Clarity

by SunshineNGunpowder21

Deputy Avery Mason thought she had left the war when she went back to civilian life. Never did she expect to enter a new battle on the homefront of Montana. When things are never what they seem, who can one trust when they are alone? Sometimes a broken mind is what you need to find the truth. Eventual JacobxOC

11. Chapter 11

"You look tired," the soft voice noted from the opposite side of the kitchen island.

The observation pulled the young man from his thoughts and he met the gaze of his companion. She held his stare for a little longer before returning her attention to the dirty plates as she scraped leftover food into the bin. Her honey-colored hair was pulled into a neat ponytail and a few curly locks draped around her face.

The tedious chores of kitchen duty never seemed to bother her as it offered free time to converse with her weekly visitor. It was better than the alternative of working on the grounds where there was a constant need for self-awareness. At least the house chores allowed her to drift into her own thoughts and have the freedom to relax between duties.

Sarah was just a year younger than Liam and, since arriving at the ranch, he found himself coming to speak with her regularly during the lulls of her chores. Her kind demeanor was a beacon in the brooding atmosphere among some of the followers and he felt drawn towards her for companionship. It wasn't uncommon to find others in his age group necessarily, although finding someone not blindly devoted to the idealism of the Project was a rare thing. Outside of the obvious attraction he felt for the gentle beauty, he believed the shared similarity was what drew him in at a deeper level. Like him, she was just another tagalong in the Project; never making the conscious decision to join but being grandfathered in with family who did.

"I didn't get much sleep last night," was all he offered as a response.

"Is Dean still forcing you to play cards with him?"

Liam smirked at her sharpness. "He doesn't want to be the only one dealing with the cranky old men. Misery loves company, I guess."

His bitterness didn't escape her knowledge and she set a plate down to look at him. He could feel her eyes on him but waited for her to bring up the topic she had been avoiding the last ten minutes.

"Did you hear who arrived last night?" She returned her attention to her tasks.

"I heard…" was his empty response. He looked back at her, wondering why she avoided asking the question he knew she had at the edge of her tongue. She may have thought the stolen glances went unnoticed, but they didn't, which only made him feel more uneasy.

"It looks worse than it is," he explained, hoping to just get the topic out of the way. While the pain was an annoying ache, it was his pride that took the brunt of the sting.

"I didn't want to press…"

"I know. My uncle didn't agree with my opinion on the new…. guest."

"What opinion is that?"

"That she isn't the enemy they think she is."

"And they obviously didn't share your view."

"It was Chuck I was arguing with. Actually, he started going off on how she needs to die and not reach atonement… I decided to call him out."

Sarah sighed, setting a rag down. "That's a stupid argument to bring up to them. You should be more careful who you voice your opinions too, especially when it involves that deputy. Many members are not ready to forgive the officers for trying to arrest the Father."

"Yeah," Liam drawled out dryly. "I came to realize that the hard way."

She met his eyes and smiled. "You should put some ice on it. It looks bad."

"It's a small cut and there isn't much to do about the bruising. It will fade eventually."

She didn't look pleased with the answer but didn't insist.

"So, how much longer do you have on your shift?"

"I still have a couple hours left. I'm picking up half of Janel's rotation seeing as she had to watch her kids while Zach is away. But most of it is just cleaning and then making dinner for the officer upstairs."

Liam perked up at the mention of the Deputy. "You're in charge of making her food?"

"Yeah," Sarah replied slowly with a look and her hand settling on her hip. "Why? Is there something wrong with my cooking?"

The young man looked momentary confused before his eyes widened. "No, no. I was just wondering. I thought that maybe they would have had someone else in charge of it…"

"Someone more committed to the cause," she finished. "Normally, I would be skeptical of being assigned, but I also know it is just making her food. It's not like I'm conversing with her and hiding a shank in her tomato soup so she can break out."

Sarah turned to set the dirty dishes into the sink where she started to rinse them off, missing how Liam's eyes widened as a new idea started to form. Before he could get too far into the details, Sarah broke the silence.

"What is she like?"

"You… want to know what she's like?"

"Yes. I mean I hear many stories about what she has done to us since she has arrived, but I know you had a different experience. You were able to talk to her, so I was just wondering what she is like. Plus, she didn't eat her lunch that Brother John brought her, and I don't want to go through the trouble of making her dinner just so she will refuse it," she added on jokingly, though he knew there was truth to it.

"No, that would just be disrespectful," Liam teased before thinking over her question. "To be honest, I don't really know her that well. When she attacked the outpost, I was certain she was going to kill us. She disarmed my Uncle like it was nothing and knocked him out… But once she knew we weren't a threat, she seemed… Tired, I guess, but was nice. All that aggression she had was gone and she just talked to me for a bit. Afterwards, she helped me take my Uncle downstairs and into a truck. I knew she wasn't supposed to actually let us go. I don't know if she ever got in trouble afterwards or not. Regardless, I feel like that speaks about her character despite what others think about it."

Sarah pondered over his explanation for a little while, not sure how to take the information. Seeing her hesitate to respond, Liam continued.

"She wasn't bad like they say she is. I mean… I know she attacked some of our people, but we have done the same to the others… I get it's not much to base an argument on, but I know she isn't like who they say she is."

"But you don't know her that well to say it for sure. What if she has some other motive for letting you go?"

"Like what?"

"Oh, I don't know… maybe turning you against your Uncle and the Project," she whispered harshly, even though they were both alone in the kitchen. She didn't want to take any chances of other members overhearing.

"I doubt that is the reason why she let us go." The humor in his tone was evident and caused her frown to deepen.

"You can't say that for certain."

"No, I can't but trying to say she is like… a certain other person just doesn't match what I do know of her. It seems wrong to label her like that."

Sarah didn't look convinced, but she didn't speak on it further. It was clear she didn't feel comfortable, though if it was the subject of discussion or the task to feed the deputy, he wasn't sure.

"How about after you cook the food, and I'll take it to her, that way you don't have to confront her? I can tell you're uneasy about it."

"I'm not afraid of her," she defended.

"I know. I wasn't trying to make it sound that way. Just thought I would offer to help."

She considered his explanation and he secretly hoped she would allow him to deliver the food. Although she wasn't blindly committed to Eden's Gate, he still didn't trust her to share his rather neutral opinion on the matter. She still valued her position and looked to make her family proud in her duties of tending to Brother John's home. If he caused her to share his strange sense of loyalty to the deputy, it would only harm her relations and good standings in the Project. Something he was not interested in being the reason of.

"Alright, fine." Sarah looked at the clock on the stove and turned to start pulling things from the cabinets.

"Really?" He hadn't thought she would give in so easily.

"Yeah. It will give me time to prep the next shift's food. Plus, I won't have to find out if she rejects it or not."

If there was one thing Sarah did stand strongly by, it was her cooking skills. Ever since she was small, she loved to bake cookies with her family which eventually blossomed to full feasts during the holidays. Her exceptional palette earned her the standing where she was now, as one of Brother John's favored cooks. Although, the other members on the property didn't get the top-quality entrees that the Herald did, they still had some of the finest homecooked meals regularly. Unsurprisingly, she was fully aware of her talent and did not take critique well.

"Do you think she likes baked chicken and rice?"

Liam smiled, thinking how odd the whole situation was. "I'm sure whatever you make will impress her."

About 45 minutes later, Liam was leaving the kitchen. Sarah directed him to go upstairs to the room set aside for the deputy. Apparently, she was only allowed access to the bedroom or the sitting room where John worked. After staying in the study for only an hour, she decided the bedroom was the better option and the guard brought her to it.

He wasn't sure what he was going to say to her when finally face to face. It wasn't that long ago since they last met, but it seemed like ages. He was sure she would remember him, but what if she didn't? It wasn't like that night made the same impact on her as it did him. Maybe she wasn't concerned about him and his uncle after successfully seizing the railyard.

Stepping to the landing of the second flood, he made his way to the room. He didn't have to ask which room she had seeing as there was only one door with a guard posted outside. The large man glanced at Liam approaching with the plate of food and bottle of water.

"Hey Liam. Did you bring that for me?" greeted the guard eyeing the food.

"No," he drawled out slowly with a smirk. "But Sarah is cooking more downstairs. Have you not eaten yet?"

"Not yet. I know it's just her down there right now but being patient is making me reach starving levels."

"Why don't you go down and have her make you something really quick? I can watch the prisoner until then."

The burly man looked at the teen who stared back with an exasperated look. It helped that the guard was considering it, but the doubt in his abilities weren't being taken well.

"You can leave the gun with me if it makes you feel better," Liam added reassuringly.

"Eh, what the hell. She isn't talking and there's others out the window watching. I won't be long. If there are any issues, just holler." He patted Liam's shoulder and started walking to the stairs. He didn't bother giving Liam the gun, but it wasn't like the teen wanted it to begin with.

Once the man disappeared, Liam knocked on the door. After a short while, there wasn't an answer so he knocked again, this time with a few extra rasps to get his point across that he wouldn't be ignored. "I have your dinner."

"I'm not interested," came the bitter riposte.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I can't leave until I know you have it. It's the rules," he lied, feeling pleased with himself. His deviousness had only increased since being at the Ranch and spending so much time with Dean. Unfortunately, his pride was short-lived as the Deputy was not impressed.

"Fine-you can just stay out there then."

Rude… Liam scowled as he thought over his next move. Going from what he knew, he tried a different approach. Play the sympathy card a bit.

"Please, ma'am… I don't want to get in trouble. Brother John will be furious if I don't deliver it to you."

This time there was no response. He waited, holding the plate of steaming food alone in the hallway, but still there was no indication that she heard, much less cared.

He was about to knock again, with more strength but the door opened at the last moment.

The woman before him had her dark hair in a braid, draped over her shoulder. The plain shirt hung loosely around her, and she was in a pair of jeans and socks. He towered over her by a good eight inches or so, though he assumed she seemed shorter because of the lack of shoes. He had only seen her once, but the casual attire didn't seem to mesh right. Like his memory of this fierce fighter in black was diminished to a regular girl he would see in the grocery store.

He was about to offer the food to her and ask if she remembered him when she spoke up.

"Liam?"

The recognition caused him to beam at her, relieved that it wasn't just him who remembered that night. Questions flooded his mind at what to ask her in that moment but all that came from him was, "hey."

A small smile pulled at the corner of her lips and she glanced out in the hall. Sensing what she was questioning he offered a quick explanation, "Your guard is getting his own dinner right now. So, you're stuck with me."

"Well, it's the best company I've had in days. Come in."

Liam stepped in and handed her the plate of food, watching as she locked the door behind him before moving to sit on the bed.

"Um, make yourself comfortable? There's not much furniture in the room, though not by choice," she quipped wryly.

"I have never met a prisoner who locks themselves inside."

"Sometimes solitude is better than the alternative. How have you been?" Avery set the food down on the end table and watched Liam who examined the room around him.

"My Uncle and I got transferred here after the railyard incident. It's been an upgrade to say the least but still adjusting to the people."

"People, huh?" She frowned and pointed an accusatory finger him. "Does your cheek have anything to do with those people?"

Liam waved it off. "It's nothing. Just a little tiff."

"Little? Granted I have seen worse but that's quite the hit you took. Hope the other guy looks worse for wear."

Liam forced a chuckle, hoping to hide his resentment at his uncle.

"Not enough for my liking but it's fine." Deciding to change the topic he pointed to the food on the table. "My friend made that for you and if you don't eat it, she will be disappointed."

"She?"

"Yeah. Her name is Sarah, and she is my friend, so…" he motioned to the food again.

Avery held her hands up in surrendering, feeling comforted that it wasn't John or Chuck who made the dish. Although she doubted either did any cooking around here, the possibility of tampering with her food was enough to make her ignore her appetite. Picking up the food, she started to eat the chicken; the fact that the food was already cut up didn't escape her attention and she knew they didn't trust her with a knife for silverware.

Smart on them. John obviously was taking no chances. Then again, she had been prepared to take on a compound with just scalpel. Not her brightest moments, she'd admit.

After taking the first bite, she nodded her head in approval.

"This is pretty good. Compliments to the chef." Avery took another bite, resisting her stomach's complaints that she wasn't consuming it faster.

"Sarah will be relieved to hear you like it." In reality, it was Liam who was relieved he wouldn't be returning a full plate of food to ego-ridden cook.

The deputy ate a few more bites, finding the silence a little awkward for her liking but too hungry to care. She considered asking if John knew about their meeting at the railyard and if he was the one to send Liam to deliver the food. That was, after all, what the teen softly claimed in the hallway. If that was the case, she wondered what John's motives were. Did he plan to use the kid to gain her sympathy? Perhaps, use her fondness for Liam to make it harder to resist and cause problems? As cunning and manipulative as John was, she hoped he wouldn't stoop so low as to use the kid as a tool.

The tension between them was felt on both sides. Liam didn't know what to say to someone who was supposed to be the enemy. But one question kept coming to mind ever since he had found out about her arrival during the card game.

"So, are you here to join the Project?"

The fork hesitated in mid-air, and Avery turned her sharp gaze to Liam. Embarrassment caused him to wince, and he offered an apology. Unfortunately, Avery's previous solace was diminishing quickly as she began to speculate if her paranoia was justified.

I should have eased into the question… good going, idiot, Liam berated himself, not aware that Avery was studying his reactions.

"Sorry… I wasn't 's ok if you aren't wanting to. I never liked the 'forcing people to do what they don't want' aspect of it."

The explanation was simple enough, but the nagging voice told her to be careful what she said to the kid. If Liam was ignorant to his role of Trojan horse, she didn't want him to be in the line of fire between her and John when things would, without a doubt, get nasty. It was only a matter of time before she did find an opportunity for an escape and if it failed, she knew there would be repercussions.

On the off chance that Liam was in on the plot with John to turn her, then she would need a different plan. One that still kept him from getting hurt but keeping him out of her way as well. However, in order to plan properly, she needed to know what Liam was to John when it came to her.

"Does John know about what happened in the railyard?"

"No, not to my knowledge."

"No?" she seemed unconvinced. "Why not?"

Liam sighed and sat in the only chair in the room. "Because my Uncle is ashamed of that night. He doesn't share the same appreciation for being spared, I guess."

Instead of responding, she merely nodded and took another bite of food.

Across from her, Liam fidgeted in his seat, sensing she was not entirely pleased with his answer. "Er… You know that I…Well… Oh hell, I'll just come out and say it. I won't tell anyone about it, if you want to talk. I know there's some tension right now with us being on different sides, but the way I see it is I owe you… I'm with the Project, but I'm not really part of it. Or I guess I am…But not in the way that I would follow orders unquestioningly. I mean I would do what is expected but… What I'm trying to say is—"

"Liam." Avery tried to hide her smile and look serious for the kid's sake. She could see he was struggling to put his thoughts to words and making a mess of things. Not to mention she was sure his nerves were hindering his process. "I appreciate you trying but I don't think you really want to hear what I have to say. Not to mention it could cause trouble for you."

"Only if other people found out—which I wouldn't tell anyone about."

"Why did you come here?"

"Er, what?"

"You heard the question."

"Well after the railyard, we went to the next compound over but the one in charge—"

"I meant here to give me food. Did someone send you?"

Liam brows knitted together in confusion. "No… Actually, the only person who knows I'm up here is Sarah and your guard. It was supposed to be Sarah who brought the food, but she was busy, so I offered. I was just hoping for a chance to talk to you."

"So, John never sent you? You promise me?"

"I swear."

She wasn't sure why, but she was inclined to believe him. Liam didn't seem to be the type to harbor alternative motives or lie easily. Unfortunately, that didn't mean his role wouldn't change if John did ever find out about their acquaintance. Just him in the room with her was putting him in a bad situation.

"That's a slight relief," she replied truthfully. "But I don't think you should be here. There is a chance that you would get dragged in the middle of this and it's my fight to deal with. I wouldn't want you involved."

"I don't think I understand."

Avery resisted sighing and gathered what patience she had as she met his eyes. "If John finds out we know each other, I'm afraid he might use that to his advantage. I don't want to put you into a bad situation where you might have to do things you aren't ready for. Where this loyalty of yours is actually put to the test."

Liam dropped his gaze to his lap, mulling over what she said. He hadn't thought about the Herald's intentions if he ever found out about them. But that was only if he found out. Liam could keep a secret. Easy.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to be smart about it," he countered.

Avery opened her mouth to argue but this time, he interrupted, forcing her to listen.

"The way I see it is, you aren't very liked around here and frankly, some wouldn't care if your wellbeing was on the line. You spared myself and my uncle, which I feel like I owe you for. I didn't think you would be against having a friend in this place. And… I would like to get to know you better. I hear so many stories about what you have done. I just want the chance to decide for myself, I guess."

The deputy couldn't deny the kid had spunk to him. "Liam. There's a good chance that those stories are all true. One of the few things that I will agree with John on is I am a sinner. There are many things I have done that I'm not proud of. More importantly, you don't owe me. Neither you nor your uncle would be in this position if it wasn't for me attacking the railyard that night. And I certainly didn't spare you so that you could owe me in the future."

"If you are trying to get me to change my mind, you're going to be disappointed," he claimed bluntly while crossing his arms for emphasis.

Avery stared at him, considering her options. He was more stubborn than she expected. The idea of giving in and talking to him was not one she wanted to entertain but given the circumstances, sprinkled with her selfish desire to talk to a friend, she did. The voice in the back of her head said it was a bad idea to let him get close but the other, stronger voice said to let him make his own choice. It wasn't right.

He was a kid. While Liam was at an age of appropriate decision making, she doubted he understood how dangerous it could be for him. He lacked the experience that came from learning the hard way and she didn't like the idea of being the reason for those grueling lessons. Was she comfortable allowing him to take the risk?

Then again, was she doubting her own abilities to prevent something from happening? If he kept his mouth shut, then what was there to worry about?

"Are you sure? If John finds out, it could put you in a bad position. One where you either are or aren't with the Project…"

Liam sobered slightly and she could see his shoulders droop as he considered the likelihood of that outcome. But he held to his mettle and nodded his head.

"Alright," she shrugged. She wouldn't argue with him further. He made a decision and, despite her being against it, she would let him learn from it. She would just have to keep John's attention elsewhere if it started to drift to Liam. "What do you want to know?"

Pleased that she finally gave in, he unfolded his arms and leaned forward. "Did you ever tell your people that you let us go that night?"

"No. I don't think they would have agreed especially considering the risk it was."

"Risk?"

"You could have told others what happened or even the Seed family and mounted an attack while we moved into the railyard. We only had one foot in the door, so to speak, which means it would have been the easiest time to take it back."

"Oh… Well… I can see how that would not look good on you. I guess it's justified, now that you put it that way. I can't say that if my uncle was still conscious, that he wouldn't have done just that."

"That's not to say I wasn't expecting it, of course," she smirked cunningly in good humor. "Anyway, I know you have more questions."

"Yeah, I do… Er, I assume John captured you but after what happened so far, are you considering joining?"

Avery wanted to laugh, or roll her eyes at the idea, but instead she frowned. The topic was troublesome, and although she didn't have an interest in switching sides, she didn't like that it was constantly being proposed. "No. I don't have any interest in it. No offense."

If he noticed her ire, he didn't show it and offered an understanding nod. "It's not an easy choice to make, from what I hear. If you don't mind me asking, is there a specific reason?"

Oh, where to start. She thought sardonically, despite the serious topic. "For one, your boss sucks."

Liam couldn't help but snicker. "Brother John is usually very quick and to the point with atonements, even if extreme," he defended half-heartedly before continuing. "And his theatrics are just part of who he is… If that makes sense."

"I understand the gist of it. The theatrics, as you say, are what makes me question his sanity."

"You'll get used to it after a while," he offered reassuringly.

"You mean I'll reach some sort of ghoulish threshold when it comes to John? Yay, I can't wait."

Her guest chortled again, and she could feel her mood improve a little more. Ever since John had awoken her in the sitting room that afternoon, she had been fighting the encroaching misery of her situation. Not having any interest in lingering in the large room, she opted for the quiet space in the designated bedroom to hide away from prying eyes.

"Confessions are the worst of Brother John's process. I don't know what you have done but it looks like you came out of it better than most. From here on out, it should get easier." Liam realized she wasn't understanding what he meant, so he pointed to her arm where the letters were scabbed over and puckered, starting its healing process. "Sorry. I noticed it said 'Pride,' and I see you have another sin on your chest."

Dropping her gaze, Avery saw the blood splotches tainting the fabric of her shirt. After her recap of Jacob's interaction with her, John never gave her the opportunity to clean the serrated wound. Then again, she didn't remind him either, feeling like it wouldn't be much better if she cleaned it or not. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that he would watch her do it too, if only to make her uncomfortable. So, instead she kept her mouth shut while he had put the bandages away.

If there was one thing she had been grateful for, it was that John put her most painful memory somewhere that she could hide it. Intentional or not, it was a minor upside. The unfortunate aspect of it was that every time she moved her shoulder, it pulled at the inflamed skin, causing it to bleed again. It was in the makings of becoming an unsightly, sinister reminder of her misdeeds, which she figured, was the purpose of it to begin with.

The night before still left a foul taste in her mouth, which she knew would last for days or even weeks to come before dulling. Her biggest regrets and painful shortcomings were dragged across her consciousness and mocked for hours, which, if she was being honest, was the cause of her misery. It wasn't as if she had the chance to openly confess the events of the mission on her own free will.

Realizing Liam was waiting for some sort of response or acknowledgment, she opted to be upfront. There was no reason for it, except to maybe say aloud the things she was feeling. The truth that he needed to hear just as much as she need to say it to another soul.

"It's wrath. My sin is wrath…." This was harder than she thought. Taking a breath, she pushed on. "Many have died by my hands, Liam. You have to understand that. When I thought my actions were justified, it turned out they only ended up hurting more people...And no matter how I try to explain the good intentions behind what I have done, I have no right to say my reasons were better than the other person's. There have been times when I pulled that trigger and the ones on the receiving end were not deserving of that bullet…

The railyard incident was needless. Those people shouldn't have died, and I never should have gone there. And to make everything worse… There are people that I have killed and felt nothing for. No remorse or wishing I would have done differently. I hate that. I hate that I can so easily look at someone and think…" She stopped herself, terrified to admit that dark little secret out loud. It didn't matter if she was the only soul for miles on some barren cliff. She couldn't say what she felt audibly, because the truth was a horrible thing to acknowledge. Her own self-loathing attitude knew that admitting to that dark fact was too much to return from.

The air between them was thick and almost suffocating. The entire time Avery admitted to her faults, her eyes remained on the floor, afraid to see the thoughts flickering across Liam's face as he listened. Instead, she waited in that silence. Waited for him to ask why she was so comfortable with violence. Perhaps, accuse her of befriending Death so easily. Waited for him to curse or say nothing at all or rush out of the room.

Instead, his voice broke through the silence, quieter than before. As if he could sense the self-berating thoughts that swirled in her head. "If you didn't take back the railyard, then we wouldn't have met."

Avery's head jerked up, wondering if she heard correctly, though waiting to find out what else he had to say with bated breath.

"I won't pretend that I understand what you have done or been through. I also won't shrug it off like it's nothing to bat an eye at. But I will say that times are tense right now. It's not easy being in the Project but I doubt it's easy being in the Resistance either… I know that the Seeds are difficult to stand behind at first and that Brother John's confessions are… unpleasant, but I would like it if you did stay. Maybe being with the Project could help you step away from the violence you feel guilty over."

Lost for words, Avery stared at the young man across from her. The shy, reassuring smile reinforced the intent behind his vindication, and she was stuck between wanting to cry or curse at him. Cry from the overwhelming sadness that someone would try to see her in a positive light and curse him for being too trusting of her.

Before she could process which was more appropriate, her mouth was already working. "When did you get to be so mature and smart?"

An embarrassed chuckle left him.

She took this opportunity to step away from her darker thoughts. "I don't have a desire to stay with the Project. Ultimately, I need to get my friends back safely."

"Oh, the other officers?"

"Yes. Before anything else can happen, I need to get them away from the Seed family."

"I understand. I wasn't trying to force you into anything. Honestly, it may be for the best that you don't join, if only to avoid those that don't like you."

"I'm guessing there are a lot by how you keep bringing it up," she deadpanned.

"There's enough people that it would make your stay troublesome if you decided to join. I'm certain Brother John would ensure you were safe though."

"Just another reason why I'm not interested in ever joining your club. There is no way I would sleep at night knowing that sadist was in charge of my safety."

Liam laughed despite knowing he would get in trouble if it was anyone else in the room. "You only need to get one more person then, right? The one in Brother Jacob's region?

"And Hudson."

"Er… I heard she was just rescued…"

"What? How?"

"I heard that the bunker was broken into by the resistance trying to get you and they found the other officer."

"When was this?"

"Last night. I think when Brother John brought you here."

Well, that was news to her. Was that why she was moved to the Ranch? To avoid her friends from breaking her free? That must have been it. And John's response about Hudson's location and escape acts. What a clever lie he fed her. He had expected that her friends had freed her coworker and simply hid it from her.

"That's great to hear," she smiled, the relief overwhelming. Realizing that her guest was still on the side with the loss, she added, "well… sort of…"

Chuckling, Liam shrugged. "I don't care. The Project is just a home for me and my uncle. We get paid, we get food, and we get shelter. Outside of that doesn't concern me much. No hard feelings if you get all your friends back and leave."

"Good. I don't have to worry about it hindering our friendship then."

"Hey," he said suddenly and stood up. "You helped me and, whether you want it or not, I want to help you. How about I return the favor and get you out?"

"Whoa. I agreed to you staying and talking to me. I never said anything about you helping me outside of that."

"No but I want to. It's only fair."

"Liam—"

"I owe you."

"You don't, though. Weren't you listening? I only caused you and your uncle more problems. I killed innocent people."

"Yes, I was listening to your pity party and I'm ready to move on from that when you are."

Any retort Avery had died in her throat. Did he just…. That little shit. But the swell of respect and humor at his moxie stomped out her offended pride and she snorted.

"The first time I met you, you were timid and quiet, and now you are barking insults at me. I don't know if it's your boss rubbing off on you or something else, but alright. Consider the pity party over."

The praise caused him to grin and his shoulders to straighten just a little more.

"But" she interjected. "I don't need a kid's help to get out. That's something I am equipped to do on my own."

"Ok, trying to insult me back… I see. I'm not that much younger than you, you know."

"Either way, I'm not going to get you into trouble or hurt. I don't want you having any part of this."

"Oh, come on. I'll make sure I'm careful and no one will trace it back to me." She didn't look persuaded but judging by his blinding confidence, it was already decided. "This will be fun."

./././././././

The next morning found Avery realizing it all wasn't a bizarre dream as she entered the study room. The fireplace slumbered along the wall and the curtains looped off to the side around hooks, allowing natural light to filter in. On either side of the stone fireplace was a pair of bookshelves that had bars on the front corners that mounted to the wall. It looked like that of an industrial touch in the otherwise traditional cabin and she wondered if it was a newer addition.

Today, her only company were the many security outside the windows and the new guard on the opposite side of the door. She contemplated shutting the curtains to block their view, though, knew it would only cause mild panic and probably hinder what little freedom she currently had.

That would just be counterproductive.

So instead, she opted to pretend that their presence didn't unsettle her and casually browsed the books perched on the shelves. Doing so allowed her the opportunity to discreetly assess nearby windows, count followers roaming the grounds, and to uncover if the room was on the north or south side of the house. The latter would take a little time in order to judge how the shadows shifted across the floor. Twenty minutes would give her a good idea, if the overcast sky allowed enough light to penetrate.

As she reached a shelf next to a window, she leaned down pretending to read the assortment of spines facing her while stealing glances at the windowsill inches away. Her attention was drawn to the evidence of water damage in the corner before zeroing in on a strange little box attached to the ledge. The contraption straddled the railing that the window would slide across and the key slot made it painfully obvious what it was.

Were the locks always on the windows? Or did John just happened to have a stash of them lying around for such an occasion? She had seen different window locks before, usually for extra security or child safety, but never one with an actual key slot.

Avery's examination of the device must have lingered a second too long because her thoughts were interrupted by a knock against the glass. Tearing her eyes to the source, she met a scowling man with a hand on his hip, resting on the handle of a pistol.

Scrutinizing her, he motioned her back. "Get away from the window, miss… Now."

The muffled order caused Avery to roll her eyes and put her hands up in the air. "Fine. Alright."

Stepping back, she focused on actually reading the selection of books available, noting how there were some classics mixed with traditional Encyclopedias. Risking one last glance at the window, she saw the guard had removed his hand from the gun but continued to glimpse over his shoulder at her. The knock had, regrettably, attracted other unwanted attention from the other guards outside the windows and she resigned to giving her recon a break for now.

Finding a familiar title, she strolled back to the couch and laid across it with her feet over the armrest. The first few pages of the novel were difficult to pay attention to, despite the effort she put into it. Regrettably, her mind kept drifting to the events in the last 24 hours and she struggled to shake the nagging sensation that she needed to be doing something other than reading.

Nevertheless, there wasn't much else to do. If she continued to search for weaknesses in the defense, the guards would certainly report it to John. And she could only imagine what sort of remedy he would find for her prodding. While the Baptist had returned late in the evening, she had yet to cross paths with him again. But the day was still far too young to count her blessings.

When the inevitable did happen, and he would make his appearance, she needed to refrain from bringing up Hudson. She had pondered confronting him about the lie, in hopes to throw him off balance, but there was a risk that it would be dragged back to Liam. Even if she blamed it on eavesdropping on 'no-name' guards outside, there was a chance he would search for those with loose lips. It may not reach Liam, however, it could end at the feet of some innocent fool who wouldn't know why he was at the Baptist's ire.

My imagination seems pessimistic lately, she noted. There's a chance he would just shrug it off and end it at that.

Regardless, she decided John was too unpredictable to take the risk, so she decided to keep the information to herself.

Despite her best attempts to read past the first chapter, she couldn't ignore the guards peeking inside every few minutes. Try as she might, the feeling of being a goldfish in a bowl was becoming tiresome and any movement in her peripheral caused her frustrations to rise. So much so that after another five minutes, she gave up and shot a nasty glare to the watchers.

Snapping the book shut, Avery rolled to her feet and began stomping towards the doors, all too eager to retreat back to her bedroom on the second floor. At least the guards there wouldn't be in view. Plus, her chosen book would help pass the time while she pondered over alternative escape routes in peace.

Avery stopped at the door and reached to open it when voices forced her hand to hesitate. She could feel eyes prying through the windows to see what she was doing but she ignored them. Who was talking to the guard? Was it Liam?

The stout wooden doors did little to help her decipher the owner of the new voice. Then again, why did she care? It wasn't strange for someone to linger outside with the guard and talk to him… Right? Then again, when was the last time she was in this situation. How would she know what was normal or not? The voice could belong to some other follower she hadn't met, just stopping to talk to his friend.

Clearly, her paranoia was causing her to jump to conclusions. She was on edge, which wasn't a secret to anyone who looked at her, but she couldn't help it. There was an itching need to leave the Ranch and get back to Fall's End, where she knew Hudson was. On top of that, there was the plaguing reality that her peace at the Ranch was dwindling quickly, like an hourglass drinking down the last of the granules. She didn't know what would happen in the next 24-48 hours, but she hoped she was gone before she found out.

Before she pondered on it further, the door in front of her opened, forcing her to step back to avoid a collision.

"Avery," the newcomer drawled out, a little startled but delighted, nonetheless.

By the lack of surprise on her end, Avery concluded deep down, she knew the owner of the voice the whole time. She had seen this outcome happening but wanted to pretend it would hold off just a little longer.

"John," she greeted blandly. "The sun's out. Aren't you supposed to be hiding in a cave or something?"

The Baptist arched a dark brow at her slight. "First, I eat bugs, now I'm a vampire?"

"It's not as far-fetched as you might believe."

Not fazed by her affront, he stepped over the threshold and shut the door behind him. Avery fought the urge to take another step back when he encroached in her space. He must have sensed it because he stopped two feet from her and extended his hand between them. Confused, she glanced at the open palm but did not move, not sure what he was wanting.

"The book, please."

"Why?"

"Avery," he sighed. "It's the simplest request, yet you still need to fight me?"

Realizing her testy attitude would not be tolerated long, she conceded and placed the book in his hand.

John's stare lingered before directing to the cover of her reading. She wasn't expecting him to frown when he saw the title.

"Well, you have an ironic sense of humor, dear. Such a controversial piece of writing in its time, though I will confess, I didn't expect you to choose it. The Portrait of Dorian Gray? That is what you choose from all the books available?"

He moved past her towards the location where she had pulled it from, ignoring her questioning stare. "Why is that one an issue? Or 'ironic' as you put it?"

"Just similarities I feel that you pulled, subconscious or otherwise."

"Similarities…" she echoed while following him to the shelf. "Are you referring to your own vanity, or were you referring to the numerous vices you and Dorian Gray share?"

A wolfish smirk curled his lips and he turned to face her. "Is that an admission, dear? You chose it because of the parallels?" The glare she aimed at him was ignored completely. "I have been neglecting you, I realize that, and I'm sorry."

"I assure you, that's not the case. I saw you yesterday, and the day before."

"I wouldn't count yesterday. That was all of five minutes."

"Not if you count the early morning hours…"

"I don't."

Avery scoffed though anything she wanted to say was cut short when he set the book back. "Oh, I can't read now?"

"Just stick to paperbacks and you'll be fine. I don't trust you with hardcovers."

"Wait… So, you think I would mutilate a book to expertly craft some sort of key or weapon to use for an attack or escape? Wow. You either think so highly of my skills or you don't know me at all."

"Well, let me get to know you more," he countered while taking a step towards her.

Avery forced her feet to stay planted but folded her arms to ease the nakedness she felt. The analyzing way his eyes wandered over her appearance made her feel like he was testing what she would do. He wanted a reaction, wanted her to be uncomfortable and make a mistake. She steeled herself when his hand raised to her chin, while trying not to reward him with the discomfort creeping up her spine. He was just toying with her. She wouldn't show him her apprehension…

His body moved closer, the warmth leaching through the fabric as the space between them decreased. The soft fingers on her chin glided across her jawline and down her throat. Goosebumps prickled her skin, but she compelled her resentment at her body's betrayal into her glare.

John's azure gaze held a mischievous gleam to them that forced her to swallow, and she sensed that it was all a lose-lose situation on her end. If she stepped away, it would solidify his power over her fear. If she remained, she would be forced to endure his prodding and the diminishing gap between them, and the cool minty breath gliding over her skin.

The sour feeling in her stomach was beginning to shift and morph into something lighter and warm. His palm bloomed across the front of her throat, but no pressure was applied while his eyes drank in her expressions, reading what she tried her best keep hidden. The skin of John's palm was cool against her neck and his fingers began to trace the natural valleys down to her collarbone.

The darkening blue was filled with a hunger that emitted her to swallow and she knew she couldn't last much longer. There was a pull that wasn't there before, something that made her warm and want to lean in. Despite her best efforts, her eyes drifted to his lips then back to his eyes. The tension between them was shifting into something that would bring nothing but trouble, and she had to stop it. Pride be damned!

"I'm going to get another book and go to my room," she stated, all too quickly, and stepped out of his reach.

John's smirk curled deviously as he watched her retreat to the shelves, her back to him now. Oh, what dirty little thoughts were starting to form. He could feel the lust start to claw at his insides as he considered all the locations in the study his ponderings could take place. Rather than lingering on them, he stalked up behind her and plucked the new book from her grasp, rewarded with a bitter glare.

"What's the problem now? It's paperback."

"The problem is that I would like to talk to you. And unless you would like me to do so in your room, I suggest you not run away."

Avery couldn't help but feel offended at the comment. "I was not running away."

"Maybe not the physical speed of it, but the definition you match clearly." Before she could spit out a harrowing insult he knew was coming, he continued with a disapproving frown. "I'm not sure why you are so combative today. You would think I was being an unfair host. You have food, a private room, and access to the study. I'm not sure where I'm going wrong at in your eyes, besides the confessions you still feel are unjust… I think, maybe, some fresh air would be good for you."

The book slid back into place and he waited for her to respond. When she didn't speak up, he suggested, "You can accompany me outside if you would like. Or we can stay here."

"Those are my only options?"

"I'm afraid so. Unless, you would prefer your room, but that is entirely your call."

The last comment was ignored by her completely, much to his disappointment.

Any lingering embarrassment and animosity she felt were diluted by the thought of being outside. The fresh air was a plus, but it was the opportunity to get a better idea of the grounds that supplied the uplifting boost.

"Fine, let's take a walk," she tried her best to not look too eager. Judging by the amusement from John, she didn't think she did a good job at it.

"Don't get any ideas, dear. There are more followers that are watching you than you're aware of."

"Well, that's comforting and not creepy at all."

John rolled his eyes and her spitefulness. He was surprisingly patient today, even for his standards, though he assumed it was because of Joseph's ultimatum. If he didn't get her to atone, she would no longer be in his care. There were no more chances for him.

"Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, you know. Perhaps you can try something other than your quips."

"Why would I do that?" she persisted, watching as he turned towards the door. Following after the Baptist, she included, "It's the only way to show how frustrated I am without repercussions."

"For now, that may be true. I listen to your rude comments because I find it amusing. But if you continue, I may not be so patient."

"Consider me warned."

Oh, she was playing with fire. If she didn't desist soon, he was going to find another use for her tongue, outside of the watchful eyes of his followers, of course.

Opening the door, the guard nodded his head at the Herald before eyeing Avery warily as she trailed behind. He made a move to do the same when John raised a hand. "You can have your break. We will be back soon."

"Thank you, Brother John."

Both stood in the hall and watched the man leave rather quickly from the duo.

"What? Did I do something to him, too?" She meant for it to be rhetorical but there was a tinge of guilt behind her words.

John chuckled and turned in the opposite direct where the front door was. "No. It's just that no one wants to be on shift when you try your escape."

"You seem rather confident that I will," she noted.

"Because, whether you want to believe it or not, I know you better than you think."

She didn't have much else to say on the matter. If she continued to counter his opinions, it would be a never-ending debate. Not to mention he was correct. She was planning to break out of here at the first opportunity she got. It would be a battle between her wits and his defenses at that point. If there was one thing that was certain, John had proven himself to be a cunning adversary.

Meandering into the foyer, Avery noticed that the house was relatively quiet and void of life. If there were more followers lingering nearby, they weren't anywhere that she saw. Outside, as she found out, was another matter.

Many people were walking around, some with tools, others just moving from one area to another. Across from the large gravel lot, three men sat on a fence watching a fourth man lunge a horse in the arena, pointing towards the mare and talking amongst themselves. Behind her, Avery noted there were a handful peggies filling the role of security around the house.

The revelation didn't sit well with her, but she supposed it should have been expected. Obviously, John would have a small army on his property.

The Baptist, sensing her dampened mood, couldn't help feeling pleased. While he knew she could use the walk to her advantage and evaluate his property, he counted on it actually being a deterrent to the stubborn woman. A show of force would surely demoralize her ambition and cultivate doubts.

As they neared the arena, Avery's attention shifted to the horse loping in a circle. The sorrel coat had a beautiful sheen that danced across its haunches. The mare was a beautiful build, and Avery was a little envious of the young man in the middle who softly clicked at the horse to keep its pace. Small clouds of dust sifted in the air, but the dampness from the previous night's rain kept the earthy powder low. Still, the smell of barn and sweetness that only a horse could have reached her.

The three men on the fence straightened a little when they saw John and Avery approaching, their gaze shifting back and forth between the prisoner and their boss. Instead of returning the attention, the deputy watched the horse.

"Good morning, Brother John," one of the men greeted for the group.

"How is she coming along?" John asked politely, referring to the horse.

"She's getting better, sir. The groundwork has been coming along nicely. Dean's been putting in a lot of time with the mare."

"Hmm." John turned to the inside of the arena, still keeping an eye on Avery in his peripheral. She was behaving herself for now.

Catching the eye of the man in the center, the Baptist waved him over. The follower nodded before he shifted the lead line into the other hand and raised his free hand in the air while stepping to the side. The mare recognized the command and bounced to a stop. Reeling in the line, the man met her halfway and started to lead the horse to the fence where Brother John awaited.

"Hello, sir," he greeted genuinely, Avery noted. He looked to be around her age, was taller than John by a couple inches and lean. His sandy hair peaked under the brim of his ballcap and he looked to Avery with a welcoming grin. "Good morning, ma'am."

Despite him being a peggy, and by all accounts the enemy, she couldn't help but return the smile. He was the first she had met that didn't stare at her with apprehension and distrust. The sincerity and natural cheerfulness instantly caused her mood to lighten.

John, on the other hand, didn't care much for the acknowledgment to Avery, but he ignored it.

"Hello, Dean. I was talking to your colleagues and they say the mare is making improvements. Now I can see they were correct." John leaned a little closer to Avery and explained, "A week ago, she was trying to drag these men into the fence at every chance she got."

The young man, Dean, chuckled and patted the light sheen of sweat on the horse's neck and turned his smile back to Avery. "Yeah, she'll still try to if one of us ain't paying attention. Likes to keep us on our toes."

"Can I pet her?" Avery interrupted, surprising the men. She suddenly felt uncomfortable with their attentions zeroed in on her. "What?"

Dean stole a glance at John whose focus was on the deputy. Not sure if she was asking him or the Baptist, the blond answered her first. "Sure, you can, but watch her muzzle. She is pretty mouthy and will bite. She might be five, but she still acts like a filly."

Without hesitation, Avery reached through the fence posts and scratched under the mare's neck. Enjoying the attention, the horse tilted her head up and started to lean into Avery's hand.

"Oh, she likes that. You found her sweet spot," Dean praised.

Avery's smile grew and she started to coo to the horse, clearly having been around the animals before.

John wasn't sure what to make of it. He hadn't brought her out to use his property as some petting zoo! If he was being honest, his intentions were to get her out of the house, subconsciously gain her trust ounce by ounce, and display his important role as Herald in the region; to show his power and charismatic side in hopes to have her view him in a different light. But instead, she was more focused on the damn horse.

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he turned back to the followers and discussed the plan to start the horse under saddle in the coming days. When the arrangements were made, he called for Avery so they could continue their walk.

"Alright," she answered dismissively while giving the horse a few last pats. She didn't see the narrowing of John's eyes and was startled when he grabbed her upper arm to drag her away. "Ok, ok. I'm coming."

"When I say it's time to go, I don't mean on your time." He shot a look over his shoulder, feeling the eyes of his followers on them. They quickly got the message, and all returned to what they were doing before he arrived.

The jumpiness of his followers didn't escape her keen eyes and she tossed an impatient look in is direction. "You can let me go now. I'm following."

John mulled it over for a moment before releasing her arm. He took a breath to compose himself before walking on. She wasn't sure why he was being impatient but shrugged it off as her just getting under his skin.

The walk around the property continued in silence for a little while longer. Many followers would greet the Baptist while others would just send her a suspicious glare. She got the feeling like this was an act of trying to embarrass her or put her in her place. As if he was the King of the castle who decided to take the disobedient prisoner to show off his grand rose garden, when in reality it was pastures and large outbuildings. Just some way to mock her and say, "I outmatch you in class, material possessions, and military force. What will you do now?"

It wasn't a pleasant feeling, she'd admit, being paraded around for others to sneer at. There was no way she would voice it, though, or let him see it bothered her. That would only encourage his behavior and boost the little stunts.

"I have been thinking about your confessions," John ventured as they reached the back of an outbuilding where there were no followers within earshot, "and I would like for you to elaborate on your story that led to wrath. You mentioned the file was falsified in its edits."

A muscle in her jaw twitched as her lips tightened. She was aware that it was only a matter of time before he started in on her confessions again. He just chose a moment when she least expected it. Even so, there was not an ounce of willingness in her to answer his question. His anger be damned.

Sensing her ire, John stopped at the back of the building, where the closest people were out in the middle of a field, too busy with other tasks to notice the Baptist and deputy in the shadows of the shed. Avery didn't seem to notice their isolated location, or else he imagined she would have been more guarded with her annoyance. He was aware she found comfort in knowing that with others around, he would be more inclined to stay in line. Which was why he led her to the back of a rickety storage shed to discuss the sore topic.

"Why do you care? I was under the impression you were convinced that I was lying to you," the resentment perfectly clear in her tone.

Unmoved, he admitted nonchalantly, "Since then, I've had time to consider your motives and I'm interested to hear what you have to say on the matter."

Avery didn't concede, much less answer him. The only indication that she was listening was the narrowing of her eyes.

"What's this? Did I find the mute button on you? I hadn't expected silence from the famed Deputy of Fall's End." Not getting a response didn't set off his temper as it normally would have. In a surprise twist, it gave him a challenge to see how far he could push the obstinate woman before she snapped.

Deciding to take the challenge head on, he stepped around as casually as he could, so he was blocking any escape from her, all while goading her into answering him.

"I get it. You were trying to bluff your way out of the confession with this supposed alternate story of yours… Understandable. Many who confess try to divert from the truth in their… insistent need for denial."

"I wasn't lying when I said that, John," Avery bit out caustically.

She crossed her arms over her chest, this time to hide the clenching of her fists. She wasn't sure if her next words would be taken as a challenge or an insult, though either would not be in her favor. But she didn't care.

"You can keep throwing your insults at me all you want, but I'm not going to dignify you with an answer. So, unless you plan to torture me and make me resist the Project more, I'm content in not gracing you with an explanation. I have come to terms with you knowing half the story and I couldn't give a fuck what you think of me."

The disdain she hit him with wrenched at his patience and he felt his smirk falter. Fortunately for her, he refrained from acting on his emotions and only gave a half shrug. "I'm under no delusions. I haven't earned your trust yet, but it will come eventually, with time."

The tension in her shoulders didn't ease, not like her eyes and jaw as she fixed him with a wary glance. John refrained from celebrating his mild victory and met her gaze, waiting for her next move.

There was something in his expression that unsettled her.

"I didn't think you would be so… tolerable of me rejecting you."

The smirk he tried to stifle pulled at the corners of his lips, though Avery thought it was because he found her response amusing. "I'm not all temper and looks, dear."

"Oh, I really wasn't thinking that," she deadpanned.

Using the pause in their conversation, she took note of where they were and the lack of bystanders nearby. A slight increase in heartbeat alerted her to the delicate situation she was now in. She hadn't noticed that they were, in all sense of the word, alone. Did he bring her here for that reason or was it a coincidence? The latter possibility seemed laughable.

"I'm curious," she continued, now more cautious with her tone toward him, "why you think that I would just turn on my friends and become their enemy. How is it that the Project can trust someone like that who would turn on their own people?"

"The intention isn't turning people against each other, dear. It's to show them the truth in the world. To better explain, it is to reveal the world we live in and how it's become corrupt by those in power. Many do not realize it, but the top members of society are untouchable when it comes to their harmful and selfish actions. Civilized people like to be optimistic and believe that the leaders follow the same rules and laws as the rest of society but that is the biggest lie of them all."

Like a mantra, John's explanation rang in her ears and she hated the fact that there was some truth in what he was saying. She had long ago realized the control the leaders have, and at a devastating cost.

Seeing she was paying attention, he stepped closer and continued. "The Collapse is coming to cleanse the Earth of the evil. Those who remain are to build a better, more pure life afterwards… Think of Noah's Arc but on a grander scale."

Avery tried not to think of the terrifying sky of fire and destruction Joseph had shown her in the Bliss realm. She had heard this explanation before but couldn't see their reasoning.

"And what's pure about torturing people?"

"What part has been torture?" he countered, making her feel like she was being ridiculous in her statement. "Those people refusing to confess sins and us forcing them to repent? Is that really what bothers you? The fact that we try to help sinners atone and live a better life? In my opinion, that's more of a 'tough-love' situation. Like an intervention for someone going down a toxic path."

John looked thoughtful for a moment, still stepping closer. Avery became aware of their proximity and let her arms fall to her side while stepping back.

Noticing her step away caused him to match it, not allowing the distance to grow between them.

"Or would you rather people refuse to find peace in the world and be a puppet to the biggest sinners out there? Perhaps, continue living as they have and all will inevitably perish when the Collapse happens, because it's not your responsibility to save them. That sounds like a selfish motive, dear. I hope you wouldn't be saying that is the route we should take. Speaking of which, what exactly about Burke was torture? He was miserable with his life before he was sent to Faith's care."

"He was on drugs and out of his mind," she bit out. Feeling her back connect to the aged and rickety shed. John closed in until he was only a foot away.

"Avery, he was happy. Who are we to question what makes him find peace? I admit that I share your opinion with it comes to putting people in a high. However, some souls just want to be in a beautiful place with no responsibilities or strain."

"I still don't understand. Why keep them in the Project? What use do those people serve you?"

The question caused John to pause in his justification. He tilted his head, regarding her with questioning interest.

"Not everyone is to serve a purpose to us," he corrected quietly. "We aren't looking to use them. Granted Faith uses the Angels, yes, but I digress. Those that want to be part of Eden's Gate and not take part in recruitment can stay. As long as they adhere to the guidance, there are no issues. Eden's Gate is a safe haven. Not an insurgent force."

"I still don't share that point of view," was her blunt response. She expected him to sneer at the comment, but he only shrugged and continued.

"You start the battles and all you see is the response."

"Stop blaming me for starting this!" This conversation felt wrong. It should have been John getting upset over the topic, not her. And yet here he was, calm and collected.

"We came to arrest Joseph and leave the County. But who was it again that took down the helicopter? It sure wasn't me or my team seeing as we were inside of it. And who was it that ripped them from the belly of the remains and left me to burn inside? Pretty sure it was your brother-the leader of this Cult-who did that all while he praised the flames!"

The sight of his brows knitting together, and lips tightening in a line fueled her pent-up frustrations, drowning the voice in the back of her head warning her to shut-up.

"I admit I attacked senselessly a few times, however most of the encounters against you have been in self-defense. But what I don't get is that even knowing this, you still want me to see you as a peaceful idealism rather than some rogue militia out to cause harm. I think your brother has filled your head with these grander thoughts, when in reality they are just the ravings of a madman!"

Before she could continue, his hands lashed out and gripped her upper arms where her wound was and pushed her against the wall harshly. Wincing in both startlement and pain, she met his glare, waiting for more retaliation that was sure to follow her blunt accusations. The veracity of her situation caused her anger to come to a grinding halt and she bit her tongue to keep from making it worse.

"Your stubbornness is astounding," he growled quietly with barely controlled fury. "Do you think that calling Joseph mad is anything we haven't encountered before? He foretold you coming. He saw that it would be you, Whitehorse, and Burke showing up that night to take him away. He knew it would be you who started this decent into chaos when you made your choice. That is proof right there if I have ever seen it. And Burke… That pig-headed man was the vilest sinner of you lot, and he was the first to see the truth."

Avery tried to push herself free of him, but he only dug his nails into the meat of her biceps. The stitches in her arm felt taunt, like they would rip through the small amount of skin at any moment.

"I was just doing my job!" she defended, trying to not think about the pain.

"You were doing what God intended you to do."

"I only arrested Joseph because Jacob challenged me! That was all!"

"Now, you are blaming my other brother?" John seethed. "You can never take responsibility, can you? Who put the cuffs on Joseph? I'm fairly sure Jacob didn't walk down and take them from you so he could do it."

"You know what I mean! Why are you trying to justify it? How do you know Joseph is telling the truth? I can see he is out of his mind, so why can't you?"

John's eyes narrowed. "If you keep up with this disagreeable attitude of yours, I'm sure we can come up with a punishment."

"Just answer my question—," she argued, ignoring his threat, "I want to know why you are so convinced!"

John's left hand landed on her throat and he pushed his body to hers to keep her in place. A gasp left her lips as she expected him to strangle her, but the pressure never cut off her air supply.

Afraid of feeling so vulnerable, Avery put her free hand on his wrist, even though she knew it was futile if he chose to use strength against her. She was a fighter who used leverage, but between him and a wall, there was none. In all sense of the phrase, she had backed herself into a corner.

Leaning closer, he looked her straight in the eyes as his breath fanned across her face. "What if Joseph is right? Did you ever stop to think about that, Deputy? Everyone thinks he's crazy, but he's not. Look around you. This world is on the brink. You can feel it in your bones. Look at the headlines. Look at who is in charge."

"But… why?" she insisted, despite the danger she was in. She wanted to know the answer to this senseless loyalty.

"Because what he has said so far has come true. He wills it and it manifests. There has been proof, Avery, but you keep ignoring it. You try to justify it as some other actions."

Avery bit her lower lip while trying to shift her weight away from John. The action drew his attention down, and his face softened before returning to her eyes.

"Let me tell you a little story, Deputy… There once was a man stranded on his rooftop during a flood and he prayed for God to help. Not long after, a man in a rowboat came and called to the man on the roof to jump in so he could be taken to safety. The man on the roof declined the offer and said he was praying to God to save him and the one in the rowboat left. Soon a motorboat came by and called to the man on the roof to get in—"

"I've heard this story before," she declared flatly. He didn't say anything right away, so she summarized. "He continued to have people offer to help but refused in hopes God would come save him. When he dies, he asks why he was left to drown and God says he sent help multiple times but was ignored."

"Well, there you go. Random acts can be a sign from God or a simple encounter. You can try to analyze it all you want but the only way to know for certain is to meet God face-to-face and ask him. Seeing as that would defeat the entire purpose of trying to save good people, I would advise against it."

The air between them was thick but not awkward. Seeing as she stopped struggling, he removed his hand from her throat and placed it back on her bicep. He allowed a few inches of gap between them but was not ready to fully separate from her.

"The things my brothers and I have been through and what Joseph has foretold are enough proof for me to know. But you need to stop trying to overthink it all if you actually want the truth."

"And what makes you think I would want to do that?"

"Because you are a smart girl who is inherently good. Not some single-minded tart out to serve her own selfish needs in life."

Despite the previous tension and still being in John's hold, Avery couldn't keep a dramatic eyeroll from happing. "You sure know how to woo a girl, John. I'm so glad I'm not some single-minded tart in your eyes."

"Oh, I'm wooing you now?" he asked with arched brows. His good humor followed suit at the flirtatious turn in topic. "Well, maybe I should take it up a notch."

"No, no thank you." Avery side-stepped against the wall, but John's hold didn't allow her to retreat. "It was sarcasm, John. Not an invitation."

"Didn't I warn you against sarcasm? I'm fairly certain I did not more than 20 minutes ago."

"You mentioned something about sarcasm being the lowest form of wit… but you forgot it's the highest form of intelligence. Therefore, as you put it, I'm a smart girl so I'm allowed to use it."

"That tongue of yours is too wicked." The look he fixed her with was heavy and she could feel the warmth in her belly return and heat rise to her cheeks. Her gaze involuntarily dropped to his lips and she realized what was about to happen.

"I should do something about that," he added when he noticed the faint blush.

He began to lean in, and Avery felt paralyzed. In those split seconds, she wanted to push him away and put the much needed space between them, but her deeper, more primal self wanted for him to kiss her. It had been so long since she had felt the nerves and the desire of being wanted.

But it was wrong.

He was the enemy, and it wasn't anything more than overdue lust scratching to be released. Lust that she had no desire to share with someone as unhinged as the Baptist. The unpredictability of him had long ago planted a fear in her which was enough for her reasoning to win over selfish desires.

Gathering all her nerves, she stepped to the side, pulling at John's arms so suddenly that he released his grip.

"We-We should go inside. I'm hungry," she offered lamely.

He recovered quickly from any surprise he felt. "Ah, you're running away again. Just what are you so afraid of, dear?"

Avery forced herself to roll her eyes to hide her embarrassment. "I'm not running away."

"Liar. I didn't think you were such a modest little thing. It was just going to be a kiss."

She could feel her cheeks flush brighter, but she still managed to fix him with a vicious glare; the mixture only adding to his amusement.

"I have no desire to kiss you, John. In case you forgot, you've tortured my friends, forever scarred me, and made me relive the worst of my past. Just talking to you seems like more than you deserve from me."

"You are so spiteful…" His smirk turned into a Cheshire grin. "I wonder, do you bring that sort of energy into bed?"

Avery could feel a twitch starting to form. This man was going to drive her into the looney bin before the week was up. Instead of justifying him with an answer, she opted for the path of least resistance.

Ignore it.

"Can you, please, take me back to pick out a book and get lunch?"

Clearly a change of subject, the request was one he couldn't deny. It was polite and, let's be honest, included him. Well, maybe not officially…

"Of course, we can get some lunch together, dear."

Avery bit the inside of her cheek, keeping any curses for the man to herself as he led the way back to the house.

She needed to get out of here and soon.

/././././

Later that evening, Avery sat on her bed eating some ravioli that Liam had brought to her. After her walk with John, they had returned to the study and had lunch delivered to them. Besides the critical commentary on her book choices, the conversation remained in the neutral 'small-talk' category. Apparently, the last few days had cut into other important projects that John was working on, so he was posted at his desk for the duration of their time together.

Avery wasn't permitted to take her food and hide in the room, much to her ire. Instead, she sat on the couch and read her new book, finding it easier to escape into with less prying eyes in the windows.

After an hour or so, John was called out for something that came up, providing her the chance to return to the room where she stayed the rest of the afternoon. She half expected John to order her down for dinner that evening, but his tasks had kept him occupied and out of her hair.

The same guard from the previous evening had returned shortly after and greeted her through the door. It surprised her that he offered to announce himself and she politely said hello in return. Around 8:30pm, was when Liam knocked on the door with food, and the burly guard went down to get a late-night snack.

She didn't bother asking Liam on his deal with the stranger, figuring the less she knew, the better she would feel over their arrangement. Instead, she welcomed the company and explained how her day went with the Baptist, leaving out the more embarrassing details.

"It's obvious that he likes you," Liam stated, causing Avery to startle.

"What?"

The teen laughed, not realizing that she hadn't told him about the flirting and near kiss experience. "I mean he tolerates you talking back to him. He must have some respect for you or else he wouldn't allow it."

"Oh… right." A relieved breath left her. "Must be my charm."

"Must be. So, did you gain any good information while you were out?"

"I did, but I'm not sure which direct Fall's End is from the ranch. We never had John's ranch location on the map before."

Liam pondered for a moment and pointed out to the right. "Northeast from us, I'm pretty sure. I never was good with directions, but I know its North from here."

"That works for me. As long as I wasn't heading the opposite direction."

"Oh, I got the numbers of people that are on guard through tomorrow night, too." Liam pulled out a folded napkin with a crude drawing of the ranch from a birds-eye view. Avery internally laughed at the blurry sharpie lines that melted and looked smudged. "The x's are the general area where they are posted at and between 2-3am is when there is the least amount of people between shift change."

Avery nodded and pointed to two outbuildings on the back side of the property. During the walk, she hadn't been to the rear of the house to see what they were used for. "What are these?"

"The bunkhouses where most of us sleep. Some commute in from their homes nearby but that's where the rest of us live."

Ah…She would have to avoid that area.

/././././././././

In the kitchen below, Janet shifted her weight as she washed the last of the pots and pans. Sitting behind her at the island, the burly guard shoveled what little leftovers she had set aside into his mouth. A few drips of red sauce dribbled on his beard which he quickly wiped clean before the lady turned around to see his messy manners.

"You're not bored sitting up there for so long, doing nothing?" she questioned.

"Well sure, but I have to be vigilant. If I'm not, the officer could try to escape."

The use of the word 'vigilant' didn't escape her attention and she knew Terry was just regurgitating what John said. It wasn't implying that Terry was incapable of using it, but it was unnatural and not his usual jargon.

"It certainly sounds like an important job." Turning the water off, she grabbed a towel and dried her hands, watching as he tried to hide his stuffed cheeks. "Do you need more to drink?"

Looking at the near empty glass, he nodded his head and swallowed the large portion of food. "Yeah, thank you Janet."

Grabbing the pitcher, she leaned over and smiled while filling up the glass.

"Your husband is a lucky man."

"Oh, stop it," she giggled. "Any man thinks that if I feed them."

"The food is a bonus, but the looks help too," he wiggled his brows teasingly and she laughed, knowing he meant it all in good humor.

Before she could mockingly berate him, two more peggies entered the kitchen. Broad shoulders filled the doorway and a blank stare looked her over before landing on Terry. Next to him was a younger man with ballcap firmly in place as he waved to the kitchen occupants.

"Hey, guys!"

"Hi Dean. Haven't I told you not to wear your boots into this house?" Janet questioned firmly, her hands on her curvy hips.

Dean gave a timid chuckle but was interrupted before he could offer an explanation.

"What're doing down here?" the man next to him aimed at Terry.

"He's grabbing a quick bite-," Janet began with a frown before the man interrupted her next.

"I was asking him, not you."

"Damn, Chuck. What's got you in a pissy mood today," Terry replied, turning away from his plate to fix the older man with a scowl before spinning his seat to face Janet again. He made a mocking face to her which she tried not to smile at.

Not appreciating the disrespect, the older man stomped forward, grabbing Terry's shoulder and spinning him around to face him. "I asked why you're down here and not upstairs watching the door!"

"I heard ya the first time, you cranky bastard. What's it look like? I'm eating!"

"You're supposed to be guarding the prisoner. Get up there now!"

When Terry shrugged Chuck off, Janet was certain he was about to die. Chuck was not one to trifle with and had a bad history before joining the project. She had even heard he had spent jail time before the Seeds came to Hope County and turned his life around. Even so, many knew that it was not enough to change the darkness from him and there was a risk that he would eventually snap and relapse into sin. Terry was either confident that Chuck would not step out of line, or stupid to not realize the thin ice he was on.

"Relax," Terry replied, not knowing how close he was to unleashing the man's temper. "Liam is up there with her."

If the air could get any more brittle around them, it was on the verge of shattering.

"Did you say Liam was with her? Darrell's nephew, Liam?" Chuck questioned; any previous anger hidden in his suddenly reserved tone.

Janet did not like the sudden turn the conversation was going and she tossed a pointed look at Terry's direction, hoping he would shut his mouth. Sarah had mentioned what happened in the bunkhouse the other night and explained the animosity between the young man and Chuck. A quick glance to Dean's somber face only confirmed the story and Janet prayed that Terry would just look up.

Unfortunately, Terry didn't see her warning and took a sip of his drink, nodding. "Yeah, he's perfectly capable of watching her for five minutes. Trust me, he'll make sure she doesn't try anything —hey, where are you going? Chuck!"

But the man had already left the kitchen, striding towards the stairs leading to the second floor.

Before Janet or Terry could utter another word, Dean was gripping the front of Terry's shirt and bringing his face in. "Tell me that Liam is outside that door, doing exactly what you're saying."

The severe and underlying threat seemed out of place in Dean's voice.

"He should be."

"Should… For fuck's sake Terry! He is or he ain't!"

"Damnit! Let me go," he pushed Dean back who willingly released his grip. "He was in the room yesterday but said he was making sure she ate her food and didn't steal the silverware. I'd imagine he's doing the same now."

"Shit!" Dean spun to leave out the room when Janet's voice stopped him.

"You will only make it worse if you try to stop him right now."

"If I don't go, he might do something to Liam!"

"Liam is a smart kid. Maybe he can defuse the situation. And we all know he wouldn't do anything to oppose the Project."

"Chuck doesn't see it that way."

"I know… but if you two go to stop him now, it may end up becoming much worse."

Dean grimaced at the idea of leaving Liam alone with a furious Chuck, but there was truth to what Janet said. "Two minutes… I will give them two minutes to come down from there."

But a lot can happen in two minutes…

/./././././././

Ummm… I will admit, it got away from me. There is a lot more than I expected to put into this. While it's good news because there is more depth, it's bad news in the way of delaying us getting to the good Jacob bits. I foresee some fast-forwarding/summarizing stuff happening in the future.

Thank you for the wonderful reviews! They keep me motivated to put it on paper rather than keep it in my head, not to mention it brightens my day. Constructive criticism is always welcome!