The Gatherers
Year One

The Storm Breaker was under way once more. It was on a return trip toward Maine to retrieve Albert Barrington, Michael Lenox, Erin Greye and Craig Moore. Having just left the top of the Federal Building in Albany, the two pilots, Keith “Ace” LeBeau and Jeremy “Rookie” Bandjough, were prepared for the flight, and LeBeau was praying for an uneventful one at that.

As it turned out, it wasn‘t uneventful at all.

Bandjough was unusually quiet as they started out and LeBeau wondered if it was because of his preaching at him. In retrospect, LeBeau realized that the roles were suddenly reversed since the day of the vanishings. Kevin Vogel, who had been his co-pilot before Bandjough, had always preached at him about salvation and the end of the world and he had not accepted it.

Now he was the one preaching and Bandjough wasn’t accepting it.

LeBeau knew something was on the younger man’s mind so he decided to open up a conversation. He promised he wouldn’t preach unless the Spirit led otherwise. “You look like yer suckin’ on lemons, Rookie,” he said as casually as he could. “Why ya thinkin’ so hard?”

Bandjough glanced at him. “I’m just wondering about something, is all.”

“What’cha wonderin’ about?”

He shrugged. “About Doc.”

LeBeau chuckled. “Oh. I get it. You have a crush on her or somethin’. Don’t ya?”

Bandjough looked at him, startled. “What?” His face turned red. “No, no. It’s nothing like that.”

“Sure it is. ‘Cause yer burnin’ up like you’ve been on the grill too long.” He let out another loud chuckle. “Can’t say that I blame ya though ’cause Doc sure is pretty and…” He suddenly stopped when he realized where the conversation was heading. He cleared his throat, asking God to help him keep the conversation clean. “Look, maybe you should just keep yer thoughts on flyin’ and not on…anythin’ else. Alright?”

Bandjough let out a sigh and glanced at him. “What are you yapping on about, Ace? I’m not thinking badly of Doc.” He paused. “I have to say that you’re one hundred percent wrong about her being pretty.” He shook his head. “She’s not pretty at all.”

LeBeau snapped his head around to stare at him incredulously. “Now I know yer blind! The Director has hired a blind rookie to fly with me! I’m doomed!” He shook his head. “How can ya say she’s not pretty at all?”

Bandjough grinned at him. “Because she’s hot!”

“Oh, yer a wise guy, huh?”

“Come on, I’m not stupid and I already told you I wasn’t thinking like that about her.”

LeBeau scowled at him.

“I wasn’t.”

“Then, what was ya thinkin’?”

Bandjough paused as he gathered his thoughts. “Dude…come on. We just dropped off a wounded guy who was involved in an assassination plot on the President. I know she’s a doctor and all, but how is she gonna operate on this guy’s leg when we dropped them off at the Federal Building? How come we didn’t take them to the hospital?”

LeBeau shrugged. “Look, we was told to drop them off at the Federal Buildin’ so that’s where we dropped them off. It’s just that simple.”

“Aren’t you even curious why?”

“It ain’t my job to be curious. Nor is it yours as I recall. Besides, the hospital ain‘t got power except for them generator thingie‘s.”

“The Federal Building is set up the same way.”

“Ya have an answer for everythin’, don’t ya, Sherlock?”

Bandjough regarded him for a moment.

LeBeau was beginning to feel uncomfortable. “Stop starin’ at me. It’ll prove hazardous to yer health ya keep that up.”

The younger pilot let out a sigh. “That’s what I figured.” He turned his head and looked out the window.

“Ya figured what, smart guy?”

Bandjough continued to look at something below them. “It’s because you guys are Christians, isn’t it? You’ve all turned to Jesus and God ever since the vanishings and now you’re going to band together. You’re gonna start keeping secrets and do what you can to prove the world is nearing the end.” He shook his head. “Something’s going on and you know what it is. But you won’t tell me because you don’t trust me.”

LeBeau paused. “If there’s somethin’ goin’ on with this wounded guy and why we took him to the Federal Buildin’ and not the hospital, believe me, I don’t know what it is. I’m just as much in the dark about it as you are, alright?”

Bandjough didn’t answer him. He kept his back toward him as he peered out the window.

“Look, I can’t tell ya what I don’t know, now, can I?”

Again, the rookie didn’t respond.

LeBeau frowned. “What? Not gonna talk now? Ain’t ya got somethin’ at all to say to me?”

“Uh huh,” Bandjough said softly.

“Oh, yeah? And what’s that?”

“Wow, that convoy looks like army ants from way up here, don’t it?”

LeBeau leaned forward and looked out the window in the same direction Bandjough was looking. “What convoy?”

Bandjough pointed.

LeBeau stared in astonishment.

Below them, traveling along Interstate 90 toward Albany was exactly what Bandjough had said it was. A convoy. There were trucks pulling trailers, accompanied by jeeps and several motorcycles. There were no apparent military markings of any kind, yet the formation seemed to be of a military style. LeBeau had the feeling that this couldn’t possibly lead to any good.

“Who are these guys?” Bandjough asked, watching the large convoy draw nearer to Albany.

LeBeau was about to tell him that he didn’t know when his radio caught his attention. A man’s authoritative voice demanded, “To the unidentified flying object, this is Ed Carr, Senior Director of Justice. You are ordered to identify yourself or face the dire consequences of your actions. You will comply.”

LeBeau and Bandjough exchanged looks.

“Is he talking to us?” Bandjough inquired.

LeBeau again was about to answer, but was interrupted.

“We have you in our sights,” the man’s voice replied sternly. “We will use force if necessary. Identify yourself. You have thirty seconds.”

Bandjough pointed. “Look.”

LeBeau looked and suddenly wished he hadn’t. Coming right toward them from their left were four helicopters. These choppers, however, were armed to the teeth. He could tell just by looking at them.

“This can’t be good,” Bandjough replied, stating the obvious.

LeBeau shook his head. “Those are Bell ARH’s,” he said softly. “Lord Jesus, please help us.”

“ARH?” He frowned. “Dude…either you’re telling me what these chopper’s are called or you just started to speak the language of the one-eyed pirate. I don’t remember ever hearing of a Bell ARH.”

“ARH is ‘Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter,” LeBeau answered, speaking rapidly. “Man, it’s top-of-the-line aerodynamics all the way with them babies! They’re built to fly faster and they got sensors and weapons galore!”

“The Storm Breaker can take them.”

“One, yeah. Two, maybe.” LeBeau swallowed a lump in his throat. “But four?”

The radio came to life once more. “Your time is up. One last chance to comply or you will be fired upon.”

LeBeau sighed as he grabbed the radio. “This is Keith LeBeau of the ATD. I am on a mission to retrieve field agents, so back off and give me some room.”

“Son, you’re speaking to a high-ranking official of the Justice Department. I would suggest you think before using that tone with me.”

“I don’t use any other tone than when I’m dealin’ with the JD. I know how ya’all operate. I say again. Back off. I’m on a mission.”

“You will turn around and head back to the Federal Building in Albany where you came from. If you don’t, I’ll have to inform Director Fuller that you were shot down for dereliction of duty. And believe me, I won’t lose any sleep over it.”

LeBeau paused as he realized something. He had heard the name of Ed Carr before. Albert Barrington and Michael Lenox had brought the name up in conversation, but it was always negative. Director Darren T. Fuller had also spoken about him in negative tones.

Could this be the same man?

“Director Fuller would not believe I was derelict of anythin’ spoken falsely of me,” LeBeau finally responded.

Carr’s voice came back from the radio. The man sounded as if he were resigned to carry out his threat. “You’re a fool son. In case you weren’t aware of it, we are at war. Those who desert their assigned areas will be shot on sight and you, sir, are deserting your assigned area. As an ATD agent, you should know you’re to remain where you are in time of crisis to assist those in need. Now I‘m through fooling around. Turn back.”

Bandjough looked at LeBeau. “He really sounds serious.”

LeBeau just looked at him. Finally, he said into the radio, “We’re on our way back.”

“I will meet you there.”

“Oh, joy!”

The radio became silent and so did LeBeau and Bandjough as they turned the Storm Breaker about. They headed back to the Federal Building with four Bell ARH’s behind them and a convoy below them.

They discovered one other dilemma.

“I can’t radio back to HQ to let them know we’re returning with company,” Bandjough replied with frustration. He turned to look at LeBeau. “They’re jamming our frequency.”

“That’s just great,” LeBeau said with a sigh. “Carr doesn’t want Director Fuller to know he’s comin‘…and we can’t warn him.”

A room had been set aside for Staci Cohen to treat her patient. However, she found herself faced with a number of dilemma’s. The room itself was not exactly sterile, but there was nothing she could do about it. Nor could she do anything about the lack of equipment needed to perform a fully functional total knee surgery on her patient.

It was completely out of her hands.

Hank Sumter was a man who had betrayed his President and now suffered a grievous wound in his right knee. He was a prisoner of the ATD and a patient of Dr. Cohen. He had no say on the matter at all and didn’t care one way or the other. He was only concerned with one thing but he didn’t know if he could turn to anyone for help. What could they possibly do to help him anyway?

Marc Shiva and Ken Willon did what they could to help Staci. They helped bring Sumter into the room and they put him on a table prepared for him.

“What do you want us to do?” Willon asked when the patient was on the table.

Staci was preparing herself with what she had. All she could actually do was somehow close up the wound, stop the bleeding and try to keep an infection from setting in. She looked at Sumter. The man was already perspiring more than she had wanted. And she hadn’t wanted him to perspire at all. From the ashen look on his face, he was already suffering from some infection.

“I need supplies,” she told him. “Anything you can find in this building, I need it now. I need medical supplies.” She named off a list of what she needed. “And I need someone to keep others from coming in here.” She glanced around forlornly. “I wish we didn’t have to deal with generated power.”

Willon glanced toward Sumter.

Staci sighed. She knew what he was thinking. “He is in no condition to give me any trouble, Ken. Besides, Marc will stay with me.”

Shiva nodded his head. “I won’t let anything happen to Doc, Ricochet.”

Willon nodded. Then, he left the room to see what he could do about getting the supplies Staci needed.

When he was gone, Staci turned to face Shiva. “Marc, I’d hate to burst your bubble, but you’re not here to protect me.”

Shiva frowned at her, puzzled. “I’m not?”

“No. You’re here to assist me.” She handed him a pair of scissors. “You’re my nurse, so start cutting off the right leg of his pants.”

Shiva hesitated. Then, he gathered up his nerve and began to assist Staci. As he did so, he never would have thought he would have ended up becoming a nurse to a doctor whom had her license suspended. He was once a wrestler. Then, an agent of the ATD. Now…he was suddenly thrown into the field of medicine.

What could possibly be next?

As Shiva and Staci leaned over Sumter, he reached up and touched Staci’s arm. She looked into his eyes and saw his fear. “You’ll be okay,” she promised. “I’m going to help you.”

He shook his head. “No…you won’t.” He blinked, trying to focus on her. “They’re coming.”

Staci and Shiva exchanged looks.

“Who’s coming?” she asked him.

But Sumter couldn’t respond. He had lost consciousness.

Director Darren T. Fuller brought David King and President Walter J. Ballou to his office without any incident. He was concerned someone would eventually recognize King for who he was. Or at the least, who he once was. If they recognized him and had not had a change of heart, it wouldn’t matter to them if Darwyn Musad had had a change himself. They would only see him as a terrorist.

So far, no one even looked their way as they walked through the ATD Center. Once inside his office, Fuller closed the door and waved the two men to help themselves to a seat.

No one, however, sat.

Fuller let out a sigh. “Neither one of you is making this easy.”

“Darren, this man is a terrorist,” the President pointed out.

“This man,” Fuller began in King’s defense, “was a terrorist. He isn’t any more. And I already told you before, Mr. President. Forgive him like God has and move on.”

Ballou let out a sigh. “So it’s that simple, is it?”

Fuller nodded. “Yes, it is.”

Ballou regarded King for a moment. “What do you have to say on the matter, David? Should I be so ready to forgive you for having a hand in the attack on my country?”

King paused as he considered how he would answer. Finally, he said, “Mr. President…you may not believe a word I say, but I do understand where you are coming from. But please, sir, I need you to listen carefully to the words I say. We are no longer just ordinary men whatever others may perceive of us. We are the children of God.”

“You cannot sincerely keep playing that card. There are still laws that--”

“You are talking about man’s laws. I am talking about God’s laws. And I assure you, Mr. President, I am not playing any card. The simple truth is that we are children of God and as His children, we are in a place of great importance. We have a higher calling. All of us do, not just any one person. Every one of us who has become one of His has become an ambassador of Christ and must therefore do our part.”

Ballou glanced at Fuller. “What do you mean, we? What part involves all of us?”

King looked him in the eyes. “We have the salvation of Christ. We know more about what is at stake than the rest of the world does. Everyone who is now a born again Christian is at war with the enemies of God because when Jesus came and took out His Church, the Devil and his demons seized a greater hold on this planet. They will do everything in their power to stop us from continuing what God wants us to do. They will throw everything they have against us because they do not want us to bring others to the saving knowledge that Jesus still has to offer those who will accept.” He shook his head. “No one, Mr. President, can stay on the sidelines any longer. They either have to choose to fight or they must choose death.”

Ballou sighed. “If you’re talking about the coming of the mark of the beast, don’t we have some time before that occurs?”

“There will still be heavy opposition. It is coming.” He paused. “For now, I must tell you not to do what your heart is telling you, but to do what God is telling your heart. If you cannot forgive me and put the past behind us, then you cannot. If you have to take me into custody, I won’t give you any trouble. Just consider one thing.” He opened the Bible he held in his hands and turned to the scriptures. When he stopped, he said, “I just want you to see something, Mr. President. Please understand, I am fully aware of my guilt, but I know God has completely forgiven and forgotten all about my sin because I have given it to Him at the cross. God has something for us to do and we must not delay. So let me read to you from the scriptures about a man who terrorized the church, as I have terrorized Americans and Jews. This man bound them up, took them to Jerusalem, tortured and executed them because they were Christians. He did as I have done to many innocent Americans and Jews. This man, in a sense, was also a terrorist, but God saved him and used Him to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Ballou paused. “You have my attention.”

“Then, let me read to you…” He held the Bible up and read out loud from the scriptures. “‘And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord?’”

King looked up. “Isn’t it interesting to note that Saul - before he became Paul - asked who it was and yet called Him Lord anyway? “He knew! In his heart, he simply knew. But you must see how this man went seeking out Christians to kill them because he hated them. The Bible says he was breathing out threats. He was very committed in pursuing them. Now we find him on a road and Jesus has pursued him.” He continued to read. “‘And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what will thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.’ This man who pursued Christians to kill them was now doing what the Lord had told him.”

Ballou nodded.

Fuller was also giving King his undivided attention.

King held up a hand. “But wait. Now we are about to see another man who knows who this Saul is. At least he knew of his reputation and he had every right to be fearful. Yet what happens? This other man obeys the Lord’s commands.” He picked up where he left off. “‘And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus:

“‘For, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened.

“‘Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed…’ Why? ‘…and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

“‘And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.’ 1

“So, Mr. President, you must do what you feel is right, but know this…God has saved me much in the same way as He had saved Paul. I must go about to do the will of Him who saved me. He has called me into His service and not even you can put a stop to that. I choose to serve the One true God, even with my last breath.” He paused. “I serve Him as a free man or as a condemned man. It does not matter. What God has purposed to do cannot be undone by mortal man or by Satan’s horde.”

Ballou and Fuller exchanged looks.

Fuller smiled wryly. “He’s good.”

The President let out a sigh. Finally, he turned to King and held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, David.”

They shook hands.

Fuller clapped them both on the shoulders. “Good. Now that that is settled, I need to get you out of here, David, and, Mr. President, I need to find you additional security.”

King held up a hand. “That is unnecessary at this time, my brother. I must go to Staci and help with the patient.” He paused. “This patient was one of your men, Mr. President.”

Ballou frowned. “This man is the reason why my entire team of Secret Service agents are dead. Hank Sumter betrayed us. He’ll be punished for his crimes.” Suddenly, he regarded King closely. “Why are you so concerned for him?”

“God has told me to go to him and bring him to the Truth.”

Fuller blinked. “Ah, David, that’s really not a good idea. You can’t go walking around this place without eventually being recognized. The President recognized you. Someone else might, too.”

King shook his head. “I won’t be recognized.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Darren, if you do not trust me in this, then trust in God. He is leading us all to places we would never dare to go before. We must have courage and hold fast to our faith for these times are trying. Even Jesus said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.’ 2” He turned to Ballou. “Mr. President, do not give up hope on Hank Sumter. God has told me to give him the message and I believe the message will be received. Hank Sumter is a traitor, sir, but very soon, he will become one of our brothers in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

With that, King turned and boldly left the office, carrying on with the task God had given him.

Why is this happening, God? Why can’t you get through to him? Albert Barrington had asked himself those questions since he had returned to the ranch at Piscataquis River Reservoir in Maine. Erin Greye was with Donna Perkins at the shelter in Penobscot County. Barrington was at the President’s ranch with Craig Moore and Chuck McLaughlin, the only survivor of one of the President’s men.

They had come from a church called the First Baptist Church of Willow Creek where they had discovered a north Korean assassin lying dead in the field behind it. The assassin had had no weapons on him. The weapons were discovered later, in the woods behind the church a great distance from the body. Barrington could only reason that the assassin had asked God to save him.

The man had gone into the church as the small congregation had witnessed, wept bitterly and then left with what seemed to be a great burden lifted from his shoulders. He had gone outside only to be shot by a man. The description of the man was not lost on Barrington.

It was Michael Lenox.

“Son,” Moore began as he approached him. They were standing in a field behind the ranch.

Barrington was staring off into the woods, wondering where his friend could have gone off to. He gave no indication he had heard Moore speak to him.

Moore glanced at McLaughlin. “Look, I know you want your friend to come back, but since we don’t know where he is or what happened to him, we have to be moving on. Don’t you think?” He paused. “I’m sure he’s fine. That Michael Lenox may be many things, I’m sure…He seemed like an angry young man to me, but he’s the kind of man who can fend for himself. He’ll be fine.”

Barrington shook his head. “No. He won’t be.”

“Now how can you say that?”

He turned his head to look at Moore. “He doesn’t know the Lord. And anyone who doesn’t know the Lord from the second the vanishings had occurred is only living on borrowed time.” He regarded Moore and McLaughlin for a moment. “Get saved. Both of you…before your time runs out. I can only pray that Michael doesn’t run out of time before it’s too late for him.”

1 - Acts 9:1 - 31
2 - Mark 10:27

Fuller and Ballou remained in Fuller’s office after King had left them. Fuller was concerned about King walking freely about the Federal Building. He was afraid the man would be discovered for who he truly was and matters were in peril of getting out of hand. However, he also realized King was right. God was in control and moving them into areas of their lives they had never been before.

It was true then that it all rested upon one word.

Faith.

Fuller and his Gatherers had to have faith. Without it, they were lost.

“Do you really think it’s wise to let him walk around the place like that?” Ballou asked him. “Things are bound to get out of hand in a hurry of someone sees him and just happens to recognize one of America’s most wanted terrorists.”

“At this point, Mr. President, let’s just pray that God will keep him protected.” Fuller paused as he considered his next words. “After all, aren’t we all in His hands now?”

Ballou looked at him. “So…it gets a lot harder from here then, doesn’t it?”

Fuller nodded.

“Then, bring it on.”

Fuller grinned in spite of how grim things seemed. “Before you head on into the midst of battle, sir, don’t you think you need a new team of agents to protect you?”

“God is protecting me, isn’t He? He brought me this far.” He folded his arms across his chest and let out a sigh. “At least, isn’t that what you just got through reassuring me with?”

“Let’s not tempt trouble to come our way. We still have to use wisdom as well as faith. I think they probably go hand in hand, don’t you?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “I’ve already arranged to have one of my best to protect you. He should be here momentarily.”

“Who is he?”

“His name is Matthew Lambert. He’s been with the ATD for as long as I’ve known him.” He glanced out the window. “He’ll remain at your side until we have an idea of what our next move should be.”

Ballou walked over to the window and peered out. He studied the city outline as he thought about the recent events of the past few weeks. “Darren,” he finally said. “This man…Matthew Lambert…do you know where he stands?”

Fuller regarded him. “He takes his duties very seriously. I can assure you of that.”

“I’m not talking about his duties. I’m talking about his faith. Where he stands. What he believes in. Isn’t that what will motivate him? You can no longer take any man into consideration because of how they perform their duty but what they believe in. What if this man doesn’t believe as we do? What if he can be easily influenced away from the truth? Eventually, a man like that could be dangerous to us.”

“We can’t ignore everyone who doesn’t see things as we do, Mr. President. I don’t really know where Matthew stands right now. I only know of his work ethics, but even if he doesn’t see things our way, we’ll have an opportunity to witness to him. If he’s lost, maybe we can show him how to be saved. Isn’t that the point?”

Ballou nodded, but he remained by the window.

There was a knock on the door.

“That must be him now.” Fuller turned toward the door. “Come in.”

The door opened and a tall man strode into the office. His dark hair was military short and his face was clean-shaven. His shoes were military polished. His very demeanor was one of determination and confidence. He was indeed a man who stood beside his country. He took very seriously honor and duty.

“Director Fuller,” he greeted with a brief nod. “I was told you were expecting me.”

Fuller reached out to him and offered his hand. “Yes, I was. Thank you for coming.”

They shook hands.

“Matthew,” Fuller replied, “I’d like for you to meet the President of the--”

Ballou turned from the window, rolling his eyes. “Oh, for pity’s sake! There’s just no end to it, is there?” He held out his hand toward Lambert. “Matt, I am Walter J. Ballou and I’m glad to meet you.”

Lambert shook his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. President.”

“I’m not going to beat around the bush here, son. Because of treason on the part of a man who was trusted, I lost my team of agents who were assigned to protect me. You come highly recommended by my friend here, your Director of the ATD. He trusts you for the job and that’s good enough for me. I’m asking you to head up a team of new agents. Do you feel up to the task?”

Lambert nodded curtly. There was a look of anticipation in his eyes. “Mr. President, I am always up to a new challenge.” He paused. “I’m sorry for the loss you suffered recently, sir. I am honored by this request and accept it.”

“Thank you, son.” Ballou regarded him for a moment. “Now…there’s something else I would like to ask you. Due to the recent events, I feel it is necessary to ask you if you have come to the same conclusions that we have. The entire world has been changed in the blink of an eye. Millions of people have vanished, including every child upon the earth. The world is heading for changes that were predicted in the Bible. My question is where do you stand? Do you see that we are living in the End Times as recorded in Revelations? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and turned from your sinful nature?”

Lambert shook his head. “Mr. President…that isn’t what I expected to hear when you told me you had a question for me.” He looked at him. “No, sir. I haven’t accepted any Savior. I’m a pagan, sir, and as such, I don’t follow any form of Christianity at all.”

Ballou frowned. “Is that right?”

“Mr. President, regardless of what either of us believe, I am still sworn to upholding my duty. That I will never waver in.”

Ballou was about to respond when movement outside the window caught his eye. He turned to look and was surprised to find a helicopter hovering just outside the window.

Fuller moved to the window, frowning as he looked out at the Storm Breaker. He saw LeBeau and Bandjough in the cockpit clearly and LeBeau tapped his headset as he shook his head. Then, the pilots brought the chopper up, eventually disappearing from view.

“What was that all about?” Ballou asked.

Fuller looked out the window. “I think Keith and Jeremy couldn’t contact us by radio. They wanted to tell us something.”

“Like what?”

“We’ve got company coming.”

Below them in the streets, the building was being surrounded by vehicles.

Shiva would have made an excellent nurse. He did everything Staci had asked from him in caring for Sumter’s damaged knee. The unfortunate truth, however, was that Staci couldn’t do anything for him until she had him stabilized. For the moment, she was concentrating on stopping the bleeding and splinting the leg. An actual operation on the knee would not come until much later.

At least she didn’t have to take the bullet out for it had gone straight through Sumter’s knee where Michael Lenox had shot him. It was a small comfort. As she prepared to put a makeshift splint around his knee, she wondered how she was going to get an x-ray of the wound. She couldn’t bring Sumter to Albany Medical. Besides, she was certain the staff there had their hands full with the current crisis.

“Good thing he’s out of it,” Shiva said as he helped steady Sumter’s leg. “I imagine he would have given us a hard time, what with the pain he’s in.”

Staci nodded. “Yeah…but I’d like to know what he meant by ‘They’re coming.’ Sounded kind of ominous…didn’t it?”

Shiva nodded.

At that moment, the door opened and in walked David King with his Bible. He took one look at them and made his approach with determination.

Staci hesitated. “David…it’s nice to see you, but…why are you here?”

“I came to offer any help I can give,” King began as he came to stand beside Shiva. He regarded the wounded man with patience. “How long has he been unconscious?”

“Not long,” Staci responded. “I don’t know how long he’ll be out either, but I gave him some pain killers meant to keep him down. It could be a while. Why? Does the President want him interrogated?”

“Perhaps. But I want him saved. I am prepared to proclaim the Gospel to him when he regains consciousness.”

“Do you think he’ll listen?” Shiva asked.

“I know he will.” King pursed his lips in thought. “Still, I am troubled. I believe we are going to have to pray because the devil does not want this man to be saved. Let us put our hands upon him and ask for God’s intervention.”

Shiva and Staci exchanged looks.

They couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was about to happen, but as to whether that something was going to be good or bad, they didn’t know. They placed their hands on Sumter as King led them into prayer.

“What do you plan on doing, son?” Moore asked Barrington as they headed for the kitchen in the shelter below the ranch.

The three men were hungry and decided it would be best if they could find food. In the cool, walk-in pantry’s underground, the food stored there was plentiful.

McLaughlin led the way because he was the only one of the three who knew the full detail of the shelter.

“Let’s just eat,” Barrington replied, hoping to avoid questions.

“Eating is a good plan.” Moore glanced. “I ain’t never said we wasn’t gonna eat. Better hope this food down here for all of the President’s men is good, but I know it’s not like fried squirrel.”

Barrington shook his head. “Nobody eats fried squirrel.”

Moore frowned. “How you know, son? Listen, I made you and all my sons fried squirrel since the day you was born.”

Barrington looked at him.

“Okay…so maybe I didn’t, but listen, I’m from Queens and where I’m from, fried squirrel is a delicacy.” When he saw the look on Barrington’s face, Moore said, “Okay, maybe it isn’t, but I’m still from Queens.”

McLaughlin glanced back at Barrington. “Don’t listen to him, Al. The honest truth is…he’s not really from Queens.”

“Oh, son, how can you say that?” Moore shook his head. “Oh, I just ought to knock you down for that. Uhm, uhm…You know, I used to feed you fried squirrel and you would always say, ‘Pa, can I have some more please?’ Back in the day, you loved your Pa’s fried squirrel. I can’t believe you just told this nice young man that your ole Pa isn’t really from Queens.”

McLaughlin led them into the kitchen. “Well, you won’t find any squirrel’s here, Pa.” He went to the refrigerator unit and opened it. “Outside, maybe. But not in here. Nothing gets in…” He stopped when he realized what he was about to say.

Barrington paused. “The only reason the enemy got in here was because someone let them in.”

“And your people already took that man back. I know.” McLaughlin looked at Barrington. “That was a good move, because he’d be dead right now if I had anything to do with it.”

“We’re going to find out why he betrayed the President, and--”

“I don’t care why he did it. I only care about the end result.”

“Well, son,” Moore began as he placed a few pieces of bread onto the table, preparing to make a sandwich, “you’d best forget about taking your vengeance on Hank Sumter ‘cause he’s far away from here. You can’t get him now unless you can fly.” He stopped and turned to look at McLaughlin. “Can you fly? No?” He shook his head. “Didn’t think so.”

McLaughlin turned to face Barrington. “I don’t care where your people took him. I don’t care what facility you end up locking him into. You just know this. I’m going to go after him and when I find him, Hank Sumter will be a dead man.”

“I understand where you’re coming from,” Barrington replied, “but you just can’t take matters into your own hands.”

“Watch me.”

Moore glanced at them from the table. “Oh, boys…just make something to eat. Man’s gotta have his strength so he can do those things …which need to be done. And, you, my son from the ATD…you still haven’t told me what you plan to do.”

Barrington let out a sigh. “I’m going back to Willow Creek while you two get picked up to be taken to Albany.”

“What about Donna? I promised her I’d be back to help her.”

McLaughlin looked at Moore. “Who’s Donna?”

“She’s--”

Barrington interrupted, hoping to steer the conversation away from the shelter at Donna Perkin’s farmland. “Donna has received help, Pa. She’s going to be okay.”

Moore paused. “Donna will be worried about me, you know. I am old. I’m a hundred and eighty seven and she’ll just want to see if I’m okay.”

“She knows.”

Moore regarded him. He knew Barrington didn’t want to discuss anything that might reveal the location of the shelter so he decided to continue with the discussion he had already tried to open several times. “Now, son…I know you’re going to head on back over to the Willow Creek Baptist Church, but you still haven’t told us why. Not that you have to, mind you, because your Pa may be old, but he has a mind like a sharp sword, son.” He tapped a finger to his temple. “Sharp, I’m telling you. You see, ‘cause I happen to know you’re gonna go back there to try to find your friend. I just have one question for you.”

Barrington looked at him.

Moore leaned forward. “What makes you think he wants to be found?”

“You think he…Are you saying he just took off or something? Why would he do that?”

“I don’t know, son. He’s your friend. You know him more than I do so you’re more qualified to answer that than I. If he doesn’t want to be found, you won’t find him. Maybe he has to go out and search for some answers. Maybe he’ll come back when he’s ready.” Moore shrugged. “Maybe he won’t come back at all. So why don’t you just wait for him?”

Barrington shook his head. “I’m not waiting.”

“Why not?”

“Because he’s my friend and I’m not going to wait around to know whether he’s alright or not. If he’s in trouble, I want to be there for him.”

“What if he brought the trouble upon himself, son?”

“I don’t care if he did. I still want to be there with him to help him through it.”

Moore nodded thoughtfully. “Son, this Michael Lenox may not know this, but he’s very fortunate to have you as a friend.”

It was always the end result that mattered to Ed Carr and he was proud to bring that end result about. If there was a mystery that needed to be solved, he solved it one way or the other. If there were people who needed to disappear, he was the one who made them disappear. If there was something that needed to go away, he was the one who buried it.

Ed Carr was the end result.

As the Bell ARH hovered a few feet above the rooftop of the Federal Building in Albany, he was out of the doors before it even settled. He bounded through the door and landed on his feet as if he did such a thing every day. He headed directly for the Storm Breaker as its rotors began to stop turning.

Carr pulled open the door and climbed in. “Gentlemen,” he said without waiting for a response from them, “you are hereby grounded from flight until further notice.”

LeBeau took off his headset and glared at him. “Says you!” he snapped.

Carr pursed his lips. Then, he nodded. “Yes. Says me…since I am the one who just said it. Failure to obey this command will result with repercussions you would do best to avoid.”

“We don’t take orders from you.”

“I’m Ed Carr, Senior Director of--”

“Justice,” LeBeau growled with a nod. “Yeah. I heard ya the first time.”

Carr narrowed his eyes. “I’m not liking your tone, son. Because of your ignorance, I’ll let this matter drop. Once you’ve heard it from your own Director, perhaps your tone will become more respectful, but if it doesn’t…I assure you. You’ll wish you had never met Ed Carr.”

Without another word, he left the Storm Breaker and headed for the entrance to the building. Behind him, several of his Justice agents joined him.

Bandjough turned to LeBeau and scowled. “I already do wish we hadn’t met him. Don’t you?”

LeBeau snorted his agreement to that.

Outside the Storm Breaker, Carr and his team of specialists looked as if they had a purpose. Their long strides carried them with determination. Their expressions were cold and calculating. When these men looked at people, their eyes seemed to bore into them as if they could see a person’s soul.

Carr reached for the door handle but the door swung open just before he could touch it. He and his team came to a stop as the President, Director Fuller, and Agent Lambert stepped out into the sunlight. The three men remained in the doorway, barring the Justice agents from entering the building.

Fuller and Carr regarded each other as if no one else was present.

Finally, Fuller shook his head. “I should have known you would have made an appearance sooner or later.”

“Of course,” Carr replied with a shrug. “How can you expect anything less from me?”

Fuller looked behind the team of Justice agents and noted the Storm Breaker on its landing pad. Two other helicopters were also on the roof in separate landing pads, as there were only a total of three landing pads on the rooftop of the Federal Building. The helicopters Carr and his men arrived in were Bell ARH’s.

“Are you responsible for turning the Storm Breaker around from its rescue mission?” Fuller demanded, already knowing the answer. He was familiar enough with Carr to know that the man would not cooperate unless there was a dialogue of some kind.

Carr simply enjoyed the sound of his own voice. “First of all, there is no rescue mission. Secondly, I am responsible for calling off the supposed rescue mission.”

“My men were on their way to retrieve field agents in the field. Leaving them out there will have them stranded in a no-mans land.”

Carr dismissed it with a wave. “Your field agents can remain on the field, Director Fuller. They’re professionals. They’ll be fine. Sending out for them now is unwise. One lone helicopter would make a tempting target for any terrorist out there who remains as a threat. Besides, there is plenty of work to do here in the great city of Albany. Wouldn’t you agree?” He didn’t give Fuller a chance to answer. “This city is now under martial law. No one comes into it and no one goes out of it without the proper authority.”

“My men have the authority.”

Carr shook his head. “No, they don’t. This is over your head, Director. Our country is at the highest threat alert it has ever seen and Justice has been given the task of restoring order through any means possible. You and your men may certainly continue with the efforts you are doing, but any major decisions or actions will now require approval.” A smirk touched his face. “My approval.”

Fuller nodded slowly. “I see. By…your approval.”

“That’s correct.”

Casually, Fuller folded his arms across his chest and paused. “Mr. Carr, are you even remotely aware that the President of the United States is standing right beside me and his authority exceeds yours?”

Carr regarded Fuller for a moment before he finally turned his head to look at President Ballou. He studied him for another moment. Then, he took in Lambert.

Finally, Carr let out a sigh as he turned to Fuller. He smiled. “Nice try.”

Fuller frowned. “What do you mean?”

“This man standing beside you…is not the President.”

Ballou’s eyes widened. “I’m not?”

Carr waved his hand up. “Of course not. You may look like him. You may sound like him. You may even act like him. And I’m certain you can fool many people with your charade, but you are not the President of the United States.”

“Mr. Carr, I’m going to tell you what I intend to do about this mistake you are making.”

Carr looked at him. “And that is?”

“I believe I’m just going to stand here and continue to watch you dig a hole for your self. At the rate you’re going, I’ve never seen a hole so big as the one you’re digging right now.” Ballou glared at him. “Let me know when you’re done so I can have the pleasure of pushing you into it.”

Carr let out a chuckle. “Sir, I have no idea of who you really are, nor why the Director of the Anti-Terrorist Division would stoop to using such ridiculous methods, but I assure you, I’m not falling for this and neither are my men. If you were the President, you would have a sizeable contingency of secret service men about you for your protection.” He pointed at Lambert. “I see only one.” He turned to Fuller. “The President was last reported in Maine at his ranch. I have also been informed that the ranch has been assaulted by a team of assassins and no one knows if he is alive or dead. The ranch had been compromised.”

Fuller shook his head. “That may be so, but I sent in a team of agents to get the President to safety and that’s why he’s here now.”

“Oh, I see. Now you want to try to convince me that the President’s secret service agents were all eliminated and he alone escaped.”

“I know you’re extremely thick at times, Mr. Carr, but this is the President.”

“I’ve listened to enough of this. If you insist on continuing with this charade, I’ll see to it that you’re all locked up until this entire affair is sorted out.” He straightened his posture and placed his hands on his hips. He glared at them as if he were a Principal at a High School dealing with delinquent students. “You know I’m not bluffing, Director. There is much to do and I was truly hoping you and I could work together as colleagues. Not as rivals as we have in the past.”

The President was about to say something, but Fuller placed a hand on his shoulder. He knew Carr was going to be trouble. Ballou didn’t know what the man was capable of but Fuller did.

“Okay, Carr,” Fuller said softly. “What are you doing here?”

Carr smiled. “We’re going to bring this city back to life. As we speak, men are working throughout the city. These men are volunteers and relief workers sent to us from other countries. Within a few weeks, we should be back to full power and this city will be like it was. Perhaps even sooner if all goes according to plan. This is happening in many cities throughout the United States. Unfortunately, there are…other actions being taken as well that have far more serious repercussions.”

Fuller hesitated. “What actions?”

“Terrorists cells are being targeted and destroyed.”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, I’m sure you know what I mean. F-16’s have been scrambled and sent to several locations with the intent to bomb these terrorists cells. It’s probably already begun. The terrorists who did this will be eliminated soon enough and America will send a strong message should any other terrorists try something like this again.”

“Mr. Carr,” Ballou interrupted. He took a deep breath. “Where are these targets? Surely the F-16’s would not fire on them if there are innocent people in the same areas.”

“That is irrelevant, sir,” Carr assured him. “Better to take out a few innocent people if it means saving thousands more in the process.”

“Who is giving the authority to do this?” he demanded.

Carr narrowed his eyes. “You are not in a position to question me, sir.”

Fuller marveled at the President’s composure. He was certain he was ready to explode. “Mr. Carr,” Fuller began, trying to intervene for Ballou before he forced Carr’s hand, “could you tell us what areas have been targeted?”

Carr shrugged. “Certainly. There are several areas in New York, Connecticut, Texas, California, Florida and Washington. Oh, yes…and the one area we already discussed…” He looked at his watch. “In fact, I believe it was one of the first areas targeted so I’m sure it will happen at any time now.”

“What target?”

“The President’s ranch in Maine.”

The Beast was alive and well on planet earth and he had the power of the Dragon backing him up. For years, he had been simply biding his time, but during those years, certain steps had been taken to insure his rise to power during the foretold Tribulation period.

One of those steps was being implemented now.

In the Atlantic Ocean, an aircraft carrier ship called the USS Forrestal suddenly came into play. Several F-16’s left from it, each one with a deadly mission to carry out. Two of them broke off from the formation and headed inland, toward a remote location in Maine.

The pilots were patriotic Americans. They had served their country with pride and honor, but they had their orders. They were told that the President of the United States had been assassinated and that those terrorists responsible were currently using the President’s ranch in Piscataquis River Reservoir as a base of operations. There the terrorists intended to continue with their attack upon the United States of America in any way they could.

They were headed for that base now and they fully intended to honor the memory of President Walter J. Ballou…

By destroying it.

It was a matter of urgency which drove Fuller to lead President Ballou and the newly appointed Head of the Secret Service, Lambert, back to his office. As they were heading down the darkened stairwell with their flashlights, Fuller hesitated. He had the strongest feeling they were not alone in the stairwell. Someone was there, watching them. He stopped, causing Ballou and Lambert to stop as well behind him on the stairs.

“Hello…?” Fuller called out, shining his light down the stairwell at the landings below.

His beam of light caught a man standing there two stories below them. His dark eyes fixed directly on the Director. Just as quickly as he was seen, he simply stepped back and out of sight.

“Hello!” Fuller shouted, knowing full well he had seen someone below them. “Who’s there?”

Ballou and Lambert shined their light down to help.

“I don’t see anyone,” Lambert finally said. “Maybe there’s no one there.”

“I saw someone,” Fuller insisted.

“I saw movement,” Ballou told them. “But maybe it’s some of that tart’s men.”

Lambert almost let out a chuckle. “Mr. President…are you referring to Ed Carr as a tart?”

Ballou nodded. “Yeah. Don’t you know that most tarts leave a bad taste?” He shrugged. “Anyway, maybe that’s all who was down there. Just one of the so-called agents from Justice.”

Fuller nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe.” He kept the rest of his thoughts to himself. He didn’t understand why, but he felt as if the man he had just glimpsed had a darker purpose for being there than simply being there as one of Carr’s agents.

He tried to shake off the feeling as he continued to lead the men on. On their way to his office, he stopped to order one of his staff members to locate Willon, LeBeau and Bandjough, and have them come to his office. He felt as if time was now of extreme importance and it was just beginning to run out.

He didn’t understand where this desperate urgency was coming from. Perhaps, he mused thoughtfully, this is what it feels like to be led by the Spirit. He prayed for God to guide him and show him what needed to be done. With each step he took toward his office, the stronger the impression became that something sinister was in the making.

What he was feeling must have shown on his face.

“Sir, are you alright?” Lambert asked.

Fuller opened the door to his office. “I’m fine,” he grumbled. “Let’s just get inside.” Once they were all inside, he closed the door and moved around his desk to sit down.

“You look a little pale, Darren,” Ballou observed with concern. “What’s wrong?”

Fuller let out a sigh. He took a deep breath as he looked at the palms of his hands. They were wet with perspiration. He looked up at Ballou. “You didn’t feel that?” he asked softly.

Ballou paused as he glanced at Lambert. “I felt…something. I’m not quite sure what it was.”

Lambert regarded each of them. “I didn’t feel anything.” He paused. “Are you two alright? Should I get some help?”

Fuller shook his head and waved it off. “No, that won’t be necessary.” Inwardly, however, he prayed, Lord Jesus, please help us. Walter and I are both so very new as Christians. We don’t understand what’s happening. If there is someone or something here that intends to hinder Your work, than I ask You to bind it in the name of Jesus. Amen. He looked up.

Ballou and Lambert were watching him. Lambert’s face was unreadable, but the President’s face showed his concern.

“I’m fine,” Fuller reassured them. “You, Mr. President, on the other hand, I’m deeply troubled over.”

Ballou frowned. “You’re troubled about me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Fuller sat back. “I know Ed Carr, Mr. President. He’s up to something, as is always the case with him. Trust me when I say this…He knows exactly who you are.”

Lambert paused. “But Mr. Carr told us he believed the President was dead and that…” He indicated Ballou. “…forgive me, sir, that you were not the President, but an imposter.” He looked at Fuller. “Are you implying that Mr. Carr was lying?”

Fuller nodded. “Yes, I am.”

Ballou folded his arms across his chest. “Darren, if that man knows who I really am, why would he lie about it?”

“I don’t know, but I do have my suspicions. Mr. President, I believe he knows who you are and this puts you in danger. We have to get you out of here. Now.”

“The Storm Breaker’s been grounded,” Lambert reminded him. “We’re not going to be able to fly him out of here.”

“No…” Fuller shook his head. “Trying to get him out of here by chopper will only attract attention to him.” He paused. “I do have a thought. It’s a crazy idea…but it might work.”

Ballou narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “What are you thinking?”

Fuller didn’t reveal his thoughts. Instead, he said, “Still, I am going to need to have the Storm Breaker operational. I want them to complete their mission, which is why I need both Keith and Jeremy in here.”

“Do they have anything to do with this crazy idea you hinted at?”

Fuller smiled wryly. “Actually, no.”

“Are you going to even let us know what this idea is?”

“Not yet. I’m still trying to work out the details. But if Carr hasn’t changed - and it seems like he hasn’t - it just might work.”

“And this idea is going to help me - what? Disappear?”

“You might say that.”

Ballou regarded him for a moment. “If you won’t share this idea with us yet, can you at least tell me why you feel it is important to get me out of here?”

Fuller paused as he looked at both Ballou and Lambert. Finally, he said, “This whole thing right now smells like some kind of attack on you, Mr. President. I don’t mean the attack on the United States of America. I mean the secondary attack on you personally. It seems to me that someone has gone to a lot of trouble arranging for F-16’s to hit your ranch.”

“It was always a possibility for something like this to happen if my ranch was compromised,” Ballou replied.

“No one is going through the motions to see if you have even survived, Mr. President. This operation is being conducted as if someone wants to make sure you are dead. I believe Ed Carr is a part of this agenda. He knows who you are and certainly knows any attack upon the ranch will no longer eliminate you. If you remain here, you will continue to be a target.”

Ballou paused to consider Fuller’s words. “Can’t you take him?”

Fuller nodded. “I can, but I won’t.”

“Why not?”

“If we leave him be, we could learn more about what he’s up to. Ed Carr loves to brag. I’ll be able to get him to tell me more when I can get into a one-on-one conversation with him. In the meantime, you, Mr. President, have to vanish into thin air.”

“This man needs to be saved,” King replied as he, Shiva and Staci were gathered around the wounded, unconscious man on the table.

Shiva exchanged a puzzled look with Staci. “I don’t mean to sound ignorant or anything…but doesn’t everyone need to be saved?”

King glanced at him. “Yes. Yes, of course. What I mean to say is that I have been directed to come here by the Lord, specifically to get this man to become one of His.”

“Are you saying you believe he will be saved?”

“Yes.”

Staci let out a sigh. “David…this man needs more than salvation right now.” She hesitated. “I mean…I didn’t mean to make…Of course, salvation is more important than anything else. What I’m trying to say is that this man is in need of medical attention and he needs to be conscious before he can get saved. I-I don’t know what I can do for him! I don’t have the equipment to--”

She was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Ed Carr and several of his men. They simply shoved open the doors and strode into the room as if they owned it. They approached King, Shiva, Staci, and Sumter, and spread out so that they were covering all of the exits. Carr’s eyes took in everything. He finally looked at Sumter as if he expected to find him there.

Then, his eyes met King’s and they narrowed. “Who, sir, are you?” he asked softly.

King didn’t hesitate. “My name is David King.”

Carr regarded him for a moment. Then, he glanced at Shiva and as if he was simply dismissing the ex-wrestler, he looked at Staci and smiled. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you before.”

Staci hesitated. “My name is--”

“You’ve got about three seconds to leave this room before I throw you out!” Shiva snapped unexpectedly, placing himself directly in front of Carr. He glared at him.

The tension suddenly rose as the men who entered with Carr focused on Shiva.

Carr stood still. Finally, he shook his head. “Now I’d expect that kind of behavior from Lenox, Mr. Fury, but not ever from you.”

Shiva took a menacing step closer. “If Knox were here, he wouldn’t give you a warning like I’m giving you one.”

King slowly put himself in between Carr and Shiva. “Easy, big guy. I don’t know why there’s hostility here between you two but I am certain we can avoid it if we all just take a few steps back.”

Carr smiled. “Well said. Mr. Fury, listen to your friend. Besides, aren’t we all on the same side?” His smile told everyone in the room that they weren’t on the same side. “We’re here to get this city restored to its former glory. Nothing more. Nothing less.” He glanced at Sumter. “There is a wounded man here who won’t get any help if we can’t be reasonable.” He once more turned to Staci. “I’ve never seen you before, my dear. Are you new with the ATD?”

Staci shook her head. “No. I’m a doctor. My name is Staci Cohen.”

Carr frowned. “A doctor?” He paused as he regarded Staci and her patient closely. “This man was brought in from where?”

“Maine,” Staci said. “He was shot in the knee.”

At the same time as she spoke, Shiva replied, “It’s none of your concern.”

Staci glanced at him. She was beginning to become nervous with the sudden change in their current dilemma. She sucked in her lower lip and glanced at King for help.

Carr shook his head. “Alright. Fine. Be mysterious about your wounded friend.” He smiled at Staci. “I would like to ask you why this man is here and not at a hospital, but perhaps now isn’t the time. My name, Staci, is Ed Carr and I am the Chief Director of Justice. This man needs medical attention, that much is certain. I can help you get whatever he needs so you can do what you have to.”

Staci hesitated. “Thank you, Mr. Carr.”

“Just tell me what you need and I’ll see to it that you have it within the hour.”

She went over what she needed with him while the others stood by and listened. After she was through, he smiled at her, promised he would see to it that she had everything she required and then he and his men left the room.

Shiva waited until the door was closed. “That didn’t go well.”

Staci looked at him, puzzled. “Why didn’t it? He’s going to get me what I need to help him.”

He shook his head. “You don’t understand, Doc. You don’t know Ed Carr. He’s a man that follows his own agenda and everything that took place in this room just now is proof of that.”

“What do you mean?” King asked.

“If Carr was a man who followed any type of protocol, he would take Sumter to the hospital and then, into custody. The fact that he didn’t tells me he has other plans in mind.” He placed his hands on his hips in frustration. “Plans that only fit with his hidden agenda.” He turned to Staci. “And I don’t plan on letting him get near you. You can’t trust him, Doc. He’s as tricky as a fox.”

“How do you know him?” she inquired.

“He’s been a thorn in the ATD’s side since I’ve been here. Even before then. Always comes in every now and then and causes nothing but trouble. Brings on investigations that have no substance to them. Makes accusations. Just hinders everyone from doing their jobs.” Shiva let out a sigh. “Even tried to get Lenox arrested for murder but he had no case.”

“Why would he do that?”

“He does it because he can. He does these things because he has no love for the ATD.” He paused. “He does it because once…he had a chance to work as a field agent of the ATD but Director Fuller found him questionable and turned him away. Carr has been after us ever since.”

Barrington had left hours before to follow the trail in the woods. Moore knew the ATD agent was going back through the woods to go to Willow Creek Baptist Church in hopes of finding answers to questions he might not ever find. Leaning against the wooden fence in the shade of a tree, Moore pondered over the last few days as McLaughlin approached him.

“When is this chopper coming back for us?” the big man asked, an uncharacteristic touch of impatience in his voice.

Moore shrugged as if he had all the time in the world. “Dunno, son. Son number one told us it was on the way, but that was hours ago. It’s just overdue.”

“Son number one?”

“Sure.”

“Barrington?”

“Oh, now, son…not everyone can be son number one.”

McLaughlin shook his head. “I don’t care about that! I just want to get out of here and back to where I should be.”

“And where would that be?”

“With the President.”

Moore watched him from the corner of his eye. “And what about Sumter?”

McLaughlin shrugged. “Can’t do nothing about him at the moment.” He paused. “But if I ever do catch up to him, I’ll put a bullet in his head.”

“You aim high, don’t you?” Moore shook his head. “Not that Lenox. He aimed low and put a bullet in the man’s kneecap. My knees hurt just witnessing that.” He thought he saw something in the distance up in the sky. He put a hand above his eye. “I think I see something, son. Perhaps our ride.”

McLaughlin paused as he looked up to the skies. “I don’t think so. There’s two of them…and they’re moving faster than a chopper.”

The two men exchanged glances.

“You know…I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” Moore said softly.

The two men began to follow the fence line away from the ranch.

“Why?” McLaughlin demanded. “We don’t know who’s up there--”

“Son, there are two unidentified flying objects coming fast in our direction. I think it would be wise to shut up and run for cover.” He shoved the man before him. “Now!”

They ran for the woods.

“I don’t see why you’re suspicious of trouble!”

Moore didn’t answer him. They didn’t get to the woods in time but dove for the ground as two F-16’s soared overhead. Several missiles rained down from above, hitting the ranch and destroying it in a fiery ball of red and black flames. The two men crawled into the woods and laid still on the ground as they watched the flames reach for the sky.

McLaughlin swore as the F-16’s passed over again and dropped more missiles of destruction.

The two men remained in the woods even when the F-16’s were gone.

Barrington didn’t know what to expect when he returned to Willow Creek Baptist Church, but he was hoping to find Lenox waiting there for him. When Lenox was nowhere to be seen, he was disappointed and even more concerned as to where his friend had gone off to. More importantly, he had no idea what Lenox was thinking of doing.

All Barrington knew was that his friend had shot and killed a North Korean assassin outside of a church and then walked away. No one knew where Lenox went or why. Barrington had already talked to those in the church about what they knew and even that wasn’t much at all. They seemed to believe that the North Korean - who did not speak English - came into the church during a song, wept, raised his hands toward heaven and simply walked out as a new man.

Then, an agent wearing the FBI logo on the back of his jacket stepped out of the woods and shot the man. After that, he was gone.

Why did I return here? Barrington asked himself. What do I hope to gain?

He had no answer for himself.

As he stood there, he noticed a man standing at the back door of the church watching him. Barrington recognized him as the newly appointed Baptist Minister of the Willow Creek Baptist Church. His name, ironic enough, was John Saint.

Barrington slowly made his way toward him, nodding a greeting as he moved.

Saint waved. “Brother Bear…I’m surprised to see you’ve come back, but I’m glad you did.” He held out his hand. “Did you find your friend?”

Barrington shook his hand. “Afraid not. And honestly…I don’t know why I’m here now.” He shrugged helplessly. “Just restless, I guess.”

“Or maybe you followed the Holy Spirit’s leading.”

He paused. “Maybe. I don’t know.” He looked around. “So…I take it my friend didn’t show up after I left.”

Saint shook his head. “No. But from what you’ve told me about him, doesn’t sound like he’s looking for help from believers like us. Sounds to me more like he’s fighting against the truth.”

“He’s stubborn.”

“Most people are until they find their way.”

Barrington sighed. “I’m afraid he’s not going to find his way. I’m afraid he’ll run out of time, and then…” He shrugged helplessly.

Saint remained silent for a moment. “Well…you did what you could for him. Now it’s in God’s hands. All you can do is pray. And we’ll pray for him, too…my wife and I, and our gathering. Your friend is outnumbered. With so many praying for him, he really has nowhere to run.” He paused as he looked around. “Besides…where can you run to on this planet, or even in this universe, where God cannot be found? He’s everywhere.”

Barrington nodded.

“The important thing now is that…He’s with us. He took us in even after we refused him the first time and were left behind because of it.” Saint shook his head. “It doesn’t matter what we were or what we did before the Rapture occurred. What matters now is where we are with God.” He regarded Barrington for a moment. “I’m glad I was left behind, Brother Bear.”

Barrington couldn’t help but grin at the name. “Why is that?”

“Because it gave me a second chance.”

“It gave all of us a second chance if we aren’t so blind to see it.”

Saint shook his head. “No…you don’t understand. I come from a Christian background, but the reason I didn’t accept it was because I was too busy fighting with my own illness and what it was doing to my life. And to what it was doing to those around me.” He shrugged. “Sure, I went to church and did what I could when I was strong enough to do it. But I was diagnosed with cancer and…it’s taken its toll on me and on Chris. When the Rapture happened, I realized I was being selfish and decided to make it right with God. I’m determined now to do what He asks of me, even if it’s to die with cancer.”

Barrington looked at him. When he had been there the last time, he had not known of Saint’s condition. “I’m…sorry, Pastor.”

Saint grinned. “Don’t call me Pastor. And don’t be sorry.” He snapped his fingers. “And, oh yeah…don’t let the name fool you. Saint may be my name, but Saint ain’t what I is.”

Barrington chuckled. “Right…”

“You must have had your days full after the Rapture…being in the service of our government as a law enforcement type. We’ve spent our days here at the church, studying and bringing people in. Our food pantry is about depleted. Yet I can‘t imagine the chaos you had to have been up against.”

Barrington thought about the attack on America at the same time the Rapture had occurred. “You could say that.” Then, another thought struck him and it suddenly dawned on him why he had returned to Willow Creek Baptist Church. He looked at Saint. “I found a shelter.”

“So did we. We’re sheltered in His care.”

“A bomb shelter.”

Saint regarded him.

Barrington hesitated. “Look, I’ve been searching for areas where Christians can stay when the time gets…harder than it is right now. I believe I’m here to show you and your gathering where it is.” He paused. “That has to be the reason I was led here.”

“Now this sounds like a plan. I’m into that. In fact, I woke up this morning and was impressed upon my heart by God that a change was coming. Why don’t you follow me inside and we’ll get a bite to eat before we head out?”

Barrington agreed. Now that he knew what God was leading him to do, he felt a small sense of relief. Unfortunately, his concern for Lenox was the only thing which could lead him to lose his focus.

Hours had passed for the ATD agents at the Federal Building and a change was in the air. In spite of the presence of the Justice agents, a sense of hope was spreading. Like a contagion, a spirit of unity seemed to spread throughout the building and even throughout the entire city of Albany. An important work had just begun and every one could participate in the great undertaking.

People smiled as they worked. They helped one another out. It had turned from an atmosphere of despair and fear into one of hope for the future.

The only ones who were not caught up in that hope were Director Fuller and his fellow gatherers. They had a better idea than most of what they were truly up against. They themselves had a mission which far exceeded the current one already underway. Unfortunately, they had someone present who was a hindrance to their task.

Ed Carr.

Carr had taken it to his head to familiarize himself with every one he could within the ATD Center. He called them “personal interviews”. He claimed that the only thing he had in mind was to get to know the staff so he could better work with them. Fuller had to remind him that, “It’s not your staff. It’s my staff.”

That’s when Carr decided to start with Fuller.

Willon, Lambert and President Ballou were elsewhere in the building on a separate mission while Fuller resigned himself to his office with Carr.

“We’re talking about cooperation, Darren,” Carr replied smugly as he took a seat in front of Fuller’s desk. “Right now, this city needs the spirit of cooperation to flow right back into its veins.”

Fuller sat behind his desk, scowling. “Oh, so the city is alive now, is it?”

“Well, of course, the city is alive. It’s the people that bring life into it and you and I are to make every effort to help restore that life. So the spirit of unity must begin with you and me.”

Fuller let out a sigh but he didn’t respond.

Carr looked at him. “Now, Darren…you and I have certainly had our differences in the past.”

“I’m quite certain those…differences are still with us in the present.”

Carr ignored the remark. “We can work together, as a team. We can turn the tide of tragedy into triumph, you and I. When others see our spirit of unity, it will give them hope because they will see us as two great leaders who have chosen to set aside those things which had set them apart. They will see us rising above our differences and working side by side to bring back what was taken. We will chase away their fears and give them strength.” He paused, waiting to see if Fuller would respond.

Fuller simply looked at him.

Carr sat forward. “Why are you fighting this, Darren? I’m not your enemy. I’ve never been your enemy.”

“You have never been my friend,” Fuller told him.

Carr sat back and pursed his lips. A sigh of anger escaped him, but that was the only sign he gave that Fuller’s words had struck a nerve. Finally, he said, “Justice is here, whether you like it or not. A change is coming and you can’t stop it.”

“Stop ordering my people around like they were yours.”

“We’re working together-”

“We’re not working together!” Fuller snapped at him. “You don’t want that. You never did. This whole thing is about you and how much power you can take. Someone somehow gave it to you and you’re on some other agenda than the one you’re trying to convince others you’re on. So don’t play games with me, Carr. I know you.”

Carr narrowed his eyes. This time, he remained silent.

“I don’t know what you’re really doing here, Carr…but whatever it is, you will not order my people around. You will not interfere with what I’ve given them to do. You will stay out of their way because if you don’t, you and I are going to have it out.”

“I see.”

“Good. That goes for my pilots. They have a mission to do. They are going to return to it as soon as we’re done here.”

Carr shook his head. “Darren…flying is strictly forbidden.”

Fuller leaned forward. “Is that right?”

“Yes.”

“By who?”

Carr didn’t answer.

Fuller pressed the issue. “Who is giving the order that flying is forbidden?”

“You know that this was likely to happen. It happened after 9 - 1 - 1. There were restrictions put into place back then to prevent unauthorized aircraft over the United States. Those restrictions have been reinforced.”

“I say again…By who?”

Carr paused. Finally, he said, “I’ll leave your people alone, Darren. But you will not send your pilots out again because if you do, I will have them shot down.”

Fuller looked at him. He appeared calm, but wasn’t feeling calm. “You’re not going to tell me who gave you this so-called order to restrict flying?”

Carr’s silence was his answer.

“Now how can we possibly show the city of Albany there’s a spirit of unity present here…when there really isn’t one.” It wasn’t a question. “Do you have anything else?”

“There’s much to discuss.”

“I don’t believe there is. Get out of my office.”

Carr glared at him. “This is outrageous! You can’t dismiss me like this!”

Fuller rose to his feet. “Get out of my office or I’ll throw you out.”

Carr also rose to his feet. “Darren--”

“You call me that again and you’ll lose all of your teeth.” He wondered if he could be forgiven for his attitude toward Carr, but was having a difficult time holding back his anger.

“You’re a fool! I was hoping you were going to get on board with us, but since you’re not, then I must warn you to get out of the way.”

Fuller glared at him. “What are you talking about?”

Carr smirked at him. “I’m trying to talk to you, but you refuse to listen. A change is coming. A great change. A change that will reshape our future. You think I have a secret agenda? You’re right. I do. I have been given the task of looking for people who are right in taking an active part in this agenda. I was certain you would want to be a participant. I was hoping you would be because I already told him…” He stopped. Then, he shrugged. “I already told him all about you. He wants you on the team.”

Fuller paused. “Who wants me on the team, Carr?”

Carr shook his head. “No. I’ve already said too much.” He regarded Fuller. “You just think about this. Think about going with the changes that are coming because if you try to push against it, it will only leave you caught in the currents.” Something suddenly occurred to him. He smiled. “I know a way to test you.”

Fuller scowled. “Test me? What the…?” He stopped himself. Lord, please help me control my temper. Something about this conversation troubles me. If he has something in his agenda that will be a hindrance to Your work, please, God…reveal it through his arrogant pride. He prayed in that manner because he knew Carr was a man who enjoyed bragging. He took a deep breath. “What do you mean by test?”

Carr paused. “Just answer me a question. I want to see if you would be for or against these…changes we’re discussing. Answering this question would reveal your response.”

“By all means…Ask your question?”

“How would you explain the vanishings?”

Fuller paused to think about it. His first response was to lie about his answer, but immediately he felt ashamed. Finally, he was led to simply speak the truth. “The vanishings happened because the trumpet was sounded, Christ had shouted and His people were gathered in the air to meet Him. This is called the Rapture.”

Something seemed to harden in Carr’s expression. “You truly believe this Rapture fairy tale occurred?” He spat out the word “Rapture” as if it were a curse word.

Fuller found himself once more asking for the Lord’s forgiveness because all he wanted to do was drive his fist into Carr’s face. Instead, he simply said, “Yes. I do.”

“Then, you could never be a part of this agenda.” He shook his head. “People vanished, Director Fuller, as a result of world-wide terrorist activity. The nuclear explosion in California and the attack upon our country occurred at the same exact time as this so-called Rapture theory of yours. This is not purely coincidental. The vanishings were triggered by these events and it has been theorized that in some areas where the attacks were more prominent, vanishings may happen again.” He straightened his posture. “Now I have other business to attend to. Good day to you.”

With that, Carr spun about and abruptly left the office, closing the door behind him.

Fuller glared after him, but suddenly, he smiled. Carr had just assured him without knowing he had that the plan Fuller had in motion was going to work after all.

“It’s just a distraction,” LeBeau said as he leaned his back against the wall beside the door. “That’s all it is.”

Bandjough nodded his head, eager to do what Fuller had ordered them to do. “Right.”

“I just don’t want you to let it go to your head.”

He shrugged. “It won’t.”

“Look, in order for us to do this, ya just can’t go off and do somethin’ crazy.”

Bandjough let out a weary sigh. “I know. Man, I may be new to the team, but I’m not a kid.” He shook his head. “Come on, give me a little credit here.” He shone his flashlight into LeBeau’s face.

LeBeau pushed his arm down. “Stop that…And, listen, I just want this to work. Director Fuller wants this to work. You just need to distract them enough so I can get into the bird.” He held his hands up for extra emphasis. “Then, if we time this just right, all I have to do is wait. When we’re ready, we’ll fly right out of here and go get the boys from Maine.”

“Sounds like a piece of cake.”

“Yeah? Well, if ya get too eager, son, you’ll bite off more of that cake than you can chew! Ya hear the words comin’ out of my mouth?”

Bandjough sighed again. “Oh, I hear what you’re saying. Now can you shut up so I can do the distracting?”

LeBeau regarded him with the light from the flashlight in the darkened stairwell. “Ya see, that’s what’s beginnin’ to worry me. How are ya gonna distract them? There’s at least two of those Justice fellas out there watchin’ the birds. What are ya gonna do, Rookie?”

“I’m just going to be myself. Relax.”

Without another word, Bandjough opened the door and stepped out into the sunlight onto the roof of the Federal Building. There were four helicopters and two Justice agents on the rooftop. One of those helicopters was the Storm Breaker.

Bandjough glanced at it as he purposefully walked toward one of the hi-tech Bell ARH’s. The two agents immediately focused their attention on him and as they moved to intercept him, they failed to notice LeBeau sneaking out of the stairwell and disappearing behind an air conditioning unit.

“Whoa there, pal,” one of the agents replied, holding his hand out. “There’s no further authorization for anyone to be on the roof of this building. We’re going to have to ask you to turn around and go back inside.”

The look on Bandjough’s face was one of disappointment. He was the youngest of the ATD Center’s staff, but still looked even younger than he was. He looked like a kid who had just realized he wasn’t going to get that racecar model he had always wanted for Christmas.

“Oh…but…” Bandjough hesitated, “I just…I just wanted to get a look at one of the Bell’s. I…I’ve never been in one, or even this close!” He was hoping that one of the agents was a family man and could be swayed by his act. “I mean, come on. They’re nothing like the Storm Breaker.” He waved his hand toward one. “Just look at that!”

“You have to leave,” the man said forcefully, placing himself directly in front of Bandjough. “That’s not an option. It’s an order.”

The other man held up his hand. “Hold on a minute, Jerry. It’s not going to hurt if we let him look, is it?”

Jerry turned to regard his partner with a look. “You know Director Carr doesn’t make allowances for anyone.”

The man shrugged. “Carr isn’t up here, now is he?”

“Sanders, you know you’re on thin ice with him as it is. Especially with your continual disregard for his orders and a general disrespect for him. He won’t like this.”

“He doesn’t have to know.”

“He will know because I’m going to tell him.”

Sanders shook his head and shrugged. “Then, go ahead and tell him that I gave this young man a break and showed him one of the Bells. Do whatever makes you happy.” He turned to Bandjough. “Come on, son. Let me show you the Bell ARH.”

As Bandjough fell into step beside Sanders, he could feel the eyes of Justice agent Jerry boring into his back. He was beginning to regret this line of action. “Uhm…Mr. Sanders?”

Sanders glanced at him. “Yes, son?”

“Look…I don’t mean to get you into any trouble with your boss. We…uhm, we don’t have to do this.”

Sanders let out a chuckle. “Yes, we do. My boss is a pompous fool who doesn’t care about anyone but himself. If you want to look inside one of these choppers, then I won’t deprive you of the chance. You’re young and just starting out. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to see more. Besides…” He stopped at the side entrance to the Bell ARH and turned to look at Bandjough. “You remind me of my son.”

Bandjough paused as he tried to think of something to say. Finally, he asked, “What happened to your son?”

“He vanished.”

“Oh.” He hesitated. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He opened the door. “Wherever he is, I’m sure he’s fine.” As they climbed inside, he said, “Son, have you decided to make any commitments to God about your eternal soul?”

The question caught Bandjough completely off guard. “What?”

“Are you a Christian?”

He paused. “Well, no…I mean, I don’t think I am. I mean, once, I thought a lot of people who called themselves Christians were just that. Christians. But now I’m finding out that there are people who call themselves true Christians because they follow Christ. It’s kind of hard to understand all there is to know about that kind of stuff. I just kind of stay away from it.”

“You shouldn’t.”

“Why not?”

“Listen, son. Don’t try to understand the politics or theology of Christianity. You’ll lose your way if you do. Just know this…There are only two kinds of people in this world. There are saved people, and there are lost people. The saved people are the ones who are truly Christians because they believe in the Son of God and it’s their belief that causes them to go out into the world to spread the Gospel. The lost people are the ones who just don’t get it and therefore they do not have any faith to believe. Their unbelief leads them to their condemnation.” He paused. “Son, if the world didn’t have only seven years left to it, I could say to you that you have your entire life to live it to the full. The vanishings, however, prove to me that you don’t have your whole life before you. It’s gone in an instant, so before that instant comes, you need to make a decision. You need to believe on the Son of God or choose not to. Which will you choose?”

Silence descended upon them as Bandjough considered what he had heard. He thought about the vanishings and about the things he had heard from LeBeau about salvation. Director Fuller and Fronk had also witnessed to him and each time they did, he felt a deep yearning for more in his heart. The seed had been planted. Now it appeared as if Sanders was going to sow the seed.

Finally, Bandjough nodded. “I choose to believe.”

Sanders smiled. “I’d be happy to pray with you.”

Bandjough nodded again.

Like father and son, the two men prayed together and Bandjough suddenly felt as if he did have his whole life before him. But a better and brand new life. He wanted to jump up and shout, but he refrained himself. After they prayed, however, he had a huge grin on his face and couldn’t be any happier than he was.

Sanders clapped him on the shoulder. “Son…I’m glad you’re a part of the family of God. Now you’re going to experience great things for God.” He pointed to a bunch of black canvas bags on the floor in the back. “Take the first one with you when you go.”

Bandjough glanced at the bags. “Why? What’s in it?”

“I was prompted by the Spirit to place a Bible in there. It’s yours. I need you to take it.”

“Wow. Thank you, Mr. Sanders.”

“Now…about that tour of this magnificent piece of brand new, state-of-the-art technological wonder. There’s new computer technology in this beast, too. Only the top--”

He was interrupted by the arrival of Jerry and two other agents. The men remained outside the Bell ARH, but they glared at Bandjough and Sanders with contempt.

“This tour is over!” Jerry snapped. “And you, Mr. Sanders, are relieved until further notice.”

Sanders seemed to accept it with a shrug. He winked at Band-jough. “Remember, son…Only great things will happen when we set out to follow His will.” He clapped him on the shoulder. “Oh, and don’t forget your bag.”

“Uh…My bag?” Bandjough inquired, aware of the eyes of the three Justice agents outside the helicopter.

“Yes.”

Hesitating, Bandjough slowly reached for the bag and when no one made any moves to stop him, he picked it up. Whatever was inside was heavy. He put his arm through the strap and set it on his back as if it actually did belong to him. Then, he stepped out of the helicopter, followed by Sanders.

Bandjough was completely amazed as he stood there. The three hostile agents didn’t even pay any attention to the bag or even him. Their eyes were on Sanders.

“Director Carr will call for you when he’s ready,” Jerry snapped at the older man. “Personally, I think you’re through here. I would have gotten rid of you a long time ago if you ask me.”

Bandjough glared at him, wanting to stick up for the man who had just led him to Christ. “I didn’t hear anybody asking you anything,” he snapped back.

Sanders put his hand on the younger man’s shoulder. “It’s alright, son. You just go about your business.”

Bandjough let out a sigh, but he nodded his head.

Jerry glared at them both while the agents standing on either side of them puffed out their chests, trying to appear even more intimidating than they believed themselves to be.

Bandjough wanted to laugh at them.

“Well, go on and get out of here, kid,” Jerry commanded angrily. “And don’t even think about coming back up here!”

Sanders put his hand around Bandjough’s shoulders and guided him away from the Justice agents. “You’d best be on your way, son. If we don’t meet again, I’ll see you in heaven.”

Bandjough looked at him. “Don’t talk like that. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”

“Just remember…‘If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.’ 1” He clapped him on the back. “Now go.”

Bandjough smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Sanders. I’ll never forget this.” With that, he turned and hurried back into the building.

Sanders turned to face Jerry and the other two hostile agents. He couldn’t help but smile, knowing that God had used him in a great way. There was absolutely nothing like being a child in the hands of an Almighty God.

Bandjough was racing down the stairs with the light from his flashlight leading the way. He was excited about what had just happened and was looking forward to what the future now had for him. He was a Christian now.

“Wahoo!” he shouted.

His shout echoed in the stairwell, but he didn’t care if anyone heard it or not.

He couldn’t wait to look into the bag that Sanders had given him and he was awed that the other agents hadn’t noticed it on him. Only God could blind their eyes to what was right in front of their noses. There certainly had to be something extremely important inside the bag for Sanders to take such a risk.

But what could it be?

Bandjough slid down the rail. “Wahoo!” he shouted again.

He had never felt so free in his entire life.

He made it to the floor he wanted, turned off the flashlight and opened the door. He hurried into the ATD Center and realized without even knowing where he was heading that he had wound up in front of a familiar office.

He knocked on the door. “Let me in!” he exclaimed excitedly. “Come on, man…let me in!”

From behind the door, a squeaky voice responded with, “Not by the hairs of my chinny chin chin!”

Bandjough made a face. “What? Crazy Man, open the door.” He looked around, aware that he was being watched by staff members of the ATD. He wasn’t worried about them. It was the Justice agents he was concerned about and some of them were watching him with scowls on their faces.

The door opened and William Fronk placed himself in the doorway. “You! I am on the verge of discovering the secrets of the universe!” His eyes widened as he stared like a mad man. “Do you dare to interrupt me?”

Bandjough sighed. “I have a discovery,” he said through clenched teeth, lowering his voice. “If you let me in, I’ll show it to you.”

Fronk smiled happily. “You do? You will? Oh, boy, oh, boy, oh, boy, oh! What is it? Tell me. Tell me!”

“I can’t.”

“Why not? Don’t toy with me, Rookie, or I’ll rip out your nose hairs and make you scream like a girl.”

Bandjough was beginning to see how others felt when they said that Fronk could be extremely intense at times and annoying. “I don’t know what it is yet. I haven’t looked. Can I please come inside before those Justice agents get curious?”

Fronk slapped himself in the forehead. “Gracious me! Why didn’t you say so?” He grabbed Bandjough by the arm and roughly pulled him into his office, slamming the door behind him. “What do you have?”

Bandjough was relieved to finally be inside. He set the bag down onto Fronk’s desk and opened it. He pulled out a Bible.

“That’s your discovery?” Fronk snapped, slapping a hand to his forehead again. “But I already have one of those!”

“Well…I don’t. Except…this one was just given to me.” Bandjough held it reverently and looked at it. “I’ve never been given a Bible before.”

“Someone gave you a Bible?”

Bandjough nodded.

“Why would someone do that…unless…?” Fronk narrowed his eyes as he took a few steps closer to Bandjough. “Oh, can it be? Have you finally decided to join forces to fight against the dark side of the Force, my young Jedi apprentice?”

The younger man regarded him thoughtfully. Then, he nodded. “People are right about you, Crazy Man. You’re as crazy as a loon.”

“Just tell me this! You have accepted my Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Lord and Savior.” He paused. “Have you?”

The wide grin appearing on Bandjough’s face was answer enough.

Fronk let out a whooping holler and threw himself at Bandjough, catching him in a bear hug. Bandjough would have returned the hug if it wasn’t for the fact that he was losing oxygen. He began to try to free himself from Fronk’s grip.

“Okay…okay…” Bandjough clapped Fronk on the back. “You can…let go now.”

Fronk stood back and beamed at him. “Oh, brother! This is a glad day! You have been snatched from the grip of Satan and he ain’t a-gonna like it. But too bad for him. One soul won for Jesus is one more glorious victory for us.” He clapped him on the shoulders. “Welcome, brother. You are now a gatherer, just like me.”

Bandjough smiled as he returned his attention to the bag. “Thanks.” He began to rummage through it. “I wish I had got saved sooner.”

“Better now than never.” He clapped his hands together. “What else do you have there, Rookie?”

“Some equipment I’ve never seen before and a laptop.” He pulled the laptop out and set it on Fronk’s desk.

Fronk moved toward it. “Where did you get this?”

“From the man who led me to Jesus,” Bandjough answered. “He told me to take it.”

“Why?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

Fronk sat at his desk, opened the laptop and turned it on. It took only a moment until a login and password was required. He looked at his computer. “Hmmm.” He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I shall have to spare some time to get into this, my brother, but have no fear. It won’t take long.” He turned the laptop to the side to show Bandjough initials. “E.C.”

“E.C.? What does that stand for?”

Fronk grinned. “Edward Carr. My brother, you have just brought to me the laptop, which just so happens to be the property of the Chief Director of Justice.” He happily cracked his knuckles. “And I am going to enjoy cracking into every single one of his precious secret files.” He laughed like a madman as his fingers began to dance over the keyboard.

With the sun shining, Barrington and the Saints walked on the trail, which would eventually take them to the farmhouse in Penobscot County. It was the place where he had left Erin Greye and Donna Perkins. A shelter was there underground and Barrington knew it was a necessary location for when other Christians would need a safe harbor.

John and Chris Saint followed Barrington, both excited about the new undertaking they suddenly found themselves on. They had no idea what the future held for them. When the Rapture had occurred and after they had given their lives to God, they simply relied on Him to lead them. They encouraged the small gathering that came to Willow Creek Baptist Church and strengthened each other in the name of the Lord.

The small gathering continued to grow as more people came in, seeking answers in the aftermath of the Rapture. John Saint took up the reigns of leadership and was soon called to become the new pastor of the church by a unanimous vote. Everyone had voted for him. There was not one single vote against him.

Now they were following a new direction, which they believed was from God. As they walked, however, both John and Chris noticed that Barrington’s mind was still on his friend. The ATD agent was clearly distracted and Saint began to grow concerned that this continuing trend would eventually effect his faith.

Saint knew about faith. He didn’t understand it before, but now he could hold to it because faith is all that kept him and his wife walking moment by moment. Day by day. He was a man who had faced two liver transplants and colon cancer. During those rocky times in his life, he mostly had felt sorry for himself and even now, marveled at how his wife stayed by his side. Through the worst of it, she was there.

Now he was recovering, but that recovery was a slow road to travel. Even as they walked, he was fully aware of Chris walking next to him. Every now and then, she would look up at him - as he was a half a foot taller than she was - and offer an encouraging smile. He would smile back.

“How you doing up there?” she asked with a sparkle of amusement in her eyes.

“Just fine and dandy, thank ye kindly,” he responded, offering her a wink. He put his arm around her. “Are you getting tired? Would you like me to carry you?”

She slapped at his shoulder. “Showoff.”

Barrington glanced at them as he stopped. “Do you guys want to stop for a rest? We’ve still got quite a ways to go.” He surveyed the area around them. “Looks as good a spot as any to take a breather.”

“Sounds good to me.” Chris pulled her bag over her right shoulder and headed for a fallen tree to sit on. “I’m hungry. How about you guys?”

Saint moved to sit beside her, placing a small travel cooler on the ground beside her bag. “What food do we have? I only brought us enough bottled water for the journey and a few granola bars.” He glanced at her bag. “Did you pack something in that bag of tricks you’ve got there?”

She nodded once. “Yep. I sure did.”

“You never cease to amaze me.”

She waved her hand at him, as if to dismiss the compliment. “It wasn’t anything special, John. It doesn’t take long to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and throw them in the bag.” She began to pull out the sandwiches. “Got some cheese and crackers, too.”

“You’re still amazing.” He looked up at Barrington. “Looks like we’re going to break bread, Brother Bear.”

Chris chuckled.

Barrington made himself comfortable on the ground as the food was being shared. Saint prayed and asked for the blessing, and then they began to eat.

Saint enjoyed food and fellowship as a new believer. He decided to begin a conversation as they ate. “Brother Bear,” he began as he twisted off the cap on his water bottle, “can I ask you a question?”

Barrington took a bite of his sandwich. He nodded.

“How’s your faith?”

Barrington paused as he washed down his food with a swig from his water. Then, he regarded Saint. “Why are you asking me about my faith?”

“Answer the question, and I’ll tell you.”

Chris remained silent but attentive.

Barrington considered how he should answer. Finally, he shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I would call it a little shaky right now.”

“That doesn’t sound like a good thing,” Saint told him.

“No,” Barrington agreed, shaking his head. “No, it doesn’t sound good at all. It doesn’t feel good either.”

“In these times, particularly after the Rapture, it’s devastating to have shaky faith. Your faith has got to be strong.”

Barrington tried not to glare at him, but he couldn’t help it. “Don’t you think I know that? Do you think I want to feel like this? It’s like every turn I take is taking me further from everything I’ve ever known! My wife and daughter are gone. My best friend has disappeared. The United States is under terrorist attack…” He tossed up his hands in frustration as he rose to his feet. “And I’m stuck in the middle of the woods in Maine, looking for underground shelters to protect a remnant of people we don’t even know!”

Saint and Chris exchanged looks. They remained silent as Barrington turned away from them to look down the trail in front of them. The ATD agent was not used to blowing up in front of people, especially people he had just met.

Times were different now. They were family. They were children of God and they could trust in each other as God had intended from the beginning for His children to do.

Barrington shook his head and let out a sigh of frustration. “I’m sorry I snapped at you two.” He turned to look at them. “Will you forgive me?”

Chris scowled at him. “Gee, I don’t know…”

He looked at her.

She smiled to show she had been teasing. “You’re forgiven…and gullible.”

Saint nodded. “There’s nothing really to forgive, Brother Bear. We’re all in the same boat. We’ve all felt exactly how you’re feeling right now and some circumstances in the future or some events could cause us to feel like that again. You see, they’re stepping stones. We all have them. We all have to face them. The trick is, you have to be strong enough to step on those stones, not walk around them. If you walk around them, you gain nothing.”

Barrington thought about it. “And when you walk on them…?”

Saint smiled and pointed at him. “When you walk up the first stepping stone, Brother Bear, then, you’re ready to walk up the second one. And because you were able to get through the first one, you’re strong enough to be able to withstand the next one.” He spread his hands out. “Obviously, we’re talking about faith here because faith is what you’re going to need to step onto the stepping stones of life. ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.’ 2 Faith is simply this…” He leaned forward. “Believing and trusting in God. That’s it.”

“Easier said than done.”

“Of course, it is. You just have to stop allowing yourself to be blinded from what God has already given you to do. Once you remove the blinders, you’ll see your way again.”

Barrington looked at him. Then, he slowly grinned. “You like to use objects in these pep talks of yours, don’t you?”

Saint shrugged. “If they work, I’ll use them.”

“So…you’re saying I should just forget about what I’ve been through and what I’ve lost and just focus on what’s ahead of me. Is that it?”

“No one expects you to forget, Al,” Chris replied, shaking her head. “That’s something you won’t be able to do. But you can put it behind you because you can’t do anything about it. Your wife and daughter are gone. Rejoice in that. Let that go and be glad because you know you’ll see them again. You can’t find your friend. You have no idea where he is and there’s really no way you can find someone who may not want to be found, so pray for him. Pray for him because God knows where he is and God can help him where you can’t.”

“I couldn’t have said it any better,” Saint agreed. “Brother Bear, it isn’t enough to believe in God. It isn’t enough to just trust Him. You have to believe what He says and then, you have to trust Him to do what He says. He’s the only One who will never fail you. It’s a high privilege to be believing and trusting in God. There’s nothing like it. Not even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.” He smiled at Chris.

Barrington swallowed a lump in his throat. He felt as if God had just lifted a heavy burden from his heart. “John…Chris…maybe I wasn’t sent to you to show you the shelter. Maybe He sent me to you so through you, He could share this message to me.”

Saint raised his hands. “Hallelujah, Brother Bear! I feel like singing.” He turned to his wife. “You didn’t happen to place my guitar in your bag of goodies, did you?”

The look she gave him told him she believed he was off his rocker.

Staci Cohen

Staci was exhausted when she finally had a chance to step out of the makeshift hospital room provided for her from the aid of Ed Carr and his Justice agents. Everything Carr had provided her with had helped her at least make Sumter comfortable, if at least temporarily. Her patient was far from out of the woods yet. Many things could still go wrong.

She had cleaned and disinfected the wounded knee, then packed and dressed it. That knee still had to be operated on. Sumter would not be able to walk without a plate or artificial knee and Staci had no idea how she could even perform such an operation. She was a doctor, but not a surgeon.

That wasn’t the only thing she had to take into consideration for such an operation. An operation of such magnitude could not be performed at the Federal Building in Albany. Sumter had to be in a hospital. She had wanted to take him to Albany Medical, but knew she couldn’t go back there without facing CEO Dr. Richard Manning. Then again, perhaps because of the crisis, he would certainly overlook her expulsion and take her back into the staff. They certainly had to need her help.

She didn’t believe she would be turned away.

However, the circumstances since after the vanishings had led her to where she was now. Maybe it was God keeping her from returning to the hospital. Maybe He was protecting her from a danger she didn’t see.

King and Shiva had been helpful to her as nurses. Sumter was out of it and would be for a while because of the penicillin and pain-killers in his system. King had decided to stay by his side until he woke up so he could begin witnessing to him. Shiva stayed with him to offer moral support. After all, they had no reason to suspect there would be any trouble.

Staci found the break room down the hall and a refrigerator had been stocked with food and bottled water. She grabbed a bottle, began to twist the cap off and turned her head as someone entered the room. To her surprise, it was Carr and two other of his agents.

She smiled at him. “Mr. Carr…I…I really want to thank you for your help. You’ve been such a blessing in disguise, considering how tense it was when we first met.”

“Not at all!” he exclaimed, smiling cheerfully. “It was nothing really. I’m just trying to help where help is needed. I trust your… patient is feeling better.”

“He’s resting, but his knee has to have surgery. I…I can’t do that here. I’m not even a surgeon.”

He looked at her, pulling back in surprise. “Really? I find that interesting. I wonder what else I’ll be able to learn from you throughout the interview.”

She held her water bottle in front of her and looked at him, puzzled. “Interview?”

“Haven’t you heard? I’ve been…interviewing the staff of the Anti-Terrorist Division and everyone else connected to the Federal Building. It’s harmless, I assure you, Staci. I’m just trying to get a sense of what people are feeling about the recent tragedies and to get a census of what people think about the so-called vanishings throughout the city and abroad.” He shrugged. “The interview won’t take very long. It’ll be over before you know it and then, you can go back to whatever it was you were doing.”

She regarded him for a moment. Then, she looked at the two stone-faced agents with him. “Uhm…I’m not a staff member with the ATD.” She shook her head. “I…I don’t even work here at this building.”

He shrugged again. “But you are here now.”

“I really should get back to my patient.” She tried to step around him.

He side-stepped, placing himself in her path. “I’m afraid I must insist.”

Staci took a step back. “There’s no need to interview me. If you want to know how I feel, I’m still scared. The future looks dark, even as a Christian. As for the vanishings, I believe God’s children were taken away in what is called the Rapture. They’re all in heaven with Jesus and we’re stuck down here to face Tribulation. That’s what you needed, right? So…no more interview.”

He shook his head. “Resistance, my dear…is so very futile.” He snapped his fingers.

The two agents immediately stepped forward and with considerable ease, forced Staci face down onto the table and handcuffed her hands behind her back. The water bottle she had fell to the floor and spilled out. It happened so fast, she hadn’t even had time to react. But now she was scared and trying to pull away.

“Wait…! What are you doing?” she cried out.

“We’re going for that interview,” Carr assured her. “If you cooperate, there may be no charges filed against you. If you don’t, prison will be the least of your worries.” To the men, he said, “Let’s take her downstairs, gentlemen. I’ll need to hear what she has to say before I make a proper arrest.”

Staci could do nothing but pray as the Justice agents escorted her away.

- Matthew 17:20

- Hebrews 11:1 - 3

Twenty-Four
The Interview

Barrington and the Saints finally made it to their location. Barrington’s mood had risen since their talk about faith and he was actually smiling as they walked off the trail and toward the farm. The silo was close by and soon they would find themselves in the shelter, which actually belonged to Donna Perkins.

Barrington had talked to Donna about Fuller’s idea and she agreed it was a necessary plan. All that was required about this shelter and any other shelter the Gatherers happened to locate was one thing…

Secrecy.

The shelters must never be revealed to non-believers. Barrington was already concerned about Craig Moore, otherwise known as Pa, for he was the only man who knew about Donna’s shelter and he wasn’t a Christian. The man had promised never to give away the location, but could that promise be kept? When the time came, would anyone who wasn’t a Christian be able to stand against the enemies of God?

Barrington believed the answer to that was ‘no’. He prayed Moore would come to the truth and be set free, but until then, he wanted to keep the older man close. Just in case.

He soon got his wish.

As he was opening the entrance to the shelter behind the silo, Chris was watching something in the field. Her right hand was pressed against her forehead to shield her eyes from the sun. “Guys…” she began, “someone’s coming.”

Barrington rose to his feet and looked. Two men were walking toward them. He recognized them as Moore and McLaughlin. He had left them both at the President’s ranch. Something must have gone wrong for them both to be present at Donna’s farmland.

“Hello, son,” Moore called out to Barrington, noticing the Saints with him. “I see you found some new friends…but your old one appears to still be MIA.” He stopped and leaned against the silo to catch his breath. “Uhm uhm. Your ole’ Pa isn’t as spry as he used to be.”

Barrington glanced at McLaughlin, noticing the man was looking down into the opening, which led to the shelter below. “What are you doing here, Pa?”

“‘Pa’?” Saint glanced at his wife. “Did I hear him right?”

Chris nodded.

“I’m sorry.” Barrington made introductions. “This is Craig Moore and everybody calls him Pa.”

“Like John calls you Brother Bear,” Chris pointed out.

Moore smiled. “Brother Bear? Aw, son, how nice. You have a name, too.”

Barrington ignored the jest. “What are you doing here?”

“The ranch was bombed by two F-16’s,” McLaughlin replied. “They flew overhead and dropped several missiles.”

“What?” Barrington tried to comprehend what he had just heard. “Why would they do that?” He frowned. “Who would give such an order except for the President? And the President wouldn’t give any such order unless the ranch was compromised.”

“The ranch was compromised.”

“Surely the President wouldn’t give such an order,” Moore commented, straightening, “knowing we were there.” He looked right at Barrington. “Am I right, son?”

Barrington paused. “The President didn’t give any such order. Someone else did.” He let out a deep breath. “Someone wanted to make certain the President remained out of the action.”

McLaughlin shook his head. “I think you guys are reading into things here. No one - except for Hank Sumter and the assassins he was in league with - is trying to kill the President.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure, son,” Moore said sadly. “I came here to inform President Ballou that an attack was going to be made on his life.” He paused as he regarded the faces watching him. “A man came to my house a few days ago…He was dying. He had three gunshot wounds and yet he somehow managed to get to my home because he knew I was once a member of the Secret Service.” He shrugged helplessly. “I had no idea who he was…I still don’t. He didn’t tell me his name. He had no identification whatsoever. I just listened to him because he needed to tell someone what he had seen.”

When he didn’t speak after a pause, Chris inquired, “What did he see?”

Moore looked at her, sadness in his eyes. “He saw death. He saw death and he saw hell right after him. The ground disappeared into the sea and that was after a mushroom cloud of death rained down upon Nevada.” He waved his hand into the air. “It’s all gone. All of it. No more California. But that’s only the beginning. He told me just before he died something I’ve been trying to make sense of. He said, ‘Watch out.’ Then, he said, ‘Aim.’” He frowned. “I don’t know what that means, for the life of me. I wish I did. But, I’m just an old black man from Queens and I don’t know much except for what I just told you.” He glanced up at the sky. “I had to tell you, too, because I’ve been carrying that around with me since this whole nightmare began.”

McLaughlin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Do you know who shot him?”

Moore shook his head. “Don’t know, son. For all I know, his killer could have even followed me out here.” He shrugged. “Don’t think he has ’cause the man hasn’t made any move toward me or anybody else. Think he would have done something by now if he had followed.”

“Who’s up there?” a woman’s voice demanded from below.

McLaughlin and Barrington peered down the hole. Erin Greye was standing below with her firearm pointed up toward them. She could only see their silhouette’s from where she stood. She couldn’t see their faces.

“It’s me,” Barrington assured her. “We’re…coming down.” He paused. “I brought a few friends. And tell Donna Pa is back. I’m sure she’ll be happy to see him.”

He let the others go down before he did. As McLaughlin climbed down, Barrington wondered how he was going to deal with the problem of two non-Christians knowing where the shelter was.

King looked up from the Bible when Sumter shifted on the cot he was lying on. Shiva also watched him, holding his own place in the Book of Revelation he and King were studying from. They were both hopeful that they could witness their faith to the wounded man. They just hadn’t had the opportunity yet for Sumter hadn’t been conscious enough to talk.

Sumter groaned and struggled to open his eyes.

King leaned over to him. “Hank…Hank, can you hear me?”

The man blinked groggily. Then, he turned his head and tried to focus on King. “Wha…?” He licked his dry lips. “What’s going… on?”

“You were shot,” Shiva told him. “Do you remember any-thing?”

King picked up a bottle of water on the stand beside the cot and twisted it open. He handed it to Sumter. “Drink, my friend. Easy does it.” He helped the man lean up and offered the drink.

Sumter slowly took the bottle and drank from it. Then, he took a deep breath and rubbed his temples. “My head…hurts.” He blinked wearily. “Someone…yeah, I remember. Crazy guy…Shot me in the…in the knee.” He scowled. “Wasn’t…very nice of him…was it?”

King glanced at Shiva. “Hank, it wasn’t nice of him, no. Are you feeling up for a chat?”

Sumter peered at him. “Who are you?”

“I am David King. This is Marc Shiva. We’d like to talk to you about Jesus.”

“Who?”

“You heard me the first time, my friend.”

Sumter rubbed his eyes. “Yeah…yeah, I…I did. The President and the lady doc…on the helicopter…They talked to…to each other about…Jesus.” He nodded slowly. “Yeah…I…I can’t talk now. The pain…”

“Your leg is pretty messed up,” Shiva replied, not knowing what else to say. “I’ll let Doc know and maybe she’ll be able to give you something for your pain.”

Sumter shook his head and closed his eyes. “The pain…it isn’t in my leg…It’s…it’s my head…” He began to drift off again. “For what it’s worth…I hope the President…is alright. I…I thought I heard Ed Carr’s voice…earlier.” He opened one eye and waved a finger at King and Shiva. “Don’t trust him. Don’t…just don’t. He’s a very…very bad man.” He closed his eye.

King and Shiva exchanged glances.

Groggily, Sumter said, “One more thing…”

“Yes, my friend,” King replied softly, prepared to listen.

Sumter licked his lips. “I…I really wish…the Doc would…take this…this stupid thing…out of my head.” He rubbed his face and then drifted off into sleep.

King looked at Shiva, puzzled. “He’s got something in his head?”

Shiva shrugged. “I understood the part about not trusting Carr. That’s really no surprise.”

“Brother, if Ed Carr truly is a danger…” King suddenly stopped as he gasped for breath.

Shiva turned to him, concerned. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m getting a deep impression to pray for Staci. I fear for her.”

That’s all it took. Shiva abruptly turned and left the room to search for Staci as King fell to his knees and prayed earnestly for her protection.

The room had no windows, not even on the door and no other furnishings except for a gray table and two metal, folding chairs. Staci sat on one with her arms on the table. She rubbed at her wrists and tried not to let Carr’s staring bother her. Two fluorescent lights above them hummed softly, powered by a generator in the far corner of the room.

It was the only sound at the moment.

Staci couldn’t believe how calm she felt. At any other time, she would have been weeping in hysterics. As she absently rubbed at her wrists, she thanked God for her composure for it certainly had to be His strength she was relying on and not her own. Carr was clearly trying to intimidate her, but so far it wasn’t working. At least they had removed the handcuffs.

He was waiting for her to speak first. What he didn’t know was that she was already speaking, but not to him. Inwardly, she was praying to God. Asking Him to help her be strong and give her words to say when the “interview” began.

When the silence got too long for Carr, he decided to begin. “Are you having a bad day?” he asked her.

Staci looked at him, pursing her lips. “I wouldn’t call it a good one.”

Carr smiled. “You…might find this amusing, but what I’m about to tell you is a true story. In a hospital Intensive Care Unit - I don’t recall the hospital or the state this was in…I believe it happened in Georgia - but anyway, patients always died in the same bed, always on a Sunday morning, and always at about 11:00 am, regardless of their medical condition. This puzzled the doctors and some even thought it might have something to do with the super-natural.” He shrugged his shoulders. “No one could solve the mystery as to why the deaths occurred around 11:00 am, on every Sunday, so a worldwide team of experts was assembled to investigate the cause of these incidents.” He leaned forward. “Do you know what they found out?”

Staci didn’t respond, but she couldn’t help listening.

“The next Sunday morning,” Carr continued, “a few minutes before 11:00 am, all of the doctors and nurses nervously waited outside the ward to see for themselves what this terrible phenomenon was all about. Some were actually holding onto wooden crosses, prayer books and other holy objects in hopes they could drive off whatever evil spirits were there that might be causing the deaths. Just when the clock struck 11:00, a man arrived. He was the part-time housekeeper on staff…” He twirled a finger around his ear. “He was also quite slow. It turned out that he was entering the ward every Sunday to clean. He would simply unplug the life support system so he could use the vacuum cleaner.” He spread his arms. “The housekeeper had caused all of the mysterious deaths. Now…talk about having a bad day.”

“You made that up.”

Carr looked shocked at such an accusation. “I assure you, it’s true.”

Staci frowned. “What does that have to do with me?”

“Everything.”

“How?” she demanded. “I didn’t do anything to deserve this treatment. I want to see Director Fuller.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

Staci took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. “What do you want?”

“I want to know about your friend, David King. Tell me about him. Who is he?”

Staci chose not to answer.

Then, he spread his arms as if to say he had given her fair warning. “Have it your way.” He paused for effect. “I understand that you’re under investigation. I believe there was a patient who died in your care…under some very mysterious circumstances. His name was Ishmael Musad.”

Her composure cracked as she visibly paled.

“Ah. Well, I see that name rings a bell for you.”

“He died of a heart attack. Those…that isn’t a mysterious circumstance. It…it was the cause of death.”

Carr shook his head. “It was a massive heart attack, from what I’ve been told, possibly even induced. I was also told you did nothing to help the man. That you just let him die.”

“That’s not true! I tried to help him.” She tried to get her composure back. “Who told you this?”

“Richard Manning. Your ex-CEO at Albany Medical.” Carr watched her reactions and discovered he was enjoying himself immensely. “He told me a lot of interesting things about you.” He sat back as if he hadn’t a care in the world. “Staci, I need you to cooperate fully with me, but if you don’t, I will personally see to it that you pay for the murder of Ishmael Musad.”

Tears began to well in Staci’s eyes, no matter how hard she tried not to be shaken by the sudden turn of events. “I didn’t kill him. They wouldn’t let me…” She stopped. Telling her side with Manning didn’t help the first time she tried to communicate her innocence. She didn’t think it was going to help now.

Carr looked at her. “They wouldn’t let you help him, I know. Dr. Manning told me your side of it.”

She glared at him. “Dr. Manning doesn’t know my side of it. He wouldn’t listen. Neither will you.”

“Oh, that’s not true. I promise to help you with everything I have at my disposal. All you have to do is help me.”

The resolve that came over her had to be from God. She silently thanked Him for it and in spite of the forming tears, she glared at her interrogator. “I’m not interested in helping you.”

“Oh, now I would seriously give that some careful considera-tion before you make a hasty decision like that, Staci. I mean what I say. You will be incarcerated for murder. I will make certain the rest of your life is spent in total misery.” He snapped his fingers. “It can happen just like that.”

“I have rights. This interrogation is illegal.”

“I don’t answer to the legal system you are referring to.” He smiled. “I work for someone who is going to completely change the world. Even now, steps are being taken to reveal those who will not accept change. In a few years, only those who are loyal to the New World will be free. People like you will be executed.”

She stared at him. “What are you saying?”

“You have claimed to be a Christian.”

She paused to regard him. “That isn’t a claim. I am a