A pungent odor hit me when we entered the warehouse. One of the guards wrapped his hands on my waist and lifted me off my feet as I kicked in midair. She carried me down the stairs.
“Set her down,” the politician said. The guard launched me onto a hard surface, and the blindfold was torn off me.
I found myself laid out in the center of a round table of men and women in business attire. The politician took a seat and removed his shades.
I gasped at his piercing green eyes.
“Lovell,” I said. He grinned.
“Make no mistake there’s a reason you’re here, Maricel,” he said. I stood up, taking them all by surprise.
“Just as I have warned the masses, I will warn all of you. Repent and turn from Lovell! He’s leading you all astray. You will be responsible for the bloodshed that will occur as a result of his evil actions.”
“You should’ve run while you still had the chance, you crazy bitch,” Lovell said, grabbing hold of my calf and knocking me off my feet into his lap. His legs tightened around me while he wrapped his arm around my neck. The entire table watched with smug faces.
A group of combatants stormed into their gathering. To my amazement, Leo led a group of armed people. He aimed his semiautomatic handgun at Lovell while his arm remained wrapped around my neck.
“Leo, no!” I said. His eyes narrowed at Lovell as he tightened his squeeze.
“What’s the matter Leo, too afraid to shoot?” he said. Leo’s hand shook as he held the weapon.
“His rise is inevitable!” I said.
Afraid you’re going to kill your girlfriend. I thought you were an assassin,” Lovell said.
From the corner of my eye, the gleam of a dagger in Lovell’s left pocket caught my attention. I stomped on his foot then elbowed him in the stomach as I stole the object from his pocket and stabbed him in the right eye. He dropped me, and I crawled away and stood.
“You’re no god!” Leo said. Lovell gripped his eye spurting blood and fell backward on the table as red droplets gushed from his socket. His associates rushed to assist him. I ran to Leo, and we fled with the protesters.
“Kill Maricel and the rest of those vermin!” Lovell shouted, gripping onto the table with the other hand, using it for support.
“Come on,” one of the female protesters in the group said. The honk of a horn alerted us of our getaway ride. We sprinted up the stairs heading for the back of a delivery truck, I hopped in the back with her and another guy. Leo shook hands with another man, and he got into the passenger’s side while the man took the driver’s seat. I took a closer look at the couple.
“Erich? Leslie!”
“I never thought I’d see you again!” Leslie said, hugging me.
“Me too!”
“Not to interrupt the reunion,” Erich said as a drove of creatures made a beeline for the vehicle. “Where too?”
“Dallas.” I grinned.
CHAPTER 4
doubts
We reached Dallas the following afternoon. The streets were empty except for puddles from rainfall flooding potholes and ditches. Aside from the dirty water, the residence surrounding Mason’s home appeared quiet.
Leo lifted me over the gate surrounding Mason’s residence. I almost slipped as he struggled to raise me over the enclosure.
“You’re heavier than you look,” he said.
“Maybe it’s a sign you should lift some weights,” I said. Leo smirked as I climbed over, jumping down. Leslie came after me, then Leo and Erich followed.
We walked up to the winding sandstone pathway to the door.
“I have a feeling your pal won’t like me,” Leo said while he fiddled with a toothpick between his teeth.
“I’m sure you two will have more in common than you think.” I rang the doorbell. Leo’s eyes moved to the sky as he swished the toothpick in his mouth and folded his arms over his chest. Minutes later, Hans answered. His eyes widened at us, and he looked back at the truck outside the gate.
“Maricel, it’s a pleasure to see you.” He glanced at everyone else.
“Who are these people?”
“These are my friends Leslie and Erich.”
“And him?” His eyes moved at Leo.
“Leonardo,” Leo said, extending his hand. Hans shook his head rather than Leo’s hand.
“Who’s at the door?” Mason hollered from inside. His voice sounded uneven and tired as if he hadn’t slept in days.
“Maricel is back with some friends.”
“Bring them in.” Mason yawned, and we entered in.
Mason sat in a single recliner in the sitting room. The Walters on a sofa, and my mother stood cross-armed.
“I can’t believe you!” My mother said. “You and him....” She pointed at Leo, “Are all over the television!”
Caroline pointed to the TV where America’s Hot Seat played. Ross sat at a table with two political pundits Krista McIntosh, a woman with shoulder-length strawberry blonde hair who looked to be right around forty. Krista represented a conservative think tank group, and she was a supporter of the current president. Hal Cornwall sat on the other side of Ross Day. Hal looked to be nearing fifty and wore thick black glasses and had a shaved head. He was from a progressive foundation and was known to be a critic of the current administration. They replayed clips of Leo and me at Capitol Hill.
* * *
“Former actress, Maricel who is known for her leading role as Eve in the “Missing Continent” has shed her Hollywood glamour for a radical doomsday cult member. With the help of an unidentified man, who’s believed to have converted her is wanted for killing a military police officer. The criminal pair are “warning” the country to turn back to God or else destruction,” Ross said.
“There’s a separation of church and state for a reason. Clearly, Maricel and that loon don’t know the difference,” said Krista.
“Krista, they’re using their first amendment rights to express their dissatisfaction with this current administration like many protesters even if it’s laden with radical religious ideologies,” Ross said.
“More like abusing the first amendment as anarchists. I doubt these two would be calling out the administration if they had their party in office.”
“Is that so, Krista. You and our president’s supporters would make any excuse for the incompetence of this administration. If anything, if you want to see fewer people like this doomsday cult, then it’s clear we also need a change of leadership,” Hal said. Krista shook her head, and Ross grinned.
* * *
The news segment went to commercials. Caroline flipped off the television.
“What are you doing in here?” Mason glared at Leo as he stood behind me. Leo withdrew the toothpick from his mouth, tossing it in the trash bin beside the couch.
“I’m here for her,” Leo said.
“We are friends now.” I smiled.
Leslie ran to embrace my mother. I followed behind her, joining my mother on the sofa across from Caroline. Erich shook hands with Mason and Kevin. Mason stared at my new style of clothes and wrinkled his nose.
“Do you know how worried we were about you, Maricel?” Caroline asked.
“I’m sorry for leaving without telling you guys anything. After Leo saved me, I realized he had answers to many of my questions. Now he’s helping me with my gift of foresight. He also has the same gift,” I said, placing my hand on Leo’s shoulder. Mason’s eyes narrowed, and I withdrew my hand. “We are prophets unified by rare circumstances.”
“Oh please, him a prophet!” He shook his fist. “A clown in a dirty trench coat who spreads disease, blows up buildings, and kills an innocent officer doesn’t seem to have the makings of a prophet to me. He seems more like a low life terrorist!”
“You sound just like those pundits,” I said.
“They have a point, especially Krista. You two are completely off base!”
“Why because
our God-given message isn’t loved by the media talking heads,” Leo said, concealing a snicker with a convenient cough.
“It’s deeper than that,” Mason said.
“Look, it’s not our fault their politicizing our message for the upcoming elections. All I know is if it weren’t for Leo, I wouldn’t be alive!”
“Nor would you’ve been touted a cult member who’s wanted for murder!” Mason stood up, clenching his fists.
“That officer was plotting to kill me with that syringe in his hand. Leo saw it in time and stopped him.”
“Maricel, he’s gotten inside your head, if you believe any of this maniac’s actions are justified. He’s a criminal who’s transformed your image to look like a psychotic vigilante!” Mason hollered and marched out of the room.
* * *
At supper, Leo and I sat beside one another. To my left was Erich followed by Leslie. The Walters and my mother sat by Mason on the opposite side. I faced Mason as he led the table in prayer before we dined.
As he took bites, his eyes avoided me. The few times his gaze landed on me, he never smiled like he usually would. Every time we exchanged glances, he would grin, and when Mason and Leo’s eyes met, Leo would smirk.
“So it’s rained a lot …” I said.
“It happens when you skip town for a week,” Mason said, taking a large bite of his corn on the cob.
“Mason, did you tell Maricel, about the trip you’re making to Yellow Stone in a few days,” Caroline said. He shook his head, wrinkling his forehead.
“Wait, you’re going to Yellow Stone?” I said.
“Yes, there’s been an uptick of stronger seismic activity occurring in the surrounding areas.”
“How so?” I said, twirling my fork. His scowl seemed to turn upward.
“The pH levels of Yellowstone’s surrounding lakes have lowered. It doesn’t help that due to melting from heavy snowfall from last winter the surrounding lakes are rising.”
“That’s fascinating, I’ve always wanted to see a volcanic eruption or experience an earthquake.”
“No, you don’t they’re awful, I’ve seen them since I’ve lived out in California my entire life and they are nothing you want to pray for,” Erich said.
“He’s right while serving in the air force I was stationed in Japan when a terrible one occurred. Nothing you want to experience,” Kevin said.
“I see what you both are saying but being from the mid-west, twisters often hit, once one devastated my grandparent’s farm when I was staying over, and I lost my grandmother. I was terrified of tornados. Even knowing all of that I’m still curious about earthquake and volcanos,” I said.
“I’ve been through plenty of natural disasters in my lifetime, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and so on,” Leo said.
“You’re full of it. Had you experienced so many natural disasters you would’ve been dead by now,” Mason said.
“I always know when it’s time to get out,” Leo said.
“Is that so? Maybe you should’ve tried warning people before the disaster struck like a real prophet would rather than being selfish.”
“Most have this bad habit of disregarding what someone they perceive as a “low life has to say.” Leo tapped his fork on his bowl.
“I’m leaving in a couple of days, I want to make one thing clear. I don’t want any of you getting closer than I tell you to go. If I tell you to stay back, listen. Because I’ve watched many innocent people die from ignorance.” Mason stood.
* * *
After dinner, Leslie caught up to me.
“You and Leo seem pretty close,” she said
“We just started talking.”
“For two strangers, you’ve clicked fast.”
“Perhaps.”
“If you don’t mind me asking. Whatever happened between you and Azazel?”
“I left him.”
“So he’s completely gone?” Her brows raised.
“Not exactly but I doubt he’ll be coming back anytime soon.”
“What makes you so sure?” A familiar male voice asked. We both turned to see Erich walk into the room.
“It’s my newfound faith without him, that makes me feel safe from his return,” I said. Erich shook his head.
“I doubt you’ve seen the last of him,” Erich said, before walking away.
“Don’t mind him, he’s still upset about what happened the last time we saw each other.”
“Can I ask you something?” I said as I rubbed my neck.
“Anything.”
“Were you walking with Erich one evening and cut your foot on glass?” I said. Her eyes narrowed.
“How’d you know?”
“I had a vision.”
“Ah, so it was no dream?”
“Did you see the demons I tried to warn you about too?”
“No, but I remember you leaping out of the bushes and saying something about that.”
“What happened after that?”
“It was weird. We woke up a few seconds later at home and shared with each other that we had this weird dream with you in it. When we checked my foot, it was fine.”
“Interesting, we might’ve been in each other’s dreams.”
“This is all too weird for me to fully fathom,” Leslie said, shaking her head.
“What made you and Erich decide to go to DC?”
“After you left, I quit acting. It wasn’t the same without you. I decided to go to school for elementary education. When all of this chaos erupted, Erich was laid off, and I quit school.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It was rough, but Erich and I felt we had nothing to lose, so we left LA to protest in DC.”
“I can relate to the education part. I was nearly finished with my bachelor’s in economics at the University of Dallas while working with Mason when all of this happened.”
“You were further along than me.” Leslie smiled.
“Not to interrupt, but I overheard what you said Leslie,” Caroline said, walking up to us. “My husband lost his job too because he refused to use lethal force on a couple of minors.”
“Things are only getting worse,” Leslie said.
“Very much, I pray there’s still hope for this nation,” Caroline said.
I left the room. It seemed everywhere I turned it was doom and gloom. Around the corner I heard whispers, I peeked out to see Kevin and Mason talking at the kitchen table.
“I don’t like him,” Kevin said.
“Like is a weak word,” Mason said.
“I’ve been on the force for five years. I know a sociopath when I come across one,” Kevin said.
“You would think she would’ve learned by now after being fooled by her ex how to tell a scumbag when she sees one, but she’s too naïve,” Mason said as he took a sip of his beer. “She’s a knowledgeable girl, but she’s weak mentally as common sense is something she lacks, at times.” His words left a deep swelling in my chest. I squeezed my eyes together to stop the tears welling in my eyes from falling. I whisked around so fast that I almost knocked heads with Leo and I gasped. He placed his fingers on my mouth. My breath hitched in my throat as his finger left my lips.
“I thought Mason was different,” I said.
“Maricel, what you just discovered about him is who he’s always been.”
“But...if it weren’t for him I wouldn’t have even thought about having a gift,’ I said with my eyes still on the ground.
“That’s the thing. Mason talks about me being a snake. Yet, it’s strange how quick he is to change his opinion of you because of his hatred for me.
“Maybe he’s just upset,” I said, walking away, although deep down I couldn’t shake Mason’s words.
* * *
The weekend came. Mason, Erich, Kevin, and Leo loaded luggage into the camper while Caroline, Leslie and I checked that we had every item we’d need on the list.
“I didn’t know you knew Hebrew?” I asked her.
“I picked it up after I started studying theology.”
“What? You theology? What happened to you not wanting to be brainwashed by grandfather’s preaching?”
“Your grandparents’ prayers were finally answered. They wanted me to go to Bible College like they did and do ministry. I ran from it, but thanks to your situation with Azazel, I ended up studying it, hoping I’d find a way to get you back.” Her words and newfound faith stunned me
“I’m thankful you also found the truth by whatever means necessary,” I said with a smile.
“All right, we better be off, Make yourself comfortable,” Mason said to my mother.
“Thank you, Mason, for everything. You kids enjoy your trip.” My mother waved.
As I climbed in the back to sit at the table beside Leo, a hand enclosed around my wrist. I turned to see Mason.
“We haven’t spoken in a while. I miss hearing your voice. You have one of the most beautiful minds I’ve encountered,” Mason said. I looked away and turned back to him, smiling. It didn’t reach my eyes. Funny how today I had a beautiful mind, yet a couple of nights ago it was weak.
I buckled myself in, and Mason closed the door behind me, got in and fired up his engine.
“You think the volcano will erupt?” I asked Mason as he kept glancing in the rearview mirror at Leo.
“Sorry, I wasn’t listening, can you repeat what you said?”
“I was wondering if you felt the volcano was going to erupt,” I said. Mason nodded and returned to glancing in the rearview mirror as he drove. I sighed and lay my head against the window.
By the time he reached Oklahoma, he had switched off with Kevin. Kevin drove for five hours before switching with Erich. Mason. He never asked Leo if he wanted to take the wheel. Leo remained in the back, playing with a deck of cards.
“Do you still read, the Apocrypha?” I asked Erich as he drove.
“It never hurts to reread it, I still pick up on new information. Now I like to focus on the Bible more, especially the Gospels. Growing up, I didn’t believe in the New Testament.”
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