Days passed. The time flowed begrudgingly slow. There was no invite from Victor Hale, no talks of great miracles.
Ein had a hunch the news hadn't even reached the cult leader.
The two hitmen lingered in the main hall of the cult's compound, standing off to the side like they didn't quite belong.
A faint scent of incense lingered in the air, clinging to the polished floors and high ceilings.
It appeared only Fridays with their Main Prayer were more filled with movement. Now, the halls were unnervingly quiet, save for the soft shuffle of members in white clothes drifting past.
They had to get to Hale before Friday if they didn't want to run into any issues with drugs again.
Adriel, energetic as usual, was circling the guards by Sector C doors to create a gust of wind, all for his own entertainment.
Ein watched the members, their eyes forward and heads bowed like living zombies, all heading to their assigned responsibilities, group activities, or prayer sessions.
Dean leaned against the wall, tapping his fingers impatiently.
"Been here how many days now?" Dean muttered under his breath, keeping an eye on the passing members. "And we're still no closer to getting in with Hale."
"Mhm." Ein hummed distractedly, raising an eyebrow at Adriel, who was now waving his hands in front of the guards' faces as if checking whether there might be someone who could see him.
"It's a waste of time. Let's just force our way through, take Hale by surprise. Get it over with," Dean suggested.
Ein shook his head, his eyes scanning the hallway for any signs of trouble. "No. We do this quietly. Keep violence to minimum."
He needed to get Victor Hale off of the cult's base as subtly as possible. Avery had parked a car by the forest on the riverside as per Ein's request.
All Ein needed to do was get the cult leader to the car, knock him out, drive back to his apartment, where Adriel's body was sitting in the fridge, then perform the ritual with the moonstone.
The only problem was Dean.
"Quietly?" Dean scoffed. "We're not exactly blending in, are we? It's only a matter of time before..."
The door to Sector C opened, and Dean's words faded out.
Joshua slipped out of the door, a polished smile on his face. He wore a gray suit, unlike everyone else, seemingly on his way out again. Perhaps to bring in more members.
"Ah, there you are." Joshua greeted them. His deer-like eyes darted between Ein and Dean, lingering on their faces not too long, not too little.
"I haven't seen you join any of our activities yet," he mentioned. "I must remind you that it's important for our members to immerse themselves in the community. We are one big family, you see."
Dean straightened, his posture shifting into something more defensive. Ein gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. Neither of them were thrilled at the thought.
Joshua stepped closer, his smile never faltering. "In families, there's nothing more important than integrating yourself into the routines and shared activities, wouldn't you agree?" He clicked his tongue softly, as if scolding children. "Leave your individualism behind, brothers."
Dean's jaw clenched, and Ein could practically hear his thoughts. It was something along the lines of 'bastard thinks we'll dance to his flute like idiots.'
The ghost scoffed, shooting a glare at Joshua. "Not even an apology after the mess with the drugs? And now he's trying to rope you into some 'family activity'? What the heck?"
"We're still adjusting," Ein spoke up. "Getting used to this... environment."
The deer-like eyes sharpened. "Adjustment can only happen through participation. I think it would do you both some good to attend one of our gatherings. It would be unfortunate if you were seen as distant."
Dean looked like he wanted to scoff, but kept it to himself. "We'll take it into account," he forced out.
Joshua's smile returned full force. "Good! Then I must say, just so happens that there are two spots open in one of the groups this morning." He turned, gesturing down the hall. "Our book club."
Dean choked on a laugh. "Book club? Do we look like nerds?"
A flicker of mockery crossed Joshua's kind smile, as quick as a flutter of butterfly's wings. "Reading can open the mind. I'm sure you will find it beneficial."
Ein exchanged a quick glance with Dean. With the way Joshua was looking at them, they didn't have a choice. Denying him would unnecessarily put them in the center of attention.
"Alright," Ein said, keeping his voice measured. "We'll check it out."
Joshua beamed, turning to walk ahead, leading them down the corridor. "Excellent! Follow me. You'll fit right in."
A ghost's snort came from Ein's side. "I doubt it."
As they followed, Dean leaned in close to Ein, muttering under his breath. "This prick just called me narrow-minded. You've gotta be kidding me. Does he think I'm an idiot?"
Ein glanced at Dean with a smirk, neither admitting, nor denying.
Dean narrowed his eyes and gave Ein a shove. "Your face gets on my nerves."
Meanwhile, Adriel was chuckled behind their backs, getting his fill of amusement. "Two hitmen in a book club... That's the last thing I expected to see after dying."
The club's room was cozy, filled with plush chairs and a large round table in the center. The other member were already seated, holding open books with no titles in their laps.
Joshua gestured for them to sit, then flashed one last smile. "I'm leaving you in good hands. Enjoy."
Dean waited ten seconds after Joshua left before getting up to leave, but the member in charge of the club had already positioned herself in front of them.
"Welcome! You've chosen a wonderful day to join us. We were just about to begin our bookmark workshop!" a woman with a neat, short bob greeted them warmly. "I'm Sandra. If you need anything or have any questions, please raise your hand and I'll come to you."
Adriel almost laughed his head off as Dean slowly slid back into his seat with a mortified expression.
"Aw, why the sour look? Is making a bookmark too girly for you, princess?" the ghost teased. "But don't you worry, it's not too hard to do. I'm sure you'll manage to make a killer bookmark."