Gatherers4Christ

Episode #11 - Quake: Epilogue - Fair Warning

2010-06-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

_____ _____ _____

They didn’t meet in Director Fuller’s office. The second the Storm Breaker set down on the rooftop of the Federal Building, Fuller, Shiva, Fronk and Erin made their approach. They climbed aboard before Lenox, Staci, LeBeau and Bandjough made any moves. Shiva closed the door behind him.

“We have problems,” Fuller began, putting on a headset so that the two pilots could listen in. “Tristian Salvadori has told me that he is fully aware of who we are as Christians and he doesn’t intend to let it rest. He didn’t say when he would do something about it, but he did tell me that our lives would be made miserable by him personally in the not too far future.” He turned to Lenox. “I know you’re not with us on this, Michael, but I fear for your soul. I’m afraid that the Antichrist might use you against us if you don’t make a decision about Christ soon.”

Lenox shook his head. “If you’re talking about me betraying any of you, you’re way off base, Director. That’s not going to happen.”

“Michael, you don’t know that. You can’t be sure because you don’t believe as we do. You can’t live on the outside without eventually being forced to make a choice based on your duty or your own beliefs. We’re going to be against you at some point. We’ll do something that will compromise you and that will force you to do something you may not want to do.” He made eye contact with him. “The sooner you admit that, the better it will be for you to start seeing the truth.”

“If you’re so certain I’ll turn against you, why don’t you order me to get out so you can continue with your private meeting?”

“Because you know where we’re going. If I don’t tell you, you’d still figure it out in very little time.”

Lenox nodded. “Bunker Island.”

“I still don’t know why you guys call it an island,” Staci commented. “It’s not an island at all.”

Lenox glanced at her. “So, you’re going there to, what…hide? Because you think it‘s only a matter of time before Salvadori comes after you?”

Fuller nodded. “Essentially, yes.”

“You really think he’s going to come after you?”

“Yes, I do.”

Lenox thought about it. “I think you’re all crazy.” He looked at Fuller. “For what it’s worth, I won’t tell him.”

“It’s my prayer that you never meet the man personally. He can be very persuasive, Michael.” He paused. “He’s going to the White House and Vice President Marcus Quatermain is going to give him the royal treatment.”

Shiva nodded his head. “Yeah, but President Ballou is going to attack the White House when the Antichrist gets into the White House. He has a small army ready for it.”

Lenox turned to regard him. “How do you know about that?”

“I was speaking to someone who has learned of it before the quake. His name is Kempner. Sean Kempner.”

Lenox recognized the name but he didn’t respond to it. He turned to Fuller. “I’d say the action is going to be centered on the White House in a few days, wouldn’t you?”

Fuller agreed.

There was a pause.

Lenox looked around. He frowned. “I only have one question…Where is Bear?”

Episode #11 - Quake: Chapter 55 - The Good Shepherd

2010-06-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

Fifty-Five
The Good Shepherd

Shiva had been picked up by one of the black helicopters and taken over to the Federal Building. As he was walking down the darkened stairwell with a flashlight to light his way, he discovered Fronk, Erin, and Carr walking up the stairwell. They all reached the same landing they were heading for at the same time.

“You guys look a wreck,” Shiva commented. “You okay?”

“We were stuck in an elevator,” Erin said.

Fronk nodded grimly. “Yeah. With Mr. Ed. We’re coming back up to see if the Director is okay.”

“And the Advocate,” Carr added.

The others ignored his comment.

“Where were you?” Fronk asked Shiva.

Shiva aimed a thumb behind him. “I was on the rooftop of the building across the street. Before the quake, someone was going to take a shot at Tristian Salvadori.”

Carr glared at him. “What? Did you catch this man? Where is he now?”

“Man, he’s gone. I had him once, but after the quake, he disappeared.” He decided he wasn’t going to share any more detail with Carr present.

Carr continued to glare at him. Then, he abruptly pushed his way past them and hurried out of the stairwell. He fully intended to get a team of agents to investigate the building and search for this suspected assassin.

“Come on, let’s get to the Director,” Fronk said.

The three of them continued together. They found Director Fuller sitting at his desk in the ruins of his office. He didn’t look well.

“Director, are you alright?” Shiva asked, concerned.

Erin looked around, hesitant to enter until she was certain that the Antichrist was gone. When she saw no sign of him, she came into the office but kept close to Fronk.

Fuller shook his head. “No, I’m not alright.”

“What’s wrong?” Fronk asked. “What happened…and where is he whose name should not be mentioned?”

Fuller paused. “He left.”

“Why did he want to see you?” Erin asked.

“We need to regroup.” Fuller looked at her. “Salvadori wanted to give me a warning. He knows about us…and he intends to make our lives a living hell.”

_____ _____ _____

Something bothered Staci more than she was willing to admit, even to herself, as she and Lenox were finally freed from being trapped beneath the warehouse. As she and Lenox were checked over by the EMP’s - in spite of her assurances that they were okay - she couldn’t help noticing something odd. It was the way Lenox reacted - or lack of reaction - with agents wearing their AIM jackets. The AIM agents seemed to respect Lenox’ space and they gave him plenty of room. It was as if they knew who he was and he knew them. As if they were allowing him to continue with whatever it was that he was doing.

She couldn’t explain it any other way. It was just a feeling…A hunch.

As the EMP’s were finishing, LeBeau, Bandjough, Yorke and Groh made their approach.

“We’ve got some bad news,” Yorke replied, glancing at Groh who was rubbing the back of his head. He turned to Lenox. “You’re not going to like this one bit.”

“Let me guess…” Lenox paused for affect. “Sebastian Crowe somehow managed to get away. And judging from the way Randy is reacting, I’d say that our killer clubbed him in the back of his head.”

Groh glared. “You guessed that right. Wow. You must be some kind of a detective.”

“What did he hit you with?”

“A piece of two-by-four that he pulled out from the debris when we were foolishly trying to dig you out.” He shook his head. “We got so into our task, we let out guard down. But, hey, you can be ticked off with me all you want. I’m even more ticked off with my partner, who wasn’t even in sight when I got clobbered.”

Yorke sighed. “I had my back turned.”

“So did I, but I’m still the one who got clobbered.”

“I can’t go home,” Staci said to Lenox. “He knows where I live.”

LeBeau held up a hand. “Excuse me…but that’s okay, Doc. The Director wants to see us as soon as we can leave from here.”

Lenox rose to his feet. “I’m sure we can do that. We’re not needed here. I think AIM has everything under control here, and I’m sure they’ll look after Crowe. They’ll catch him.” He turned to the pilots. “Lead to the Storm Breaker, gentlemen. Let’s not keep the Director waiting.”

As they walked away, Groh turned to Yorke. “You’re a real piece of work, you know that?”

Yorke frowned. “What did I do?”

“Cain has a vendetta against you, brother, but I’m the one he hits. Not you. Me.”

“Well, I’m sorry. The next time we catch him, I’ll give him your complaint.”

_____ _____ _____

For several hours, King had spent time in the main office of Camp Wood, going over his notes from the Bible that he intended to give. A fellow brother in Christ had been taken from them and the Lord was impressing upon his heart to offer words of encouragement to the others. Everyone for the most part had felt victorious during the baptisms, but that victory rapidly turned into a grievous defeat within a very short time.

After a time, there was a knock on the door and he looked up from his journal to find Saint standing in the doorway. Behind Saint was Sheriff Hoag.

“Robert’s back,” he said.

King rose to his feet. “Robert…we did not expect you to return.”

Hoag stepped into the office. “I didn’t expect to return myself, but…” He sighed. “Janice, Peter’s wife, didn’t want me to bring him home. I didn’t know where else to take him so I brought him here.”

King paused. “Perhaps we can find a place to bury him here.”

“We already dug him a grave and put him in it,” Saint replied solemnly. “I figured that after you spoke to us what God has laid on your heart, then we could cover him up.”
“Of course. I‘m ready to speak.”

“Then, I’ll gather the others.”

Saint left the office with Hoag.

Saint led the group in song with his guitar. As the people sang, King joined them with his Bible in his hand. Saint led them into a few more songs and then, after he said a word of prayer, he took his guitar and sat on the grass with Chris. Hoag sat with them.

King stood in front of the open grave and held his Bible before him. For a moment, he didn’t speak. He allowed the silence to help the others reflect on their own personal thoughts as he considered his own.

But finally, he said, “Peter was taken from us before many of us had a chance to know him…but this is not a defeat. The enemy wants us to think that he has struck a blow against us to cripple us from what our heavenly Father would have us do. But we are not defeated. We are not crippled. We are not hindered because I tell you that this is not a defeat. Peter is home. He is right now in a place where nothing can touch him. One day, we shall enjoy fellowship with him again.”

He paused as he opened his Bible. “I have been to Israel. I have been in the places where it has been said that our Lord walked. I once witnessed one of the most incredible things I had ever seen. At the time, I was not a Christian. At the time I saw this, I did not give it much consideration, but as a new Christian, I have been reminded of what I had seen and feel that this is what God would have me share with you. Now I will never forget it. The evening sun was setting and two shepherds approached a nearby well with their flocks. For approximately twenty minutes, the two men chatted while their sheep mingled and roamed about. The animals wandered everywhere. Soon, you could not tell one group from the other because they were so interspersed and scattered throughout the countryside.

“But then something extraordinary happened. One of the shepherds turned around, quietly called out a command, and started to walk away. Instantly those two flocks separated. The sheep recognized their master’s voice, and as he made his way up the hillside, they streamed in from every direction to follow him. They knew exactly what to do.”

King looked out at the group before him, making eye contact with many of them. “This is the relationship the Bible tells us we’re to have with the Lord Jesus. I did not know Peter as well as some of you did, but I do know that Peter had this relationship for it was evidenced in the way he lived his life. Jesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.’ 1 ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…’ 2 In other words, if we believe in Jesus as our Savior, then we should have faith in Him and do as He says.

“Do we recognize the Shepherd’s voice? When the Master speaks to us, do we even realize that it is Him? Listening to our heavenly Father is essential if we want to walk with Him. But what is even more crucial is that we truly believe the Good Shepherd’s love for us is everlasting, unyielding, and completely unconditional. We must be confident that He always provides what is absolutely best for us. Jeremiah 31:3 tells us, ‘The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.’ I hope you have discovered how awesome it is to have the all-sufficient, eternal, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, sovereign Lord of all creation to guide, protect, and provide for you in a personal way. I know what you may be thinking…Has Peter been guided to his death? Was Peter protected when the man who listens to Satan’s lies pushed him off the cliff, taking his life? Did God provide for Peter? I say to you, yes. God did guide Peter. God did protect him. God did provide for him. God did…as he does for us. He has given to us the same thing that Peter had accepted from Him. Salvation through the shed blood of His only begotten Son. In this lies guidance, protection and provision. As we seek an intimate relationship with Him and are obedient to His command, we will discover - as Peter did - that He knows exactly what we need and precisely the right moment to supply it. King David realized this, which is why he affirms, ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.’ 3”

King paused as he looked out at the group. He knew he had their attention. Their eyes were upon him and they wanted to hear what God had for them. Occasionally, someone would shout out an “Amen!” or a “Halleluiah!”

King continued, “But perhaps you have begun to think, I’ve been seeking God, but there are things I need and desires in my heart that He has not yet given me. Why doesn’t He answer my prayers?” He looked at Hoag. “I want to assure you that the Father always has your best interests at heart.” He raised his Bible. “Let’s take a look at Psalm 23 as a reminder of how faithfully He leads us and why we never have a reason to fear when we are following the Good Shepherd.”

He glanced at the Psalm. “The first thing we will see in this wonderful passage - a passage usually shared when a loved one has gone over to meet with the Lord - is how perfectly the Shepherd provides for us. ‘He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.’ 4 God not only supplies our physical needs, but also our emotional and spiritual needs. Nothing can satisfy our souls as He can. The Lord fills our desires for love, acceptance, companionship, and intimacy as no one else can. And He will never lead us to anything that could harm us. ‘Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?’ 5 If there is something that God has not yet given you, then you can be certain it is for a very good reason.

“Secondly, it is crucial for us to know and to understand that the Shepherd is interested in restoring and sanctifying our souls. ‘He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name‘s sake.’ 6

The Father hates sin because it creates emptiness, guilt, anger, and loneliness within our hearts and separates us from Him. So He heals us of our transgressions through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ, and He gives us the Holy Spirit to teach us to walk in a manner worthy of His Son. ‘Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gifts of the Holy Ghost.’ 7

“Third…the Shepherd wants to lead us through the valley of adversity to the mountaintops of victory. I assure you, Peter is on the mountaintop of victory. Death has no hold on him because he is covered by the blood of God’s only Son. ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.’ 8 Everyone experiences trials, conflicts, heartaches, and doubts at one time or another. But as believers, we are promised that no matter how hopeless our circumstances may appear, God will lead us through them. He will transform them into something positive in our lives. Because the Shepherd protects us, we know that our troubles will not leave lasting scars. Instead, every obstacle builds our character and brings us closer to Him than we’ve ever been before.

“Finally, the Shepherd has prepared an awesome destination for us - one that is far beyond our greatest expectations and hopes. Peter knows about this destination. ‘Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever’ 9 Today, we know how uncertainty the future has become. We have read in the Bible in prophecy how that in the last days, the tribulations will be worst than the tribulations of the past. In this uncertainty we may not know what will become of us, but the Father does know. God understands the path we are on better than we ever could, and He has gone before us to map out the very best route possible to get us to where we need to be. ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.’ 10

“Do you recognize the Shepherd’s voice?” King asked in conclusion. “When the Master speaks to you, do you realize who is speaking and immediately obey? One of the reasons we fail to experience life at its best is simply because we are not actually listening to His voice. Let us make a commitment today to follow the Good Shepherd more closely than we ever have before. May our cups overflow, and may His goodness and mercy bless us as we seek Him and serve Him all the days of our lives.”

The words were meant as encouragement, and many were encouraged. Their hearts still grieved over the loss of Peter, but hope was renewed. Saint and Hoag covered Peter with the dirt that had been dug up. When that was done, Hoag approached King.

“David,” he said softly without hesitation, “what must I do to be saved?”

King led Hoag on the Romans Road of Salvation.

_____ _____ _____

1 - John 10:14
2 - John 10:27
3 - Psalm 23:1
4 - Psalm 23:2
5 - Matthew 7:9 - 11
6 - Psalm 23:3
7 - Acts 2:38
8 - Psalm 23:4 - 5
9 - Psalm 23:5 - 6
10 - Jeremiah 29:11 - 13

Episode #11 - Quake: Chapter 54 - The Embodiment of Evil

2010-06-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

Fifty-Four
The Embodiment of Evil

LeBeau and Bandjough had left the others as they flew the Storm Breaker toward the Federal Building in hopes of returning with the help they needed. Their thoughts and prayers were for Staci and Lenox. However, they didn’t believe they would find the help they required. As they flew over Albany, they could see the devastation the earthquake had wrought. Help was needed throughout the city.

“Everyone needs help down there,” Bandjough commented. “This doesn’t look good, Ace. If we can’t bring back help, how are we going to get to Doc and Knox?”

LeBeau sighed wearily. “I don’t know.”

“Man…Knox isn’t even saved.”

“He’s not dead, Rookie! He didn’t sound even close to death. Come on, keep your thoughts on Him if ya feel like you’re gonna lose it.”

Bandjough glanced at him. “I’m trying. It just doesn’t look very hopeful.”

“Yeah, well, I heard that God is into doin’ the impossible. If anyone can make this come out right, He can.”

Bandjough paused. “You’re right.”

“Of course, I am. Or at least He is right. Isn’t that what He says in His Word? That He is the God of the impossible? Jesus Himself said, ‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.’ 1 So think on that. Alright?”

“Thanks, Ace.”

“Sure.” He suddenly tensed. “You’ve got to be kiddin’ me!”

Bandjough was about to ask him what was wrong when he saw for himself. The Storm Breaker was not the only aircraft flying over Albany. The sky seemed to be filled with black helicopters. Helicopters they had seen once before, only not as many.

“Bell ARH’s,” LeBeau snorted. “Justice.”

“I’ve…I’ve never seen so many in the same place before.”

“Yeah…well, welcome to the world as we know it after the Rapture.”

A voice came over their radio. “Storm Breaker, this is Commander Kevin Oakley of the AIM Relief Task Force.”

Bandjough frowned at LeBeau. “Relief Task Force? Get real.”

“Do you require assistance?”

The two pilots looked at each other.

“Was he askin’ us if we needed help?” LeBeau asked rhetorically. “Last time we faced these guys, they were ready to blow us out of the sky!”

“He said ‘AIM’, not Justice,” Bandjough pointed out.

The voice came back over the radio. “Storm Breaker, do you copy? Are you in need of assistance?”

LeBeau cleared his throat. “Yeah, Commander Oakley. We need assistance. We have an agent and…a medical doctor trapped under a warehouse south of Albany.”

“Of course. Turn back to the location and I’ll send a team to render aid. They will follow you. Once there, rest assured, your agent and MD will be retrieved from the warehouse.”

LeBeau blinked. “Thank you.” When there was no further communication, he turned to his co-pilot. “Now what do ya think about that?”

Bandjough shrugged. “‘Ask and ye shall receive.’ 2”

“I wasn’t about to ask them.”

“We didn’t ask them. We asked God.”

LeBeau nodded, recalling the prayer he and his co-pilot shared before they headed for the Federal Building via Storm Breaker. “Yeah, that’s right.”

They brought the Storm Breaker around and headed back in the direction they had come from. Behind them, four Bell ARH’s followed.

_____ _____ _____

“I don’t think I’ve thanked you,” Staci replied, moving a strand of hair behind her right ear.

Lenox looked at her. “For what?”

“For saving my life. From Cain.”

“You don’t have to thank me.”

“I thank you anyway.”

“It’s not necessary, Staci.”

She smiled at him. “Just take it and say ‘You’re welcome, Staci.’”

He paused. “You’re welcome, Staci.”

“Really, I’m more grateful than you can know. I shouldn’t be surprised. I see God’s hand in everything that happens around me. I know He’s leading me. I know He’s in control and I shouldn’t worry. Nothing can happen to me or you that He doesn’t already know about. I think that’s a wonderful thing.” She looked into his eyes. “I’m going to pray that God shows you the same thing.”

“I must be at the top of your prayer list.”

“You are.”

He regarded her. “Staci, I really appreciate your prayers, but --”

“Don’t tell me it’s not necessary because it is.”

He nodded. “Okay. It’s just that…can your prayers really change anything for me? Admittedly, I have my struggles, but still I can’t just bring myself to move in the direction you want me to move in.”

“I’m not asking God for you to come directly to Him because I can see that you won’t just do that. For some people, that’s easy. They reach a point, like I did, where the truth is seen and then action is taken. It’s like a light comes on and I finally notice what was right in front of me all along. But there are others, like you, who I guess need more than that. I have to ask God to reveal Himself to you. To help you see Him, maybe every where you look. I think if you see Him working in your life and in the lives of those around you, you might want to take the next step and come to Him.” She pursed her lips. “Do you know what I mean?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I do.”

She paused, watching him closely. “I…I care about you.”

“Staci, I care about you, too.”

She paused again. “You do owe me a dinner if we get out of here. I helped you and your detective friends find Cain.” She hesitated. “Well, actually, he found me…and then…you found me. Anyway, I did help and the deal was that I get to have dinner with you.”

He nodded, trying not to smile too much. “I’d be happy to take you to dinner.”

“Well…that’s if there are any restaurants left standing.”

“There is that.” He looked at her. “I’ll take you to dinner one way or the other.”

Staci took a deep breath and regretted it. She inhaled the dust in the air and fell into a fit of coughing. When she was able to stop, she cleared her throat.

“Are you okay?” Lenox asked, concerned.

She nodded. “Thank God you have that little flashlight or it would be dark in here.”

“It came with the Handbook of the Government Agent.”

“It did?”

He grinned. “No. I made that up.”

She smiled but tried to look stern. “Well, now, that’s not nice, mister.” She hesitated, thinking of a verse of scripture. “That little light reminds me of another Light. ‘I am come a light in the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.’ 3 I think it’s in John.”

“And that Light you are referring to is Jesus, right?”

“Yes.”

“I do understand the analogy.”

“Right…because we live in darkness and He came to give us light so we could have our eyes opened and be able to see.” She looked at him. “You don’t mind if I…talk like this, do you? About Him?”

Lenox shook his head. “No. I don’t mind. It’s important to you, I know that. You can talk about anything you want to.”

She smiled. “Good. Because I have another verse about the same thing. About Jesus as the light.”

“From the Book of John?”

“I believe so. The verse is about Jesus who is calling Himself the light. It goes like this…‘Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followed me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ 4 I love this verse. It’s special for me because no matter where I am, He’s with me. I have His light because He is the light. There just isn’t anything that He can’t see. Nothing is hidden from Him. It makes me feel…safe. I have a sense of security.” She paused as she looked at Lenox. “I wish that --”

Lenox’ cell phone rang. He looked at it and the ID caller let him know that it was LeBeau who was calling. He place the phone to his ear. “Go ahead, Ace.”

“I brought the Calvary,” the pilot responded. “We’ll get you out of there as soon as we can. You might here a lot of noise, but don’t be alarmed. It’s only us.”

“Since when have I ever been alarmed?”

“Yeah…right. I forgot who I was talkin’ to for a minute there.”

“What Calvary have you brought…” Lenox stopped. Then, he said, “AIM.”

Staci looked at him. “What?”

On the phone, LeBeau said, “How did you know?”

“Never mind,” Lenox responded. “Just get the job done. We’ll see you soon.” He closed his cell phone and put it away.

“Was that Keith?” Staci asked.

Lenox nodded. “Yes. It seems he brought AIM with him and they’ll be digging us out soon.”

“But…couldn’t they cause another collapse if they dig in the wrong place?”

“Don’t worry about that. AIM isn’t coming here ill-equipped. They know what they’re doing and will be able to pinpoint our exact location. They’ll do what they can to prevent another collapse.” He knew it was only a matter of time now before they got rescued. He hadn’t expected AIM to render assistance…but he wasn’t surprised by it either.

Not in the least.

_____ _____ _____

Fuller’s office was a mess. The large hole through his wall was big enough for any man to fit through. Salvadori’s agents and bodyguards were through it the second the opening was available to them. They rushed to his aid and treated him as if he were royalty. It made Fuller sick to watch.

This man is the embodiment of evil, Fuller thought to himself.

As that thought was going through his mind, Salvadori turned his head and looked right into his eyes. Fuller silently prayed to the Lord that He would protect his thoughts.

That man can’t possibly read minds…can he? Fuller wondered.

“You may be relieved to know that I will be leaving,” Salvadori said, taking a few steps toward him. “My staff are understandably concerned for my safety and have expressed that I be taken to a safer place.”

Fuller nodded once. “Good-bye,” he said. It was all he could think of to speak what was on his heart. Good riddance would not have been Christian-like.

Salvadori took another step. “I want you to know that President Quatermain has extended a personal invitation to me to join him at the White House. Together, in a months time - perhaps sooner - we shall address the nation and the world. We will reveal the truth of how the vanishings occurred. We will reveal a new threat to the Unification of all peoples around the globe. In essence, Director Fuller, for some, the gloves are coming off.” He smiled wryly. “Is that not the proper expression?”

“Why are you telling me this?” Fuller asked him.

“You might have that long before trouble comes your way. It would have been better for if you had taken my offer instead of insulting me. At least now I know where you stand.”

With that, he turned and headed out of Fuller’s office. Fuller sat down behind his desk, stunned at the sudden turn of events. His future suddenly didn’t look very promising.

_____ _____ _____

When Hoag knocked on the door, at first there was no response. Instead of knocking again, he waited patiently. He wasn’t in any hurry. He had nowhere else in mind to go. He had nothing better to do. All there was before him was the task of taking care of family matters.

When it became clear, however, that no one was coming to the door, he did finally knock on the door once more.

The door opened and Janice Chase stood in the doorway. “Hello, Sheriff,” she replied. “I’m sorry…I didn’t think it would be you. I thought it was someone else, which is why I didn’t open the first time.”

What she had said didn’t fully register in his mind. “Janice…I don’t know how to tell you this…so I’m just going to come out and say it.” He fought to keep his emotions in check and managed to succeed for the moment. “Peter’s dead.”

Janice didn’t speak. She remained silent. She tensed and glared at the Sheriff.

Hoag was suddenly struck at how strange it was that in one moment, Janice was hospitable and friendly. In the next moment with his announcement, she became cold and hostile. He frowned. “Janice, did you hear what I said? Peter is dead.”

“I heard you,” she told him.

“And?”

“And…I don’t care.”

Hoag blinked. “What did you say? I just told you that your husband is dead…and you’re standing there and telling me you don’t care?”

Janice nodded curtly. “That’s what I’m telling you.”

“Janice, he --”

“Peter died to me when he chose to follow after a man who was crucified over 2,000 years ago. He’s been gone, Sheriff. He can’t be gone a second time.”

Hoag shook his head. “I cannot accept this! I have your husband’s body in my car. We need to bury him.”

“You bury him. I’m done with him.”

Before he could say another word, Janice slammed the door on him. Hoag couldn’t bring himself to believe what had just happened.

_____ _____ _____

Fronk climbed up the ladder with no difficulty whatsoever, but he discovered that it wasn’t a simple task to reach up for the release that would open the doors on his left. The door release felt as if it were jammed. After several tries, he looked down toward the elevator below him and gave a shrill whistle.

“What?” Carr called up to him.

“I have to go up a level,” Fronk responded. “Can’t open this one.”

“Then, go up a level!”

Inside the elevator, Erin moved under the opening Fronk had made earlier and looked up. She glanced at Carr. “Can you help me reach that? I can’t be in here any longer. I’m getting crazy.”

Carr thought about making a comment and decided not to. He helped Erin reach up for the opening in the same way he helped Fronk. Erin pulled herself out of the elevator and as she stood on the roof, she thought she felt a tremor. Disregarding it as her imagination, she moved toward the ladder with intentions of following Fronk.

Fronk looked down and saw her. “Well, hello there, beautiful!”

She began to climb up toward him. “Do we have to climb up another level?”

He nodded solemnly. He tapped a lever with his left hand. “Do you see this release mechanism?”

She nodded.

“It won’t budge. I can’t get it to move. If I could, it would allow these doors to slide open…and then I could get you out of here.” He smiled at her. “But, alas, have no fear, my love. I shall get you out of here. Your safety is my number one priority.”

She couldn’t help but return the smile. “You say the sweetest things.”

From below came the sound of a snort. They looked down and saw that Carr had climbed out onto the roof of the elevator.

“Of all the people I had to get stuck with,” he grumbled. “it had to be with Romeo and Juliet.” He shook his head and reached for the ladder.

Fronk grinned. “Look on the bright side. Things could have been a lot worst than this.”

Carr’s hands gripped the rung of the ladder above him, one foot was on another rung and the other foot was on the elevator…which suddenly shifted. There was a loud crack that reverberated through the shaft. A split second later the elevator dropped and plummeted to the ground far below. In shocked silence, Carr, Fronk and Erin stared at the sight below. The elevator continued its fall until with a loud crash, it hit the ground below.

For a moment, no one said anything or even moved.

“How can it get worst than this?” Carr demanded.

“Well…” Fronk began. “You could have been still inside.”

Carr thought about that and swallowed as he clung to the ladder. “I suppose you’re right,” he finally said.

Fronk winked at Erin. “Worst than that, Erin and I could have been in there with you.”

Carr glared up at him.

Fronk, however, began to lead them upward as he climbed for the next door.

_____ _____ _____

1 - Matthew 19:26
2 - John 16:24
3 - John 12:46
4 - John 8:12

Episode #11 - Quake: Chapter 53 - A Prayer For The Guilty

2010-05-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

“I don’t like to be in confined spaces,” Erin replied under her breath, hugging herself, glancing nervously at the elevator doors. “I don’t like being in here.” She tried to smile. “I’m…I’m sorry, Will. I should have a little more faith than this.”

“It’s okay.“ Fronk placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “This is temporary, Erin. Someone will get us out of here.” He smiled at her. “All you need is the faith of a tiny little mustard seed which is really really tiny.” He showed her his thumb and forefinger almost touching. “With that much faith, you can move mountains. So if you have that much faith and I have that much faith…we could either move two mountains or one really gigantic one together. Isn’t that wonderful?”

She let out a laugh. “That is wonderful.”

From the other side of the elevator, Carr reached into a pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. He sighed at the attention his two unwilling companions were paying to each other.

Erin’s smile faded as she looked into Fronk’s eyes. “I don’t want to be in the same building with…” She trailed off.

Carr rolled his eyes and then wiped at his forehead with the handkerchief. “Oh, don’t tell me you’re referring to Advocate Salvadori again! You are fortunate that he’s even thought to grace us with a visit.”

Erin moved closer to Fronk.

Fronk rolled his eyes. “Oh, boy, what I’ve always wanted! A visit from the Man of Perdition.”

Carr sighed. Finally, he said, “Look…why don’t we just concentrate on getting out of here? We’ve already tried calling for help…Perhaps one of us should climb up through the hatch on the roof and see if we can’t get to the doors.”

“That’s a brilliant idea!” Fronk replied, looking at Carr with surprise. “Hey…you actually came up with a plan.”

“One of us had to.”

“Ouch.” Fronk looked at Erin. “He got me on that one.” He looked up and rubbed his hands together. “Okay…We’ve got to remove some of that tile and go through the hatch that’s set up there in between the light fixtures. Now the two of you are taller than me…Mr. Kissing Bandit…”

Carr narrowed his eyes. “What did you call me?”

“Mr. Ed…could you get on all fours like a horse is a horse is a horse, of course…”

Carr placed his hands on his hips.

Fronk grinned. “I’m just making sport of you. I want to climb up there onto your back and then…I’ll see if I can open the hatch.”

Carr put his hands together and said, “I’ll just give you a boost.”

“Alrighty then!”

Fronk put his right foot onto Carr’s hands and the Justice agent helped give the ATD agent a boost up toward the ceiling. To alleviate some of the pressure off from Carr, Fronk managed to place his left foot onto a set of rail along the wall of the elevator.

First, he removed a large piece of tile and dropped it down onto the floor. On its way down, it brushed across Carr’s face.

“Hey!” the man exclaimed. “Watch it!”

“Right…” Fronk responded. “Sorry about that.”

The next three tiles he handed down to Erin. With the tiles out of the way and Carr struggling to keep him up, Fronk went to work on the next phase of the plan. He worked his fingers along the hatch, turned a latch and pushed the door upward. Then, he grabbed at the edges and pulled himself up and out through the opening he had made.

He found himself standing on the rooftop of the elevator. From the way he was standing and trying to keep his balance, he noticed that the elevator was tilting a bit. He looked up and found that a set of doors were a little over six feet above them. There was a metal ladder built along the wall of the shaft that was to the right of each door on each floor. It would take no time at all to climb up there and see if he could open the door.

He looked back into the elevator. “I see some doors above us. I’ll go see if I can open them up and come right back!” He pointed at Carr. “And don’t you try anything or I’ll kick your bum!”

“What?” Carr demanded, incredulous.

Erin giggled.

Carr looked at her.

She cleared her throat. “It’s dry in here.”

“Alrighty then,” Fronk said down to them. “I shall return!” He disappeared from view.

Erin hugged herself as she kept her eyes on the open hatch above them.

Carr let out a sigh. He shook his head. “That boyfriend of yours has got to be one of the craziest men I have ever met. And most annoying.”

She paused as she thought about it. “That’s funny. That’s what everyone says about you.”

He just looked at her.

_____ _____ _____

Shiva and Kempner decided that they had to get back into the Federal Building to help anyway they could. The first problem was getting off the roof of the building they were on. They tried opening the door, but it wouldn’t budge. They tried the fire-escapes, but every one of them had fallen completely off except for the one above the street. However, that one was too low for them to reach it without serious risk.

There was only one way to get off the roof.

Kempner and Shiva pried off the covering to an air duct that led directly into the building.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Shiva said, shaking his head. “I feel like a burglar about to make a heist.”

Kempner looked into the vent and gave it some consideration. “I’d hate to burst your little fantasy bubble,” he said, “but you’re not going to go in here. It would be a tight fit for you.”

Shiva nodded his head. “But not for you.”

“No. I’ll go in and see if I can find out what’s keeping the door from opening.”

“Great. I’ve got nothing to do but wait.”

“You’re a patient man, aren’t you?”

Shiva smiled wryly. “Of course. One of my many charming traits.”

“One doesn’t have to be charming to be patient. I’m not. Patience, however, is a necessary tool in my line of work.” He clapped the ex-wrestler on the back. “I’ll be right back.”

He climbed into the vent.

“Godspeed, Sean,” Shiva said to him.

Then, he was out of sight.

Letting out an impatient sigh, Shiva returned to the door, found a place to sit down with his back to the wall and committed to a period of waiting.

_____ _____ _____

“You’re going to witness to me?” Lenox inquired, leaning his back against the beam behind him. “What if…I don’t want you to.”

Staci nibbled on her lower lip. “Why wouldn’t you want me to?”

He looked at her and thought about his answer. “Staci…I don’t know if I’m ready for this kind of conversation. I know what you mean by witnessing to me. I understand that you’ve accepted Christ. Your very life is a testimony to your choice.”

She looked surprised. “It is?”

He nodded. “Yes, it is. You’re different…” He shrugged. “I mean, different than any woman I’ve ever met.”

She leaned forward. “I’m sorry. Now…I think you’ve lost me.”

He let out a sigh and ran his hand through his hair. “Okay. Look…I’m trying to explain…I guess this has something to do with me. Before all this world went crazy, I was…I mean, I liked…Let’s just say that the women who have been in my life have a different way of thinking than you do.”

“You’re telling me that you like women.”

He hesitated. “I did. I mean, I do.” He nodded. “I did.”

“Michael, you’re blushing.”

He straightened. “It’s hot in here.”

She tried not to smile. “It’s not, but…I think I understand what you’re saying…I think.” She paused. “Michael, you’re an agent. You live your life to yourself. You’re your own boss. You do what you want. You work the way you want to work. You don’t answer to anyone. So I suppose it’s natural for you to feel free to live your life anyway you want to. You meet women…and whatever happens happens…You move on. Right?”

“Well…I don’t go into bars looking to pick anyone up, if that’s what you mean.”

“How do you meet them?”

“What?”

She looked at him. “You started this.”

He paused. “I meet them in the course of my duty as an agent.”

“And, what? You wine and dine them…Have some fun…Go about your life?”

“I guess you could say that.”

“And when you say that they don’t think like me…what does that mean exactly?”

He put his hands together. “The best way I can describe it is…you seem innocent. You live your life as if…as if there is no evil. You treat people as if they can have a second chance. The women I have known aren’t like that. They’re kind of like…” He tried to think of the words to say.

“Kind of like you,” she said.

He frowned. “Like me?”

“Yes. Yes, like you. You feel guilty and so…women who have that same kind of attitude of guilt, well, you gravitate toward them. You think it’s okay to live like you do because you’re sharing your lifestyle with other guilt driven people.”

“I’m not sure about that. What do you think I feel guilty about?”

Staci hesitated. “The death of your mother.”

Lenox tensed. “How do you know about that?” The answer came to him before she answered. “Bear. Albert told you.”

“We had a talk.”

“About me.” It wasn’t a question.

“We are both concerned about you. You’ve said it yourself. This world has gone crazy and you’re not invincible, though sometimes you act like you are. You need Jesus. We care for you, Michael, and if anything should happen to you before it’s too late to call on Him, I’ll lose you forever.” She looked in his eyes, seeing the conflicting emotions within. She shook her head. “Don’t be angry with us.”

Lenox tried to rise to his feet but found that he couldn’t because there wasn’t any room to stand. He gave up trying. “He had no right to do that.”

“This guilt you carry is dragging you down. It makes you angry. It keeps you from accepting help.” She placed her hands on his arms. “Michael, please…If you can’t let go of the guilt, at least be willing to admit to it.”

He looked into her eyes. Finally, he took a deep breath. “I’m guilty of a lot of things…”

“Do you know what?” Staci paused. “Jesus came to free the guilty because we’re all guilty. He can free you, too, if you‘ll let Him.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“I’ve warned you once before. I will not cease to pray for you until you accept Him. I’ll pray that He hound you night and day. That you’ll be reminded of Him at every moment and I’ll pray…” An idea came to her. An idea that she knew had to have come from the Lord. “I will pray for God to show you the world through His eyes.”

Lenox sat back and regarded her. “Staci, now that I’d like to see.”

“Really?”

“No one can see this world like God sees it. That right there is an impossible prayer for you. I feel bad because I’m afraid that’s one prayer that won’t be answered.”

“What if it is?”

Lenox paused. “If I see this world through God’s eyes, I’ll kneel right then and there and ask for Him to save me.”

Staci grabbed his left hand and squeezed it. “God will answer this prayer! I know He will.” She felt hopeful that Lenox would soon be saved.

_____ _____ _____

“What did you say?” Fuller asked, his voice hoarse.

Salvadori regarded him with contempt. “Oh, I know you heard me, but to show you that I am a man of patience, I will tell you once more.” He paused. “Your daughter…Danielle Marie…will be there. Surely I would have thought that you would find the idea of a reunion with your loved ones a joyful occasion. Clearly, I was mistaken.”

Fuller was so stunned by this revelation that he didn’t know what to say. He thought he was going to be ill so he moved as if in slow motion behind his desk and sat down.

“Does it disturb you so that I know your family?”

“When is it?” Fuller asked. It was the only thought that came to him. “The wedding.”

Salvadori took a few steps toward Fuller’s desk. He reached down and wiped some debris and dust off from one of the chairs. Slowly, he pulled on his suit jacket and sat down. He looked at the Director. “The date is still being discussed. Katherine is hoping for June.”

“June.” Fuller snorted. “She always did like summer festivities.”

“How touching, I’m sure. It’s too bad I will have to tell her that you have not accepted her invitation.”

“I didn’t say that.”

Salvadori regarded him. “Then…you wish to attend?”

Fuller nodded. “Yes.”

“Hmm. This does present a problem. Our discussion has led me to believe that you have already chosen sides. You have chosen against the Unification of the free world. You have sided with the enemy.”

Fuller was still stunned at knowing that the Antichrist knew who his daughter was when he himself had only just discovered he had a daughter. “If the Lord be for me, who can be against me?”

Salvadori looked at him. Then, he tilted his head back and laughed. Slamming his hand on the desk, he said, “That is a good one.” Tears streaming down his face, he continued to laugh.

The Director of the ATD just sat at his desk and watched him. He desperately wanted to hit the man full on in the jaw but held back. He waited for the laughter to subside. “Are you done?”

“Indeed, I am.” He rose to his feet. “In fact, it is time to leave. I have come to find out more about you by meeting you. Having done that, I have learned all I need to learn. Director Fuller, tread carefully. Your time is short.”

“What are you going to do? Walk through the wall?”

There was a loud whine coming from the other side of the wall by the door. A few seconds later, sparks showed up through a crack. Someone was attempting to cut through the wall.

“I have people who are never far from me,” Salvadori told him as if to confide in him with a secret. “They are within reach at any given moment. That reach, by the way, extends farther than you know.” He gestured toward the window. “Take a look for yourself.”

Fuller turned his chair around on its swivel and looked out the window. He couldn’t believe what he saw. The sky seemed to be filled with black helicopters and they were moving in formation over the city of Albany.

“This is a glimpse of the New World, Director,” Salvadori said. “One government. One religion. One agency. Unification is the key for this world’s survival, and in case you didn’t know it…it has already begun.”

Director Fuller had nothing to say as he watched the black helicopters outside his window.

_____ _____ _____

Shiva heard them before he saw them. He stood up, turned around and discovered several black helicopters flying over the city. A few of them were heading his way. When three of them flew over his head and he turned and saw several more in another direction, he had only one thought.

“Oh, this can’t be good.”

_____ _____ _____

Sheriff Hoag drove his car into Willow Creek with a heavy heart. Throughout the drive from Camp Wood, which took several hours, he could not help but be aware of who was in the back seat. He went through the small town and headed up a private road that would take him to his destination. He still had no idea how he was going to pull this off, but there was no other choice. He had to tell Janice Chase that her husband was dead.

He pulled into the driveway, stopped the car and turned it off. He looked toward the house, but saw no sign of anyone. Janice had not come out while he parked. It could be that she wasn’t home. If that was the case, he would wait for her.

He knew he had to at least get out of the car and knock on the door.

But he couldn’t bring himself to move. He sat there with his hands gripping the steering wheel and he looked out the window. After a moment, he put his face in his hands and he wept. At first, it was uncontrollable. There was a brief thought in his head about how could he be a man and let himself go like that. Then the grief overcame that thought and he continued to cry.

After a while, he fell into silence. He wiped at his face with his hands shaking. He took several deep breaths.

Finally, he got out of the car.

He headed slowly for the front porch and as he walked, he did the best to compose himself. After all, he expected that he had to be the strong one when he told Janice the news. He walked up the steps, stopped at the door and knocked. Then, he waited.

Episode #11 - Quake: Chapter 52 - A Softening of The Heart

2010-05-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Fifty-Two
A Softening of The Heart

Staci Cohen opened her eyes and gasped. She was blind. There was nothing she could see but black. Pitch black. It was the most disorienting, terrifying experience she had ever gone through. Panic set in and she began to wave her arms, trying to grab something that would give her some kind of focus. That would reel her back in from her terror.

She tried to scream, but found herself choking on dust. A fit of coughing followed. As she coughed, she realized she was laying on a hard surface. It felt like a cold, cement floor. After her coughing subsided, she sat up. She managed to get a hold of her panic and bring it down to a level she could tolerate, yet she feared being blind. She feared the darkness. Memories of being locked in a basement or a closet by an overbearing control freak of a husband resurfaced. She had to force herself to remember two things.

She was no longer married to that man.

She was a child of God’s.

She took a deep breath and swallowed. “God…please, help me…”

That’s when she remembered what had happened. She had just been rescued from the clutches of a killer and was with Michael Lenox when the quake struck. The floor had literally dropped out from their feet and they had fallen.

“Michael…” she said. “Michael! Michael, where are you?”

Frantically, she felt her way in the darkness. She came across a piece of the flooring and someone was under it.

“Michael?” She used her hands to feel what she couldn’t see. Someone was laying on the floor under a pile of debris that had once been the floor of the warehouse above. She felt his face and knew it was Lenox.

But Lenox wasn’t responding.

“Oh, God…please d-don’t take him! He doesn’t know You yet.” Tears in her eyes, she continued to feel her way over Lenox. There was a beam over him and she already knew she couldn’t move it. She couldn’t see exactly where it was so even if she could move it, she had no way of knowing what would happen without her vision.

Some of her vision was returning as her sight adjusted to the dark, but not enough to see by. She saw dark shapes that she couldn’t recognize. She realized that she wasn’t blind. She and Lenox were in a dark place. There was no light because the collapse of the warehouse above them had blocked it almost completely off. What light from the sun that managed to shine through nooks and crannies was not enough to give her the light she needed. Only enough to almost make out her surroundings.

She used her hands to feel Lenox’ face and leaned her head closer. She was relieved to hear that he was breathing. He wasn’t dead. He was unconscious.

“Thank You, Lord,” she said, grateful for an answer to her prayer. Wiping at her tears, she tried to think of what to do next.

There was only one thing she could think of.

“Help!! Somebody, please help us!!”

There was no response to her pleas.

She called out once more for help, but was once more overcome by a fit of coughing. As she tried to get control of it, she heard Lenox.

“Could you keep it down here?” he said as if they weren’t trapped beneath a collapsed warehouse. “I’m trying to sleep.”

Staci couldn’t help it. She smiled. “Michael…? Michael, are you okay? Are…are you hurt?”

Lenox groaned. “I can’t see…” He paused as he felt with his hands the debris he was under. “My legs are trapped under this…blasted pile. I don’t feel any pain…Just can’t move them.”

“No pain?”

He shook his head even though he knew she couldn’t see the gesture. “No. No, I don’t feel any pain.” He used his hands to feel the beam on his legs. He tested it by pushing, but it didn’t move. He was certain if he put more effort into it, he might be able to move it. The only reason he didn’t try it yet was because he was uncertain what would happen if he did. He could end up dislodging more of the warehouse to collapse on them. He could do something that might break his legs. Without being able to see, he didn’t trust the dark.

Staci put her hand on his arm. “I’m just glad you’re okay. Y-you gave me a scare.”

“Boo,” he said.

“Oh, good. You have a sense of humor after all.”

“Yeah. You know what else I’ve got?”

She hesitated. “No…what?”

“A flashlight.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small flashlight. It was the size of a marker and when he turned it on, it improved their sight greatly. With a light source, they could now see their surroundings.

They were completely surrounded by debris, wooden beams and broken bricks. It was like being in a very confined crawlspace in a basement. Lenox shone the light around, but any way he looked was very much the same. Then, he shown the light onto the beam on his legs.

“Wow,” Staci said. “God is really looking out for you, Michael. Maybe you should stop ignoring Him and come to Him, don’t you think?”

The beam was at an angle just above his legs with a huge chunk of broken wall also wedged under the beam. It was the broken wall that prevented the beam from collapsing further. It had kept Lenox’ legs from being crushed. He discovered that he could actually move his legs to the side and pull himself out from under it completely. Once he was out from under it, he turned to face Staci and sat on the floor in front of her.

“That was fun,” he said.

“Do you always carry a flashlight with you?” she asked him.

He nodded. “All good agents do. In case we get lost in the dark.”

“What else do you have?”

“I have my gun, but not even I believe we can shoot our way out of this one.”

She looked at him suspiciously. “Are you trying to be funny? Is this the Lenox humor I was told you didn’t have?”

He shook his head and reached into his jacket again. This time, he pulled out a cell phone. “Is this funny?”

She shook her head. “Funny, no, but I’m glad you have it.”

He flipped it open. “Kirk to Enterprise. Come in, Enter…prise.”

She gave him the look.

He grinned. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist.” He tried his speed dial and put the phone to his ear. After a short pause, he said, “Great. We still have access on the cell. I’m being directed to Bear’s voicemail.” He paused. “Al, Staci and I are trapped under a warehouse…Wait a minute. Why am I calling you? Ace and Rookie are topside somewhere. Never mind. Just get a hold of them and get out here as soon as you can.” He broke the connection.

“You called me Staci,” Staci observed.

He looked at her. “That’s your name, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is, but you call me ‘Doc’. I like it when you call me by my name.”

He paused. “Are you okay?”

“Yes and no. I can’t control my words quite well when I’m scared, but I’m okay as long as…as long as you’re with me. And I’m glad that you’re okay.”

He looked at her for a moment. Then, he tried another number. After one ring, it was answered. “Ace…”

“Knox, man, is that you? Are you and Doc okay?”

“We’re okay. We’re just…trapped. I don’t see anyway out for us without you guys digging us out.”

“We have a few guys up here, man, but I have to tell ya…We need help. I think we’re on our own here, Knox. We’re seein’ a lot of smoke over Albany and help isn’t comin’”

Lenox let out a sigh. “Yeah, I figured it was bad. Just…go get help, Ace. I know there had to be a handful of people with you. You can’t possibly dig through this to help us. Get some help, and come back.”

LeBeau began to protest. “We’ll get you out of there, Knox! If we have to dig with our bare hands, we--”

“That’s just it. You are digging with your bare hands. Listen to me. Go. Get. Help. Staci and I are alive. We’re not going any where. We’ll be here when you get back.”

“Okay…Alright…but I don’t like leavin’ you like this.”

“Get over it.”

“Right. Okay. I’ll…be back as soon as I can.”

Lenox closed the cell phone and put it in his jacket. “Well…I guess we can do nothing but wait.”

Staci nodded. “Okay. And while we wait…I know what I’m going to do.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m going to witness to you.”

_____ _____ _____

What kind of God could sit by and let this happen? Sheriff Hoag asked himself for the hundredth or so time as he remained on his knees beside the body of a man he once called family. Then, he answered his own question. This isn’t God’s fault. This is Bollinger’s fault. That man killed my friend!

He looked up toward the heavens and raised a fist. “But that doesn’t put You off the hook! How many people are You going to keep taking from me? Peter was my only…” He stopped. He closed his eyes and put his face in his hands.

He was filled with anger.

His wife died of cancer seven years ago. His only son one year after that was killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Peter Chase had been the only one left that he considered as family. Now Peter was gone.

“Why, God…?” he asked, his voice hoarse. “I don’t understand.”

“Sheriff!” a voice called from above.

Hoag looked up. David King and John Saint looked down from the top of the cliff at him. “Bob!” Saint exclaimed. “Are you okay?”

Hoag took a deep breath. “No, I’m not. Peter is…Peter’s dead. That…” He stopped, a number of expletives going through his mind. “That man killed him.”

On the cliff, Saint turned to King. “Where is Bollinger?”

King shrugged. “Amber said that he was gone when she went to check on him.” He looked over the cliff. “Sheriff, we have help coming. We will toss a rope down and pull you up.”

“I’m not going up without Peter!” Hoag shouted.

“Of course.”

Moments later, with the help of a few others who have come from the campsite, a rope was used to pull Peter Chase up. Saint, King, and Anthony Morris gently moved him away from the side of the cliff and laid him on the ground. Saint’s eyes filled with tears. Chase had been his friend. He looked across Chase at King.

King reached over and put his hand on Saint’s shoulder. “I am truly sorry for your loss, my brother.”

Saint nodded.

Morris cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, too, David. Here I was, trying to be convinced that you were a snake, when all along the snake was Bollinger.”

“There is one true symbolic snake that must be guarded against, Anthony, and as much as James Bollinger is at fault for Peter’s death, he is not the true enemy.”

Morris regarded his words.

As they were speaking, some of the men from Camp Wood had thrown the rope back down to Hoag and then pulled him up. When Hoag was at the top with the others, he joined King, Saint and Morris next to Chase. He looked down at his friend, battling with his emotions. Then, he looked and saw Amber with a group of others.

She shook her head. “Bollinger’s gone, Sheriff.” She paused. “I guess I didn’t hit him hard enough.” She approached them. She handed Saint a number of wrapped bills. “He was going to take this. It’s from the $60,000.00. He took some of it…but not all of it.”

Morris shook his head. “A thief and a murderer. And I almost believed him.”

King looked at him. “There is no need for you to be hard on yourself.” He turned to Hoag. “Sheriff, I know that words cannot express enough consolation, but Peter was standing on solid ground before he died.”

Some of the others around them thought he was talking about the earthquake. However, something in what King said registered in Hoag. The Sheriff turned his head and met King’s eyes. An understanding passed between them.

Finally, Hoag nodded. “That’s right. He was always searching for something. Always looking for a purpose. I had come to believe that he would never find it, but…he did find what he was looking for, didn’t he?”

King nodded. “He did.”

For a while, no one spoke or even moved. They were all having a silent time for their private thoughts and prayers.

Hoag took a deep breath. “I have to take him home.”

Saint nodded. “I’ll go with you.”

“No…No, you stay here.” He glanced at King. “I can’t pretend to understand what’s going on here with you people, John, but I know you’re needed here. I’m just grateful that Peter was able to…have friends like you during his last days. I’ll take him home.”

“Bob…you can find the same thing Peter found. I know the emptiness you’re feeling will be filled.”

Hoag hesitated. “Yeah…Maybe. For now, I just want to get him home.”

Saint nodded.

Without another word, they helped him move Chase through the woods and back to Camp Wood. Once at the campgrounds, Saint and Hoag placed Chase in the back of Hoag’s car. Hoag climbed into the car next and drove away. Saint watched him go.

King put a hand on his shoulder. “He’ll be okay, John.”

“How do you know that?” Saint asked, turning to look at his friend.

“Because the Lord is preparing his heart.”

“Preparing his heart for what?”

“For Himself.”

_____ _____ _____

Fuller and Salvadori shared a silence as they stood facing each other in Fuller’s office. It was as if they were sizing each other up. They were trying to gauge each others strengths and weaknesses. After a time, Fuller began to ask God in his thoughts why He had allowed him to be trapped in a room with the Antichrist. For what purpose? All things happened for the good to those who loved Him, so what good could this meeting possibly have?

“You don’t trust me,” Salvadori said.

Fuller frowned. “Why do you care whether I trust you or not?”

“I suppose I share a common trait as all people do. I desire to be liked by others. To be trusted. I am, after all, a man for the people. I want what they want. And I intend to give them what they want. But enough of that. Let’s talk about you, shall we?”

“I’d really rather not.”

“You and I are not entirely different. You are a man of principle. I could use a man like you working for me.”

Fuller looked at him. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I decline. I’ve settled for the career I’m in.”

Salvadori pursed his lips. “A prestigious career, I am sure. I was under the impression that sitting behind a desk and delegating authority was an old man’s job. One who is facing many lonely years of retirement. If you work for me, you could be out there working directly with the people. You could have anything you want. You could travel across the globe, helping to pave the way for a new world.”

Fuller grinned wryly. “Oh, there’s a new world coming, alright, but you’re not going to like it.”

“Because I am the Antichrist?”

Fuller didn’t respond.

“I am trying to have a conversation with you and offer you a chance at greatness, but for some reason I fail to see, you insist on insulting me with talk of your one God and His new world.” He took a step forward. “Changes are coming that you are ill equipped to face, Director Fuller. I warn you, if you continue on this path, you will not meet a happy end. You call yourself a Christian?”

“I do.”

Salvadori nodded once. “Ah, but I have another name for those who call themselves Christians. I call them…subversive. I call them dissident, rebellious, revolutionary, insubordinate, seditious…Need I go on?” He didn’t give Fuller an opportunity to answer. “The actions of Christians in the days we are now living in are beginning to be seen by the world as traitorous. You cannot possibly hope to gain anything by abstaining from the ways of the new world. A new world where fingers are not pointed at those who are living in sin. Sin is meaningless! There is no sin. There is only that which seems good in our eyes. Once we all see that, then there will be no more wars. No more crime. All sedition will be purged from the earth. The question you must ask yourself is where will you be standing when these changes are fully instated.”

“I know where I’ll be standing. In the same place I’m standing now.”

“Then, you are a fool.” Salvadori turned and paced away from him. He stopped and turned to face him once more. “You have already lost. You have no comprehension of what you will be facing.”

Fuller paused to regard him. “Why don’t you tell me?”

Salvadori also paused as he looked at Fuller. Finally, he said, “Your ex-wife is getting married. What number husband will this make for her…? Five?”

Fuller stared at him, but he couldn’t bring himself to respond.

“I came here for many reasons, Director Fuller…but I had thought it would have been a pleasant surprise for you to receive an invitation to her wedding personally by me as a friend to your ex-wife. She is, after all, marrying one of my chief executives. A man who is as visionary for the future as I am.”

Fuller realized then of what he was facing. He was facing a man who knew him. He wondered what else Salvadori knew…and then he found out.

“Danielle Marie will be there, too.”
_____________________________________________________

Episode #11 - Quake: Chapter 51 - Predicaments

2010-04-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

Fifty-One
Predicaments

The ground suddenly dropped several feet beneath Sheriff Robert Hoag, and it caught him completely off guard. One second, he was looking down the cliff at the unmoving form of Peter Chase, and in the next second, he was above the ground. He didn’t know what was happening, but it was happening fast. The ground dropped, he was in midair, waving his arms frantically, and then he was back on the ground.

This time, the ground came up fast. His feet hit the earth and he suddenly found himself on his back. The wind had been taken right out of him and as he tried to process what was happening, he discovered there was another problem.

The ground was still moving.

It was shaking hard, and it kept him continuously off balance. He tried to get to his feet, but he couldn’t. All he could do was roll, bounce and hope that the nightmare would end. Unfortunately, he happened to notice that the quaking of the earth was causing him to bounce toward the edge of the cliff. The same cliff that he had witnessed James Bollinger pushing Chase off from.

Desperately, he tried hard to dig his hands into the ground. He didn’t know if it was going to be enough, but it was all he could do. Just when he thought he had his fingers deep enough to hang on, the earth bounced so hard, it literally caused him to once again hang in mid air above the earth. Then, he came back down, or the earth reared back up, and he hit it hard. But just when he thought it was going to get worst, it abruptly stopped.

Panting heavily, he laid on the ground, his face in the grass and hands digging into the dirt. He slowly raised his head. Thankfully, the quake had stopped, but he couldn’t quite trust himself to stand up at the moment. Taking it slow, he finally managed to get on one knee and that’s when he noticed the Cliffside directly in front of him.

He looked up.

Somehow, he had found himself from being at the top of the cliff to being at the bottom. The ground he had been standing on had broken off from the cliff and fallen to the bottom…with him laying on it.

He turned his head and froze. Approximately eight or nine feet from his position, Chase lay still on the hard ground. His legs and right shoulder had been buried from debris because of the quake.

“Peter,” he groaned. He struggled to his feet and hurried to his friends side. Somehow, he knew what he was going to find.

He didn’t have to even check for a pulse to know that his deputy and friend was dead, but he did check for it anyway because he didn’t know what else to do. Once he did check it, he rubbed his face with his hands.

“Oh, God…” Then, he looked up the face of the cliff and just cried out in rage.

Anger and grief welled up in him as his eyes blurred with tears. Chase didn’t have to die. This didn’t have to happen. But it did happen. Chase died…No, Chase was murdered. Hoag took several deep breaths, thinking only of one thing.

Vengeance.

He fully intended to go after Bollinger, put his gun to the man’s head and pull the trigger. When he thought of his gun, he realized that he didn’t have it any more. During the quake, he must have dropped it.

“Sheriff!”

Looking up, Hoag saw Amber Eastwood at the top of the cliff, looking down at him.

“Sheriff, are you okay?” she called down to him.

Nodding his head wearily, he said, “I’ll live.” He looked at Chase’s face and found that the man’s eyes were still open. He reached down and with his right hand, he closed his friend’s eyes.

“Oh, Sheriff…is Peter okay?”

Hoag shook his head. “No.”

From where Amber stood, she didn’t know what Chase’s condition was but judging from Hoag’s reaction, she had an idea. “I’m sorry,” she finally said.

“Did you see Bollinger?” Hoag called up to her.

“Bollinger? Yeah, I saw him. I left him back in the woods close to camp. He’s out cold.”

He looked up at her, puzzled.

“I hit him with a big stick.”

Hoag hesitated, thinking of revenge. “Go back and get help! I need to get Peter back up there and back to camp! And get someone to watch Bollinger so he doesn’t leave! He has things to answer for!”

“You bet he does!” Amber exclaimed back. “He tried to steal our money!”

Hoag didn’t tell her of Bollinger’s more serious crime. He was allowing his rage to build inside him.

“I’ll be back!” Amber shouted.

And, then she was gone.

Amber ran back into the woods, heading back toward where she had come from. When she got to the big tree where she had found Bollinger taking the money, she made a startling discovery.

James Bollinger wasn’t where she had left him.

In fact, the man was nowhere to be seen.

___ ___ ___

Just before the quake, William Fronk and Erin Greye were asked to leave Director Fuller’s office. The reason for this was because of the arrival of Tristian Salvadori, and Ed Carr. Carr was also asked to leave because the self-appointed Advocate wanted a private discussion with Director Fuller.

With Salvadori’s personal bodyguards keeping anyone from disturbing the meeting, Fronk led Erin away. He decided that because of her present condition, he needed to get her away from the building. Erin had frozen in terror when she soon found herself in the same room as the Anti-Christ. Fronk had to take her by the arm and help her out of the office. He still had her by the arm as he led her toward the nearest elevator.

He was trying to offer encouraging words as they entered the elevator. He was so focused on her that he had not noticed a man entering the elevator with them. The doors closed, sealing them inside.

Fronk pressed for the first floor. “You need caffeine,” he told Erin. “Or sugar. A lot of it, too. How about an Espresso and a Danish pastry?”

Erin didn’t respond.

“Erin…Erin, talk to me. Say something. Hum a few bars. Just don’t go all mannequin on me. You don’t have to be scared of some pompous charlatan in a James Bond suit!”

The man in the elevator with them cleared his throat, making his presence known. “Tristian Salvadori is not some pompous charlatan!”

Fronk turned his head. “Oh, it’s you! Can’t you stand in a corner and stick your thumb in your mouth? That would be preferable than to have your jaws a flapping. Then, you just sound like a bunch of sheets hanging out to dry and flapping in the breeze.” He imitated the sound.

Ed Carr scowled at him.

Fronk shrugged helplessly. “See? It’s annoying, isn’t it?”

“I’ve had enough of your disrespect!” Carr exclaimed. He pointed in Fronk’s face. “Director Fuller may put up with it, and I’ve put up with it for far too long myself…but I refuse to stand idly by while you insult a great man who is going to change the entire world!” He took a menacing step forward. “Advocate Tristian Salvadori is a man who is going to accomplish things that no one before him has ever been able to do. He’s already done that! He has single-handedly stopped hostilities between Israel and her enemies. He has brought peace to all of us, and you have no right to speak of him with disrespect!”

“Can I do an Irish jig in his honor?”

Carr stared at him as if he had lost his mind. “What?!” he shouted, incredulous.

“How about the hokey pokey? The ho-down? No?” Fronk pursed his lips in thought. “Oh, wait! Is he more partial to the honky tonk square dancing? Well, okay, but he won’t be my partner.”

Erin snickered. It was suddenly apparent that Fronk’s odd sense of humor had gotten her attention. Perhaps it was the idea of seeing Fronk and Salvadori performing a square dance that caused her to overcome her fear.

“What is wrong with you?” Carr demanded.

Fronk continued with his ranting. “Well, if it’s ballet, the whole thing is off.” He shook his head adamantly. “I do not do ballet.”

Carr opened his mouth to speak.

But he never got the chance to give Fronk a piece of his mind.

The elevator abruptly stopped, and then is shook hard. All three of them fell to the floor and when they tried to get back up, they soon discovered that they couldn’t. The elevator commenced to shake and several times it dropped, and then stopped. The lights flickered. They heard screaming from somewhere in the building.

Then, everything stopped.

The elevator was dark for several more seconds and then the emergency lights kicked in. The lights bathed everything and everyone in the enclosed elevator a shade of red.

Carr groaned.

Fronk shoved the man away from him and said, “Get off of me, man!” Then, he turned to help Erin sit up. “Are you okay?”

Erin put her hand to her head and nodded. “Yes…I think so. I’m just…a little dizzy.” She blinked and tried to focus on Fronk. “Wh-what happened?”

Fronk looked up, noticing that the elevator was stuck at an odd angle in the shaft. The floor was crooked. “I believe we just got our butts kicked by an earthquake.” He turned to glance at Carr. “And now we’re stuck in Oz with one of the Wicked Witch’s flying monkeys.”

___ ___ ___

Director Fuller was certain about one thing.

He was a dead man.

The Anti-Christ was hanging out the window with a firm grip on Fuller’s ankle. If the man let him go, Fuller knew he would only fall to a certain death. He couldn’t help but notice that Salvadori not only had a tight grip on him but he also didn’t seem to be struggling at it either. Salvadori didn’t even appear to be breaking a sweat.

Fuller looked up and into his enemy’s eyes.

Salvadori’s own gaze was hard as he stared into Fuller’s. Suddenly, Salvadori grinned. Then, he pulled Fuller back into his office feet first. When he was certain Fuller was back inside safely, he stepped back and rubbed his hands.

“Well,” he said dryly, “it appears that we are in quite a predicament. Doesn’t it?”

Fuller rose shakily to his feet and moved away from the window. He looked at Salvadori, regarding him as if sizing up the opponent. “I’ve been in predicaments before,” he finally said.

“Oh, there’s no doubt in my mind of the truth to that, Director. I know your background. In fact, I know your background a great deal more than you realize.”

“That’s…very reassuring,” Fuller replied sarcastically. “Can we just stop the small talk and get out of here? We should be out there to see if anyone’s hurt. People are going to need our help.”

“Noble, of course, but…we’re not going anywhere.”

“Why not?”

Salvadori waved toward something behind him, gesturing toward the door. “See for yourself.”

Fuller stepped past him and glared at his front door. A beam had fallen from the ceiling and was firmly in place against it. There was no way that he and Salvadori were going to move the beam out of the way to get at the door. Someone from the outside was going to have to cut through the door to get them out of his office.

“That’s just great,” Fuller muttered under his breath.

Salvadori folded his arms across his chest and leaned back against Fuller’s desk. “So you see, Director…we appear to have plenty of time for that small talk after all.” He smiled.

Fuller turned to glare at him and he didn’t feel like returning the smile. “I assume that your purpose for this visit was just because of a tour. Nothing more, nothing less. So there’s nothing to talk about.” He shrugged. “I apologize for the inconvenience of the quake interrupting your itinerary. But these things do happen, don’t they?”

Salvadori pursed his lips in thought. “By these ‘things’, I believe you are referring to the quake itself. Yes?”

“What else could I possibly be referring to?”

Salvadori ignored the sarcasm. “As a Christian, perhaps you can tell me why God would permit such devastating catastrophe’s to occur, such as these earthquakes. This quake seemed powerful enough to claim hundreds if not thousands of lives. And perhaps the number of deaths will be even far greater than that. Why does God allow these things to happen?”

“This isn’t God’s fault. He warned us that these things were going to happen.”

“He warned us?” Salvadori shook his head, but he appeared to be amused. “You are referring then to His Word. The Bible. You are telling me that a book written long ago warned us of earthquakes that would happen today.” It wasn’t a question.

Fuller sighed. He really didn’t want to get into a debate with the enemy of God. “That’s right. It’s called Bible prophecy.”

“Yes, of course, it is. But even so, why warn us about these quakes instead of seeing to it that they never happen?”

“That isn’t how God works.”

Salvadori raised his eyebrows. “Oh? Then…you know how He works?”

Fuller looked at him. “I know that He has given us His Word so that we could learn about Him and take heed of the prophecies written in it.”

“And if we do not take heed, what then? He punishes us?” Salvadori shook his head. “So God gets mad at us when we don’t do what He wants, and like an angry, spoiled child, He grabs the earth and gives it a good shaking.”

“God is not an angry child.”

“Perhaps there is no God.”

Fuller stared at him. “What?”

“Perhaps we are gods, and there really is no one particular god.”

“There is but one God. You and I are nothing but mere mortals. We are men who were created by God.”

Salvadori scoffed at him. “That is a lie, Director. I was not created by God. I was brought into this world by means which you can never fully understand and for a purpose which is something you can never grasp. There is much more happening here today in this world that you know nothing about. Things happening even right here in your own country. And I tell you truthfully…your United States of America is falling and I alone am able to offer Americans like yourself hope.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Since after the vanishings - which, by the way, can be easily explained as a natural act other than a supernatural act of God - America has deteriorated greatly. Your borders are not protected. Your economy - let alone the entire world’s - is not just on the brink of collapse. It has collapsed. There is a growing food shortage that is causing riots right here in America. People are beginning to do what seems right in their own eyes. And you have yet to grasp the magnitude of the terrible predicaments as you call them coming your way.”

Fuller felt numb. He didn’t understand why God had allowed him to get stuck in a room with the Anti-Christ. If he didn’t find a way out of his office soon, he was seriously considering to find a way to kill the man before him, even though he knew that it wasn’t going to help his situation at all.

___ ___ ___

Marc “Fury” Shiva opened his eyes.

He sincerely wished he hadn’t.

When he opened his eyes, he saw the street several floors below him. For a few scary seconds, he panicked and almost fell off of the ledge he was laying over. Just in time, hands grabbed a hold of him and pulled him back over. He fell onto the hard reassuring surface of the rooftop, trying to catch his breath. Looking up, he saw Sean Kempner standing over him, hands on his hips.

Shiva blinked. The man looked like he needed a V-8.

He wiped at his forehead and realized it was wet. He looked at his hand and saw blood. He frowned. “What happened?”

“The earth moved,” Kempner replied. “Didn’t you feel it?”

Shiva paused. “The earth moved?”

“Yeah. A lot. I think the actual term is ‘earthquake’.” He pointed at Shiva’s forehead. “You hit your head when you fell. I guess you were out for a few seconds or so. I had to get to you fast, otherwise you would have gone right over the edge.”

Shiva blinked again. “Why do you look lopsided?”

“It’s the building. It’s leaning.”

“Seriously?”

Kempner nodded grimly. “Yeah. Seriously. Why would I kid about a thing like that?”

Shiva slowly rose to his feet and once more, he came close to stumbling over the edge.

Kempner grabbed a hold of his arm and helped to keep the ex-wrestler steady. “Maybe we should get away from the ledge.”

Shiva agreed.

As they moved away from the edge of the rooftop, Shiva looked around him. The city of Albany appeared to be a city that had been tossed into disarray. Smoke rose from the city. Some buildings had clearly suffered damage from the quake while a few others appeared to have remained intact. Walking toward the center of the rooftop also proved to be challenging. It was like moving up a hill with slippery stones under foot.

Shiva stopped when they were far enough from the ledge and looked toward the Federal Building. He remembered why he had come to this rooftop to begin with. He looked at Kempner. “Didn’t you put handcuffs on?”

Kempner shrugged. “I took them off when I realized I would need my hands to help keep you from falling.”

“How did you take them off?” He frowned. “I saw you put them on.”

“I’ve been in this business a long time, friend.”

“And this business led you here to assassinate Tristian Salvadori?”

Kempner nodded. “It did.” He let out a frustrated sigh. “But for the time being, that window of opportunity has closed. I seem to have lost my rifle.”

Shiva put a hand to his forehead. “Who are you anyway, man?”

“You can call me Ari,” Kempner replied.

“That’s not your real name though, is it?”

“Obviously.”

“Why don’t you tell me your name?”

“I don’t know if you can be trusted.”

Shiva nodded. “I’m having the same problem, man. My name is Marc Shiva.” He held out his hand. “What’s your name?”

Kempner paused. He narrowed his eyes as an impression came upon him to trust the ex-wrestler. He grabbed at the man’s offered hand. “Sean. Sean Kempner.”

“You’re a believer, aren’t you?”

Kempner shrugged. “I believe in a lot of things.”

Shiva regarded Kempner for a moment, confident that his impression of the man being a believer to be a correct assumption. “You really did come here to shoot him, didn’t you?”

Kempner looked at him. “What gave you that idea?”

“Why do you want to kill him?”

“Why do you want to kill him?”

Shiva shook his head. “Look, man. You’re the one who came up here with a sniper rifle. Why can’t you just spell it out for me and stop talking in riddles? So you came up here to shoot the man who calls himself the Advocate. Why?”

Kempner paused. “You know why.”

“Tell me anyway. Pretend I’m an ex-wrestler who can’t put two and two together.”

“That man is the one who is leading the One World Order. He has everything lined up and it’s happening now. The master plan. It’s like Nazi Germany all over again, only worse. In America today, he already has his own trusted forces in place. They have strategically moved in to their assigned areas and taken control of the United States government.”

“Come on, man. You can’t take over the government overnight.”

“This has been happening for years. Like chess, Salvadori has been placing his people right where he wants them to be. He has been in league with many others…some of the world’s richest people have been financing him. Everything they’ve been doing has brought them to the one goal they’ve been aiming at. World domination. One World Order. Can’t you see that? Haven’t you been paying attention to what’s been happening? Do you think the economy has failed by accident? The economy has been failing because these people - this conglomerate of billionaires under the devil’s thumb - have been purposefully sabotaging it throughout a period of several years.”

Shiva swallowed. “That’s heavy, man. What people are you talking about? Do you have any proof?”

“You want proof, read the Book of Revelation.” He pointed toward the Federal Building. “That man in there who I planned on putting a bullet through his head is the White Rider of Revelation. The Antichrist. Right now, he is the most powerful man on this planet and if we don’t stop him, he’s going to lead us all to our deaths.”

Shiva let out a weary sigh. He shook his head as he wiped at his forehead. “Man, you have to know your plan to assassinate him won’t work. The Bible tells us that this man will receive a wound which he would come back from, but I don’t believe that’s going to happen now.”

Kempner shrugged. “Well, I thought I’d at least give it a try.” He paused. “There will be other opportunities. One such opportunity is months away…and I won’t be the one making the attempt that time.”

The ex-wrestler frowned. “What do you mean?”

“The AC is making a trip to the White House. The Vice President is giving him an office there…” He paused for affect. “The new Oval Office.”

“Man, are you serious?”

He nodded once. “That’s not all. Once Salvadori has arrived to take his place in the new Oval Office, there will be an assault made on the White House.” He made eye contact with Shiva. “President Ballou himself will be leading the attack.”

___ ___ ___

They had just placed a serial killer in the back of a squad car when the quake struck. The ground shook so hard, it was impossible to maintain on their feet. There was nothing to hold onto because everything shifted and moved. Vehicles were bouncing on the pavement like basketballs. The only thing that wasn’t affected was the helicopter in the air.

Keith LeBeau and Jeremy Bandjough were safely in the Storm Breaker above the warehouse district on the outskirts of Albany. Below them in a deserted warehouse, they had seen several police cars arrive on the scene. They had recognized Detectives Randy Groh and Brian Yorke and later seen them place Sebastian Crowe, a killer they called Cain, into the back of one of the police cars. Then, like dominoes, those who had been standing fell to the ground.

From the safety of the sky, the pilots saw the ground buckle and wave like the sea. It was the strangest sight they had ever seen. Then, the warehouse where Michael Lenox and Staci Cohen had last been reported to be in collapsed. The walls buckled, the windows exploded and the ceiling caved in. A huge cloud of dust and debris filled the air. It became so thick, the pilots brought the Storm Breaker up higher to get out of it.

When they were high enough from the smoke where they were able to see, Bandjough said, “Oh, man…”

LeBeau glanced at him. “We’ve gotta get down there and help! Doc and Knox are down there.”

“Ace, look!”

LeBeau looked and he saw the city of Albany. From several locations, smoke rose from the city. He thought his mind was playing tricks on him because there were quite a few buildings he could recognize on sight…but some of them were missing. He had been in Afghanistan. He had been in places that had been targeted by air-to-air missiles and on this day, Albany looked as if it had been attacked.

He swallowed. “Oh, man…This is not good.” He shook his head. “Well…we have to help right where we’re at before we head for the Federal Buildin‘, Rookie. I don’t intend to abandon Doc and Knox right now.” He was already looking for a place to land.

With the quake over, the Storm Breaker set down in the parking lot away from the police cars. Yorke ran over to them just as they settled and banged on the door. Bandjough moved into the back and pulled it open.

“We’re gonna need a digging crew out here,” Yorke said.

“I really don’t think that’s gonna happen,” Bandjough told him. “Albany looks bad. I think we’re on our own here.”

Yorke looked at LeBeau.

LeBeau confirmed what Bandjough said with a nod.

Yorke sighed. “Well…I guess we’ll have to work with the handful of people we got.” He waved at them. “Come on.”

The Storm Breaker was shut down and secured. LeBeau and Bandjough followed Yorke back to the collapsed warehouse. Groh was there with five other police officers. Several of them were trying to pull debris away from where the entrance once was. They were not hopeful of finding a way in to Staci and Lenox.

“This is hopeless,” Groh told Yorke and the pilots. “Even if we could somehow get through all this, I doubt we would get to them in time. For all we know, they could already be dead.”

LeBeau glared at him. “We’ve got to try! And for the record, pal, they ain’t dead! Everybody digs and no one stops until we get in there!”

“I don’t take orders from you, flyboy.”

Yorke looked at his partner. “Come on, Randy. Easy. Let’s just try to make a dent in this thing and see what happens.”

“Why don’t you get him over here to help us?” Bandjough said.

Groh turned his head. “Who?”

Bandjough pointed.

When Groh looked to see where the pilot was pointing, he shook his head in disbelief. Bandjough had been pointing at the prisoner in the squad car. “Are you out of your mind?” he exclaimed. “That guy isn’t getting out of that car until we get him somewhere we can lock him up.”

“There’s nine of us,” Bandjough persisted. “He would make ten.”

“Yeah. That’s really great that you can add and all, but the answer is still not on your life. That guy is a killer and if we drag him out here to help us, he’ll kill any one of us the second we take our eyes off of him.”

Yorke sighed. “Randy, we don’t have a choice. We need his help.”

Groh shook his head. “He’s not going to help us.”

“How do you know that?”

“I know it because he’s a killer and we’re the cops who caught him. We’re going to lock him up. I know if I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t be feeling so helpful either.”

“Well, we just won’t give him a choice.”

“Great. What are you gonna tell him? ‘Listen, Cross, we want you to help us out here but we’re still gonna lock you up for life. Maybe even get you the chair.’”

Yorke turned and headed for the squad car. LeBeau and Groh followed, but Bandjough joined the other police officers in digging through the rubble. Yorke opened the rear door and looked in at Crowe.

Crowe turned his head and smiled. Blood on the side of his head indicated that he had struck something during the quake. “That was fun,” he said. “Could we do that again?”

“We need your help to get back inside,” Yorke told him.

“Now why would I want to help you?”

“The woman you kidnapped is still in there and she’s in there because of you. So is the ATD agent who helped us capture you.”

“I’d shed a tear or two if I cared.”

Yorke paused. “Here’s how it works. You help us and you don’t get a bullet in your head.”

Crowe looked into his eyes. “Careful. That’s not very Christian like. Besides, if you really do have Jesus down in your heart, I don’t believe you could pull the trigger in cold blood like that. So why don’t you try to scare something else up to threaten me? If not, go dig out your friends and get away from me.”

Yorke smiled. Then, without warning, he reached into the car and grabbed a hold of Crowe. He pulled the man out and slammed him up against the car. Groh and LeBeau continued to stand by, waiting to see if he needed help.

“Yeah, that‘s right!” Yorke snapped angrily, his face inches from the killer’s. “I’m a Christian and I’m supposed to live a life that is not contrary to what He tells me in His Word. So you know that I wouldn’t just pull out my gun, press it against your head and pull the trigger. But guess what? I know someone who isn’t a Christian and who is at this moment itching to put a bullet in you. The thing is, I’m here to keep him from doing that. At the moment, all it takes is for me to look away and that would be the end of it. So help us dig or face the consequences.”

Crowe looked at Yorke for a moment. Then, he looked over at Groh and he knew Groh wouldn’t hesitate to shoot him. Not for a second. He also realized that as he helped them dig through the rubble, anything was possible. Even escape.

He smiled. “Sure, old buddy, old friend. Let’s do some digging!”

Episode #11 - Quake/Prologue - Unbalanced

2010-04-01T03:59:00.000-07:00

The Gatherers For Christ
Year One
Episode #11 - Quake
______________________________

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars:
see that ye be not troubled:
for all these things must come to pass,
but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom:
and there shall be famines,
and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
- Matthew 24:6 - 8

And he (Elijah) said, I have been very jealous
for the Lord God of hosts:
for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant,
thrown down thine altars,
and slain thy prophets with the sword;
and I, even I only, am left;
and they seek my life, to take it away.
And he said, Go forth,
and stand upon the mount before the Lord.
And, behold, the Lord passed by,
and a great and strong wind rent the mountains,
and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord;
but the Lord was not in the wind:
and after the wind an earthquake;
but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
And after the earthquake a fire;
but the Lord was not in the fire:
and after the fire a still small voice.
- I Kings 19:10 - 13
______________________________

“God is not an angry child.”
- Director Darren T. Fuller

Prologue
Unbalanced

Matthew Lambert sat up on the back end of an ambulance, holding a damp towel to the back of his neck. He had told the paramedics that he was fine, in fact, repeatedly so. When they saw the grim resolve in his dark eyes and the barely restrained anger, they finally backed away. They understood his anger.

At least, they only thought they understood it. They believed he was angry because he felt personally responsible for what had happened at the White House only hours before. That it was his fault the President had met his demise at the hands of terrorists. Now there was only one option left for Lambert and that was to hunt the ones responsible for this atrocity and bring them to justice.

That is what the paramedics thought was going through the mind of the secret service agent.

They were wrong.

Lambert’s rage was a lot deeper than that. And it began to come to the surface when he happened to glance up and noticed who was coming his way. It was ATD agents he recognized. Albert Barrington, Marc Shiva, and Erin Greye. But walking just ahead of them was Michael Lenox and he was leading the way. And when Lambert realized that they were heading right for him, he almost lost control of his rage.

Fighting to keep that control, he rose to his feet and met them before they arrived at the ambulance. Not one of them was aware that Alyson Moore and Rick Meers were approaching from the long stretch of drive way in front of the White House.

Lambert stopped in front of Lenox, glaring at him. “I want a word with you.”

Lenox ignored the fact that the secret service agent was referring just to him. “Fine. We want a word with you as well, so I guess that works out for all of us.”

“No…not with them.” He poked a forefinger at Lenox’ chest, emphasizing his point. “Just you.”

Barrington looked from Lenox to Lambert. It wasn’t hard to notice the hostility between them. “Michael…what’s going on?”

Lenox kept his eyes on Lambert. “Nothing. This will take just a moment.”

Lenox followed Lambert away from the others back toward the ambulance. The two men climbed into the ambulance through the back and Lambert pulled the doors closed, giving them privacy.

Lenox leaned back against the wall and folded his arms across his chest patiently. He didn’t even bother to say anything. Instead, he waited for the secret service agent to begin the conversation. A conversation that he felt was unnecessary.

Lambert faced Lenox angrily and pointed at the man’s face. “You shot me.”

Lenox waited still for more to come, so he remained silent.

Lambert scowled. “Did you hear what I just said?”

“I heard.”

“Well? Aren’t you going to say anything?”

Lenox paused. “You pulled me in here to complain because I shot you?”

“You weren’t supposed to shoot me!”

“I don’t believe this. Lambert, shooting you helped us create an alibi for you. I knew you were wearing a vest and I had assumed you were willing to go along with the plan. Apparently, I was wrong. Maybe I should inform the Man that you want out.”

Lambert frowned. “That’s not what I’m saying.”

“This meeting between us was uncalled for. Everyone who saw us go in here is going to wonder why we’re in here. The sooner we’re done, the better.” He headed for the doors, moving around Lambert.

The secret service agent ran his hand through his hair. “Yeah…but you shot me.”

“Do you want an apology?”

“Look. I wasn’t expecting to be shot.”

Lenox regarded him. “For what it’s worth, we accomplished what we set out to do. The Man is safe. People will think he’s dead so no one will come after him and that will leave him and you free to continue with the plan. So…all in all, a job well done. This meeting is over and there won’t be another one.”

Lambert sighed, reaching the door before Lenox did. “That wasn’t an apology.”

“I wasn’t offering one.”

“Figures.”

Lambert pushed the doors at the back of the ambulance open and he was the first one out. Lenox stepped out after him, closing the doors behind them.
___ ___ ___

Director Darren T. Fuller and Advocate Tristian Salvadori were alone in Fuller‘s office at the Federal Building in Albany.

Fuller didn’t say anything.

Salvadori, on the other hand, knew what he was going to say. He also felt as if he could take all the time he needed to say it. He smiled. “Ed Carr is a puppet…but he has his uses from time to time.”

“What can I do for you, sir?” Fuller asked politely.

“Your personal assistant seems to fear me.”

“She’s been under a lot of stress.”

Salvadori smiled as if to humor him. “I know she fears me, Director. In fact, I know that all of you fear me because of some crazy notion of who you think I am.”

Fuller shook his head. “I have no fear of you. And I happen to know exactly who you are.” He paused. “I just don’t know the purpose of your visit here today.”

“Then, perhaps I should tell you.”

Fuller didn’t respond. He simply waited.

Salvadori shrugged. “Fine. I will tell you why I am here. I am here to simply give you fair warning.” He opened his mouth to continue, but was interrupted by a sudden, unexpected tremor.

The tremor was then followed by a quake.

Both men were so startled that they lost their balance and began to try to keep from falling. Fuller was about to fall, but it suddenly felt as if the entire office literally shifted. He found himself thrown into the wall face first. As he fought to keep from losing consciousness, Salvadori was having his own difficulties. In spite of it, however, he always somehow managed to stay on his feet.

Then, there was a horrendous crash. For one long second, Fuller actually believed the building was collapsing. Once again, he found himself off balance and almost flying through the air. In horror, he saw where he was heading for and knew he would not be able to stop what was coming. All he could do was place his face in his arms, shielding himself as he hit the window.

Glass shattered, and he was outside of his office. His eyes widened as he saw the city. Somehow, it seemed completely unbalanced. Then, he realized a heartbeat later that it didn’t matter. He was about to plummet down to the street below and literally fall to his death.

Just as he began his descent, something caused him to stop falling and he hit the side of the building.

“I’ve got you,” exclaimed a voice from above him.

Startled, Fuller looked up and could not believe his eyes.

Salvadori was hanging out of the broken window with a firm grip on Director Fuller’s left ankle.

The question remained. Would the Antichrist pull him back into the building thereby saving his life…or would he simply let go and allow Fuller to fall to his death?

Ep #10: Epilogue - Collapse

2009-07-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

When the trunk had opened, Staci had expected there to be bright light. She had been thinking of how the previous victims had been found out in the woods. She assumed she would have been taken to a similar location, but she noticed there was a rooftop above her and her captor. She realized that she was in a garage.

When he reached in the trunk for her to help her out, she began to realize that they weren’t in a garage at all. They were in a warehouse. As he helped her to get to her feet and as she leaned back against the car, she noticed nothing but an empty warehouse. The ceiling was high overhead, and then there was nothing else but windows, walls and beams.

He untied the gag and removed it. A smile touched his lips as he looked at her.

She didn’t say anything.

“I’ll bet you didn’t see this coming,” he said to her. “But I’m sure you’ll tell me that God saw it.”

She didn’t respond.

He paused, allowing her time to speak. When she didn’t, he said, “You can play the silent treatment game all you want. It won’t change a thing. You’ll still die here.”

She looked him in the eyes, but still remained silent. There was a look of grim resolve on her face, as if she was accepting what was about to happen.

Crowe shook his head. “Stubborn, aren’t you? If you’re such a good Christian, why aren’t you trying to get me saved? Why aren’t you trying to convince me that I’m a sinner and I need a Savior?” He folded his arms across his chest and glared at her. “I expected you to condemn me if not try to witness to me about your faith. Is that what you’re doing right now? Condemning me in your heart?”

Staci chose that moment to speak, but when she did, she used the Word of God. “‘He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil. 1’” She was happy that the scripture just seemed to come to her mind without her even trying to think of it on her own. She believed it was the Spirit of God who was giving her the words to speak and the courage to stand.

He chuckled. “Well done. You’re going to use scripture against me. But I do believe that there was a man called Jesus. Yet this Jesus is a part of history, so I don‘t believe that I shall be condemned.”

“You don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” It wasn’t a question.

He shook his head. “No, I don’t.”

“‘Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I; yea, thine own lips testify against thee. 2’” She thanked God for giving her more scripture. She wasn’t exactly certain where that one came from, but it was very much appropriate for her situation.

“Enough of this!” he exclaimed. “Do you want to live?”

She nodded. “Of course, I want to live, but do you actually expect me to believe that you‘d let me go?”

He paused. “I will let you go.”

She looked at him with doubt in her eyes.

Crowe held up his hands. “You have my word. I will let you go.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because your boyfriend has probably figured out by now that I’m the killer they’re looking for. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were out there looking right now. By letting you go, I may buy me some time to get away.”

“If that’s true, then untie me and let me go.”

He paused. “I will…but first, I want you to do something.”

She let out a sigh. “There’s always a catch,” she replied knowingly.

He nodded. “Of course, there is. Because this is what it’s all about sweetheart. All you have to do is curse God and then…I’ll let you go. Turn away from Him and I’ll set you free.”

Staci didn’t even hesitate. “That’s not going to happen. And stop calling me ‘sweetheart’!”

“I’ll kill you if you don’t.”

“You’ll kill me because you’re a murderer. A murderer like your father, the devil.”

He stared at her. “What did you say?”

Staci was happy to receive another verse of scripture that just came to her. She actually smiled. “‘Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 3’”

“What do you know of it?” he demanded. “You don’t know anything about me!”

“You kill Christians because God loves them. You’re jealous because your father didn’t love you.” Tears filled her eyes, but they weren’t because of fear. She felt genuinely bad for Crowe. “But God does love you, only you have gone so far out of His reach that He can’t possibly save you. You’ve hardened your heart. You’ve rejected Him. You not only rejected Him, but you’ve also rejected His people. Christians. And maybe overtime, this jealousy in your heart became hatred and you lashed out. You murdered a Christian…Someone who was trying to show you the way. But you refused to listen and became so angry that you reacted. And you continued to react by killing more Christians.” She shook her head sadly. “What you may not have known was that the Christian who came to you to show you the Way was sent to you…by God. God was trying to reach out to you. And you refused Him.”

Crowe stared at her. He was entirely shocked that she knew about him as she did. Out of all of the victims he had captured and slain, none of them had ever seen right through him as Staci Cohen did.

He swallowed a lump in his throat. “Curse Him.”

Staci shook her head. “No. I will not curse the God who saved me.”

He glared at her. “No one is going to come to your rescue. I’ll kill you if you don’t curse Him.”

“I won’t curse Him…and you won’t kill me either.”

“Oh, really? You think I won’t kill you?”

“I know you want to.”

“Then, what makes you think I won’t kill you?”

Staci paused. “Because he won’t let you.”

Crowe blinked and shook his head. “What are you talking about? Who won’t let me?” He laughed. “We’re alone, sweetheart. No one is here but the two of us.”

“And him. He’s also here, and he’s right behind you.”

Crowe looked incredulous. “Do you really expect me to fall for that?”

Something hard pressed against the back of his head and Lenox’ voice spoke right into his ear. “If I were you, I’d listen to her. It would be the smartest thing you’ll ever do.”

Crowe froze.

He heard others approaching, too, and realized that it was over. He didn’t fight as Lenox placed him in handcuffs. Without another word, Yorke took a hold of one of Crowe’s arms and Groh took the other. They exchanged looks with Lenox and then led their killer away.

Lenox gently turned Staci and cut her bindings loose. When she was free, she put her arms around him and embraced him. Hesitantly, Lenox returned the embrace.

“Are you okay?” he asked her.

She nodded. “I am. I…I was surprised to see you at first, but…but then I knew you were here because He led you to me.” She stepped back and looked into his eyes. “Michael…you were behind him when he took me out of the trunk. Why didn’t you take him then?”

Lenox paused. “I really don’t know, Staci…I…I guess I was just impressed with the things that you were telling him.”

“I’m glad you heard that.”

“Why? Are you saying that I’m condemned because I don’t believe?”

Staci paused as her eyes filled with tears. “I know you’re angry, Michael. I know that you blame yourself for things in your past. My greatest fear for you is that…you might reach a point in your own life…just like Cain did…Like Sebastian did…where your heart will be hardened.” She shook her head. “Please, don’t reach that point. I want you to be saved.”

Lenox didn’t know what to say.

When he finally did come up with a response, he opened his mouth to tell her. But just as he did, the ground shook so hard that the warehouse they were in collapsed on top of them. As the warehouse collapsed, the floor they were standing on buckled beneath them. Then, a hole opened up below them and within seconds, they were swallowed up whole into the darkness below.

*******

1 - John 3:18,19
2 - Job 15:6
3 - John 8:44

*******

On the next exciting episode of
The Gatherers For Christ…
The Gatherers are faced with a new crisis...
the aftermath of an earthquake!
Lenox and Staci are trapped underground,
and Director Fuller finds himself
working side by side to save lives with the enemy...
Tristian Salvadori, the Antichrist!
Episode #11 - Quake!
Coming soon…
on the next episode!

_______ _______ _______

Ep #10: Chapter 50 - Fair Warning

2009-07-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

The Storm Breaker covered a lot of ground from above, but there was no way for LeBeau, Bandjough and Lenox to know where Crowe had taken Staci. They knew that time was short. Once Crowe had Staci isolated, he fully intended to kill her. She would become another one of his victims unless they found them in time.

The three men in the helicopter each wore a headset, which enabled them to hear each other. Without them, the pilots would have to shout at Lenox who sat in the back, waiting to open the door the second the Storm Breaker was lowered toward the ground.
“There are two places he could have taken her, Knox,” LeBeau said as he looked down at the scenery below. “Four warehouses in the area are active, so I doubt he’d be stupid enough to bring her to one of them.”

“The other two are abandoned warehouses,” Bandjough added. “The trouble with checking each one of the two out is that Albany is right in the middle of them. How are we gonna check them both out?” He let out a sigh. “We could check one of them out, but while we do, what if Doc is at the other one?”

“Drop me at this one,” Lenox told them. “Then, check out the other one yourselves. If she’s there, do what you have to do to get her back safely. You may need to take Crowe out. Can you do that?”

LeBeau nodded his head. “Yeah. We’ll take him out if we got to.”

Bandjough glanced at him.

Lenox kept his eyes focused on below. He watched the roads heading toward the warehouse they were approaching. “I just don’t want you to hesitate when it comes to pulling the trigger. I know things seem to be different for you since you both became…Christians…But you’ve got to understand. This man is a cold blooded killer and he hates Christians. He won’t hesitate to take Staci’s life so you have to promise me not to hesitate in taking his.”

“I told you, man,” LeBeau declared, “we won’t hesitate. I want Doc back just as much as you do.”

“What about you, Rookie?”

Bandjough hesitated. “If I have to, Knox…I’ll take a shot at Crowe.”

Lenox nodded. “Okay…Thanks. Drop me off on the hills to the left of the warehouse. When I’m out, fly right over the warehouse. I’m sure Crowe will expect there to be some kind of a search. It won’t seem strange to him.”

LeBeau nodded. “You got it.”

The Storm Breaker headed for the hills and once they were over it, the pilots lowered the helicopter toward the ground. Without another word, Lenox opened the door and jumped out. By the time the Storm Breaker was back in the skies over the warehouse, Lenox was running down the hill toward it. One way or the other, he was determined to get Staci back at all costs.

*******

Shiva stepped out onto the rooftop with his gun leveled and at the ready. He wasn’t certain if someone was on the roof or not, but he wasn’t going to take any chances. Something caused a reflection and even though it could have been anything, he suspected that it was caused by movement. Movement caused by someone.

He peered around the corner. At the edge of the roof, a man was looking into the scope of a sniper rifle. He had the rifle aimed at a window in the Federal Building across the street. Shiva was certain that the window the man was aiming at was a part of Director Fuller’s office.

The ex-wrestler leveled his gun at the man’s head. “Drop the rifle,” he ordered.

The man tensed.

“Slowly. Don’t make any sudden moves or I’ll put a bullet in you.” Shiva shrugged and added, “I may be a bad shot, but I’ve got plenty of bullets. I’m sure some of them will hit you before you do something stupid.”

Not seeing any other options, the man slowly placed the rifle onto the rooftop before him.

“Now with your hands behind your head, fingers interlaced,” Shiva continued, “turn to face me but remain on your knees.”

The man followed Shiva’s instructions carefully.

The ex-wrestler regarded him for a moment. “I’ve seen you before.”

The man remained silent.

Shiva let out a sigh. “Why are you here? Who did you come up here to assassinate?”

“Why don’t you take a look in the scope and see for yourself.” the man suggested.

“I don’t have to do that to figure it out. You had that rifle pointed at an office window across the street, at the Federal Building. Specifically, at my boss’ window, which tells me…you’re targeting Director Fuller.”

“No. I’m not.” He paused. “I was targeting…someone else.”

Shiva scowled. “Who?”

The man didn’t respond.

“I said who?”

“Why don’t you look for yourself?”

Shiva hesitated. Then, he decided to look for himself only because something was bothering him about the whole scenario. He knew he had seen this man once before, but couldn’t remember where. He also could not get past the impression that he wasn’t the enemy. Could the man be a believer?

He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. As a precaution, he tossed them to the man. “Put them on with your hands behind your back and then slowly…back away from the rifle.”

The man caught the handcuffs and did as he was instructed. When he was away from the rifle, Shiva re-holstered his weapon and moved to the edge of the roof. Watching his prisoner, he picked up the rifle. Then, he looked through the scope…

Surprise was clearly evident on his face.

His prisoner hadn’t moved. He remained where he was, watching the ex-wrestler. When he saw the look of surprise, the man said, “Now do you understand? I’m not the enemy here. He is.”

Shiva had to be certain that he had seen who he thought he saw. He looked through the scope again.

He could see Fuller’s office. He could see Fronk…Director Fuller was standing behind his desk. Past Fuller and Fronk, the door to the office was open. Carr was there, standing to the left. Shiva could just make out the man’s arm and half of his face. Carr had a smirk.

Fuller and Fronk were not the man’s target, and neither was Carr. Shiva understood clearly that the man who was standing in the doorway of Fuller’s office was the target.

That man was Tristian Salvadori.

The only thought going through Shiva’s mind was…What is the Antichrist doing in Director Fuller’s office?

*******

Bollinger ran off into the woods. He ran as fast as he was able to, dodging branches, darting around trees and attempting to get as much distance as he could from those who pursued him. He didn’t know how many were after him, but he heard at least two. As he ran, he grinned with malicious glee and occasionally, a giggle or chuckle burst from him.

In his hands was a lockbox. In the lockbox, he knew he would find $60,000.00. He had taken it and decided to leave Camp Wood. He knew that it was only a matter of time before King and the others caught onto his act anyway, so the only option before him was to leave. Leaving with the cash was only an unexpected bonus. The only problem with that was he wasn’t actually certain if the lockbox had any money in it or not. For all he knew, Saint could have emptied it and placed the money somewhere else. He had been about to open it but that was when Chase caught him.

He had pushed Chase out of the way and ran toward the woods. When he got to the woods, that’s when he heard Chase running after him…but someone else had also joined the chase. Bollinger was a fast runner. He prided himself in keeping fit. He was used to running because running was something he often did when he had to get away in a hurry. He moved around trees, dodged tree limbs, crashed through bramble and bush, and jumped over fallen trees or stumps. After a time, he stopped once to catch his breath. He tried to control his breathing so he could listen for his pursuers, but even his own heartbeat sounded loud.

He knelt down beside a large tree and placed the lockbox before him. He looked around and peered behind the tree. No one was in sight. Satisfied for the moment, he opened the box and grinned with delight.

The money was there.

Laughing softly to himself, he took all of the money out and buried it under leaves, broken branches and twigs beside the big tree. Then, he closed the lockbox, picked it up and got to his feet.

“Bollinger!”

Bollinger looked and running toward him was Chase.

The rogue agent took off once more, but this time, he didn’t run as fast as he had been. Chase seemed to be in good shape himself, but Bollinger decided to see what would happen if he let the man catch up to him. As it turned out, that wasn’t a problem.

Bollinger had to come to a dead halt as a cliff stopped him in his tracks. He twirled one arm out as if he were a bird taking flight while he clung to the lockbox with his other arm. He tried to balance himself to keep from plunging down what seemed to be a three story fall…Below the fall was a steep, rocky hill for another nine stories. He wasn’t confident that falling straight down for three stories, and then rolling down nine stories more of a rocky hill was something he would survive.
He regained his balance and stepped back.

Taking a deep breath, he peered down the cliff.

“Bollinger!” Chase shouted from the woods behind him.

Bollinger turned and saw Chase standing there, catching his breath. The man glared at him, noticing the lockbox in his possession.

“You have no right,” Chase told him, trying to keep the anger out of his voice…and failing.

Bollinger held the lockbox with both hands. “What…? This?”

“That money doesn’t belong to you! And for you to steal it from us…” Chase swallowed, shaking his head. “What kind of Christian would do such a thing?”

He shrugged. “Ah…it’s only money.” With a grin, he tossed the lockbox over the cliff.

Chase stared at him. He had no idea that the box was empty. He moved right to the edge and stared as the box fell. The box bounced down the steep hill, hitting against rocks as it continued its downward plunge.

“What’s wrong with you?!” Chase demanded.

“Hey, if you really want the money, then…” Bollinger gave Chase a shove. “…go and get it.”

The look of shock on Chase’s face was something Bollinger would never forget. The man lost his balance and fell off the edge of the cliff. He didn’t even scream. He just fell and Bollinger watched in amazement as Chase fell through three stories of nothing but air. Then the man’s body hit the beginning of the steep, rocky hill. Chase had no way of breaking his fall as he began to tumble out of control down that hill. When his body finally stopped falling, he wound up on his back. From where Bollinger was standing, he had absolutely no doubt that the man’s body was broken.

He shook his head. “Oh, man…”

Then, he heard a click behind him.

“Don’t move,” said a voice.

Bollinger didn’t move. The gun suddenly pressed to the back of his head was great incentive for him not to move. “I don’t plan on it,” he said calmly.

Sheriff Hoag moved slowly forward, his gun at the ready. “You move one inch, I’ll pull the trigger.” He looked over the edge of the cliff and when he saw Chase far below, the muscles in his jaw twitched. His finger tightened on the trigger.

Bollinger could hear it and he knew what was coming.

Seconds before the gun went off, Bollinger twisted around and shoved Hoag’s arm straight up. Then, he pushed at him and ran. Hoag almost fell back but caught his balance. When he regained his balance, Bollinger was in the woods. Hoag fired four shots after him, but had no idea if he hit him or not.

Torn with going after him for revenge or trying to get to Chase, his concern for his friend was stronger. He holstered his weapon and looked for a way down to help Chase.

*******

Bollinger returned to the tree where he had hidden the money. He bent down and brushed away the leaves and branches, uncovering it. As he picked up the money, he heard something behind him.

He turned to look.

To his surprise, Amber Eastwood was standing there, holding onto a big stick as if it were a baseball bat.

“I knew there was a reason I didn’t like you,” she said.

And then she swung the big stick right toward his face.

*******

Fuller wasn’t the only one who was speechless because of the man who had appeared in the doorway to his office. Erin and Fronk were stunned as well. Erin, however, was more than just shocked at seeing the man in person. Her eyes were wide open in fear.
Carr was standing to the right of Salvadori, inside the office. Outside the office, there were several of Salvadori’s personal security team, spread out through the ATD Center.

“Director Fuller,” Carr said, stepping forward. “I’m quite certain that the man before you needs no introduction…but just in case someone here is ignorant of who he is, I shall gladly introduce him.” He paused for dramatic affect. “This is Advocate Tristian Salvadori.”

Fuller swallowed.

Fronk blinked as he glanced at Erin. Then, he turned to Fuller, a puzzled look on his face. “Did he just refer to the man as…Advocate?”

“William,” Fuller began, his eyes locked with Salvadori’s, “please refrain from making any comments.”

Carr glared at Fronk. “That would be wise. I should think that members of the ATD would be above making the err of insulting a visiting dignitary such as Advocate Salvadori.” He sighed. “Please show some respect.”

“Respect?” Fronk inquired.

Fuller took a deep breath. “William…”

“Oh. You mean…” Fronk snapped his fingers and sang, “‘R-e-s-p-e-c-t. Find out what it means to me! 1’”

Carr turned to glare at Fuller. “Director, should we have this man forcibly removed?”

“‘Sock it to me! Sock it to me! Sock it to me!’”

Before Fuller could respond, Salvadori shook his head, a small grin on his face. “That won’t be necessary. Besides, I only came to tour the building here…and to speak directly with you, Director.” His eyes never left Fuller. “Alone.”

Fuller paused. “William…take Erin out for a coffee or something.”

Fronk turned to Erin, who was staring at Salvadori. She was pale and rigid with fear. When he took her by the arm, he could feel that she was trembling.

“Come on, Erin,” he said softly. “Let’s go to finish up that task we had started earlier.”

Salvadori stepped further into the office so that Fronk could lead Erin out of it. Fronk was worried because he nearly had to drag her out. He couldn’t be certain, but he thought that she might be in a state of shock. Once they were out of Fuller’s office, that left Fuller alone with Salvadori and Carr. It was like leaving him alone and unprotected with two vipers.

Carr went to close the door.

“You must leave, too,” Salvadori said. “Director Fuller and I need to discuss…important issues.”

Carr looked disappointed. “But Advocate--”

“Issues that do not concern you.”

Something in his voice caused Carr to proceed with caution. He left the office without another word, closing the door behind him.

Fuller and Salvadori were alone.

Fuller didn’t say anything.

Salvadori, on the other hand, knew what he was going to say. He also felt as if he could take all the time he needed to say it. He smiled. “Ed Carr is a puppet…but he has his uses from time to time.”

“What can I do for you, sir?” Fuller asked politely.

“Your personal assistant seems to fear me.”

“She’s been under a lot of stress.”

Salvadori smiled as if to humor him. “I know she fears me, Director. In fact, I know that all of you fear me because of some crazy notion of who you think I am.”

Fuller shook his head. “I have no fear of you. And I happen to know exactly who you are.” He paused. “I just don’t know the purpose of your visit here today.”

“Then, perhaps I should tell you.”

Fuller didn’t respond. He simply waited.

Salvadori shrugged. “Fine. I will tell you why I am here. I am here to simply give you fair warning.” He opened his mouth to continue, but was interrupted by a sudden, unexpected tremor.

The tremor was then followed by a quake.

*******

Staci was in the trunk of Crowe’s car for the entire night since he had abducted her from her apartment. She had regained consciousness only to find herself in darkness, bound and gagged. She tried to make noise, but anything she did was drowned out by the loud music playing from the car’s stereo. All she could do was lay there and pray. It was her only option. She realized that God would answer her prayer one way or the other. He would either take her home to be with Him…or He would make a way out for her. Either way, the way she began to pray was to ask for strength to face whatever happened.

Hours later, it became clear to her what God’s answer was.

The car came to a stop. The engine was turned off, and then, the radio. The car door opened and someone walked toward the trunk where she was trapped inside. A brief moment later, the trunk opened and Staci found herself looking up at her captor.
Sebestian Crowe reached into the trunk for her. “It’s time, darling. This is where you get off.”

*******

1 - “Respect” - Aretha Franklin

_______ _______ _______

Ep #10: Chapter 49 - Philip And The Ethopian

2009-07-19T12:23:00.001-07:00

There was no answer.

Lenox had pushed the doorbell several times and knocked even more, but Staci did not respond from within her apartment. He had told her that he would be by in the morning to pick her up. He looked at his watch, wondering if he was too early.

No, he decided. Something was wrong.

Groh and Yorke were already at the police station, going over Cain’s files, searching for clues as to the killers identity. They hadn’t come out to pick up Staci without his knowledge. They knew there was something going on between him and Staci and they wouldn’t interfere with that.

Staci also would not have left her apartment without telling him. She would be expecting him. Why would she leave?

Unless someone made her leave.

Lenox withdrew his gun and kicked the door without hesitation. The door flung open and slammed against the wall. He held out his hand to keep the door from bouncing back and entered the apartment. With his gun leading the way, he searched the apartment, but there was no sign of Staci anywhere inside. There was also no sign of a struggle.

That bothered him.

He stood in the kitchen, trying to think of his options. On the floor in front of the door to the apartment was Staci’s purse. He walked over to it and picked it up. He knew that Staci wouldn’t just drop her purse on the floor. Someone had to have knocked on the door…She opened the door…And then she dropped her purse.

Why?

Did her sudden disappearance have anything to do with the Cain case? If it did, no one knew she was consulting Lenox and the detectives…except for one other person.

Lenox took out his cell phone and speed-dialed Groh.

Groh responded on the first ring. “Yo.”

“Where is Sebastian Crowe?” Lenox asked.

There was a pause. “You want to know where Blackbird is? What for?”

“Because I believe he’s your killer…and he’s got Staci.”

*******

Marc “Fury” Shiva headed into the Federal Building. He carried with him a cardboard tray with four cups of coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts. As he headed for the security desk to gain entrance into the building, he noticed that a stocky, bald man was approaching him.

“Excuse me,” the man said.

As an ex-wrestler, Shiva sized the man up as if he were about to go into the ring with him. The man wore a short sleeve, blue shirt and jeans. The sneakers looked comfortable, and he walked in them as if he was accustomed to run at any given notice. In fact, he carried himself like a cop. He held a jean jacket on his arm. Because he did, Shiva noticed a tattoo of what looked like a police badge on the inside left arm. There was another tattoo on the man’s right arm, but the jacket covered most of it. Shiva couldn’t tell what it was.

“What can I do for you?” Shiva asked curiously.

“I’m looking for someone, and I was hoping you could help me.”

Shiva stopped and regarded him. “Not to be impolite, but what makes you think I can help you find who you’re looking for?”

The man extended his hand out. In it was a card.

Shiva took it and looked at the card. It simply said, Mickey Stone, Private Investigator. He regarded the man. “Nice card…but you didn’t answer my question.”

“You work with the man I’m looking for,” Stone replied.

“How do you know that?”

“You’re a special agent with the ATD. Your name is Marc Shiva. You used to wrestle professionally, and well, too…until you got burned. Someone who didn’t want you in the profession set you up for a fall and you were ousted. A guy named Michael Lenox came around and he helped to clear your name of the charges against you. And now, years later…you work for the government. And so does the guy I’m looking for.”

Shiva paused. “Where did you get this information?”

Stone shrugged. “I’m a private investigator. It’s what I do.”

“So why are you looking for Knox? Are you working on a case he’s involved in?”

“The reason I’m looking for him is confidential. And I’m not looking for Knox.”

“If you’re not looking for Michael Lenox, then who are you looking for?”

“Albert Barrington.”

“Why?”

“That’s between me and him.”

Shiva shook his head. “Bear’s a friend of mine. If there’s trouble, I want to know about it.”

Stone looked at him. “Does confidentiality mean anything to you?”

Shiva let out a sigh and shook his head. “I can’t help you.”

“Look, just give him my card. My cell number is on it. Tell him to call me.” Stone leaned forward. “Can you at least do that?”

“What if he doesn’t call you?”

“If I don’t get a call from him soon, I’ll be back. And I may not be nice about it.”

Shiva almost laughed. “This is a Federal Building, man. What are you going to do? You try anything in here, you’ll be taken down faster than you can blink.”

“I know my way around, Fury.” He nodded once to him. “I’ll see you soon.” He turned and walked away.

Shiva watched him go. He looked at the card and then headed toward the security desk. He couldn’t help but wonder why a private investigator was looking for Barrington.

*******

A crowd of people gathered together on the beach at Verdana Lake. The weather was warmer than it had been in days, and King was grateful for that. Even so, the water was cold when at first he waded into it. As he got used to the temperature of the lake, he looked at the people on the beach. He was about to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. His heart was filled with joy.

Saint and his wife, Chris, stood together on the deck. Saint was playing his guitar and leading the gathering into praise and worship. As the singing was lifted heavenward, there were only a few people at the rear of the crowd who were not singing.

Three of them were Amber, Bollinger, and Sheriff Hoag.

At the front of the crowd, Chase and Moore were already standing ankle deep in the water. They lifted their voices in song, thinking only of the step they were about to take.

After the singing, King spoke by quoting a passage of scripture from the Bible. “‘And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 1’ "

King regarded the gatherers. Then, he said, “Why do we require baptism? What is its purpose?” He paused. “Is it necessary? Is it something that we must do to gain eternal life? These are some of the questions that many people ask themselves when they think about baptism. Yet in order to understand baptism, there is another question that must be answered first.” Again, he paused. “Am I saved? Because before baptism must come salvation. If someone were to ask you if you were saved, what would you tell them? Let’s say that you said, ‘Yes.’ Then, they asked you…How do you know that you are saved? What would your answer be then?” He made eye contact with those before him.

“Salvation is something that every single one of us must be certain about,” he continued. “I can ask you, how do you know? And perhaps you would start by telling me where you got saved, or when. But not how. You see…just because you know how to get to Maine doesn’t necessarily mean that you are in Maine. Then you can tell me that you are saved because you believe. But the Devil believes, too. He believes and yet we know that he is not saved. But if you tell me that you know you are saved because you love the Lord and have a desire for His Word, and because He has changed your life, then I would call you my brother…or my sister. Being saved must mean there is a change in you. You become a person who is no longer the person you were. You become receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. You begin to walk as a disciple of Christ and you begin to bear fruit. A person who is not saved can believe, but he is offended easily by the Gospel and bears no fruit.

“So before baptism…there must be salvation.

“Jesus Himself was baptized, was He not? And He was baptized so that we would follow in His footsteps. He was giving us an example of His death, His burial, and His resurrection, and when we are baptized, we are following that example.” He quoted another passage of scripture. “‘Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 2’ ”

King smiled. “So today, we are here to be baptized. I believe in my heart that God has led us directly to this place so that we can do His will. Many of us - if not all - have indeed been saved. And it is my prayer that all of us will be saved. To you who truly are, here is water. What, then, hinders you from being baptized?” He waved a hand at Chase. “Come, my brother. If you are ready to be baptized, then come forward.”

Chase didn’t have to be told. He ran toward King, splashing water high and bringing laughter from the gathering. When he was next to King, Saint led them all into more singing. As their voices were lifted in praise, Chase was the first to be baptized. As he was coming out of the water, a big smile was spread across his face. He didn’t even notice Moore going into the water next, and someone handed him a towel.

As he wiped his face and then rubbed at his head, he moved to the back of the crowd. Movement out of the corner of his eye caused him to turn and look. Bollinger was walking away from the gathering, his steps seemed to be hurried. Curious, he began to follow.

Hoag was also curious. He looked around at the others before him, listening to them as they sang. Then, he turned around and followed Chase.

Not long after that, Amber left the gathering unnoticed as well.

*******

Shiva found Director Fuller in his office with Fronk and Erin. He set the tray of coffee down onto the desk and, after a brief greeting, he asked, “Where’s Bear?”

“He’ll be in shortly,” Fuller responded.

Shiva handed him the card he received before he came to Fuller’s office. “Well, there’s a private investigator asking about him. He gave me his card. Do you have any idea why a P.I. would be looking for him?”

Fuller looked at the card and shook his head. “I don’t know.” He handed the card to Fronk. “William, can you check into this guy and see what comes up?”

“Mickey Stone,” Fronk replied thoughtfully, glancing at the card. “Certainly, my good man! I’ll look into this mans background, and I assure you, I will leave no pebble unturned!”

Erin grinned at him.

Shiva took one of the coffee’s from the tray and found a seat on the sofa against the wall. “So, Director…what is this meeting about? You said it was urgent.”

Fuller shrugged helplessly. “It is urgent. Any time we are dealing with Ed Carr, it’s urgent. He’s the one who actually wanted to meet with us.”

“And you agreed?”

“I did. It’s better to know what he’s up to than to find out later when it can hurt us. But before we get into it, I want to wait for Bear. He should be on his way.”

“Unless he’s intercepted by Samuel Stone,” Erin pointed out.

Fuller looked at Shiva. “Did this guy look like trouble to you?”

Shiva leaned forward and sipped his coffee. “He insisted on meeting with Barrington and that it was a private matter. Other than that, that’s all I really know. He seems like a decent enough guy, but it’s hard to tell on first impressions, you know?”

“Is he bigger than you?” Fronk asked suddenly.

Shiva frowned. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“If you got into a ring with him, could you take him?”

The ex-wrestler just looked at him.

“Well, could ya, Fury? Inquiring minds want to know.”

“William…” Fuller shook his head. “You had updates on your computer you wanted to show me?”

“Absopositivelutely, I did.”

“Let’s go to your office and you can show me…before Marc hurls you out through my window.”

Fronk did his best to look shocked. “No! Certainly he wouldn’t hurl me!”

Shiva nodded seriously. “Sure, I would.”

Fronk turned to Fuller as he headed for the door. “Right this way, Director.”

Fuller nodded once and turned to Shiva and Erin. “You wait in here for Albert. This won’t take long.”

Fuller and Fronk left the office.

Shiva sat back, glanced at Erin and then looked out the window. “Are you two dating now?”

Erin smiled. “Yes.”

He sipped his coffee. “I’m sorry to hear that. If you can put up with a nut job like that, you should get a medal.”

“He’s just teasing you. It’s what he does. He likes to tease.”

“Yeah, well…” Shiva stopped. Out the window and across the street, there was a building, and the rooftop of the building was almost eye level with Fuller’s office. The ex-wrestler could have sworn that he had seen something on the roof.

“What’s wrong?” Erin asked.

Shiva set his cup down on the desk and rose to his feet. “The sun reflected off of something on the rooftop over there.” He headed for the door. “I’m going to check it out.”

“Wait, don’t you need some backup or something? Shouldn‘t we call somebody?”

Shiva shook his head. “No, I’m sure it’s nothing. I’ll check on it just to be sure, and then I’ll be right back.”

When he was gone, Erin looked out the window at the rooftop across the street. She prayed that Shiva wouldn’t find any trouble, but trouble was exactly what he found.

*******

Groh and Yorke could tell that Lenox was angry by the way he stormed into their office. He slammed the door open and approached Groh’s desk.

“Did you find Sebastian Crowe?” Lenox demanded.

“Not yet,” Groh told him. “We’re still looking. We’ve had units go out to his house, but he’s not there. He didn’t report to work today either.”

From his desk, Yorke rolled his eyes. “That’s because he isn’t scheduled to work today, goofball.” He rose to his feet and approached Lenox. “Look, we did some checking after you called and some things are starting to make sense.”

“Like what?”

“We found out that before he came to work at the Albany police station, he worked at another one in Connecticut about three years ago. We placed a call there. It seems that there were two unsolved murders there that fit the pattern of Cain.”

“Cross,” Groh corrected.

Yorke rolled his eyes. “Yeah, whatever. We also found out that he has some…ah, let’s just call them issues, which were never resolved. Anger issues. Jealousy type issues. It seems that he doesn’t handle being overlooked too well, and there have been a few promotions which have passed over him during his career.”

“What does that really have to do with the killings?” Lenox asked.

Groh turned to him. “The murders in Connecticut and here happened right after a promotion. A promotion that someone else got. Not him.”

“So he targets Christians because he doesn’t get promoted? I know Staci said that Cain is committing these crimes out of jealousy, but this is nuts. So he misses out on a few career opportunities. Better luck next time. Get over it and move on.”

“Yeah, well, his anger issues didn‘t start there…We found out more,” Yorke told him. “He had a brother. The brother was favored in the Crowe household. He got the best grades. He did the chores. He showed himself to be responsible. He joined the military and became an officer and a gentlemen. While in the military, he became a Christian, turned his whole life around and went into some Missionary work in other countries. When he came home to visit, there was an accident. He had fallen into a well on the Crowe property and broke his neck. The only witness to this accident was Sebastian.”

Lenox nodded once, knowingly. “He killed his brother.”

“It appears to fit a pattern, so…yeah, I believe he killed his brother. Sebastian wasn‘t getting noticed. He wasn‘t getting any respect from his father or mother. He was just the youngest brother, a disappointment. Just a kid who couldn‘t be like the older brother.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “Man, this guy is responsible for murdering my friends last year in their own home!” Yorke hesitated as he suddenly thought of Staci. “You know, if you and Staci never came in on this case, we wouldn’t have figured it out. We’ve not had a reason to suspect Blackbird. He’s had temper tantrums, but that’s really all we ever thought of them as.”

“Great,” Lenox replied sarcastically. “I’m so glad we could help. How does this help us find Staci?”

“Ah, it doesn’t.”

“Well, how well does he know the area?”

Groh shrugged. “He’s been here for three years. He knows enough of the area to take his victims to isolated areas.”

Lenox paused in thought. “Like abandoned campgrounds or empty warehouses outside of Albany.”

Yorke frowned. “What?”

“That’s what he told us where he would take someone to kill if he were Cain…which he obviously is. There aren’t too many warehouses outside of the city.”

Groh sighed. “There are quite a few campgrounds that are abandoned at this time of year. We’ll need a lot of people to help with the search, and even then, it could already be too late.”

Lenox glared at him. “Then, I would suggest you get that help and begin the search immediately.” He headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” Yorke asked.

“I have a chopper on the roof waiting for me. I’m going to check out the warehouses.”

As he was heading out, Yorke reached for his jacket, and Groh made some calls. Within moments, a search was begun for Staci Cohen by the Albany police and local law enforcement agencies.

*******

1 - Acts 8:26 - 39
2 - Matthew 3:13 - 17

_______ _______ _______

Ep #10: Chapter 48 - Testimonies

2009-07-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Detectives Groh and Yorke had to bring evidence from the crime scene to the police station. Staci and Lenox accompanied them. Staci wasn’t convinced that she could be of any help to the investigation, but Lenox was under the impression that she could. What she had so far offered was looked upon with skepticism from Groh. He appeared not to be interested in a single word she had said. Lenox treated her as if she were a simple instructor or teacher and he analyzed every word as if it were a puzzle. It wasn’t personal to him.

Staci was discouraged that her witnessing technique was faulty. The only one of the trio who appeared interested in what she had to say from the Bible was Yorke. She suspected that he might be a Christian as she was, but if that were so, why was he keeping it a secret?

At the Albany Police Department, they went into the elevator and down to the basement level. Yorke was carrying a couple of plastic bags that contained evidence. Groh was carrying a box which contained the weapon used against the victims at the crime scene. It was the large blood stained rock.

They went down a corridor. At the end of the corridor, a wire mesh wall separated them from the evidence room, otherwise known as the Cage. To gain entrance there was a door that was a half door in the center of the mesh wall. The top part of the door was open and the bottom part was closed. On the bottom part was a small counter. Behind this, a man sat on a stool, reading a newspaper.

Without looking up from his newspaper, the man replied, “Oh, look. The dynamic duo has returned, and this time, they brought along some new sidekicks.”

“Knock it off with the Batman comments, Black Bird,” Yorke told him as he and the others approached the Cage. “Just open up and let us in.”

The officer in the Cage sat up, folded the newspaper and put it on his desk. He rose to his feet and looked at his visitors. His eyes lingered on Staci. “You know I don’t let visitors in here.”

“We’re just bringing in evidence from the crime scene we visited today.”

The man paused. “I heard a rumor about that. Is it Cross?”

Groh nodded. “Yeah. The scumbag is back.”

He nodded his head knowingly. “And you two are back on the case, I see. Do you think you’re gonna actually catch him this time? You kind of botched it up the last time.” He pointed at Lenox and Staci. “Are they replacing you or something? Gonna show you how to get the job done?”

“You’re a wisecracker.” Groh dropped the box he was carrying onto the counter. “Just sign this in and put it away. Robin, give him the evidence bags you’ve got.”

Yorke let out a sigh. “Did you just call me Robin?”

“What? You think Black Bird refers to me as Robin? Well, I’ve got news for you.” He leaned toward Yorke and scowled. “I’m the Batman.”

Yorke shook his head and placed the bags on top of the box. “I think you both need help.”

Staci leaned toward Lenox and whispered, “Why do they call that man Black Bird?”

Lenox shrugged.

The man behind the Cage heard Staci’s question. “Oh, sweetheart, don’t be afraid to ask me directly. These clowns call me Black Bird because of my last name.”

“Oh,” Staci replied. Then, she fell silent because she didn’t know what else to say.

“I’m Sebastian Crowe.” He smiled at her. “And who might you be?”

“I’m Staci Cohen.”

“Staci Cohen…” Crowe nodded thoughtfully. “You’re Jewish, aren‘t you, darling?”

Staci nodded. “Yes. Yes, I am.”

Crowe looked at Lenox. “And who are you?”

Lenox approached the Cage and leaned forward. “I’m the guy who’s going to pull you through this wire mesh if you call Staci ‘sweetheart’ or ‘darling’ again. That’s who I am.”

Crowe sighed and shook his head. He glanced at Groh and Yorke. “Man, you guys need to find friends who aren’t too tightly wrapped.” He held up a hand to Lenox. “I meant no offense, buddy.” He looked at Staci. “Really. I seem to have offended your friend here. It wasn’t my intention.”

Staci paused. “It’s okay. I’m not offended.”

Crowe got a clipboard from off his desk, glanced at Lenox, and then began to log in the evidence. “So why are you two joining up with the detectives on this case?”

Staci shrugged. “I really don’t know.”

Groh looked at her. “Neither do I.” He turned to Crowe. “All she’s done for us is give us some kind of Bible lesson about the first murder ever committed.”

Crowe looked thoughtful. “Really. That’s interesting. Is that going to help you solve the case?”

“No,” Groh replied.

“Yes,” Yorke said.

“How can it possibly help?”

“Look, anything at this point will help.”

Staci looked at Lenox. She was beginning to feel like she was somewhere she wasn’t supposed to be.

“Come on,” Crowe said. “Are you telling me she’s helping you out as some kind of consultant?”

“Oh, wow,” Groh remarked, “look at that, Brian. He really is observant.”

“Anybody can put this together. You don’t have to be a genius or a detective. Cross kills Christians. You found someone who is a Christian and decided to bring her along as a consultant. She’ll give you profiles on the victims and you guys will use that to get into Cross’ head. Eventually - you hope - this will bring you to the killer where justice is finally served.” He shook his head. “Why didn’t you think of that before?”

“It didn’t cross our minds before,” Yorke admitted.

Groh sighed. “Well, it actually didn’t cross our minds this time either.” He aimed at thumb at Lenox. “The FBI guy here suggested Staci’s help.”

Crowe nodded his head knowingly. “Ah. Well, that explains his hostility. So, Mr. Secret Agent Man, do you think you’ll have any luck in bringing this killer to justice?”

“Luck won’t have anything to do with it,” Lenox told him. “We’ll find him.”

“Will you find him before he kills again?”

“That’s our intentions.”

“Oh, well, that’s good that you have intentions. But intentions don’t mean a thing if he grabs somebody else -” He pointed at Staci. “- like your girlfriend here. He could take her to anywhere in Upstate New York. To any abandoned campground, or some empty warehouse outside of Albany. There are hundreds of places out there, buddy, and she’d be dead before you found where he took her.”

Lenox glared at him.

Crowe paused. “I was speaking hypothetically.”

Staci tilted her head and looked at Crowe’s face closely. When he turned his head to look at his clipboard, she saw a small cut on the left side of his face. It looked like a new cut. “Did you cut yourself shaving?” she asked. “That looks like it hurt.”

Crowe hesitated. “It’s nothing.” He finished writing up the list of evidence and then handed the clipboard to Yorke. “Here. You know the drill. Sign the deal and be gone with you.”

Yorke signed and then handed it to Groh. Groh signed it. Once the clipboard was back in Crowe’s hands, he tossed it onto his desk. He picked up the evidence and nodded to Staci. “Nice to meet you. You, too, Mr. Secret Agent Man. Don’t be strangers. You can be strange…just don’t be strangers.”

Staci smiled at the mans humor.

Lenox just looked at him.

“Yeah, okay.” Crowe headed toward the back to find a place for the new evidence. “Man, that guy needs a life.”

Lenox, Staci, Groh and Yorke left the basement. They went up to the third floor where the two detectives shared an office. On their desks were folders containing everything they had on Cross. Or Cain, as Staci had called him. Before they could look into it, Lenox’ cell phone rang.

He took it out of his pocket, and flipped it open. “Yeah.” He paused. Then, he turned to the others. “I have to take this. I’ll be right back.”

When he left the room, Groh took the opportunity to excuse himself. He didn’t mention where he was going or why. He just left the office.

Yorke and Staci were left alone. Yorke sat behind his desk and Staci sat in a chair in front of the desk. She regarded the detective with a look.

Yorke opened up one of the many folders and tried to look at the material inside. But he couldn’t. He knew she was watching him. With a sigh, he looked at her. “What?”

Staci decided to test a theory. “Praise God,” she said.

“Praise God,” he said back.

“You’re a Christian.”

“Why? Because I said ‘Praise God’?”

“Did you mean it?”

“Yes, but…” He stopped. “Okay. Wait a minute. Is it really important to you if you knew whether or not I was a Christian?”

She looked at him. “Brian, we’re living in the End Times. It’s important that everyone should become Christians!”

He nodded, sat back, and ran his right hand through his hair. “Yeah. I get what you’re saying. I do.” He paused as he looked at her. “Okay. Yes. I’m a Christian. But…I’m not supposed to let anyone know.”

She frowned. “Why not?”

He shrugged. “I don’t really know. It’s just that…Well, I can trust you, right? You’re a Christian, so we should be able to trust one another.”

She nodded encouragingly.

“I belong to this group. One of the members of this group is a real wacko, but he‘s also extremely smart…He speaks in different languages…and maybe some of them he made up himself. I’m not really sure. Anyway, the point is, this group of believers…or at least this one prominent member suggested that I keep my Christianity to myself. I suppose as a way of watching out for the enemy. Pretty soon, it’s going to get worst. A lot worst, and we might need to use a little subterfuge every now and then. You know?”

She nodded again. “I know. This world is coming to its final days…and we’re all on it because we were left behind.”

“I’ve heard it said somewhere that…what this world needs is a Savior who will rescue, a Spirit who will lead, and a Father who will love.” He nodded with conviction. “Yeah. That’s what this world needs. Unfortunately, Staci…it isn’t what the world wants.”

“What is this group you’ve mentioned?”

“Well, these guys are fairly new and I’ve been told that their goal is to grow in number as quick as they can. Their objective is to recruit other believers and help spread the Gospel everywhere. They call themselves the Gatherers.”

Staci stared at him, incredulous.

He frowned. “Staci, are you okay?”

“Brian…I-I’m a part of that! I…I was there when…when it started.”

He leaned forward. “Really? Then, you know Billy Fronk.”

She smiled. Then, she laughed. “Yes! I know Crazy Man. Oh, I am so glad to have met you.”

“Yeah, I’m glad to have met you, too. Wow. This is pretty amazing. I wonder who else is out there who have become a part of this.” He paused. “Oh. Ah…but you can’t tell anyone that I’m…you know…one of you.”

“A Gatherer?”

“A Christian. I have to be low key. You can ask - what did you call him? - Crazy Man about that when you see him. I’m still trying to get over the fact that he almost got me blown to bit’s the last time we met.”

“Huh?”

He shook his head. “Never mind. It’s a long story.” He glanced toward the door and wondered how much time they had left before Groh and Lenox returned. “What made you decide to turn to Christ?”

Staci shook her head. “There’s so much to tell, I don’t even know where to begin.”

“I know we don’t have time to get into full testimonies here, Staci…so I’ll give you a condensed version of my testimony.” He paused. “It was my son’s birthday. He just turned six. Sarah and I - Sarah’s my wife - we were giving him a party. A lot of people showed up. My son…Justin was hitting a piñata and trying to get it open…and he looked so funny swinging his stick blindfolded. I had to duck a few times. And we never did get around to replacing the lamp…” He smiled fondly at the memory. “Anyway, he hit the piñata just right. It burst open. Candy fell like rain on to him…and…and then when all of the candy was…was on the floor, so were his clothes. Just his clothes. And I…Sarah and I dug through the candy trying to find our son…” He shook his head and whispered, “but he just wasn’t there. He was gone.”

Staci swallowed, her eyes filling with tears. “I’m sorry.”

He paused as he looked at her. “Don’t be,” he said softly. “Sarah and I are okay. We know where Justin is and we’ll see him again.” He smiled. “It was because he vanished that caused us to investigate what happened and we discovered the truth. We became believers.”

“You miss him though.”

He swallowed. “Yeah. I do.”

“I miss my son. David.” She wiped at her eyes. “I…I wasn’t even there when he vanished.”

“Are you okay?” a voice said from the doorway.

She turned around and saw that Lenox had returned. “Yes. Yes, I’m okay.” She exchanged looks with Yorke. “I…I was just starting to tell Brian how I became a Christian.”

Lenox knew how hard she had taken the vanishing of her son. He had heard her testimony. He had been in her apartment where David had vanished, and on that same day, Sherri Turrel, the babysitter, was murdered in cold blood by an Islamic terrorist.

At that moment, Groh entered the office and clapped his hands together. “Okay, people. Let’s dig into these files and see what we can find to help us nab this guy once and for all.”

Together, they began to go through the files that contained everything known about Cross.

*******

At Camp Wood, there was the sound of voices singing, raising their voices in praise to the one true God. As Saint played the guitar, he led the gathering into song. King stood with him, offering his own voice to the worship. Only a few didn’t sing, and each one of them had their own reasons for not joining in. Some of them didn’t know the words. Others knew the words, but were shy of singing in front of others. And others also didn’t sing simply because they just wanted to listen to the voices in praise around them.

There were other reasons as well.

Sheriff Hoag, for example, did not join in the singing. He didn’t know the words, and he used that as an excuse, but the truth was simple. His heart just wasn’t in it. He had yet to make a decision either for or against Christ and so he stood with his back to the wall, holding a cup of coffee. He listened to the singing and the testimonies of others, but for the most part, he was more interested in what Bollinger was up to. He didn’t know what had caused the rogue agent to slip out of the mess hall when the singing began, but he would find out sooner or later.

Amber was also among the small few who didn’t sing. She had other things on her mind. Some of those things had to do with the past, but there was also the matter of Bollinger. Something about him bothered her. She wanted to go out after him, but realized that she probably had no real reason to be so suspicious of a man she didn’t really know.

When the song was over, Saint looked around the mess hall as if searching for someone. “Who wants to jump right in and tell us a bit about your testimony…and how you came to Christ. Come on, now. Don’t be shy. No one here is going to poke any fun at you…unless you really deserve it. Any takers before I start calling out names?”

Moore rose to his feet and raised a hand. “I’d be glad to say a few words, son.”

“Alright, Pa. Hey, to everyone who doesn’t know, this is Craig Moore, but we all call him ‘Pa’. Incidentally, I’m son number 15. If you don’t have a number, get with him after and he’ll help you out.”

Moore shook his head and let out a chuckle. “Now, son number 15, that’s not necessary. Everybody calls me ‘Pa’ simply because I’m older than just about everyone in here, and most all of you certainly are young enough to be my sons and daughters. Now I think it was son number 1 - let’s see, now…That would be Albert Barrington - and anyway, he was the one who started that whole thing to begin with.”

“Pa, forgive my interruption, but…” King paused for affect. “…if Albert is son number 1, who is daughter number 1?”

There was a pause as everyone watched Moore, curious about his answer.

Moore suddenly smiled. “Well, now, Preacher…as you all know, a daughter is not like a son in more ways than one. So that is why all of my daughters are number 1.”

The gathering broke out in laughter.

When the laughter subsided, Saint nodded to him. “Go ahead, Pa. You have the floor.”

Moore nodded once. “Thank you, son.” Then, he paused to gather his thoughts. Finally, he said, “Life has always been hard for me ever since I was just a little boy. Getting anywhere was a hassle. Going to school was like going to prison because you basically lived by prison rules. You always had to fight just to survive because if you couldn’t fight, then you were just easy prey.” He paused. “I lived a hard life. I’ve seen a lot of things in my lifetime that would scare any one of you if I truly did share it with you. I joined the Marine Corp at a young age and I did it because I figured it would have gotten me away from the horrible place I was existing in back then.” He shook his head. “But it didn’t. If anything, it only made things worse. I went where all soldiers go whenever there is a war…and believe me, people. There is always a war going on somewhere, even if you don’t hear about it on the news or read about it on today’s front pages. War is always with us. And I was sent to places no one should ever have to be sent to.” He paused. “And I learned about taking lives. About killing or being killed. About disregarding the life of someone you don’t even know just so you can keep yourself alive until you can get back home.”

He paused as he regarded the people around him, looking up at him as they listened. “But home was nowhere for me. So I became a military man and…I took in more jobs for the government. I did some…some things that I’m not proud of and…and all I can say about it is that my life has always been so hard.” He took a deep breath. “Then, the Rapture happened. People all over the world disappeared. And a very strange thing happened.” He suddenly smiled. “My life got easier.” He held up a hand. “Now I know what you’re thinking. How can life possibly get any easier for anyone when we are clearly living in the most dangerous times of our lives? My answer to you is very simple. We can live in this time because He lives!” He pointed up.

A lot of people let him know that they agreed by shouting out an “Amen”.

“My life is easy now because I know that God has been leading every step I have taken since the vanishings. He led me straight to Donna. He gave me a Lexus…Now I’ve never owned anything in my entire life quite like this Lexus, but I know that God gave me this car…because it came so easy to me. It wasn’t hard. Not like how I used to live before that trumpet sounded when everything was so hard, there were days where I just wanted to die and yet I was too cowardly to take my own life.”

“That was the Spirit staying your own hand, brother!” someone exclaimed.

Moore smiled. “That very well could be. All I know is that I stand before you today a man changed by the blood of the Lamb because…Well, simply because I reached a place where my eyes were opened…and I believed. Simple. Easy. So easy, anyone of you can just accept Him as Lord and Savior like this old stubborn man finally did. Most of you have accepted him, but some of you haven’t decided yet. If there is anything holding you back, just know that God still loves you - even though you were left behind. He is still willing to take you if you will only believe in Him.” He nodded to Saint. “That’s all I have, son. Thank you.”

Moore sat down to the applause of the gathering.

“Thank you, Pa, for your testimony,” Saint replied. “Anyone else?”

Peter Chase rose to his feet, glancing at Sheriff Hoag. “I’d like to say something, John…even if I’m not too sure on exactly what to say.”

“Wing it, brother.”

Chase nodded. “Well…I’d like to say that I’m really glad that Sheriff Hoag is here.”

Hoag didn’t respond, but he was interested in what his deputy had to say. He leaned against the wall and waited.

“I’ve learned a lot from you, Sheriff. You’ve always been there for me.” He paused. “It is my prayer that you come to Christ like I did, because…well, let’s face it. Living with Him during the last days of planet Earth are better than living without Him in eternity. That’s a long time to be alone. I know you’re holding back…And maybe there are others here with us who are doing the same thing. But you are seeking, otherwise you wouldn’t be here. Whatever it is that is holding you back…please. Just let it go.”

Hoag let out a sigh. “Peter…”

“That’s all I wanted to say. That…and I’m looking forward to the baptisms tomorrow. I hope you’ll be able to join us.” He turned and prepared to sit back down.

“It’s not that easy,” Hoag said softly.

Chase rose back to his feet. “Of course, it isn’t. I lost my wife because I chose Christ. I lost my job. All of my friends and my family at home, Sheriff, have turned against me! No, it’s not easy…” He glanced at Moore. “Sorry, Pa. I know this is opposite of your testimony, but…this hasn’t been easy for me.” He looked at Hoag and shrugged. “But I don’t care about that. I can do a hard thing because I’m not alone. I know He’s right there with me and whatever comes my way, I’ll face it. That’s all you have to do, too, Sheriff, is just face it and make a decision.”

Chase sat down.

It was suddenly very quiet in the mess hall.

After a moment of silence, Saint looked around. “Anyone else want to give a testimony? Offer up a praise?”

A few others took the opportunity to share their testimonies. Donna Perkins, Larry Yeomans, and Anthony Morris were just a few who stepped up. After they had their say, Amber Eastwood, who was behind the counter near the kitchen raised her hand. In it, she was holding a wooden spoon.

Saint turned to her. “Yes, Amber…go ahead.”

“I’m just going to say this once,” Amber said. “You don’t know me. And I don’t know you…but guess what. That’s just the way I like it.”

There were some chuckles amongst the gathering, but there were also some looks of curiosity and concern.

“I’ve been through some things…Things I’m not ready to talk about, but let’s just say that I have trust issues. It’s probably not your fault, but I’m okay with taking the blame on that. Maybe in time, I’ll open up to you, but just give me some space, ‘kay?” She paused. “I know that God has saved me. I trust Him. I just have to work on the rest. But let me tell you this…” She aimed the spoon at the gathering. “If anyone of you ever steps out of line, just remember who’s making the soup!”

There was more laughter from the gathering.

Saint led them all into more singing and Hoag continued to observe. He also thought heavily about what Chase had said.

*******

The penthouse apartment complex on West Avenue where Staci lived was not as secure as it once was. Immediately after the vanishings, a semi-truck had crashed right through the glass foyer where Staci had been trapped because of a power outage. The foyer could only be entered by the use of an electronic key card and the only people who had cards were the people who lived in the building. The foyer had never been repaired, and the main entrance was no longer secured, but there was a promise that this would one day be repaired.

Staci and Lenox entered the building. They had just come from having dinner with Detectives Groh and Yorke after several hours of going over the case history of the killer known only as Cross. Staci, however, continued to think of the killer as Cain.

As they stepped into the elevator, Lenox glanced at Staci. He pressed the button that would take them to the floor she lived on. “So…did you enjoy dinner?”

Staci tilted her head as she turned to look up at him. “Pizza at the police station, you mean?” She tried not to smile. “Well, it was good, but if you think that counts as the dinner you owe me, you’ve got another thing coming, mister.”

He tried to look shocked. “Would I think such a thing?”

She just looked at him with a knowing smile.

“Well…what kind of dinner do you have in mind?”

“Dinner, not take-out. You, me…nobody else. A restaurant. The two of us, sitting at a table.”

He nodded. “Ah. That kind of dinner. Candlelight?”

“That would be nice.”

The elevator stopped on the fifth floor, and they walked out, heading for Staci’s apartment. When they got there, they both stood there and waited, not really certain what they were waiting for.

“Well…thank you for walking me home,” Staci replied softly, getting her keys from her purse.

“You’re welcome,” he responded.

She put her key into the lock and seemed hesitant about something. She turned to look at him.

Lenox regarded her. “Is something wrong?”

She nibbled nervously on her lower lip. Then, she said, “Am I…am I crazy, or is there something going on between us?” She looked into his eyes curiously.

Now it was Lenox’ turn to hesitate. “I’m…not sure I know what you mean.”

She made a half smile and shook her head. “Fibber.” When he didn’t say anything, she said, “Tell me that I’m crazy and that I’m the only one who…who feels something. But I know you do. When I look into your eyes, Michael, I can see that you feel something, too.”

“Staci…whether I feel something for you or not…it would be best for you not to get involved with someone like me.”

She shook her head. “You’re not a bad man. You’re just someone who needs to let others in.” She hesitated. “But…as much as I want you to let me in, you…you really need to let Jesus in first.”

He let out a sigh. “Staci…it’s complicated.”

“It always is.”

He paused. “You know…I really don’t know what to do about you.”

She looked puzzled. “Really? What does that mean?”

“When we first met, the man I was would have…would have already used the loss of your son to take advantage of you. I’ve done that before.” He shook his head. “When I first saw you, I wanted to do that to you.”

“But you didn’t.”

He shook his head again. “No. I didn’t.”

“I think I know why.”

“Really?”

She nodded. “It’s because you’re searching for the answer like everyone else is since the vanishings, and…and your search has caused your heart to be a little more open than it’s ever been. The answer you’re looking for is Jesus. He can help you, Michael.”

Lenox hesitated. “I know, Staci. I…” He shrugged helplessly. “I just need to work this out a bit.”

“No, you don’t. You need to give everything to Him. Your past. Your anger. Everything.” She leaned forward and put her hand on his left arm. “Why don’t you come in? We can…we can talk about it. Let me help you.”

“No.” He smiled wryly. “I really should go.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Staci…I should go. I’ll…pick you up in the morning.”

She paused as she looked into his eyes. She returned the wry smile. “Okay.” Then, she raised herself on her toes and leaned forward to kiss him. Their lips pressed together and then she stepped back.

He looked at her. “Why did you do that?”

“Because this will all be over in less than seven years. I’m not going to wait that long to tell you that I love you.” She smiled up at him. “I love you, Michael Lenox, and I’m praying for you.”

He watched her as she turned and opened her door. Before she closed it, he said, “Staci…there is another reason I didn’t take advantage of you.”

She remained in her doorway, waiting.

“I care about you.”

“I know.”

They remained silent for a moment.

Lenox didn’t want the moment to end. He thought of something to say to prolong it. “About Cain…why do you think he’s jealous?”

Staci paused to consider her answer. “Well…Abel made an offering to the Lord that was accepted, so Cain…I believe since his offering was not accepted, he became jealous of Abel because Abel‘s was accepted. It’s kind of like a brother who gets jealous of a sibling who gets more attention from Mom and Dad. I think Abel may have been the good son and Adam and Eve were proud of him, but Cain wasn’t the good son. He may have tried to be what his parents expected, but when he couldn’t meet their expectations of him, he became angry. He…he used that anger to build a resentment for Abel.” She tilted her head thoughtfully. “I don’t think he just killed Abel just because God accepted Abel’s offering and not his own. I think over a period of time, things took place that made Cain resentful of his brother. When God didn’t accept his offering, his jealousy - which he already harbored in his heart - fueled his rage and that’s when he killed Abel.”

“So…Cain chooses his victims because…”

Staci shrugged. “He is jealous of the attention and care that God gives to them. God favors them. He isn’t receiving the same things that his victims receive. Christians are supposed to love one another, in season and out of season. When he sees that love, he becomes angry. He wants to take what they have and destroy it so that no one will have it.”

“But what made him jealous to begin with.”

“I don’t know. Something in his past maybe…because this is caused by something he allowed to fester like a disease in his heart.” She looked at him. “Is any of this helping?”

Lenox smiled. “Yeah. It is. Thank you, Staci. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Well…if you change your mind and want to come in to talk…just come back. Okay?”

He nodded. “Okay.”

“Goodnight, Michael.”

“Goodnight, Staci.”

She watched him turn and walk away. When he was in the elevator, she went into her apartment, closing the door behind her.

It was only a few minutes later when there was a knock at her door.

As she approached the door, she couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “I knew you’d be back.” She opened the door.

Her smile disappeared.

The man at her door wasn’t Michael Lenox. It was Sebastian Crowe, and in his hand was a handheld Taser, which he pressed against her neck before she could react and triggered. Staci didn’t even have time to scream as she hit the floor.

_______ _______ _______

Ep #10: Chapter 47 - Cain And Abel

2009-07-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

Staci took in a deep breath, and then, slowly, she let it back out. She did this a couple of times, sometimes without even realizing she was doing it. She was nervous, though she knew she shouldn’t be. She was nervous because she knew exactly how she felt about Lenox but didn’t know how he felt about her. She was nervous because she wanted to have a relationship with him but knew that couldn’t happen because he was not a believer as she was. She was also nervous because she and Barrington had discussed Lenox at length and she was afraid it would show on her face.

She took another deep breath.

“Miss…” an elderly man at the next table inquired with concern, “are you alright?”

Staci blinked. “Hmm? What…?” She realized what she had been doing. “Oh. No. I mean, yes, I’m fine. I…I didn’t mean to trouble you.”

The man nodded and then turned to his wife, mumbling something about mental patients who should not be allowed out into the public. Staci frowned, wondering if he had been referring to her. Wisely, she chose not to inquire about it.

As it was, Lenox entered the coffee shop, looked around until he saw her, and then joined her at her table.

She smiled at him. “Hi.”

“Hi,” he said back as he sat down. He had a large manila envelope in his hands, which he placed onto the table before him.

Suddenly, two men approached their table and one of them sat down. Staci had her attention focused solely on Lenox so that she had not noticed they had entered the shop with him.

“Staci,” Lenox began, “this is Detectives Randy Groh and Brian Yorke. This investigation belongs to them and they invited me in.” He glanced at the detectives. “Gentlemen, this is Staci Cohen.”

Staci tried to keep the disappointment from showing on her face. “Hi,” she said softly. She had thought it would just be Lenox who would come. She hadn’t expected anyone else to be showing up.

Yorke noticed the look that passed over her face. “Hey, does anyone want anything? I’m going to grab some coffee.”

Lenox reached for his wallet. “I’d like a cup myself.”

Yorke waved a hand at him. “Keep your money. I’ll get it. Randy…?”

Groh grinned at him. “How about a roast beef special on a plain bagel with some mayo, and I’ll have a soda.”

“I should have known you’d order something like that.” He turned to Staci. “Anything for you? Do you want a refill on your coffee?”

Staci shook her head. “No…thank you.” She glanced across the table at Lenox.

As Yorke went to the counter with the orders, Lenox sat back and turned to Staci. “We’re glad you can help us out. I know this isn’t anything you’d ever think about doing, but because of the sensitive nature of this case, I thought you might have some insight that we might overlook.” He paused. “Are you okay?”

Staci nodded. “Yes.”

Glancing at Groh, Lenox pushed the envelope across the table toward her. “These are photo’s of the crime scene. They may shock you, but…you have to know what you’re getting into.”

She picked up the envelope. “What am I getting into? You said you needed me as a consultant. What am I consulting on?”

“The murder victims are Christians,” Groh responded. “I’m not just talking nice people who help out your neighbor Christians, but Christians who read their Bibles, tell people that they’re going to go to Hell if they don’t accept Jesus as their Lord, and basically live as if the world is coming to an end. That kind of Christian.”

Staci pursed her lips. “The world is coming to an end. And Christians do help out their neighbors.”

“Yeah…well, that kind of Christian. Just like you. That‘s why we‘re coming to you.” He rolled his eyes. “To get insight about the do-gooder Christianity.”

She frowned. “What can I do?”

“You can help us by telling us why Cross would target people like you.”

“Who’s Cross?”

Groh looked at her as if he was having second thoughts about involving her in the case. “Cross is the guy who kills Christians.”

“That’s his name?”

“No. That’s what we call him because we don’t know his name. If we knew his name, we’d go pick him up, don’t you think?”

“Take it easy, Randy,” Lenox warned.

“Look, you said she could help us out. Personally, I don’t believe - nor have I ever believed - that there is - or was - ever a Christian who walked this planet. Christianity is nothing more than a crutch.” He nodded his head toward Staci. “I don’t think she can tell us how the killer thinks.”

“Christianity is not a crutch. It is the way we are supposed to live.” Staci turned to look at Lenox, incredulous. “And I don’t know how this killer thinks. How could you think that I would?”

Yorke returned with their orders. He placed the tray onto the table and sat down. Lenox took his coffee, Groh took his sandwich and soda and Yorke took his bagel and coffee.

“Did I miss anything?” Yorke asked.

Lenox shook his head. “No. We’re just getting started.”

“And you haven’t answered my question, mister,” Staci reminded him.

Yorke let out a chuckle at the tone in her voice. Groh grinned. Staci just kept her attention focused on Lenox, waiting for his answer.

“I don’t expect you to know how Cross thinks,” Lenox told her. “But you do know how the victims think. At least you have something in common with them and that’s why we’re coming to you. By consulting with you, we may come to an understanding about living the Christian life and find something that will point us to the killer.”

Staci considered his words. She glanced at Groh and Yorke. Then, she realized that this would be a perfect opportunity to witness her faith in Christ to them. Especially to Groh, who obviously had a grudge against anyone who called themselves a Christian.

“Well,” she said, “I’ll help.” Then, she looked at Lenox. “On one condition.”

Lenox hesitated. “What’s your condition?”

“You have to take me out to dinner when this is over.”

Yorke and Groh watched the two back and forth as if they were watching a tennis match. They hadn’t known that they were going to be amused while discussing the case with Staci. It turned out to be far more interesting than they had thought it would be.

Lenox tried not to smile. It was hard negotiating when he didn’t want to let on that he was interested in her just as much as she was interested in him. He cleared his throat. “Well…if that’s what it takes to get your help, then I’ll take you to dinner.”

“Listen,” Groh replied, turning to Staci, “I’ll take you to dinner. You don’t even have to work the case with us. And I‘m not at all bothered by the fact that you‘re a Christian.”

“No, no,” Staci responded. “That’s okay. I’m covered, thank you.”

“Are you sure? ‘Cause this guy -” He aimed a thumb in Lenox’ direction. “- doesn’t even have a sense of humor. I’ll bet if you go on a date with him, he’ll just sit there like a Sears mannequin. Trust me.”

“Give it a rest, man,” Yorke groaned. “You’re like a broken record. The girl isn’t interested in you. Any fool can see that she’s interested in Mike here. Why would she want to be with you?”

Staci could feel her face getting hot. She was blushing and she knew it. What was worst was that they knew it, too. She avoided making any eye contact. “Uhm, moving on now.” She opened the envelope and began to take the pictures out.

She stared at the pictures that fell out onto the table before her. Horrified, she spread them out and brought her hand to her mouth. Four bodies, spread out on the blood soaked ground, their arms stretched out, legs together…She shook her head.

“I’m sorry,” Lenox said softly.

She looked at him. “Are…are they supposed to be crosses?”

Lenox shrugged. “We don’t really know.”

“All of his victims are laid out like that,” Yorke said.

Staci paused. “How do you know their Christians?”

“We checked them out,” Groh told her. “They’re Christians.”

Yorke nodded. “In fact, they’ve got relatives and loved ones who were counted among those who vanished about six months ago. They’re Christians.” He looked at Staci. “It’s my guess that because of the vanishings, they took comfort in the only thing they could. They sought out whatever they could on how to come to Christ…to Christianity…and they made it happen. Cross found out and killed them. Just like we believe he’ll kill again, unless we can stop him first.”

Staci regarded Yorke for a moment, and then she focused her attention on the photo’s thoughtfully. She tapped her finger on one of the photo’s. “This man here…the others have their ankles tied, but he doesn’t, and…he seems to have been beaten more than the others, too.” She glanced at Lenox.

“He may have fought back,” Lenox told her.

“The others also had their hands bound at some time.” She paused. “Cross killed them while they were bound, and then when they were dead, he posed them as crosses. Is that what you think?”

Groh nodded. “Yeah, for the most part. You haven’t told us anything we don’t already know, sweetheart.”

If his comment bothered her, she didn’t show it. “What killed them? I mean…how did Cross kill them?”

“He struck them each in the back of the head with a rock, about the size of a basketball,” Yorke told her. He picked up the photo’s, went through them until he found what he was looking for, and then handed the photo to Staci.

It was a picture of a huge blood-stained rock.

Staci shook her head. “You’re saying he had these people bound when he struck them from behind? That’s…that’s awful. They-they must have known what he was going to do. They must have known how they were going to die.”

“What’s worst…” Yorke began, “the victims had to wait their turn. Three of them must have watched the struggle from the man who wasn’t tied. Then, two victims watched what happed to the second victim. They were witnesses of their own murders until the last one was killed.”

“The ground was soaked with blood,” Lenox said softly.

“Cross is a man who kills his victims with hatred.” Yorke paused. “A lot of hate. To hit someone in the back of the head with such force…Why does he do it?”

Staci pursed her lips in thought. “Not Cross. Cain.”

Lenox watched her. “Cain?”

She nodded and reached for her purse. She pulled out a Bible. Placing it on the table, she opened it to the Book of Genesis. “Uhm, you don’t mind if I read this to you, do you, guys?”

Groh frowned. “I didn’t really come here for a Bible lesson.”

“It’s not gonna hurt, Randy, you big baby,” Yorke said, shaking his head. “She’s just going to read something.”

“Is it really relevant to our investigation?”

Lenox looked at Staci. “Is it?”

Staci paused. “You asked for my help. I’m trying to understand why Cain is committing these crimes, and I think the best way to do that is to look at the first murder ever committed.”

Groh looked at her with skepticism. “That’s just a story. It didn’t happen. Some guy got drunk, stubbed his toe, fell down the stairs, and then he woke up with a great idea for a story. He wrote it, and it somehow got into that book you have right there. It‘s a folktale.”

“Well, I believe it did happen. The Bible is every word of it true.”

Yorke waved a hand at Groh. “Don’t listen to him. He has a big mouth and little ears. He’ll get over your Bible reading, won’t you, Randy?”

Groh sighed. “You want to read a story to us, fine. Go right ahead. But I don’t see how this helps us at all.”

Staci looked at Lenox.

Lenox nodded encouragingly. “If you think it will give us some insight, go ahead and read.”

She nodded. She found the place she was looking for and with a wary glance at Groh, she began to read the passage of Scripture. “‘And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 1’ ”

Lenox nodded his head. “That’s where I’ve heard that before.”

“What?” Groh asked. “The story she just read? Maybe from Sunday School Bible Hour when you were a kid. Who hasn’t?”

He shook his head. “No, not that. At the crime scene, I couldn’t get the thought out of my head that the blood was soaked into the ground.”

Staci nodded. “Yes. Their blood is crying out to God from the ground!”

Groh narrowed his eyes. “Soo…blood can talk?”

“It’s a symbol, Randy,” Yorke tried to explain helpfully. “These poor victims were killed. Don’t you think they would want to be avenged?”

“But how does this help us?”

“It helps us understand something about Cain,” Staci replied with a nod.

Groh, Yorke, and Lenox focused their attention on her.

“You mean Cross,” Groh corrected, “but we’re all ears, sister. What understanding have we come to about Cross?”

“Cain,” Staci said, “is jealous.”

*******

The stew was being served at the counter in the mess hall. Donna Perkins and Amber Eastwood were helping with the serving, as was Chris Saint and Faye Yeomans. Peter Chase, Anthony Morris, and James Bollinger were in line, and when Bollinger held out his bowl for a helping of stew, he received something else.

Hostility.

Amber glared at him.

Sometimes a glare spoke heavy volumes. Especially when she made no move to give him any stew.

He glanced at Chase and Morris. Chase shrugged helplessly.

Bollinger leaned over. “May I have some stew, please? It smells very good.”

Wordlessly, Amber scooped out some stew and put it into his bowl. Then, she glared at him some more.

The man looked at his bowl and hesitated. “Could I trouble you for just a bit more?”

Again, she scooped out some stew and put it into his bowl. Then, she continued to glare.

Bollinger looked at her. “Have I done something to offend you?”

“No,” Amber responded. “You don’t have to do anything to offend me for me not to like you. I just don’t like you. Period. Now move it. You’re holding up the line, buddy!” She aimed her serving spoon at him as if she were going to use it as a weapon.

Bollinger shook his head and moved on. As he was getting bread and something to drink, Chase and Morris received their bowls of stew. He noticed that Amber hadn’t treated them the way she had treated him. Taking his food, he found a table and sat down. Shortly after, Chase and Morris joined him. A few tables away, Bollinger sensed that someone else was watching him.

He turned his head.

Sheriff Robert Hoag sat at a table toward the rear of the mess hall. He was taking his time with a cup of coffee, but he was watching Bollinger as if he was on a stake out. He didn’t mind that Bollinger knew about it, too.

Bollinger let out a sigh. “You know,” he began, “there seems to be a lot of hostility aimed at me since I joined up with you people.” He put salt and pepper into his bowl of stew. “Have I committed some crime?”

Chase shook his head. “Don’t let the Sheriff bother you. He watches everyone.”

“Yes…Well, technically, he isn’t really a sheriff here, now, is he? Why did he come? Didn’t David say that the man hadn’t made up his mind yet about a commitment to Jesus Christ?”

“You know more than anyone how hard it is to just come to that decision,” Morris said, as if to remind him. “He’s been through a lot. He’s being careful before he makes a decision. Like we all were before we got saved.”

Chase nodded in agreement. “Yeah. Not everyone comes to Christ when they first hear about him. Some people take a while. All we can do for Bob now is pray.”

Bollinger nodded his head, but he kept silent.

“Take Amber for instance,” Morris said. “Sure, she seems hostile toward you. Maybe she doesn’t just trust you yet. But she had a hard time coming to Christ.” He paused. “Yet when she did, she handed over to us $60,000.”

Bollinger had been about to take a mouthful of stew. He stopped and stared. “Are you serious? That’s an awful lot of bread, brother.”

“Yes, it is, but it will buy us a lot of provisions.”

The rogue agent nodded thoughtfully. He wondered where the money was. Most likely, the money would be with either King or Saint. They certainly wouldn’t put it in a bank during these harsh times. The economy was sinking rapidly. Credit was now practically non-existent. Even if they did put the money into a bank, they wouldn’t be able to get it out later on if what they believed about the mark of the beast was coming true.

The money was nearby.

Of that, Bollinger was certain.

After an hour of food and fellowship, King himself stood up at the front of the mess hall and asked for everyone’s attention. Behind him and to the left, Saint was standing by, testing out the strings on his guitar.

Bollinger watched, curious about what King was going to say.

“Good evening, everyone,” King said, when all eyes were turned toward him. “I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to God for bringing us here and revealing the true purpose for Camp Wood.” He smiled at the looks on the faces before him. He nodded. “That’s right. I believe that God had brought us here for a very special reason. You see, since the Rapture had occurred, we’ve been a busy people. Our minds and focus were on other things. Important things, yes. Necessary things. But things that kept us from even considering that after salvation, there is another step to take.”

He paused for affect.

“Baptism.”

There were nods of agreement around the mess hall. Bollinger simply sat still and listened.

“All of us,” King continued, “you and I…we must all follow our Lord’s example through baptism. And God led us here where that wonderful act can be carried out. Right outside and down to the lake, we can all be baptized. Are we in agreement?”

The gathering of believers cheered and applauded. All but Bollinger and Hoag. Hoag continued to watch Bollinger as King continued. Amber was watching him, too.

“Now…tomorrow morning, we will all meet here. We’ll have breakfast, and I will share with you from the Word of God how that Jesus Himself was baptized, and why it is important that we do the same. But for now, I have asked Brother John to play for us and lead us into songs of praise.”

Saint stepped forward with his guitar. “That’s right, David. We’re going to sing. But if I look out there, and someone isn’t singing, I’m gonna have you come up here and do a solo.”

“In that case, I promise to sing. I sound better in a group than I do as a solo.”

The gatherers laughed.

“There’s something else I think we should do.” Saint looked out at the faces turned toward him. “In between songs, if anyone out there would like to stand up and give a testimony, I would like to encourage you to do so. So, what say we begin?”

He picked a song and began to play on his guitar. As they all sang, Bollinger took the opportunity to take his tray back up to the counter by the exit door. He glanced around, and then snuck out the door. He thought no one had noticed and had forgotten that he was being watched by two people.

Amber and Hoag.

*******

There was a knock on his door. Fuller looked up from the reports on his desk and saw Erin Greye and William Fronk standing in the open doorway.

“May we enter, Skipper?” Fronk inquired. “You did, after all, call to tell us that you required our presence.”

Fuller nodded his head and waved them to enter. “Yeah. Close the door behind you.”

Fronk allowed Erin to enter first, and then he followed after he had closed the door. He sat into a chair next to Erin and smiled at Fuller. They both waited.

Fuller leaned forward, hesitantly. “Did you guys feel a tremor earlier?”

“You mean…” Fronk glanced at Erin. “…like a tremor in the Force? Star Wars isn’t really true, Skipper. It’s a movie. The Force is actually the Farce. I thought you knew that.”

Fuller just looked at him.

Erin tried hard not to smile. “Yes, Director, we felt a tremor. Is that what you wanted to see us about?”

“No. I just feel the need to pray, and that’s why I really called you in here, but now I’m concerned about Carr and this tremor.”

“What about Carr?”

“He stopped by after I called you.”

Fronk sat back. “What did he want?”

“He just wanted to see if I was in my office.”

“Well, he’s obviously up to no good,” Fronk replied with a shrug. “Whatever he’s up to will be revealed soon enough. We always find out. As for the tremor, there’s nothing we can really do about that. If a quake is coming, there isn’t a single prayer we can pray to make God stop it. He warned us about them. They’re coming. All we can do is pray and hope we survive.”

Fuller nodded his head. “Yeah. That’s what I thought, too.” He paused. “Look, why don’t we pray and get something to eat?” He regarded Erin and Fronk. “You’re the only two who know about…who know I have a daughter. I’d like to keep it that way.”

Fronk made a face. “Oops…I’d better go take that information off from my website. I should have consulted with you first, Skipper… before I posted that in my blog.”

Fuller looked at him and paled.

“Uhm…” Erin slapped Fronk in the shoulder. “He is kidding, Director. No one will know about Danielle. We will keep that to ourselves.”

Fuller looked relieved. But then he turned to Fronk. “William, if we weren’t Christians and I didn’t think of you as a son…I’d kill you for almost giving me a heart attack!”

Fronk tried hard to look innocent, but failed. “Sorry ‘bout that, Skipper.”

“Let’s pray and get out of here before Carr comes back.”

They gathered together as a group, held hands and prayed.

*******

1 - Genesis 4:1 - 10

_______ _______ _______

Ep #10: Chapter 46 - Tremors

2009-07-19T12:05:00.001-07:00

Keith LeBeau and Jeremy Bandjough flew the Storm Breaker over Warren County. Their passenger, Michael Lenox, sat in the back of the helicopter, waiting to arrive at their destination. He had received a call from Randy Groh with a request. The detective and his partner were working on a case and they wanted his help.

Lenox saw no reason to decline the offer, so he hitched a ride with LeBeau and Bandjough. Less than an hour later, he looked out the window and discovered that they were over the crime scene as described by Groh. There were several sheriff patrol cars, Groh’s car, and a large van. Deputies looked over the crime scene as Groh and Yorke waited for the helicopter to land. Lenox saw that the bodies of the victims had not yet been removed. He saw them laying on the ground with their arms outstretched to either side and their legs were together.

“We’re settin’ down,” LeBeau called to him. “Do you want us to hang around and wait for you?”

Lenox shook his head. “No. Go on back to the Federal Building. Director Fuller may need you.”

“Okay.”

The Storm Breaker hovered low above the ground and Lenox pulled open the door to climb out. Once he was on the ground, he moved toward the two detectives. As he did, the Storm Breaker took to the skies and headed back for Albany.

“Glad you could make it,” Groh said as he shook hands with Lenox.

“Yeah,” Yorke replied. “Another pair of eyes on this might help us find this guy before he kills again.”

Lenox shook hands with Yorke and looked around. “Tell me what you have. All your partner told me over the phone was that you needed help catching a serial killer you’ve nicknamed Cross, and you were at a new crime scene.” He looked down the hill at where the four victims lay. Yellow tape marked Crime Scene, Do Not Cross was around the area where the bodies were found. Clues were still being searched for. “Who found them?”

Groh and Yorke exchanged looks.

Lenox watched them. “Is there a problem?”

“No,” Yorke said. “It’s just that it would probably be a good idea if we start at the beginning. This guy - Cross - has done this before. Only not this many at the same time.”

“Why do you call the killer Cross?”

“Because he’s a sick son-of-a-gun,” Groh commented. “As you can tell, he arranges the body of each victim as a cross. Arms flat out. Legs placed together. He started this a few years ago, well before the vanishings. Back then, it was always one victim at a time.”

Yorke glanced at him. “With the one exception,” he said, as if to remind his partner.

“Right,” Groh responded grimly, nodding once. “Just before the vanishings, he did kill two. Right in their own home.”

“Each victim varied,” Yorke said, looking down at the latest victims. “At first, we thought he only targeted women, but that isn’t the case. To date, he has killed three women and two men. Not counting these poor souls here. The two Randy mentioned were a married couple who wanted to start a family.”

“Are the victims all killed in the same way?” Lenox asked.

“Yeah. Their heads are bashed in by a rock,” Groh responded. “The rock used in each crime is always left behind, but we can never take any prints off from them.” He shrugged helplessly. “He just doesn’t leave any.”

Lenox began to make his way down the hill, the two detectives followed. They went under the tape and Lenox began to walk slowly around the bodies, studying the scene for clues. He noticed that the ground beneath the heads of the victims appeared to be soaked with blood. Something about that seemed oddly familiar, but he couldn’t yet understand why.

“They were all struck from behind,” Lenox pointed out. Then, he nodded his head toward one of the victims, a male. “Except for this one. Each one of them - except for him - have their ankles tied together.”

“If you notice the markings on their wrists,” Yorke said, “you can tell they’ve also been bound.”

“Again, all except for this guy. He has no markings on his wrists either.”

Groh nodded grimly. “We think he may have tried to fight off Cross. He was struck not only in the back of the head, but right in the face, too.” He shook his head and muttered a curse. “The poor guy wasn’t able to fend off the killer though.”

Lenox was silent for a moment as he surveyed the crime scene. Finally, he looked at Yorke. “There’s something you haven’t told me, but I can speculate.”

Yorke nodded at him. “Go ahead.”

He paused in thought. “It’s personal to you now, isn’t it? The way you talked about the married couple who wanted to start a family…Friends?”

The two detectives exchanged looks.

Finally, Yorke nodded. “Yeah. They were friends of mine.” He let out a sigh. “Very good friends. We were close. My wife and I…” He stopped. Then, he shrugged. “Well, you get the idea.”

Lenox nodded. “Yeah. You spent a lot of time with them, and then this guy goes into their house and kills them.” He regarded the two detectives. “Has he ever done that with the other victims? Killed them in their own home?”

Groh shook his head. “No. He takes them out in remote areas like this one and kills them. The only time he’s killed in someone’s home were when he killed Brian’s friends.”

“You’re certain that it was Cross who killed your friends?”

Yorke nodded. “Yeah.”

“How can you be? Maybe it was someone else?”

Yorke shook his head. “He laid them out in the living room, just like he laid out all of his victims.”

Lenox paused. “Could have been a copy cat.”

“No. It was him.”

“How do you know?”

“Because he called me on my phone.”

Lenox paused to consider what he was being told. “Did he call this one in, too?”

Yorke nodded.

“And he called you directly?”

Yorke nodded again.

Lenox nodded thoughtfully. “So it is personal, then, isn’t it? What did you do to make him take it personally against you?”

Yorke shook his head. “How should I know? He could be doing it because I’m on the case. Because I’ve been after him since the murders began. I don’t know why, and personally, I don’t care. All I’m concerned about is catching him and bringing him to justice.” He looked at him. “If you can offer any help to that end, that would be great, but I’d really like to catch him before he kills somebody else.”

“I’ll help in anyway I can.” Lenox looked around, focusing on the woods around them.

“What’s the matter?” Groh asked, looking around.

Lenox glanced at him. “Nothing. Just…looking. So…Cross is killing people at random…Why?”

“We don’t really know,” Groh told him, “but we can speculate that he’s killing people because of religious reasons. Those reasons could be that he hates God. He hates Christians. Who knows? What we do know is that he poses each victim like they’re crosses, and every victim is…involved in the church in some way.”

“They’re Christians,” Yorke said.

“Yeah, well, they’re people who are involved in the churches they attend. All of them would be considered as Christians. Whether they’re Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Buddhists -”

Yorke shook his head. “Don’t be ridiculous. These victims are true Christians. They’re not into religion for traditional reasons. They’re into a relationship with a living God.”

Groh snorted. “Yeah. Isn’t that the denominations I mentioned, plus all of the others I didn’t?”

“No. A Christian isn’t labeled, Randy. A Christian is one who places his faith in Christ and strives to live his life…” He stopped. “Never mind. The point is Cross kills Christians. So whether he hates God or Christians…or both…that’s all we’ve got on him.”

At that moment, there was what seemed to be a sudden tremor all around them. But it happened so quickly, it was over before it started.

Groh, Yorke and Lenox exchanged looks.

“Did you feel that?” Groh asked.

Lenox shrugged. “I felt something.” He paused. “It can’t be enough to give us any reason for concern.”

“It was an earthquake,” Yorke said, looking around.

Groh rolled his eyes. “It was not. And so what if it was? It wasn’t enough to stop our investigation so let’s not get all worked up about it. Alright?”

“Yeah, sure. Whatever.” Yorke turned to Lenox. “So, what do you think about our case? Do you have any thoughts?”

Lenox nodded. “Actually, I do. If these crimes are religious related…then we should get an observer who is a Christian. Maybe we can get some insights by letting her in on the investigation.”

“Her?” Yorke regarded him. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to bring in a civilian, man. Especially a Christian. She’ll become a target.”

“I won’t let her out of my sight.” He reached for his cell phone.

“Who is this woman you want to call?” Groh asked.

“Her name is Staci Cohen.” He flipped open his cell phone and speed-dialed a number. “She’s a Medical Doctor…and she’s a Christian. I’m sure she can help us out with the investigation.” As he listened to the ringing in his phone, he determined that he would let nothing happen to Staci while they sought for the killer.

*******

Albert Barrington sipped his coffee as he watched Staci Cohen across the table. She had asked a lot of questions - even though she had appeared hesitant to ask them at first - and he had answered every one of them. Now she was trying to digest all she had been told. He hoped he hadn’t discouraged her in anyway because he knew how she felt about Lenox, but there were things she had to know if she intended to pursue a relationship with the man. What she did with that knowledge was her own business.

“Well,” she finally said, “I guess that explains a lot, doesn’t it?”

Barrington couldn’t help but grin. “Yeah. I’ll bet it does.”

She put her hands around her coffee cup and leaned forward. “I don‘t think he knows how blessed he is to have a friend like you.” She shook her head. “What he’s been through…wow. He really has a lot of anger built up in him, doesn’t he? I mean, I knew he did. I just didn‘t know why.”

“Now you do.”

She nodded. “Yes. Now I do know…and he’s going to know, too, when he looks at me.” She closed her eyes. “He’s going to be mad at you.”

“Staci, I’m not afraid of him. I can take it.”

“We gossiped about him, Albert.”

He let out a chuckle and shook his head. “We did not.”

“We sat at a table in a coffee shop and talked about Michael without him being here. Isn’t that gossip?”

“I didn’t make anything up about him.”

She rolled her eyes. “You don’t have to make anything up to gossip! All you have to do is sit down and talk about someone you know, knowing he wouldn’t like it if he knew that’s what we were doing. That’s gossip.” She put her hand over her mouth, incredulous. “And we just gossiped!”

Barrington couldn’t help it. He laughed.

“That’s not funny. I don’t think God wants us to gossip.”

“Staci,” Barrington said as he tried to stop laughing. He took a deep breath and leaned forward. “You really have to stop being so serious about this.” He looked at her. “Do I look like a man who gives in to gossip?”

“Well…you didn’t until we had this conversation.”

“We had to have this conversation. You needed to know these things about Michael.” He paused. “If the Rapture had not yet occurred, then things would have been different. I wouldn’t have willingly betrayed the trust of my best friend like I did just now if we weren’t living in the last days. You need to know these things because it will help you witness more effectively to Michael when the opportunity rises. We‘ve got less than seven years to win him to Christ, so if telling you things about his past will help, I‘m only glad to do it.”

She tilted her head and sighed. “I didn’t want you to betray his trust. This could also backfire and turn him away from God.”

“He’s stubborn, but I believe he’ll come around.” He paused. “Eventually.” He looked at his coffee cup and noticed that it was shaking.

Staci’s hands were still around her cup and she felt it shaking. She sat back as the table trembled, and then it abruptly stopped. “Uhm…” she began, “what was that?”

Barrington looked at her. “That felt like a tremor.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pocket New Testament. He began to flip through the pages.

“Doesn’t the Bible warn that there is going to be a big earthquake in the last days?”

“No.”

Staci regarded him. “No? Really? It doesn‘t?” She pursed her lips thoughtfully. “I thought it did.”

“Not one big earthquake, Staci.” He shook his head, smiling at her. “The Bible mentions that there will be a lot of earthquakes in the last days. And one of them will be a world wide earthquake.”

“You mean…the entire world?”

“Yes.”

“All of it…at the same time?”

Barrington found what he was looking for in the Book of Revelation. “All of it.”

She shuddered. “That’s scary to think about…What’s even more scary is you smiling about it.”

“I’m sorry. I just find this exciting. Staci, I know that during this time in the Tribulation period, our lives could end in an instant. I simply find great comfort knowing that my eternity is secure. If He takes us right now, I’m ready. But if He doesn’t…” He shrugged. “If God lets us live right up to the end, we will see things we have never seen before. That‘s exciting.”

She nodded. “I agree. It is exciting.” She paused. “But it’s also still scary.” She looked at him. “What have you got?”

“In Revelation, it says, ‘and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. 1’ ” He smiled at her. “That’s the big one. Can you imagine a quake so big that it literally surpasses all of the earthquakes throughout history? None of them will ever compare to this one. The thing is that if you try to explain this to most people, they’ll just scoff at you and call you loony.” He turned the pages back. “Now listen to the many… ‘And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 2’ That earthquake is plural.”

“Earthquakes cause famines and pestilences,” Staci replied softly. “I mean, I know other things do, too…but an earthquake is a pretty big factor to take into consideration about that.”

He nodded.

She opened her mouth to ask a question about the sights from heaven when her cell phone rang. She took it out from her purse and flipped it open.

“Hello…”

Barrington watched her. He had a feeling she was talking to Lenox because a look of guilt passed across her face. Then, she just listened intently.

“Oh, yes…Yes, I’ll help if I can…No, you don’t need to go into it over the phone. Just tell me about it when I see you…Okay…I’m at a coffee shop…Yes, the one across from the Federal Building.” She looked at Barrington and that guilty look passed across her face again. “No, I’m with Albert…”

There was a pause.

“Okay…I’ll wait for you here. Bye.”

She closed her cell phone and dropped it into her purse.

“Everything okay?” Barrington inquired. “You were starting to look so guilty there, I thought I’d have to come see you while you were behind bars.”

She looked at him. “Everything’s fine. Well, I mean…actually I guess it isn’t. Michael is helping the police track somebody down and he wants me to help by answering questions. He wants me to be a consultant on the case.”

He sat up and looked at her with concern. “Who are they tracking down?”

“Oh, well…he didn’t say. He wanted to, but I told him he could just tell me in person.”

“Staci…you just told him you’d help because it gives you an excuse to be with him.”

Staci paused. “That may be true…but maybe this is also an opportunity to witness to him, too.”

“I’m a little concerned about this person they’re after. Maybe I’d better stick around and help.”

“No. You can leave. I’ll be okay. You know Michael wouldn’t let anything happen to me. Besides, I’m only consulting. I’m not doing anything to catch anyone.”

Barrington paused. “I’ll just stay and help you. Just incase you start to look guilty and make Michael wonder what you did.”

“Albert, if you stay, you’ll only make me look guiltier!”

He couldn’t help it. He burst out laughing.

*******

Camp Wood was once a thriving campground for children of any age. It was a place to go when it was time for fellowship and fun with family and friends. All summer long, the beach at the Verdana Lake was alive with activity, the trails were being hiked on, volley ball was being played, and many camp activities were being enjoyed.

Since the vanishings, however, all was quiet at Camp Wood.

Six months later, people were once again coming to Camp Wood. But many of the people who came were Christians, and they were coming to Camp Wood to find refuge for the days ahead. Some were lost and on the brink of making a final decision for Christ. Many of them came from the shelter on Donna Perkins farmland. Others had found their way because they had been led.

David King was simply awed by Verdana Lake.

Across the Lake as he stood on the beach, he could see a huge wall of rock reaching for the sky. A person who was conditioned to swim for a real long stretch could swim across the Lake and touch the rock wall. Climbing it would be another matter altogether. From where he was standing, it looked very smooth. He estimated it to be about eight stories high.

He found it to be symbolic.

A great big rock overlooking the beach…and a lake perfect for committing the ultimate command.

Baptism.

John Saint found him on the beach staring across the lake. “Hey, Kemosabi…the grub is ready and if you don’t come in there, lead us in prayer, and help us eat…it’s all going to be gone.”

“The Lord led us here,” King said softly. Then, he turned to look at Saint. “After all this time…it never even occurred to me to follow our Lord’s example by baptism. At least, not until we came here.”

Saint followed the man’s gaze out across the lake. “David, you’re right. The opportunity here is fantastic! Man, throughout all we’ve faced, I hadn’t thought about it either.”

“We should do it tomorrow.”

“That’s a lot of people to baptize, David. More than fifty of us now. Almost a hundred! We keep growing in number, which is one of the reasons it was great for Larry to come along when he did. Thanks to God bringing him to us, this place will hold ten times that number. And with the money we got from Amber, we’ll be able to see to our needs for quite a while.” He shook his head in awe. “Man, isn’t God good?”

King laughed with joy. “Indeed He is, my brother.”

“Man, let’s just go inside the mess hall, feast and fellowship, sing praises and make plans for tomorrow’s great big celebration. I don’t know about you, but this feels like a huge victory, doesn’t it?”

“It does. I only hope it will help in persuading Robert to accept our Lord as we did.” He fell silent for a moment. “I also feel it will show us the true motives behind why James is really here among us.”

Saint nodded thoughtfully. Sheriff Robert Hoag was an angry man looking for answers. He had come to the shelter with intentions of killing King, but instead the two men had talked for a long time. King had convinced Hoag that he was no longer a terrorist but a man of God who desired to gather souls for his Lord and Savior. King had prayed with Hoag and asked God to soften his heart. Hoag hadn’t yet made a decision to accept Christ, but he did come to Camp Wood with the others and his heart was still receptive.

James Bollinger, however, was another matter. King personally knew Bollinger. The man was a double agent. He had played the FBI and the al-Queda like a fine tuned piano. He was a man who enjoyed the game of manipulation, and the sad fact of the matter was that he was good at it. Yet now Bollinger had arrived at the shelter, claiming to be a child of God and expressing his desire to get involved.

King had his doubts about him, and he felt guilty about having those doubts. Bollinger had asked him if it were possible for a man like himself to be saved, and King had said that it were as possible for him to be saved as it was for an Islamic terrorist to be.

And yet, he still had his doubts.

Perhaps the Baptism would reveal the truth of the matter.

King turned to face Saint. “But you’re right. This is a time for celebration. Let us go inside and -”

The ground rumbled beneath their feet.

It didn’t throw them off balance, but they could feel it nonetheless. The ground rumbled and shook briefly, and then it abruptly stopped.

The two men exchanged looks.

“That…was interesting,” Saint replied.

King only nodded and waited to see if the tremor would come back.

It didn’t.

“When was the last time you’ve felt a tremor?” King asked.

Saint shook his head. “I don’t remember ever feeling a tremor before now. As far as I know, it’s not a common thing around here.”

“Hmm. Perhaps this is only the beginning.”

“Yeah. That’s what I was thinking, too.”

King clapped Saint on the shoulder. “Then, come, my brother. We have much work to do for our King before the end.”

Together, the two of them headed for the main building where the mess hall was. The mess hall was almost full, but not to capacity. More people could still be brought in, but they just had to go out and find them. Until then, they would continue the work that had only just begun.

*******

Director Darren T. Fuller let out a sigh as he sat at his desk in his office on the fifth floor of the Federal Building in Albany, New York. Most if not all of the reports that came across his desk that morning disturbed him greatly. Every day, each report only got worst. If people didn’t realize that they were living in the last days, he couldn’t understand how that could be. It should be obvious to all.

But it wasn’t.

People either didn’t want to see the truth or they were blinded from it by the Enemy. They were deceived.

Most of the reports Fuller viewed made a lot of reference to the Jewish people as being fully responsible for past terrorist attacks in the free world. Fuller almost scoffed at the term free world. The world was no longer free, especially to the Jewish people. Not even to Christians. The reports further stated that Jewish sympathizers were also responsible for terrorist attacks in the past. In the past, meaning just before the vanishings.

It was absurd.

Fuller knew that the reports were full of lies. The Jews were not responsible for terrorist attacks, nor were the Jewish sympathizers, whom he knew was a reference to those coming to Christ. The reports were just lies meant to deceive the public who didn’t know any better.

Unfortunately, it made Fuller angry and he tried desperately not to loose his cool.

Another report that came across his desk was about the incident at Allentown and how a woman named Danielle Marie Dozois - who was responsible for the release of a toxin known as the X-24 - escaped with the help of unknown agents. If any report was enough to cause him to explode, it was that one. Danielle, he recently discovered, was his daughter. She was also completely innocent of this ridiculous charge just as he and his fellow Gatherers were, for it was he and his men who had helped her get away from Ed Carr. Danielle was not guilty of releasing the toxin. Fuller knew in his heart that it was Carr who was responsible.

He set down the most recent reports and turned in his chair to look out the window of his office. He wondered if Danielle had made it safely home. Does she even know who I am? he wondered. Why didn’t Katherine tell me?

He wasn’t able to talk to Danielle before she left and tell her who he was. Not with Carr around. If the Director of Justice even knew he had a daughter, the man would find a way to use her as leverage against him.

Fuller couldn’t risk that.

So he kept his silence.

There were two others who knew his secret as well. William “Crazy Man” Fronk and Erin Greye. They were two of his most trusted friends and he knew they would never reveal his secret either.

He picked up his phone and dialed an extension number. On the second ring, Fronk’s voice responded with, “Yo!”

“William, I need you to come to my office,” Fuller said. “Is Erin with you?”

“Yepper, Skipper.”

“Good. Bring her with you.” He paused. “I’d like to have a talk with you.” He wanted to ask them to pray with him but was suspicious that Carr had the phones bugged. Carr knew where he stood, but that didn’t mean Fuller wanted to give the man ammunition for his campaign.

“Coitenly,” Fronk responded in his imitation of Curly from the Three Stooges. “We’re on our way! Nyuck, nyuck!”

Fuller hung up the phone. A small smile touched his lips. Throughout all they’ve been through, it amazed him that Fronk somehow had maintained and kept his sense of humor, odd as it was.

Suddenly, he felt as if he were being watched. When he looked toward the open doorway of his office, he realized why.

Ed Carr was leaning against the doorframe, watching him.

“Is there something I can do for you, Carr?” Fuller asked impatiently. He couldn’t help the harsh tone in his voice. He knew he needed a lot of help from God to curb his temper. He was getting almost as bad as Lenox was.

Carr paused for a moment. “I just wanted to know if you were in your office.”

“Okay. So now you know. Anything else?”

Carr smiled as if he had a secret. “No.” He began to turn away. “Not yet, anyway. You’ll know soon enough.” With that, he turned away.

Fuller began to wonder what that had been all about when he felt the tremor.

*******

1 - Revelation 16:18
2 - Luke 21:11

_______ _______ _______

Episode #10 - Crosses: Prologue - The Crime Scene

2009-07-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

The Gatherers For Christ
Year One
Episode #10 -
Crosses

“Ye are of your father the devil,
and the lusts of your father ye will do.
He was a murderer from the beginning
and abode not in the truth,
because there is no truth in him.
When he speaketh a lie,
he speaketh of his own:
for he is a liar,
and the father of it.”
- John 8:44

He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages:
in the secret places does he murder the innocent:
his eyes are privily set against the poor.
- Psalm 10:8

And Cain talked with Abel his brother:
and it came to pass,
when they were in the field,
that Cain rose up against Abel his brother,
and slew him.
- Genesis 4:8

"What this world needs
is a Savior who will rescue,
a Spirit who will lead,
and a Father who will love."
- Brian Yorke

*******

Prologue
The Crime Scene

The Past
Before The Rapture

He was driving a dark green, 2004 BMW on the back roads of Warren County, intentionally avoiding populated areas. The BMW didn’t even belong to him, but he considered it as a bonus for himself. He had stolen it, kidnapped the woman who actually did own the vehicle, and was now driving to a predestined location where no one would disturb him as he went about his father’s work.

It had been relatively easy for him.

The young woman he had been watching for some time was perfect for what he had in mind. Her name was Adrianna Burkle. She was 18 years old and ready to begin her life by going to a Christian college. It had been her intentions to pursue a work on a missionary field, and her dream was to find a husband who shared the same calling as she did. As far as he was concerned, however, neither her intentions nor her dream were going to come to pass.

He had decided to choose her for something greater.

The first time he had seen her was in a ShopMart behind a cash register. When his eyes took her innocent beauty in, he knew beyond any doubt that he had been led to her. She was the one who would bring him that much closer to pleasing the one he served.

For several weeks, he patiently learned everything he could about her first. He discovered what church she attended and began to visit during the Sunday morning services. He discovered that she was an extremely gifted singer as she had sung solo’s before each service. She was a choir member as well and helped with the teaching of the children’s Bible Studies.

He watched her for three months, continuing to bide his time. He attended few services, and during the services he didn’t go to, he spent that time at the house where Adrianna lived. He never took anything. He simply looked into each bedroom. He watched television in the living room. He sat behind her fathers desk in the den and used the computer. He studied every picture in the house.

And then he waited for the right time.

When that time came, it was after a choir practice in the church parking lot when he took her. She was putting something in the trunk of her BMW when he walked right up to her, grabbed her from behind and pressed a small, handheld Taser to the side of her neck. Before she could scream, he pressed the trigger and held it against her. The Taser effectively shocked her and her struggling ceased before it could even begin. But just to be certain, he kept the Taser pressed against her neck for several more seconds than was necessary.

When she became limp in his arms, he dumped her into the trunk. Taking her keys, he closed the trunk, looked around and saw no one else in the parking lot, and then he got in behind the steering wheel. He tossed his backpack on the floor on the passenger side and drove away from the church.

He knew that the shock he had given Adrianna would not keep her immobile for long so he chose a secluded area for the next phase of his plan. He stopped the car, took his backpack and climbed out. Making sure no one was around, he opened the trunk and looked in on his prey. She was breathing rapidly and struggling to get up but he didn’t allow her to. He used the Taser again on her, and then proceeded to tie her up with the rope he had in his pack. Once he was done, he gagged her and closed the trunk.

He resumed with his task by climbing back in behind the steering wheel, pulling back onto the road, and driving toward his destination. The drive was at least two hours long and during that time, he didn’t see any other traffic on the roads he used. Just himself. He didn’t hear Adrianna’s struggles from within the trunk either for he had the radio blasting loudly his favorite music from a hard rock station.

He looked forward to the work he had before him. Her fear intoxicated him like no drug or alcohol ever could. He fed off from the fear of others. Especially when those who feared him were Bible believing Christians. He considered himself to be a disciple of the devil, out to do his part in hindering the work of those who called themselves God’s children.

He drove the BMW onto a deserted dirt path off from the main road and traveled along it for several miles. He pulled up to a campsite he had prepared earlier and stopped the car. He turned off the ignition and the radio, sat back, and waited.

Renewed sobs from the trunk assured him that his victim was fully aware that they had stopped. He got out of the car and slowly walked toward the trunk as he whistled a tune. When he opened the trunk and saw her inside, he paused to look at her for a moment. She stopped her struggling and stared up at him, terror in her eyes, her face stained with tears.

Slowly, he reached down for her. He smirked when she flinched, but all he did was remove the gag.

When the gag was out of her mouth, she began to plead with him. “Please…” she said, “please, let me go. I-I won’t tell anyone about this if…if you’ll only let me go!”

He didn’t respond.

After a pause, she said once more, “Please…”

Then, he asked her a question that surprised her. It was a question she never even expected.

“Where is your God?” he asked her softly.

She stared up at him, trying to understand. “What?”

He leaned over her. “Why isn’t He here to save you?”

Adrianna swallowed back her fear. “I don’t know what your problem is…but if you kill me, you won’t get away with it!”

Her comment made him smile. He decided that he had chosen his victim well for she did have a strong spirit within her.

“I am going to kill you,” he told her, “but if you will only curse your God, I promise you a quick death.”

Something gave Adrianna strength to look her captor right in the eyes and not back down. “I will not curse my God. He has not forsaken me. But if you do this, there is a place where all murderers go and you’ll be going there, too.”

“You will curse Him,” he said with a nod. “I promise you that.”

He reached for her again, but this time he intended to lift her out of the trunk.

Her eyes widened in fear. “No!” she exclaimed. “Please…please, you can’t!” Then, suddenly, she gasped as if in surprise. Her eyes seemed to focus on something that he couldn’t see.

He hesitated. He looked into her eyes and the fear that was once in them was now gone. Adrianna even smiled. Her face was the perfect picture of serenity and it only enhanced her beauty. But she wasn’t smiling at him. She wasn’t even looking at him.

He blinked his eyes.

To his astonishment, the young woman was no longer in the trunk of the BMW. Her clothes were still there. Her jewelry was there; the earrings she had worn, a ring, and a necklace were in the trunk. Even the ropes that she had been bound with were in the trunk. But Adrianna Burkle was no longer there.

In the blink of an eye, he realized that God had taken her from him and saved her after all.

*******

The Present
After The Rapture

At an intersection somewhere in Warren County, all was quiet. A gentle breeze caused the leaves in the surrounding trees to move. The sun caused the Fall colors in the woods to brighten. A squirrel darted across the road in search of food for the coming Winter. Everything in the area appeared to be as peaceful as a scene on a postcard, displaying the Fall in nature.

That peace, however, was suddenly shattered by a siren. An unmarked police car with a siren blaring loudly suddenly sped along Route 67 and traveled through the intersection without even slowing down. Mere seconds later, two sheriff patrol cars followed along, their sirens adding to the disturbance of the serene atmosphere. They also bounced right on through the intersection without slowing down.

The unmarked police car turned onto a dirt road, but it’s tires screeched on the pavement of the main road as it turned off from it. Then, it bounced on the dirt road, tossing the two men about who were in the front seat. Detective Randy Groh gripped the steering wheel tighter as he continued to drive with determination. In the passenger seat, Brian Yorke held on for dear life as he prayed that he wouldn’t get tossed out from the vehicle.

Groh continued his erratic driving as the two patrol cars followed behind. A short time later, Groh stopped the car at the crime scene. He and Yorke were out of their car even before the other two vehicles pulled up beside it. The two detectives ran forward, but at the top of a hill, they stopped and stared down toward the lower ground. Four deputies approached and came to a stop also at the top of the hill. One of them removed his hat, eyes wide open in shock.

“Cross is back,” Groh replied softly, staring down at the crime scene below them.

There were four bodies. Each of the bodies were lying on their backs with their hands stretched out and their ankles tied together. They were each in the form of a t…or a cross. This was a calling card of a killer they had thought was gone.

Yorke swallowed back his anger. “Yeah…but this time, we’re gonna catch him.” Silently, he thought, Or die trying.

_______ _______ _______

Ep #9: Epilogue - The Presence of Evil

2009-07-12T04:57:00.000-07:00

It happened that evening on the DEN network at 6:00 pm. The new breaking story from Alyson Moore was about to be revealed and it promised to be the most shocking news story since the day of the vanishings. This was the story that the people wanted to hear. They needed some type of closure to the loved ones they had lost during the vanishings and the attack.

Alyson promised to give them that closure.

The first ten minutes of the news program centered around the local area. But it wasn’t long before it happened and millions of viewers watched, holding their breaths.

“Alyson Moore,” announced the news sponsor, introducing the main topic, “She doesn’t just give you the news, but she gives you Moore news than any other source. She is Alyson Moore, The Source, on the DEN.”

And on television screens and on the internet video feeds, Alyson stood in the center of the Outpost located several miles from Allentown. She opened her mouth to speak...and abruptly disappeared.

Due to modern technology and also due to Fronk’s computer skills, it was a simple task to erase Alyson from the picture and insert someone else in. The man who took her place was a man wearing sandals, and a robe. He had white hair and a long white beard and in one hand, he held a staff. In the other, he held a Bible.

A new sponsor’s voice said, “Willy Frank! He doesn’t just give you the news, but he gives you frank news. He is Willy Frank, the top news reporter for The Word, and he’s the guy who tells it frankly.”

Willy Frank waved his staff over the outpost. In a deep voice, he said, “The people you see behind me here at this outpost near Allentown wish to deceive the world about the truth of the vanishings. They claim the event known as the Rapture had never occurred. They further claim that a toxin known as X-24 is what is truly responsible for the vanishings.” He leaned forward as if he were looking through the camera. “The truth is far more heinous than that, my friends. These men who follow darkness rather than light have conceived this toxin, created it intentionally to force a lie into existence. They believe that you will take this lie as the truth.”

Several scenes flashed across the screen. The scenes included the piles of dust in Allentown where people once stood. There was a scene of Danielle in her prison chamber with Carr gloating on the other side of the barrier. The next scene was far more horrific for it showed the FEMA agent whom Carr had ordered inside the chamber being attacked by the toxin. As he began to literally disintegrate for all the world to see, Willy Frank continued with his narrative.

“This toxin is not what caused the vanishings. The trumpet sounded. The voice shouted. And those who were able to hear were taken up to be with the Lord in the air. If this toxin had been responsible, then there would have been not a single trace of the vanished ones behind. Here we see that the skeletal remains fall where the toxin has taken him. He becomes as dust. Not so with those who were caught up to be with the Lord. Their bodies were gone. They left behind nothing but jewelry and clothes.”

Willy Frank stood in front of the Quarantine Mobile Unit. “For more of the Truth, join us online at TheRealWord.com and register today. Let us help you find the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

Just as the story ended, those who worked diligently at the DEN were finally able to recover their video and play it. Alyson continued with her story, but the damage had been done. Many out there were now looking online to see The Real Word website.

As they did, Fronk sat in front of his laptop at the Federal Building in Albany and stared in surprise as the hit counter at the bottom of his splash page began to accelerate.

Meanwhile, in the news van belonging to Meers, Alyson’s cameraman sat watching the news and realized that what he and Shiva had planned actually worked. He took out the tape he had made and began the process of destroying it.

*******

Saint drove. Chase rode in the front passenger seat and Yeomans sat in the back. It had been almost four hours on the road to get to their destination and Yeomans had apologized for being inaccurate on the travel time. However, they finally did arrive at the campground Yeomans had told them about.

On the way in to the campground, there were two wooden posts on either side of the dirt road. Above the road hanging from the posts by thick, white ropes was a wooden sign with the words Camp Wood on it. Then there was a gravel parking lot and the main building off to the left.

As Saint pulled into the parking lot, he noticed what the others had.

“There’s not a car in the lot,” Chase replied softly.

Yeomans looked toward the main building. “Well...I would have assumed the renovations would have been done by now. My cousins wanted to add things to bring in more campers.”

“Like what?” Saint asked as he parked.

“New cabins. An electrical storage unit to run some power lines into some of the buildings for running water and cooking. Things like that.”

After Saint turned off the engine, the three men climbed out and headed toward the building. The door was unlocked and leading the way, Saint entered first. He found a light switch on the wall and flicked it up.

The lights in the mess hall came on.

There were still no signs of people.

Chase was standing at the counter where an open area revealed the kitchen. He leaned over the counter and said, “Someone was here.”

Yeomans went through a set of swinging doors and entered the kitchen. On the floor were three sets of clothing, shoes, watches, and rings. Saint walked in and saw them as well and then he looked at Yeomans.

“They were my cousins,” Yeomans said softly.

Chase regarded him from the opening. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I was at Carl’s birthday last year and his wife got him that watch.” He pointed at one of the watches on the floor. “And I know he and his brothers loved this place. They poured their hearts out here. That was them, probably going over ideas for camp recipes.”

Saint clapped him on the shoulder. “I don’t think they’ll be needing any recipes where they’re at, brother. Nothing can top the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. I’m sure of it.”

Yeomans let out a chuckle. “Yeah. I guess not.” He paused. “You know, I’m glad they’re okay. I knew their wives were church goers, but I didn’t know they were. I’m glad they knew Jesus.”

“There’s another bright side to this, too.”

“What’s that?”

Saint grinned. “You just inherited your cousins campground.”

*******

Danielle was exhausted when she got off the plane at the London International Airport, but she looked forward to being with her mother after the ordeal she had survived. If Director Fuller and his Gatherers had never arrived to save the day, she believed that the remaining time of her life would have been spent in misery. Especially if Ed Carr had had his way.

She shuddered as she walked outside to wait for her ride.

The wait wasn’t long. A long, white limousine was idling at the curb and a man wearing a black suit and driving cap was standing patiently beside it. When he saw her, he approached.

“Miss Dozois?”

Danielle looked at him. “Do I know you?”

“No. But I know your mother. We have been expecting you.” He moved to the side of the limo where he opened the door for her. “Please…” He gestured for her to get in.

Danielle hesitated.

Her mother was rich. Perhaps even obscenely so. What Danielle had learned as a child from her mother was how to take from others, even though that wasn‘t a lifestyle she adhered to. Katherine Allison Dozois married money. She didn’t care particularly for the men, but if they had money, then she certainly did her best to make them happy. She had married and divorced more times than Danielle wanted to remember. All Danielle realized out of it all was that she never wanted to be like her mother.

So she had made the decision after she had graduated that when she went to college, she wanted to make it on her own. For years, Danielle did all right by herself. Her life was turning out for the best...until Andrew Anderson kicked her out into the streets.

Danielle climbed into the limo, surprised to see her mother inside waiting for her.

The driver closed the door and Katherine happily reached over to hug her daughter. “Oh, my dear girl! I am so happy to see you!”

“Mom...” Danielle smiled as she returned the embrace.

“Did Andrew send you packing?” her mother asked as she sat back to watch her daughter.

Danielle hesitated. “I’d rather not talk about it.”

“He did, didn’t he? I always suspected that he would, you know. Didn’t I tell you?”

“Mom, it wasn’t like that.” She explained everything that had happened to her from the time her husband demanded her to leave up to when Director Fuller had arranged for a flight home for her.

At the mention of the name Darren Fuller, Katherine let out a chuckle. Then, she laughed.

Startled, Danielle could only stare. When her mother showed no signs of stopping, Danielle began to worry. “Mom, what’s so funny?”

Katherine made herself stop, but it took some effort. “Oh, dear girl.” She shook her head. “I didn’t want to tell you this, but I do suppose it’s rather poetic when you think about it.”

“Tell me what?”

“Darren Fuller...” Katherine began carefully, “is your father.”

Danielle stared. “What?”

“It’s true.”

She swallowed. My mother is out of her mind! she thought. “You told me he was dead.” She glared at her mother.

Katherine regarded her daughter. “Oh, dear girl, please don’t get so upset over this.”

“Don’t get upset?! How can I not get upset? You told me my father died in a plane crash, and then you tell me that he’s not only alive, but I actually met him! Why would you do this?”

“I did this because I care for you and I didn’t want you to get attached to someone who would never be around.”

Danielle took a deep breath. “Well, maybe he’s never around because you pushed him away!”

Katherine avoided eye contact.

“That’s it, isn’t it? You did push him away.”

“This is none of your concern.”

“Mom...are you telling me you pushed him away because he didn’t have money?”

Katherine remained silent.

Danielle shook her head. “You turned him away because you wanted to find someone with more money. Even though you loved him.”

“Oh, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I think I’m going to be sick.” Danielle leaned back in her seat. “Please tell me you don’t have any other surprises.”

Katherine smiled coyly. “Actually, there are two more surprises.” She paused for affect. “I’m getting married.”

Danielle stared at her. “Not again.”

“Yes, again, and I would appreciate it if you would show some happiness for me. I assure you, the man I am to marry is someone you will love. He’s very sweet and he will treat you as a father should.”

“I’ve heard this all before, mother.”

“Oh, dear one, I realize you must be exhausted from your trip. But I promise you, when you meet him, you will love him.”

The limo arrived at the Dozois estate. Danielle had almost forgotten about it, but as they drove through the large black gates and up the long driveway, memories she didn’t enjoy came back to haunt her. The estate had always been too big for her.

It still was too big.

The driver let them each out, and Katherine took her daughter’s hand. Unable to contain her excitement, she led her up the steps to the large double doors that led into the mansion.

“I can’t wait for you to meet him!” Katherine exclaimed.

Danielle sighed. “You mean, he’s here?”

Katherine was unaware or indifferent of her daughter’s misgivings. She led her down a corridor where they stopped at a door. Danielle knew it was the den that was on the other side of the door.

“My future husband is inside the den,” Katherine told her. She smiled at Danielle. “Your future step father. We are to be married soon. We also have the blessings of the man he works for. A great man. A man who will reshape this world and make it better than it has ever been.”

Danielle froze as fear gripped her. She slowly turned her head to look at her mother. “What?” She swallowed. “Mother, please...don‘t tell me these men are who I think they are.”

Katherine didn’t hear her. She pulled open the door, guided Danielle in and closed the door behind them.

Danielle’s fear rose.

There in the den were two men. One was seated at a desk, jotting down something in a notebook. The other man stood at the window, looking outside in thoughtful contemplation. This man looked like someone very important. Very regal.

“Judas,” Katherine replied, “please, I wish for you to meet my daughter, Danielle.”

Judas Hannah rose from the desk, a wide smile on his face. He approached Danielle and wrapped his arms around her before she could do anything. As he hugged her, she remained perfectly still and tense. It wasn’t Hannah she feared, but something else.

And she knew what that something else was.

“Danielle, I want you to meet a great man,” Katherine said. She took a hold of her daughters arm and almost dragged her up to the man at the window. “This is the man who single handedly ceased war in the Middle East. This is Tristian Salvadori, the Advocate.”

Salvadori turned from the window to bring his predatory gaze upon Danielle. When his eyes bored right into hers, Danielle knew that she was standing in the presence of evil.

*******

Coming Soon...

Episode #10 - Crosses

Lenox teams up with Detectives
Groh and Yorke to find a killer.
A murder mystery during the End Times.

_______ _______ _______

Ep #9: Chapter 45 - Unequally Yoked

2009-07-12T04:51:00.001-07:00

The Storm Breaker was on its way to its destination as ordered by Director Fuller, and LeBeau and Bandjough were glad to be doing something. Their destination was the John F. Kennedy Airport. Fuller had made arrangements by calling ahead. There was to be a landing pad available to them. They were to land and escort Danielle to her plane. She would have a ticket waiting for her at the counter.

Shiva rode with Danielle in the back of the Storm Breaker. They shared each others testimony.

Danielle sighed. “I can’t believe this is over. This has been a horrible nightmare.” She looked at Shiva. “And it’s not over, is it?”

He shook his head. “No. Not according to the Bible, it isn’t. It’s going to get worse. Soon, we’ll become the hunted.”

“You’ve studied a lot?”

He nodded. “Yeah. We study whenever we get the chance to. How about you?”

Danielle shook her head. “I don’t study as much as I should, but I don’t have a connection with other believers like you seem to have. I hope I can find people in London like you Gatherers. I know I need a lot of help studying. I’ve never been any good at it.”

“Well, don’t forget, you are one of us now. You’re a Gatherer, and if you ever come back this way, you can look us up. The Director instructed me to tell you that you’re welcome here any time. You can find us either at the Federal Building in Albany, or the shelter in Maine, just outside of Belgrade. That‘s where you can find us. Of course, when next we meet, we may have other locations, too.” He told her about the shelter found by Barrington. “If you know of anyone who needs our help, send them to us. We’ll help them all we can.”

Danielle nodded. “I will.” She paused. “I have a question if you don’t mind, since you‘ve been studying more than I have.”

“We have some time,” he assured her with a casual shrug. “Ask me anything you want, and if I can answer, I will.”

“This has to do with prophecy. I mean, we’re obviously living in the last days, right? Do you know who the Antichrist is, because just thinking about him gives me nightmares? I hope he‘s not like Ed Carr.”

Shiva let out a chuckle. “No, Danielle, I assure you, he’s nothing like Ed Carr. In fact, he is far more sinister.” He regarded her. “Have you been watching the news?”

“As much as I can. My husband…” She stopped. She took a deep breath and said, “I’ve been kept busy, but I’ve tried to keep informed about what’s been going on.” She paused. “If you want to know the truth, once the vanishings happened and the attack on our country…Andy forbid me to watch the news. He even took out every television we had to make sure I didn’t watch it.”

“Really?” Shiva looked at her with concern.

She shrugged. “I thought he was being overprotective. He wasn’t. He didn’t want to hear a word about Jesus having raptured His Bride and he thought I just lost it. So he tried to keep me away from what was happening in the world.” Her eyes met Shiva’s. “Anyway, I managed to get my hands on some news occasionally, either through a newspaper I could get my hands on, or listening to the radio in the car.”

He hesitated as he kept eye contact with her. “I’m truly sorry this happened to you, Danielle.”

“Thank you,” she said softly.

He paused. Then, he cleared his throat. “Do you know about the peace treaty signing in Israel?”

She nodded. “I heard about that, yes.” She looked at him. “Was the Antichrist there?”

Shiva nodded solemnly. “He was.”

“Really? Then…is it Judas Hannah?”

Shiva paused as he considered her question. “I’ve heard that name before, but…no, it’s not him. The AC’s name is Tristian Salvadori.”

“Oh. Oh, I saw him in the news. Some charismatic guy talking about bringing peace into the new age. Promising all wars to end…Some new world order.” She frowned. “Yeah. Come to think of it, he does sound like the one, doesn’t he?”

“Who is Judas Hannah?”

“He was there foreseeing the signing. At least, I heard he was. But maybe he’s just a representative for Israel. He’s also been in the news…He’s mostly been seen with Salvadori.” She shuddered. “This whole thing just gives me the chills. I can’t believe this is happening. I mean, the rapture…the Antichrist. What’s next?”

“Plenty,” Shiva told her, “and none of it is good. Except for the 144,000.”

Danielle paused. “What is the 144,000?”

“I’m not really sure. In our studies, we think they could be 12,000 members from each of the twelve tribes of Israel who will be witnesses during these last days. But we really need to study some more into that to be certain.” He shook his head. “We don’t want to be wrong when we study His Word so we try to be careful about it. Pray earnestly, asking Him for direction. It’s all we can do, you know?”

“I guess there’s really so much to learn. How do you find the time to it?”

Shiva pulled out a small New Testament from the inside pocket of his jacket. “I try to carry a Bible with me wherever I go. Are you up to a little studying now before we land?”

“Yes.”

He took a hold of her hand, to which she appeared hesitant at first. When she realized he was only praying, she relaxed and smiled as the peace of God fell over them. After Shiva prayed, they read from the Book of Revelations together.

*******

As Barrington was getting out of his suit, Lenox decided to have a talk with Carr.

“Is there somewhere we can go?” he asked Carr. “I need to have a word with you.”

Carr glared at him. “I was entertaining the same idea myself. Come with me.”

Lenox followed him out of the unit. Outside, they began to walk away from the Outpost and out toward the landing pads. Lenox saw that the Storm Breaker was gone, but the Bell ARH’s were there. The two men went behind one of them.

Lenox looked around, making certain they weren’t about to be interrupted.

Carr spun around and glared at him, pointing in his face. “I thought we had an understanding. You came to us, Michael, to be a part of something grand, but perhaps I was rash in thinking you had come around to our way of thinking. That woman was ours! You had no right to -”

Lenox grabbed his finger and pulled it away from his face. At the same time, he brought his other fist up and connected hard with Carr’s nose. Something snapped, blood spilled out, and Carr fell backward against the Bell ARH. Dazed, the man slid to the ground, favoring his nose in both hands.

Finally, he glared up at Lenox. “What are you doing?”

“Who was responsible for the toxin in Allentown, Carr?”

“What?”

Lenox was losing patience. “Who released the toxin in that town? Hmm? Do you have any idea who is responsible for the deaths of everyone who lived there?”

Carr swallowed. “No.” He didn’t make eye contact.

Lenox looked at him for a long time. “Was this a test? Your people set this up to test the toxin, isn’t that what happened here?”

“No.”

“I want to believe you. I really do, but I’m having a hard time with it.” He pulled out his gun and held it directly in front of the mans face. “One more time…who is responsible for what happened here in Allentown? Who released the toxin?”

Carr stared right into the barrel of the gun. It made him look cross-eyed. “I swear to you, I don’t know!”

Lenox let out a sigh and put his gun back into its holster. He looked at Carr with disgust. “Let me swear something to you.” He leaned over the Director of Justice and glared into his eyes. “If I find evidence that you were behind this in anyway, I will hunt you down and put a bullet in your head. Don’t believe for one second that I won’t because I am capable of having a good nights sleep right after I end your life.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

Carr just stayed there for a long time. The victory he had felt when all of this had begun had deflated and he soon discovered he had run out of steam. But deep down inside, he vowed if only to himself that he would make Lenox pay for this atrocity. And the best way to attack Lenox was to go through Staci.

A grin slowly began to spread across his face as a plan began to take shape.

*******

Staci had trouble getting out of the suit. Alyson saw this and was completely amused by it, but she didn’t let it show on her features as she approached the red-haired medical doctor.

“Let me help you,” Alyson offered as she took a hold of the sleeve of the environmental suit. “It seems you’re having some trouble getting out of this thing.”

“Yes, thank you,” Staci replied, turning her head as she tried to see where the arms of the suit loosened. “This thing is heavy and bulky…and it’s making me dizzy trying to get out of it.”

Alyson went behind her to release the clasps keeping the suit secured. “Have you ever been in one of these before?”

“No.” Staci sighed. “I don’t think I ever want to be in one again.”

Alyson continued to help her. She intentionally paused before she strategically brought up the next subject. “This day has been full of surprises, hasn’t it?”

Staci agreed with a nod, thinking of how she made a fool out of herself by running up to Lenox and kissing him. She blushed thinking about it.

Alyson noticed. “Well, imagine my surprise when I saw Michael here today. I thought I was in seventh heaven.” She grinned mischievously behind her back.

Staci stopped moving as she realized what the news reporter had just said. “Uhm…You know Michael?”

“Yes, I do. And I have to tell you, as soon as I can, I’m going to wrap my arms around him and give him a great big kiss. I wish I had known he was going to be here. I haven’t had time to really get his attention, but I will when the time is right.”

Staci swallowed. “Oh.”

Alyson moved around her so she could see her. “Are you okay? You sound like your in pain.”

“Oh, no…I-I just think the suit is tight. Too tight, and I’d really like to get out of it.” Staci took a deep breath to mask her true feelings. “Are…uhm, are you and Michael dating?”

“Oh, no! No, don’t be silly. It’s really a casual thing we have between us. You know…Neither one of us want to settle down, so we have absolutely no strings attached. He does what he pleases, and I go my way. But…sometimes we hook up and,” She grinned, “you know, have a little fun.”

“Oh, that’s nice!” But it really wasn’t.

Barrington had his suit off and he approached to help with Staci’s. He had seen them together as he was getting out of his suit, and knowing Alyson to be a conniving, manipulative person, wanted to get her away from Staci.

“Having trouble, Doc?” he asked Staci.

“Oh, she’s fine,” Alyson assured him. “She’ll be out of this in no time.”

They helped Staci out of the suit, but the medical doctor’s body language told Barrington that Alyson had said something to her. Alyson smiled at them both and made her way out of the unit. Staci used that moment when she was gone to wipe at a tear that had trickled down her cheek.

“What did she say to you?” Barrington asked.

Staci tried to put on a smile. “Nothing.”

“Staci…whatever it was, it wasn’t ‘nothing’. You can tell me.”

“Albert, it’s ridiculous, okay? It isn’t worth it.”

Barrington paused. “She said something to you about Michael, didn’t she?”

Staci shrugged. “So what if she did? I’m not going out with Michael. He-he’s got no interest in me.” She sighed. “According to Alyson, he likes blondes.”

“Don’t let the devil use this against you. Michael had a brief relationship with Alyson but it was years ago. He’s not interested in her.”

“Albert, we shouldn’t be having this conversation.”

“Why not?”

“Because even if he were interested in me…how could I even hope to have a relationship with him if he hasn’t come to Christ? Wouldn’t we be...unequally yoked?”

“What are you talking about?”

She paused. “I looked it up. It’s in the Bible...and it says, 'Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 1’ ” She let out a sigh. “I think that’s pretty painfully clear enough to understand, don’t you?”

She got up and headed out of the unit before he could respond.

*******

Fuller had watched the Storm Breaker leave with a lot of mixed emotions. He had stood there watching as it took to the skies and didn’t move until it was completely gone from view. When it was, he decided to head back to their quarters and wait for the Storm Breakers return.

He believed what they had come there to do was done. There was nothing to do now but call it quits. He walked into the quarters that had been set aside for him and his agents, and when he did, he saw Fronk and Erin watching him with concern.

He frowned when he saw the looks on their faces. “What’s wrong with you two?”

Erin and Fronk exchanged glances.

Fronk slowly got up from the table and approached Fuller. “Director,” he said.

Fuller let out another sigh. He knew this was going to be serious because the Crazy Man had used his title. He hadn’t called him ‘Skipper’.

“Erin and I discovered something about Danielle,” Fronk continued.

“I know,” Fuller said softly.

“We know who she is and thought you should know before…well, before you find out some other way. Anyway, I guess it would be best if it came from us.”

Fuller held up his hands. “William, Erin…I know. I appreciate your concern, but…I know.”

They regarded him for a moment.

“You know who she is?” Erin asked.

Fuller nodded. “I knew the second I saw her.”

Again, Erin and Fronk exchanged looks.

“Well…where is she?” Fronk wanted to know.

Fuller hesitated. “She’s gone.”

“Gone? But where did she go?”

“I sent her home. Where she belongs.”

“But, sir,” Erin began, “if you know who she is, why did you send her away?”

Fuller paused as he regarded them. “Does anyone else know about this?”

Fronk shook his head. “As far as we know, it’s only the two of us.”

“Keep it that way. The less who know, the safer she is. Because to answer your question, Erin…” He paused. “…I sent her away because I didn’t want Ed Carr to find out.” He looked at each of them. “This conversation is now closed. I would appreciate it if neither one of you brought it up again.”

“Of course,” Erin said.

Fronk saluted. “Aye aye, Skipper.”

Fuller grinned and shook his head. “I knew I could count on you.” He pointed at the laptop. “You might as well pack up your gear. We’re leaving just as soon as the Storm Breaker returns.”

Fronk held up the video cam he had received from the ex-wrestler. “That’s good, ‘cause we’re done with this video Fury wanted us to make. This is going to be the best news story ever. We think you’re gonna like it. Yeah, you’re gonna like it a lot.”

Fuller didn’t doubt him. He just hoped the world would like it, too.

*******

For a moment, King remained silent as Hoag stood before him with his gun pressed against his head. King saw the anger in the Sheriff’s eyes and silently began to pray. Not for himself, but for Hoag. He prayed and asked God to help Hoag get past his anger. The man seemed to have a lot of rage bottled up inside, and it was threatening to explode.

King didn’t move. “If you have come to shoot me, Sheriff, perhaps it would be wise to do so away from here so that the people do not have to be witness to it.”

“How can you be so calm?” Hoag demanded. He was so angry, his hand that was holding the gun was trembling. “Don’t you think it would be easy for me to pull the trigger? You’ve killed many. Killing you wouldn’t be a problem for me.”

“And yet I still stand here as you debate with yourself the pros and cons of murdering me in cold blood.” He paused as he carefully regarded Hoag. “The first time you pointed a gun at me and pulled the trigger, Sheriff, you gave in to your anger. You don’t have to do it this time.”

Hoag pulled the gun away and took several steps away from him. He faced away from the man he had wanted to kill. “You have no idea just how easy it would be to pull the trigger.”

“Perhaps.”

“It wouldn’t do any good, would it?” He turned to look at King as if he were a ghost. “I shot you at point blank range and yet here you stand. I know I didn’t miss.” He paused. “Why did God spare you? Are you really a servant of His?”

King shrugged. “I cannot truly stand here and explain to you why God spared me the day you came into the office at Willow Creek Baptist Church. I believe I know God as all His children know Him...but we cannot know why He does the things He does. Sometimes, He reveals to us why. At other times, He doesn’t. Perhaps it is just as simple as Him wanting me to continue doing His Will.”

“You changed.”

“Yes.”

“You were a terrorist. You’ve killed innocent people in your crusade as a member of the Islamic nation.”

King nodded once. “Yes.”

“Yet you converted to Christianity.” Hoag studied his face. “The guilt of what you’ve done...the crimes you’ve committed...That must have been going through your mind when you cried out to God.”

“It was, Sheriff. But God took that guilt from me and He has enabled me to do His Work.”

“Well, I’m angry. I’m so furious I can’t trust myself to do the right thing!”

King watched him. “Are you angry at me?”

“No, but I am envious. You seem to be able to turn from your past, but I give in to mine. That night when people I knew as friends and family surrounded the Dell’s home and set it on fire, I stood there and watched. I let them do it. I made no moves to stop them. And I was so angry, all I wanted to do was kill you in cold blood.” He took a deep breath and looked at King. “Well, I did kill you. At least, I would have if God hadn’t spared you. So let me ask you, David King...how do you forgive yourself?”

“The first step is to accept that you are not perfect. Then, you must realize that God loves you and you need Him in your life. He will help you with your anger. But then comes the tricky part. You must not only allow God to forgive you, but you must also forgive yourself. Only then will you be able to free yourself from this bondage of anger.”

Hoag hesitated. “Will you help me?”

King held out his hand. “I will.”

The two men shook hands and then prayed.

*******

1 - II Corinthians 6:14 (NIV)

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Ep #9: Chapter 44 - Family

2009-07-12T04:45:00.000-07:00

Fronk was busy working on the task that Shiva had given to him. Using his computer skills on his laptop, the video cam and the details of the mystery surrounding Allentown, he believed he and Erin could get the job done.

Meanwhile, Shiva had been walking back toward the Quarantine Mobile Unit when his cell phone rang. He took it out, answered the call, and as he listened to Fuller on the other end, he stopped walking.

“Certainly, sir,” he said without hesitation. “I understand completely. I’ll have them ready to move out on a moment’s notice.”

Then, he snapped his phone shut, turned around and retraced his steps back to their quarters. As he got to the door, he remembered that he hadn’t seen LeBeau or Bandjough inside. Just Fronk and Erin.

He opened the door and looked inside. “Hey, do either of you know where Ace and Rookie went off to? I‘ve got to relay a message to them from the Director.”

“Ooh, a message!” Fronk exclaimed. “What is it?”

“Ah…it’s just for them.”

He snapped his fingers. “So it’s a decoded message!”

Shiva nodded hesitantly. “Sure, it is. If that makes you happy to think of it as being decoded, knock yourself out. Are you gonna tell me where they went or do I have to guess.”

“Nah. I’ll tell ye, me giant ex-wrestling junkie.” Fronk leaned back in his chair and looked at the ex-wrestler. “They headed on over to the Storm Breaker.”

“What for?”

“They want to be ready to fly over Allentown,” Erin answered.

Shiva nodded. “Oh. It’s just as well. I’ll catch you guys later.”

Fronk waved at him. “Coitenly! Nycuk, nyuck, nyuck!”

Shaking his head at Fronk’s imitation of Curly from the Three Stooges, Shiva purposefully strode through the Outpost until he came to the outskirts of it. He saw two of Justices Bell ARH’s on separate landing pads while the Storm Breaker was on an assigned landing pad for the ATD agents. Observing the Bell ARH’s, Shiva clearly remembered when a Bell ARH similar to the ones he was looking at chased the Storm Breaker over Albany. That had been a close call.

He marveled at how they could still be working with Justice when deep in his heart, he knew the time was coming when Justice would be hunting those who called themselves the Gatherers. Ed Carr would be leading the hunt personally.

Shaking off the thoughts, Shiva found the pilots inside the Storm Breaker. He slid open the door, climbed in and closed it. Then, he stuck his head inside the cockpit.

“Hey,” he said, “how soon can you have the Storm Breaker ready for flight?”

Bandjough turned his head to look at him. “Why do you want to know? Are we going over Allentown?”

Shiva shook his head. “No. That’s not the plan.”

LeBeau held his clipboard in his lap. It contained the preflight checklist he knew like the back of his hand. He was tapping it against his leg because he was bored to tears and itching for some action. “We can be in the air in ten minutes. Less if we were goin’ somewhere now.” He let out a sigh. “Do you have a destination in mind?”

“I’m afraid I don’t…but the Director might have something in mind. He told me to tell you guys to be ready to move out at a moments notice.”

“We’re ready.”

Bandjough nodded in agreement. “We’ve been ready.”

Shiva paused. “Yeah, it does get pretty boring when all you have to do is wait, doesn’t it?”

“You should talk!” LeBeau exclaimed. “You’re out there in the action, Fury! I know how to fly but sometimes, I’d much rather be in on the action. I don’t do well when all I got to do is twiddle my thumbs and listen to Rookie rant about how much he likes tennis!”

“Tennis is a very relaxing sport,” Bandjough told him.

“It’s relaxin’ because it’s borin’. It puts me to sleep just thinkin’ about it!”

“Well, I’m sorry I brought it up.”

“So am I.” With a sigh, LeBeau turned to Shiva. “So, yeah, Fury, we’re ready to go. Go back and tell the Director…to hurry up!”

Grinning, Shiva climbed back out of the Storm Breaker and headed for the Quarantine Mobile Unit.

*******

“Why can’t we hear what’s going on in there?” Carr asked suspiciously as he glared at Barrington, Staci, and Danielle through the Plexiglas. The three were huddled together, and he didn’t like it that he had no idea what was going on inside the chamber.

Lenox couldn’t help but grin. “I’m sure it’s probably Doctor/Patient confidentiality or something like that. Or maybe your toxin fried the communications.”

“My toxin doesn’t affect electronic systems.”

Lenox and Fuller exchanged knowing looks.

“So you admit it’s your toxin?” Fuller inquired.

Carr hesitated. “What are you talking about? Of course, it isn’t my toxin. I’m sure you know that’s not what I meant.”

Lenox shook his head. “I’m not sure at all about anything you say. Everything that pops out of your mouth always seems to have some kind of a double meaning.”

“That is ridiculous.”

Alyson couldn’t resist. She had been silent for a while now, but the journalist inside wanted answers. “Mr. Carr, are they insinuating that the toxin - the X-24 - is actually owned by the government?”

Carr glared at her. “Of course, that’s not what they’re insinuating. They’re not insinuating anything.”

Lenox looked at Fuller. “He’s right.”

Fuller shrugged. “Of course, he is.”

“We’re not saying the government owns or even created the toxin to begin with.”

Alyson tilted her head. “What are you saying?”

“Ed Carr has his own agenda. I wouldn’t put it past him if he had people create the toxin for him…or they found it and are now keeping it for themselves. He does a lot of things while he works for the government, but many of those things aren’t always in the best interests of the American people. In fact, our government might not even know about this toxin.”

“But they will because of what happened here.”

Carr nodded his head. “Of course, they will. This is where the toxin was used by terrorists.”

“What terrorists?” Lenox demanded.

“We may never know.”

“Yeah…well, I think you really know what happened here and it isn’t exactly as you’ve told us.”

“You’re out of line.”

“I tell it like I see it.”

Carr glared at him but didn’t say anything further. He wanted to, but decided to seek out an opportunity for a private conversation with Lenox at another time.

At that moment, Alyson’s eyes widened. “What is she doing?”

They all turned and looked into the chamber.

Staci was taking her helmet off.

Lenox pounded on the Plexiglas barrier. “Staci!” he shouted. “What are you doing?!”

Carr stared in fascination.

Inside the chamber, Barrington moved toward Staci with intentions of stopping her, but he was too late. She had the helmet off and was standing there with her head tilted to the side. It was as if she were listening for something. What she was waiting for was for something to happen or not to happen.

After a moment, she realized that those outside the chamber were staring in at her. She turned around and saw Barrington and Danielle watching her. Danielle slowly got back up to her feet.

“Staci, are you out of your mind?” Lenox demanded, using the communications panel.

She smiled at him. “No. I just wanted to prove a point.”

“What point?”

“Danielle was unaffected by the toxin…because she is a Christian. She is one of His. Just as I am…” She turned her head to regard Barrington. “And just as you are.”

Barrington shook his head. “You…are something else. How do you feel?”

“I feel fine.”

Outside the Plexiglas, Lenox shook his head. “Staci, as much as I respect you for your faith, I can’t accept that. Why would God protect you and not those who reject Him?”

“Because we are living in the End Times, Michael,” Fuller responded. “And this toxin is being used to make the rapture - something God did - into a lie. It makes sense to me that God would protect His people from the toxin.”

Carr snorted. “I’d love to test your ridiculous idea, Director. Perhaps I should round up a few Christians and a few non-Christians, put them in a room together and release the toxin.”

Fuller turned to glare at him.

“Hypothetically speaking, of course.” Then, he turned to regard those in the chamber. “However, your idea has no basis, Dr. Cohen. It will take more than faith to prove what you say is true, and I, for one, do not believe it.”

Barrington took off his helmet and dropped it on the floor.

Carr shook his head. He turned to the FEMA agent. “Has the X-24 levels decreased any inside there?”

The agent consulted a monitor screen and shook his head. “No.” He swallowed. “There’s still enough toxin in there to wipe out everyone in the Outpost.”

Carr pursed his lips in thought. He looked in there once more and wondered how he would ever be able to get his hands on Staci, Danielle, and Barrington to run further tests. If what Staci said was true, what else would they be able to endure.

Lenox narrowed his eyes. “Don’t even think about it.”

Fuller stepped up to the communications panel beside Lenox. “Danielle…?”

Danielle turned her head, regarding him through the Plexiglas with suspicion. “Yes?”

“We’re getting you out of there. Justice has agreed to turn you over into our custody.”

“I don’t need to be in custody. I didn’t do anything.”

“Trust me. You will be treated fairly. And you can be certain we won’t put you through any of this…nonsense.”

Danielle looked at Barrington and Staci.

“You can trust him,” Staci said. “He’s one of the good guys.”

“Then, can’t we get out of here right now? Why do we have to wait.”

Carr leaned toward the Plexiglas. “The levels of toxin are still too high. You have to wait until it clears. If we let you out, you could expose us to the toxin.”

Danielle folded her arms. “Well, turnabout is fair play, don’t you think?”

The FEMA agent at the console outside the chamber looked up from the readouts on his monitor. “Actually, sir, if they come out through the opening, we could decontaminate them before they leave the chamber. The toxin will be cleanse through the process and we won’t face the risk of exposure.”

Carr glared at him. He had been attempting to keep them in there as long as he could until he came up with a plan. “We can’t be certain that some of the toxin won’t escape out here.”

“Yes, we can. There will be no danger after they have been decontaminated.”

Carr wanted to kill him.

Fuller leaned toward the panel. “Albert, each one of you come through decontamination one at a time. We’re getting you out of there now.”

Danielle’s eyes began to fill with tears at the thought of finally escaping the chamber of horrors. She turned to Staci and Barrington. “Can I…?” she trailed off.

Barrington nodded. “Of course. Go ahead.”

Taking a deep breath, Danielle rushed to the door as he opened it for her. She passed through the doorway and stood inside the small decontamination cubicle as Barrington resealed it closed. The FEMA agent on the outside ran the decontamination process, which to Danielle’s relief finally ended with a hiss.

The exit door opened and for the first time since the nightmare began, she finally stepped out of the chamber.

Fuller was waiting for her. Gently, he took her by the arm. “Why don’t you allow me to lead you out of here?”

“That would be nice,” she replied, smiling gratefully.

Carr did everything he could not to withdraw his gun as Fuller took Danielle out of the unit.

*******

Fuller and Danielle walked together through the Outpost. “You’ll be safe now,” he told her. “I promise you that.”

“Who are you people?” she asked, grateful to be outside where the weather was clear and the air was fresh. “I mean, you, Staci, and Albert. That other guy in there…Michael?”

Fuller glanced at her. “We’re the ATD. An extension of the FBI.” He paused. “But, with the exception of Michael who we’re continuously praying for, we’re something else, too. We call ourselves the Gatherers and it is our purpose to gather as many people as we can for Christ before the end comes.”

Danielle considered his words. “That sounds noble.” She paused. “That also sounds like something my mother would get into. She always loved noble causes.”

Fuller paused. “Is…your mother someone you can go to right now?”

“Well…if I can get out of here, I can get to her. She’s in London.” She stopped. “Wait…I can’t. My husband…my…Andy took everything I had. Everything was in his name when he kicked me out. I don’t…” She stopped as the tears finally came. “I-I don’t have anything.”

Fuller placed his hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes. “Yes, you do, Danielle. You have a new family. One who can love you unconditionally. One who will always be there to help you in your time of need. I’ll get you to London to be with your mother. You’ll recover from this. I swear it.”

“Not that I’m ungrateful, but why are you helping me?”

“God’s people always take care of their own.”

She smiled wryly. “Because we’re family.”

“Yes.”

She shook her head. “This world just gets crazier and crazier, doesn‘t it?”

“It does indeed.” Fuller nodded in agreement as he continued to lead her toward the outskirts of the Outpost where LeBeau and Bandjough were waiting in the Storm Breaker. He had a plan, and that plan was simply to get her there where his pilots could fly her to safety far away from Allentown.

*******

King considered thoughtfully what Morris had told him. Then, he turned to Saint, Chase, and Yeomans. “It would seem that I am required elsewhere.” He paused. “Larry, before I go, what is your idea?”

“Well,” Yeomans began, “it seems to me as if you’re running out of room here and starting to look like a campground. Someone’s bound to think this is odd and might come just to cause trouble.”

“That thought had crossed our minds as well,” Saint assured him.

“I know a place…It’s about a two hour drive from here, almost three actually. It’s a campground my cousins own. They had it closed for renovations on the cabins and facilities there so I don’t believe anyone’s there now. I figured that maybe we could take a drive up there and check it out.”

King nodded thoughtfully. “This is something to pursue, my brother. John, perhaps you would care to look into it?”

Saint shrugged nonchalantly. “Sure. Peter and I can go with Larry.”

“Excellent. Then, I shall see you in about six hours when you return.”

They shook hands, and King lead them in prayer for safe traveling mercies. Then, King thanked Morris for getting him. As he headed back for the barn, he prayed that God would use him to help make Sheriff Hoag see the Way.

Unfortunately, when he stepped into the barn and closed the door, Hoag pressed his gun against King’s head.

The Sheriff’s finger tightened on the trigger. “Glad you could make it, Musad. I just wanted another chance to see if you can survive a second bullet. Only this time, it will be right up close and personal.”

_______ _______ _______

Ep #9: Chapter 43 - The Devil's Advocate

2009-07-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

It was agreed that the Storm Breaker would not fly into the quarantined airspace over Allentown unless it was necessary, but LeBeau and Bandjough had decided to head for their helicopter to make preparations. If they needed to be in the air, they were going to be ready. After they had left their quarters, Erin found herself alone with the Crazy Man, who was still working his talents with his fingers dancing on the keyboard.

She watched him for a moment. She loved to see him at work, doing what he did best. His face was a mask of anticipation and concentration. He was like a little boy trapped inside a candy store. He was completely in his element and clearly didn’t want to leave it. It was one of the many qualities she loved about William Fronk. As she continued to watch him, she wondered not for the first time if he even suspected how she felt about him.

“Do I have hair growing out of my ears?” he suddenly asked her.

She blinked. “What?”

“I’m kind-a hoping that - being as young as I am - I have yet to reach that ripe old age where weeds of a different color begin to sprout from my ears and my nose. But judging from the way you’re staring at me, I believe that hope has just been eradicated.”

Erin blushed. “Oh…No. No, William, you’re not…sprouting.”

“Ah.” He nodded once. Then, he wiped a hand across his forehead. “Whew! That was a close one. Man, I thought I was a goner for sure!” He glanced at her. “So…if you weren’t staring at me for being gross…then there was another purpose behind it.”

She paused. “Uhm…How do you know I was even looking at you?”

Fronk tapped his finger on the right side of the monitor screen on his laptop. “You have a reflection.”

She blushed again. “I’m sorry. I…I thought you were involved in what you were doing to notice something like that.”

He winked at her. “I am keenly observant.”

“Yeah. I can see that.”

He continued his research in a window on the lower part of the screen as in the upper left side continued to display what was happening inside the Quarantine Mobile Unit. He could also still see Erin’s reflection as she leaned over for a better view of the monitor. It was apparent to him that she was paying more attention to him than to what he was doing.

There was a pause.

“It must be my rugged good looks,” he finally said.

She shook her head. “No, William, it’s not.”

Fronk blinked. His fingers stopped above the keyboard as he turned to regard her. “It’s not?”

She smiled wryly. “You’re not rugged…but you are good looking.”

He looked at her for a moment. “You are, too,” he said softly. “Only gooder.”

“That’s not a word.”

“Oh, it doesn’t have to be, but it fit’s the occasion.”

She smiled. “Hey…you’re not calling me rugged, are you?”

“Oh, no. No, no, no! Absolutely not! How could you possibly even consider that I would dare to think such a thing? You are as lovely as a rose! As refreshing as a gentle waterfall falling down from a brook into a stream! As breathtaking as a sunrise over the ocean!”

“Aren’t you laying that on a bit thick?”

Fronk paused. “Maybe I am…but I believe that you’re worth it.” He paused again, hesitating. “Erin…if you’re interested - because I know I am - would you care to go out on a date when we get back?”

Erin nodded her head without hesitation. “That interests me very much. Yes.”

“Yes…You said ‘yes’. Uhm…can you just look the other way for one second?”

Erin looked at him, puzzled by the request. “Oh…okay,” she said. She turned around and looked toward the door.

Fronk raised his hands heavenward and mouthed the words, “Thank You, Lord!” Then, he lowered his hands and cleared his throat. “Okay. You can turn back now.”

She turned, grinning as she regarded him. “You were thanking Him for me, weren’t you?”

“Huh? Oh, well, you know…I do thank Him for everything. ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1’ Concerning us all, really.”

She nodded knowingly. “Um hm.” She looked at the monitor. There was an article with a photo of a woman at a charity event taken from a Chicago Tribune newspaper. According to the article, the woman had come from London, France to participate in raising funds for children with cancer. The article was twenty-four years old. Erin looked closer. “Hey…she looks like the woman Carr has trapped in quarantine…only older. Who is she?” She squinted, trying to read the article.

“That…is Katherine Allison Dozois. She’s Danielle’s mother.” Fronk paused. “I knew I recognized something familiar about her.”

Erin looked at him. “But…how did you know about this woman?”

Fronk paused. Then, he opened his mouth to speak, but the doors to their assigned quarters crashed open, causing him and Erin to jump. Shiva strode purposefully into their quarters and focused intently on Fronk. The ex-wrestler didn’t seem to notice that he had startled them. Without another word, he handed a small, handheld video cam to Fronk.

The Crazy Man took it. “What’s this?”

“Can you film yourself on it, talking about the truth of what’s happening here?” Shiva asked.

Fronk nodded. “Sure, I could, but…”

“Just do it. When you’re done, give it back to me.”

“When do you want it?”

“Before we’re done here.” With that, he turned and hurried back out.

Fronk and Erin looked at each other.

She smiled and held out her hand. “Hand it over and I’ll help you.”

He gave her the video cam. “I always wanted to be in pictures!”

“Well, now here’s your chance.”

*******

Staci and Barrington each put on an environmental suit as Alyson, Lenox, Fuller, and Carr stood off to the side. The FEMA agent helped Staci and Barrington. Unknown to Carr, he showed them how to use the suits communications devices to talk to each other without anyone else eavesdropping. While they were suiting up, Fuller had a brief and private conversation with Shiva on his cell phone. He was watching Danielle through the barrier as he spoke. He was on only for a short time and when he was done, he snapped the phone shut and returned it into the inside pocket of his jacket.

Alyson watched everything as closely as she could. She glared toward the sealed door. Averill and the two Justice agents who had been there had backed out of the unit, closing the door behind them. This had prevented Meers from continuing to film the inside of the unit. For his sake, she hoped he had caught enough on film that would be of use for her Pulitzer prize story.

Lenox had put his gun back into its holster. He looked into the chamber and saw Danielle, still huddled in the corner. She was on the other side of the bed so she was unable to see what was left of the FEMA agent who had entered without a suit.

“So, Carr…what’s her story?” he wanted to know.

Fuller stood beside Lenox with his arms folded across his chest. He also watched Danielle, concerned for her.

Carr shrugged casually. “Oh, what can I tell you that you don’t already know? It’s the same old story you hear every day. Quite typical actually when you consider the number of identity thefts across the United States. She steals identities and leads lives that aren’t hers. This one here -” He tapped on the window and pointed at the huddled form of Danielle. “- claimed a name of a wife married to a lawyer from the Case ‘N’ Point Law Firm based out of New York City. It’s a very big Law Firm, mind you, so why she would be so stupid as to pretend she was married to one of its lawyers is beyond me. But she lived the good life for a while until the truth finally caught up with her. Now, we have her and the man she pretended to be married to is at this moment compiling a very strong case against her.” He let out a chuckle and shook his head. “I imagine that when he’s through with her, she’ll wish she had never been born.”

Fuller turned his head and regarded him. He narrowed his eyes. Something about that last comment angered him, but he didn’t address it. Instead, he said, “What’s this lawyers name?”

Carr glanced at him. “I’m really not at liberty to say.”

Fuller leaned closer. “Say it anyway.”

Lenox looked at Carr. “Just tell us. You know we’re going to look into this and find out anyway. You might as well bite the bullet and come out with it now.”

Alyson continued to hang back, listening to their conversation.

Carr let out a sigh. “Fine. The lawyer’s name, if you must know, is Andrew Anderson.”

“And the woman here…?” Lenox inquired.

“She said her name was Danielle Marie Anderson…but it’s really only one of her many alias’. In time, we’ll discover her real name.”

Fuller glared. “That doesn’t give you the right to use her as a lab rat.”

Carr looked at him. “She’s a criminal.”

“So you say,” Lenox said.

“Why do you doubt my word?”

Lenox nodded his head toward Staci, who was stepping through the first doorway of the chamber behind Barrington. “Because you told me that Staci Cohen was a criminal until I checked it out for myself. You know what I found out? She was telling the truth. Dr. Richard Manning had set her up to take the fall because he didn’t want to be held liable for Ishmael Musad’s death. You didn’t even bother to check into her story. You just called her guilty without any evidence and thought you could get her out of the way.”

Carr cleared his throat. “Well, perhaps a more thorough investigation can be done. I’ll see to it -”

“The investigation is done. I just got through telling you that I was the one who conducted it. What I want you to do is to help with getting her license back for her.”

Carr hesitated. “Certainly. Anything else?”

Fuller nodded his head. “Yes, there is something else. When that chamber is cleared of the toxin, we’re taking Danielle into our custody.”

Alyson remained silent as she continued to watch them. Did these guys forget I was here? She grinned mischievously.

“That is not proper procedure,” Carr argued. “This woman is in our custody because we apprehended her.”

Lenox glared at him.

Carr swallowed. “Okay. Fine. I…I release her into your custody, then.”

Alyson’s eyes widened in surprise as she regarded Carr.

“That’s all we ask,” Fuller said. He watched with the others as Barrington and Staci entered the toxin-filled chamber.

*******

Staci wasn’t concerned about the red ashes with the skeletal remains laying in it. She was more concerned about the living. The suit was bulky and heavy, but she somehow made it around Barrington and approached the woman huddled in the corner.

Looking up at Staci, she shook her head. “No…please …just leave me alone.”

Staci stopped. She tried to look at Barrington, but the helmet didn’t turn with her head. She gave up and focused on the woman. “I know you’ll find this hard to believe, but…we’re here to help you.”

Danielle glared at her. “You’re right. I don’t believe you.”

“We’re not with these men who put you in here,” Barrington told her.

“You’re in the suits,” she pointed out, “and the men who put me in here are watching from the outside. Don’t tell me you’re not with them!”

Staci shook her head. “Please…we’re not with them. My name is Staci Cohen.”

“I don’t care.”

“I’m a Medical Doctor, and -”

“I don’t care! I don’t care who you are! Get out of here and leave me alone!”

Staci took a deep breath. “You will care! We’re here to help you whether you like it or not. We’ve lost a lot, just like you have.”

Danielle glared at her. “You don’t know what I’ve lost.”

“I’ve lost a son in the vanishings. Albert here has lost a wife and a daughter. They…they were caught up in what we call the rapture.”

Danielle regarded them differently. “Rapture?”

Barrington nodded. “Yes. Look, we’re not your enemy. What’s happening to you is wrong and we’ll do what we can to get you out of here. We know we can’t just ask you to trust us, but -”

“I lost family and friends in the rapture, too,” she said, interrupting him. “I-I accepted Jesus as my Lord, and-and then my husband kicked me out of our home. I went for a drive, saw some kind of…of strange wavering or something in the air…and passed out. I woke up here. I-I don’t even know what’s going on. What do these people want with me?”

“You’re a Christian?” Staci asked, smiling reassuringly.

Danielle nodded her head.

“So are we.”

She closed her eyes. “Oh, please don’t be messing with me. You’re not making that up, are you?”

“No, we’re not,” Barrington assured her. “We don’t know all the facts yet about what’s happening here, but we do have some ideas. A toxin was released in Allentown and it killed everyone there just like it did to this FEMA agent. We don’t know who released the toxin. What we do know is that Ed Carr, the man who is responsible for you being in here, is trying to prove that the rapture didn’t happen. He wants to convince the world that the vanishings were caused by this toxin.”

Danielle shook her head. “That’s insane! Who’s going to believe that? This toxin killed everyone it touched.”

“It didn’t kill you,” Staci pointed out.

Danielle leaned her head back against the wall. “No. I guess it didn’t.”

“I guess in a way, you would be proof that the toxin doesn’t affect everyone. Just certain people. Maybe it has something to do with DNA…a certain gene. Blood type.” Staci shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Wait…you don’t believe that, do you?”

Staci shook her head. “No. I-I’m just playing Devil’s Advocate here because Ed Carr and others like him will believe that.”

“Some people would rather believe the lie,” Barrington said, “then to know the truth.”

“And we know that they don’t want to believe the rapture, or they don’t believe it because it sounds like Science Fiction to them. When news of this toxin gets out, people are going to listen to it. Many of them are going to be deceived into believing that it’s true.”

Danielle paused. “Why didn’t it do anything to me?”

Barrington considered his words carefully. “I don’t really know. There is only one plausible answer, but I hesitate to say.”

“We think God prevented the toxin from affecting you,” Staci replied without hesitation, “because He wants this lie to fail.”

“We don’t know that for certain, Staci.”

“Albert, how can it not be the answer? Danielle is a Christian like us. She was the only one not affected by this toxin. Why would it be hard to believe that God spared her to reveal the truth?”

Barrington let out a sigh. “Look, I’m not trying to put a hole in your theory…”

“It’s not a theory.”

“We can’t know the mind of God. We don’t have proof that God even spared Danielle. What if it is because of her DNA, or blood type…or genes?”

“Oh, you don’t believe that any more than I don’t.”

“Maybe not…but we still don’t have all of the answers.”

“You say we don’t have proof…”

Barrington nodded. “Right.”

Staci regarded Danielle. “What if it isn’t proof we need? What if all it takes is just a little faith?”

Barrington narrowed his eyes. “Staci…what are you thinking?”

Staci stood up and reached for her helmet. “God brought us here to reveal the truth, Albert, and the truth is…the lie will be revealed for what it is. The lie. But His Truth will always shine through no matter how big the lie becomes.” She began to work on taking the helmet off.

*******

After the prayer session, Yeomans followed Saint and Chase through the small shelter and back up the ladder out through the hatch. Chris and Faye stayed below with Donna and Amber to help prepare the stew they were creating. Rumor had it that Amber Eastwood made the best stews around. Just thinking about it made Yeomans salivate with hunger. He intentionally began to think of something else.

Like the sleeping arrangements at the shelter.

What he saw from the shelter underground, it had originally been designed for a family of eight, possibly one or two more. But there were more than that cramming themselves in there to sleep at night. Everyone else who couldn’t fit in the shelter were either sleeping in their cars or in the barn. Or in tents erected on the lawn in the fields.

It was beginning to look like a campground.

Yeomans had an idea about that and he wanted to share it, but Saint made him wait until they could meet up with David King.

“David’s around here somewhere,” Saint replied as he stood away from the hatch, searching the grounds for King. “I’ll take you to meet him.”

Chase glanced at him.

Saint recognized the look. He knew what was on Chase’s mind. Making a decision, he turned to Yeomans. “You’re going to meet a man who is doing a great work for the Lord, Larry,” he began, watching the man for a reaction. “He’s helped to put this thing together. In fact, he started this Gatherers thing with an FBI agent named Albert Barrington. David is a great leader amongst us, even though he has the tendency to keep away from the role.”

Yeomans nodded, smiling. “Sounds like a great man. When do I meet him?”

“Right now,” said a voice from behind him with an accent.

Yeomans turned and saw a man with dark skin approaching. Another man walked beside him.

Saint and Chase exchanged looks. “Well,” Saint said as he clapped one of them on the shoulder, “welcome to the world outside the loft, Jim.”

Bollinger nodded. “Thanks, John. I guess it was getting a little stuffy in there.”

“Larry, this is Jim…I don’t know his last name.”

“It’s Bollinger.” He reached over and shook Yeomans hand. “I’m…kind of new here.”

Yeomans grinned. “So am I. I’m Larry Yeomans.”

Saint indicated the dark-skinned man. “This is David King.”

“Hello,” Yeomans greeted, extending his hand toward him. “It’s great to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you since I’ve been here.”

King shook his hand. “Have you now?”

“Yeah. These guys have been telling me how you and Albert Barrington are forming this…Gatherers thing. It sounds really great, and I’d like to get involved.”

King regarded him with a smile. “Is that all you’ve heard?”

Yeomans nodded. “Well, yeah. So far.”

“Then…” He glanced at Bollinger. “…you haven’t heard the one about me being a terrorist before I came to Christ?”

“Terrorist?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

Chase clapped Yeomans on the back. “David has an astounding testimony. Wait until you hear it. It’ll knock your socks off.”

Yeomans nodded. “I’d love to hear about it. I also have an idea I’d like to share if you’re interested.”

Saint glanced at Bollinger.

Bollinger noticed. “Hey, if you guys don’t mind, I’m just going to walk around and get to know people.”

King nodded. “Perhaps later tonight, you would like to share your testimony in our fellowship meeting.”

He hesitated. “Yeah. Sure. Maybe I will.” He walked away from them.

Chase shook his head. “Wasn’t he the guy hiding out up in the loft, stirring things up?”

“He was,” King agreed. “But he has assured me that he won’t do it again.” He turned to Yeomans. “What is your idea?”

Before Yeomans could reply, Morris approached them, running from the barn. “David,” he called out.

The others turned and they waited for his approach.

When Morris got there, he said, “Can I speak with you privately for a moment?”

King regarded him for a moment. “You can tell me here, in front of the others.”

Morris shrugged. “Okay…Then, I’ll just come out and tell you. Sheriff Hoag is in the barn and he wants to talk with you. Alone.”

*******

1 - I Thessalonians 5:18

_______ _______ _______

Ep #9: Chapter 42 - The Hand of God

2009-07-12T04:24:00.001-07:00

LeBeau, Bandjough, and Erin were gathered together behind Fronk as each of them tried to make sense of what they had just witnessed on the monitor. The toxin had killed a man. It had literally caused his flesh to melt away, leaving behind nothing but an exoskeleton, jewelry, and tattered clothing. Through it all, Danielle Marie Dozois remained miraculously unharmed.

The X-24 toxin just simply did not touch her.

For a moment, everyone was speechless.

It was Bandjough who finally broke the silence as he softly commented what should have been obvious to them all. “God must be protecting her.”

Erin and LeBeau each turned their heads to look at him. Fronk, however, was focused on his laptop. His fingers danced across the keyboard as he caused the camera to focus on Danielle’s face. Something about her seemed to be vaguely familiar and he couldn’t yet determine what that was. He opened up other windows and began an investigation of his own. Multi-tasking was like taking a walk in the park so he continued with his tasks as he listened to the others discuss their thoughts about what they witnessed.

“What?” LeBeau demanded.

“Well, think about it, Ace!” Bandjough exclaimed. “Look what that toxin did to that guy, but in the same room…Danielle isn’t even touched by it. The toxin has no affect on her. How can you really explain that other than by the hand of God?”

Erin pursed her lips in thought. “You think she’s a Christian.”

It wasn’t a question.

Bandjough nodded. “Yeah…Yeah, I do. Guys…she’s one of us.”

LeBeau turned his head and stared at Danielle’s face on the monitor of Fronk’s laptop. He paid no attention to what the Crazy Man was doing with the other windows he had opened and minimized.

Finally, the ace pilot let out a breath. “Well…I think you’re right. It’s the only thing that makes sense about this.” He paused. “But knowin’ that what you say is true can only mean one thing for us. We have to get her out of there.”

Erin glanced at her. “The Director is there, Keith. I’m sure he’ll figure it out and do what he can. He won’t let Carr get away with this.”

“I know that…but we should at least go and tell him. Look! Anythin’s better than just sittin’ here waitin’ for somethin’ to happen!”

Bandjough paused. “Why don’t we do something really daring?” He made eye contact with LeBeau. “There’s a restricted no-flying zone right over Allentown, isn‘t there? Well, why don’t we take a trip over there and see what happens?”

LeBeau blinked. “Did I just hear you right?”

“It’s a restricted no-flying zone for a reason, J,” Erin said. “All of Allentown is still contaminated with the toxin.”

“But the toxin didn’t kill Danielle.”

There was another pause. Only the sounds of Fronk’s fingers on the keyboard could be heard.

LeBeau let out another sigh. “So you’re sayin’ that this toxin didn’t kill her…because she’s been covered by the blood of Christ.” He turned his head to regard Bandjough. “And you think we won’t be killed either for the same reason? Is that the gist of what you‘re tryin’ to say here, man?”

Bandjough shrugged. “It makes sense, doesn’t it?”

“Look, Rookie - and I hate to say this, but there is a real big reason why you’re called Rookie - what you’re tellin’ us all sounds well and good…in theory. But what if you’re way off the mark on this one? What if you’re just wrong?”

The younger man looked at the woman on the monitor and shook his head. “I really don’t believe I’m wrong about this.”

“Maybe you should look at it from another perspective,” Erin told him. “I don’t remember where it is in the Bible, but I believe there is a verse in the New Testament that warns us about tempting the Lord. Tempting the Lord is something we’re not to do. You may think that you can go into that contaminated area where the toxin is and be safe, but you could be tempting the Lord to use His power. Do you know what I mean?”

“Coitenly,” Fronk suddenly replied, imitating Curly from the Three Stooges. “I understands perfectly! Nyuck, nyuck.”

“I don’t,” Bandjough said, shaking his head in frustration. “We wouldn’t be tempting the Lord. How would we be doing that?”

Fronk cleared his throat, and then he spoke in a tone that Director Fuller usually used when he was sharing a devotional with them. “‘The devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto Him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God 1.’ ”

Bandjough fell silent as he considered what Fronk had just quoted.

“Well, that’s good enough for me,” LeBeau said. “If the Lord Himself said that it’s not good to tempt God, than I’ll go along with that! I’m not flyin’ over any part of Allentown unless He tells me in plain and clear English to do so.”

*******

“What ever happened to that man in there,” Fuller said as he indicated the chamber beyond the Plexiglas barrier, “it has nothing to do with the rapture. That, Carr, I agree with you on.”

Carr nodded his head once, ignoring the gun pressed against his head by Lenox. “Of course, you do. But what you don’t understand, Director Fuller, is that what happened in there proves that the rapture never occurred. You would see that if you wouldn’t close your mind to the possibility of it.”

“You’re out of your mind,” Barrington declared. “That doesn’t prove anything other than your obsession with ruining the lives of innocent people. We need to get that woman out of there!”

Carr glanced at Lenox and shook his head. “That isn’t possible.”

Lenox intentionally pressed his weapon more, causing Carr to bend his head back. “What you just said is not acceptable.”

This time, Carr could not ignore what Lenox was doing. He swallowed. “If we let her out, the toxin gets out and we all die. Would that be more acceptable to you than keeping a criminal locked up in a quarantined room?”

Alyson remained silent as she witnessed the entire exchange of hostilities. Averill and the agents at the door looked as if they wanted to rush inside and start shooting, but they somehow maintained their positions. She saw that Meers was still outside, trying to film over the heads of the agents from Justice…but Shiva was out there, too, and he was standing beside Meers.

Alyson frowned. Is he talking to my cameraman? What are they talking about? Shaking her head from the distraction, she returned her focus on what was happening in the mobile unit.

Lenox glared at Carr. “I’m starting to get real tired of these games you play with other peoples lives. I don’t care if she killed the President of the United States. She isn’t a guinea pig.”

Carr snorted. “We all know who killed the President. This woman is guilty of other crimes and --”

Barrington interrupted his train of thought as he pounded his fist on the Plexiglas. “Miss! Hey, ma’am! Can you hear me?”

Inside her prison room, Danielle remained with her back to the wall, slumped on the floor as she hugged her knees. She did not appear to hear Barrington.

Barrington turned to the FEMA agent. “Can she hear us?”

The man nodded.

“How long will it take to decontaminate the room from the toxin so we can get in there to help her?”

“You can’t do that,” Carr replied, trying to keep his anger from surfacing. “You are interfering in matters that do not concern you.”

Lenox grabbed a hold of Carr by the collar and dragged him over to the first sealed door leading into the chamber. “You’re going in there! Someone open this door.”

From the entrance, Averill tried to see around Fuller, Staci, and Barrington. “Hey! Lenox, what are you doing?”

Lenox ignored him as he shoved Carr’s back against the sealed door. “Al, get the code from Carr’s lackey.”

Barrington turned to regard the FEMA agent. “If you cooperate -”

The man interrupted by speaking out a series of numbers. Then, he said, “I do my job, but…this is turning into something I had no desire to get involved in.”

Carr let out a sigh. “Lenox…you have to stop doing what you’re doing. I am fighting for the truth, and -”

“Stop it!”

Silence descended upon the room. One by one, all heads turned toward the source of the unexpected shout.

It was Staci and she appeared to be angry. “Just stop it!” she exclaimed once more. “While you people waste time trying to show each other how tough you all are, that woman in there needs medical attention. I don’t care what you do, but you will find a way to get me in there, and you will do it right now!”

The FEMA agent hesitated. “There are environmental suits.”

“How many?”

“There are two in this unit.”

“Great. Get me one…and someone needs to come with me.”

Barrington nodded. “I’ll go.”

Staci nodded. Then, she turned to Lenox. She paused. “I know you want to kill him, but you really do need to put your weapon away.”

Lenox let out a sigh. Then, he caught Fuller watching him. Hesitantly, he put his weapon back into its holster and released his hold on Carr.

Staci smiled at Lenox. “Thank you. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have someone who needs our help.”

Barrington and Staci were led by the FEMA agent to the lockers that held the suits. With determination, Staci put hers on as quickly as she could. All she wanted to do was help the woman trapped inside the chamber.

*******

Saint felt it was better to approach Amber Eastwood as delicately as possible. He didn’t know her so he was concerned about how she would react when confronted with the actions of her past. He led Yeomans and Faye toward the back of the silo where the entrance of the shelter was. They climbed into it and made their way into the makeshift kitchen area where Donna Perkins, Saint’s wife, Chris, and Amber Eastwood were preparing dinner.

Amber was cutting tomato slices, but she stopped when she saw Yeomans.

Yeomans nervously waved at her. “Hi, Amber.”

Amber simply nodded, then went back to slicing into another tomato.

Donna glanced from one to the other, concern evident in her eyes. “Hello yourself,” she said. She turned toward Saint. “John, I know we need to be willing to make room for more people, but…the room we have is decreasing quickly.”

Yeomans and Faye looked at each other. They looked guilty.

Donna moved towards them. “Oh, no no. I didn’t mean to imply there was no room for you. I was just stating an undeniable fact that we’re going to have to face sooner or later anyway.” She held out her hand. “My name is Donna Perkins.”

“Larry Yeomans,” Yeomans replied, shaking her hand. “This is my better half, Faye.” He glanced at Amber.

Saint clapped Yeomans on the shoulder. “Well, Larry…Faye. This here is my wife, Chris…and contrary to you, I’m her better half.” He winked playfully at Chris.

Chris held out a knife toward him. “Keep it up, mister. I know where you sleep.”

“You bring that knife with you tonight, and I’ll keep my eyes open all night long.”

She slashed at the air and continued to cut into a chunk of roast beef, spreading cubes of the meat aside in preparation for the stew.

Donna looked once more from Amber to Yeomans. “I take it that you two know each other…?”

Amber nodded, but remained silent.

Yeomans nodded, too. “Yeah. Her husband worked at the same company. The Tarantine Textile Company.”

Amber continued to make preparations for the stew and avoided eye contact.

Donna pursed her lips with concern. “Were you friends?”

Yeomans shook his head. “No. Not really. Her husband and I worked in separate offices. We only know each other from family picnics that the company had for the employees.” He hesitated. “Amber…can we go somewhere and talk?”

Amber shook her head.

“Please…It’ll only take a moment.”

But Amber continued with her task.

Yeomans let out a sigh.

“Just tell her,” Faye encouraged. “We’re among other believers now and no one here is going to be throwing around any harsh judgments.”

Yeomans nodded. “Alright.” He turned and regarded Amber with hesitation. Finally, he said, “It’s okay, Amber. We know about the $60,000 and why you took it. By all rights, it was yours to begin with anyway. I know it was from your husband’s life insurance through the company and that you were supposed to get it, but…Mr. Tarantine decided to try and keep it for himself. You only took what was yours.”

Amber looked at him, but still remained silent.

Yeomans paused. “Anyway…I just wanted to let you know that it’s okay.”

Amber put her hands on the table, leaned forward and glared at Yeomans. “You think it’s okay to steal $60,000?”

“Well, no, but-”

“I didn’t want $60,000! I wanted my husband back! That company took him from me, and they owe me more than $60,000 and an apology for my losses! Who does Tarantine think he is? I took that money not because it belonged to me, but because it didn’t belong to your boss! And you think it’s okay?” She pointed at him with her knife. “Well, it isn’t! And it won’t be until he gets what is coming to him.”

“Amber, if he doesn’t reach a point in his life where he’s still able to accept Christ, then he will get what he deserves and a lot more. But you can‘t want that for him. No matter what he‘s done, Christ died for him, too, and we need to pray for him to find salvation before it gets to be too late for him.”

Amber took a deep breath. She nodded slowly. “I know. And that’s what I’m struggling with. I want to hate him for what he’s done. I’m really struggling with wanting God to snatch him from the flames of Hell because I want to push him there myself!” She paused as she regarded everyone. “I’m trying not to hate. It’s a shortcoming I have right now, and I could really use your prayers.”

Donna nodded her head encouragingly. “You’ll have more than our prayers. You have our love, too, Amber.” She smiled. “It’s good to know that you can really talk.”

“After a while, you may not think so.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I say it like it is.” She tapped her forehead. “If it’s in here…” She touched her fingers to her lips. “…it comes out here.”

Saint clapped his hands together. “There’s nothing wrong with that, sister…to a point. Look, why don’t we all huddle up and go to God right now in prayer. We can all tell Him like it is, even if He already does know.”

“We need to pray about our living arrangements, too,” Donna reminded him.

“I may have an idea about that,” Yeomans said.

Saint regarded him with a look. “Really? What would that be?”

“There’s another location we can use.” Yeomans paused. “There’s a place I know that would hold everyone here, and then some. We’d have to look into it first.”

Saint nodded his head. “That’s good news. Let’s pray about it and then we’ll go see David to make plans.”

The six of them gathered in a circle, held hands and went to the Lord in prayer. As they prayed, God listened and He answered.

*******

Hoag lowered his weapon and looked at Morris. He didn’t want to explain himself to anyone, but he felt that he owed it to Morris anyway. Morris had always been one to stand up for the law in Willow Creek. He had been a positive influence in the town meetings, but that influence had left when the man had decided to join up with Saint and the others.

Hoag re-holstered his weapon.

“Sheriff,” Morris began with concern, “are you here to cause trouble?”

Hoag looked at him. “You think I’m here to cause trouble?”

“You’re hiding in the barn, eavesdropping on conversations not meant for you.”

“Or for you,” the Sheriff pointed out.

Morris nodded once. “Maybe so…but I knew you were in here and that’s why I waited around.”

“How did you know I was here?”

“I was going around the barn when I saw you climb in through the chute above the pig trough.”

Hoag shook his head. “Tony, why are you here?”

“Because I happen to believe in what’s going on and I want to do something about it. I want to be able to participate in the work that God has given us to do. A work that is far more important than earning a paycheck. A work that saves souls, Sheriff. Everyone here is a part of that. Except for you.”

“And that man who was just in here.”

“Are you referring to David?”

“You mean Darwyn Musad!” Hoag snapped. Then, he let out a sigh. “But I meant the other man who was with him. He doesn’t seem…sincere.”

Morris regarded him. “And David King…or, as you’re so insistent on calling him…Darwyn Musad. What about him? Do you think he sounded sincere?”

Hoag hesitated. “I don’t know what to think.”

“I can vouch for him.”

“Of course, you can! Everybody here can vouch for him. Tony, I put a bullet right into him and it passed through him without leaving a mark! Even that gives him credibility that he’s telling the truth!”

“Then why can’t you accept it?”

“Because I don’t understand it!”

Silence descended upon them and Morris waited to see if the Sheriff had anything else to say. When he didn’t, he said, “Look, Sheriff…I wasn’t there. Did the bullet really go through him?”

“He was standing in Pastor Worsham’s office and he was on the other side of the desk. I pointed my gun right at him and pulled the trigger. There was no way I could have missed. I left the room, thinking he was dead, but when I saw him standing there outside the church later that evening with not a mark on him, I couldn’t believe what my eyes were telling me! He should have been dead, and I can’t for the life of me explain why he isn’t! I came here to see if I can make any sense of it.” He shook his head. “Why didn’t he die, Tony?”

Morris shrugged. “Maybe God really does have a plan for him. And you need to have a good long talk with him about it.”

“But he’s a terrorist!”

“He was. Not any more. Do you want me to tell him that you‘re willing to have a talk with him?”

Hoag hesitated. “Sure, Tony. Why not? Go tell him I’ll meet with him.”

Morris turned to go.

Hoag turned around and paced forward a few feet. “This world has gone crazy.”

Morris stopped and turned to regard him. “What was that, Sheriff?”

Hoag paused. “I said this world has just gone mad. God has his hand on people who were once terrorists and people you know and trust every day have gone berserk! They‘re out for blood.”

“What do you mean?”

“The folks back at home, Tony…”

Morris paused. “What about them?”

“They torched the church. They broke into the Willow Creek Baptist Church and set it on fire.”

*******

1 - Matthew 4:5 - 7

_______ _______ _______

Ep #9: Chapter 41 - Exposure

2009-07-12T04:16:00.000-07:00

Fronk’s fingers danced rapidly across the keyboard of his laptop as he, Erin and Bandjough watched the scene displayed on the monitor. Fronk had an uncanny ability of being able to type at a fast pace without even looking at the keyboard. While at any other time, Erin and Bandjough would have been impressed with it, but this time their attention was focused on the woman, whom they had heard Carr refer to as Danielle Marie Anderson - and then Dozois.

LeBeau, for his part, was tired of looking at the monitor. He was a man of action and he wanted to do something other than to sit around and wait for something to happen. Unfortunately, he had his orders and those orders included waiting. With only one option open for him to take out his frustrations, he had begun to pace impatiently around the table the others were at.

LeBeau suddenly came to an abrupt halt in front of the screen doors and he glared out through the screen. He let out a weary sigh. “Anythin’ new happenin’?” he demanded with a scowl.

Fronk ignored the question. He concentrated on what he was doing.

Erin glanced toward LeBeau. “She’s just standing there, Keith. Nothing has changed. The toxin is still entering in through the vent.”

LeBeau turned his head, and even though it wasn’t aimed personally at Erin, he glared at her nonetheless. “What do you mean, nothin’s happenin’? Is that the toxin being pumped in there or ain’t it?”

“It is,” Fronk replied.

“It’s a deadly toxin, right?”

“It is,” Fronk said again.

“Then, how can it not be doin’ nothin’ to her? How can she just be standin’ there? Shouldn’t she be dead? I thought that toxin was deadly.”

“Maybe you’re doing it, Crazy Man,” Bandjough replied encouragingly. “Maybe you’ve kept it from going into the quarantined room.”

Fronk shook his head. His fingers continued its fast pace over his keyboard. “I wish that were so, but so it is not. I managed to close it off, yes, but…not in time. There’s enough toxin in that room to kill everyone here at the outpost.”

Erin leaned over for a better look. “William, I just don’t get it. What could possibly be protecting her from the toxin?”

No one had an answer.

“Well, what about the door?” Bandjough asked as LeBeau decided to join them over the laptop once more. “Can you open it so our guys can get in the unit?”

“Working on it, Jay,” Fronk quipped. “Now don’t be such a bird! That’s kind of absurd. If you want to stay, don’t get in the way!”

“What?”

“Never mind…I’ll try this.” Fronk typed in a series of random numbers, and encoded it so that the numbers would continue to change. At the rate the numbers were going, all they could do is wait to see if one of those series of numbers was going to open the sealed Quarantine unit. “Open…sesame!”

They all watched the monitor screen expectantly.

*******

“Why aren’t you dying, Miss Dozois?” Carr asked, watching the events transpiring on the other side of the barrier. His question wasn’t out of frustration but because he was genuinely curious. He watched Danielle as if she were nothing more than a test subject…which was exactly what she was at the moment.

Danielle continued to stare up at the vent above her room, but she surprised herself by her response to her captor. “Thanks so much for your concern. Why don’t you come on in here and find out for yourself?”

Carr paused as he considered her words. “You know something? I think you have just offered us a splendid idea.”

She turned to regard him, puzzled. “What?”

“I like your idea.”

“Are you serious?” She glanced at the door, wondering if there was anyway she could get out when it opened.

Carr wagged a forefinger at her. “Ah ah ah! I know what you’re thinking, and even if you get past that first door, you won’t get out the second one. That’s the little decompression unit, which keeps the contaminated air from your room from escaping out here into ours. And we are the only ones who can open both doors. Naturally, for you, we won’t do that, so get those thoughts of escape from out of your head.”

She glared at him.

“As for your idea, let me clarify to you so you will clearly understand that it won’t be me who comes in there to you. This is why I have people who work for me.” He snapped his fingers at the two FEMA agents present with him. “One of you needs to go in there and find out why our guest isn’t dying.”

The two men glanced at each other. One of them reluctantly reached for an environment suit from a locker at the back of the unit.

Carr shook his head. “Without the suit.”

The man hesitated. “But, sir…I’ll be exposed to the toxin.”

“Well, of course, you will be. That is the idea.” He shrugged. “Miss Dozois is exposed. You imbeciles are doing something wrong because if that truly were the X-24 being pumped into her chamber, she would have already been gone. So get in there - without the suit - and find out what it is that you did wrong!”

“I assure you, Mr. Carr…that is the toxin.”

Carr looked through the barrier at Danielle. “How do you feel, Miss Dozois?”

She blinked. “Do you really care how I feel?”

“How do you feel?” he repeated impatiently.

She let out a sigh. “I feel angry.”

Carr turned to the FEMA agent and shrugged. “There. Do you see now? Your toxin has done nothing more than to make our guest angry. Now I want you to get in there and find out why it isn’t working because if you don’t, all I have to do is make one phone call and -”

The man visibly paled. “Alright! I’ll…I’m going in.” He stepped up to the first door and keyed in the numeric code to open it. It hissed open and he hesitantly stepped into the small enclosed decontamination unit between the chamber and lab.

Carr and the other FEMA agent watched him as the first door sealed shut. The agent inside the small unit stepped up to the second door. He looked through the Plexiglas door at Danielle. She stood at the far end of the chamber, determined to do everything she could to make things extremely difficult for him if he came anywhere near her. But she was having second thoughts as she saw the fear and uncertainty in his eyes.

She didn’t have any idea what this toxin was that they were intentionally exposing her to. From the look on the man’s face as he prepared to enter, he appeared to be a man who was carrying out a death sentence. His own. That spoke volumes to her. It told her that she was going to share that sentence with him.

She couldn’t believe the sudden direction her life had taken. One day, she was happily married. The next, she was disowned by her husband, forced to leave her home, and suddenly found herself in a laboratory as a test subject for a toxin that was unknown to her. She felt like she was in a very bad Science Fiction film.

The man took one last deep breath, keyed in another series of numbers onto another numeric pad and opened the door. Then, he stepped inside, the door sealing shut behind him.

Danielle watched him, wanting to keep as much distance between them as possible. She didn’t have to be concerned about that. The very second the door sealed shut behind him, he began to tremble. He stood still, his body suddenly tense. His eyes widened in fear. He opened his mouth to scream, but no scream came out. The trembling became worst. He began to literally foam at the mouth, but the foam was the deep color of blood.

Danielle stared in horror.

Beyond the barrier, the other FEMA agent and Carr watched. The agent was horrified beyond words, but the Director of Justice watched dispassionately. It was as if he watched these types of horrors every day and was no longer phased by them. Or perhaps he just didn’t care. With no expression on his face, as the man he sentenced to death suddenly turned and made a feeble attempt to reopen the door.

The man just couldn’t do it.

He gasped but it sounded more like a gargle. He fell up against the door as his skin began to move.

At least to Danielle who was trapped in the same chamber, that’s what it seemed to be doing. Then, she suddenly realized what was happening. The man’s flesh was dissolving as if he had been dipped in acid. She backed up as far as she could until the wall was at her back. Her right hand covered her nose and mouth because of the nauseating smell that was filling the chamber. Tears filled her eyes.

The FEMA agent and Carr outside the chamber continued to watch. Neither one of them noticed the monitors behind them. On one of those monitors, Lenox and Barrington were right outside the door of their mobile quarantine unit, and the sealed door to gain entrance was just about to open.

*******

“Lenox,” Averill exclaimed, focusing his attention on the two men in front of the sealed door, “you need to get away from that door!”

Lenox completely ignored him, but he withdrew his weapon once more.

Averill and the three agents with him also withdrew their weapons and leveled them toward Lenox and Barrington. Barrington withdrew his weapon and held it toward Averill while Shiva faced a standoff with two of the Justice agents. The ex-wrestler kept his firearm targeted on one of them, and then the other. Back and forth.

Fuller took Staci by the arm and placed himself in front of her. He did not, however, withdraw a weapon. He simply stood his ground and glared at the Justice agents.

Alyson also stood her ground, but no one was paying any attention to her. She looked behind the Justice agents, delighted to see that Meers was still filming everything. She felt extremely close to an award winning Pulitzer Prize. This story was going to be the biggest story she had ever done, and once it got out, she knew it would also have the biggest coverage since the vanishings. And she was the first reporter on the scene. No one in her field was even aware of what was transpiring in Allentown.

Lenox, however, was fully aware of the tension behind him but his attention was focused on the sealed hatch in front of him. He didn’t care about the Justice agents behind him with their weapons trained on his back. With his own weapon at the ready, he was prepared to enter into the mobile Quarantine Unit the second the door opened. He could hear the telltale clicks, hums, and whirls inside the hatch’s mechanisms that indicated Fronk was attempting to break the numeric code.

“Lenox!” Averill shouted again.

Lenox continued to pay no attention to him whatsoever.

“Put your weapons away,” Fuller told the Justice agents.

Averill leveled his firearm directly at Fuller’s head. “Tell your men to back away from the door! Now! ”

“Put,” Fuller repeated once more, “your weapons away.”

Averill sighed in frustration. “Lenox! Man, you and I need to have a talk.”

Lenox didn’t reply because at that very second, there was a loud click and a hiss. The hatch was released. He pulled it open and with his weapon leveled before him, he entered into the unit. Barrington followed him, but he was wondering why Averill wanted to have a conversation with Lenox. There was something more to Averill’s request than just to tell them to keep away from the hatch. Barrington was certain of it.

Lenox stepped inside the mobile unit with Barrington behind him and he saw Ed Carr and another man standing in front of an enclosed chamber with a large Plexiglas barrier separating them from it. The FEMA agent turned to regard Lenox with a look of hopelessness as the ATD agent pressed the barrel of his Beretta against the back of Carr’s head. He was about to say something when Barrington interrupted.

“Michael…” he said softly.

Lenox turned his head and that’s when he saw what was in the enclosed chamber. A woman was huddled on the floor against the wall at the back of the room, and right in front of the only way in or out was a skeleton that was wearing tattered clothing and lying on what appeared to be a huge amount of red dust.

Fuller, Shiva, and Staci entered and when they saw what the others saw, they were horrified. As Alyson entered, she hung back. She was unable to see clearly what the others were looking at because space was limited, but she caught glimpses. Something horrible had happened. Even so, the only thing that disturbed her about the scene was that Averill and another Justice agent were at the doorway. This prevented Meers from entering the mobile unit to film what was happening. Sighing with frustration, she realized she would have to find a way to improvise.

Lenox turned his head to glare at Carr. “What is that in there?” He indicated the corpse in the chamber with the trapped woman.

Carr didn’t appear to be concerned about the gun pressed against his head. He actually smirked. “That is the answer to the so-called rapture theory.”

*******

Larry and Faye Yeomans had met each other during the years of furthering their education at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Larry Yeomans was majoring in Economics and Business, while Faye Bryce was majoring in Psychology. They each pursued after a Minor Course of Creative Writing.

During their first year of college, they attended only one class together - at least they attended the same class but not literally together. They sat opposite from each other; Yeomans was on the left of the auditorium while Faye was on the right. At the time, they didn’t know each other and during that first year, they rarely exchanged words. Faye did on one occasion begin to have a crush on him but did not actively pursue him for two reasons.

The first reason was because she wanted to concentrate on her classes. She did not attend college to pursue a relationship but a career. The second reason, however, was the real reason she did not try to pursue after Yeomans, and that was due to the obvious fact that he was already in a relationship with Shannon Coverton. Faye personally could not understand how a nice guy like Yeomans could be dating Shannon because any contact Faye had with her made her feel awful about herself.

Shannon complained about everything.

“These classes are just too long!”

“The projects they make us do are just too time consuming!”

“The reading assignments are just too much! I don’t have time to read three hundred pages of The Battle of Thermopylae!”

“Oh, these seats are just too high!”

“I just can’t write that many notes!”

Shannon also complained about everyone.

“Professor Bartlett expects too much from me and she‘s overbearing!”

“That boy over there looks like Harry Potter. I hate Harry Potter!”

“Look at those ridiculous colors on her! I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing that. I just wouldn’t!”

“Nice people are only nice because they’re just too stupid to be anything else.”

Shannon even complained about Faye.

“You need to have another zip code in another state. Preferably on the other side of the planet!”

“You must be mentally deficient because you like to stare at my boyfriend a lot.”

“Your hair needs to be longer in front…so that it covers your face.”

Shannon was a young woman who simply did not have any consideration for anyone’s feelings but her own. Faye could not understand what Yeomans saw in her. In Faye’s mind, he had absolutely nothing in common with Shannon and it was a mystery even to his closest friends why he didn’t break it off with her.

Near the end of the first year, however, that break up did occur. It wasn’t Yeomans who ended it, but Shannon. She waited until the last day of classes to implement her evil schemes. They went to a party, had a great time, but just before the party ended, Shannon sang a karaoke song off key and changed the lyrics while singing. She sang about breaking up with a dweeb named Larry Yeomans because she no longer could be associated with the likes of him. By the time she was done, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Yeomans had just been publicly humiliated and dumped. Shannon seemed to derive a great deal of malicious pleasure at ridiculing him in front of everyone they knew.

During that summer, Yeomans remained on campus, but mostly he kept to himself. The second year came along and he and Faye had a few more classes together. Faye offered him friendship, but at first, Yeomans kept his distance. Not just from her, but from all of his friends. The pain of the breakup was still evident in his eyes, and the only reason he didn’t drop out altogether was because of his determination to succeed. He began to pour everything he had into his studies. He kept away from every campus activity. He refused to embrace the party lifestyle that his friends tried to get him into.

Nothing mattered to him but his studies.

But eventually, it happened.

By the time the second year of college came toward a close, he and Faye had become friends. When there were only two weeks left of classes, Faye decided to take that chance she had wanted to when she first met him. She sat at his table during lunch and simply started talking to him. At first, he seemed uncomfortable, but suddenly he paid attention to her. And then he talked back. When this happened, she smiled at him…and he had been smitten. Then, they shared a very long conversation.

During the third year of college, there was no Shannon Coverton. She had dropped out. But Yeomans and Faye had continued pursuing their studies and each other. They had begun to date and many on campus had begun to call them the PC simply because they had become the Perfect Couple.

After they had graduated, they had not only obtained their careers, but they had also married.

Several years later, they found themselves driving in a small convoy, loaded up with groceries, and heading for a shelter located outside of Belgrade, Maine. As they drove up the long driveway leading up to the burnt remains of a farmhouse, a barn and a silo, they could not help but notice several vehicles parked on a lawn in front of a wooden fence. Several tents had been erected. Several people could be seen moving about and most of them stopped what they were doing to watch their arrival.

Faye suddenly pointed. “Larry…look.”

Yeomans turned his head and to his surprise, he saw an RV. An RV he had seen before. “You’ve got to be kidding. What is she doing here?”

Faye didn’t have an answer for him.

Someone directed them to park amongst the other vehicles on the lawn. When Yeomans stopped the van and turned off the engine, the man who had directed them was waiting for him to exit the vehicle. Larry glanced at Faye as he opened the door.

The man approached him and held out his hand. “Welcome to our little abode,” he said. “I’m John Saint.”

Yeomans shook his hand. “Really? Saint you say?”

Saint grinned. “Don’t let the name fool you.”

“John!”

They both turned, noticing that they were being approached by someone.

“Hi, Peter,” Saint greeted. “I see that basic staples wasn’t the only thing you picked up.” He grinned at Yeomans and Faye to show them he was just giving Peter Chase a hard time. “I guess that means they’ll both get your share of the grub.”

Yeomans hesitated. “Oh, I’m sorry. We don’t mean to be any trouble.”

“Relax,” Chase told him, clapping him on the back. “As you can see, John isn’t a saint. He likes to tease newcomers and give them a scare, but he’s really a nice guy. John, this is Larry Yeomans and his wife, Faye. The Lord directed them to the shopping center in Belgrade where we met them and as they have no place to go, I invited them to join us.”

Saint nodded to the Yeomans’. “You’re both welcome to join us, of course.”

“Thank you.” Yeomans walked around the van and opened the door for his wife. “Is everyone here Christians?”

“Yes.” Saint paused, thinking of the man in the barn who was having a conversation with David King. “With one possible exception we need to continue to pray for.”

Yeomans misunderstood his reference for someone else. “You must mean Amber Eastwood.”

Saint and Chase exchanged looks.

“Who?” Chase asked.

Yeomans nodded his head toward the parked RV. “Amber Eastwood. That’s hers. I recognized it when we arrived, but I admit I‘m a little surprised by it.”

Saint regarded him. “What makes you sure that Amber’s not saved?”

Yeomans paused as he glanced at his wife. “Well…she stole something.”

“Jesus forgave the thief who was on the cross beside Him.”

“Well…yes, I know. I don’t mean to say that Amber can’t be a Christian. For all we know, she accepted Him and is a child of the King.” He shrugged. “It’s been a few months since we’ve seen her.”

“If you don’t mind my asking…what was it that Amber stole?”

Yeomans paused. “She took $60,000 from the company I worked at and I was the one who was held responsible for it.”

*******

King was having a hard time processing what he had just heard. Bollinger had not only just professed that he was a new Christian, but that he also had a desire to follow the Lord by serving Him. Bollinger had deliberately sought out David King so that he could personally join in the cause and help the Gatherers.

King regarded Bollinger for a moment as he tried to discern the truth. Bollinger by his own nature was a trickster. A deceiver. What he was doing at this very moment could be just another one of his deceptions.

On the other hand, it could also be the truth. King himself had been a terrorist, but he had turned his back on his old life as a Muslim and embraced a new life with Jesus Christ as his Lord. There were many personalities in the Bible who had similar life changing experiences, and their names had also been changed. From Abram to Abraham. From Jacob, the Deceiver, to Israel, the Overcomer. From Saul of Tarsus to Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ.

Was Bollinger sincere?

King wanted to believe that he was. “If you truly want to join in the work that we are doing,” he began thoughtfully, “then why do you hide yourself in the hayloft? Why do you not come out and be among us?”

Bollinger paused. Finally, he shrugged. “I…was uncertain of the kind of reception I would get from you, knowing our history together.”

“But our history is behind us, is it not?”

“Yes. Of course, it is.”

Now it was King’s turn to pause. “Tell me, James…what were the events you’ve experienced that finally led you to your conversion?”

Bollinger again paused, but intentionally. “Everything that I have been witnessing in the recent aftermath of the vanishings and the attack has finally caused me to…to re-evaluate my standing. I’ve begun to realize that I may have always known the truth - and believed it…but until recently, I…I’ve never really accepted it. I became…” He turned to look at King thoughtfully. “I became restless, David. I began to see the Book of Revelation becoming fulfilled right before my eyes…and I became afraid.”

“So your conversion then has been motivated by fear?”

“That…and an emptiness I’ve been unable to fulfill since…” Bollinger trailed off and avoided eye contact with King. “Anyway…I recognized my need and I…I did something about it. Because of it, my restlessness has finally come to an end.”

King regarded him for a moment. It had not escaped his notice that Bollinger had been about to reveal something personal, but had stopped himself. King decided not to inquire about it at the moment. He was certain another opportunity would present itself for further discussions at another time. At the present, he felt that it was time to remove Bollinger from his seclusion and invite him to come among those at the shelter.

“Come with me, then,” King replied with a welcoming smile as he clapped his hand on Bollinger’s shoulder. “It’s time for you to join us and we can all celebrate your conversion by singing our praises to Him and sharing our testimonies.”

Bollinger smiled at him. “That’s great,” he said.

When King walked ahead of him and had his back to him, Bollinger’s smile faded and he actually rolled his eyes with reluctance. He didn’t feel as if he were ready to share his testimony with anyone. As he followed King out of the barn, Sheriff Hoag climbed out of the stall he had been hiding in.

Cautiously, the Sheriff moved toward the barn doors and he peered out through the small opening King and Bollinger had left when they had closed it. He watched their backs as they walked away from the barn to join up with the others who were out there as well. Hoag silently watched them as he considered his options.

But then a voice from behind him interrupted his thoughts.

“Sheriff…”

Hoag spun around, withdrawing his revolver and leveling it at the intruder in one quick move. To his surprise, Anthony Morris was standing there, having entered through the entrance at the other end of the barn.

“What are you doing here?” Morris demanded.

Hoag wasn’t all that certain that Morris was going to like his answer.

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Episode #9 - The Deception (Part 2): Prologue - Possibilities

2009-07-12T04:01:00.000-07:00

The Gatherers For Christ
Year One
Episode #9
The Deception (Part 2)

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“Beware of false prophets,
which come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits.
Do men gather grapes of thorns,
or figs of thistles?”
- Matthew 7:15 - 16

And one of the malefactors
which were hanged railed on him, saying,
If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
But the other answering rebuked him, saying,
Dost not thou fear God,
seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly;
for we receive the due reward of our deeds:
but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord,
remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him,
Verily I say unto thee,
Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
- Luke 23:39 - 43

“And this shall be the plague
wherewith the LORD will smite all the people
that have fought against Jerusalem;
Their flesh shall consume away
while they stand upon their feet,
and their eyes shall consume away in their holes,
and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.”
- Zechariah 14:12

“Some people would rather believe the lie,
then to know the truth.”
- Albert Barrington

*******

Prologue
Possibilities

“I’m sorry, Miss Dozois,” Ed Carr began as he watched the subject through the Plexiglas barrier protecting him from the enclosed quarantined room, “but we have to know…even if it means sacrificing you in order to accomplish what we need.”

Danielle Marie Dozois didn’t actually believe that he was sorry at all. She saw the truth in his eyes. With the words he had spoken to her, she realized with growing horror that he had just sentenced her to death. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair. But the evidence before her also showed her that Ed Carr was a man who didn’t care about being fair either. She wanted to scream at him but knew it would do no good because he just didn’t care.

She stared at the smirk on his face. He enjoyed the position he had over her. In his eyes, she was nothing but a test subject to be used and discarded like tissue. Just like that.

With that arrogant, smug expression still on his face, he shrugged as if there really were nothing he could do to help her. “Besides, you are a criminal. No one will miss you when you’re gone.”

Danielle suddenly heard a soft hissing sound in the quiet of her room. She turned her head and looked up toward the air vent above her prison. Her eyes widened fearfully as she watched a greenish mist omit from the vent. Unknown to her or Carr, they weren’t the only ones who were aware of what was happening inside the hidden quarantined lab.

The Gatherers were also watching.

William Fronk, using his laptop, had tapped into the video feed coming from the lab and had the scene displayed on the monitor. His fingers danced rapidly over his keyboard, desperately trying to circumvent his way into the mainframe of the lab. If it was computer based, he was confident he could stop the toxin from entering into the woman’s prison. Unfortunately, he didn’t believe he was going to have enough time to save her.

Director Darren Fuller leaned over Fronk as he glared in frustration at the monitor screen. Keith LeBeau, Marc Shiva, Jeremy Bandjough, and Erin Greye were on the other side of the table, concern evident on their faces. Behind Fuller and Fronk, Albert Barrington, Michael Lenox, and Staci Cohen were gathered, watching the horror unfold on the monitor of Fronk’s laptop. They all knew what was happening and that there was nothing they could do in time to save the woman in Quarantine. They simply knew the toxin known as X-24 was going to kill her.

Barrington spoke the obvious. “If that truly is the toxin Carr was talking about, she’ll die within seconds.”

“Yeah, she will…” Lenox said, anger reflecting in his eyes. He casually withdrew his weapon as if it was something he did every day. “…but that doesn’t mean the descendant of the devil is going to get away with it.” He headed for the exit of their quarters with determination.

Several thoughts occurred to Barrington at once. It had not escaped his notice that his best friend - who as far as he knew had not accepted Christ - had just referred to Ed Carr as a descendant of the devil. He knew Lenox well. Lenox was hardly one to ignore using harsh language when he was agitated. Could it be that he had refrained from using strong language because he was exercising courtesy while in the company of Christians?

There was something else Barrington could not ignore. In times past in similar situations - when Lenox had exploded into action as he was doing now - it was due to the actions of Ed Carr and his team of Justice agents. Since Lenox had returned from his disappearing act, he had seemed to actually take sides with Justice, or at least tolerate them more than he had before. With Lenox reacting as he was at the present, it reminded Barrington of how things were before.

It reminded him of the Lenox he knew.

Barrington exchanged looks with Shiva and realized that the ex-wrestler was having similar thoughts. They both silently agreed with a slight nod to each other that they were glad to see this side of Lenox.

Yet the question remained…Where was Lenox’ heart? He had not yet come to salvation. Would he find redemption before it was too late? The only thing the Gatherers could do was to continuously pray for Lenox without ceasing.

Barrington, Shiva, and Staci followed Lenox outside. LeBeau and Bandjough were about to do the same, but Fuller stepped in their way. “You two remain here with William and Erin,” he told them.

Fuller left them to join the others.

LeBeau let out a sigh of frustration. “Man, just once, I’d like to sing with the band instead of gettin’ stuck as a backup singer!”

Bandjough frowned as he regarded him doubtfully. “You can sing?”

LeBeau just looked at him.

*******

They had been searching for locations within the outpost to setup for filming her Pulitzer award winning story when she saw them coming. Ignoring Rick Meers helpful hints about catching the best scenes for her, Alyson Moore saw Fuller and Shiva, the ex-wrestler, walking with determined strides. A small grin begin to tug at the corners of her lips as she noticed the pretty red-haired doctor she had heard so much about, trailing behind the others. Barrington was also among the band, moving through the outpost and heading toward a destination she could only guess at…but her guess would be accurate. But it was the man leading the charge that her eyes focused on. Lenox lead them with his weapon held at his side.

She knew he was ready to use it. There was no doubt in her mind that things were just about to get very interesting.

“It’s show time, Rick,” she told her cameraman, anticipating the action about to unfold. “Start filming…and if you really want to continue working for me, you’d better not miss a thing.”

Meers wasn’t even bothered by her comment for two reasons. The first was that he was used to it. It would have bothered him if she hadn’t threatened to fire him. The second reason was because he was good at what he did and was always prepared. He pulled out his trusty portable Sony DV Handycam from his backpack and was already filming even before she had opened her mouth to issue orders. The two of them fell into step behind the ATD agents and followed them.

Alyson moved ahead of Meers and purposefully began to walk beside Staci. The redhead turned to look at the reporter with open curiosity. Alyson smiled at her as if she had a secret but wasn’t willing to share it.

They headed for the Headquarters of Justice. Instead of moving directly toward the entrance, Lenox abruptly turned and lead them along the left side of the structure, toward the rear of the HQ. Without a word, the others continued to follow him. Meers kept his distance behind them as he continued to film them.

Staci looked at Alyson again, and the blonde news reporter intentionally looked at Lenox, grinned mischievously and then winked at Staci. Staci frowned, wondering at the implications behind Alyson’s actions.

“Hey!” someone shouted.

Everyone but Lenox turned, searching for the source of the shout. Jerry Averill and several other Justice agents hurried toward them.

Lenox didn’t care about them. He focused on the side wall of the HQ. The entire outpost was designed to be set up and taken down in a limited amount of time. The walls of the HQ were thin. He tapped his knuckles on one section and moved on. Just before he got to the corner, the walls became more solid and when he tapped on them, there was no echo.

He looked around the corner. A long, blue tarp hung over from the fabricated rooftop, covering a section of the rear wall.

“Just stop right there!” Averill shouted impatiently.

Lenox continued to ignore him.

Averill and the agents with him attempted to move forward, intending to get in front of them and stop them from going any further. Unfortunately for them, Shiva was itching for a fight. He stood directly in their path and cracked his knuckles in expectation.

The agents abruptly stopped.

Averill cautiously backed up a step. “You can’t be back here.”

Lenox holstered his weapon and grabbed at one end of the tarp. Barrington grabbed the other end. Together, they pulled it from the rooftop, causing it to tear. They soon discovered that the tarp was hiding another entrance.

Barrington shook his head. “Amateurs.”

“You are interfering in matters that do not concern you!” Averill exclaimed, keeping his distance from Shiva.

Lenox and Barrington found themselves in front of the entrance to a large mobile Quarantine unit. The door was a man-sized hatch that was sealed shut. There were no door knobs or levers or any other obvious ways to open it…save for one. There was a small panel on the left side of the hatch with four rows of numbers. The numbers were from 0 to 9.

“Great,” Lenox grumbled, shaking his head. “Numbers. I hate numbers.”

Fuller turned around to glare at Averill. “I don’t suppose you’ll just do the right thing and give us the code.”

Averill folded his arms across his chest and shook his head in defiance. “Yeah, dream on, buddy. Like that‘s gonna happen.”

It was moments like that when Fuller truly desired to drop all of his inhibitions and become like Lenox just long enough to deck the Justice agent one. But somehow, the Director of the ATD kept his cool.

Alyson and Staci remained silent, watching everything. Behind the Justice agents, Meers continued to capture everything on film. No one seemed to notice him.

Fuller took out his cell phone from his jacket pocket and speed-dialed a number. After a brief pause, he spoke into it. “William…we’ve got a problem. We’ve come up against a sealed hatch with a panel of numbers. Do you think you could find a way to crack the code and get us in…? Great. Just make it fast.” He snapped his cell phone closed and regarded Averill. “Is there anything you want to tell us about the woman your people have locked up in there?”

Averill snorted. “You’re out of your tree. There’s no woman in there.”

“We know there is. We know your boss is playing games with her life right at this very second. If she dies, Averill, you and your boss will be held accountable. I will personally see to it. You could help yourself out right now by opening that door for us.”

“I’m not opening that door and neither are you.”

“You’re wrong about that. We’ll get it open.” But Fuller was afraid they were already too late to save the woman trapped inside.

*******

David King recognized the man climbing down the ladder from the hayloft, but it was the last person he had ever expected to see just outside of Belgrade, Maine. The last time he had seen this man was under a warehouse in Albany, New York, when he had been about to stone Nichole Parkhurst to death. He had never even expected to cross paths with him again. For the first time in a long while, King was absolutely speechless.

The man’s back was facing toward King as he climbed down the ladder. He finally leaped down the last two steps and turned around, a big grin on his face. He spread his arms wide, as if performing in a drama before a live audience. “Well, here I am, Darwyn, old buddy!” he exclaimed. “Did you miss me?”

King just stared at James Bollinger, too stunned to speak.

Bollinger dropped his arms to his sides. “What’s the matter, Darwyn? Cat has your tongue perhaps?”

King shook his head, replying softly.

Bollinger leaned forward. “I’m sorry…Did you say something?”

“I said my name is David. Not Darwyn.”

Bollinger nodded his head as he took a step forward. “Oh. David, is it? What was wrong with Darwyn? Wasn’t Darwyn your God-given name?” He snapped his fingers as if he had just found the answer and pulled it out of thin air. “Oh, I’m sorry! That’s right. I meant to say that it was your Allah-given name.”

“My name is David King,” he snapped. “Darwyn Musad is no more.”

“Why? Was he raptured with Nichole?”

King just regarded him with a look.

Bollinger paused. “Right. Okay, then. If you say so.”

King took a deep breath as he forcibly tried to keep from getting angry. He was fully aware of the deceptions Bollinger was capable of. “Why have you come here?”

Bollinger turned to his left and paced a few steps as if he were giving the matter serious thought. “Let me ask you a question…David.” He paused. Finally, he turned about to face King. “Would it be too difficult for you to believe…that a guy like me could ever come to salvation?”

Now it was King’s turn to pause as he looked closely at Bollinger. He considered his words carefully. “It would be no more difficult to believe than a Muslim coming to Christ.” He wanted to believe that Bollinger had in fact turned to the Gospel and found Christ, but he had his doubts. Bollinger had already tried to sow discord, but did he do so willingly or without being aware he was doing so? “The disciples asked this very question to Jesus in regards to a rich man, and He said to them that ‘It would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. 1’ ” He regarded Bollinger. “Are you telling me that the impossible has happened then? That you have come to Christ?”

Bollinger smiled. “Yes,” he almost shouted. “I did! But not only that. I came here deliberately looking for you, David…because I want to serve God right here with you. I want to become a Gatherer.”

King considered carefully what he was hearing. He wanted to believe it was true, but was aware that sometimes wolves wore sheep’s clothing to get close to its prey. He wasn’t the only one who had doubts.

In one of the empty stalls close to them, Sheriff Robert Hoag kept himself hidden from their view as he listened in on their conversation. He doubted the sincerity of both men, or at least he wanted to. He was determined to discover the truth one way or the other as he continued to listen, hoping that the truth would soon be revealed.

******* *******

1 - Matthew 19:24 - 26

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Ep #8: Epilogue - Here's To You, Mrs. Anderson

2009-07-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

Danielle opened her eyes. That same grey ceiling greeted her just as it had before. She blinked as she lay there on the cot, trying to remember what had happened. There was some kind of strange wave of moving air - it was the only way she could describe it - that had struck her, causing her to lose consciousness.

She remembered coming to before to find two people in environmental suits standing on either side of her bed. She remembered being strapped onto it.

She raised her hands, sighing with relief when she realized she could move. Slowly, she sat up and discovered that while she was no longer strapped to the cot, she was still a prisoner. She was in an enclosed room with a strong Plexiglas wall as a barrier. Behind that wall was three men. Two of them were at some kind of computer station. The third man was standing close to the barrier, watching her intently.

Danielle decided that she didn’t like his eyes. She got off the cot and moved toward the barrier.

“Let me out of here,” she said.

The man didn’t acknowledge her request.

Carr, having no idea that the Gatherers were watching what was happening through Fronk’s laptop, held up Danielle’s purse. “What was your business in Allentown, Mrs. Anderson?”

Danielle only just realized he was holding her purse. “What are you doing?”

“I’ll ask the questions. You’ll answer them. What was your intentions in Allentown?”

“What are you talking about? I wasn’t going to Allentown. I was…I was just out for a drive.”

“Just out for a drive, Mrs. Anderson,” Carr repeated. “That is very interesting.” He pulled out a cell phone from her purse and showed it to her. “What are you doing with this?”

Danielle let out a sigh. “That’s my cell phone.”

“I checked you out, Mrs. Anderson. You are not authorized to use a cell phone. This is considered a crime nowadays…or weren’t you aware of that?”

“I…Yes, I’m aware of that.”

“Then what are you doing with a piece of technology you’re not authorized for?”

She let out a weary sigh. “I had it before the crisis started.”

“And what crisis are you referring to, Mrs. Anderson?”

She blinked. “The vanishings. The attack on our country. After those things happened, the ban was put on the cell phones. I’m carrying mine out of habit.”

Carr nodded his head. “I see, Mrs. Anderson.” He dropped the cell phone back into her purse and handed the purse to one of the men. “Mrs. Anderson…you’re in a lot of trouble.”

Danielle nodded. “I get that. You keep calling me ‘Mrs. Anderson’ like I’m some kind of contagion.”

“I’m calling you ‘Mrs. Anderson’ because your real name is Danielle Marie Dozois. Not Danielle Anderson.”

“Anderson is my married name.”

Carr let out a chuckle.

Danielle looked at him suspiciously. “What…? You don’t believe me? Check my drivers license.”

“Oh, we did,” he assured her. “A fake.”

“What?”

“We checked you out thoroughly. You have assumed the identity of Danielle Anderson, but we don’t know why yet.”

“There’s some kind of mistake!” Danielle exclaimed. “Call my husband. He’ll tell you who I am.”

Carr chuckled again. “You mean Andrew Anderson? Please. Do you think we’re stupid. Of course, we called him. In fact, I called him personally. Do you know what he told me? He told me that his wife had run out on him only to become one of those whom had vanished. He no longer has a wife. He asked me to make you pay for stealing his missing wife’s identity. He doesn’t even want to know why you did it.” He paused. “But I do want to know.”

Danielle couldn’t believe this was happening. “Wait a minute. Wait a minute! Is he insane? Why is he doing this?”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Look, I had a fight with my husband earlier today. At least I think it was today…I don’t even know how long I’ve been here.”

“We found you yesterday.”

“Well, yesterday, I had a fight with Andy. He told me to leave…so I did. I went for a drive.”

Carr folded his arms across his chest. “You were heading toward Allentown randomly then?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“Mrs. Anderson…Miss Dozois, you drove into a toxin that is quite deadly. Or at least it should be. You see, we don’t know why you survived it at all when everyone else in the town has been wiped out. Perhaps you are an enigma to that famous Beatles song…‘Here’s to you Mrs. Anderson. Jesus loves you more than you will know. Oh oh oh. 1’”

Danielle shook her head. “That…that isn’t a Beatles song.”

“It is so.”

She shook her head. “No, it isn’t, and besides…It’s not about Mrs. Anderson but Mrs. Robinson. And it makes no difference anyway! I haven’t done anything. Please, let me out.”

Carr shook his head. “Not until we know why you survived. If we can make a determination of why you’re still alive, perhaps we can prevent this from happening again.”

“What are you saying?”

“We need to run some more tests. In fact…” He paused for affect. “…we’re running one now.”

That’s when Danielle heard it. A faint hissing sound alerted her to a danger she could not prevent. She looked up toward the ventilation shaft and saw a faint mist beginning to omit from it.

She swallowed. “What is that?”

“It’s the toxin…at it’s full strength.”

Danielle turned to look at him through the barrier. “But you said it killed everyone in Allentown. Why are you releasing it in here?!”

Carr paused. “I’m sorry, Miss Dozois, but we have to know…even if it means sacrificing you in order to accomplish what we need. Besides, you are a criminal. No one will miss you when you’re gone.”

Danielle stared up at the vent, watching in horror as more of the toxin came into her room…Her prison. Unknown to her, the Gatherers were also watching and Fronk was doing everything he could to stop the ventilation from his laptop…but even he didn’t believe he would stop it in time.

*******

He watched from the woods. On a hilltop and in the cover of the trees around him, the man lay on the ground and peered intently through binoculars down at the shelter below him. He saw many people moving about, and many them he recognized from Willow Creek.

He had seen the one called David King being confronted by three men who he used to call friends. The men were in front of the closed entrance of the barn. Movement from the opening of hayloft above them caught his attention, and he saw a fourth man looking below. The man was grinning.

King looked up and the man backed away from the opening, keeping himself out of sight.

The man on the hill didn’t care about the man he glimpsed in the hayloft. It was the other men confronting King he was concerned with. He knew Morris, Halbert, and Shelby well. But it had been David King he was uncertain of.

He still was uncertain.

He remained where he was, watching the men confront King until finally, Halbert and Shelby walked away, leaving only King and Morris behind. The two men continued a brief exchange of words until Morris shrugged indifferently and walked away. King went inside the barn.

The man scanned the rest of the area below. Several vehicles were pulling into the long drive. He recognized Chase and Dell in the lead vehicle. He remembered the last time he saw them and it made him angry.

What had happened inside the pastors office of the Willow Creek Baptist Church did not sit well with him. David King should have died that day, but he didn’t. That was why the man felt as if it was unfinished business. As Sheriff Robert Hoag spied upon the shelter below, he vowed to end this business one way or another.

******* *******

1 - Mrs. Robinson; written by Paul Simon and performed by Simon and Garfunkel in 1968.

******* *******

To Be Continued Episode #9…
The Deception (Part 2)
Coming Soon!

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