LaJunta, Colorado
“Come on.” Trevor urged the car. But the car’s engine continued to knock.
Matt sat quietly in the passengers seat. He knew Trevor’s nerves were close to being shot, and the car dying on them was not going to help. So he sat quietly and prayed.
With a final jerk, the car’s engine seized and Trevor let it coast to a stop on the side of the highway.
“Just another mile and we would have been inside city limits.” Trevor shouted. “You steaming pile of ….” Trevor cut off the curse. He banged his head against the headrest in frustration, then started slamming his fists against the steering wheel.
After a few moments Trevor’s fit of rage began to subside, and he looked over at Matt. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s ok. I know you’re angry and upset. I loved Zoe and Becca too.”
Trevor looked away and nodded.
Both men sat in silence as they each thought about the two young women who had died that day.
Trevor looked over his shoulder into the backseat and saw Zoe’s wrapped body. He looked back at Matt and then with a resigned sigh shouldered open his door.
Matt followed suit and waited until Trevor had gathered Zoe from the back seat. The two men began walking down the highway. Cars flew past, not one even slowing, and Matt bit back a comment.
“You’d think people would at least check to see if we are ok, or need a ride after what happened today, but noooo, they are so centered on themselves and their own lives that they couldn’t care less about us.” Trevor sniped.
Matt grunted his agreement, but was still aware of the buried rage within Trevor. It showed with every step he took.
After half a mile Matt noticed that Trevor kept hefting Zoe’s body as he cradled her against his chest. “You want me to carry her for awhile?” he offered.
“NO!” Trevor shouted.
“Ok.” Matt winced. “Sorry.”
They reached city limits and Matt wanted to ask what the plan was, but was not willing to risk Trevor’s wrath, so he just kept walking.
Trevor hiked Zoe up against his chest again. “We need to find some transportation.”
There were a few cars parked along the street and Matt walked over to one and tried the door. “Locked.” he muttered. He tried another and it was also locked.
After trying several cars and finding them all locked Matt was considering breaking a window on one of them when a police cruiser approached.
“Can I help you boys?” The officer asked as he eyed the two men.
Matt had no idea what to say and looked at Trevor.
“No. We’re just passing through. Our car died up the road about a mile.”
“Where’d you come from?” The officer asked as he got out of his car his hand on his gun.
“Colorado Springs.” Matt answered.
“Really. Is it true? Did it really get bombed?” the officer asked.
“Yep.” Trevor answered. “The bomb flew right past our car and then hit.” His jaw worked as he answered.
“The media is saying that the religious zealots, you know ‘Christian’s’ that did it.” The man sneered the word Christian‘s. “Their goal was to take out NORAD.”
“You don’t say.” Trevor said sarcastically. “Christian’s did it. How’d the come to that conclusion.”
The officer gripped the butt of his gun and glared at Trevor. “Everybody knows they did it. The Global Family has been warning us for months that they would try something like this.”
“Yeah they have.” Matt interjected before Trevor could say anything. “Is there a car dealership close by?”
“Only dealership in town is closed. You’ll have to wait until morning. So what’s with carrying a dead body. You can leave it at a dumpster and the garbage truck will pick it up.” The officer told Trevor.
Matt was glad that Trevor was carrying Zoe because he was certain if he hadn’t been he would have beaten the officer to a bloody pulp right then. “No. She’s family. Is there a hotel somewhere close by?”
“You actually think anybody will give you a room.” the officer barked out a laugh.
“Why wouldn’t they. We have money.” Matt said.
“And a dead body.” the officer looked at Trevor. “Say, you one of those weirdo’s who likes dead people. You know like those people who have sex with em?”
Trevor saw red. “You..”
Matt stepped between Trevor and the officer. “That was just plain sick.” Matt said harshly. “You know nothing about us, and you accuse us of something so perverted. This woman is FAMILY, and we’re taking her home to bury her in the family plot. That‘s what the whole Global Family is about. Everyone getting along and being one big family is it not?”
The officer had started to pull his gun from the holster, but at Matt’s words stopped. “You’re right. Sorry.”
“Now where is the hotel?” Matt asked.
The officer gave them directions and then turned toward his car. “You boys need to make sure and get checked in ASAP. There is a 6:00pm curfew now. If you want to leave your friends body at the morgue over night I’m sure the hospital would let you. They probably would charge you, but ….” he shrugged.
“Thanks for the suggestion.” Matt nodded as the officer got in his car and drove away.
Trevor hoisted Zoe up again. “Let’s go. You can pay for the room. I’ll wait out of sight so maybe they won’t see Zoe and send the cops.”
“I have a better idea. I don’t want to stick around here. That cop was just looking for a reason to come after us. I’m betting he’s gonna be waiting for us at the hotel.”
“So what’s your idea. She’s getting kind of heavy. I don’t know how much longer I can carry her.” Trevor admitted.
“Train.” Matt jerked his head toward the train that was slowing as it rolled into town.
With a nod Trevor started toward the railroad tracks, but his arms began to give.
“Let me take her.” Matt reached out and scooped Zoe out of his arms. “Lets go.”
Both men began jogging toward the train and within moments reached the tracks. “You jump in an empty car and I’ll run alongside and hand her up to you, then I’ll jump on.”
They waited as car after car passed and then seeing one with an open door both men began jogging. As the car passed Trevor jumped and landed half in, half out. After a few seconds he gained his feet and turned toward Matt who was jogging alongside.
“Here, hand her over.” Trevor shouted.
Matt put on a burst of speed and tried to hand Zoe up, but Trevor’s arms gave out. A new set of hands reached out and caught the blanket wrapped body and pulled her inside.
Matt then leapt onto the car and looked at the man holding Zoe’s body.
“Come on.” Trevor urged the car. But the car’s engine continued to knock.
Matt sat quietly in the passengers seat. He knew Trevor’s nerves were close to being shot, and the car dying on them was not going to help. So he sat quietly and prayed.
With a final jerk, the car’s engine seized and Trevor let it coast to a stop on the side of the highway.
“Just another mile and we would have been inside city limits.” Trevor shouted. “You steaming pile of ….” Trevor cut off the curse. He banged his head against the headrest in frustration, then started slamming his fists against the steering wheel.
After a few moments Trevor’s fit of rage began to subside, and he looked over at Matt. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s ok. I know you’re angry and upset. I loved Zoe and Becca too.”
Trevor looked away and nodded.
Both men sat in silence as they each thought about the two young women who had died that day.
Trevor looked over his shoulder into the backseat and saw Zoe’s wrapped body. He looked back at Matt and then with a resigned sigh shouldered open his door.
Matt followed suit and waited until Trevor had gathered Zoe from the back seat. The two men began walking down the highway. Cars flew past, not one even slowing, and Matt bit back a comment.
“You’d think people would at least check to see if we are ok, or need a ride after what happened today, but noooo, they are so centered on themselves and their own lives that they couldn’t care less about us.” Trevor sniped.
Matt grunted his agreement, but was still aware of the buried rage within Trevor. It showed with every step he took.
After half a mile Matt noticed that Trevor kept hefting Zoe’s body as he cradled her against his chest. “You want me to carry her for awhile?” he offered.
“NO!” Trevor shouted.
“Ok.” Matt winced. “Sorry.”
They reached city limits and Matt wanted to ask what the plan was, but was not willing to risk Trevor’s wrath, so he just kept walking.
Trevor hiked Zoe up against his chest again. “We need to find some transportation.”
There were a few cars parked along the street and Matt walked over to one and tried the door. “Locked.” he muttered. He tried another and it was also locked.
After trying several cars and finding them all locked Matt was considering breaking a window on one of them when a police cruiser approached.
“Can I help you boys?” The officer asked as he eyed the two men.
Matt had no idea what to say and looked at Trevor.
“No. We’re just passing through. Our car died up the road about a mile.”
“Where’d you come from?” The officer asked as he got out of his car his hand on his gun.
“Colorado Springs.” Matt answered.
“Really. Is it true? Did it really get bombed?” the officer asked.
“Yep.” Trevor answered. “The bomb flew right past our car and then hit.” His jaw worked as he answered.
“The media is saying that the religious zealots, you know ‘Christian’s’ that did it.” The man sneered the word Christian‘s. “Their goal was to take out NORAD.”
“You don’t say.” Trevor said sarcastically. “Christian’s did it. How’d the come to that conclusion.”
The officer gripped the butt of his gun and glared at Trevor. “Everybody knows they did it. The Global Family has been warning us for months that they would try something like this.”
“Yeah they have.” Matt interjected before Trevor could say anything. “Is there a car dealership close by?”
“Only dealership in town is closed. You’ll have to wait until morning. So what’s with carrying a dead body. You can leave it at a dumpster and the garbage truck will pick it up.” The officer told Trevor.
Matt was glad that Trevor was carrying Zoe because he was certain if he hadn’t been he would have beaten the officer to a bloody pulp right then. “No. She’s family. Is there a hotel somewhere close by?”
“You actually think anybody will give you a room.” the officer barked out a laugh.
“Why wouldn’t they. We have money.” Matt said.
“And a dead body.” the officer looked at Trevor. “Say, you one of those weirdo’s who likes dead people. You know like those people who have sex with em?”
Trevor saw red. “You..”
Matt stepped between Trevor and the officer. “That was just plain sick.” Matt said harshly. “You know nothing about us, and you accuse us of something so perverted. This woman is FAMILY, and we’re taking her home to bury her in the family plot. That‘s what the whole Global Family is about. Everyone getting along and being one big family is it not?”
The officer had started to pull his gun from the holster, but at Matt’s words stopped. “You’re right. Sorry.”
“Now where is the hotel?” Matt asked.
The officer gave them directions and then turned toward his car. “You boys need to make sure and get checked in ASAP. There is a 6:00pm curfew now. If you want to leave your friends body at the morgue over night I’m sure the hospital would let you. They probably would charge you, but ….” he shrugged.
“Thanks for the suggestion.” Matt nodded as the officer got in his car and drove away.
Trevor hoisted Zoe up again. “Let’s go. You can pay for the room. I’ll wait out of sight so maybe they won’t see Zoe and send the cops.”
“I have a better idea. I don’t want to stick around here. That cop was just looking for a reason to come after us. I’m betting he’s gonna be waiting for us at the hotel.”
“So what’s your idea. She’s getting kind of heavy. I don’t know how much longer I can carry her.” Trevor admitted.
“Train.” Matt jerked his head toward the train that was slowing as it rolled into town.
With a nod Trevor started toward the railroad tracks, but his arms began to give.
“Let me take her.” Matt reached out and scooped Zoe out of his arms. “Lets go.”
Both men began jogging toward the train and within moments reached the tracks. “You jump in an empty car and I’ll run alongside and hand her up to you, then I’ll jump on.”
They waited as car after car passed and then seeing one with an open door both men began jogging. As the car passed Trevor jumped and landed half in, half out. After a few seconds he gained his feet and turned toward Matt who was jogging alongside.
“Here, hand her over.” Trevor shouted.
Matt put on a burst of speed and tried to hand Zoe up, but Trevor’s arms gave out. A new set of hands reached out and caught the blanket wrapped body and pulled her inside.
Matt then leapt onto the car and looked at the man holding Zoe’s body.
- zags
_________________________________________________________
The Rabbi and Aaron continued hauling the food from the kitchen down to the secret room below the house. They had been at it all night as the others slept. The angel had informed them that time was running out and they would all be heading for the mountain soon but for safetys sake they must all stay in the shelter until the angel gave them the word to leave. The Rabbi had agreed after the incident at the wall with Emily and the baby. SHe had returned that day shaken and fearful for the safety of Joy and had not left the house for the last 3 weeks. Julie had tried to get her to go out in the yard for some sunshine for her and Joy but she had adamantly refused. Now they would not be able to for God knew how long. Even Yoshi and Ester were becoming tired with the pretense of being loyal global family followers.
The angel had told both Aaron and the Rabbi that the Lord was preparing a secret hiding place in the mountains where they would remain until He returned but for now they must keep their faith and stay in the secret room until thye were notified.
They both headed back up the stairs to wake the rest of the house up. Each would need to secure all their personal items they wanted with them and carry them to the basement and Yoshi and Ester would prepare their last breakfast they would eat together in the kitchen. They knocked on each door and gathered everyone together to explain the strange turn of events.
The angel had told both Aaron and the Rabbi that the Lord was preparing a secret hiding place in the mountains where they would remain until He returned but for now they must keep their faith and stay in the secret room until thye were notified.
They both headed back up the stairs to wake the rest of the house up. Each would need to secure all their personal items they wanted with them and carry them to the basement and Yoshi and Ester would prepare their last breakfast they would eat together in the kitchen. They knocked on each door and gathered everyone together to explain the strange turn of events.
- Renee
_________________________________________________________
Tears streamed down the faces of the small group gathered around their friend as they watched him draw his last breathe and as a smile crossed his face they knew he was now with his beloved wife and son. The doctor stood over Kerri and pronounced his life on this earth had now come to an end then turned to Sam and said, “We will take care of the bodies and you had better get out of here quickly. The GF has been in the area for the last two weeks and who knows when they will show up again.”
Sam clasped the doctors hand tightly, “Thank you for all your help. Take care of yourself, my friend. God be with you.”
The old man watched the group climb into the van and as they drove away he raised his hand to wave then quickly withdrew it for he could see someone watching in the distance.
The man started walking toward the doctor and the closer he got fear gripped him. “What has taken place here, doctor?” the GF officer questioned.
The doctor looked at the man and answered with a new found strength, “These two men got into some sort of an argument and shot each other. I tried to save them, but their wounds were fatal.”
The officer leaned in, “And who were the people that left in the van?”
“Sir, they were here to take care of a friend that had taken ill. I gave them medicine and they left just as these two men started their argument. They had nothing to do with this situation.”
“Doctor, I do not believe this story you have told me. They were Christians, weren’t they? If you continue to lie to me, the consequences will be severe. You and I both know they were responsible for these two deaths. You will tell me where they have gone or live to regret your choice to lie,” the officer gave the old doctor an evil look.
“It is as I told you. They had nothing to do with this and were just innocent by-standers. Sir, I have no reason to lie to you about anything.” The doctor did not blink as he answered the officer.
The officer put his gun to the old man’s head and repeated, “If you lie, you will die.”
“Sir, you are going to be killing the only doctor within a hundred miles and all because you imagined that Christians are running around the country aimlessly killing people. That is absurd. The whole notion they are terrorist is a trumped up accusation by the government. Sir, should you kill me then you and the government have become the terrorist not the Christians.”
The officer’s face turned red as he shouted, “Your arrogance just got you a bullet.” He pulled the trigger and the man fell to the ground. The good doctor’s last thought was of the group that had saved him from certain eternity in hell. “Thank you God for sending Sam and his friends into my life, keep them safe.”
Sam clasped the doctors hand tightly, “Thank you for all your help. Take care of yourself, my friend. God be with you.”
The old man watched the group climb into the van and as they drove away he raised his hand to wave then quickly withdrew it for he could see someone watching in the distance.
The man started walking toward the doctor and the closer he got fear gripped him. “What has taken place here, doctor?” the GF officer questioned.
The doctor looked at the man and answered with a new found strength, “These two men got into some sort of an argument and shot each other. I tried to save them, but their wounds were fatal.”
The officer leaned in, “And who were the people that left in the van?”
“Sir, they were here to take care of a friend that had taken ill. I gave them medicine and they left just as these two men started their argument. They had nothing to do with this situation.”
“Doctor, I do not believe this story you have told me. They were Christians, weren’t they? If you continue to lie to me, the consequences will be severe. You and I both know they were responsible for these two deaths. You will tell me where they have gone or live to regret your choice to lie,” the officer gave the old doctor an evil look.
“It is as I told you. They had nothing to do with this and were just innocent by-standers. Sir, I have no reason to lie to you about anything.” The doctor did not blink as he answered the officer.
The officer put his gun to the old man’s head and repeated, “If you lie, you will die.”
“Sir, you are going to be killing the only doctor within a hundred miles and all because you imagined that Christians are running around the country aimlessly killing people. That is absurd. The whole notion they are terrorist is a trumped up accusation by the government. Sir, should you kill me then you and the government have become the terrorist not the Christians.”
The officer’s face turned red as he shouted, “Your arrogance just got you a bullet.” He pulled the trigger and the man fell to the ground. The good doctor’s last thought was of the group that had saved him from certain eternity in hell. “Thank you God for sending Sam and his friends into my life, keep them safe.”
- P4H
__________________________________________________________
Danny peaked out the window down the dark street. At the end of the block he could see three cars and what looked like a bus stopped in the middle of the street. Pulling back away from the window, Danny replaced the wood then returned to his wife on the floor.
“Well it looks like they are coming” he said as he pulled Donna closer.
“How much longer?”
“Maybe a half hour or more, they are checking each house. I pray God will cover us and they pass us by.”
“Oh me too, I don’t know if I can take any pain, I saw them beat a woman at the food line yesterday, I wanted to scream but held my breath” Donna replied as she hunched down into her husbands arms as deep as she could.
“You will be fine, just remember Jesus suffered for us so any pain he will take away”
“Are you sure, I’m scared Danny, we have the rest of our lives to live, why did God have to come back now?”
“I don’t know but I remember hearing my mother say, it is God’s timing not ours. Had I have known sooner, we both would have disappeared like the rest of them.”
A scream cut through the darkness and yells soon followed. The voices got louder and closer as Donny and Donna inched back into the dark corner.
Whispering in Donna ear, Danny asked her where the bible was.
I got rid of it yesterday, I thought maybe if we didn’t have one here, they couldn’t prove we looked at it.”
“Donna, we need that book, we can’t just toss his word away”
“Danny, if they break in and find it, we can’t claim to not know. I want us to live a peaceful life Danny… We just now got it started again”
“Oh Donna don’t you see, don’t you remember what Pastor Tony said. If we denied him he will deny us”
“Surely God will not let you and I die, we started going back to church, I finished my Sunday school lesson, I think God is real.”
“Oh babe, did you not listen, did you not hear, did you…” The front door busted open with a crash.
Flashlights beams lighted up the whole house as men raced around, Danny and Donna thought they had escape when lights went out. A few seconds went by then Donna let out her breath and that is when the lights came back on and they hear a loud laugh.
“See Bob, it works every time, you shut off your lights and the mice come out. Grab them boys”
Four men closed it on the couple grabbing then pulling them apart. Donna screamed as she cried.
“Please let us go” she shouted
“Please let us go” The voice said. “Always the same, what’s next, we didn’t do anything” the voice stopped as the large man grabbed Danny by the hair then hit him as hard as he could in the face and side.
Down on the floor Danny fell where he was kicked over and over till he could hardly hold his arms to protect his body.
“Stop please, stop” Donna yelled, “I’ll do anything you want please leave him alone”
“Oh shut up, all you women are the same; you will drop your pants for the first sight of blood for your husbands or boyfriends. Why Miss we just begin, tell me will he do the same for you?”
Donna didn’t understand at first. But as her head was pulled back and the knife slide crossed her cheek she knew she was in trouble.
The men sat Danny up so he could watch, “So tell me Miss, is you man here man enough to stick up for you?”
“Leave her alone”, Danny said while spitting a tooth out
“And what will you do if I don’t? Or better yet what will you do so I don’t” All the men started to laugh.
“Anything, just leave her alone, let her go”
“Are you sure?” the man asked as he hit Donna in the gut then took his knife and slit her blouse open.
“Yes!!” Danny shouted
A smile came over the man, “we shall see. Take you clothes off and get on your knees”
Danny looked at the man for a second “I said I would, you don’t have to rape her”
“We not going to rape her, we are going to rape you and she is going to watch. Oh by the way, by law I am to ask you two if you are Christians, it seems if you are I can do what I want with you. Now if you say your not then I can only have a little funny.”
The other men grabbed Danny and pulled at his clothes till he was naked, the leader held Donna and forced her to watch as the men took Danny. Each time he protested, they would hit him and kick him.
“Please let us go, we are not Christians… Please let Danny go” Donna cried out
“No, Donna don’t say that, have faith”, Danny shouted the best he could
“Hold on men we have a family fight here. Who here are Church going, Jesus lovers and who is not?”
“Please just let us go” Donna cried
“You want your Danny pain to stop? If so, all you have to do is shout out that Jesus is a freak and you think all of that church stuff was a lie”
Donna cried as she heard Danny trying to say no don’t do it, but as he did the other men grabbed him forcing more pain.
“Yes… Yes… It’s a lie” Donna said
“Louder and all of it, say it all or next time you will watch as I use this club on him and it will not be to hit him with.”
Through the tears, Donna shouted what the men wanted to hear.
“Now see that was so hard” the leader said pulling a gun from his jacket and shooting Danny in the chest.
“Noooo!” Donna shouted, “You said you would let us go”
Turning to Donna with a blank look, the man replied “No I said, I would end his pain” before placing the gun to Donna head and pulling the trigger.
In a blink of an eye, one stood with a new body and crown while another felt the worse dreaded fear they had ever felt.
“Well it looks like they are coming” he said as he pulled Donna closer.
“How much longer?”
“Maybe a half hour or more, they are checking each house. I pray God will cover us and they pass us by.”
“Oh me too, I don’t know if I can take any pain, I saw them beat a woman at the food line yesterday, I wanted to scream but held my breath” Donna replied as she hunched down into her husbands arms as deep as she could.
“You will be fine, just remember Jesus suffered for us so any pain he will take away”
“Are you sure, I’m scared Danny, we have the rest of our lives to live, why did God have to come back now?”
“I don’t know but I remember hearing my mother say, it is God’s timing not ours. Had I have known sooner, we both would have disappeared like the rest of them.”
A scream cut through the darkness and yells soon followed. The voices got louder and closer as Donny and Donna inched back into the dark corner.
Whispering in Donna ear, Danny asked her where the bible was.
I got rid of it yesterday, I thought maybe if we didn’t have one here, they couldn’t prove we looked at it.”
“Donna, we need that book, we can’t just toss his word away”
“Danny, if they break in and find it, we can’t claim to not know. I want us to live a peaceful life Danny… We just now got it started again”
“Oh Donna don’t you see, don’t you remember what Pastor Tony said. If we denied him he will deny us”
“Surely God will not let you and I die, we started going back to church, I finished my Sunday school lesson, I think God is real.”
“Oh babe, did you not listen, did you not hear, did you…” The front door busted open with a crash.
Flashlights beams lighted up the whole house as men raced around, Danny and Donna thought they had escape when lights went out. A few seconds went by then Donna let out her breath and that is when the lights came back on and they hear a loud laugh.
“See Bob, it works every time, you shut off your lights and the mice come out. Grab them boys”
Four men closed it on the couple grabbing then pulling them apart. Donna screamed as she cried.
“Please let us go” she shouted
“Please let us go” The voice said. “Always the same, what’s next, we didn’t do anything” the voice stopped as the large man grabbed Danny by the hair then hit him as hard as he could in the face and side.
Down on the floor Danny fell where he was kicked over and over till he could hardly hold his arms to protect his body.
“Stop please, stop” Donna yelled, “I’ll do anything you want please leave him alone”
“Oh shut up, all you women are the same; you will drop your pants for the first sight of blood for your husbands or boyfriends. Why Miss we just begin, tell me will he do the same for you?”
Donna didn’t understand at first. But as her head was pulled back and the knife slide crossed her cheek she knew she was in trouble.
The men sat Danny up so he could watch, “So tell me Miss, is you man here man enough to stick up for you?”
“Leave her alone”, Danny said while spitting a tooth out
“And what will you do if I don’t? Or better yet what will you do so I don’t” All the men started to laugh.
“Anything, just leave her alone, let her go”
“Are you sure?” the man asked as he hit Donna in the gut then took his knife and slit her blouse open.
“Yes!!” Danny shouted
A smile came over the man, “we shall see. Take you clothes off and get on your knees”
Danny looked at the man for a second “I said I would, you don’t have to rape her”
“We not going to rape her, we are going to rape you and she is going to watch. Oh by the way, by law I am to ask you two if you are Christians, it seems if you are I can do what I want with you. Now if you say your not then I can only have a little funny.”
The other men grabbed Danny and pulled at his clothes till he was naked, the leader held Donna and forced her to watch as the men took Danny. Each time he protested, they would hit him and kick him.
“Please let us go, we are not Christians… Please let Danny go” Donna cried out
“No, Donna don’t say that, have faith”, Danny shouted the best he could
“Hold on men we have a family fight here. Who here are Church going, Jesus lovers and who is not?”
“Please just let us go” Donna cried
“You want your Danny pain to stop? If so, all you have to do is shout out that Jesus is a freak and you think all of that church stuff was a lie”
Donna cried as she heard Danny trying to say no don’t do it, but as he did the other men grabbed him forcing more pain.
“Yes… Yes… It’s a lie” Donna said
“Louder and all of it, say it all or next time you will watch as I use this club on him and it will not be to hit him with.”
Through the tears, Donna shouted what the men wanted to hear.
“Now see that was so hard” the leader said pulling a gun from his jacket and shooting Danny in the chest.
“Noooo!” Donna shouted, “You said you would let us go”
Turning to Donna with a blank look, the man replied “No I said, I would end his pain” before placing the gun to Donna head and pulling the trigger.
In a blink of an eye, one stood with a new body and crown while another felt the worse dreaded fear they had ever felt.
- Alex
_________________________________________________________
Mosul, Iraq
A fierce storm raged over the Mediterranean Sea, and a wave tossed vessel floundered above her watery grave. Panicked sailors scurried about the oaken deck: some praying to their gods for deliverance, others tossing cargo overboard to lighten the ship’s load. In the middle of the deck, stood the ship’s one and only passenger – Jonah.
“Toss him overboard!” barked the captain of the ship. Four strong able-bodied sailors came running up to Jonah and surrounded him. The later willingly held out his hands. He knew a sure and certain death awaited him at the bottom of the ocean. After disobeying God’s command to go to Nineveh, he could only expect death as punishment.
A swarthy sailor stepped forward. His clothes reeked of salt spray that continually washed over the sides of the leaking ship. His stiff beard bobbed kindly as he spoke, “Sorry, son. Tried to save ye, but we’ll all die if we don’t put ye or’bard like ye sed.”
I disobeyed God and this is my reward. It is only just.” replied Jonah.
All four sailors grabbed Jonah’s arms and legs as if he was a sack of grain and threw him overboard. Instantly, the heaving sea stilled and the howling wind quieted. All was still and peaceful again and there was a great calm.
“Who is this God that even the wind and sea obey Him!” the captain of the ship reverently exclaimed. He removed his soaked cap and dropped to his knees. His entire crew joined him. Together they worshipped the God of Heaven who has power over all things.
Jonah disappeared under the surface of the water with a splash. The blood warm waters of the Mediterranean tugged at his ankles, trying to pull him down further. His sandals, great protection against hot sand and sharp rocks, had become waterlogged. Struggle as he might, the laces were bound about his feet too tightly. Jonah instinctively opened his mouth to cry for help, but the salt water rushed into his mouth and made him gag. He thrashed and struggled in the water trying to keep from sinking.
Suddenly, he spied a large, solid mass moving towards him. Could it be – a ship – come to rescue him? Jonah’s heart sank. No, it was too small for a ship; besides, this monstrosity was bluish green. He stared in horror as the blue-green “thing” opened its mouth disclosing two rows of terrible teeth. In his heart, he knew this horrid beast was a great fish. He cast a helpless glance at the ship.
One lone sailor stood clasping the wooden railing. He could do nothing to save the unfortunate Jonah. The fish darted forward with surprising swiftness. There was a furious boiling of the water: then the fish dove out of sight. The vessel floated alone in the vast blue sea.
More than two thousand years later, Abdul the fishmonger knelt beside his bed across the river from the ruins of ancient Nineveh. On the floor in front of him, his Bible lay opened to Jonah, chapter one. Abdul, like the Jonah that lived before him, did not want to deliver God's message of judgment and grace to the people around him. He was too timid, too afraid of what they would think. "Lord," he reasoned. "I can't. They'll kill me, and oh I just can't tell them your words."
A fierce storm raged over the Mediterranean Sea, and a wave tossed vessel floundered above her watery grave. Panicked sailors scurried about the oaken deck: some praying to their gods for deliverance, others tossing cargo overboard to lighten the ship’s load. In the middle of the deck, stood the ship’s one and only passenger – Jonah.
“Toss him overboard!” barked the captain of the ship. Four strong able-bodied sailors came running up to Jonah and surrounded him. The later willingly held out his hands. He knew a sure and certain death awaited him at the bottom of the ocean. After disobeying God’s command to go to Nineveh, he could only expect death as punishment.
A swarthy sailor stepped forward. His clothes reeked of salt spray that continually washed over the sides of the leaking ship. His stiff beard bobbed kindly as he spoke, “Sorry, son. Tried to save ye, but we’ll all die if we don’t put ye or’bard like ye sed.”
I disobeyed God and this is my reward. It is only just.” replied Jonah.
All four sailors grabbed Jonah’s arms and legs as if he was a sack of grain and threw him overboard. Instantly, the heaving sea stilled and the howling wind quieted. All was still and peaceful again and there was a great calm.
“Who is this God that even the wind and sea obey Him!” the captain of the ship reverently exclaimed. He removed his soaked cap and dropped to his knees. His entire crew joined him. Together they worshipped the God of Heaven who has power over all things.
Jonah disappeared under the surface of the water with a splash. The blood warm waters of the Mediterranean tugged at his ankles, trying to pull him down further. His sandals, great protection against hot sand and sharp rocks, had become waterlogged. Struggle as he might, the laces were bound about his feet too tightly. Jonah instinctively opened his mouth to cry for help, but the salt water rushed into his mouth and made him gag. He thrashed and struggled in the water trying to keep from sinking.
Suddenly, he spied a large, solid mass moving towards him. Could it be – a ship – come to rescue him? Jonah’s heart sank. No, it was too small for a ship; besides, this monstrosity was bluish green. He stared in horror as the blue-green “thing” opened its mouth disclosing two rows of terrible teeth. In his heart, he knew this horrid beast was a great fish. He cast a helpless glance at the ship.
One lone sailor stood clasping the wooden railing. He could do nothing to save the unfortunate Jonah. The fish darted forward with surprising swiftness. There was a furious boiling of the water: then the fish dove out of sight. The vessel floated alone in the vast blue sea.
More than two thousand years later, Abdul the fishmonger knelt beside his bed across the river from the ruins of ancient Nineveh. On the floor in front of him, his Bible lay opened to Jonah, chapter one. Abdul, like the Jonah that lived before him, did not want to deliver God's message of judgment and grace to the people around him. He was too timid, too afraid of what they would think. "Lord," he reasoned. "I can't. They'll kill me, and oh I just can't tell them your words."
- KBR
________________________________________________________
Jerusalem, Israel
Wes Hayes watched the two men as they preached, their words falling on deaf ears as he thought about the last two years. He grimaced as he shook his head.
His life had been going perfectly until that night when his boss Zered Fitzhugh had disappeared along with millions more people around the globe.
He had been an FBI agent, Special Task Force. His job had been to arrest human traffickers and the like. But when Ricardo Morrata, the head of the Albanian Mafia had approached him with a deal he could not refuse he had turned to the other side. He had been a mole along with Mick Jenkins another member of their team. They had both made sure that their superiors and their team leader Zered had only arrested people that Morrata wanted out of the way.
For almost two years he and Mick had played an exhilarating game of cat and mouse with their team leader and when that fateful day had finally come when Wes and Mick began taking out members of their team he had relished the opportunity to let Zered Fitzhugh know that she had been outsmarted by two of her own.
The look on her face when she had discovered the betrayal had been the most beautiful thing Wes had ever seen. Even now two years later it still made him smile. Wes chuckled aloud.
Sobering Wes continued to think about that night when Morrata had attempted to murder Zered and two other members of their team. Just as Morrata had thrown the match at the gas soaked threesome they had disappeared quicker than a person could blink.
Morrata had immediately began shouting, wondering what had happened. Then Ana Morrata’s scream had pierced the room. In her hand was the shirt of her seven year old son’s shirt. Jason Morrata had disappeared as well.
Wes, Mick and Mikhail Mekhdiev had searched the house top to bottom to find the missing boy to no avail. He had vanished into thin air.
It was hours before their phone calls to the police went through with the phone lines being jammed all over the country. When they had reported the missing boy they had been told that all the young children in the world were missing.
As the days turned into weeks while they searched for Jason, Ana Morrata had been inconsolable. Wes had found that strange considering that she was married to a man and was deeply involved herself in the business of stealing children and selling them to the highest bidder.
As weeks passed with no sign of Jason, Ana Morrata had become convinced that her son had been kidnapped by a rival and had committed suicide, unable to bear the thought of her son in the hands of the very people she sold other peoples children to.
It was then that Ricardo Morrata had gone into seclusion. With the exception of Mikhail Mekhdiev no one saw the man. He had fired all his employees, including Wes.
Mick had gone his own way then while Wes had floundered looking for employment. He couldn’t go back to the FBI as he was sure Mick was a suspect in the murder of another of his teammates Cameron Leonard and he didn’t want to deal with being questioned. He just preferred to let his superiors believe that he had disappeared along with the other millions that fateful night.
After months of searching he had finally been hired by one of Morrata’s competitors as a bodyguard. That job had only lasted for a few weeks before his new boss was murdered by his second in command and it was then that Wes was promoted.
Secure in his new position Wes guarded his new boss with zeal until the day that the word had gotten out that there was a search for someone to assassinate the two preachers in Jerusalem.
Wes had answered the inquiry without his bosses knowledge and after several e-mails back and forth was e-mailed the particulars. The five million Argro bonus upon completion of the mission had decided the matter for Wes. After setting up where the money was to be wired upon completion of the job, Wes had left on an errand for his boss and never gone back. Now here he was several weeks later. After watching the two men for the last several weeks Wes had decided to wait until the sun was low on the horizon. Sunrise or sunset would be best as the sun would blind the two men from seeing him in his perch in the tree. Having decided on sunrise as fewer people would be around to witness the murders Wes had climbed the tree in the middle of the night.
Now as the men sat down to rest and the sun broke over the horizon, Wes lined up his shot. He peered through his scope and saw both men turn to look in his direction. Neither of the preachers squinted as the looked directly into the rising sun.
Wes’s finger tightened on the trigger and a gunshot rang out in the air. The preachers merely opened their mouths and fire shot out toward Wes melting the bullet in midair long before it reached them..
Wes only had time to let out a startled scream as the flames reached him. In seconds he was consumed by the fire and he fell from the tree to the ground, and seconds later there was nothing left of Wes but ash.
- Zags
__________________________________________________________
The days had turned into weeks as the group had remained in the secret room. No sounds had come from the upper rooms. Julie was restless.She lay in her bed eyes wide open, unable to sleep. At first, she had been all for this world of seclusion. They all studied . and prayed each day, and life seemed to just pass them by. Now she longed to see the sunrise again and feel the wind in her hair. Slipping out of bed she quietly dressed and bundled joy up, praying she would not cry out in her sleep as Emily slowly opened the door and climbed the stairs to the kitchen. The flashlight guided her steps and she didnt stumble as she pulled Joy closer to her as she kept her balance on the last step. She carefully opened the door to the kitchen and peered in as if she might be caught by an intruder in the house but no one was there to stop her. She prayed God would surround her with His protection and that everyone would understand and forgive her for slipping out. She knew they wouldnt have allowed it if she had told them how restless she was.
Darkness enveloped her as she stepped out into the night that had not yet disappeared. She knew the sun would just about be rising by the time she got to the wailing wall and she looked forward to seeing her 2 friends again. Just their presence would give her peace. She lay Joy in the stroller and tucked the blanket around her as she walked down the gravel driveway to the pavement of the road.
The morning air was crisp and fresh as she walked. It felt so good to feel the freshness of the new day rather than the staleness of the secret room.
The walk took her only 20 minutes and she could just see the sun beginning to rise as she approached the entrance. The last thing she remembered before she fell to the ground was the sound of a gunshot and the sight of the 2 friends as fire escaped their mouths in the direction of the sun as it rose.
Darkness enveloped her as she stepped out into the night that had not yet disappeared. She knew the sun would just about be rising by the time she got to the wailing wall and she looked forward to seeing her 2 friends again. Just their presence would give her peace. She lay Joy in the stroller and tucked the blanket around her as she walked down the gravel driveway to the pavement of the road.
The morning air was crisp and fresh as she walked. It felt so good to feel the freshness of the new day rather than the staleness of the secret room.
The walk took her only 20 minutes and she could just see the sun beginning to rise as she approached the entrance. The last thing she remembered before she fell to the ground was the sound of a gunshot and the sight of the 2 friends as fire escaped their mouths in the direction of the sun as it rose.
- Renee
__________________________________________________________
South of LaJunta, Colorado
Matt watched as the man gently lay Zoe’s body down on the floor of the train car. He saw Trevor kneel down next to her and scoot back against the wall. Matt followed suit and sat next to Trevor.
“Thank you.” Matt said to the man.
The man gave a small nod and sat across from them next to another man who was sleeping on the floor.
“My name’s Matt and this is Trevor.”
The man looked toward the man lying on the floor and bit his lip. Finally he turned back to Matt.
“I am Mikhail, and this is my employer Ricardo.” His eyes full of suspicion.
“Nice to meet you, and thanks again for your help. I had just about given up getting her on board.”
Mikhail merely nodded again.
Silence stretched out and Matt turned to Trevor. Seeing he was asleep Matt turned back to Mikhail. “Is he sick?”
Mikhail narrowed his eyes.
“Trevor is a surgical nurse. I could wake him up and have him take a look if you’d like.” Matt said quietly. Something about Mikhail unsettled him and his silence and narrowed gaze made his gut clench.
After a few moments Mikhail shook his head. “No thank you. Ricardo is not ill, not physically anyway.”
Matt only nodded. “Do you know where this train is going?”
“No.”
“So where’d you guys get on?” Matt tried again.
Mikhail narrowed his eyes again. “You have many questions.”
“Sorry.” Matt said. “Just trying to keep my mind on other things.” He glanced at Zoe’s wrapped body. He felt his eyes begin to fill. Closing them he leaned his head against the wall of the train car.
Silence reigned for several minutes. “What happened?” Mikhail asked startling Matt.
“She was killed when a missile hit Colorado Springs. We were a few miles south and the concussion of the impact caused our car to go out of control.”
“So it was a missile.” Mikhail said softly. “I thought as much.”
“Did you see it?” Matt asked.
“I saw the plume of smoke as it passed over the train. I saw another plume heading south as well.”
“I wonder where all got hit?” Matt asked quietly.
Ricardo let out a small whimper and Mikhail immediately turned to him.
“It is alright Mr. Morrata. All is well. Sleep. I’ll not let any harm come to you.” He murmured.
Matt went stiff. “Ricardo Morrata?!” Matt gasped.
Mikhail was quickly on his feet his eyes cold as he stared at Matt.
Matt watched as the man gently lay Zoe’s body down on the floor of the train car. He saw Trevor kneel down next to her and scoot back against the wall. Matt followed suit and sat next to Trevor.
“Thank you.” Matt said to the man.
The man gave a small nod and sat across from them next to another man who was sleeping on the floor.
“My name’s Matt and this is Trevor.”
The man looked toward the man lying on the floor and bit his lip. Finally he turned back to Matt.
“I am Mikhail, and this is my employer Ricardo.” His eyes full of suspicion.
“Nice to meet you, and thanks again for your help. I had just about given up getting her on board.”
Mikhail merely nodded again.
Silence stretched out and Matt turned to Trevor. Seeing he was asleep Matt turned back to Mikhail. “Is he sick?”
Mikhail narrowed his eyes.
“Trevor is a surgical nurse. I could wake him up and have him take a look if you’d like.” Matt said quietly. Something about Mikhail unsettled him and his silence and narrowed gaze made his gut clench.
After a few moments Mikhail shook his head. “No thank you. Ricardo is not ill, not physically anyway.”
Matt only nodded. “Do you know where this train is going?”
“No.”
“So where’d you guys get on?” Matt tried again.
Mikhail narrowed his eyes again. “You have many questions.”
“Sorry.” Matt said. “Just trying to keep my mind on other things.” He glanced at Zoe’s wrapped body. He felt his eyes begin to fill. Closing them he leaned his head against the wall of the train car.
Silence reigned for several minutes. “What happened?” Mikhail asked startling Matt.
“She was killed when a missile hit Colorado Springs. We were a few miles south and the concussion of the impact caused our car to go out of control.”
“So it was a missile.” Mikhail said softly. “I thought as much.”
“Did you see it?” Matt asked.
“I saw the plume of smoke as it passed over the train. I saw another plume heading south as well.”
“I wonder where all got hit?” Matt asked quietly.
Ricardo let out a small whimper and Mikhail immediately turned to him.
“It is alright Mr. Morrata. All is well. Sleep. I’ll not let any harm come to you.” He murmured.
Matt went stiff. “Ricardo Morrata?!” Matt gasped.
Mikhail was quickly on his feet his eyes cold as he stared at Matt.
- Zags
__________________________________________________________
Black Mesa, Oklahoma
Leon watched the horror of the war and really wished Renee had been unsuccessful in getting the satellite signal back. He looked around the room and saw he was without a doubt not alone in his feelings.
Maddie sat with tears rolling down her face, her arms around Kristen.
Kristen turned her head into Maddie’s shoulder as the camera panned a little too closely to a body that had been riddled with bullets.
Shade and Nathan both leaned against the wall their arms crossed, fierce frowns on both their faces.
Mo and Skunk both sat on the floor their mouths open in horror and shock.
Suddenly the camera dropped to the ground and a hand fell limply in front of the lens.
In the background shouts could be heard. “They shot the cameraman! Hey! He was just filming! You can’t just shoot the press!”
Another shot rang out. “I can shoot anybody I want lady.”
The camera was picked up and the screen was filled with the image of the dying reporter.
“Turn it off!” Shade growled.
Leon breathed a sigh of relief as he lunged forward and pushed the off button.
It was quiet all for the sound of Maddie’s and Kristen’s sobbing.
“I’m so sorry everybody. I just wanted us to be able to see what was happening.” Renee choked through her own tears. “I didn’t realize it would be so graphic.”
Nathan walked over the chair she was sitting in. He lifted her up and sat down with her in his lap. “We know.” He said wrapping his arms around her.
Renee tucked her head under Nathan’s chin. “I’m so sorry. So sorry.” She whispered over and over.
“Did anybody else see what the ticker tape said?” Skunk asked quietly.
“No. I was too shocked to read it.” Shade said. “What did it say?”
Skunk swallowed hard. “Colorado Springs got hit.”
“NO!” Kristen shouted.
Maddie let out a scream. Shade slumped against the wall his legs giving out.
“Turn the TV back on Leon.” Nathan said grimly, his arms tightening around Renee.
Leon watched the horror of the war and really wished Renee had been unsuccessful in getting the satellite signal back. He looked around the room and saw he was without a doubt not alone in his feelings.
Maddie sat with tears rolling down her face, her arms around Kristen.
Kristen turned her head into Maddie’s shoulder as the camera panned a little too closely to a body that had been riddled with bullets.
Shade and Nathan both leaned against the wall their arms crossed, fierce frowns on both their faces.
Mo and Skunk both sat on the floor their mouths open in horror and shock.
Suddenly the camera dropped to the ground and a hand fell limply in front of the lens.
In the background shouts could be heard. “They shot the cameraman! Hey! He was just filming! You can’t just shoot the press!”
Another shot rang out. “I can shoot anybody I want lady.”
The camera was picked up and the screen was filled with the image of the dying reporter.
“Turn it off!” Shade growled.
Leon breathed a sigh of relief as he lunged forward and pushed the off button.
It was quiet all for the sound of Maddie’s and Kristen’s sobbing.
“I’m so sorry everybody. I just wanted us to be able to see what was happening.” Renee choked through her own tears. “I didn’t realize it would be so graphic.”
Nathan walked over the chair she was sitting in. He lifted her up and sat down with her in his lap. “We know.” He said wrapping his arms around her.
Renee tucked her head under Nathan’s chin. “I’m so sorry. So sorry.” She whispered over and over.
“Did anybody else see what the ticker tape said?” Skunk asked quietly.
“No. I was too shocked to read it.” Shade said. “What did it say?”
Skunk swallowed hard. “Colorado Springs got hit.”
“NO!” Kristen shouted.
Maddie let out a scream. Shade slumped against the wall his legs giving out.
“Turn the TV back on Leon.” Nathan said grimly, his arms tightening around Renee.
- Zags
________________________________________________________
South of LaJunta, Colorado
Matt sat motionless under Mikhail’s frozen stare. His heart pounded in his chest as he realized this man must be Mikhail Mekhdiev, Ricardo Morrata’s personal hit man.
Matt cast a quick glance at Trevor and was relieved to see that he was still sleeping.
The train rocked back and forth causing Morrata to moan.
Mikhail immediately swung back to the older man. As he began to kneel down next to him, Morrata suddenly jerked upright.
Matt let out a horrified gasp. He saw Mikhail stiffen slightly at his reaction to seeing Morrata, but he didn’t turn his glacial gaze away from the older man.
“What happened to him?” Matt couldn’t stop himself from asking.
Mikhail ignored Matt’s question as he tried to lay Morrata back down.
“Nooooo.” Morrata wailed.
Mikhail relented and helped Morrata to lean against the side of the train car.
Matt couldn’t drag his gaze from the mutilated face of Morrata.
“He went quite mad after his son disappeared.” Mikhail said in a monotone. “Both he and his wife began hearing voices and seeing….” Mikhail hesitated, “hallucinations.”
Matt finally dragged his eyes from Morrata. “As in short gray ghastly little creatures that jump and spin all around taunting people hallucinations?”
Mikhail jerked. “You’ve seen them?”
“Not personally, but a couple of people I know say they saw them in dreams, or while under the influence of drugs.”
Mikhail leveled his cold stare on Matt. “Ricardo’s wife Ana could not take the voices and visions and put a gun to her head. This is what they drove Ricardo to do.”
Matt looked again at Morrata. “He did that to himself?”
“Yes. He gouged his own eyes from his head so he could not see the creatures, and tried to rip his ears off so he could no longer hear their taunts.” Mikhail said without emotion.
“Did you ever see them?” Matt asked after a few minutes.
Mikhail shook his head.
Matt just looked at Mikhail quizzically.
If what Gabe had told him was true, Mikhail Mekhdiev was a cold blooded killer. While investigating Mikey Hankins Ricardo Morrata’s name had come up and Gabe had called a friend in the FBI, Zered Fitzhugh, to see if she knew anything about the man. She had been starting an investigation into Morrata herself and had told Gabe everything she knew about the man, his human trafficking rings, pedophile web sites, known associates, everything she knew. Then the rapture had happened and up until this moment Matt had forgotten all about Gabe’s knowledge of Ricardo Morrata, and his second in command Mikhail Mekhdiev.
So that left the question, why would demons torment Mikhail’s boss and his wife yet leave someone like Mikhail Mekhdiev alone? Matt’s mind spun. The man was as evil as his boss and his late wife, yet the demons left him alone.
Morrata began to make grunting noises turning Mikhail’s attention. As he moved closer to Morrata something fell out of his pocket.
Matt stared wide eyed at the small booklet that lay on the train car floor.
“You…you’re…” Matt stuttered.
Mikhail turned to him and followed Matt’s gaze to the small booklet. He quickly reached out and picked it up. After stuffing it back in his pocket he sat back down reached into a bag and pulled out a can of beans.
Matt struggled not to hyperventilate, his mind racing.
Mikhail took note of the boys struggles to compose himself and pulled a knife out of his pocket. Stabbing into the top of the can he cut it open and lay the knife on the floor between himself and his former boss. Grabbing a spoon out of the bag he began to feed Morrata.
He was almost finished feeding Morrata when Matt gained enough courage to ask.
“Are…” Matt hesitated. “Are you a brother in Christ?”
Morrata let out a screech and chaos erupted.
Matt sat motionless under Mikhail’s frozen stare. His heart pounded in his chest as he realized this man must be Mikhail Mekhdiev, Ricardo Morrata’s personal hit man.
Matt cast a quick glance at Trevor and was relieved to see that he was still sleeping.
The train rocked back and forth causing Morrata to moan.
Mikhail immediately swung back to the older man. As he began to kneel down next to him, Morrata suddenly jerked upright.
Matt let out a horrified gasp. He saw Mikhail stiffen slightly at his reaction to seeing Morrata, but he didn’t turn his glacial gaze away from the older man.
“What happened to him?” Matt couldn’t stop himself from asking.
Mikhail ignored Matt’s question as he tried to lay Morrata back down.
“Nooooo.” Morrata wailed.
Mikhail relented and helped Morrata to lean against the side of the train car.
Matt couldn’t drag his gaze from the mutilated face of Morrata.
“He went quite mad after his son disappeared.” Mikhail said in a monotone. “Both he and his wife began hearing voices and seeing….” Mikhail hesitated, “hallucinations.”
Matt finally dragged his eyes from Morrata. “As in short gray ghastly little creatures that jump and spin all around taunting people hallucinations?”
Mikhail jerked. “You’ve seen them?”
“Not personally, but a couple of people I know say they saw them in dreams, or while under the influence of drugs.”
Mikhail leveled his cold stare on Matt. “Ricardo’s wife Ana could not take the voices and visions and put a gun to her head. This is what they drove Ricardo to do.”
Matt looked again at Morrata. “He did that to himself?”
“Yes. He gouged his own eyes from his head so he could not see the creatures, and tried to rip his ears off so he could no longer hear their taunts.” Mikhail said without emotion.
“Did you ever see them?” Matt asked after a few minutes.
Mikhail shook his head.
Matt just looked at Mikhail quizzically.
If what Gabe had told him was true, Mikhail Mekhdiev was a cold blooded killer. While investigating Mikey Hankins Ricardo Morrata’s name had come up and Gabe had called a friend in the FBI, Zered Fitzhugh, to see if she knew anything about the man. She had been starting an investigation into Morrata herself and had told Gabe everything she knew about the man, his human trafficking rings, pedophile web sites, known associates, everything she knew. Then the rapture had happened and up until this moment Matt had forgotten all about Gabe’s knowledge of Ricardo Morrata, and his second in command Mikhail Mekhdiev.
So that left the question, why would demons torment Mikhail’s boss and his wife yet leave someone like Mikhail Mekhdiev alone? Matt’s mind spun. The man was as evil as his boss and his late wife, yet the demons left him alone.
Morrata began to make grunting noises turning Mikhail’s attention. As he moved closer to Morrata something fell out of his pocket.
Matt stared wide eyed at the small booklet that lay on the train car floor.
“You…you’re…” Matt stuttered.
Mikhail turned to him and followed Matt’s gaze to the small booklet. He quickly reached out and picked it up. After stuffing it back in his pocket he sat back down reached into a bag and pulled out a can of beans.
Matt struggled not to hyperventilate, his mind racing.
Mikhail took note of the boys struggles to compose himself and pulled a knife out of his pocket. Stabbing into the top of the can he cut it open and lay the knife on the floor between himself and his former boss. Grabbing a spoon out of the bag he began to feed Morrata.
He was almost finished feeding Morrata when Matt gained enough courage to ask.
“Are…” Matt hesitated. “Are you a brother in Christ?”
Morrata let out a screech and chaos erupted.
- Zags
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