Yesterdays Gone: SEASON TWO (THE POST-APOCALYPTIC SERIAL THRILLER) (Yesterday's Gone)

time is up. The Sanctuary offers no solace to sinners.”
    Will felt the acid churn in his gut.
    What have I done? I can’t get the rest of them kicked out.
    “Listen,” Will said, trying to smother the flames of his reckless behavior. “I don’t know what I’ve done to cause offense, but it wasn’t intentional. I’ve abided by your rules.   All of them. And I’ve not spoken a word against your customs. I’ve helped in every way I’ve been asked. So, if there’s something I’ve personally done to you, please forgive me. But don’t take it out on my friends. If you want me to leave, I’ll leave right now.”
    Brother Rei stared at him, then sat back and folded his fingers on his desk. Whatever the weasel had expected to happen, Will had thrown him with his offer. Brother Rei’s eyes, and the uncertainty lurking like fear within them, said he was contemplating his next step with caution.
    “You will leave? Just like that? Right now?”
    “I’d like to take a few of my things, and tell the others I’m going. But yes, I’ll leave.”
    “And what will you tell the others? That I pushed you out, made you go away, gave you an ultimatum?”
    “No, because then they’d leave here with me, and I don’t want that. I don’t have to believe what you believe to think they are still safest here. I even told them so when The Prophet asked Mary to choose here or outside. I’ve never been one to stay too long in one place. They know that, and aren’t likely to think much of it.”
    Brother Rei leaned forward a second time. “The Prophet and Brother John are kind men. The Prophet has already once allowed the wrong people into our Sanctuary. I, however, was not a kind man before coming here. And I have no problem tapping into that darkness to preserve the light of this holy place. I will allow you to leave, but you must do so today. And you must convince the rest of your friends that this was your idea. Because even though The Prophet gave them a choice, I will never allow them to leave, at least not with the child.”
    “Luca?” Will asked.
    “Yes. He is a gift from God, and it would be an affront to allow him to be corrupted by your world. If they attempt to leave with him, they will die. Each and every one of them, including the girl.”
    “I can’t believe The Prophet or John would allow that,” Will said.
    “The Prophet isn’t doing especially well. He’s come down with something vile. To be blunt, I’m not sure he’ll live to see the completion of his church.” The corner of Brother Rei’s mouth crinkled, just enough to make Will certain he had something to do with The Prophet’s sudden illness.
    “And John? Certainly you don’t think John will stand by and let you take control of this place, let alone murder his friends?”
    “John is not a concern,” Brother Rei said. “I have won the loyalty of my brothers. If there’s a war for heart and soul of The Sanctuary, have no doubt, I will be the victor. I have God, and the men, on my side.”
    Will stared at him, then smiled.
    “Why are you telling me all this?”
    “You’re leaving,” Brother Rei said. “And I have two guards outside this room right now to ensure my absolute safety. These men will be your shadow until you leave. And you will leave promptly after dinner. I’ll make a big announcement, let everyone know how truly sorry I am to see you go. You will be given a car and some supplies. Then we’re done here, do I make myself clear?”
    “Yes,” Will said, anxious to get the hell out of the tiny room.
    Will stood and headed for the door, tempted to turn back, and put a bullet in Brother Rei. Maybe three. But that would be changing things, and Will knew that was forbidden. Brother Rei was in the dreams of what was to come, so that meant he was still alive. Even if Will were to get a shot off, fate would intervene long enough to keep the weasel breathing.
    Will was strapped in, committed to the roller-coaster ride, all the way to the end. He knew all too well the dangers of attempting to change fate.

    * * * *

LUCA HARDING: PART 1

    Luca wasn’t feeling well before lunch, but he didn’t say anything to anyone until he had a mouth filled with meat he couldn't chew, let alone swallow. Everyone gave him looks that said they were sorry he was sick, except for Brother Rei, who gave him a look Luca didn’t understand, even though it made him feel a little bit black inside.  
    Luca excused himself from the table, then