Some chuckles from the old heads. I had no clue what he was talking about.

“It was a good question. I know most everyone in here knows where their children are at that time of night. What about during the day? Do you always know?”

Some grumbling. Some cheers, probably from folks still thinking this was some abstract example.

“Did you all know where your children were yesterday afternoon?”

Oh. No.

“It has been brought to my attention that our bright, promising Purity Pledge class attended an event on the campus of Commonwealth University yesterday. It was hosted by a woman who makes sexually explicit internet videos, and I’m certain if you’re the parents of these children, you were unaware until this very moment.”

The ripple effect was wide and immediate. Parents twisting in pews, asking stern questions of Helena and Shanice. Mya’s mother pointed to her in the choir stand, making a silent promise for later discussion. Across the aisle, Jameer’s parents remained composed. He shuddered. His punishment would not be public.

Ralph and Bobby Burton were by themselves, only contending with the flicked glances from adults who would undoubtedly fill their mom in later. The Westings craned their necks to Kiera, seated between them, flanking her with their disapproval.

On the front pew, Sister Vanessa hunched forward, head in hands, either in prayer or tears. Best I could figure, our escape from the CU auditorium wasn’t as successful as I thought. She’d seen us. Had reported back. And now . . .

Newsome said, “We know here, at First Missionary, our children are not prone to bad behavior, or deception. At least they didn’t learn it from us.” He held his Bible high. “Or this. There has been an outside influence—a wolf—integrated among our sweet flock, and Lord help me, I let it happen.”

Mom gripped my arm, like she used to when I was little and she needed me to stand still, or stop running through a store. Something like fear pulsing off her.

“The Purity Pledge was meant to be so, so holy,” he said. “It has been sullied. It saddens me to say that I can’t allow it to continue. Not in its current incarnation.”

Sister Vanessa sprang up. “Pastor, no!”

His immediate response was ice. “See. Even my own niece rebels when under the shadow of the evil spirit that has taken hold of these children.”

Evil spirit. Me. He was talking about me.

“The Purity Pledge is done. No final ceremony, no Purity Ball! Not until we cleanse this house! Can I get an amen?”

He got it. The amens rattled the foundation.

“Every head bowed! Every eye closed! We will chase Satan off this day!”

They obeyed, praying for the solution. To expel the evil spirit. Truth was, there might have been something to it. I never wanted to leave a place so badly.

If I wasn’t evil, I was stubborn. I wouldn’t give Newsome the satisfaction. Because this time he was Prayer Peeking, like me.