He was made to feel needed and wanted.
Not once did he see Orchid, Angus’s informant, but that wasn’t a concern yet. He couldn’t very well ask to see her because they’d never met.
After the gardens, he joined meditation for an hour. Rhythmic music, a short chant, and everyone saying the same words. It was as close to hypnotism as possible without being such. Nari had warned him of it, and damn, she was right.
Then he was asked to give self-defense classes. First to a bunch of really cute, earnest kids. Then teenagers. Then a group of young men.
Finally, women aged eighteen to forty. They were very touchy-feely and in awe of him. If he hadn’t been a cynical ex-cop with control issues, he might’ve fallen right into the trap.
It felt good to be needed and admired.
They kept him so busy, it was around suppertime when he realized he hadn’t eaten all day. Ah. Food and sleep. Those pesky things that altered brain chemistry.
During his tasks, he memorized the layout of the place and the scheduled comings and goings of people.
After self-defense classes, he attended another round of meditation. This time the music was louder and the chants more intense.
When he was finished, April met him at the door. “Hi.” She ran her hand suggestively down his arm. Her hair was now up in the ponytail, making her look even younger than her twenty years. Her skin had pinkened from her time gardening. “I heard you’ve done a wonderful job today.”
“It’s a peaceful place.” His head was a little light, and he had to concentrate to focus.
She grasped his hand and pulled him toward the outside patio. “We’re about to have evening meal, and I was hoping you’d sit by me.”
Millicent had disappeared earlier, after he’d rebuffed a couple of her not-so-subtle advances, so he’d figured he’d see April again. He feigned surprise. “Man, I am hungry. I forgot to eat all day.”
She giggled, the sound tinkly and young. So young. “That happens all the time to me. It just means you’re doing the Prophet’s work. You’re fulfilling yourself and being who you’re meant to be.” Approval was in her admiring gaze. “You’re amazing, Malcolm.”
Man, they poured it on thick. But the girl was earnest. Guilt caught him for a moment, but he had to play along to help her. This was a long game.
They walked outside to where a sprawling table ran beneath a wide awning protected from the weather. April sat him right smack-dab in the middle of a lot of smiling faces and linen clothing.
The food was plentiful, but nobody moved to fill their plates. So neither did Malcolm. Look at him, already conforming with the group. The tactics were effective, because he knew not to swipe a roll yet. Wouldn’t even dream of it.
Isaac Leon strode out of a side door to the head of the table.
The energy around the table rose.
“My family.” Isaac looked down each row, as if acknowledging each and every one of them. “It has been a worthy day for all of us. You are to be commended, and you are loved.”
The guy all but dripped charisma. He wore white linen, slightly setting him apart from the rest. And his hair curled around his ears, making him seem earnest and caring. Mal looked around for the four guys he’d identified as Isaac’s enforcers, but they were nowhere to be seen. They didn’t seem to mix much with the rest of the group.
Unless they wanted to cleanse. He’d gotten that much out of April earlier. They were all in for sex, and a woman’s refusing was frowned upon. The family was meant to serve each other, after all.
Isaac continued to speak, and although the group was no doubt hungry, nobody even glanced at the food. All eyes and attention remained on him.
Finally, he gave them sustenance. “My loves. Please eat.” He sat and waited for a dark-haired woman next to him to dish him up a plate. She was stunning. Long, black, curly hair, deep brown eyes, a light smattering of freckles across her darker skin. She could be anywhere from eighteen to thirty, with no signs of age.
Mal looked around. April served him salad, a roll, and chicken casserole.
Where were the drugs? They could be in anything. So he ate the roll and worked on the chicken. His guess was the salad dressing. Or maybe in his glass of water. But he had to eat something, so he tried to be careful.
The meal was finished when Isaac stood up, whether people had cleaned their plates or not. The second he stood, so did everyone else.
Malcolm did so naturally. Wow. This unobvious cult shit was impressive. He’d automatically followed the group. Interesting. Then everyone bowed their heads. All righty. He did the same. His body relaxed, and a sense of euphoria wandered through his veins as Isaac said another blessing.
Mal swayed just a little. Damn it. Somehow, he’d gotten the drug. He should be pissed, but his body was too mellow. His mind too calm.
“Malcolm,” Isaac said, his voice a low hum. “Would you please join me in my office? I would like to talk.”
