Held (Gone #2) Read Free Page B

Don't be rude." He pulled on her harder, forcing her to walk or fall down.
    Luckily, her feet cooperated. Though she stumbled, she walked with Chester as he held her hand. They stopped when they were only a couple feet from the four creepy strangers.
    The shortest man, the one in front, nodded at them. "You must be Heather. Your dad has told us so much about you."
    She stared at him, her mouth too dry to reply.
    "I'm Jonah and these are my assistants. You'll get to know us quite well. Has your dad told us anything about us?"
    Macy shook her head no, hoping that was the right answer.
    He smiled, his dark brown eyes squinting as he did. "Good, good. He's followed our directions. Our community is private and we don't discuss it out in the world. Is that something you can agree to also?"
    Macy nodded, swallowing. She would be happy never mentioning anything that she had been through, if it meant she had the chance to get away.
    "Let's go inside and get acquainted. The sooner we get the rules out of the way, the sooner you two can settle into your home. Your new mom has been busy getting the house ready. She's so excited to meet you."

 
     
    Community
     
     
    The shack was nicer on the inside than on the outside. It had a clean, beige carpet that covered the room. Furniture was minimal, but nice. It was all the same color as the carpet. The walls were white and a table with eight chairs sat off to the side.
    Jonah pointed to the floor. "Let's sit."
    Macy looked at the couch and back to him. Was he serious? All the adults sat down. Apparently he was. She sat next to Chester. It bothered her that she felt more comfortable next to him. But then again, she at least knew that he wasn't going to kill her. The other four—who knew?
    No one said anything for a full five minutes. Macy looked around, her pulse still pounding in her ears.
    Finally, Jonah looked at her. "Before you two you enter our community, you must go through the purification process to wash the world off. You can't have even a trace."
    Macy's eyes widened.
    As if answering her thoughts, Jonah continued. "The world is full of evil and we all must become clean before leaving it. Anytime we are forced to go back out there, we must purify ourselves before entering."
    Macy nodded even though she had no idea what he was talking about.
    "Once you're clean, I will explain everything. Your dad is the head of your household, so he will go first." Jonah rose and so did Chester. They walked to a door that Macy hadn't noticed. Jonah opened it and Chester walked in, closing it behind him.
    The lady looked at Macy. "My name is Eve, Heather. I'm looking forward to having you join our community."
    "Thanks." Macy couldn't take her eyes off the door the Chester went through.
    "Your dad is cleaning the world off."
    Just then the sounds of a shower were heard.
    Eve continued, "When he has scrubbed its evil away, he will put on clean, white clothes and join us. Then it will be your turn. You'll find the cleaning supplies in the bathroom and it's important that you scrub every inch of yourself. We can't have any remnants entering our land. Will you be able to do that or do you need help?"
    "I can scrub myself."
    "You'll have to work hard. Your skin should burn."
    "Okay. So hard it burns. Got it."
    "Good. We'll give you a proper welcome after you've gone through the purification. You understand we can't touch you while the vile world is still on you."
    Macy nodded, but had no clue what Eve meant. She had a feeling that she would understand all too well soon enough.
    "We'll sit in silence while we wait. Meanwhile, reflect on good and evil."
    What did that mean? Macy looked down at her hands, pretending to think about it. It felt like forever before she finally heard the water stop. Did that mean Chester had purified himself? And did that mean she was about to take another shower? Why had he had her take a shower before they left? Did he think she needed to be extra clean?
    The door opened and