My Anti-hero Fairy System-Chapter 67. The Church

[Do you think he’ll tell everyone what happened in his study?] Hagrit asked, her voice cutting into her thoughts.

’He won’t dare,’ Cara replied silently. ’If he does, it’ll be mutually assured destruction. I might lose Ashley, but I’ll make sure everyone in this town knows about his many affairs. That would leave his pristine public image in tatters.’

[When are you planning to ruin his political career? I assume you don’t want him to win the election.]

’Of course not. But I can’t risk giving him a scandal he can fix with two weeks left. No, I’ll wait. Two, maybe three days before the election—that’s when I’ll strike.’

[Ah, so he wouldn’t have enough time to spin the narrative.]

’Exactly.’

"Honey, tell us," Arlene’s voice broke the tension, "what did she do?"

Rudy didn’t take his eyes off Cara. "I caught her snooping around in my study, rifling through documents. I’m almost certain she’s working for Larry Gilmore."

Ashley’s head snapped toward her father. "She’s working for your opponent? Dad, this is a serious accusation. Don’t you think we should report her?"

Cara smirked and took a sip of wine, silently musing, ’I told you he wouldn’t dare.’

[I really need to stop doubting you,] Hagrit said with a hint of admiration.

"Yes, honey," Arlene chimed in. "I agree with Ashley. If she’s a spy, this is political espionage. We should report her." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Rudy shook his head, his tone measured but tinged with frustration. "Like I said, I’m almost certain, but I don’t have concrete evidence. Reporting her without proof would accomplish nothing. I fired her because I couldn’t, in good conscience, let her work here while I had these suspicions."

"You’re absolutely right, Rudy. Firing her was the smart move—it puts everyone’s mind at ease," Cara said, her voice calm and measured. The room fell silent, her unexpected support of Rudy catching everyone off guard.

The clinking of silverware on plates filled the quiet, the tension lingering as everyone returned to their meal. It was Rudy who finally broke the silence. "Ashley, will you be accompanying me to church tomorrow?"

Reading Ashley’s mind, Cara knew how much she dreaded attending Reverend Franklin Newton’s sermons. Who wouldn’t? The man was a sanctimonious hate-monger. She’d rather face a firing squad, Cara thought dryly.

"Dad, I have a lot of work to catch up on," Ashley replied, her voice steady but her eyes avoiding Rudy’s.

"A lot of work on a Sunday?" Rudy pressed, his tone skeptical.

"Yes, Dad," Ashley said quickly. "I need to finish this month’s financial report and prepare estimates for next month’s miscellaneous expenses."

Cara observed the subtle tension in Ashley’s posture and, before Rudy could press further, interjected smoothly. "I can go with you to church tomorrow."

The room froze, all eyes turning to Cara. Even Rudy’s mask of composure slipped for a moment, his surprise evident.

"Cara, are you serious?" Arlene asked, her disbelief clear.

"Yes, I’m serious," Cara said with a small shrug. "I’ve heard so much about Reverend Newton. I want to see what all the fuss is about, and besides he invited me, remember?"

Rudy’s lips curled into a smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. "That’s good news. The house of the Lord is open to everyone. Everyone and anyone," he said, his tone laced with an unspoken insinuation.

Cara read his thoughts as easily as an open book. What is this bitch trying to pull?

[Seriously, why are you going to that church? What’s the plan?] Hagrit asked, suspicious.

’Have you forgotten my pact with Joana?’ Cara replied internally. ’I need to dig up dirt on that insufferable Reverend.’

"So, when are we leaving for church?" Cara asked, her tone light.

"Service starts at 8 a.m.," Rudy said, still eyeing her carefully. "Be ready before then."

"Oh, I’ll be ready long before then," Cara assured him, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

Rudy nodded, but the tension in the room didn’t dissipate. Cara could feel his mind racing, trying to piece together her motives. She smiled to herself. Let him wonder.

—----

—------

The drive to the church was steeped in silence, with Rudy refusing to utter a single word to Cara. The tension between them was palpable, filling the confined space of the car. When they arrived, the church loomed before them, a grand structure adorned with intricate designs that seemed to proclaim its sanctity. The driver eased the car into the parking lot, and as Cara reached for the door handle to step out, Rudy grabbed her hand.

"I don’t know what’s going through your head right now," Rudy said, his tone low but firm, "but I don’t want you embarrassing me in there. Do you hear me?"

Cara turned her head slowly to look at him, her expression calm yet tinged with warning. "It seems you’ve forgotten what I did to you yesterday when you tried holding my hand."

Rudy immediately released her, the memory of her retaliation clearly enough to make him think twice.

"There’s no need to worry, Rudy," Cara said, smoothing her dress as she shifted to exit the car. "I’m just here to witness firsthand what this church is about. So, no—I won’t embarrass you." With that, she opened the car door and stepped out.

Cara walked with deliberate poise toward the church entrance, her long-sleeve black gown swaying slightly with each step. A floral scarf covered her hair, giving her an understated but graceful appearance. Behind her, Rudy remained seated in the car, watching her as though expecting her to cause a scene.

As Cara approached the church doors, she heard a familiar voice call her name. Turning, she saw Farrah approaching, dressed in a modest beige gown. Her arm was looped through that of an older man with short black hair, who wore a sharply tailored black suit. Recognition hit Cara like a wave—this man was Farrah’s father, Aaron Bailey. Memories of meeting him before came flooding back as he and Farrah drew closer, Aaron’s warm smile directed at her.

"What are you doing here?" Farrah asked, her voice filled with surprise.

Cara opened her mouth to respond, but Aaron cut her off, his voice carrying a gentle authority. "What kind of question is that, Farrah? Your friend came to the house of the Lord after coming back from the dead, and you’re asking why she’s here? She’s here to praise God, of course."

Farrah instantly fell silent, her head bowing slightly as though chastened. Cara couldn’t help but notice how easily her friend seemed to submit to her father’s will.

"Good morning, sir," Cara said politely, her voice steady.

"Good morning, Cara," Aaron replied, his smile unwavering. "I’ve been meaning to see you since your miraculous resurrection. How have you been?"

"I’ve been well, sir," Cara answered. "Aside from the memory loss, of course."

"Praise be!" Aaron exclaimed, his voice filled with conviction. "God will restore your memories."

"Amen," Cara and Farrah responded in unison.

Aaron’s smile deepened as he continued, "I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to dinner at my house this evening. It would mean a great deal if you could join us."

Cara hesitated briefly but then nodded. "Of course, I’ll be there. I have a shift at the diner, but I’ll be free this evening."

"Wonderful. I’ll see you then," Aaron said, his tone warm. With that, he led the way into the church, gesturing for Cara and Farrah to follow.

Inside, the grand sanctuary was already filling with people. Aaron led them to the front row, a place of prominence Cara suspected was reserved for his stature within the congregation. As they settled into their seats, Cara began to feel the familiar but unwelcome flood of thoughts pressing into her mind. The sheer volume was overwhelming, a clatter of voices competing for attention in her head. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to block out the noise.

Breathe in, breathe out, she reminded herself, recalling Hagrit’s advice for moments like this. Slowly, the chaos in her mind began to settle.

Farrah glanced at her, concern flickering in her eyes. "Are you okay?" she whispered.

Cara gave her a small nod but said nothing. Aaron, oblivious to her discomfort, focused on the pulpit as the preacher finished his sermon.

The service transitioned, and Reverend Franklin Newton took the stage. His voice boomed through the microphone as he greeted the congregation. "Praise be, children of God!"

"Praise be unto the Lord!" the congregation responded in unison.

Reverend Franklin beamed, his enthusiasm palpable. "Today, we are blessed to have a true sign of God’s love and miracles among us!"

Cara stiffened in her seat. She didn’t need to read his mind to know he was referring to her.

"Cara Bolton," the Reverend continued, his voice rising with joy. "Please stand so everyone can witness the manifestation of God’s miracle!"

All eyes turned to Cara. The collective focus felt like a weight pressing down on her, amplifying the surge of thoughts flooding her mind. It was too much. For a moment, she froze, unsure of how to react.

Farrah reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Cara’s arm, but it did little to ease the overwhelming sensations.