Galveston Between Wind and Water - By Rachel Cartwright Page 0,27
be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
The tiresome old woman smiled as if she were in the presence of the Savior himself. “Praise be to the Lord and the wonder of his works.” She sat down and clasped her Bible to her heaving bosom.
Caden opened his arms in a gesture of welcome and embrace. “Yes, brothers and sisters. As God is my witness, I stand here before all of you, to declare that we are here to ensure that the creator’s work is carried out according to his divine plan, and that by any means necessary, we will work to remove those who threaten enlightened mankind’s true dominion over Earth.”
Gabrielle glanced over her shoulder as though she was trying to catch a glimpse of the man at the back of the room. A few moments later, Arley and his young Cuban associate rose to their feet, leading the audience in a uniform wave of standing ovation with such a force of unchecked exultation that it caused Caden to step back in astonishment.
After acknowledging their applause and admiration with a self-effacing bow and humble smile, Caden strode down the steps to welcome his new converts. Although everyone was eager to shake his hand, he noticed the sharply dressed stranger quickly exiting through the front doors.
His familiar irritation flamed, sparked by his unease and discomfort of having seen the man’s grim expression. Ahh, well, that was to be expected. Not every member of the flock can be so easily tamed without first using the staff.
Caden searched the audience for Gabrielle’s charming face. To his dismay he only managed to glimpse her welcoming smile and entrancing eyes before she departed on the arm of her father through the front door. What was the meaning of this? Didn’t Arley promise that they would be properly introduced? He would find the reason and introduce himself before they rode away. Caden took a few steps toward the door but was stopped by the olive-skinned young man.
“Doctor Hellreich?”
Caden looked down at the stranger. It was the same one who had been gaping at Gabrielle all evening during his lecture. Caden narrowed his eyes, confirming his initial assessment of the stranger’s ancestry.
The man’s black hair was combed back with tonic so that his skull resembled an ape with its stumpy and pinched contours. The eyes, dim and diminutive, reeled in their murky and timid sockets. His dwarfish nose spread out over to the edges of his broad, wan lips.
Caden’s quick assessment of the interloper was confirmed by the florid tie and red-striped shirt that did little to draw attention away from the dappled hues of his oily skin. Caden lowered his gaze. Perhaps it was for the best. He would meet Miss Caldwell under more private and intimate circumstances. “I’m sorry. Have we been introduced, sir?
“Timothy . . . ah, Timothy DeRocha, Doctor.” He stepped forward and shoved out his hand and shook Caden’s. “I can’t tell you what an inspiration it has been to hear you speak!”
Caden saw Edward moving toward them through the departing crowd. It was always a comfort to know that Edward—like a dedicated and obedient soldier—would protect him at all costs.
He admired his methodical and devoted assistant. Younger than himself by ten years, Edward had been patient long enough. Caden knew he must soon decide if he was worthy of fulfilling his unquestioning commitment to mankind’s greater good or continue the search for more suitable candidates.
Caden gestured casually with his hand. Edward stopped, folded his hands behind his back, and waited for his next instruction. “Thank you for your generous praise, sir. Mr. DeRocha,” Caden answered, paying only scant attention. “You have the relaxed, natural voice quality of your colleagues. I would think it must have been difficult, considering your . . . heritage.”
The man’s smile broadened. “I thank my parents, sir, for sending me to the best New England schools. They were determined that I have the best opportunities. I can neither speak nor understand Spanish, and I am proud of that.”
He stepped closer to the doctor. “My family has always been true patriots of the Republic. As far back as General Santa Anna, they fought