Chapter Seventeen
The Sanctuary
Around the corner from an abandoned lot, a windowless building appeared. A short line of people waited to gain entry though a door that blended seamlessly into the front facade. By the time I got there, I saw the back of Joseph’s shoulders enter the door. The words, The Sanctuary, were written in large white letters on the black bricks above the entrance. I waited in line to get in. When my turn came a large dark-skinned security guard c****d his head to the side when he saw me in my robe and veil. Even though he looked quite intimidating, he was very polite to me.
“Are you sure you’re at the right place, Sister?” he asked, smiling.
“I believe so, yes,” I said. “Are only men allowed in?”
“No. Women are always welcome, as long as they’re over 18. Do yo
