Jerusalem, Israel
Mikhail looked at the sleeping soldier and gave a slight sneer. The man obviously was not a regular drinker. Two drinks and about an hour later the man had been slurring and another half hour later the man had started puking.
The soldier had slept the entire flight to Israel and upon Mikhail’s rough waking had grasped his head in his hands. His hangover was obviously excruciating. Mikhail had quite enjoyed himself as he took every opportunity he could to increase the soldiers discomfort. As soon as they had entered the hotel room the soldier had collapsed on one to the beds.
Mikhail had showered and changed his clothes then looked over the file again. Needing to have a look for himself he strapped a knife to his ankle and now stood over the soldier.
With a small smile Mikhail slapped him hard on the back of the head.
“Ohhhh.” the man grabbed his throbbing head.
“Wake up. I have work to do.” Mikhail ordered the soldier.
Rolling over on his back the soldier glared at Mikhail. “I’m not feeling well. You don’t have to kill them right away.” the soldier closed his eyes and swallowed hard, his hand moving to cover his stomach.
“I have to access the situation. That file you gave me had very little information.”
“You can do recon later.” Rolling over on his side the soldier was snoring a minute later.
Mikhail continued to stare down at the soldier for a few minutes and then with a small salute turned and quietly left the hotel room.
Arriving at the Wailing Wall, Mikhail stopped when he saw two men sitting with their backs against each other. It was a technique used by soldiers so that no one could sneak up behind them.
‘Were the men soldiers?’ Mikhail wondered. Mikhail continued walking as he looked for a way to approach the men from the backside of the wall. It was solid as far as he could see. The only way was from above and they would certainly see him.
Suddenly Mikhail felt as if he were being watched. He slowly scanned the area. There were few people as it was very early. He kept walking and slowly turned toward a tree about one hundred yards from the wall. Reaching it Mikhail turned and leaned against it. He could still feel eyes on him but couldn’t find the threat. After a moment the feeling went away and Mikhail rubbed his hand over his face. Feeling his short beard he wondered if someone in the small throng of people had recognized him.
He ran his hand through his shoulder length hair and gave a small shake of his head. None of his enemies would recognize him. The beard and long hair were more than ample disguise.
He reached into his pocket without thinking and remembered with a inward frown that the little tract was gone. It had been confiscated and the young man Matt had claimed it to be his own. Why Matt had claimed it he had no idea. The other man Trevor had looked at the tract and said it was the whole Gospel. Mikhail didn’t know what that meant, all he knew is the little booklet had brought him much comfort.
Feeling eyes on him again Mikhail’s head came up. He searched the faces in the growing crowd and was surprised to see one of the two men he had been sent to kill staring at him.
Mikhail looked at the sleeping soldier and gave a slight sneer. The man obviously was not a regular drinker. Two drinks and about an hour later the man had been slurring and another half hour later the man had started puking.
The soldier had slept the entire flight to Israel and upon Mikhail’s rough waking had grasped his head in his hands. His hangover was obviously excruciating. Mikhail had quite enjoyed himself as he took every opportunity he could to increase the soldiers discomfort. As soon as they had entered the hotel room the soldier had collapsed on one to the beds.
Mikhail had showered and changed his clothes then looked over the file again. Needing to have a look for himself he strapped a knife to his ankle and now stood over the soldier.
With a small smile Mikhail slapped him hard on the back of the head.
“Ohhhh.” the man grabbed his throbbing head.
“Wake up. I have work to do.” Mikhail ordered the soldier.
Rolling over on his back the soldier glared at Mikhail. “I’m not feeling well. You don’t have to kill them right away.” the soldier closed his eyes and swallowed hard, his hand moving to cover his stomach.
“I have to access the situation. That file you gave me had very little information.”
“You can do recon later.” Rolling over on his side the soldier was snoring a minute later.
Mikhail continued to stare down at the soldier for a few minutes and then with a small salute turned and quietly left the hotel room.
Arriving at the Wailing Wall, Mikhail stopped when he saw two men sitting with their backs against each other. It was a technique used by soldiers so that no one could sneak up behind them.
‘Were the men soldiers?’ Mikhail wondered. Mikhail continued walking as he looked for a way to approach the men from the backside of the wall. It was solid as far as he could see. The only way was from above and they would certainly see him.
Suddenly Mikhail felt as if he were being watched. He slowly scanned the area. There were few people as it was very early. He kept walking and slowly turned toward a tree about one hundred yards from the wall. Reaching it Mikhail turned and leaned against it. He could still feel eyes on him but couldn’t find the threat. After a moment the feeling went away and Mikhail rubbed his hand over his face. Feeling his short beard he wondered if someone in the small throng of people had recognized him.
He ran his hand through his shoulder length hair and gave a small shake of his head. None of his enemies would recognize him. The beard and long hair were more than ample disguise.
He reached into his pocket without thinking and remembered with a inward frown that the little tract was gone. It had been confiscated and the young man Matt had claimed it to be his own. Why Matt had claimed it he had no idea. The other man Trevor had looked at the tract and said it was the whole Gospel. Mikhail didn’t know what that meant, all he knew is the little booklet had brought him much comfort.
Feeling eyes on him again Mikhail’s head came up. He searched the faces in the growing crowd and was surprised to see one of the two men he had been sent to kill staring at him.
- Zags
_________________________________________________________
Jerusalem, Israel
The soldier heard the door shut and slowly opened his eyes. He rolled over onto his back and lifted his head with a grimace. Looking around the room he saw that Mikhail was indeed gone. Sitting up he grabbed his head.
“Stupid, stupid, stupid.” He muttered to himself.
Slowly standing up he headed to the bathroom. Taking a shower he held his head under the water and let it soothe him. Finished with his shower he leaned on the counter and looked at his red rimmed eyes in the mirror.
“I hope Trevor’s right about this guy.”
Travis felt his stomach roll and lunged for the toilet.
The soldier heard the door shut and slowly opened his eyes. He rolled over onto his back and lifted his head with a grimace. Looking around the room he saw that Mikhail was indeed gone. Sitting up he grabbed his head.
“Stupid, stupid, stupid.” He muttered to himself.
Slowly standing up he headed to the bathroom. Taking a shower he held his head under the water and let it soothe him. Finished with his shower he leaned on the counter and looked at his red rimmed eyes in the mirror.
“I hope Trevor’s right about this guy.”
Travis felt his stomach roll and lunged for the toilet.
- Zags
________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
Conrad knocked on the door. After a few moments Tansy answered. “Conrad! Do come in dear.”
“Thank you Mrs. Keller. I’m sorry to come by so late, but I wanted to check in with Frank.”
“That’s fine dear, he’s been waiting up for you.” Tansy closed the door and indicated with her hand. “He’s in his office.”
“Thank you ma’am.”
Conrad walked to the door Tansy indicated. He saw Frank on the satellite phone and sat in the chair Frank nodded to.
Listening to the conversation Conrad correctly guessed the Frank was talking to Kristen.
“Look honey. I know you’re worried, but the General will leave soon and your family will be coming home. You just need to be patient. I don’t want you to go off half cocked and get yourself caught.”
Conrad could hear Kristen’s sigh from where he sat. He grinned at Frank and Frank just shook his head.
“Matt too. I promise. Just keep praying that the General leaves soon. Trust the Lord Kristen.” Frank scratched his head. “We’re all praying this is over soon.”
Frank listened for a few moments. “We love all of you. Be careful. Do what Mo and Skunk tell you.”
Frank disconnected the call. Sighing he looked at Conrad. “Renee got the phone working.” He said unnecessarily. “I’m willing to bet the second it was ready Kristen ripped it from her hands and called me.” Frank grinned.
Conrad laughed. “I figured she would. She probably stood over Renee the whole time waiting for her to get it up and running.” He paused. “Has Travis checked in yet?”
“Not yet.” Frank looked at his watch. “It’s pretty early in Israel. They are probably still sleeping.”
“Do you think Mekhdiev is a Christian? Trevor couldn’t really go into detail with the General’s men hovering, but he seemed to think it’s a possibility.”
“I guess we’ll find out.” Frank sighed. “If he is, I doubt he’ll try to kill the two witnesses. If he’s not Travis could be in some big trouble.” Frank stood up and stretched.
Tansy walked in carrying two cups. “I brought you some hot chocolate.” She handed a cup to Conrad and one to Frank. He gaze lingered on Franks face. He looked worn and worried. She ran her hand down his arm in a soothing gesture. “Did you get Kristen calmed down?”
“She said she won’t do anything crazy.” Frank caught Tansy’s hand and held on. “I told her to be patient.” Frank led the way out of his office and into the living room.
Conrad got up and followed. Sitting on the couch he told Tansy, “She was pretty upset while I was there, but I really didn’t have much time to try and calm her down. The General sent some of his men out hunting with us. It took me longer than I thought to get away from the hunting party. I just told them the facts and got out of there. I didn’t want to take a chance that someone would come looking for me.”
“You did what you could dear.” Tansy nodded at Conrad. “At least the kids know why Maddie and Shade haven’t come home yet. Now they won’t make the mistake of coming to the center to check on them.” Tansy turned to Frank. “What about Travis and Mikhail? Did they arrive in Jerusalem safely?”
“I haven’t heard anything yet, but it’s just past dawn in Israel, and pretty late here. I doubt we’ll hear anything until morning.” Frank assured her.
“I’d better get going.” Conrad stood up. “I just wanted to check in. I didn’t think Renee would get the phone up that fast. It took Ray two nights to set up the inscriptions on it.”
Frank and Tansy both followed Conrad to the door. “Good night dear. Thank you for stopping by.”
“Good night ma’am, Sir” Conrad said. He turned and headed for his car.
Frank closed the door and turned to take Tansy in his arms. He didn’t tell her about the SUV parked down the block watching the house.
Conrad knocked on the door. After a few moments Tansy answered. “Conrad! Do come in dear.”
“Thank you Mrs. Keller. I’m sorry to come by so late, but I wanted to check in with Frank.”
“That’s fine dear, he’s been waiting up for you.” Tansy closed the door and indicated with her hand. “He’s in his office.”
“Thank you ma’am.”
Conrad walked to the door Tansy indicated. He saw Frank on the satellite phone and sat in the chair Frank nodded to.
Listening to the conversation Conrad correctly guessed the Frank was talking to Kristen.
“Look honey. I know you’re worried, but the General will leave soon and your family will be coming home. You just need to be patient. I don’t want you to go off half cocked and get yourself caught.”
Conrad could hear Kristen’s sigh from where he sat. He grinned at Frank and Frank just shook his head.
“Matt too. I promise. Just keep praying that the General leaves soon. Trust the Lord Kristen.” Frank scratched his head. “We’re all praying this is over soon.”
Frank listened for a few moments. “We love all of you. Be careful. Do what Mo and Skunk tell you.”
Frank disconnected the call. Sighing he looked at Conrad. “Renee got the phone working.” He said unnecessarily. “I’m willing to bet the second it was ready Kristen ripped it from her hands and called me.” Frank grinned.
Conrad laughed. “I figured she would. She probably stood over Renee the whole time waiting for her to get it up and running.” He paused. “Has Travis checked in yet?”
“Not yet.” Frank looked at his watch. “It’s pretty early in Israel. They are probably still sleeping.”
“Do you think Mekhdiev is a Christian? Trevor couldn’t really go into detail with the General’s men hovering, but he seemed to think it’s a possibility.”
“I guess we’ll find out.” Frank sighed. “If he is, I doubt he’ll try to kill the two witnesses. If he’s not Travis could be in some big trouble.” Frank stood up and stretched.
Tansy walked in carrying two cups. “I brought you some hot chocolate.” She handed a cup to Conrad and one to Frank. He gaze lingered on Franks face. He looked worn and worried. She ran her hand down his arm in a soothing gesture. “Did you get Kristen calmed down?”
“She said she won’t do anything crazy.” Frank caught Tansy’s hand and held on. “I told her to be patient.” Frank led the way out of his office and into the living room.
Conrad got up and followed. Sitting on the couch he told Tansy, “She was pretty upset while I was there, but I really didn’t have much time to try and calm her down. The General sent some of his men out hunting with us. It took me longer than I thought to get away from the hunting party. I just told them the facts and got out of there. I didn’t want to take a chance that someone would come looking for me.”
“You did what you could dear.” Tansy nodded at Conrad. “At least the kids know why Maddie and Shade haven’t come home yet. Now they won’t make the mistake of coming to the center to check on them.” Tansy turned to Frank. “What about Travis and Mikhail? Did they arrive in Jerusalem safely?”
“I haven’t heard anything yet, but it’s just past dawn in Israel, and pretty late here. I doubt we’ll hear anything until morning.” Frank assured her.
“I’d better get going.” Conrad stood up. “I just wanted to check in. I didn’t think Renee would get the phone up that fast. It took Ray two nights to set up the inscriptions on it.”
Frank and Tansy both followed Conrad to the door. “Good night dear. Thank you for stopping by.”
“Good night ma’am, Sir” Conrad said. He turned and headed for his car.
Frank closed the door and turned to take Tansy in his arms. He didn’t tell her about the SUV parked down the block watching the house.
- Zags
________________________________________________________
Jerusalem, Israel
Mikhail moved from his position under the tree. He walked toward the man his eyes locked on him. He stopped about fifty yards from the man and looked at his companion. He had stood and begun to speak.
Matthew 7:7-11
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Mikhail turned to look at the other man and saw he was still watching him. He began to slowly walk forward. He brushed past people, his steps taking him to the front of the small crowd that had begun to gather.
Romans 8:32-34
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Mikhail’s heart lifted with hope. He didn’t understand why, but he felt as if he was on the verge of something wonderful.
He stepped forward in front of the crowd. Seeing movement in the corner of his eye he saw a man step forward. The man shouted obscenities and began throwing rocks at the two men. The men turned toward him their eyes unblinking in the face of the man’s escalating rage.
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The man staggered back a step at the words the two men thundered. Mikhail found himself wanting to smile. Then the man pulled a large knife from underneath his jacket and began running toward the two men. The two men stood firm and when the man was within a few feet they opened their mouths. Fire came out and Mikhail stared in shock as the man was immediately consumed. The crowd behind him screamed in terror and began backing away and running.
Within seconds pandemonium reigned, people knocking each other down in panic as they ran. Mikhail felt someone run into him knocking him forward and he staggered several steps closer to the two men. The two men turned their gazes to him.
Mikhail’s legs felt weak, his eyes on the man who had been consumed by fire. He stumbled another step toward the two men.
1 Corinthians 8:5-6
5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
Mikhail stumbled to within feet of the two men. They watched him their eyes burning with truth.
“I am a murderer. Can He truly forgive me?”
Psalm 103:12
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Romans 10:8-10
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”(that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
“I believe.” Mikhail whispered his eyes filling with tears. “I believe.”
Mikhail moved from his position under the tree. He walked toward the man his eyes locked on him. He stopped about fifty yards from the man and looked at his companion. He had stood and begun to speak.
Matthew 7:7-11
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Mikhail turned to look at the other man and saw he was still watching him. He began to slowly walk forward. He brushed past people, his steps taking him to the front of the small crowd that had begun to gather.
Romans 8:32-34
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Mikhail’s heart lifted with hope. He didn’t understand why, but he felt as if he was on the verge of something wonderful.
He stepped forward in front of the crowd. Seeing movement in the corner of his eye he saw a man step forward. The man shouted obscenities and began throwing rocks at the two men. The men turned toward him their eyes unblinking in the face of the man’s escalating rage.
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The man staggered back a step at the words the two men thundered. Mikhail found himself wanting to smile. Then the man pulled a large knife from underneath his jacket and began running toward the two men. The two men stood firm and when the man was within a few feet they opened their mouths. Fire came out and Mikhail stared in shock as the man was immediately consumed. The crowd behind him screamed in terror and began backing away and running.
Within seconds pandemonium reigned, people knocking each other down in panic as they ran. Mikhail felt someone run into him knocking him forward and he staggered several steps closer to the two men. The two men turned their gazes to him.
Mikhail’s legs felt weak, his eyes on the man who had been consumed by fire. He stumbled another step toward the two men.
1 Corinthians 8:5-6
5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
Mikhail stumbled to within feet of the two men. They watched him their eyes burning with truth.
“I am a murderer. Can He truly forgive me?”
Psalm 103:12
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Romans 10:8-10
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”(that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
“I believe.” Mikhail whispered his eyes filling with tears. “I believe.”
- Zags
_______________________________________________________
Jerusalem, Israel
Mikhail walked into the hotel room his arms laden with bags. He dropped them on the table and made a beeline for the soldier sitting on the edge of the bed.
Catching him by the throat he lifted him to standing position. “There is something about the two men that someone neglected to put in the file.” Mikhail said softly.
Travis wrapped both hands around Mikhail’s wrist. “I thought everything was in there. I don’t know why they didn’t tell you how everyone who’s tried to kill them has died.”
Mikhail let Travis go. “That was in the file.”
Travis had fallen back onto the bed and he slowly stood up. “Then what?” he looked confused.
“I spent most of the day watching the two men. I saw them burn a man alive. I also spent time listening to them. I also spoke with them.”
Travis blinked. Without thinking he rushed forward. “What did they say? What were they like?” In his eagerness Travis stepped so close to Mikhail he actually stepped on his toe.
Mikhail took a step back. He almost smiled, but held himself back. “Why are you so interested in what they had to say Travis? You are here to make sure I complete my assignment, correct?”
“Uhh. Yeah. I guess.” Travis looked crestfallen. “I mean, not many people have…ummm, well….Do you usually talk to people before you kill them?” Travis
“Not usually.” Mikhail gave a shrug. He turned to the bags on the table and began emptying them. He turned and tossed a small bag to Travis. ”It’s food. Eat quickly and then we need to get to the task at hand.”
Travis caught the bag and stared at Mikhail. “So you’ve come up with a plan to kill them?”
Mikhail held up a finger as he chewed his food. After washing it down with a sip of water, he answered. “Kill the two witnesses God sent to proclaim the everlasting Gospel to all of Israel? Of course not. By the way, that little bit of information was not in the file."
Travis began choking on the bite of food he had taken. Mikhail set his sandwich down and proceeded to happily pound on Travis’ back.
Mikhail walked into the hotel room his arms laden with bags. He dropped them on the table and made a beeline for the soldier sitting on the edge of the bed.
Catching him by the throat he lifted him to standing position. “There is something about the two men that someone neglected to put in the file.” Mikhail said softly.
Travis wrapped both hands around Mikhail’s wrist. “I thought everything was in there. I don’t know why they didn’t tell you how everyone who’s tried to kill them has died.”
Mikhail let Travis go. “That was in the file.”
Travis had fallen back onto the bed and he slowly stood up. “Then what?” he looked confused.
“I spent most of the day watching the two men. I saw them burn a man alive. I also spent time listening to them. I also spoke with them.”
Travis blinked. Without thinking he rushed forward. “What did they say? What were they like?” In his eagerness Travis stepped so close to Mikhail he actually stepped on his toe.
Mikhail took a step back. He almost smiled, but held himself back. “Why are you so interested in what they had to say Travis? You are here to make sure I complete my assignment, correct?”
“Uhh. Yeah. I guess.” Travis looked crestfallen. “I mean, not many people have…ummm, well….Do you usually talk to people before you kill them?” Travis
“Not usually.” Mikhail gave a shrug. He turned to the bags on the table and began emptying them. He turned and tossed a small bag to Travis. ”It’s food. Eat quickly and then we need to get to the task at hand.”
Travis caught the bag and stared at Mikhail. “So you’ve come up with a plan to kill them?”
Mikhail held up a finger as he chewed his food. After washing it down with a sip of water, he answered. “Kill the two witnesses God sent to proclaim the everlasting Gospel to all of Israel? Of course not. By the way, that little bit of information was not in the file."
Travis began choking on the bite of food he had taken. Mikhail set his sandwich down and proceeded to happily pound on Travis’ back.
- Zags
________________________________________________________
Southeast Colorado
Becca jogged along her eyes focused intently on the ground in front of her. She kept an eye out for holes and soap weed, and her ears open for any noise in the night air. Slowing to a walk she took out a bottle of water. Taking a quick drink she noticed she was running low again. “Time to find some more water.” She muttered. She pulled out the compass to check her direction and looked around. In the distance she could see lights. Consulting the map she decided it was probably the town of Springfield.
“I have to be sure.” She started jogging toward the lights and an half an hour later came up on the highway. Looking both ways to make sure no one was on the road she began jogging along the highway. Her heart was thundering in her ears as she strained to hear if any traffic was coming her way. It was risky to run along the highway but she wanted to make sure she was heading the right direction. As the lights got closer she watched ahead for any signs along the highway that would tell her where she was.
After a a couple of miles she saw a sign. Springfield 4 Miles. “YES!! THANK YOU LORD!!!”
Becca jogged off the highway about a mile and stopped. She consulted the her map. “I’m guessing forty maybe fifty miles as the crow flies. I could be home in two, three days tops.” With a nod she put the map away, looked at the sky and figured she could run another hour before she had to stop for daylight. She checked her compass and took off running.
Becca jogged along her eyes focused intently on the ground in front of her. She kept an eye out for holes and soap weed, and her ears open for any noise in the night air. Slowing to a walk she took out a bottle of water. Taking a quick drink she noticed she was running low again. “Time to find some more water.” She muttered. She pulled out the compass to check her direction and looked around. In the distance she could see lights. Consulting the map she decided it was probably the town of Springfield.
“I have to be sure.” She started jogging toward the lights and an half an hour later came up on the highway. Looking both ways to make sure no one was on the road she began jogging along the highway. Her heart was thundering in her ears as she strained to hear if any traffic was coming her way. It was risky to run along the highway but she wanted to make sure she was heading the right direction. As the lights got closer she watched ahead for any signs along the highway that would tell her where she was.
After a a couple of miles she saw a sign. Springfield 4 Miles. “YES!! THANK YOU LORD!!!”
Becca jogged off the highway about a mile and stopped. She consulted the her map. “I’m guessing forty maybe fifty miles as the crow flies. I could be home in two, three days tops.” With a nod she put the map away, looked at the sky and figured she could run another hour before she had to stop for daylight. She checked her compass and took off running.
- Zags
_______________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
“Travis checked in. Apparently Mekhdiev hit the ground running. They spent the day doing recon, looking for weaknesses, ways to approach the two men without drawing suspicion. From what Travis said Mekhdiev is very thorough.” Frank reported to the General.
“Excellent. Did he give any indication of when he thinks Mekhdiev will make his move.”
“No. Mekhdiev isn’t much of a talker and he’s not telling Travis much. He just followed the guy around and took photos when he was told.”
The General nodded. “So what are Travis’ thoughts. Does he think Mekhdiev can pull it off? Has he given any indication as to what side he‘s really on?”
“Travis really thinks Mekhdiev will kill the two men, and he thinks he might actually pull it off.” Frank laughed. “At one point Mekhdiev actually approached the two men and tried to talk to them.”
The General’s jaw dropped. “He did what? He actually talked to them?”
“He tried.” Frank continued to chuckle. “They weren’t in the mood to talk though. Travis told me he thought he was gonna have a heart attack. He couldn’t believe when Mekhdiev just walked up to the men. He honestly thought they were both dead. He said he was sweating like a pig the whole time.”
The General roared with laughter. “I could imagine.” He continued to laugh. “Do you think he’s trying to gain their trust?”
“Could be.” Frank shrugged. “It would be a great plan if it works.”
“I’ll alert Babylon. The Potentate is gonna love this.” He reached for the satellite phone.
Frank headed for the door to give the General some privacy. “Hey Frank. As soon as you hear from your man that Mekhdiev is gonna make his move let me know. I’m sure the Potentate will want to see those two crazies buy the farm.
“Will do.” Frank saluted and walked out of the room closing the door behind him.
Walking past Conrad, Frank continued through the outer office into the hallway. He stopped at the exit and gazed out the glass door. “Thank You Father for our new brother. Please forgive me for lying. Also please place a hedge of protection around those two boys. They’re gonna need a miracle to get out of Israel alive. In Jesus name, Amen.”
“Travis checked in. Apparently Mekhdiev hit the ground running. They spent the day doing recon, looking for weaknesses, ways to approach the two men without drawing suspicion. From what Travis said Mekhdiev is very thorough.” Frank reported to the General.
“Excellent. Did he give any indication of when he thinks Mekhdiev will make his move.”
“No. Mekhdiev isn’t much of a talker and he’s not telling Travis much. He just followed the guy around and took photos when he was told.”
The General nodded. “So what are Travis’ thoughts. Does he think Mekhdiev can pull it off? Has he given any indication as to what side he‘s really on?”
“Travis really thinks Mekhdiev will kill the two men, and he thinks he might actually pull it off.” Frank laughed. “At one point Mekhdiev actually approached the two men and tried to talk to them.”
The General’s jaw dropped. “He did what? He actually talked to them?”
“He tried.” Frank continued to chuckle. “They weren’t in the mood to talk though. Travis told me he thought he was gonna have a heart attack. He couldn’t believe when Mekhdiev just walked up to the men. He honestly thought they were both dead. He said he was sweating like a pig the whole time.”
The General roared with laughter. “I could imagine.” He continued to laugh. “Do you think he’s trying to gain their trust?”
“Could be.” Frank shrugged. “It would be a great plan if it works.”
“I’ll alert Babylon. The Potentate is gonna love this.” He reached for the satellite phone.
Frank headed for the door to give the General some privacy. “Hey Frank. As soon as you hear from your man that Mekhdiev is gonna make his move let me know. I’m sure the Potentate will want to see those two crazies buy the farm.
“Will do.” Frank saluted and walked out of the room closing the door behind him.
Walking past Conrad, Frank continued through the outer office into the hallway. He stopped at the exit and gazed out the glass door. “Thank You Father for our new brother. Please forgive me for lying. Also please place a hedge of protection around those two boys. They’re gonna need a miracle to get out of Israel alive. In Jesus name, Amen.”
- Zags
_________________________________________________________
Jerusalem, Israel
“No way. We stick together.” Travis said vehemently.
“Travis…” Mikhail started.
“No. You’re my brother in Christ and we’re sticking together. Look, I have a place you can go. I’ll take you there and then go back to the Center.”
“You cannot go back to the Center. You could be found out and killed.” Mikhail stressed.
“No I won’t. The Center isn’t what you think. All of us, with the exception of the General and his men are Christians.”
Mikhail couldn’t hide his shock. “You are not serious!”
“Yes I am.” Travis nodded emphatically. “All of us, Frank, Conrad, Ray, all of us. We are planning on using the Center as a safe haven for fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Mikhail just sat there staring at Travis. “This certainly changes things.” He stood and began pacing around the room.
Travis sat grinning as he watched Mikhail pace. He had caught the man off guard and the look of shock on the otherwise blank face had almost made him laugh out loud. Almost.
Mikhail stopped pacing and gave Travis a glare. “Where is this place you wish me to go?”
Travis explained about the small group at Black Mesa. “Shade and Maddie are Matt’s parents. You met him on the train.” He waited for Mikhail to nod. “Trevor is also part of that group. For now while the General is there they are all acting like they don’t know each other.” He went on to tell him about everyone else. “Zoe and Becca used to be part of the group but the both died because of the bombing in Colorado Springs.” He shook his head. “That’s gonna hit Kristen hard.”
“Kristen?” Mikhail asked.
“Kristen.” Travis said softly. “You’re gonna absolutely adore Kristen.” He then explained about Kristen’s past.
Mikhail felt sick. He stood and began backing away. “No. I cannot go there.”
“Why?” Travis asked, surprise on his face.
“Because,…I…You know who I used to be employed by. No. I will go my own way.”
Travis smiled. “Mikhail, Kristen is going to love you. Let me tell you about Leon.”
Travis spent the next ten minutes telling how protective Kristen was of the man who had once been one of her abusers.
“You must be mistaken.” Mikhail was astounded.
“Nope. Kristen was like a rabid dog about Leon. She even threatened to leave the family if they didn’t take Leon in. The girl has a heart bigger than Russia. Trust me. She’s going to love you.”
Mikhail felt tears burning behind his eyes. The sincerity in Travis’ eyes convinced him. “Very well. I will go to Black Mesa. But first things first, we have to get out of Jerusalem alive.”
Travis nodded. “Any idea’s on how to do that?”
Mikhail nodded. “We have no choice but to die."
- Zags
_________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
Conrad walked into the outer office and noticed the light in Frank’s office was on. Knowing that Frank had gone home over an hour ago he knew the General was still there. He started to walk over to his desk when he heard the General speaking.
“Yes sir. I’m positive. One of Frank’s own men has confirmed that Director Keller and several of his men are part of the Christian terrorist organization.”
Conrad froze.
“Yes sir. The man’s name is Sebastian Yates. He’s been spying since the rest of the crew was shipped to Babylon...”
Conrad backed out of the office and turned and ran for the door. He jumped in his car and drove toward the main gate. He rolled up to the gate and saw that Ray was manning the shack. “Ray!”
“Going home for the night?” Ray said as he walked over to Conrad’s car.
“Ray! We’re busted. Sebastian ratted us out!”
Ray stopped in his tracks. “No....Why? No. Are you sure?”
“Yes! We have to get out of here and warn the others!”
Ray reached into the guard shack and pressed the button to open the gate. “You go! There are a couple of guys still here working. I’ll warn them and we’ll take the tunnel out. You warn Frank! We‘ll meet you at the end of the tunnel in a couple of hours.”
Conrad started to argue but Ray cut him off. “Go! If we get caught we’re dead. We can’t waste any time. Go!”
Conrad nodded and gunned the engine. Arriving at Franks house he saw the lights were still on. He ran to the door and jabbed the doorbell repeatedly.
Tansy opened the door. “Conrad! What are you doing here?”
He stepped into the house. “Go and pack a bag for you and Frank. The General knows about us all being Christians.”
Tansy’s hand went to her throat. “Dear God, No!”
“Go pack Tansy. Make it quick. Is Frank in his office?” Conrad started across the room.
“No. He went back to the Center.” She looked as if she might faint. “The General called about five minutes ago and said there was an emergency.”
Conrad stopped and whirled around his eyes round in horror. He rushed to the phone and punched in Frank’s cell number. It went straight to voice mail.
Tansy stood with tears rolling down her face. “He left in such a hurry, it only takes a few minutes to get to the center.”
Conrad’s cell phone rang and he looked at the caller id. Seeing it was Sebastian’s number he shut the phone off.
He looked at Tansy. He didn’t know what to do. He knew what Frank would want him to do, but he wanted to get his friends to safety. “Go pack Tansy.”
Tansy nodded and rushed from the room. Conrad began dialing all his friends at the center. Most of the phones went directly to voice mail and he left the same message. “We’re busted. Meet at rendezvous point.”
He dialed Ray. “Hello?”
“Ray! Did you get to the guys in time?”
“Yeah. We’re in the tunnel now.”
“What about Frank and the other guys?”
Ray hesitated. “We saw two of the General’s men dragging Frank toward the main building. We saw a couple of the other guys driving in the gate. I tried to wave them off but they didn’t see me. They got caught.”
“How many of the guys are with you?” Conrad looked up to see Tansy rushing into the room with a bag.
Conrad dropped the phone as a loud explosion sounded in his ear.
Conrad walked into the outer office and noticed the light in Frank’s office was on. Knowing that Frank had gone home over an hour ago he knew the General was still there. He started to walk over to his desk when he heard the General speaking.
“Yes sir. I’m positive. One of Frank’s own men has confirmed that Director Keller and several of his men are part of the Christian terrorist organization.”
Conrad froze.
“Yes sir. The man’s name is Sebastian Yates. He’s been spying since the rest of the crew was shipped to Babylon...”
Conrad backed out of the office and turned and ran for the door. He jumped in his car and drove toward the main gate. He rolled up to the gate and saw that Ray was manning the shack. “Ray!”
“Going home for the night?” Ray said as he walked over to Conrad’s car.
“Ray! We’re busted. Sebastian ratted us out!”
Ray stopped in his tracks. “No....Why? No. Are you sure?”
“Yes! We have to get out of here and warn the others!”
Ray reached into the guard shack and pressed the button to open the gate. “You go! There are a couple of guys still here working. I’ll warn them and we’ll take the tunnel out. You warn Frank! We‘ll meet you at the end of the tunnel in a couple of hours.”
Conrad started to argue but Ray cut him off. “Go! If we get caught we’re dead. We can’t waste any time. Go!”
Conrad nodded and gunned the engine. Arriving at Franks house he saw the lights were still on. He ran to the door and jabbed the doorbell repeatedly.
Tansy opened the door. “Conrad! What are you doing here?”
He stepped into the house. “Go and pack a bag for you and Frank. The General knows about us all being Christians.”
Tansy’s hand went to her throat. “Dear God, No!”
“Go pack Tansy. Make it quick. Is Frank in his office?” Conrad started across the room.
“No. He went back to the Center.” She looked as if she might faint. “The General called about five minutes ago and said there was an emergency.”
Conrad stopped and whirled around his eyes round in horror. He rushed to the phone and punched in Frank’s cell number. It went straight to voice mail.
Tansy stood with tears rolling down her face. “He left in such a hurry, it only takes a few minutes to get to the center.”
Conrad’s cell phone rang and he looked at the caller id. Seeing it was Sebastian’s number he shut the phone off.
He looked at Tansy. He didn’t know what to do. He knew what Frank would want him to do, but he wanted to get his friends to safety. “Go pack Tansy.”
Tansy nodded and rushed from the room. Conrad began dialing all his friends at the center. Most of the phones went directly to voice mail and he left the same message. “We’re busted. Meet at rendezvous point.”
He dialed Ray. “Hello?”
“Ray! Did you get to the guys in time?”
“Yeah. We’re in the tunnel now.”
“What about Frank and the other guys?”
Ray hesitated. “We saw two of the General’s men dragging Frank toward the main building. We saw a couple of the other guys driving in the gate. I tried to wave them off but they didn’t see me. They got caught.”
“How many of the guys are with you?” Conrad looked up to see Tansy rushing into the room with a bag.
Conrad dropped the phone as a loud explosion sounded in his ear.
- Zags
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