that need time to work. There is no point in giving me a chance if I only get a fraction of the same chance that Faith did."
A stiff pause intensified between them and John hoped it was enough of an excuse for Joseph to overlook his prior comment.
"…I will not end anything prematurely, brother. If you are making progress, then she will stay with you. If not, or she returns to resisting, then she will be transferred." John opened his mouth to protest but Joseph continued. "She can stay in your care and reach atonement at her pace. I will grant you that and be patient. But if you have extracted all of her confessions, then what more can you do? We will not waste time on it. You won't get any more chances if you fail."
The words felt so final in the air between them, and any irritation John felt began to morph. It shifted into a bitter surprise, then twisted into resentment, before settling into a cold acceptance to the challenge.
"All because of Jacob wanting her?"
"For the trials, yes. And because we have wasted too much time. If she continues to resist, it can become dangerous for the Project."
It wasn't what Joseph explained that struck John, but what he left unsaid.
So, God hasn't told you why she's important yet? John kept the words in the back of his throat and swallowed the bitterness.
"If she is supposed to be a mindless weapon, why would her existence be sent to you in a vision? Are you certain Jacob only wants her for the trials? Not for another reason?"
Joseph narrowed his eyes and stood. "You speak ill because you are upset. But don't try to tarnish our brother's motives because of my final word."
"I'm not tarnishing anything. I'm asking if you have actually looked into the legitimacy of Jacob's motives, or just going off the fact that it must be for the trials if he said he wants a go at her."
The tension hung between them as each stood their ground and scowled. The meeting was uncomfortable to begin with but now was charged with a looming deadline and a deputy's fate that was being pulled in different directions.
Finally, the stiffness in Joseph's shoulders relaxed, almost slumped, and he raised a hand to his forehead.
"God challenges me… There's always a challenge and test somewhere…" He returned his attention to John again but held no more exasperation. "Do you know something that I don't, John?"
John's own sharp gaze eased but his stance was still firm. "I only speculate. But I would hope this isn't an act of favoring."
The intention behind the words caused his brother to faulter. Joseph stepped forward and rested his hands on John's shoulders with an apologetic look.
"John…. There is no favoritism. I have to consider what is best for us and the Project when it comes to the deputy. I do not favor Jacob over you, nor you over him." Joseph pulled John into an embrace. "You are my brothers. My family. I don't want you to think that again."
Whatever lingering animosity John had, dissipated between them.
Not long after, John walked out of the church, leaving Joseph to his work. He didn't bother redirecting Joseph to the possibility that Jacob had other, more personal intentions with the woman. It was, after all, speculation.
"How was it?" Jacob asked as John closed the doors behind him. He hadn't moved from his spot, and now had a flask in hand as he watched the sun creep closer to the mountain tops.
John narrowed his eyes and ignored the question. "What are you up to?"
Jacob pulled his gaze from the sky and met John's glare. "I'm just sitting here, waiting for you to finish with the meeting."
"You know what I'm talking about. What's your plan for Avery?"
The older brother didn't answer right away and took in John's appearance. The younger brother could feel the examination and folded his arms instinctively across his chest, hoping it would display impatience instead of discomfort.
"First name basis already? That was quick." Jacob took another swig from the flask.
"Don't. I'm not in the mood for your teasing. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a little pissed off over the fact that you would go to Joseph and try to get the rights to her. I haven't even had 24 hours yet, and here you are, trying to bulldoze your way in."
"…That's not it."
"Then what is it? What is your plan? Are you just wanting her for a weapon? Because I can tell you that Hudson would be a better match for your trials. In fact, she needs them with how emotional she is."
Jacob scoffed at the comment. "Don't be stupid. Hudson would serve better as dog food." He took another swig and met John's gaze once more, this time a glimmer of smugness shined through. "Besides, a woman like that is not my type."
John visible bristled at the comment and Jacob didn't need more than a glance to notice.
"Ah… so, you're interested in Mason…"
"There you go, jumping to conclusions again," John deflected.
"Why else would you be so guarded over her?"
"I'm not guarded over her. Why are you so hardheaded? I just told you that I'm pissed that you are trying to cut my chances short!"
"Then you wouldn't be upset if I had a personal interest in her. Am I right?"
John clenched his fingers into his forearms and didn't answer right away. He wanted to say he didn't have a liking towards the deputy, and maybe it would have been true before her confessions. But he found to enjoy her presence in the short amount of time mending her wounds. She wasn't fearful of him, or aggressive. They were far from being on friendly terms. And it didn't hurt that she was attractive. Not a real looker but modest. When it came down to it, he wasn't personally invested, but that didn't mean the thought didn't cross his mind. Then again, maybe it was just lust starting to form.
Instead of dignifying Jacob, with a response, he decided to return the fire. "You don't have personal interest in others like that. I'm beginning to think that you're incapable of it."
It was slight, but John could see it struck a nerve with Jacob. Unfortunately, it looked like an irate nerve. "Just because I don't share my personal exploits with you doesn't mean I don't have any."
It should have served as a warning to John to not keep pushing the older brother, but he ignored it. "Oh, so, you're admitting you have a crush on her? That's adorable. I'm sure you will make wonderful little war-babies or whatever."
"Why are you being like this?"
"Because you won't tell me what your game is!"
Jacob stared at his younger brother unblinking, leaving John regretting his untamed tongue. He knew after the war, Jacob had returned changed, disfigured, and angry at the world. When Joseph found him, there was so much effort invested in helping the soldier heal and give him purpose again. His outlook on the world had changed and the people within it were recategorized into survivors and sacrifices.
John didn't have an easy life by any means, but he was never pushed to the point to of viewing the world in black and white. His relations with others were still normal, or as normal as someone like him could be. Since they were separated into their regions, John had heard rumors of possible lovers that Jacob had but never pressed for answers, knowing Jacob wouldn't reveal what he didn't want to. Was it even possible for Jacob to recategorize someone into something other than those black and white boxes?
Sighing, John unfolded his arms, fully aware he was targeting his frustrations on his brother. "I over spoke. I wasn't trying to make this a personal attack on you."
"I don't need your apology, John," he interrupted firmly and returned his gaze to the mountains. "I have a personal purpose for her that involves the trials. Not to make her a mindless weapon for Joseph, but to settle a score. That's all you need to know."
"So… not for a personal-personal interest?"
"Define personal-personal interest…" He was back to mocking again. Times like these made John envious of his brother's ability to not be easily angered.
"Not because you want to fuck her."
"Wow, just come right out and say it..."
"You asked!"
Jacob didn't answer right away, as if the mountains were more important in that moment then his brother pressing for answers. The silence was not what John expected and he could feel himself leaning in, waiting for an answer. Just before he was about to ask again, Jacob spoke. "Shouldn't you be getting back to the house? I thought you were worried about her making an escape attempt."
In another situation, John would have seen right through the change in topic, but Jacob had a point. While John left Avery heavily guarded, he wasn't keen to believe she wouldn't find a weak spot in the defenses. The longer he was away, the higher her chances were of being gone before he arrived.
"Alright, I concede. But don't think you can count me out yet. I'm the one standing between her and your plans." He started to walk to the vehicle when Jacob's voice stopped him.
"John, don't take what Joseph said the wrong way. My goal isn't to interrupt your work. If she is still resisting, and you don't have anything else to use against her, then I will take her. A few days from now, weeks, even months, none of it is even guaranteed. You just need to focus on what you have to do and not worry about my plans that may not even come into play."
"If I get her to convert, you won't attempt to use her? You will let go of this grand plan of yours to condition her?"
Jacob didn't turn his attention from the mountains but offered a nod. Deciding that was the best answer he would get, John continued walking to his vehicle, mulling over his conversations with each sibling, more determined then ever to change the deputy's loyalties.
Sorry for the delay! I really dragged the editing out on this chapter without realizing it! Where does the time go?
I have the next chapter started, so here's to hoping it won't take as long to write. Until next time, thank you for reading!