by Pam Funke
“Remember we need to be very thorough. There has to be some clue as to where they’ve gone,” Andrew said. Tara glared at him as she got out of the car. “
“Where’s the doctor’s car?” she asked.
“How should I know?” Andrew replied.
“Well, that is just great! Now, how are we going to find out who he is?” she replied slamming the car door. Tara had forgotten about the paper she had found earlier. We just can’t get a break, can we?
They walked over to the house. Tara rang the doorbell and waited. She listened to see if there was any movement or noise inside the house. After ringing the doorbell four times and waiting five additional minutes with no one coming to answer the door, they decided to let themselves into the house. Tara stepped back to let Andrew kick the door in. Andrew kicked the door hard, but it did not budge. He kicked it again a little more forcefully. Sheer pain went up through his leg; Andrew thought that he was going to cry.
“Can’t you do anything right?” Tara huffed.
Andrew stood there rubbing his leg. He rolled his eyes at Tara. Is there a nice bone in your body at all?
“Oh, just move out of the way already,” Tara said shoving Andrew out of her way.
She tried turning the door knob. The door was unlocked. Tara laughed as the door swung open. Men. Why won’t they try the simplest things first? It’s like how they refuse to ask for directions when they’re lost. Nuts.
“I don’t see how this is funny, Tara. My leg hurts really badly,” Andrew said haughtily
Tara just shook her head as she went into the house. “Make sure you close the door behind you. We don’t want any nosey neighbors snooping around while we’re in here.”
“I’ll look around upstairs. You check around down here. Think you can do that?” Tara asked heading towards the stairway. Andrew just glared at her.
“Yeah, whatever,” he replied limping into the house.
CHAPTER one hundred and nineteen
Byron slowly opened his eyes. His head was killing him. It felt like someone was trying to cut it open from the inside. His vision was a little blurry. He reached up to feel the side of his head. His fingers felt something warm and sticky. He put the tip of his finger in his mouth, it tasted like blood. That cannot be good. He tried to remember where he was. He closed his eyes tightly, and then slowly reopened them. His vision was slightly clearer, but still a little fuzzy.
“What happened?” he said out loud.
I’m inside a car. Gage and I were headed to Jerusalem. That’s right. So what happened? Wait. Gage. Where is Gage? He looked around the inside of the car, but he wasn’t there. Byron looked out of what was left of the window. That was when he saw Gage lying about a foot away from the car in the sand. He wasn’t moving. Byron slowly undid his seatbelt; he fell upside down onto the roof of the car.
“Owww,” he yelled as he hit his head.
His head hurt so bad that he could see stars. But still, he needed to get over to Gage to make sure he was okay. What happened to us? Did something hit us? Byron slowly crawled through where the windshield had once been and tried to stand up. He felt extremely dizzy so he decided it might be better if he slowly crawled over to Gage. It took him a few minutes to crawl the few feet over to where Gage was lying. Byron checked Gage’s wrist for a pulse. Thankfully, he still had one. Unfortunately, Gage was still knocked unconscious. This is bad, this is really bad. I wonder how long he’s been like this.
“Help. Someone, please help,” he called out.
Why isn’t anyone stopping to help us? He looked both ways down the road. This doesn’t feel right. Traffic is driving by as though they cannot even see us. Byron knew that he had to get someone’s attention. Gage definitely needed some help and so did he. Byron was afraid that he might have a concussion. He started waving his arms, trying to draw attention to himself. After several minutes, an old beat-up looking van pulled over to the side of the road.
The driver didn’t like what he was seeing. He called emergency and asked for an ambulance for the injured then hung up without giving his information—it was better that way. The middle-aged man wearing Middle Eastern clothing walked cautiously over to them.
“You look like you guys could use some help there,” he said looking Byron over. “What happened to you?” He has a really nasty head injury. He needs to stop the bleeding. I wonder what’s wrong with the other guy.
“Is he dead?” he asked glancing over at Gage.
“No, he’s unconscious. Thanks for stopping to help us. I am not quite sure what happened. The last thing I remember, we were driving down the road, then nothing until now. Can you please take us to a hospital?” Byron asked.
“I already called for an ambulance. I don’t think your friend there should be moved until they check him out,” the man said helping Byron to his feet. “They are on their way.” He scratched his head as he looked around.
“My name is Obadiah,” he said extending his hand. Byron shook his hand.
“My name is Byron and that is Gage.”
Obadiah tore off some cloth from the bottom of his shirt and folded it. He then placed it over the wound on Byron’s forehead and guided Byron’s hand to it.
“Here, keep pressure on this. You need to stop the bleeding,” Obadiah said.
“Thank you.”
“Well, let’s have a look at your car,” Obadiah said. He felt compelled to look. Something strange has happened here to these men.
Obadiah stood quietly watching Byron as they stood still. Byron was really off-balance. He waited until Byron was steady on his own before releasing his grip on him. Byron wobbled slightly, but he stayed on his feet as he slowly followed Obadiah back to the car.
There was a large burnt-looking spot on the back of the vehicle. The rear tires had melted slightly. That is certainly strange. Byron had never seen anything like it. He touched the melted rubber curiously. What could have possibly done this? Whatever it was had to be incredibly hot.
Obadiah looked around the car, but he did not see any evidence of what had caused the accident. He walked back to the road studying the ground along the way. A few feet away there was a large crater in the road. Obadiah shook his head. He wasn’t quite sure, but it looked like they had either driven over a land mine or had been hit by a rocket launcher. He wasn’t sure which, but either way, he wasn’t getting involved in this. They should be dead. How did they survive this? He didn’t know who these men where, but it definitely seemed like someone wanted them dead. With all the crazy stuff that happened earlier in the day, he didn’t want to find out.
Is that hole in the ground responsible for what happened to us? What made the crater? Byron stood there watching Obadiah. He wished the ambulance would hurry up and get there. He didn’t think it was a good idea for them to be exposed like this. What if whoever did this comes back to finish the job? Besides, I really don’t feel so hot and Gage really needs some help. He slowly walked back over to Gage and sat down next to him. He held his friend’s hand and started talking to him. Byron forgot about his own wound as he absentmindedly laid the makeshift bandage in his lap.
Obadiah walked back over to the men, “You be alright until the ambulance gets here?”
“Yes, thank you again. What made that hole in the road? Why were the tires on our car melted? What happened to us?” Byron replied. Why is he leaving? He looks really afraid of something.
Obadiah paled. He could not afford to tell Byron his suspicions. He did not know these men. It was better if he didn’t get involved any further.
“Alright then, take care. Keep a close watch on your friend there. He doesn’t look so good. Oh, put some pressure on that wound of yours; you really need to stop the bleeding,” Obadiah said.
Why isn’t he answering any of my questions? He looks pretty afraid of something. What does he know that he’s afraid to tell me? “I will Obadiah. I really do appreciate you stopping to help us. Be safe and God bless,” Byron replied.
&nb
sp; Obadiah nodded his head and walked back to his van. He felt kind of bad for leaving them, but he had his family to think about. He looked back at them in his rear-view mirror as he drove away.
Byron watched the taillights disappear as Obadiah drove away. I wonder why he didn’t opt to stay with us until the ambulance shows up. But, I guess that I can’t really blame him. He probably just didn’t want to get involved. A few minutes later, Byron could hear a siren in the background. At least, the ambulance would be there momentarily.
“Thank you, God. Thank you for sending someone caring enough to stop and check on us and call for an ambulance. Thank you for protecting us and not allowing our lives to be taken. Please help Gage and heal his body. Please continue to watch over us and protect us. Watch over my family and keep them safe. Thank you. I ask for all of these things in Jesus’ name. Amen,” Byron prayed out loud.
The ambulance stopped close to them. The EMTs brought a body board and a stretcher. They gently placed Gage onto the board and stretcher and placed him in the back of the ambulance. They then helped Byron into the back of the ambulance and helped him to lie back onto the other stretcher. The EMT placed a cool cloth on the side of his head. It felt so good. He closed his eyes and thought about his family.
****
Lou was intrigued by how much Patriarch Bartola knew. He knew so much about everything. Here Lou was supposed to be teaching Patriarch Bartola, but he was learning just as much as he was teaching, if not more. Lou enjoyed Josef’s company. He hoped that he would be allowed to continue to interact with Josef. On the other hand, he was not sure what the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See would assign him to do. He knew Pope John would be pleased with how well he had trained Josef.
“You have learned all that I can teach you and are finally ready for your next assignment,” Lou said
Josef nodded, “Thank you, Lou. I am truly grateful for everything.”
“It has been my pleasure, Josef. Now don’t you think that you ought to be going now? It is time for you to present your proposal to the UWR.”
Josef smiled. But of course, it is time to enlighten the UWR. We can finally get this started.
CHAPTER one hundred and twenty
“On a global level, there are still no claims for the bombings in Israel. The technology which created the missiles that attacked Israel is of such high caliber that they do not show up on radar. They move swiftly and with precision, unlike anything ever seen before. Both bombings have had catastrophic results; with more than 600,000 people dying during the attacks combined. It is hard to imagine this many people being wiped off the face of the planet—it is truly heart wrenching.
Israel has not been able to study the bomb sites as all who have come in contact with the sites have become sick and died from some strange disease. This is like nothing that we have ever had to deal with before.
On a note back here at home, several different states have the people in outrage—Christians are being fined and jailed for no apparent reason. Local authorities seem to be targeting Bible study groups, Christian gatherings, and even some churches have been forced to close their doors. What ever happened to freedom of religion? What happened to one nation under God? This country was built on God—where is our trust in God now? Where is God in the United States? We have removed Him from our lives. Why are we allowing all kinds of ungodly behavior and telling society to tolerate it? God is no longer welcome in our schools, our businesses, our homes and now He is being taken out of the church! People, it is time we wake up before it is too late! We need to stand for God!
At this time, we do not have any new updates on the bombing of the Hinesville Inne. It seems to be an isolated event thus far. Perhaps it was just a freak accident. All I can say people is that we need to start praying for each other and our country, being there for each other and supporting one another. This is James Callahan, ICNN news. Goodnight everyone and God bless.”
Rosalind sat quietly in the situation room watching the broadcast with the group. She could feel Nicolaitanes’ fury. It was like the calm before the storm; she was waiting for the storm to come unleashed. Nicolaitanes paced back and forth across the room, not saying a word. He looked livid. Everyone sat quietly watching him pace—no one dared to speak. Nicolaitanes threw the remote across the room.
“Everybody out, now!” he yelled.
No one needed to be told twice. They all got up and quickly left the room; only Rosalind glanced back questioningly, but she too turned and left quietly. Why do they make this all about the Christians and God? What does either have to do with this? This is supposed to be all about me! Why must you bring the focus always on you? This is supposed to be my time, remember?
He sat alone in the room contemplating how he could use this to his advantage and then it came to him.
“Everything is still working out for me. I know how to turn this all around,” he smiled. He would have to leave Rosalind in charge for a while—he trusted her.
CHAPTER one hundred and twenty-one
Half an hour later, Obadiah pulled up outside of his home. He sat in the van for a moment letting the engine idle. I wonder if Byron and Gage are alright. I hope the EMTs were able to help them both. It does seem strange that they would just happen to drive over a land mine. I don’t really think that is what happened. I would have to bet someone fired a scud missile at them. I wonder why, though. I really do feel bad for not staying until help arrived. Lord, please forgive me for that and watch over those men. He turned the vehicle off before getting out and walking into his home. He was greeted warmly by his wife and children. Obadiah forgot all about everything else for the time being and enjoyed spending time with his family.
The next day, Obadiah drove into the city Jericho to the Synagogue. He was meeting with an old friend of his, Rabbi Chasiel Ben-Guryon. Chasiel had something important he wanted to show Obadiah. Chasiel sounded so excited on the phone. Obadiah couldn’t wait to see him. He was curious to know what it was that Chasiel was so happy about.
CHAPTER one hundred and twenty-two
Tara finished looking through all the rooms upstairs inside Katy’s home. She had looked through all the closets, drawers, everything to no avail, there were no clues as to where they went. In fact, there didn’t even seem to be anything missing. She decided to go downstairs and see if Andrew found anything. She certainly hoped so.
“Andrew? Where are you?” Tara called as she walked down the stairs.
She looked down the hallway, but it was empty. She headed towards the kitchen and living room area. Still, no Andrew.
“Now where did he go?” Tara said annoyed.
She decided to walk out to the car in case he had gone back to the vehicle. The car was empty. Something didn’t feel right. Tara glanced around the neighborhood; she didn’t see Andrew around anywhere. She walked back up to the house. She decided to have a look around downstairs. I don’t remember hearing the door open. But then again, I wasn’t really paying attention.
She looked in the kitchen, the dining room, the living room, the guest room, and the bathroom, but she didn’t find any clues nor did she find Andrew. She went out to the back porch, no Andrew. She stood there scratching her head puzzled. This didn’t make any sense to her at all. Just where has Andrew gone? Better yet, where had the old woman gone?
“Maybe you should focus more on how did they get out of the house without you seeing them, Tara,” the voice said startling Tara. Maybe the voice is right.
CHAPTER one hundred and twenty-three
Ezekiel followed Meredith back to the house. He was perplexed by what she had shown him. He stopped when he heard Katy’s voice coming from one of the rooms.
“How are you ladies holding up?” Ezekiel asked leaning in the doorway.
“I think we’ll be okay for now, Zeke,” Katy replied.
Serenity looked up from the bed, “Are we really safe here?” she asked.
Ezekiel walked over to Serenity and sat dow
n on the bed next to her. He hugged her gently.
“I really think we will be safe here, Serenity. Whoever is after you won’t be able to find us.”
Katy raised her eyebrows at Ezekiel but kept her opinions to herself. Meredith walked into the room. “Is everything okay down here? Do you guys need anything? Anything at all?”
“Everything is fine. Thank you for everything, Meredith,” replied Katy.
“Well if you would like to join the others upstairs in the dining room, dinner is ready. However, if you would rather be alone, then you are free to use the kitchen down here,” Meredith said heading back upstairs.
Ezekiel went upstairs to join the others for dinner.
“Serenity, do you want to come upstairs with me?” Katy said.
“If you don’t mind, I would like to be alone for a while. I promise to get something to eat later,” Serenity said lying down on the bed.
Katy sighed and went upstairs to join the others. Serenity lay there staring up at the ceiling desperately trying to figure out what was going on. Why are there people trying to kill me? What was I doing at the military base before the accident? What happened at the hotel prior to the bombing? But more importantly, why isn’t my family looking for me? She did have a family, at least, she thought so anyway. She felt so alone here.