Twinsies: Double Trouble

Chapter 8

The old Chevy pickup truck rumbled down the dusty road, kicking up a cloud of dirt in its wake. Tom Flanagan gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white with tension. In the passenger seat, Brad Conway sat with his muscular arms crossed, his blue eyes scanning the landscape intently.

"You sure this is the right way?" Brad asked, breaking the tense silence that had fallen between them.

Tom nodded, not taking his eyes off the road. "Yeah, according to the map. Should be just around this bend."

As they rounded the corner, both young men let out a low whistle. There, rising up from the surrounding farmland like some gothic monstrosity, stood what could only be the Great Church.

The building was a strange hybrid of architectural styles. Its base was clearly that of an old asylum – all red brick and barred windows – but atop it sat an incongruous steeple, freshly painted white and gleaming in the late afternoon sun.

"Well, that's not ominous at all," Brad muttered sarcastically.

Tom pulled the truck over to the side of the road, cutting the engine. For a moment, they just sat there, taking in the sight before them.

"So, what's the play here?" Brad asked, turning to Tom. "We just walk up and knock?"

Tom shrugged, trying to project more confidence than he felt. "Why not? We're just two guys looking to learn more about their... church. Nothing suspicious about that, right?"

Brad snorted. "Yeah, because two college-age dudes randomly showing up at a secluded compound is totally normal."

Despite his sarcasm, Brad followed Tom's lead as they exited the truck and made their way towards the imposing structure. As they approached, they could see people milling about – men and women in simple, modest clothing, all of whom stopped to stare as Tom and Brad walked up.

Before they could reach the main entrance, a tall, broad-shouldered man with close-cropped dark hair stepped into their path. His stern face was at odds with the serene atmosphere they'd observed.

"Can I help you gentlemen?" he asked, his deep voice carrying a note of suspicion.

Tom cleared his throat nervously. "Uh, yeah. We're... we're interested in learning more about your church. A friend told us about it."

The man's eyes narrowed. "A friend? And who might that be?"

Brad jumped in, his voice steady. "Kirsten. Kirsten Waterford. She mentioned this place to us a while back, said it changed her life. We've been meaning to check it out."

At the mention of Kirsten's name, the man's demeanor changed instantly. His stern expression melted into a warm smile, though his eyes remained watchful.

"Ah, you're friends of Sister Kirsten! Why didn't you say so? I'm Craig, her right hand here at the Great Church. Please, come in. We always welcome those seeking enlightenment."

Tom and Brad exchanged a quick glance, both trying to hide their shock. Sister Kirsten? Right hand?

Craig led them into the building, through halls that still bore the unmistakable feel of an institution, despite attempts to soften the atmosphere with tapestries and potted plants.

"I must say, it's wonderful to meet friends of Sister Kirsten," Craig said as they walked. "She's been such a blessing to our community. Her insights, her dedication to the Path... truly inspiring."

Tom struggled to keep his voice neutral. "Yeah, Kirsten's... something else. Actually, we were hoping to see her. Is she around?"

Craig's step faltered for just a moment. "Ah, I'm afraid Sister Kirsten is... unavailable at the moment. She's on a spiritual retreat, seeking deeper communion with the divine. But I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about our beliefs."

Brad and Tom shared another look, this one of alarm. Kirsten was missing, even from here?

Craig ushered them into a small office, gesturing for them to take a seat. "Now, tell me, what drew you to seek out the Great Church? What answers are you looking for in your lives?"

For the next hour, Tom and Brad found themselves engaged in a verbal dance with Craig. They asked vague questions about the church's beliefs, trying to glean any information they could about Kirsten or the true nature of this place. Craig, in turn, answered with the practiced ease of a man well-versed in recruitment, always steering the conversation back to the supposed benefits of joining their community.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows through the barred windows, Craig finally stood. "Well, gentlemen, I hope this conversation has been illuminating for you. We'd be overjoyed to welcome you into our family, should you choose to walk the Path."

Tom nodded, forcing a smile. "It's definitely given us a lot to think about. Thank you for your time."

As Craig led them back to the entrance, Brad spoke up. "By the way, when did you say Kirsten would be back from her retreat?"

Craig's smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "I'm afraid I can't say for certain. The journey to enlightenment takes as long as it takes. But I'm sure she'll be overjoyed to know her friends came seeking the truth."