Page 495 of Reign

“Then He’s less observant than advertised.”

“Careful, Mr. Castillo. You’re standing in His house.”

“I am being careful.” I take one final step until only a few inches remain between us. “That’s why you’re still breathing.”

Pierce looks at me for several quiet seconds.

Then he lowers his head again.

“Congratulations on your engagement,” he says. “I hope the two of you have a long and happy marriage.”

The words sound like a blessing.

My instincts hear a threat.

I release the gun and step away. “Don’t make me see you again.”

“That may be beyond my control.”

I stop.

When I look back, he’s already turned toward the altar. His hands fold in front of him, the picture of submission beneath stained glass.

I leave before I put a bullet through the back of his skull.

Elena is standing beside the SUV with her arms crossed when I step outside.

“Is that priest one of your enemies?” she asks.

“No.”

“You looked at him like you wanted to shoot him.”

“I did want to shoot him.”

Her eyes widen. “Luciano.”

“I didn’t.”

“Congratulations on demonstrating the absolute minimum amount of restraint.”

I open the rear door for her. “Get in.”

She doesn’t move. “Who is he?”

“Hale Pierce.”

“He didn’t look dangerous.”

I glance back at the church.

Pierce stands inside the open doorway, half-shadowed beneath the arch. His head is bowed again. His shoulders curve inward. From this distance, he looks like a quiet priest watching two visitors leave his church.

Anyone else would believe it.

“That’s why he is,” I say.

Elena follows my gaze.