They climbed the wide front steps to the arched front doors and went into the chapel. Henson came out from behind the pulpit and strode toward them. In his long white robes, a glittering gold sun on the front, he was an impressive figure, a tall man with sandy brown hair and a handsome face.

Henson stopped directly in front of them. “You must be Mr. Logan and Ms. Delaney. I’m Reverend Daniel Henson. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Henson offered a handshake both of them reluctantly accepted. After the rumors they’d heard in town and being turned away yesterday, Daniel wasn’t one of their favorite people.

The reverend’s gaze slipped over Skye’s body, and she caught a hint of male interest. Edge must have noticed it, too. His shoulders went straighter, and hard lines appeared beside his mouth.

Henson smiled at Skye. “I understand you’re Callie’s sister. I appreciate your concern—admire it, even. Callie’s lucky to have someone who cares about her enough to drive all the way out here.”

“When can I see her?” Skye asked.

“Well, that’s the unfortunate thing. We have a strict non-communication policy that applies to any new disciple. It isn’t fair to the others to break the rules for Callie. I hope you understand.”

“I’m sure you have rules, but Callie’s mother is worried about her, and I promised to come down and make sure she’s all right. I’m not leaving until I talk to her. Once that happens, we’ll be on our way.”

Henson sadly shook his head. “I’m sorry. Your sister is of legal age. She made the decision to come here of her own free will. She agreed to accept the conditions. In a few more months, she can call you—or you can call her. Until then, there’s nothing I can do. Now I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

Skye’s stomach tightened as her concern for her half-sister escalated. “Can I at least see her? That way I’ll know nothing bad has happened to her. I can tell her mother I saw her and she was okay.”

Henson looked over Skye’s head and motioned to someone behind her. Skye turned to see the big red-haired man from the gate standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest.

“If you’re that determined,” Henson said, “Dutch will drive you out to the vegetable garden where Callie and some of the other women are working. That is the best I can do.”

Skye flicked a glance at Edge. His intense blue eyes looked fierce. She knew him well enough to understand he was holding onto his temper by a thread.

“All right,” she said. “I guess that’s better than nothing.”

“Come with me,” Dutch said. Turning, he started striding up the aisle toward the door, and Skye fell in behind him. Edge started after them, but Henson’s sharp command stopped him.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for her here. Visitors are not allowed in that part of the compound. For Callie’s sake, I’m making an exception.”