Let the Night Begin by Kathryn Smith

them—nor was she one of those who ridiculed Mr. Darwin’s theories or other scientific revelations. She simply believed that there was truth in both science and religion. And while she believed that humans and animals evolved, she also knew that when life was difficult, it wasn’t the Royal Academy she prayed to for comfort and strength.
    The interior of the church was warm and golden with candlelight, and Olivia was over the threshold with the door closed behind her before she truly realized she was even inside. Right then, at that exact moment, she knew the meaning of sanctuary. Lightness filled her soul with every step she took down the aisle toward the front of the church, her footsteps echoing in the otherwise empty building.
    â€œGood evening.”
    No, of course it wasn’t empty. At least she hadn’t embarrassed herself by yelping. Olivia stopped where she was, daring to glance at the priest. He wasn’t the same one who had been there yesterday. This priest was younger, sharper. Would this one recognize her for what she was? It always surprised her, though less now, that these men of God didn’t know a demon when they saw one.
    And this one was no different. He smiled at her as though she was just an ordinary woman, nothing the least bit remarkable about her at all. Inside, a part of her collapsed with relief. She returned the smile. “Good evening. Is it all right if I sit for a moment?”
    He seemed surprised that she would ask. “Of course, my dear lady.” He even went so far as to gesture to the pew second from the front. “Please.”
    Olivia seated herself on the polished wood, waiting until the priest left her before opening up her thoughts. She didn’t know if praying would help James. She didn’t know if praying did any good at all, or if the Almighty still listened to her voice. But it made her feel better to sit in a house of God and ask for the strength she needed to get through an ordeal. Even when searching her own heart, the peace and tranquility of a quiet church buoyed her spirit and made everything seem so much clearer.
    She was doing the right thing. Reign would never help her if he knew the kidnappers wanted him in exchange for James. No one in his right mind, unless he were a saint, would make such a sacrifice. And Reign was as far from saintly as a man could get.
    No, she would deal with the consequences of betraying Reign when they came. For now her only concern was James and seeing him safe again. Still, she wished there was some other way to bring him home. One that didn’t involve her husband at all.
    The prayer book in the pocket in front of her had a slip of folded paper sticking out of it, she noticed, jarring herself out of her thoughts—which were becoming clearer and clearer as the moments ticked on.
    Curiosity got the better of her and she picked up the paper, unfolding it as the church door behind her opened and then closed. Another late-night sinner, perhaps, she thought with a smile.
    But her humor was short-lived. Her smile froze as she read the words on the paper. There, in bold script, she read:
    Do not dawdle, Mrs. Gavin. James is depending upon you .
    Dread filled her, yanked her to her feet.
    The priest. He had specifically pointed out this pew.
    Her jaw clenched as she crushed the paper in her fist. They were following her. She’d known it. And the priest was one of them, or at least had been influenced by them. She could kill someone.
    â€œOlivia.”
    Her breath caught at that voice. Reign. He would help her. He would hold the false priest while Olivia tore him limb from limb.
    â€œDid you see a man?” she asked in a low voice as she turned to face him. “A young man with reddish hair, dressed as a priest?”
    He stared at her, obviously surprised by her predatory expression. “No.”
    â€œHe might still be here, then.” She moved her head to the side, trying to direct her