Anointed (Vanished Book 3) by Michael Arches

Anointed (Vanished Book 3) by Michael Arches

Author:Michael Arches [Arches, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: thriller, Crime
Publisher: Pyrenees Publishing
Published: 2021-02-04T22:00:00+00:00


Chapter 16

Mount Evans Motel, Idaho Springs

By early evening, Athena’s mind was toast. The aches and pains of late pregnancy—combined with her worry for Leo, and Viola—had taken a huge toll.

Beau interrupted her thoughts. “I just got a report from the Santa Muerte event. DEA managed to sneak two guys in. Hundreds of people packed into an old movie theater. Thank God there wasn’t a fire.”

Athena realized that no matter how bad things got, they could always get worse. “What did you hear about the event?”

“Viola showed up looking like a skeleton, and her fans loved it. One of the DEA guys there is Catholic, and he said about half of her mass was very familiar to him. The other half of the mass included crazy stuff like Aesop’s fables and Bob Dylan lyrics. A wild mix of old and new. At the end, Viola performed healings for dozens of people, but no obvious cures.”

Athena wasn’t sure whether Beau or the DEA guys were being sarcastic about miracles. “What do you expect her to do, Boudreau? She’s a kidnap victim, and she’ll do exactly what Carlotta tells her, n'est-ce pas?”

He blushed. “Of course, but you know how cynical cops are. The bottom line was, she seemed to totally get into it, and the congregation loved her. Viola showed no obvious signs of physical or emotional abuse.”

Athena’s irritation grew. “So, tell DEA to get off their asses and save her before she does show obvious signs. How many guards were there?”

“That’s the best part. Only two, and Viola also brought two attendants, but they don’t seem to be either armed or dangerous. DEA’s putting together a team of six who will attempt to grab her at her next public event. Let us know when you hear about the next mass.”

That was what Athena had hoped to hear. Her annoyance vanished. “Perfect, mon coeur. Hopefully, the cartel will send her out again soon.”

-o-o-o-

Casa Santiago, near Louviers

Viola and the others made it back to the compound in time for dinner, but she wasn’t hungry. She was still running on adrenaline or joy or insanity, not sure which.

Attendance at meals was mandatory, so Viola joined the others in the dining room. She was the subject of most of the conversation, with Maria and Emilio singing her praises.

Carlotta, on the other hand, asked probing questions about the audience’s reaction, and Viola had to admit she wasn’t sure. Then, the jefa got a call from Jesus in Houston.

When she hung up, she patted Viola’s hand. “He says the social media reaction is very positive. The only frequent negative comment was that the service had ended too soon.”

What a relief. Maybe Viola had a knack for this stuff, after all.

Carlotta continued, “Jesus says a half-dozen clandestine videos have already been posted online. Fortunately, our cameraman has sent his file electronically to Jesus, and he just uploaded the official video to your webpage.”

At the first opportunity, Viola left the table and went to her room. She took off her makeup and tried to remember what her life had been like a week ago—it seemed like eons.



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