Apocalypse Cult (Gray Spear Society) by Alex Siegel Page A

stood before the Church of the Healing Trinity. It occupied a retail space next to a karate studio in a strip mall. Inspirational sayings, such as "God Heals" and "Jesus Can Cure You," were painted in bold script on the plate glass windows. Given the context, they were less than convincing.
    "They know me as a police detective named Withers," Marina said. "You'll be a cop, too. Pick a name."
    "Uh, Stan Stone," Aaron said.
    "Sounds like a trashy detective novel, but it will do."
    She led him inside. Five closely spaced pews faced a small altar on a pedestal. No sermon was in progress, and some men were sleeping on the pews. Their sharp body odor made Aaron breathe through his mouth instead of his nose.
    Marina knocked on the back wall near the altar. A moment later, a black man in purple religious vestments came through a door. He had sparse gray hair and glasses with thick black rims.
    "Detective Withers," the preacher said, "even though you never bring me good news, your lovely face is always welcome. It's been a long while."
    She smiled. "I missed your silver tongue. This is Sergeant Stone."
    "Glad to meet you." The preacher shook Aaron's hand. "I'm Reverend Anthony. How can I help you?"
    "We're investigating the Church of One Soul."
    The reverend's cheery smile vanished. "I know about them."
    "There are allegations they are distributing narcotics."
    "I heard those rumors, too." He nodded. "Makes sense."
    "What do you mean?" Marina said.
    "Zealots always believe the ends justify the means. They commit heinous acts, even murder, and then argue it's all for the good. Makes me sick."
    Aaron looked at her to check her reaction. The reverend's complaint might as easily apply to the Gray Spear Society.
    She just nodded in a professional manner. "That may be true," she said, "but I'm here to investigate a crime. What can you tell me about the narcotics?"
    "This 'church' has people all over the city wearing those ugly green robes. They never stop talking about Simon, as if he were the true Savior." The reverend pretended to spit at the floor. "It's the perfect cover for drug dealers. If you make a big enough donation, you get a special bonus with your pamphlet."
    "Slick. Deals can go down in broad daylight. Have you actually seen a suspicious transaction?"
    "No," he said, "but I hear things."
    "Can you give us an address where they do a lot of business?" Marina asked.
    "Sorry, no. I'm not a customer."
    She sighed, obviously frustrated.
    "Then maybe you can give us the name of somebody who can help us," Aaron said.
    The reverend rubbed his chin slowly. "There is a dealer who got out of county jail a month ago. Craig Parker. He's trying real hard to get his life straight, but he still knows the business. If you tell him I sent you, he might cooperate. He trusts me."
    "We'll do that. Thank you. The department appreciates good citizens like you."
    "Just bust those a-holes. That's all the thanks I want."
    "Don't worry," Marina said. "We'll get them off the streets. All of them."
    She and Aaron left the church and walked back to the van. He was glad to breathe fresh air, even if it was hot and humid.
    "Call Ethel," Marina ordered. "Update her on the situation, and ask her to locate Craig Parker."
    He took his bulky phone out of his pocket and stared at it. "What's her number?"
    "All our important numbers are on speed dial, and you have to unlock the phone first. Did you read the instructions?"
    "Well, I was planning to do it after..."
    She rolled her eyes and showed him how to call Ethel. A little embarrassed, he put the phone against his ear.
    "Hello?" Ethel answered.
    "Aaron here. We have new information, ma'am. The Church of One Soul is selling heroin. The people on the street corners hand out more than just pamphlets."
    "That's useful to know."
    "We need to find a guy named Craig Parker. He recently spent some time in Cook County Jail."
    "Hang on," she said. "I'll give the name to Edward."
    Aaron heard her walking and talking in the