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“Master, what an honor,” she said, and only now noticed she’d messed up by sticking her lower dentures where her uppers should go, and vice versa. She quickly rectified the situation, and said, “What can I do for you?”

“The situation between you and Scarlett has left me uneasy in my mind, Vesta,” said Omar. “And I don’t mind admitting I feel like this is all on me. I probably should have handled the situation better than I did.”

Damn right he’d fumbled the ball, but instead she said, “Oh, no. This is all Scarlett’s fault, Omar. She’s one of those people who like to create trouble wherever they go.”

“The thing is, Vesta, that I don’t want to lose you. Soul Science needs you—I need you. So I wanted to ask you personally, is there any chance you’d reconsider quitting and stay on board instead? You’re one of our top recruiters, as I already indicated during the meeting, and it’s people like you that have made us what we are right now: the fastest-growing religion in the country.”

“Well…” she said.

“Look, I’m not going to beat about the bush, or take up too much of your time, and I don’t want you to decide right away. But will you at least sleep on it? You’re very important to me, Vesta, and in case you were wondering, this is not something I tell all of my followers. You’re special. I sensed it right away, and I feel it would be a huge loss if you quit now, both for us, and for you. So will you do me a favor and reconsider?”

“Oh, Omar,” she said with a smile. “You had me at hi. You really did!”

“That’s such a relief,” he said with a chuckle, and she could hear he meant it. Such a great guy. “In Soul Science we talk a lot about the soul connection, and that’s what I feel you and I have. A connection from soul to soul. You can feel it too, can’t you?”

“Yes, I can,” she said. “I felt it from the moment I laid eyes on you. A deep connection. In fact I haven’t felt this strongly about anyone since my husband passed away.”

“Well, that’s fine then,” said Omar. “Listen, if you’re free tomorrow night…”

“Say no more,” she said, suddenly feeling a little giggly. “I’ll be there.”

“Wear something special,” he said warmly.

“Oh, you betcha.”

After she’d disconnected, she was feeling as giddy as a schoolgirl after her first kiss. Did this actually just happen? Did Master Omar just ask her out on a date? Well, of course he had. The man clearly had taste, and saw the potential for a deeper association with one of his top followers.

And as she got out of bed and scampered to the window like a young gazelle, she leaned her elbows on the windowsill and looked up at the full moon with a tender smile.

Soon the wedding bells would ring out, and already she was practicing her‘I do.’ It had been a long time since she’d been led down the aisle by her daddy, but she was ready to do it all over again, this time with the most deserving man in the universe. Of course her daddy wasn’t amongst those present anymore to lead her down the aisle, but she could always ask Alec. Maybe Omar could even make her bald son’s hair grow out again in time for the wedding, and make him look more or less presentable to give her away.

“Take that, Scarlett Canyon,” she muttered under her breath, and as she heaved a happy sigh, she suddenly wondered if Omar would expect his bride to wear white. And if they’d get married in church. She’d have to have a word with Father Reilly, if he minded marrying the head of a rival church. But even if he did, she’d make him see the light, or else. No one was going to ruin what was surely going to be the best day of her life.

Chapter 18

The next morning, bright and early, saw me and Dooley striding along the sidewalk, en route into town. We were on a mission from Odelia, who’d instructed us to find out as much as we possibly could about Master Omar and Jaqlyn Jones both. To the casual observer this might have looked like a tall order, but in actual fact Dooley and I are old paws at this detecting game. We have our spies and informants everywhere, and it was those spies and informants we were now going to pump for information.

Truth be told I’d also wanted to get out of the house as soon as possible, before Harriet woke up and launched into another discussion about the nature of the soul. Frankly I’d had enough religious discussions to last me a lifetime.

“Max?” now spoke Dooley. “Do you see anything different about me?”

I glanced over and told him that he looked exactly the same as usual.

He seemed to perk up at these words.“So you don’t think my brain has been washed by Master Sharif?”

“As I told you last night, Dooley, brains can’t be washed. A person can be brainwashed, but no actual washing of the brain takes place.”

“Phew,” he said. “I’m so relieved.” This matter resolved to his satisfaction, he launched into a topic that clearly was close to his heart. “Do you think we’ll have to go and listen to Master Sharif every night from now on?”

“I hope not,” I said. “Frankly once was more than enough for me.”