Ted Dekker - The Bride Collector

The idea of it…

Allison’s eyes twinkled. “Fine. Then you’ll treat her like a human being. Like a woman.”

“I said I would.”

“Because if you do, she’ll trust you. She might let her guard down and tell you what’s hidden inside her. And she’ll probably fall in love with you, if she hasn’t already.”

He couldn’t believe she was saying this.

“And I’m telling you that’s okay,” Allison said, standing. “Let her fall in love with you. It will do her wonders.”

“I refuse to lead her on-”

“I didn’t say lead her on. I said treat her like any woman. Just don’t penalize her. There’s a difference.”

Allison walked around her desk and headed toward the door. “And this bit about God’s favorite, from the killer’s note.”

“‘I’ve taken God’s favorite back to him,’” Brad quoted.

She gripped the doorknob and turned back. “You realize that’s theologically sound. In God’s infinite love, he loves no one more than another. We are all, therefore, God’s favorite. Each soul is immeasurably valuable, no less than the value of a single bride loved by her suitor. Few humans understand their relative value to God.”

“And you’re saying the Bride Collector does,” Brad said.

“Whoever this man is, he thinks he’s doing God a favor, finding the bride of Christ for him. What he doesn’t realize is that he’s actually killing God’s favorites. He’s got it backward, you see? He’s not an angel, he’s the devil. Someone needs to correct his thinking.”

“Yes, well, he’s delusional.”

“Yes. But he’s not the only one who’s got it backward.” She opened the door and stepped out. “Now we should go. Paradise is waiting.”

“She is?”

“She’s been waiting for an hour.”

“THEY’RE COMING!” Andrea cried. She whipped back from the window overlooking the park, eyes wide. “Quick, they’re coming!”

Paradise was hanging back, pacing by the couch, determined not to give in to all of their antics, but hearing the announcement she rushed forward with Casanova and Roudy for a look.

“Who’s coming?” a voice shouted from behind. “Zeus?”

They spun and faced a goggle-eyed Flower in a pink dress. “Out,” Roudy snapped.

“But my sculpture isn’t ready for Zeus! It’s going to be majestic.”

“The room is reserved for a meeting with Allison. You have to leave.”

“But…” Then Flower turned and fled, uttering something about the gods.

Paradise was already homed in on Allison and Brad crossing the lawn toward her. She was suddenly unsure she could go through with this. Worse, she wasn’t entirely sure what this was.

“Now, remember what I told you,” Cass said, straightening his shirt. He was feeling better, full of vim and vigor, he said. “I know I tend to be straightforward, but it doesn’t always work so well. Trust me. Try not to stampede. Try to be subtle.”

“Subtle?” Andrea said. “Is that what you are?”

“I said it depends. You have to know how women think!” He held up a finger authoritatively.

“I still think we should accompany you,” Roudy said. “Why on earth would he want to meet with you alone?”

“Don’t be a fool, man,” Cass quipped. “Three’s a crowd.”

“Thus speaks the man who was sleeping when we found the jack.”

“This is about Jill, not Jack,” Cass said.

Paradise couldn’t bear their nonsense a moment longer. “Stop being ridiculous! All of you! We don’t know who he wants to meet with, or why. This has nothing to do with anything you’re talking about!” Her voice rang through the atrium in the women’s wing. “Andrea, tell them, for heaven’s sake.”

“It’s true, Paradise wants me to flirt with him.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“That’s the spirit,” Cass said. “But go slow, Andrea.”

“You didn’t?” Andrea asked with a look of confusion. “Sorry, sorry. I thought…”

“I said you could for all I care,” Paradise snapped. “That doesn’t mean I want you to.”

The door burst open and Bartholomew, a skinny resident who suffered from delusions, pulled up sharply. “They’re coming, Paradise! And he looks good today. Handsome devil.”

Paradise faced Casanova. “You told the whole center?”

He shrugged. “Just a few.”

Bartholomew spun back. “Sorry. My lips are sealed.” He set off toward the hub, where he would likely tell every living soul, assuming they weren’t lined up at the window already.

“Out,” Paradise said, seething now. “I want all of you out!”

“We can’t, Paradise,” Roudy protested. “Like you said, he might want to talk to all of us.”

“I doubt it.”

“So you see, he is coming for you,” Cass said. “I can see that look in his eyes from here. He’s got one thing on the brain, that one. Not to worry, it’s all I think about as well. Just remember what I told you.”

Before Paradise could respond, the door opened and Allison walked in, followed by Brad Raines. Two thoughts collided in her mind. The first was that they’d been caught staring out the window.

The second was that she’d forgotten how beautiful Brad Raines was. He wore jeans today. She’d never seen him in jeans. They made him look more like her, in some ways. She felt silly for comparing herself to him.

“Hello, friends,” Allison said, smiling. “I see you’ve been expecting us.”

“No,” Paradise said. “Yes, they have been, talk, talk, talk, you know. Can’t shut Casanova up.” She wished she could meld with the wall.

“Hello,” Brad said, dipping his head at them all. His gaze settled on Paradise. “I guess you all heard.”

“What’s this all about?” Roudy demanded. “More evidence? He left another note, I suspect.” He flipped out his hand. “Give it to me and I’ll have my assistant prepare it for my analysis immediately.”

“You look handsome today,” Andrea said.

Paradise glanced at her friend, and saw that she was staring at Brad with those eyes. How could Andrea be so forward now, after everything?

“Yes, you do,” Paradise agreed, then felt silly for saying it. But she wasn’t going to let Andrea walk all over her, either.

“Thank you.” His eyes were on her. “If you all don’t mind, I need to speak to Paradise. She may be able to provide us with information-”

“What, the ghost thing again?”

“Roudy, please.” Allison tsked. “Don’t be like that. There are a lot of desperate people out there right now. Now, please, give us a few moments. Hmm?”

“How long?” Roudy persisted.

“An hour, Roudy. Maybe two. Please. Paradise will be along.”

“I need a shower,” Andrea said. “Sorry, sorry.” She walked quickly toward the hall door.

Roudy set his jaw and headed toward the exit behind them, pouting.

Casanova walked up to Brad and took his hand and kissed it. “I’m so sorry for your loss, young man. She was indeed a stunning beauty. Just remember, there are more where she came from.” Then he, too, left.

“The room’s all yours,” Allison said. “But I wouldn’t linger here long. You’re bound to be interrupted.”

“You’re leaving?”

“I am, Paradise.” Allison walked up to her and touched her cheek with a warm hand. Her words were as soft as her smile. “It’s okay, young woman. Not that you need it, but you have my permission to tell him whatever you want. He’s a good man. I think you can trust him, I really do.”

Paradise nodded slowly. “I do trust him.”

“Yes, but I think you can really trust him. And I think you can trust yourself. Don’t be afraid, child.”