Husbands and boyfriends began to cast uneasy glances at their mates and other women nearby.
The majority of the women sat up straighter, despite the men’s efforts to distract them with questions.
Gabriel moved to the front of the room and gave penetrating eye-to-eye contact with as many of his
intended guests as he could.
“I propose a plan that is so dynamic in its simplicity that not only will we gain the ‘forty acres and a
mule’ that we were promised, but our women will acquire power and wealth in such a subtle way that
no one will ever be the wiser.”
The women exchanged confused glances. Gabriel saw that it was time to separate the wheat from
the tares—the wanted from the unwanted.
“Women, this plan will mean going off to another place where you will be treated with respect and
kindness.”
A clamor arose as countless female voices posed the same question at once. “What about our
children?”
“Your children will remain with you,” he answered. “Whether you choose my plan or not.”
After a volley of responses, Gabriel went on with a statement that was certain to rile up his unwanted
guests. “Men, how you have been taught to perceive women must change. Those sitting right next to
you will have power, and we, as men, will support them in their efforts.”
“You have lost your fool mind,” Martin Carter growled, jumping to his feet. “Come on, Bertha.” He
yanked on his wife’s arm to get her moving. She went, though her expression showed that she clearly
wanted to stay.
Gabriel did not attempt to stop them. If she wasn’t strong enough to break with her husband on her
own, she would not have the strength to withstand the rigors that women in The Heaven Project would
have to endure.
The couple was soon followed by several others, the men practically dragging their women caveman-
style as they stormed out of the room and back into the foyer. Only one managed to tear herself away
and return to her seat. Gabriel wondered if more would do the same.
Most of the women stayed behind and Gabriel instructed the guards to bar re-entry to any man who
had to be forcibly separated from his mate and any woman who was too weak to stand up to her man.
Gabriel again addressed the audience, “For those who are ready, we will now move to Room 2.”
At first, the room grew strangely silent. Jean and Gabriel said nothing for a few seconds, giving
each woman a chance to make the heavy decision in a short time.
One irate husband cursed Gabriel and everyone within listening range. His petite, mocha-skinned
wife, unsettled by her husband’s actions, rushed to stand near Jean. They linked hands and Gabriel
gave the brave woman a reassuring smile. She answered with an adoring one of her own.
And so it began.
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