“Talk to me,” she pleaded. “You can’t just ignore everything I’m saying.” She paused as she watched her husband, his back to her as he continued to glare out the window of their living room. She could tell he was angry. It was in his posture and it was also evident by the fist he kept making with his left hand. “Andrew! Say something!”

“Get out.”

Danielle Marie Anderson blinked. She stared at her husband’s back, wondering if she had actually heard what she thought she had heard. “What?” she asked softly.

This time, Andrew Anderson turned around and focused his anger directly at her. “I said get out!”

Danielle froze. She was finding it difficult to believe that this was even happening. “Andy…you-you can’t mean that.”

“Are you insane?” he demanded harshly. “You’ve taken everything we’ve ever believed in, turned it into a joke and embraced some crazy religion based on some guy who hasn’t been around for 2,000 years!”

She hesitated. “That guy you’re referring to is my Lord.”

“Your Lord? Do you even hear yourself?” Anderson shook his head in disbelief, putting his hands on his head as if he were in a great deal of pain. “There is no God! We’ve always believed that the only gods there are are the ones we create because we are god. We go out and create things. We go out into the world and make it what it is. We work. We build. We do everything.” He looked at her and sighed. “We’re the ones who are gods. There is no one super, powerful being who made us. You believed that once!”

“But that’s crazy? Did we make all of those people who vanished disappear?” She shook her head. “No. God took them.”

“God didn’t take anyone because He doesn’t exist!”

“God created--”

“I am not getting into this debate with you again. I told you. If you want to go and pursue this kind of brain washing, you go and do it out of my house.”

Danielle fought hard to keep the tears from appearing. “This is my house, too.”

He pointed at her angrily. “You owned this house as my wife, but we have this house and everything in it because of my profession. My place in the firm and as a senior partner has placed me as the primary caregiver in this household. Not you. Everything here is mine. You are no longer a part of it.”

She shook her head. “You can’t…What are you saying? That you’re just going to kick me out of my home? It’s as much mine as it is yours.”

“It isn’t yours at all. And as long as you’re going to turn your back on everything we once held dear, you’re not going to be welcome here.”

“That’s insane. I’m your wife.”

“Forsake these delusional beliefs of yours and seek help. If you do, you’ll remain as my wife.”

Danielle looked at him as if he had lost his mind. “I’m not forsaking anything! I can’t believe you refuse to see the truth when it’s right there in front of you. The Bible tells us--”

He sighed. “I don’t want to hear it.”

“Oh, come on! You won’t even let me tell you about the truth. How can I--?”

“You’re believing a lie!” He pointed at her accusingly. “You are! Not me. I know what you want to say. That God is going to bring this world to an end. That in a few years, the so-called Antichrist will usher us all towards a one world government and eventually to Armageddon. Now how crazy is that?”

“Well, look at what’s happened already! No one can even use cell phones or computers unless they’re employed by the government or have authorization. That sounds a little like Big Brother to me.”

“I have a cell phone. I have a computer. I’m authorized to use them. Anyway, I happen to think it’s a good idea. Common citizens don’t need to be using them. Besides, it will be an excellent deterrent against terrorism.”

Danielle shook her head. “I don’t think--”

“No,” Anderson agreed. “I don’t believe you do. I’ve heard enough from you. Are you going to drop this nonsense or not?”

“No. I’m not dropping this.”

“Then, get out of my house. And start using your own name. Frankly, I’m embarrassed to be associated with someone who abandons the ideas and philosophies which we’ve held onto for years in exchange for some old time foolish religion. A religion that is more of a crutch than anything else.” He held up a hand to prevent her from speaking. “I’m not interested in what you have to say. Just leave me an address where I can send you the papers for divorce. I’ll handle this as quickly as possible.”

Danielle swallowed. “Andy…”

Anderson abruptly turned and headed for the door. He stopped to get his coat from out of the closet. He put it on, picked up his briefcase and opened the front door. Without even turning to look at her, he said, “By the time I return home, Miss Dozois, I expect you to be gone.” He slammed the door shut on his way out.

Stunned, Danielle stood there for a moment, trying to grasp the reality of what had just occurred. When it sank in, she fell to her knees and cried to the Lord. For a while, there was nothing but grief. Then, an urgency came over her and whether it came from her need to leave or from the Lord Himself, she decided to heed it. She grabbed an overnight bag, stuffed it with some clothes and other necessities, grabbed her purse and headed out to the garage.

Her silver Beetle Sedan was a wonderful sight as she tossed her bag into the passenger seat with her purse. She climbed in and started her car. She began to drive out into the driveway but stopped when she saw her husbands prized Kawasaki ZX-14 still in the garage. Her eyes narrowed as she remembered wondering if Anderson had loved that motorcycle more than her.

Now she knew the truth.

She put her Beetle in reverse and stepped on the gas. Her car went backwards, slamming into the motorcycle and knocking it down onto the concrete floor in the garage. Feeling somewhat satisfied, Danielle put her car back into drive and left as quickly as she could without getting into an accident.

Danielle could have called her friends for help, but she was too upset to reach for her cell phone in her purse. In her dilemma, she forgot that even if she did try to make a call on her cell phone, there would be no signal for her to connect with. Only government officials or authorized people were now able to utilize cell phones and computers. Anyone else could no longer do so. All non essential individuals who had cell phones and computers were blocked out of the network indefinitely.

Danielle had no other course before her but to simply drive on…and so she did. As she drove, she prayed and asked God to help her. She drove and prayed for hours. She had no destination in mind. She had no thought of where she was going. All she knew was that she wanted to be as far from where she had lived with her husband of seven years as she possibly could.

At some point in her travels, she realized she was on a deserted road with no traffic on it. She passed a sign that said;

Ten miles later, Danielle brought her Beetle to a halt and stared in wonder out her window. For a split second, she thought she had seen a bright flash ahead and heard a loud popping sound. Then, miles ahead of her on the road, something seemed to be moving toward her. Whatever it was, it was moving fast.

Puzzled, she climbed out of her car, took a few steps forward and tried to make sense of what she was seeing. The only way she could describe it was that the air itself seemed to be moving. Like a mirage moving across the land. Whatever it was, it was moving directly toward her.

Not knowing what it was, she decided to turn around and go back the way she had come. But it was too late. She never even made it to the door of her car as a wave of heat struck her. Within seconds, her Beetle was without power and she was laying on the ground beside her car unconscious.

Almost twenty minutes later, several vehicles began to drive past her. Two of them stopped. They were white vans and several figures wearing bio-hazard gear climbed out. They approached Danielle’s unconscious form, placed her onto a stretcher, and placed her into one of the vans. Others of the mysterious figures hooked the Beetle up to a tow in the rear of one of the vans. When they were done, they returned to the vans and then, a short time later, they were gone.

It was as if no one had been on the road at all.

The Federal Building in Albany, NY was busy the week following the assassination of President Walter J. Ballou. The manhunt for Charles McLaughlin and Joshua Dunham was the top priority, and Director Darren T. Fuller was secretly relieved that the ATD agents under his command were being recalled from the hunt. He considered it a waste of time anyway since he was one of the few who knew the truth about the assassination.

President Walter J. Ballou was alive and well. The man was currently incognito, making plans to strike at the Man of Perdition. When and where that would take place were the only questions Fuller had about the strike, but he had made it perfectly clear that he wanted to be in on it. The one-world government was already beginning with subtle changes designed to deceive those who weren’t a part of the truth.

He stepped into the briefing room, pleased to see that everyone who was required to be there were in attendance. Albert Barrington sat at the table, speaking in hushed tones with Erin Greye and Marc Shiva. William Fronk was at one end of the table, seemingly engrossed with something on the screen of the laptop before him. Ken Willon, Keith LeBeau and Jeremy Bandjough were also present, seated at the table with their thoughts to themselves. Bandjough, however, kept glancing toward Michael Lenox, who was standing with his back to the wall, occasionally taking sips from the mug of hot coffee in his right hand. His face was completely expressionless.

Fuller knew what was going through Bandjough’s mind. The younger man wanted to know where Lenox was during the period of his absence some time ago. No one knew where the man had gone. No one knew why Lenox had disappeared for a while. Fuller had some idea of what Lenox had been up to, but the rest was still a mystery. Lenox was the only one besides Fuller who knew that President Walter J. Ballou was alive and had not been assassinated as it was made to look like he was.

Fuller looked at Barrington and the man nodded to him in greeting. The Director smiled grimly. If Barrington discovered the truth, he would be furious. Fuller, however, had his reasons for keeping him out of the loop.

“Gentlemen,” he said as he remained in the doorway. He nodded to Erin. “Lady.” He closed the door and moved toward his chair at the head of the table, but he didn’t sit down. “This meeting will be short. Directly afterward, we’ll head to the roof and get aboard the Storm Breaker. We’ll leave immediately because time is of the essence.” He paused as he regarded them. “A place called Allentown was targeted by terrorists and the entire population has disappeared.”

Everyone looked at Fuller, their complete attention given to him.

“In short,” he continued, “it is being said that some kind of weapon is the cause of the disappearances. Justice is trying to prove that this same weapon is what caused the vanishings several months ago.”

Lenox snorted. “And you want us to disprove that?” He shook his head. “Sounds more like a religious quest than a field mission. With all due respect, Director, I have no intention of heading out to Allentown in search for the Holy Grail.”

Fuller opened his mouth to respond, but Shiva beat him to it.

“Come on, man,” the ex-wrestler replied, turning to focus on Lenox. “What’s wrong with keeping an open mind about all of this? Justice wants to cover up the truth and all we want to do is reveal it.”

“What if you’re wrong, Fury?” Lenox asked him. “You claim that Justice is trying to cover the truth up and make the lie a reality. What if it is just the opposite? What if they firmly believe that they know the truth just like you guys know your truth? You all have different beliefs. It doesn’t make them wrong.”

Willon shook his head in disbelief. “That sounds like some kind of copout. Even for you, Knox.”

Lenox glared at him. “What do you mean by that?”

“You know Ed Carr. You know he isn’t interested in the truth. He’s only out to deceive people so he can take advantage of them.”

“That may be, but I’m not talking about Ed Carr. There are other people who work in Justice besides him. I was referring to them.”

“But you’re defending Justice,” Barrington pointed out. “In all the time I’ve known you, you’ve never done that before.”

Lenox turned his head to face Barrington, narrowing his eyes. “What are you saying?”

Barrington looked at Fuller, who was shaking his head.

“Let’s get back to the subject, shall we?” Fuller inquired, pausing to see if there would be any other outbursts. When there were none, he said, “Our interest in this mission is to determine how this happened and who is responsible.” He looked at Lenox. “To find them and bring them in. That is our primary objective.”

Lenox nodded. “Your secondary objective…?”

“There is none.”

Lenox looked at him with suspicion. “Don’t lie about it, Director. I know full well that you intend to make certain these disappearances in Allentown are not connected to the vanishings. Because if they are connected, people might be more willing to believe this than your rapture theory.”

“I won’t lie to you.”

“So that is your secondary objective.” It wasn’t a question.

Fuller sighed. “It is.”

“I won’t be a part of that.”

“I understand.” When Lenox didn’t say anything more, Fuller continued the meeting. “As you all know, some changes have been made due to the attack on our country. Each of us will have clearance to use cell phones and computers. Anyone who is not employed by the government, or law enforcement agencies, or is just not given clearance will not have access. If they get access, they must be treated as terrorists and brought in.”

Everyone but Willon, Lenox, and Fronk were surprised by this new report.

“What?” Erin inquired, shocked by what she just heard. “Oh, dear Lord…That’s like…Well, so much for a free country. People aren’t going to take that well.”

Fuller shook his head. “No. They’re not.”

“This is like the beginning of the one world order, isn’t it?” Bandjough asked. “It always begins by taking away some of our freedom. Soon, it will be something else.”

“Well, don’t be forgetin’ the credit situation,” LeBeau reminded them. “Our economy’s been hit pretty hard because of this, and credit is just no good any more. Shoot! Every place I’ve been to has demanded cash. No one takes credit any more.”

“It’s the computer thing,” Fronk said, glancing up from the laptop. “Since the attack, things have gone a little screwy. A nation-wide EMP will have a tendency to do that though. Kind of expected. And kind of prophetical, too, so I’m not surprised.”

Lenox rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Fuller was grateful he didn’t say anything. “Alright, people. That’s all I have time to give you right now. Perhaps we’ll have more of an opportunity to discuss our mission further on the way in.” He turned to his security specialist. “Kenneth, you’ll remain here and run things while I’m gone. The rest of you, let’s head out. We’ve got an objective to meet.”

As the group began to rise from the table, Barrington remained seated. The others began to file out the door, eventually leaving only Barrington, Lenox, and Fuller. Barrington glanced at Lenox. He had something to say and didn’t want to say it in front of his best friend. Especially since their friendship had begun to deteriorate since Barrington accepted Christ.

Lenox continued to lean back against the wall, favoring his coffee.

Fuller regarded them. “What is it, Albert?”

Barrington hesitated. “I’d like to speak with you, Director.” He glanced at Lenox. “Alone.”

Lenox didn’t move. “Come on, Al. You can speak freely in front of me.”

Barrington paused. He wanted to speak with Fuller about his suspicions, but if Lenox was going to be stubborn about it, then he would have to wait for another time. Instead of bringing up his suspicions, he decided to speak about his concerns.

“About Staci…” Barrington paused. “Do we even have any idea where Justice has taken her to?”

Fuller let out a sigh. He had been worried about Staci Cohen since she had vanished from Craig Moore’s Lexus a week ago. The only thing Fronk had found out was that the security camera’s captured Staci being placed into a white van and that was the last anyone had seen of her. The van had driven away from the Federal Building so the only thing they knew for certain was that Staci was not being held there.

“We have no idea where she is, Albert,” Fuller confirmed solemnly.

Lenox moved toward the table and set his coffee mug onto the surface of it. “Let me get this straight,” he said slowly. “Staci came back to the Federal Building some time last week and was taken away by Justice agents…and no one thought to tell me about this?”

Barrington and Fuller exchanged looks.

“Why not?” Lenox demanded.

“We didn’t think you would care,” Barrington said.

Lenox frowned. “You didn’t think I would…? What do you think I am? Some kind of unfeeling machine or something? Look, I know she’s become your friend because you share your beliefs, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about her.” He hesitated. “I feel as you do. She doesn’t deserve to be mistreated by Justice. I don’t believe she’s done anything wrong. I’ve done some checking and…” He trailed off.

Barrington stared at him. “You’ve done some checking? What do you mean? You’ve investigated Staci?”

Lenox shrugged. “Well…no. Not really.” He paused. “Well…okay, maybe a little.”

Fuller regarded him. “Are you admitting that you care for Staci, Michael? Is that what you’re trying to tell us?”

Lenox paused. “Well, yeah…In the exact same way you guys care for her…” He shrugged. “Sure.” He decided to get the subject back to the problem and not on how much he cared for Staci. His own feelings were not the issue here. “Uhm, so…Justice has Staci somewhere in custody. Fine. I’ll just go talk to some people I know and find her.”

Barrington shook his head. “You can’t do that. We have a mission to go to.”

He shrugged. “I’m sure I can find Allentown once I‘ve gotten Staci out of the clutches of Justice. I’ll give Billy Joel a call and ask for directions.”

“Michael…are you telling me you can find Staci?”

Lenox nodded. “I know I can.” He looked at Fuller and pointed at him. “You should have told me about this earlier. This would have already been taken care of had I been in the loop.”

Fuller paused as he gave it some thought. “Okay. Alright, you go and find her. Then, bring her to Allentown with you.”

Barrington regarded Fuller and Lenox for a moment. He was puzzled as to why the Director was giving Lenox the go ahead to pursue Staci. He was deeply concerned for Staci himself, but they had a mission to get to. However, he was confident Lenox would find her.

Lenox nodded his head. “We’ll be there.”

With that, Lenox left the room before them. He had a different objective than Fuller and Barrington did. He had an opportunity to not only find Staci Cohen, but to see her one more time. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face.

Twenty miles from Belgrade, Maine, thirty-eight people had arrived at Donna Perkins’ farmlands. At the same time they had arrived, a small RV drove onto the property and parked out behind the barn. A solitary woman with a permanent frown and eyes that missed nothing was the only one in the RV. She wasn’t a part of the group that came from Willow Creek Baptist Church, but no one realized where she had come from and no one gave it any thought. She was simply accepted and welcomed at the shelter.

She didn’t say much. For the week she had been there, the only word she had said was, “Amber,” and that was when Donna was trying to find out her name. Knowing Amber wasn’t likely to be real talkative, Donna enlisted her help in preparing meals and allowing some of the people to sleep in the RV. Amber took to the tasks with a relish and the people began to realize that God must have sent Amber to them because she simply made the best stews ever.

Another added member was a man Craig Moore had brought with him back from New York. The man, however, was only known as Jim and stayed up in the hayloft of the barn to keep out of the way. Moore had assured the man that upon their arrival at the shelter, he would be welcomed with open arms. All he had told Moore about himself was that his name was Jim and he was a despondent man. When they had arrived, the man called Jim went to the barn and up into the loft. He remained there all week long. People took turns bringing him food. No one had ever seen him come down from the loft.

David King was concerned about him and had several times tried to engage the man into conversation. He could only stand at the bottom of the loft and talk to him, but the man never responded. King was bothered by it because even though he had yet to see the mans face, something was nagging at his mind about it. He didn’t know what it was.

That wasn’t the only trouble the group had. Not only did they have to find enough places to shelter everyone, but all week long, they had prayed for Staci Cohen’s safe return. They wouldn’t stop praying for her until they knew she was safe. All they knew was what Moore had told them. Justice had taken Staci away and they would have taken Moore as well had not Director Fuller intervened. Fuller had assured Moore that Staci would be freed and insisted the older man should return back to Maine.

Moore had only agreed, but reluctantly.

When he had gone to leave New York, he had discovered there was a man in the back of the Lexus. That had been Jim. Jim had begged for Moore to help him and all Moore could do was to take him to the shelter.

John Saint and David King, in the mean time, had come up with a plan to feed the people they had with the Word of God. Every Wednesday, they would have an evening service. They would spend time singing, and they would give a lesson from the Bible. Every Sunday, they would have an hour of teaching and then an hour of preaching, followed by singing and fellowship.

Peter Chase was helping to organize a group to go out and find other Christians and also to find a way to get food back to the shelter. The food in the shelters pantry along with the food Amber had in her RV were enough to last a few weeks for a little over forty people. Possibly a month if they stretched it.

King wondered if there was something God wanted him to do with this small gathering of believers. All he knew was that he believed God had led them all to the shelter. Now he had to trust God and wait to see what His Will was for them.

Chase found Saint and King sitting at a picnic table behind the barn. Both of them were studying the Word together, preparing for Sunday’s lessons.

“Hey, brothers,” Chase greeted them as he approached. “How are you guys doing?”

“Fine, Peter,” Saint replied, grinning. “How’s the Food Pantry business coming along?”

Chase shrugged as he tried to peek a glance at the notes King had been writing. “I’ve gathered up a little over a thousand dollars from everyone who had something to contribute. Just came over to let you know that we’re heading out to stock up on what we can. We’ll be gone for a few hours or so.”

Saint nodded. “Well, that’s awesome. The Lord does provide, doesn’t He?”

“Well…yeah. I guess.”

King and Saint looked at Chase.

“You guess?” King inquired.

Chase nodded. “Yeah. I’m sorry, David. I’m new at this faith thing, so I have to admit…I have some concerns.” He looked around. “I mean, a thousand dollars is great, but it will most likely provide maybe another month of food for everyone. But what if more people come here? What if this place becomes overcrowded? As if it weren’t that already.”

King chuckled. “My brother, you worry too much.”

“And worry is a sin,” Saint pointed out. “So confess it to God and move on in faith.”

Chase hesitated. “Come on, guys. You make it sound so simple. Aren’t you even the least bit concerned about what will happen when the food runs out and money becomes useless to provide for more?”

“We walk by faith, Peter,” King told him. “God will provide.”

“And what if He doesn’t?”

King paused as he exchanged looks with Saint. “Then, God’s Will will be done regardless of what our needs are. All you need to believe is that His plans shall always prevail. That is truly all that matters.” He patted the man on his shoulder. “Come, my brother. John and I shall join you and your helpers, and we will pray for your trip into town.”

The three men headed toward the front of the barn where several people waited for Chase. Including James Dell. Chris Saint and a few other ladies were also present. Saint, King and Chase joined them and together they prayed.

Donna Perkins had tried for a week to get Amber to talk, but had been unsuccessful. Whatever Amber had gone through, she remained tightlipped about it. Donna was concerned, but she could do nothing to help her new friend if that new friend wasn’t ready to accept her help. All she could do was keep Amber in her prayers and be there for her. Only God knew what traumatic experience Amber must have endured for her to be so distance from the others.

When Chase had asked earlier for people to make contributions toward the shelters Food Pantry, Amber had entered into the safe confines of her RV. It was assumed she just wanted to avoid being asked to give something she didn’t want to or didn’t have to give. It wasn’t until Chase and his helpers had left for town that Amber returned and approached Donna inside the shelter.

Donna was sitting at the table when Amber set down a small lockbox in front of her.

Donna looked up, curious. “What’s this?”

Amber handed her a key. Then, without another word, she turned and began to walk away.

“Amber, wait.” Donna rose to her feet. “You’re going to have to talk about it eventually. Whatever it is. It’s not healthy to keep everything bottled up inside like that.”

Amber hesitated as she stood in the doorway. She still remained silent, but she was listening.

“When you’re ready to talk…I’ll listen.”

Amber nodded her head once. Then, she left the room.

Donna sat back down at the table and looked at the lockbox Amber had brought to her. She wondered what was inside, but realized she was about to find out. With the key she was given to by Amber, she opened the lockbox and stared in astonishment. It was completely full of money.

Alyson Moore was amazed at the proficiency of the military outpost just outside of Allentown. With the combined resources of the military, Justice, and FEMA (Federal Emergency Medical Agency), the outpost was completely setup within less than a day. The military patrolled a complete radius around the quarantined town and no one was allowed in or out unless authorized.

The outpost had many model buildings setup for Justice and FEMA to do the work needed. As Alyson and her cameraman, Rick Meers, were given a tour of the constructed compound by Jerry Averill, one of Ed Carr’s top Justice agents, the top DEN news reporters eyes hardly missed a thing. When she saw the Headquarters they were heading for, she couldn’t help but notice that it was the biggest manmade structure within the outpost.

“There are things you can report,” Averill was telling her. “Things we need you to report, but you have to understand. Everything you see and hear while on these grounds cannot be made publicly known. Only what we give you.”

Alyson continued to survey their surroundings. “I know all about the conditions I was asked to accept when we were invited here, Agent Averill. Your boss made that perfectly clear.” She turned her head to regard him coolly. “I don’t need to be reminded of those conditions.”

Averill hesitated as he considered saying something rude to her, but then he quickly dismissed it. Shrugging, he said, “Follow me, then. He’s expecting you.”

He lead them into the Headquarters. Inside, Ed Carr and several other men were standing around a table and in a deep discussion. Alyson and Meers noted that on the table was a map of Allentown, a complete layout of everything in the town. Alyson frowned thoughtfully as she looked around the interior of the Headquarters. The computers and other equipment that lined one wall seemed odd to her and she couldn’t imagine why that should be.

The discussion ended as the men realized they had visitors.

Carr approached Alyson and Meers. “Welcome to the biggest story you’ll ever report since the so-called vanishings and the attack on our country.” He held out his hand.

Alyson shook his hand. “We’re glad to be here for this opportunity, Director Carr.”

He took her hand in his right and placed his left hand over hers. He smiled. “I know you are, Alyson. And I can think of no one better than you qualified to report the truth we want revealed here.”

She glared daggers at him and removed her hand.

Carr didn’t seem to notice. He didn’t even bother to acknowledge that Meers was present as well. He was completely focused on the blonde news reporter. “There is something going on here that will shake the very foundation of those who have the notion that the vanishings occurred of a divine nature. They believe it happened by the hand of God.” He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “We know what really happened.”

She looked at him. “You do?”

He nodded.

“Are you telling me I’m here to report your findings on how the vanishings actually occurred?”

He nodded again, grinning like a mad man.

Alyson exchanged a look with Meers. “Well, this I’ve got to see.”

Carr nodded his head as he placed his hand on her shoulder. “You will. I promise you…You will. We do, after all, want the people to know the truth.”

She nodded her head. “Yeah. Right. I’m sure you do.” For the time being, she didn’t do anything about his hand, but that wasn’t to say she wasn’t thinking about doing something. At the moment, the story came first. It was turning out that there was more of a story here than she was originally led to believe.

“Right now,” Carr told her, “Agent Averill will escort you to where you will be staying. We’ve set up special quarters for you and your cameraman. I’m sure you’ll find them accommodating.”

She smiled. “I’m sure.”

“Afterwards, we’ll show you where you can set up and let you know what you can report.” Carr grinned. “Oh, and one more thing you might find interesting.” He paused for affect, but when she didn’t ask him what it was, he cleared his throat. “The ATD agents will be arriving soon, and we know how they feel about the vanishings, don’t we? I’m sure there won’t be a dull moment with them around.”

Alyson shrugged. “I imagine there won’t be.”

Carr kept his grin in place and nodded. Then, to Averill, he said, “Show them to their quarters.”

Averill nodded, and then he led Alyson and Meers back outside. As they walked behind Averill, Alyson glanced at her cameraman and lowered her voice. “Notice anything funny about the HQ we were just in?”

Meers nodded. “Yep. It looks bigger on the outside.”

“Think there’s a room behind those computers?”

He nodded again. “I wouldn’t doubt it.”

“What do you suppose is in there?”

Meers couldn’t help but grin. “I’m sure we’ll find out eventually. There’s no story that can hide from you…Even the ones Ed Carr doesn’t want reported.”

“Director…” Barrington began as he leaned toward Fuller, seated beside him in the back of the Storm Breaker as they were flying toward their destination. “Todd, what’s going on with Michael? Is there something he’s keeping from us that you know about?”

Fuller paused to consider his answer first before he spoke impulsively. “Albert,” he finally said, “Michael has some issues.”

“I already know that about him. We’ve been friends since High School. We’ve been like brothers. Since the vanishings, however, he’s changed. And since he’s come back from his own disappearing act, he’s even more distant than before.” Barrington glanced at the others to make certain they weren’t listening in. When he was confidant they weren’t eavesdropping, he said, “I get this nagging suspicion in the back of my head that…that he knows more about the President’s assassination than he lets on.” He made eye contact with Fuller. “Does he?”

Fuller sat back and looked away. “Why are you asking me? Why don’t you ask him?”

“I did ask him.” Barrington paused. “And I’m asking you now because I also believe that you know more than you’ve told us.”

An uncomfortable silence descended upon them.

“What happened?” Barrington asked, breaking the silence. “There’s something that both of you know, and I want to know what it is.”

Fuller let out a sigh. “Albert, I’m your superior officer. There are things I’m supposed to know about that those under my authority are not.”

“I’m asking as a friend.”

“I’m not giving you any information besides the facts you already know.”

Barrington shook his head. “I don’t have all the facts, and you know it. Look, we’re Christians. We’re supposed to be a family. Keeping secrets is --”

Fuller turned his head and looked sternly at him. “This matter is not open for discussion, Albert. There are reasons I don’t share everything, even with those I trust the most because the more who know, the more people who fall into jeopardy. I cannot believe you would seriously use our fellowship as a means to get me to confide in you.”

Barrington hesitated, realizing he may have pushed more than he had intended to. But not knowing the truth of what happened only made him feel as if he couldn’t be trusted. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I won’t bring it up again.” But I will look into it further on my own, he thought to himself.

Fuller seemed to sense what he was thinking. “This isn’t a trust issue, Albert.”

Barrington nodded. He decided to change the subject. “So what are we to expect when we arrive at the outpost?”

Fuller hesitated, concerned about the sudden shift in their conversation. “Ed Carr is going to meet us at the landing area we’ve been assigned to. From there, he’ll brief us on what’s happened. We’ll make a determination on a plan of action after the briefing. One thing is certain, he won’t share everything he knows with us about what happened.”

“That’s to be expected.”

Fuller regarded him. “Are you going to be alright about this?” He was referring to what they had discussed previously.

Barrington shrugged. “I’m fine, Director. I understand what you’ve told me.” I just don’t like it. “What exactly do we know happened in Allentown?”

“The only information I’ve been given is that some bomb had gone off and the entire population had disappeared.”

Barrington took a moment to process that information. “What kind of bomb?”

Fuller shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“So…a bomb goes off. People disappear.” Barrington nodded in understanding. “Carr wants to make a connection with the vanishings so that he can explain it away from the rapture.”

“Right. So we need to make certain the truth gets out. We also need to find out who’s responsible for this and deal with them accordingly.”

Barrington regarded him. “That explains why you’re coming along on this mission. You usually don’t participate in field work.”

Fuller couldn’t help but grin. “I wasn’t always behind a desk, you know. Besides, I think it’s good to get out every now and then. Keeps the blood circulation going.” He paused. “When Michael brings Staci to us, her experience as a Medical Doctor could help, too.”

“How? There are no bodies and…well, I don’t know if she even has a degree in forensic pathology. Other than to keep her out of the clutches of Justice, what purpose will she have on this mission? And Carr won’t like it when she shows up with Michael. He’s the one who pushed to have her arrested.”

Fuller nodded. “I know.” He hesitated. “Michael will keep Ed Carr away from Staci.”

“How?”

He hesitated. “Will you just trust me, Albert?”

Barrington paused. “Okay.”

“As far as Staci’s usefulness on the mission…I just have this feeling.” Fuller shrugged. “I can’t explain it. I just know there’s a reason she needs to be there.”

Barrington nodded his head and then he gave their conversation a lot of thought. Besides the mission, he had another goal in mind. Somehow, he had to discover the truth about what really happened the day the President was assassinated.

Staci Cohen was thankful that God was in complete control of her life. He had to be. She was amazed that He was able to calm her fears despite the crisis she was in. The Justice Agency was keeping her against her will in a place they called a safe house. She wasn’t an expert on law, but even she knew that what they were doing was illegal. They had no grounds to hold her like this, whether she was a suspect or not.

It was all Ed Carr’s doing. She realized that to be true. She had the impression that he was actually keeping her prisoner because she was a friend of Director Fuller’s. Carr knew she had nothing to do with Ishmael Musad’s death. The Director of Justice knew that Ishmael Musad did not die out of negligence or malice on Staci’s part. He believed the best way to keep Fuller off balance was to keep Staci under lock and key for the time being.

Staci was in a safe house. Her sleeping quarters was in the furnished basement Justice provided for her. She had everything she needed, they saw to that, except her freedom. She could not leave the house. There were also three Justice agents who stayed in the house with her. Two male agents and one female agent; Phillip Rhodes, Mike Matthews, and Christine Tinker. They each had separate rooms on the floors above her.

Staci was instructed not to leave the house at all. She was not permitted to go out into the backyard, or take a walk around the neighborhood. Rhodes had even ordered her to stay away from the windows and doors for security reasons. She suspected he just liked to give orders. Rhodes and Tinker enjoyed reminding her that she was the lowest on the food chain and anything she wanted to do had to be approved by them. Matthews, however, was just the opposite. He treated her with respect and consideration. He carried on conversations with her about her faith and she gladly shared with him the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The reason he began engaging her with conversations about her faith was because of something he had witnessed since they had begun to reside in the safe house. On Staci’s first night under house arrest, she had a Bible with her. Rhodes and Tinker confiscated it from her, telling her that she could not have any form of propaganda on the premises.

Staci narrowed her eyes. “Propaganda?” she questioned. “It’s the Bible. How can you possibly think of the Bible as propaganda?”

“Because we do,” Rhodes told her.

Tinker nodded. “That’s right. The Advocate calls it a distorted idea spread by a misinformed organization. So you will not have this book in this house.”

“The Advocate?” Staci frowned. “Well…who is that? The Bible is God’s Word, and this Advocate is wrong to call it propaganda. It--”

Tinker glared at her and took a menacing step toward her. “How dare you call Tristian Salvadori a liar! He happens to be one of the greatest men of our time, if not the greatest man who ever lived! You’re so lucky I don’t put a bullet in you for your ignorant accusation.”

Rhodes took Tinker by the arm and guided her back a few steps. “Watch your tongue, Dr. Cohen. I don’t like you any more than Christine does, but I have orders to keep you here safe and unharmed. But further comments like that about a man who is doing our world a lot of good will not be tolerated. Isn’t that right, Mike?”

Matthews shrugged as if he didn’t really care. Knowing that Staci was the only one who was looking at him, he rolled his eyes. “Yeah, whatever you say, Phil.”

Rhodes turned to regard him. “You don’t sound so enthusiastic.”

Tinker scowled at him. “Oh, forget Mike, Phil. He’s not so sure about the Advocate.”

“Well, you’d both better get on the band wagon, because I believe this man is going to make some very powerful changes.” He turned to glare at Staci. “And one of those changes will be to remove ideas like this--” He raised the Bible in front of Staci. “--from people like you. I believe it’s this kind of notion that caused you to kill a man like Ishmael Musad.”

Staci refused to be baited into a discussion about something she didn’t do, so she remained silent.

Tinker pointed at the basement door. “If you don’t want to have a part in our conversations, then you can go down to your room and stay there.”

Staci was only too happy to comply. In her sequestered room in the basement, she found a Bible. The next day, she was caught reading from it, so they took it from her again. But because she was bored, she explored her room and found another one. On the third day, Tinker took it from her and stormed out with it.

The next morning, Staci woke up and found a Bible on the stand beside her bed.

Matthews was simply amazed how a Bible could keep turning up for Staci every time one was taken away from her. He knew deep in his heart that something was happening here that could not be so easily explained away. He had tried to tell his companions that.

“Don’t you think it strange how these Bible’s keep appearing every time you two take them away?” he asked them. “Doesn’t it make you wonder if God is somehow doing this for her so she can be able to read it?”

Tinker glared at him. “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. God isn’t giving that Jew any Bibles. They aren’t mysteriously appearing. Someone is bringing them to her.”

Matthews looked from Rhodes to Tinker. “Who?”

“You are,” Rhodes said.

“What?”

“You’re the one who’s sneaking them in for her.” Tinker shook her head. “Man, leave it to you to allow your head to be turned by a pretty face.”

Matthews shook his head. “Oh, you two are unbelievable! You think I’m being distracted by Staci?”

“You even call her by her first name.”

“I call you by your first name! Staci happens to be her first name. What am I supposed to call her?”

Tinker put her hands on her hips. “How about prisoner. Convict. Jew. Murderer.”

Matthews didn’t know why he felt the need to defend Staci, but he decided to do just that. “And why do you do that, Christine? Why do you call Staci a Jew?”

“Because she is one.”

“You say that word as if it were a curse.”

Rhodes and Tinker exchanged looks.

Matthews shook his head. “Staci is a person, just like you and me. And I don’t care what you say. There’s no proof that she killed anybody. You see, what we have is an investigation. Do you know what that means? It means that the death of Ishmael Musad is being looked into. You two have Staci Cohen already convicted.”

Rhodes let out a sigh. “Maybe we should go see Director Carr and have you removed from this assignment. You seem to be taking it very personally and I shouldn’t have to remind you about getting involved with a suspect.”

“Oh, you guys are impossible. If you feel it necessary to do that, go ahead.”

And they went ahead. Rhodes and Tinker left the safe house to have a meeting at the Federal Building in Albany with Ed Carr. When Matthews was left alone with Staci, he allowed her to come out of the basement. She gladly joined him in the kitchen for coffee and he was not surprised to discover that she was carrying a Bible in her hand.

Because of what he witnessed, he was receptive to the Word of God that she shared with him. She shared her testimony to him and told him about Jesus. Matthews accepted Jesus as his own personal Lord and Savior because he had been looking for something to fill the emptiness in his heart. Emptiness that had been dragging him down since the day of the vanishings. That emptiness was completely filled the second he accepted Christ.

A few days later, Phillip and Tinker made another trip to the Federal Building. Matthews and Staci were once again in the kitchen having fellowship and coffee. Staci was never without a Bible. It seemed that wherever she looked while kept as a prisoner in the basement, she found a Bible.

“It’s so evident to me that God has His hand on you,” Matthews told her as he poured cream into his coffee. “I can’t explain where the Bibles are coming from, but every time Boris and Natasha take it away from you, you just get another one. 1 I think that‘s just awesome.”

Staci smiled. “Me, too. You just wait. Maybe God will do things like that for you, too.”

“Yeah? You think so?”

“Well…I don’t know. I never know what He’s going to do until it happens. Like…take right now, for example. What I’m going through. A week ago when I was taken into custody by Justice, I was scared and…and I didn’t know why God was allowing this to happen. And then I met you, and you were clearly searching for answers, so I fully believe that God led me here to you so I could tell you about Jesus.” She clapped her hands together. “And, yeah! Now you’re a child of God.”

Matthews thought about that. “You really believe that?”

Staci nodded. “Uhm hm. I do.”

“So…God leads us to do things for Him? How does He do that?”

“Well…I believe He just does it. I don’t know how.”

“But if you came here to do what He wanted you to do, then…what? It’s time for you to move on?”

She shrugged. “If God doesn’t want me to be here anymore, He would make a way for me to leave.”

Matthews paused. “I could help you with that.”

She regarded him for a moment. “How do you mean?”

“I mean I could help you get out of here. We could be gone before they return.” He saw her hesitation. “If there’s a chance to take, it would be right now. We can make a lot of tracks, Staci. These two guys on this detail with me do not have your best interests at heart.”

“No, they don’t, but I believe that God does and I don’t believe He wants me to leave just yet.”

Tinker strode into the kitchen, angrily stomping her feet. “You’re leaving,” she snapped.

Staci and Matthews looked up from the table, surprised to see Tinker returning earlier than expected.

“Where am I going?” Staci asked, puzzled.

Tinker aimed a thumb at the kitchen doorway. “Why don’t you ask him? We ran into him at the Federal Building and he says that you are to go with him.”

Staci turned her head and her eyes widened in surprise when she saw who it was standing there in the doorway of the kitchen.

It was Michael Lenox.

Chase and Dell rode in a beat up old Ford onto the main road and headed toward Belgrade while behind them, a few other men followed in a white van. The reason they wer going to Belgrade was simply because there was no way they were going to go back to Willow Creek. Belgrade was also with power, so that was an additional reason for going there. Chase drove and for a few miles along the way, he and Dell remained silent. They each had their own thoughts and Chase continued to silently pray for a safe journey into town and back again. He had no idea what was on Dell’s mind.

He soon found out, however, when Dell calmly said, “David King is a terrorist.”

Chase turned his head and looked at him. “What?”

Dell hesitated as he focused on the scenery going past them rather than on Chase’s penetrating gaze. “David King…he’s a terrorist.”

“Where did you hear that?”

Dell paused. “Does it matter?”

“Yeah, it matters! Who told you that?”

“Jim.”

“Jim? Well, who is…?” He stopped. He remembered that Moore had brought someone back from Albany with him, and the only thing they knew about that someone was his first name. James. He sighed. “Jim told you that David King is a terrorist?”

Dell turned his head to look at him. “Are you gonna tell me he isn’t?”

“I’m going to tell you not to listen to some guy we don’t even know.”

“Yeah…? Well, the things he says kind of makes sense.”

“What things?”

Dell hesitated. “Forget it.”

Chase shook his head. “Oh, no, you don’t. You’re not going to throw this into my face and then drop it as if it were nothing. This kind of thing, Jim, is not something we need right now. It…” He paused as he searched for the right word. “It will cause a division among us. I’m sure there’s a verse in the Bible that talks about causing division among believers by stirring up strife. This other Jim that came back with Pa…Well, I think he may be doing that.”

Dell gave him a look. “You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do, because I know David King.”

“Come on, man. You can’t tell me he isn’t a terrorist. People are already talking about it back at Donna’s shelter and some of them are gonna be demanding for answers from him whether you like it or not.”

“He isn’t a terrorist,” Chase insisted.

Dell rolled his eyes. “Okay. So he was a terrorist. So, like…what? He turned over a new leaf?”

Chase nodded. “As a matter of fact, he did.”

“Come on, Peter. How do you expect anyone to believe a terrorist can turn away from being a murderer to preaching the Word of God?”

“Because it happened.”

“How do you know?”

“Because God wouldn’t just keep David King alive when the Sheriff shoots him at point blank if he were still a terrorist! That bullet didn't miss him, Jim. It went through him but did nothing to him. There is no way you can ever explain that away to me because I was there. Bob shot him. The bullet passed through David and lodged itself into the wall behind him. John saw it, too. Would God spare such a man as David King if He didn’t intend to use him for a work he’s being prepared for?”

Dell remained silent.

Chase let out a sigh. “Listen to me, man. This Jim who is hiding in the loft of the barn is sowing discord. I don’t know why, but I’m going to find out when we get back. You can’t listen to him. If you do, you’ll find yourself listening to lies of the Devil and whatever work God is doing in your life will become fruitless. You don’t want that.”

Dell shook his head. “No. You’re right. I don’t.”

“Don’t think about the past. The past vanished when the Rapture occurred. We’re living in different times now. Think of it like that. We were all left behind and now we all have one more chance to come to God and do the right thing.”

“That’s an awful lot of money,” Saint replied as he leaned forward on the picnic table to look inside the lockbox Donna had brought to them. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen this much at the same time.” He looked across the table at King. “Have you?”

“I’m afraid I have,” King replied. “Under circumstances I would like to forget.”

Donna and Saint recognized that King had no desire to elaborate further on where he had seen so much money.

“Well…there’s thousands of dollars in this box,” Saint replied, taking the subject away from King. “Maybe more.” He turned his head to regard Donna. “And Amber just gave this to you?”

Donna nodded. “Yes. She placed it before me, gave me a key and…” She shrugged. “And then she walked away. She didn’t give any indication she was going to come back for it. But then again, she didn’t say anything either so I really can’t say what’s going on in that mind of hers. All I can tell you is that I am under the impression she means for us to use this.”

“Well, there’s no doubt that we can use it…”

King regarded Saint. “You have reservations?”

Saint shook his head. “No. No, not really. It’s just that…what could we use it for? For food? For a trip?” He paused. “Well, one thing is for certain. Only God knows what the future holds so it could be He simply provided this to us in preparation for something we don’t even yet see.”

“That, my brother, is a very sobering thought.”

“I suppose I’ll count it and then…find a place to store it until we know what to do with it.” He paused in thought. “I wonder how Amber got this.”

Donna shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m worried about her. She never talks.” She paused. “What is she’s in some kind of trouble and it’s because of this money?”

King nodded his head. “Then, perhaps we really can’t use it until we know for certain that we can.”

Saint let out a sigh. “Do you think Amber stole this money?”

“I do not know.”

Saint looked at Donna. “Do you?”

Donna appeared to give her answer some thought. “Maybe she did. But even if she did, we still don’t know the circumstances behind her actions. There could be good reason to do what she did…if she stole it.”

“Like I said,” Saint replied, “I’ll count it and put it somewhere safe.” He shook his head. “No one will touch it until we know what to do with it.”

“We should pray,” King said.

Donna hesitated. “David…there’s something else we need to pray about.”

King smiled encouragingly at her. “Of course. We will pray about the money, God’s will to be done, and also for your new friend, Amber.”

“Thank you…but we also need to pray for you.”

“For me? I am always gratified for your prayers, my sister.”

Saint paused. “I get the feeling you have a specific prayer for David, Donna. What’s wrong?”

“Well,” Donna began with a worried sigh, “I don’t like to eavesdrop, but on my way over here, I overheard a couple of guys talking about you.” She glanced at King. “I think they were questioning your role as a leader of our small group of outcasts.”

King paused. “I…never appointed myself as a leader.”

“You didn’t have to, David,” Saint assured him. “I think it comes naturally to you and I also believe God intended it that way.”

“You yourself are more qualified to lead than I.”

Saint let out a chuckle. “That may be so, David. I’ll do whatever God wants me to do, but as I’ve said, I believe you are the one He has appointed for leadership here. I’ll stand by that. And I’ll support you one hundred percent because I believe He expects me to.”

King looked at him. “I don’t know what to say.”

“More to the point…Donna, what specifically were these guys saying about David?”

Donna shrugged helplessly. “I only heard David’s name. I heard the words ‘traitor’ and one of them said, ‘How can we trust this man?’ And then when they saw me, they stopped talking.”

Saint frowned. “Well, this can’t be good. To me, it sounds like someone is stirring the pot against you, David.”

King looked thoughtful. “Yes. And I have a suspicion I know who it is that stirs this pot.”

Alyson stared at the HQ the federal agents and FEMA operatives were using to field their mission. She knew there was some hidden room in the back of it. She and Meers had tried to take a walk back behind the HQ, but each time they did, their efforts were hindered by a military presence. They were reminded where they were authorized to go, and where they weren’t authorized to go.

Alyson wanted to get into that room in the worst possible way. She tried to come up with a scheme that would get her past the guards, but finally came to the conclusion that there just wasn’t any. At least at the present time. She vowed, however, that she would look for any opportunity to get in there. One way or the other, she would succeed.

As she continued to stand there and look toward the HQ, she became aware of a presence. Someone was standing beside her. She didn’t have to turn her head to see that it was Carr who had decided to join her.

“You really want to get in there,” he said as he grinned wryly at her. “Don’t you?”

Alyson glanced at him and frowned as if she had no idea what he was talking about. “Get in where?”

Carr let out a chuckle. “Come on, Alyson. Do you really expect me to believe that you haven’t noticed how the Head-Quarters we set up actually looks bigger outside than it does on the inside? A reporter like you would never miss something so obvious.”

She turned to regard him with a look. “Soo…it’s a private room?”

Carr nodded.

She grinned. “What’s in there?”

“The answer.”

“The answer to what question?”

He just smiled. “You’ll see. You’ll have your chance to get the truth and tell it to the world. And that truth is in that hidden room. Unfortunately, it has to wait. We have company coming. These people who are on their way here are into some kind of a fairy tale world where Good and Evil are constantly stuck in a war, and the stakes are the souls of mankind. Sounds like a lot of rubbish, doesn’t it?”

Alyson nodded. “Yes. It does.”

“What a crazy idea. The world is on some kind of brink of destruction, so God takes the true Christians out in something that is called the Rapture and leaves those who are nonbelievers behind. Then there’s to be trials and tribulations in the world for seven years like there’s never been before. And at the very end, the hero of the story arrives on the scene and ushers in a new millennium.” He let out a chuckle as he shook his head. “I mean, really. This stuff would make great Science Fiction, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Absolutely.”

“Why can’t they just accept the truth? That a device was made by man, it was triggered, and it spread out around the entire globe. This is what happened. It caused people to vanish.”

“What did? Ed, what caused people to vanish?”

He smiled at her, but he made no response.

She let out a sigh. “One device cannot cause something of this magnitude all around the world.”

“No.” He shook his head, in full agreement with her. “It wouldn’t.”

“But you just said--”

“I’ve said too much already. I don’t want to spoil the surprise.”

Alyson regarded him for a moment. Then, she noticed something had caught his attention for he began to look off into the distance. She turned her head and saw what he saw. A helicopter was moving toward the outpost.

Carr smiled. “They’re here.”

“Is that the ATD agents you mentioned earlier?” Alyson asked him.

“Yes. It is.”

A look came across her face.

Carr smiled knowingly. “No. I do not believe Michael Lenox will be among them. However, I have it on good authority that he will be here in a few hours or so.” He shrugged nonchalantly. "There was something he needed to take care of first."

“I wasn’t making any inquiry as to who was on that chopper.” She glanced at him. "And why should I care if Lenox is coming here or not?"

“You didn’t have to...and you do.”

With a chuckle, Carr turned away from her and began to walk toward the field, which had become a landing area. The helicopter would be landing there and he wanted to be present when the ATD agents exited the chopper.

As it turned out, Alyson wanted to be there as well. She fell into step beside Carr.

1 - Rocky & His Friends (Bullwinkle)

LeBeau and Bandjough began to set down in a landing area reserved for them. They couldn’t help but notice how the outpost appeared to be well constructed.

“Looks more like a concentration camp to me,” Bandjough said softly.

LeBeau nodded his head in agreement. “Yeah. I only hope we don’t get suckered into becomin’ permanent residents of this place.”

Bandjough turned to regard him. “Are you telling me that could happen?”

“With Carr in charge? Yeah. You saw how he was when he came to the Federal Buildin’. That guy will do anythin’ to get what he wants. I just can’t believe that Knox…” Abruptly, he stopped and let out a sigh of frustration.

When the ace pilot didn’t elaborate on what he was saying, Bandjough pressed him. “You can’t believe Knox what?”

“Forget it.”

“Tell me what you were going to say.”

LeBeau glanced at him, hesitating. “Look. You have to understand somethin’ about Lenox. He and Carr have a history, and I can tell ya it’s not a good one. They butted heads more than once, and Bear had to keep Knox from outright killin’ the guy on more than one occasion. Knox just can’t stand the guy. Period.”

Bandjough nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah. So…?”

“So now Knox starts defendin’ these bozo’s from Justice like he was one of them. He doesn’t even speak against Carr now.” He shook his head. “I just want to know why.”

The two pilots lapsed into silence, keeping to their own thoughts as they set the Storm Breaker down. LeBeau grunted once when he looked out his window to see Carr approaching the helicopter. He also recognized the blonde-haired woman beside him as the reporter from the DEN. Behind them were several Justice agents trying not to be too obvious that they were out there waiting for a fight.

LeBeau shook his head in disgust. “I don’t like this already.” He flicked some switches and went through the process of shutting the engines off.

In the back, Shiva opened the side door and was the first one to step out.

Just as he did, Carr was there. A startled look appeared on his face for just a second, but Shiva had noticed it. Carr had been expecting Fuller to be the first one out, but he had been wrong. He slowly looked up at the ex-wrestler who towered just above his head.

Carr cleared his throat. “Mr. Shiva…”

Shiva grunted and walked away. He noticed the news reporter from the DEN watching him.

Behind Shiva, Fronk exited the helicopter with his computer bag over his shoulder. He had brought his special modified laptop and a few other goodies that he had been unwilling to reveal to the others. He stopped in front of Carr and looked closely at him.

“Is this place safe from any possible toxins from Allentown?” he asked.

Carr nodded his head with confidence. “Of course. We’re well out of range from any fallout from the bomb that was detonated within the town.”

Fronk regarded him. “Hmm. Then, why is it you look so pale? And what are those green, mucous-looking things on your forehead?” He took a step backward. “Oh, dear…I hope you’re not contagious.” He quickly moved around Carr and headed toward Shiva.

Carr looked after him. Then, he put his hand on his forehead, checking for anything that might be there. He scowled when he realized Fronk had been playing a prank on him. As he turned back to the helicopter, Fuller and Barrington were waiting for his attention as Erin came out of the helicopter behind them.

“Ah, Director Fuller…Mr. Barrington.” Carr nodded to them by way of greeting.

“Director Carr,” Fuller said politely. “What can you tell us?”

“One of my men will show your people to where you’ll be staying. In the meantime, you and I can go to the HQ and I’ll fill you in there.”

“That’s fine, but Albert is joining us.”

Carr glanced at Barrington and shrugged. “That’s fine. Right this way.”

Fuller and Barrington found themselves walking with Carr and Alyson. Shiva, Fronk, and Erin waited for LeBeau and Bandjough. When the pilots had secured the Storm Breaker, the five Gatherers were led to their quarters, which had been set up for them.

Once they were left alone inside their pop-up military quarters, furnished with ten cots, two tables and eight folding chairs, Fronk went to work. He sat at the head of one of the tables, pulled out his laptop and opened it up. He turned it on as the others either took a seat at the table themselves, or sat down on a cot.

As the laptop powered up, Bandjough put his arms on the table and leaned forward. “What are we supposed to do now?”

“We wait,” Erin told him.

LeBeau stretched out on one of the cots and propped his hands behind his head. “I don’t like waitin’.”

“You’re going to have to just wait, Ace,” Shiva told him. “There’s nothing else we can do.”

“Rookie and I could fly over the town,” he said with a snort. “Maybe we’d be able to see somethin’ from above.”

Erin shook her head. “It’s considered a no-fly zone over Allentown, Ace. You just can’t go and fly into the zone simply because you’re bored of waiting.”

“Hmmph,” LeBeau grunted impatiently.

Fronk had the laptop up and running, and he whistled a merry tune as his fingers danced across the keyboard.

“But what are we waiting for?” Bandjough asked. “We didn’t come out here just to be led to these quarters and be expected to stay here, did we?”

LeBeau nodded his head in agreement. “The kid’s right, you know.”

“We’re waiting for Director Fuller and Bear to be filled in on the situation,” Shiva said. “Once they’re filled in, they’ll come back here and fill us in. Then…we’ll do what we’re here to do.”

“And what’s that?” Bandjough wanted to know.

“Find the truth.”

“The truth will not be what you expect it to be,” replied Carr’s voice.

Erin froze. Shiva, and Bandjough began to look around, to see where Carr was. LeBeau bolted upright on his cot.

Fronk simply remained seated in front of his laptop.

“What do you think is the truth?” Fuller’s voice inquired.

“Where is that…?” Erin began to ask until she realized the voices were coming from Fronk’s laptop. “William, you sly dog, you!”

Fronk barked.

Shiva and the others got up and gathered around Fronk and his laptop.

Carr’s voice came from the laptop’s speakers. “The truth, Director Fuller, is…what it is.”

“What is he?” LeBeau demanded. “Forrest Gum?”

“That would be ‘Gump, Fo-Forrest Gump,’” Fronk corrected, imitating Tom Hank’s Forrest Gump accent. “And I would concur that Gump is a lot smarter than this feeble-minded Director of Justice named Ed Carr.”

“How are we listening to this conversation?” Erin inquired.

Fronk smiled. “I gave the Skipper a US Flag pin, which he is now wearing on his coat. The pin, my friends, is actually a listening device we like to call…a bug.” He held up a hand. “Silence! Not another word. Let’s just listen in, shall we?”

Together, the Gatherers listened in on the conversation between Carr, Barrington, Fuller, and Alyson. They all agreed. It was better than waiting for something to do.

Staci could not believe her eyes. She stared in wide-eyed amazement as Lenox stood in the doorway of the kitchen waiting for her to do something. The wait wasn’t long. Staci leaped up from the table, ran over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I can’t believe it!” she exclaimed, hugging him tightly. “I knew God was going to get me out of here, but I never dreamed He would use you to be the one to come and rescue me.”

Rhodes and Tinker glared at the spectacle. Matthews simply remained at the table and grinned. He was happy for Staci, and he had just been shown once more that God was watching out for her.

Lenox, on the other hand, had been expecting anything but this. Staci not only put her arms around his neck, but then she kissed him. His eyes opened wide in surprise, and it usually took a lot to get him to be surprised. In this case, however, Staci was a lot of surprise for him.

When she pulled her head back, she smiled at him. Not knowing what to do, Lenox patted her on the back. “I’m…glad to see you, too.”

Staci suddenly paled, realizing what she had done. She released him, stepped back and nervously ran her hands down her sides, as if straightening out any creases in her clothes. “Oh,” she said. When she couldn’t think of anything else to say, she said again, “Oh.”

Tinker and Rhodes exchanged looks. Matthews kept grinning. It was clear to him how Staci felt about Lenox, but about Lenox…he wasn’t too sure how the man felt about Staci. At the moment, the man seemed startled.

After a few seconds, Lenox appeared to get his equilibrium back. He looked at Staci. “I’m here to take you out of here,” he said. “Are you ready to go?”

Staci nodded, relieved that the awkward moment was gone for the time being. “Yes. Oh, yes, I’m ready. I’ve been ready since I got here.”

“Good. Then, let’s go.”

“Good riddance, Jew,” Tinker said as Staci and Lenox turned to leave.

Staci began to turn around, but Lenox was suddenly past her and right into Tinker’s space. Tinker was so startled, she found herself with her back against the counter. She leaned back, trying to get away from Lenox’ hostile demeanor.

“What did you say?” Lenox demanded.

Rhodes put his hand on Lenox’ arm. “Back off, jack.”

It was a mistake.

Lenox snapped his arm around, grabbed Rhodes and then slammed him hard on his stomach on top of the table where Matthews still sat at. The wind was knocked out of Rhodes and he found himself struggling to breathe. When he tried to get up, Lenox had his arm twisted behind his back. The pressure the man exerted was painful.

Tinker moved toward Lenox defensively. “What do you think you’re doing?” She tried to grab at his right arm.

Lenox suddenly grabbed her by the fingers with his free hand, twisted and pulled down. Tinker abruptly cried out and sank to her knees. Lenox applied pressure and forced her to remain there while at the same time managed to keep Rhodes on the table.

Staci and Matthews stared in astonishment. Everything had happened so fast.

“I think we have a problem here,” Lenox said menacingly. “I get the feeling that the two of you have been treating Staci without the respect she deserves.”

“She doesn’t deserve respect!” Rhodes shouted out. “She’s a murderer!”

Lenox added pressure. Both Tinker and Rhodes cried out, even though it was only to Rhodes where he added the pressure. “My investigation reveals just the opposite, Agent Rhodes.” He glanced at Staci. “I want each of you to apologize to Staci for how you have treated her during her stay here. And I assure you, this will go on your permanent record.”

When he made that promise, both Tinker and Rhodes simultaneously began to beg for Staci’s forgiveness.

“Do you forgive them?” Lenox asked.

Staci opened her mouth to respond.

“Because if you don’t, I can do this all day.” He applied pressure.

Both Tinker and Rhodes cried out, begging for him to stop.

“No, no…” Staci held up her hands. “I forgive them. You can let them go.”

Lenox looked down at Tinker and Rhodes. “Wow. She forgave you. Apparently, she has a lot more patience with you two than I have. Let’s be sure you say nothing to offend her as we make our way out. Understand?”

Tinker and Rhodes hurriedly agreed.

Lenox released them and stepped away from them. Tinker remained on her knees at the table, massaging her wrist as the pain throbbed in her fingers and wrist. Rhodes went across the kitchen, favoring his left shoulder. He wanted to be certain there was plenty of space between him and the crazy man from ATD.

Lenox watched them both warily. When he was satisfied they weren’t about to challenge him for what he had done, he turned his focus on Matthews. “What about you?” he asked conversationally. “Have you treated Staci unfairly?”

Matthews shook his head. “Oh, no. I treated her with a great deal of respect.”

“Really?”

Staci nodded, confirming the truth of Matthews’ words. “It’s true. Mike was nice to me. You don’t have to beat him up.”

Lenox wanted to grin but he didn’t. He looked at her. “I don’t?”

“You don’t,” she assured him.

“Are you sure?”

“Michael…” she said.

Lenox nodded. “Okay. Alright. You're really taking all the fun out of this for me, but I’ll take your word for it.” He turned to the agents of Justice. “We’re leaving now, then.”

Rhodes nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah…that probably would be best.”

Matthews let out a chuckle.

Rhodes and Tinker glared at him.

Matthews decided not to push it. “Staci, I’m really glad I met you. I hope we meet again.”

“Me, too,” Staci said. “Who knows, brother…maybe we will.”

“I hope so, sister. Take care.”

Staci went over to him and gave him a hug, which Matthews returned. Lenox watched them, trying to figure out just what that was all about. After Staci moved away from Matthews, he led her out of the kitchen. No one followed them as they went out through the front door and Lenox led her to a rental parked in the driveway.

Lenox opened the car door for her on the passenger side and let her in. He closed the door, and walked around the car, grinning as he did. By the time he got in behind the wheel, however, his grin was gone.

He started the car. “So…you’re okay?”

She buckled her seatbelt. “Yes, I am. Thank you.” She smiled at him. “I’m really glad it was you who came to get me. How did you know I was here?”

“I asked around.” He pulled the car out onto the main road.

She looked at him suspiciously. “What you mean is you beat people up, didn’t you?”

“No, I didn’t. I asked people…without hurting anyone.”

She watched him. “You really did enjoy that back there, didn’t you? Were you trying to impress me?”

Lenox shook his head. “No. Come on…why would I want to do that?” He glanced at her. “Besides, I think it was you who wanted to impress me.”

“I did not.”

“Hey, it was you who kissed me.”

“Well…” She hesitated, feeling her face get warm with embarrassment. “I mean…you know…I-I was glad to see you.”

He nodded. “Yeah. I know. So you said.”

“Well, I just…You were…” She stopped. Then, she said, “You were gone for a long time and I was worried about you. So when I saw you…I reacted.”

Lenox winked at her. “God saw what you did, you know.”

She slapped his arm. “Stop that. I-I wasn’t being bad. And you’re trying to change the subject.”

“Really? What subject would that be?”

“You went somewhere without telling anyone. I was scared for you.” Then, she quickly added, “We all were. We didn’t know where you went or why. When I found out you were back, I hurried to Albany to see if I could come to you.”

Lenox looked at her. “Justice grabbed you then because you were looking for me.” It wasn’t a question.

“This isn’t your fault. I went because I wanted to know that you were okay. They grabbed me because they think I killed Ishmael Musad.”

“You didn’t kill him.”

Staci regarded him. “I know I didn’t. But how do you know that?” She paused, remembering what he had told Rhodes. “From your investigation?” She couldn’t help but wonder why Lenox would look into the death of Ishmael Musad, but she really hoped it was because he wanted to help clear her name.

Lenox shook his head. “No. Not from the investigation.”

“Then, how do you know I didn‘t kill him?”

“Because I believe you.” Lenox glanced at her. “I trust your word.”

Staci swallowed. “That…means a lot to me, Michael.” To keep her eyes from filling with emotional tears, she said, “Where were you? Where did you go?”

Lenox paused for what seemed a long time. “I can’t talk about it.”

“You can’t…or won’t?”

“A little of both.”

“Will you ever tell me?”

He shrugged, but he didn’t respond.

“You can. I will always be ready to listen…about anything you want to talk about.”

He nodded. “Thanks, Staci. I appreciate it. I really do.”

Lenox drove the rental to a private airfield. A helicopter was there waiting for them. He parked in the almost deserted lot, they both got out and they headed for the waiting Huey.

“Where are we going?” Staci asked.

“Allentown,” Lenox responded. “Ever here of it?”

She frowned in thought. “I’ve heard of it in horror stories and in movies. Doesn’t Billy Joel sing about it?”

He grinned. “Yeah.”

“Why are we going there?”

“Because everyone in the town has vanished and we need your help to find out why.”

“Maybe they were all raptured.”

“If that’s true, Staci, it wouldn’t make the Rapture theory accurate because these disappearances didn’t happen at the same time as the vanishings did.” He paused for affect. “They happened yesterday.”

Staci was speechless as they entered into the helicopter.

King ran into a problem on his way to see Jim, the man that had come to the shelter with Moore on his return trip from Albany. Three men were standing in front of the barn doors as King approached. When they saw him coming, they purposefully positioned themselves in his path.

He stopped and nodded to them, greeting them. “Tony, Jack…Tom.”

Anthony Morris, Jack Halpert, and Tom Shelby were men who had come to the shelter from Willow Creek. Halpert and Shelby had brought their wives with them, while Morris had only himself to be concerned with. He was a man without a family.

He was also the man who appointed himself as a leader of the three. “Where do you think you’re going?” he demanded of King, intentionally invading his space.

King didn’t back up, as he knew that’s what Morris had intended for him to do. “I’ve come to visit with our new friend, although I must admit…I am mystified that I need to ask for your permission to do so.”

“Well, I think you do have to ask me for permission, David, because we don’t intend to move until you do.”

King noted the way he had said his name. “If that’s what it takes…then, may I enter into the barn to visit with Jim?”

Morris shook his head. “No, your entry is denied.”

“That’s right!” exclaimed Halpert.

“Jim doesn’t want to see you anyway,” Shelby added. “Why don’t you just go back where you came from?”

Morris turned to glare at him. “Would you two shut up? I’ll handle this.”

King, however, decided to call Shelby on his verbal attack. “And where might that be, Tom?”

Shelby hesitated. “Back to Iran…or Iraq…or whatever other part of the Taliban dwellings you came out from!”

“Actually, I was born in Michigan. Right here in the United States of America. I have visited Iran, Iraq, and other foreign countries, but the truth is…I am as much an American as you are.”

Shelby glared at him. “That’s a lie.”

“You expect us to believe that?” Halpert demanded. “We know what you are.”

“That’s enough,” Morris told them.

King ignored Morris. “And what am I, Jack?”

Halpert moved around Morris to stand in front of King. “You’re a terrorist! You had a part in attacking our country.”

King paused. “And how do you know this?”

“Jack…” Morris tried once more.

But Halpert completely ignored him. “Jim told us the truth. He told us everything about you. He told us that your name is really Darwyn Musad and that you helped plan the attacks which happened in our country just as the vanishings took place.”

“Are you going to deny it?” Shelby snapped.

Morris just glared at them. He was angry because they had revealed too much too early. He glanced up toward the loft where there was an opening. He caught a glimpse of Jim watching them, but then the man was gone from view.

“No,” King told them, surprising all three of them, “I am not going to deny it.”

The three men stared at him, dumbfounded. They had thought he was going to deny it, but when he didn’t, they didn’t know how to react.

“It’s true,” King assured them. “I was Darwyn Musad, a terrorist who plotted great harm to your country. But that man is gone. A new man has taken his place. That man is me. I can never take back what I have done over the course of my life, but I do know that I am forgiven and have been given a mission from the Lord. That mission is two-fold. To forsake the old ways.”

The three men could only watch him as he began to speak to them, using God’s Word.

“Jesus said, ‘Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 1’” He regarded the men. “I have forsaken gladly my brother, my father, my lands…everything I once held dear to my heart for His sake. I gladly forsake all for Christ because I know I shall inherit everlasting life with Christ. ‘So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. 2’” He held out his hands to them. “If I were not able to forsake all, I would not be His disciple and I would not be your brother in Christ.” He held up a finger as if to emphasize a point. “But if you do not forsake all for His sake, then you also are not His disciples.”

The men glanced at each other.

“Listen to me,” King implored, “and hear me well. This really is not about my past, brothers. It is about someone who has come into our midst with intentions to stir up strife. This person is a carnal person.”

“What is carnal?” Halpert asked.

“Is that like sin?” Shelby inquired.

Morris just stood there and folded his arms across his chest.

“Carnal,” King began, “relates to someone’s physical needs or appetites and this is a conflict in spiritual matters. ‘For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 3’ A carnal minded person will bring with him these things. Envy, strife, divisions. He has begun to divide us. Before he came, were you hostile towards me?”

Halpert and Shelby shook their heads.

Morris continued to stand there with his arms folded.

“All three of you have even helped me while we were at the Willow Creek Baptist Church,” King reminded them. “You were a big part of helping to calm those who were frightened. Strong leaders in the church. I implore you to not allow this to cause strife among us. This will only hinder what God is trying to accomplish through us.”

“But God can do anything,” Morris told him angrily.

“Yes, He can. However, He wants to use us, Tony, but the sad truth is, He wants us to be willing. If we are not willing, He will not make us continue with His work. Do you want to continue serving Him?”

Halpert nodded. “Yeah…I know my wife and I do.” He looked at the ground sheepishly. “I’m sorry, David. I…I guess you’re right.”

“I’m sorry, too,” Shelby told him. “Listen, Jim has told a lot of people about you being a terrorist and all. I figure we should go and talk to them. Try to calm them down.”

Morris looked at him as if he were out of his mind.

King shook his head. “That is not necessary. Just tell the others that tonight, I will speak to everyone on this matter and lay it to rest.”

The two men agreed and they walked off to do just that.

Morris, however, hadn’t moved. He glared at King. “I don’t buy it.”

King shrugged. “Tony, I am not selling anything for you to buy.”

“I believe what Jim told us.”

“I can believe that some of what he told you may be true. Then again, I do not yet know all that he has said.” He paused. “May I go see him now?”

Morris shrugged. “Do whatever you want.” He took a menacing step toward him. “Just know that this isn’t over between us.” With that, he turned his back and stormed off.

King straightened and with determination, strode into the barn looking to settle this once and for all with a man named Jim.

Danielle Marie Dozois felt like she was under water, and that was why she thought it was strange when she was able to take a deep breath. Then, she opened her eyes and looked up to a dingy, gray ceiling. There was an overhead fluorescent light to the left of her, but it was still bright enough to cause her to squint her eyes.

She moved her hand to shade her eyes…and realized suddenly that she couldn’t move her hands. Groggily, she struggled to sit up, but couldn’t do that either. As she came to her senses, she realized she was laying on a stretcher of some kind. However, she wasn’t only laying on it, she was also strapped securely to it.

In frustration and fear, she began to struggle.

“Hey!” she exclaimed. “Hey! Somebody get me out of this thing!”

She saw movement on her right, and when she turned her head to look, she screamed. Someone was there by her side with an environmental suit on. Whoever was in the suit leaned over Danielle and tried to offer her reassurance.

Danielle wasn’t having any of it. She struggled even more as another person entered into the sterile room.

“What are you people doing to me?” she demanded.

“Mrs. Anderson,” a male voice told her firmly, “you need to calm down.”

Danielle would not calm down. She thrashed even harder, trying to get loose.

Then, one of the men in the suit pressed some kind of a metallic, shiny gun into her right arm and pulled the trigger. There was a loud popping sound and something stung her arm painfully.

“Hey,” Danielle cried out, “that wasn’t nice.”

Then, her vision got foggy.

“Whoa…please spin the room don’t.”

The two men in the environmental suits looked at each other.

“That should keep her quiet for a few more hours,” one of them said.

“Not good enough,” the other said. “Director Carr wanted us to get him when she woke up. Now…we’ll have to wake her up again.” He paused. “I’ll get him.”

The other man nodded, even though his partner could not see the gesture. He looked down at Danielle just as she closed her eyes again.

When he was alone, he peered curiously down at the sleeping form of Danielle. “Young lady,” he said with wonder in his voice, “by all rights, you should have died out on that road. The trouble is…we have no idea what saved you.”

Danielle couldn’t hear him. She was lost somewhere in dream land.

1 - Matthew 19:29
2 - Luke 14:33
3 - I Corinthians 3:3

“This is a map of Allentown,” Carr said, indicating the map on one end of the table inside the HQ of the outpost. “The bomb detonated right here--” He used a pointer stick and tapped the end of it at a location centered on the map. “--and then, the blast radius covered a radius of ten miles. Allentown covers about three miles either way, so the blast covered another seven miles beyond the towns limits. Every living thing in its path…completely vanished.”

Fuller and Barrington exchanged looks before they turned their attention to the map.

“What kind of bomb makes people disappear?” Barrington wanted to know.

“Well,” Carr began confidently, “probably the same kind of bomb - or bombs - that caused the vanishings several months ago.”

Fuller frowned at him. “Director Carr, even you should know the impossibility of what you’re suggesting. One bomb could not have had this kind of an affect on an entire planet.”

Carr paused. “There were several bombs, Darren. Or to the point, we believe that several canisters were used in specified locations around the globe, which released the toxins that made the vanishings occur.”

Barrington shook his head. “That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Why?” Averill demanded. “Because it would discount your so-called Rapture theory?”

“At this point, what you’re proposing here as the viable hypothesis to this event will only give more credence to the Rapture.”

Averill just glared at him.

Behind them, Alyson and Meers watched the discussion take place. Alyson was amused by Averill’s reaction to Barrington’s comment.

“So what you’re telling us is that several canisters, which carried this toxin,” Fuller began, “were released simultaneously on the day of the vanishings.”

“And one nuclear bomb was detonated in California,” Carr reminded them. “It also contained the toxin responsible for the vanishings.”

Fuller nodded. “One bomb. But what you’re saying is that this toxin within a nanosecond covered the entire earth…and only took some people, causing them to vanish, while the survivors remained unaffected. Is that what you’re saying?”

Carr nodded. “That’s what I’m saying. This toxin that we call X-24 was used then. It was also released right in the center of Allentown.”

“X-24?” Barrington inquired.

Carr simply nodded, but he did not respond.

“Were there any survivors or anyone who hadn‘t vanished?” Fuller asked. He was aware that Carr had told them every living thing had vanished as a result from the detonation of the bomb, but he also suspected the Director of Justice was not telling the complete truth. He was leaving something out.

Carr’s answer only verified Fuller’s suspicion.

“I’m not at liberty to disclose that information yet,” Carr began, “but I do have it on good authority that what I’m telling you is exactly what happened.”

Fuller and Barrington exchanged another look. They each suspected that what Carr was telling them was they did have a survivor or some survivors from the blast in Allentown. The question was where they were being kept. Barrington glanced at the bank of computers lining one wall. The wall seemed different than the others for it was more solid and sturdier than the other walls.

Alyson noticed Barrington’s attention to the wall and realized he had come up with the same suspicions she had when she had first noticed it. Barrington suspected there was a private room behind the computers.

“Have you sent teams into the town?” Fuller asked.

“Several teams of FEMA operatives have gone in,” Carr responded. “They tell me that in a few hours, the X-24 will become dormant and you can go in without the environmental gear.” He looked at Fuller and Barrington. “I’m assuming you’ll want to go into the town to see for yourself?”

Fuller nodded. “You assume correctly.”

“How did the bomb get into Allentown?” Barrington asked.

Carr appeared to be considering his words before he answered. “We’re still looking into that, but we believe it was a terrorist who simply carried it into town and detonated it. This, of course, would mean he himself died in the blast. So there’s no way to trace him back to where he received the bomb.”

“It’s possible that if this was the work of a terrorist,” Barrington began, “then perhaps he wasn’t working alone. Maybe he came with a handler. The handler sent him into town and stayed well enough away so he could report that it was a success or failure.”

Fuller nodded thoughtfully. “If that is the case, the handler could still be in the area.”

“You said ‘if this was the work of a terrorist,’ Mr. Barrington,” Alyson pointed out. “If it isn’t the work of a terrorist, then who else could be responsible?”

Barrington paused. “Any extremists groups could be responsible. But in light of the attack on our country during the vanishings, I’d have to conclude it was a terrorist group from Hammas, or Al Qaeda. They’re not about to sit still while our country is still recovering. I believe they’ll use any opportunity they can to kill as many Americans as they can.”

Carr turned to look at Barrington. “You do know that Advocate Tristian Salvadori has pushed for a reformation and a Peace Treaty has been signed. These groups you’ve mentioned have been disbanded and terrorism will no longer be tolerated.”

“Yeah…I hope that works out for you.”

Carr just looked at him.

“Hey!” Averill exclaimed. “The Advocate got the Islamic radicals to stand down. Now no one in the entire history of this planet has ever accomplished anything like that. Don’t bad mouth his accomplishments as if it were something distasteful!”

Barrington shrugged. “Whatever you say. Can we continue here?”

Averill glared at him.

Carr nodded. “Yes, of course, we’ll continue.” He turned to Fuller. “I was under the impression Agent Lenox would be arriving with you. Where is he?”

“He’s taking care of something,” Fuller replied, “but I expect him to arrive within the hour.”

“Good. That’s good.”

Barrington and Fuller exchanged looks. They each wondered if Carr would be saying that if he knew Lenox was bringing Dr. Staci Cohen with him. What they didn't know was that Carr not only knew about it, but he was the one who authorized her release from the safe house.

Carr was about to continue the briefing when one of the men from FEMA entered and approached him. After a hushed conference where Fuller and Barrington couldn’t hear what was being said, Carr nodded his head with grim determination.

“Gentlemen,” Carr said to Fuller and Barrington, “if you’ll excuse me, something has come to my attention and I need to see to it immediately. If you have any questions, Agent Averill will answer what he can. I’ll be but a moment.”

Fuller nodded once. “Of course.”

Carr followed the FEMA operative out of the HQ.

Fronk’s fingers danced across the keyboard of his laptop as he and the others realized someone else had entered into HQ. They had been listening in on the entire conversation. They now knew just as much as Director Fuller and Barrington knew, but Fronk simply hacked into the central computer hardware, which Justice and FEMA had set up inside the HQ. He was grateful the encryption was carried on a wireless router because it became possible for him to access it.

When Carr commented that the toxin was known as X-24, LeBeau let out a snort. “X-24! Where do these people come up with namin’ these things?”

“Well,” Fronk replied, glancing up from his laptop, “they certainly can’t call something this destructive X-42, now, can they?”

Erin regarded him with a puzzled look. “Why not?”

“Because the number 42 is the answer to life. That being said, the number 24 is just the opposite…the answer to death. Everyone knows that.”

Shiva and Erin exchanged looks.

“What does that mean?” Bandjough wanted to know.

LeBeau rolled his eyes. “Forget about it, Rookie. He’s not serious anyway.”

Fronk had adjusted the frequency so that they could listen in on the conversation between Carr and the man who had approached him.

“The subject has awoken,” the man from FEMA told Carr in soft tones. “But we had to sedate her for she was becoming a bit hostile.”

Carr let out a sigh. “I need her awake. We’ll go back in there, you bring her out of her slumber…and then we’ll run this test again. You shouldn’t have sedated her.”

“We didn’t want to risk anyone hearing her.”

“Those walls are soundproof, you idiot. No one will hear her. She can scream to the moon and no one will know about it. Let’s go. I have to know why she hasn’t been affected.”

Carr excused himself and left the HQ with the man from FEMA.

“What was that all about?” Shiva asked.

Fronk shrugged. “Don’t know…but give me a second. I think I’ve got something here.” He opened another window on his Portals and grinned. “Well, well, well…what have we here?”

Erin leaned forward behind him to look at the image on the laptop. “What is that?”

“This, my dear, is a camera I just happen to be accessing. There seems to be a lot of activity going on here. This is one of the encryption paths I piggy-backed onto…but you know, I think this is what our Director from Justice wants to keep to himself.”

The image showed a woman strapped onto a cot in what could only be described as a sterile room. She was inside a sealed structure while a man stood outside the room at a computer station. Whatever he was doing was keeping his full attention.

“Carr said she wasn’t affected,” Shiva mused thoughtfully. “Affected by what?”

“The toxin released from the explosion?” Bandjough offered helpfully.

Erin shook her head. “Why wouldn’t she be affected by the toxin if she was in the radius of the blast?”

Silence descended on them as they huddled around Fronk and his laptop.

“We have to tell the Director and Bear about this,” Shiva finally said, breaking the silence.

“We will,” Fronk replied with a nod. “They’re on their way back right now.”

The market in Belgrade, Maine was crowded and prices had sky-rocketed like the price of gas had due to the national crisis. In spite of Advocate Tristian Salvadori’s reformation and peace treaty signing with Israel, it did nothing to stem the high cost of living. Chase, Dell and several men from the shelter went into the market, got what basic necessities they could and paid for it in cash. Credit was just no good any more.

Chase couldn’t help but overhear the man in front of him trying to pay for his groceries with a credit card, but he was refused. He begged for the clerk to make an exception, but the clerk sadly shook his head. Chase and Dell exchanged worried looks.

“How do you expect us to eat?” the man demanded in desperation. “I don’t have any cash! This is all I have.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” the clerk said for what must have been the hundredth time. “We do not accept credit. Only cash. Everywhere across the United States, no one is accepting credit any more. Haven’t you been watching the news?” He glanced to his left as if looking for someone.

Chase followed his gaze. Two big security guards were coming their way. One of them carried a shotgun. He shook his head, feeling bad for the man who was only trying to get groceries.

The man saw the guards coming. “Please…don’t do this!” He swallowed, on the verge of breaking down. “My wife…Look, this isn’t much…Probably not even enough to last us more than a couple of days! I-it’s just enough to--”

“You’re going to have to leave!” the clerk finally snapped, losing his patience. “These men will escort you out.”

The man stepped away from the counter in defeat. “I’ll go. I-I can go on my own.”

They didn’t listen to him. They each took him by the arm and practically dragged him out of the store. The clerk began to put the bags of basic staples into a cart so that they could later be returned to the shelves.

Chase moved forward. “Hey, could you just add all of that to what I have here?”

The clerk frowned at him. “That will add $101.58 to your bill.”

“That’s fine. We’ll take it.” He turned to Dell. “We’ll be able to cover it.”

Dell just nodded.

The others who came with them from the shelter also added their carts. They originally had four shopping carts full of groceries, but the cart the man was unable to purchase added to theirs made five. Chase paid for it all and then he and the others brought it outside to their vehicles.

Chase looked over the parking lot, searching for the man who was escorted out. He saw the two security men returning. As they passed him by, they glared at him as if they were going to accost him at any second. Chase wasn’t even intimidated in the least.

Dell pointed. “Hey, is that him?”

Chase looked to where Dell was pointing. A man and a woman were in a green caravan. The man appeared to be trying to console the woman.

Chase pushed the cart over to the van and knocked on the window.

The man looked out, at first puzzled, then concerned more trouble was on the way. He rolled down the window. “Look,” he said, “we’ll be out of here in a jiffy. We don’t want any trouble.”

“Who said anything about any trouble?” Chase asked him. “I just wanted to give you back your groceries that you left inside.”

The man blinked. He wasn’t sure he had heard correctly.

The woman leaned toward her husband. “Larry,” she said softly, “did he say he was giving us our groceries?”

The man named Larry sat up behind the wheel, a half smile on his face. “Yeah, Faye…I…I believe he did. At least, I am certain he did.” He turned to regard Chase with hesitation. “That is what you said, isn’t it?”

Chase nodded. “It is.”

The man paused. “Look, I appreciate it…We both do. But…we can’t pay for it. All we have is credit and, well, we know credit isn’t any good these days.”

Chase glanced at Dell. “We’re not interested in money.”

“What then?”

“We’re interested in people. Helping those in need, and you two seem to be in need so we want to help.”

Larry again regarded the two men outside his van. “Why would you want to help us?”

Chase shrugged. “I suppose it’s because it would be what Jesus would do.”

Larry blinked again. “Who?”

“He said it’s what Jesus would do, man,” Dell told him.

Faye began to smile. “You don’t know how much this means to us.”

“It’s nothing,” Chase told them.

“No it’s not. It really is something. Larry and I have been praying to God about what to do, and He impressed upon our hearts to be here today. We could have come yesterday or the day before, even knowing then we wouldn’t have been able to make any purchases here.”

Larry nodded his head in agreement. “Yeah, but we got up this morning to pray and both of us just felt this strong urge to come here. So we did.” He shrugged. “I went in with my credit cards, knowing I wouldn’t be getting anything with them except aggravation. All the while, I was asking myself what would Jesus do in a situation like this. No food. No job. Plenty of money but no way to cash in on it because of this economical nightmare.”

Chase noticed some suitcases and miscellaneous items in the back of the truck. “Where are you guys going?”

Larry let out a little chuckle. “Well, wherever the Lord leads us to. We couldn’t pay rent either and were evicted this morning.”

“We lost everything,” Faye told them. “After the vanishings, we both turned our eyes to Jesus where we know now they should have been all along. Right after we got saved, Larry went into work and witnessed to his boss. His boss told him not to witness in the work place, but he seemed to be okay with the idea that Larry was a new man. His work ethics increased and he did more in one day than others did in a week.”

“What I didn’t know was that my boss was setting me up for a fall ever since I witnessed to him. Three weeks later, I was told that my bookkeeping was way off and I had lost the company a considerable amount of money. So I had two choices. Stick around, pay for the losses myself with some possible jail time…or resign.”

“So you resigned,” Chases replied knowingly.

Larry nodded. “Yeah.”

“But it didn’t stop there,” Faye said. “His boss slandered Larry all over town so he couldn’t get a job anywhere. I couldn’t either.”

“Our situation was becoming desperate. We were out of a job. I went to the bank to try to get what money I could, but there’s some kind of a hold on our account until this credit situation clears up. But they said we could start with a new SO account.”

“What’s that?” Dell asked.

“It’s called a Starting Over account. Basically, you’re just starting a new account all over again with real money. They would build the account up for you, but you still have to put in some cash to open it. Then the money you have in the bank that you can’t touch will start to move into this account. Eventually, you’d be able to withdraw from it like you did back in the old days before there was credit. They had a ledger they were writing in, but I didn’t have any cash to open an SO account.”

“The bank clerk was furious with us,” Faye said.

“Why’s that?” Chase inquired.

Larry couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “Well…because they didn’t tell us that we had to put cash in to open it at first. The clerk wrote in all of the detail and then he mentioned that we needed a hundred dollars to open it. I told him all I had was two dollars. He slammed that book shut and really started to yell at us. People were looking at us like we were in the circus.”

“The Holy Spirit was there with us though,” Faye replied, smiling at the memory of it.

“Really?” Chase regarded them. “Well, seems to me that you were having a horrible time of it. How do you know the Spirit was there?”

“Because He gave us the joy of laughter.”

Larry let out a laugh. “Yeah. We just started laughing. The clerk practically tossed us out, but we went laughing and he just got angrier.”

Faye shrugged. “And so, here we are now. We thank you so much for getting our groceries for us.”

“We can do even better than that,” Chase told them. “By the way, I’m Peter Chase and this is my brother in Christ, James Dell.”

Dell waved. “Hi.”

Larry nodded. “Nice to meet you. I’m Larry Yeomans and this lovely lady is my bride, Faye.”

Chase smiled. “Listen, why don’t you follow us? We have a shelter about twenty miles or so from here and I’m sure we can find a place for you there. We have a gathering of believers there already, but I don’t believe the Lord had us meet just to give you groceries.”

“Oh, that would be wonderful,” Faye replied gratefully.

Yeomans held his hand out the window and shook hands with Chase. “God bless you, brother. You’re an answer to prayer.”

Chase and Dell loaded the groceries into the van and returned to their own truck. They got back onto the road with the Yeomans following their little convoy back to the shelter.

Saint was in the shelter inside the pantry where Donna had shown him a place the lockbox could be hid. In the corner behind a shelf was a hidden space big enough to put the lockbox. All he had to do was move two large jars of pickles and two large jars of banana pepper rings. He set the money in the space, replaced the cover, and began to place the jars back where they were.

“John,” said a voice from in the doorway of the pantry, “what are you doing?”

Saint turned his head and looked at Morris. He wondered how long the man had been standing there in the doorway. “Making room for more supplies when the others get back from their trip into town,” he replied casually. It wasn’t exactly a lie because he had intended to do just that after he hid the money they received from Amber. “Why? What’s up, Tony?”

Morris regarded him for a minute. He glanced down at the jars of pickles and banana pepper rings. Finally, he leaned against the doorframe and let out a sigh of frustration. “I’ve got a problem with David King.”

“What kind of a problem?”

“I don’t believe he’s been exactly honest with us. I’m just finding out about his past and, you’ll have to excuse me, but I think it’s a little too far fetched to say he’s completely turned his back on the Muslim way of life.”

Saint paused to consider his response carefully. “Things change, Tony.”

Morris looked doubtful. “How does a terrorist who goes around killing Americans change? That man has killed many Americans. He’s been a part of a number of attacks on our country and on Israel. Are you seriously telling me that he suddenly got a conscious and asked God to cleanse his soul?”

“‘For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. 1’”

Morris frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that God saves all men who come to Him. ‘The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2’ David understood the message and he willingly came to God for repentance. God offered him salvation, just as He freely offers it to everyone, but no one will receive it unless they take it.”

Morris shook his head. “John, you don’t even know this guy. I mean, come on! You and I have been friends for years. We’ve gone to High School together. You and I know everyone in this shelter who came with us from Willow Creek. We don’t know Donna Perkins, or Amber, or Pa very well, because we just recently met them. You don’t know David King well either.”

“Are you telling me that Donna, Amber, and Pa are also terrorists?”

“No. I’m saying we don’t know David King well enough to tell if he’s telling us the truth or not about his conversion! Do you even know his real name?” Morris didn’t give him a chance to respond. “It’s Darwyn Musad.”

“And how do you know that?”

“Because Jim told me.”

Saint paused, nodding his head. “I see. Well, Tony, let me ask you a question. How well do we know this Jim guy?”

Morris let out a sigh, but he didn’t answer.

“We don’t know anything about him,” Saint pointed out. “And what we do know isn’t much to tell us whether he can be trusted or not.” He used his fore finger to count off on the fingers of his right hand. “First, he was hiding in the back seat of Pa’s Lexus when Pa found him. What was he doing in the back seat? Why was he hiding? Second, when asked about his name, all he tells us is that his name is Jim. What is his last name? Third, since he’s been here, he’s been hiding up in the hayloft in the barn. Why? Why won’t he come down and join us? Why won’t he be a part of our community? And why is he so freely pointing out David’s past and not telling us about his own.”

Morris listened, a thoughtful look appearing on his face.

Saint shrugged. “Jim seems to be the kind of guy who likes to start fires by getting others to do the dirty work for him. He’s telling you what you want to hear. You’re angry about our country being attacked. You want to react. You want a chance to lash out at something…or someone. Now Jim comes along, and he says, ‘Tony, let me tell you about the real David King.’ The next thing you know, people are looking at David funny. They’re talking in hushed whispers that stop whenever David or even when I look their way. So ask yourself, Tony, who are you going to listen to? Jim? David? Or should you just allow God to lead you in the direction He wants to take you>” He shrugged. “It’s your call.”

Silence descended upon them.

After a moment, Morris let out a sigh. “Well, when you say it like that…I guess I have to think about this before I do anything rash.”

“Or stupid,” Saint replied with a wry grin.

Morris nodded. “Yeah. Okay, I’ll give you that. But just look me in the eye and tell me this guy is solid. That he isn’t pulling a fast one on us. Is David King the real deal?”

“He’s as real as you or I am. I’ve accepted Christ. Have you?”

“Yes, I have.”

“David has, too. He’s the real deal. I’ve seen him in action, Tony, and I can tell you that God definitely has His hand on him. He’s leading him just as He’s leading us. You just have to stop listening to the lies of the Devil and lean not toward your own understanding. Trust in God.”

Morris paused. “But the things he’s done…”

“They’re in the past.”

“Just like that?”

“Just like that.” Saint clapped him on the shoulder. “Tony, forgiveness is something that God really wants us to grasp because without it, all of the baggage that we keep hanging onto keeps coming back up to the surface. When it does, it hinders us from doing His will. So forgiveness is a two-fold condition that God requires of us. We are to forgive the trespasses of our brothers and sisters, and we are to forget those trespasses. If we can’t do that, the Devil wins. The flesh warring with our spirit wins. The world wins.”

Morris nodded. “John, you’re right. I’m going to make it right with David. I guess I’ve been letting myself get worked up for nothing.”

“Amen, brother. That’s the right attitude.” He clapped him again. “Why don’t we bring this matter to the Lord in prayer?”

Morris grinned. “Sure.”

As Saint prayed, Morris purposed in his heart to seek King out and apologize to him.

“Why am I needed in Allentown?” Staci asked as she peered out the window of the Huey at the ground moving below them. “I’m not an agent like you. I don’t have any experience.”

Lenox grinned at her. “Yeah? Well, for someone who doesn’t have field experience, you do get yourself tangled in situations with Justice, don’t you?”

She frowned. “That’s not my doing. They think I killed Ishmael Musad.”

He nodded. “Yes. I know. But other than that, you helped during the crisis in Albany.”

“I’m a doctor. It’s my calling to help people.” She hesitated. “Well…I’d still be a doctor if Dr. Manning hadn’t suspended my license.”

“You’re a doctor whether you have a license or not. If your talents are needed, you know Director Fuller will allow you to do what you’re skilled to do.” He paused. “Besides, I suspect there’s another reason he wants you in on this.”

“What would that be?”

“To keep you safe.”

Staci tilted her head to look over at him. “And what about you?”

He regarded her suspiciously. “What about me?”

“Well,” she hesitated, “do you want to keep me safe?”

He paused, considering his response. Finally, he said, “Yes, I do.” He looked into her eyes. He marveled that this woman was Nichole Parkhurst’s younger sister. The two didn’t look alike at all. And where he had tried to get Nichole to go out with him even though she was married and refused him every time, he found that he could not bring himself to hit on Staci. Staci was the first woman he had ever known that he wanted to protect…even from himself.

Staci also looked into his eyes. Then, she took a deep breath and made herself look away. She blushed and smiled sheepishly.

“Why are you turning red, Staci?” Lenox asked, grinning in spite of himself.

“Nothing, no reason, nope,” was her hurried response.

“Well, don’t be blushing when we get off the chopper,” he said as he looked out the window and saw their approach toward the outpost. “I wouldn’t want to give Ed Carr the wrong impression. We’ve arrived at our destination.”

The Huey began to descend for a landing.

1 - Titus 2:11
2 - II Peter 3:9

The Huey settled down onto a cleared landing area reserved for it, but the pilots did not shut its engine down. They waited for Lenox and Staci to make their exit. As the two climbed out and moved away from the Huey, it once again lifted off and took to the skies. Lenox turned his head and noticed the Storm Breaker a short distance away.

“Oh, boy,” Staci said softly under her breath.

Lenox glanced at her, wondering why she had uttered such an epitaph. He saw the reason heading straight for them in the form of Jerry Averill.

Averill glared at them. “We were expecting you, Lenox! But what is she doing here? That woman is supposed to be in custody!”

“Dr. Cohen is with me,” Lenox told him.

“That is unacceptable.”

“Where’s your boss?”

Averill placed himself in front of them and glared at Lenox. “Director Carr is busy at the moment.”

“Director Carr is the one who cleared Dr. Cohen’s release.”

“That’s absurd. Why would he do such a thing when he knows that this woman is a murderer?”

Staci frowned, but she remained silent. She didn’t like the idea of being referred to as a murderer, especially when she was innocent. Arguing with Averill would not make him realize the truth, however, so she decided to allow Lenox to handle it.

Lenox took a step forward. “Where is Director Fuller?”

“Lenox,” Averill snapped, shaking his head, “if you think I’m going to allow her to walk freely about this outpost, you’re in for a rude awakening.”

Lenox abruptly grabbed Averill by the collar of his shirt and before the man could do anything about it, Lenox dragged him away from Staci. When he was confident Staci would not be able to hear them, he stopped. As it was, he had dragged Averill close to the Storm Breaker so he used the helicopter by slamming the Justice agent into it.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” Averill demanded.

Lenox slammed him again for good measure. “I don’t have time for your power trips, Averill. If you have a problem, take it up with your boss. Dr. Cohen is here because he cleared it. He knew I was bringing her so get off of your high horse and drop it.”

Averill glared at him. “Why would he clear this?”

“Why don’t you ask him?”

Lenox released him and returned back to Staci’s side. Together, they headed deeper into the outpost. Lenox decided to find the area assigned to the ATD on his own. He and Staci, however, were unaware that Alyson was standing off to the side, watching them with a mischievous grin.

Fuller and Barrington found the others gathered around Fronk and his laptop in their assigned area. They joined them in the hopes of finding out what was going on. They were surprised to see a video feed playing on the monitor.

“What is this?” Fuller asked.

“This is a private FEMA quarantined room somewhere in this outpost,” Erin told them. “William tapped into it.”

On the screen, a man in an environmental suit was releasing the straps from a cot, which had been holding a woman. The woman appeared to be unconscious. The man then appeared to be injecting something into the woman’s right arm. When he was finished, he exited the quarantined area. Once outside the barrier, he began to take off the heavy suit.

“Is this a live feed?” Barrington asked. “This is happening right now?”

Fronk nodded. “Indeed it is, my silly little friend.”

“Who is she?”

“We don’t know, otherwise we would tell you. Right now, you know just as much as we do.” Fronk rubbed his hands together. “However, in a moment or two, Mr. Kissing Bandit himself will enter this room with intentions of interrogating the woman.”

Shiva nodded. “We heard him talking to someone who interrupted your meeting.”

The door opened and in walked Lenox and Staci.

Fuller sighed with relief. “Staci, I’m so glad you’re alright.” He went over to her as a father would to his daughter and put his arms around her, hugging her. Then, he pulled back to look at her. “You are okay, aren’t you?”

Staci smiled cheerfully and nodded. “Uh huh. Yes. I’m okay. Michael got me out of there without any trouble, but that’s because I think they were afraid of him.”

Barrington regarded Lenox for a moment. He had questions he wanted to ask, but chose to keep them to himself until the appropriate time came. Lenox joined him and the others at the laptop.

“What’s going on here?” he wanted to know, looking down at the video feed on Fronk’s laptop. He tapped the Crazy Man on the shoulder. “Hey, are you tapping into something you’re not supposed to be watching?”

Fronk snorted. “You’re a sick little man, aren’t you?”

Shiva filled him in on what they had discovered.

Lenox leaned forward. “Hey, guys…Carr just entered the room. Whatever he intends to do is going to happen soon.” He looked over at Fuller. “Do we have any idea where this woman is being kept?”

Barrington nodded. “The HQ looks bigger on the outside than it does on the inside. I suspect there may be a hidden room in the back.”

“Why don’t we go confront Carr and see what his intentions are for her?” Shiva asked.

Fuller shook his head. “No. I’d rather wait. I don’t believe he will do anything at the moment so let’s see what he’s up to before we make a move.”

As it turned out, the more they watched what was happening, the more they realized that Fuller was wrong. Ed Carr did have intentions for the woman and his intentions were realized within a few minutes of his entry into the private room.

King entered into the barn and he listened for any sign of movement from up above in the hayloft. He didn’t hear anything, but he knew that this Jim who sowed discord was somewhere up there. Something had been nagging at him in the back of his mind ever since Jim had arrived. He was bound and determined to discover what was causing it once and for all.

“Jim!” he called, looking up toward the hayloft. “Jim, I must speak with you.”

There was no response from above.

However, something creaked, as if someone had moved on the wooden floor in the loft.

King paused. “I know you are up there. I know what you are doing.” He listened. “You will not succeed in hindering the work God is doing here.”

From above came a chuckle.

“You find something funny?”

The chuckling stopped. But then Jim finally spoke, his voice deep and soft. “Yes…I do. I think you’re funny.”

King frowned. Had he heard that voice before? “Tell me, Jim. What about me amuses you so much?”

Jim let out another chuckle. “Everything.”

“That is not an answer.”

“Sure it is. It is the answer I am giving you because it’s the only one I have.”

King moved toward the ladder. “Why don’t you come down here so that I can see you?”

There was no response.

“I could come up there.”

“You wouldn’t like it up here.”

“Why not?”

“Because…we’re not exactly friends.”

King let out a sigh. “Listen to me, Jim. I am growing weary of this game that you seem to be enjoying. Either you come down here or I will come up there.”

There was a pause. “Well…you seem to be getting a little testy, don’t you think?”

“Jim!”

“Okay…why don’t you just relax?” There was another pause. “I’ll come down.”

King nodded gratefully. “Fine.” He backed away from the ladder and looked up. “Please do so. I cannot enjoy our conversation when we are not face to face.”

“You like head-on debates, don’t you?”

“A debate can be good, but in the case of gathering souls for heaven, it is important to keep focused on the Word of God. It is His Word that cannot be defeated.”

“Yeah…I’ve heard that.”

King let out a sigh. “Jim, why have you come here? What are your intentions?” He continued to look up, still waiting for Jim to make his way down.

“You know me,” came the response. “I always love to stir things up a bit.”

And that was when King recognized the voice. Just as he realized who Jim truly was, the man began to climb down the ladder. King’s eyes widened in surprise. Even though he had just come to realize who it was, it still gave him cause for hesitation.

The mans back was to him as he came down the ladder. But he finally jumped down the last two steps and turned around, a big grin on his face.

James Bollinger spread his arms wide. “Well, here I am, Darwyn, old buddy. Did you miss me?”

King just stared at him. He had no idea what to say.

Danielle opened her eyes. That same grey ceiling greeted her just as it had before. She blinked as she lay there on the cot, trying to remember what had happened. There was some kind of strange wave of moving air - it was the only way she could describe it - that had struck her, causing her to lose consciousness.

She remembered coming to before to find two people in environmental suits standing on either side of her bed. She remembered being strapped onto it.

She raised her hands, sighing with relief when she realized she could move. Slowly, she sat up and discovered that while she was no longer strapped to the cot, she was still a prisoner. She was in an enclosed room with a strong Plexiglas wall as a barrier. Behind that wall was three men. Two of them were at some kind of computer station. The third man was standing close to the barrier, watching her intently.

Danielle decided that she didn’t like his eyes. She got off the cot and moved toward the barrier.

“Let me out of here,” she said.

The man didn’t acknowledge her request.

Carr, having no idea that the Gatherers were watching what was happening through Fronk’s laptop, held up Danielle’s purse. “What was your business in Allentown, Mrs. Anderson?”

Danielle only just realized he was holding her purse. “What are you doing?”

“I’ll ask the questions. You’ll answer them. What was your intentions in Allentown?”

“What are you talking about? I wasn’t going to Allentown. I was…I was just out for a drive.”

“Just out for a drive, Mrs. Anderson,” Carr repeated. “That is very interesting.” He pulled out a cell phone from her purse and showed it to her. “What are you doing with this?”

Danielle let out a sigh. “That’s my cell phone.”

“I checked you out, Mrs. Anderson. You are not authorized to use a cell phone. This is considered a crime nowadays…or weren’t you aware of that?”

“I…Yes, I’m aware of that.”

“Then what are you doing with a piece of technology you’re not authorized for?”

She let out a weary sigh. “I had it before the crisis started.”

“And what crisis are you referring to, Mrs. Anderson?”

She blinked. “The vanishings. The attack on our country. After those things happened, the ban was put on the cell phones. I’m carrying mine out of habit.”

Carr nodded his head. “I see, Mrs. Anderson.” He dropped the cell phone back into her purse and handed the purse to one of the men. “Mrs. Anderson…you’re in a lot of trouble.”