Fate's Edge

dormitory.
    Ahead, Audrey called, “Y’all don’t rush now, I don’t want any of you falling.”
    “Is that a Southern accent, if you don’t mind my asking?” Ed asked. “Georgia perhaps?”
    “Florida,” Kaldar said, just out of spite.
    “Oh. What brings you to sunny San Diego?”
    “Business. Real estate.”
    “There is plenty of that around here.” Ed gave a hearty laugh.
    “Indeed.”
    Audrey inspected the dormitory, letting the boys lead her.
    “Your wife is very passionate about doing good works, I see.”
    “She is very generous,” Kaldar nodded. “Luckily, I’m in no danger of bankruptcy.”
    Ed chuckled. If he had been a cartoon, his eyes would’ve ignited with dollar signs.
    Audrey came full circle and headed back toward them. Her eyes shone, and her face was slightly flushed, just enough to put all sorts of interesting thoughts into a man’s head. She held on to Jack and ruffled his hair. “Isn’t he just the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen? I want to take him home.”
    “Feel better, doll?” Kaldar asked her.
    Audrey let go of Jack, leaned forward, and Kaldar kissed her, carefully so as not to smudge her lipstick. Their lips barely touched, but for once he was grateful for the tailored trousers of his suit. Most men didn’t go erect from a casual kiss from their wives.
    “Yes, I do. Thank you, darling.”
    “Livie, this is Ed Yonker. He’s in charge here.”
    “Nice to meet you, preacher.”
    Audrey beamed. Kaldar was prepared for the smile, but it took even him off guard. Ed Yonker blinked. Paul had to have a private moment studying the floor. Kaldar slid his arm around Audrey and cupped her butt possessively, a fact Ed Yonker noticed and obviously filed for further reference. Dear Gods, Audrey had a nice ass.
    “I do miss going to church,” Audrey prattled on. “Jonny has been so busy lately. One day we’re in Seattle, then in Nevada, now here. We never get to worship anymore. Especially in such a lovely church. Y’all seem like such nice people, and your kids are darling.”
    Ed finally collected his wits. “As you can see, only a small group of our younguns stay here. Most of them stay with us at the camp.”
    Audrey opened her eyes wider. “What kind of camp?”
    “That’s where most of our services take place. The Blessed Youth Witness Camp and the Wooden Cathedral.”
    Audrey turned to Kaldar. “Can we see the camp, darling?”
    “Not today, doll,” he told her. “I have a business meeting.”
    “I don’t mean to be rude or to upset you,” Ed said. “But the Wooden Cathedral is a special place for our congregation. That’s where we worship and meet in fellowship. One must aspire to be a member of our church to visit there.”
    They were losing Ed’s attention.
    Audrey pretended to pout and made a small dog noise. Nicely done, but Ed still didn’t seem involved.
    “No, Livie,” Kaldar shook his head. “As I said, I have an auction to attend today. Ed has his congregation to look after. He can’t exactly give us a grand tour. I do apologize again for the interruption.”
    “No problem at all.” Ed nodded, amicable. The hint had flown clear over his head. Ed was swimming away and fast. “What is it you said you did?”
    “Real estate,” Kaldar said.
    “My husband provides housing for poor people,” Audrey said proudly, petting his shoulder. “He owns apartments, and when people can’t pay their rent, he buys them back and turns them into stores.”
    Kaldar grimaced. “Livie . . .”
    “It’s something to be proud of,” she said.
    Slum lord, tons of money, beautiful wife without a brain, and loads of guilt. Come on, Ed. Come on. Take the bait.
    Ed considered it. The thought flashed in his eyes for a moment and dulled. “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you folks. Paul here will show you out.”
    Damn it.
    “Later!” Kaldar raised his hand and steered Audrey to the exit.
    “I really wanted to see the camp,” Audrey pouted.
    “Sorry, doll. Besides, tonight we have to go visit Magdalene, remember? Your brother recommended her?”
    Behind them, Ed Yonker came to life like a shark sensing a drop of blood in the water.
    Three.
    Kaldar put a little pressure on the small of Audrey’s back. And we’re walking away. Walking away . . .
    Audrey let out a cute sigh. “I suppose. It will be boring. Those people are always boring.”
    “It’s supposed to be inspiring,” Kaldar said. “I’m sure you’ll like it. Supposedly, she