Hearths of Fire by Kennedy Layne

the long dirt drive that led the way to the heart of the Ashes to Dirt compound.
     Oak and maple trees were situated about the property, but they didn’t provide enough
     coverage to hide what was being done. Charlotte hadn’t been kidding when she’d said
     that the followers had been building housing structures throughout the land. The members,
     all dressed in black, were busy constructing the framing for what he assumed were
     residences. They counted at least six structures that were being put up and as he
     continued to drive the truck down the lane, it was easy to see the main house and
     the large red barn that was now being used as a church. A large steeple had been placed
     on the roof to signify its importance.
    For how disturbing the sight was, the sun was still shining down on the land. In a
     far pasture past the main house was a sizeable garden that was being tended to by
     women and children. A few heads turned their way but no one came to greet them. He
     had the driver’s side window cracked open and the blows of hammers and nail guns resounded
     through the air, hiding the resonance of nature. He looked over to where Charlotte’s
     eyes were wide with surprise and could tell even she was taken aback by the massive
     set-up they had going on here. Where exactly had Robert and Patricia picked up this
     many followers?
    “I’m not sure whether to be appalled or impressed that the Ashes could get this many
     people to leave their lives and join them in…well, whatever it is they are doing here,”
     Charlotte murmured, summing up exactly what Neal had been thinking. “It makes me wonder
     how they got the money to buy this property and how they feed this many people.”
    “I looked into their finances,” Neal replied, ensuring that his sidearm was clipped
     in place. He continued to take in his surroundings as he spoke. “These followers?
     They forked over every dime they had, along with their retirement plans. If you notice,
     the majority of people are either older or younger.”
    “Isn’t that against the law?”
    “Not if they were of sound mind and gave up their life savings of their own accord.
     I can’t imagine that made their families very happy.” Neal reached for the handle
     but stopped short of opening his door. He needed to make one thing clear. “You follow
     my lead. I don’t want you pulling anything like you did last night. Let me ask the
     questions.”
    “Then what am I supposed to do?” Charlotte asked, her cute brow back in that V that
     was becoming a permanent marker on her forehead. He ignored the need to run his thumb
     over the small crease. “I want to help.”
    “Then keep your eyes open for anything that seems out of place.” Neal stepped out
     of his truck and stated one more thing before slamming it shut. “Don’t leave my side.”
    Charlotte stayed in the passenger seat, waiting for Neal to walk around the truck
     to open her door. He could feel several sets of eyes on him as he held a hand out
     for her and it wasn’t until both of them had turned to face the house that he caught
     a glimpse of a curtain falling back into place. He positioned a hand on her lower
     back, sticking as close to her as he could. This visit might not go over as well as
     she’d hoped.
    “Ready?” Neal asked in a low voice, walking toward the wooden steps on the old farmhouse.
     With all the upgrading that was taking place, he wasn’t surprised to see a fresh coat
     of white paint across the timber. Charlotte never had the time to answer him as the
     door opened, along with the screened door, revealing Robert Ashe. “Showtime.”
    *
    “Neal Bauer, if I remember correctly.” Robert Ashe had a smile in place that made Charlotte feel
     as if winter had settled over the land. His teeth appeared as false as his buoyant
     attitude and she had to wonder how no one else saw through his façade. His brown hair
     reminded her of men from a previous century where the sideburns