The Belial Sacrifice (The Belial Series Book 14)

by R. D. Brady

  “Is there anything else we need, Dr. McPhearson?”

  Laney looked over at General Rockefeller. She could tell he was wondering what was going on with her this morning, but she really didn’t think he deserved an explanation. “I sent a list last night of individuals who we will need.”

  “Yes, they’ve all been cleared. As soon as we know when and where, we will allow them access.”

  Laney nodded. It wouldn’t be dark for a few hours, so she wouldn’t be able to reach them until then to finalize everything. As soon as the thought slipped through her mind, her phone beeped, and she looked down at it. It was Danny. She stood up quickly. “I need to take this.” Not waiting for a reply, she left the room. David followed her.

  “Danny? Is everything all right?”

  “It’s Jen, and no. Everything’s not.” Jen explained about Havenville collapsing in on itself.

  Laney leaned against the wall for support. “Was anyone hurt?”

  “Some scrapes, cuts. Cleo broke a leg, but that was the worst of it.”

  “Oh my God.”

  Jen paused. “Laney, is Drake okay?”

  Laney looked up at David, her heart breaking. He was gone. Havenville had been destroyed. If Havenville was gone, then so was Drake. Her whole world collapsed.

  David took the phone gently from her. “Jen, it’s David.”

  Vaguely, Laney could hear David explain what had happened to Drake. But it was like she was in a bubble. She leaned her back against the wall and then slid down. Drake was really gone. He was gone.

  David crouched down next to her. “Laney?”

  Her head jerked up, and she could tell from his worried expression that he’d been calling her name a few times. He gently touched her shoulder. “What do you want to do?”

  She nearly laughed at the question. What did she want to do? She wanted to cry. She wanted to scream. She wanted to run as far from all of this as she could and stick her head in the sand. But what she wanted hadn’t been a factor in her decisions in a very long time.

  And now was no different.

  “Contact Luiz. If he’s willing, those who aren’t going to be in this fight can wait it out there until everything is over. If he can’t take them all, they’ll have to come back to the States. The government will have to pave the way for all of them. We have no other options right now. We need to know who is going to fight. They need to be on the first plane here. The rest can follow.”

  David nodded, conveying everything to Jen before disconnecting the call. “I’ll go tell them what we need.” He squeezed her shoulder before stepping back into the room.

  Laney didn’t follow. She needed a minute. Truth be told, she probably needed closer to a year. Everything was coming to a head. The countries were on the march. Her people were scared and without a haven. If she didn’t succeed, she had no doubt the U.S. government would turn on the people she’d been protecting. And Drake. Drake was gone.

  She dropped her head into her hands. It was too much. The pressure, the expectation. It was all too much.

  But it didn’t matter if it was all too much. It was happening. And she needed to get her butt up. People were counting on her. And if by some miracle she survived all of this, she and Cleo could disappear and leave everything behind.

  She pushed herself from the ground, straightening her shoulders.

  One last fight, she thought before she pulled open the door and stepped inside.

  Chapter 61

  The townhouse was quiet as David sat waiting. Laney had gone to bed hours ago. David prayed she slept. Matt was in the hall outside her room in case she needed them. David had been the one sitting there before. Originally he’d planned on sleeping for a few hours before replacing Matt, but a meeting request had changed all that. His phone beeped. He glanced at the message and then silently slipped out the front door. He jogged down the steps and down the street.

  Bruce stepped out of the shadows of a small alley between two townhomes just as he reached the corner.

  David nodded at Bruce’s trench coat. “I see we’re going for old-school spy fashion.”

  Bruce frowned, looking down as he fell in step with David. “What? They said there was a chance of rain.”

  David snorted.

  They walked in silence for half a block before Bruce spoke. “Where was she hiding you guys?”

  “Under a rock. But that spot is now dust. When Drake transformed, the hiding place was destroyed.”

  “So it’s true. He is Michael.”

  “It’s true.” David paused. “I met your mother there. She’s pretty impressive.”

  A smile crossed Bruce’s face. “Yes, she is. I had a feeling that’s where she’d gone.”

  “Have you spoken with her?”

  Bruce shook his head. “For some things, it’s best if we keep our distance.”

  David paused, not sure if he should reveal what he knew. But Bruce saved him the trouble. “She’s going to be part of the fight, isn’t she?”

  “I believe her exact words were: I have not spent my whole life preparing for the final showdown between good and evil to spend my time cheering from the sidelines.”

  Bruce smiled again. “That sounds like her.”

  “You going?”

  Bruce nodded. “I’ll be running intelligence from a secure location. You’re welcome to join me.”

  A year ago, he would have accepted. But now . . . “Actually, I think I’m going to take a more active role in this particular fight.”

  Bruce’s eyebrows rose. “You’re joining the team?”

  “I think I joined it months ago. Laney, she has a way of making you want to do the right thing. It’s kind of annoying at times.”

  Bruce snorted but then sobered. “You’re not alone. Maldonado will be joining the fight as well.”

  David’s eyebrows rose. “Laney’s passion is contagious.”

  “So it seems. Be careful.”

  “I will. But I have a favor to ask.”

  “Okay.”

  “If I don’t make it back, can you look out for Rahim? Just check in on him from time to time.”

  “I will.”

  “Thank you.”

  They turned another corner, and David breathed in deeply. The air felt good tonight. Clean. Or maybe he was just appreciating what might be one of his last nights.

  Bruce’s voice cut through his thoughts. “What are her chances?”

  David hesitated. Not because he didn’t know the “her” Bruce was referring to but partly because he felt like it was a betrayal to Laney to answer the question, which was an unusual feeling for him. And partly because he wasn’t sure how to answer it. “She’s . . . Laney.”

  Bruce gave him a disgruntled look. “Not helpful.”

  David sighed. “Losing Drake—it’s devastated her.”

  “You warned her that was possible.”

  “Yes, but how exactly does someone accept that the person they love might transform into an unfeeling archangel, never mind prepare for it? I mean, I knew what the Tome said. I’ve read it with my own eyes, and still I wasn’t sure it would happen.”

  “But will she be able to complete the mission?”

  “You mean will she be able to function and save the rest of us?” David asked with more than a touch of bitterness. “Yes. She’s hurt. She’s wounded. But she’s still her. We just need to make sure we give her whatever she needs.”

  “And what about Michael? Will he interfere?”

  “He believes events should play out without any of us trying to stop them, and most especially Laney.” David pictured Michael as he stood in the living room.

  Ring Bearer, you are to cease disobeying God’s demands. A sliver of fear ran up his spine. “So, yes. If Laney gets close, he will most definitely interfere.”

  Chapter 62

  The plane took off smoothly. Jen closed her eyes as the first stirrings of weightlessness hit her. They were heading back to the United States. Jen was part
of the first group that would make contact with the United States government. The rest of the group included Jake, Henry, Mustafa, Gina, Dom, Danny, Lou, and Rolly. Jordan was overseeing the transport of all the people who would not be fighting to Luiz’s ranch. Then he’d head to the U.S. with the rest of their group.

  Assuming, of course, that this isn’t a trap and we don’t all get arrested the moment we step off the plane.

  It was a risk, but Laney was right. It was end-game time. Jen just hoped the President realized that as well. That worrying about the good Fallen on her soil was a pretty ridiculous concern when other countries were going to start mass-producing their own Fallen.

  The plane leveled off. Jen glanced out the window at the clouds. The world looked so peaceful from up here. It was hard to believe that the world was on the edge of war.

  Jen undid her seatbelt. Henry looked over. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m going to go sit with Cleo.”

  “I’m not sure—”

  Jen gritted her teeth. She was really trying to be understanding of this overprotective phase that Henry was going through now that she was pregnant, but her patience was wearing a little thin. “Henry, you need to cool it. I’m pregnant. I’m not fragile. In fact, I may be one of the least fragile pregnant women ever. So just relax, okay? Take a nap, read a magazine. Just cool it.”

  He gave her a sheepish smile. “Sorry. I just worry.”

  She took his hand. “I know. I don’t want anything to happen to this child either. But I also don’t plan on living in a bubble until she is born.”

  “I know. I know.”

  She kissed his cheek. “I love you, Henry. And I love our little one.”

  He placed a hand on her cheek. “I will try to be less annoying.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled at him before she made her way down the aisle.

  Jen stopped at where Gina sat. Dom was curled up on the two seats next to her. “How is he?”

  “Out like a light. He won’t wake up until we’re at the estate.”

  “That’s good. He’ll like being home.”

  “I hope so. Going to check on Cleo?”

  Jen nodded.

  “She’s going to be fine. She heals really fast.”

  “Yes, she does.” Jen continued down the rows, stopping at the last row on the left. The seats had been removed, and a platform and cushions had been added to make a bed for Cleo. Her right leg was in a splint, and bandages were covering her right side as well.

  “Hey, girl,” Jen said softly.

  Cleo opened her eyes. Sadness wafted over Jen. Jen nodded. “I know. I wish we could be there to help her too.” Jen slid into the seat next to Cleo. Cleo started to inch forward.

  “No, no, no.” Jen moved closer. Cleo lifted up her head, and Jen slid her legs underneath. Cleo placed her head down with a sigh. Jen ran a hand through Cleo’s fur. Even in a restful pose, Jen could feel the strength in Cleo’s body. She was such a remarkable animal.

  Jen leaned her head back, once again closing her eyes. With the movement of the plane and the warmth of Cleo, she felt herself relaxing for the first time since Havenville had been destroyed. She still could not believe how quickly it had fallen apart. Everything felt like it was coming to an end. All the experiences of the last few years felt like they were coming to a head. Jen placed her other hand on her belly. I’ll protect you, little one.

  Cleo leaned her head up and licked the hand covering Jen’s belly. Jen smiled. Oh, Cleo, my little girl is going to love you.

  Cleo rested her head back down. A shudder ran through her. Jen frowned as another tremor ran through Cleo’s body. “Cleo?”

  Then the tremors increased, each one coming on top of the next. Cleo’s whole body was shaking. “Cleo!”

  Gina was running down the aisle as Jen slid from underneath Cleo. Her heart raced. Cleo’s eyes had rolled back in her head. Her tongue hung from the side of her mouth. Jen crouched next to her, her breaths stuttering. Tears blurred her vision.

  Gina grabbed Jen by the shoulders and pulled her back, taking her place next to Cleo. “She’s seizing.”

  Jen watched in horror as Gina checked Cleo’s pupils and rummaged in her bag before drawing out a syringe. She pulled off the cap and plunged it into Cleo. Jen stared at Cleo’s chest. The seizures had slowed, but so too had her heart rate.

  Two arms wrapped around Jen. She looked up into Henry’s face. Gina started pushing on Cleo’s chest. “Someone get me some oxygen!”

  Jake appeared with a small oxygen tank and tubing. Gina muttered under her breath, trying to adjust the mask to fit Cleo as he took over compressions.

  The rest of the group was huddled around, watching them work, and each had some version of horror or fear on their faces. Jen studied each of them, looking for one little positive sign. But the emotion of hope was conspicuously absent from those around her. She turned back to Cleo, holding tightly onto Henry, but her mind was focused on Laney. She couldn’t lose Cleo. Not now, not just after losing Drake.

  Don’t go, Cleo. Don’t go.

  Chapter 63

  Baltimore, Maryland

  Laney paced along the front gates of the Chandler Estate. It was dark. There were no lights on at the estate except back on Sharecroppers Lane, but you couldn’t see any of them from the front gates. She had wanted to be at the airfield when everyone landed, but they weren’t even sure where they would be landing. The airports were a mess these days. Originally they’d been scheduled to arrive at Reagan, then the plane had been diverted to Arlington. They’d been forced to circle for over an hour due to a storm.

  Headlights appeared at the end of the street. She quickly moved to the guardhouse. Matt stepped out, the gates already opening. “It’s them.”

  Laney took a shaky breath, nerves running along her skin. She ran her hands over her arms, suddenly feeling cold. The first car pulled through the gate but didn’t stop. It continued right past Laney and Matt, heading for Sharecroppers Lane. Dom had to be in that car. Gina, Lou, and Rolly were with him. They would get him settled back in his shelter and get everything set up.

  The second SUV pulled to a stop. Jen stepped out of the passenger seat. Laney ran over to her, holding her tight. “Are you all right? Is the baby all right?”

  “I told you, we’re fine.”

  Laney studied her, looking for any hint of injury.

  “I’m fine, really,” Jen insisted.

  Henry walked over to them, hugging Laney tightly. “Is she really okay?” Laney asked.

  “She is.”

  Three more SUVs filled with recruits drove past without stopping, also heading for Sharecroppers Lane. Henry and Jen stepped to Laney’s side as the last vehicle in their caravan arrived: an ambulance.

  Laney grabbed on to Jen and Henry’s arms, tears pressing against her eyes. The ambulance stopped in front of them. The back doors opened, and Jake appeared. He nodded at Laney before stepping back.

  Laney gripped Henry’s arm even tighter as Jen slipped her arm around Laney’s waist. “We’re here, Laney,” Jen whispered.

  Laney nodded, forcing her legs to move toward the ambulance. The light from inside the ambulance shone out into the dark of the night. Steeling herself, Laney stepped into the light.

  She didn’t steel herself enough. Her breath left her in rush of air, and her knees buckled. Without Jen and Henry’s support, she would have crashed to the ground.

  Cleo lay on her side, strapped to a stretcher, machines helping her breathe. After they had gotten out of the cave, she had seemed fine. She had broken her right forearm and a couple of ribs, but other than that, she was fine. But on the plane ride here, something had happened. She had collapsed. Gina thought she might have thrown an embolism or blood clot. Her heart had stopped. On the plane, everyone had taken turns performing CPR, keeping her blood pumping until they landed.

  Laney climbed into the ambulance on legs made of water. She sat down heavily on the bench next to the stretcher. �
�Hey, Cleo.”

  There was no response. She didn’t move. She didn’t think anything. Everything was still. Laney stretched out with her sense, trying to get a sense of Cleo somewhere inside the body in front of her, but there was nothing.

  Jake climbed in behind her, and the ambulance started to move again. They were heading to Dom’s. There was a medical unit in the main house, but Laney didn’t want to bring Cleo there. She’d be more comfortable at Dom’s. He had a med unit set up in his shelter.

  Laney stroked Cleo’s fur, resting her head on Cleo’s neck. Hey, girl. I’m here. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, but I’m here now.

  Cleo’s chest moved up and down, but there was no other response. And even that felt artificial. It wasn’t Cleo who was forcing the air in and out. A machine was doing it for her.

  This can’t be happening. I can’t lose you too, she thought desperately, even though she knew she had no control over this any more than she did over Drake.

  She didn’t feel the ambulance stop. Jake put a hand gently on her back. “We’re here.”

  Laney sat up, wiping at her eyes. Henry opened the doors from the outside, tears in his own eyes. Jake helped Laney out of the ambulance. She walked into Jen’s waiting arms, tears trailing down her cheeks. Jen and Laney stood with their arms clasped around one another as Jake and Henry pulled the stretcher out of the back of the ambulance, careful to keep all the cords attached to the machines helping her breathe.

  Danny stood at the door of Dom’s shelter, tears running down his cheeks as he held the door open. Laney and Jen followed behind the stretcher as they rolled her through doorways, each one open and waiting for them. Lou stood at the second one, her lips trembling. Rolly was in the same condition at the last one.