The scene reminded Michael of a college frat house. These hardened men looked like idiots in their drunken state and they were behaving like children. Michael knew they all believed they were part of the world’s greatest army, but he had seen that all they truly did was conquer and oppress weaker people. They’re all disgusting, gutless pukes. I wish God’s hand would wipe them out now. He shook his head. He had to stop thinking that way.
Michael figured he was smarter than any of them. He was from the Twenty-First Century and had knowledge these men couldn’t even fathom. More than likely, none of them even knew how to read. He might be outnumbered, but he knew he could outthink them all.
He watched one man stumble over another and fall down. They were all drunk. Wait until they drink themselves into oblivion. Then, kill them. Kill them all.
Michael sighed and let his body relax. He knew he needed to ignore them for now. Maybe he could deal with them after he figured out a way to get Elizabeth and Leah out of there.
He was exhausted and started to doze off. As his body relaxed, he slumped to his right and then jerked awake. He shook the sleepiness off and stood. He was drenched in sweat from keeping his helmet on all day and night. He needed a break and was frustrated that the soldiers didn’t appear any closer to going to sleep. There was no way he could move Elizabeth and Leah until they did. He stretched and joined the others at the dice game. I need to make it look like I’m interested.
The revelry was high after sunset as the wine kept flowing. “Join us, brother,” a voice said behind him as the soldier slapped Michael’s shoulder and handed him a cup of wine. “Drink up.”
“I am fine.”
“Why do you not join us?”
Whoa. It’s Titus. Be careful. “I do not feel well enough to drink.” Michael made a gesture of gratitude.
Titus sneered. “You are odd. Why are you still wearing your helmet and armor?”
“I am prepared in case I am needed.”
“Why are you needed after sunset?”
“Did you not hear?” said a soldier with a die in his hand. He shook it several times and threw it into the middle. He groaned while the others cheered.
Titus gripped his arm. “What do you need to tell me?”
“Your hand is hurting my arm, Titus. Ease.”
“Forget your arm. Speak.”
“There is a prisoner to be moved.”
“Which one? Not the daughter and mother.”
“No. The prophet.”
“What prophet?”
“Paul. The man who preaches.”
Hearing that, Titus relaxed his grip and Michael took a couple of steps away. Hearing a cheer from the rowdy soldiers, Titus turned back to the game. Michael took the opportunity to walk toward the stairway, soon coming upon Paul’s cell.
Elizabeth and Leah stood. “Now?” Elizabeth asked.
He shook his head. “Where did Paul go?”
“A bunch of soldiers came a while ago and took him. They brought him back for a little bit. It was not more than a few minutes before they took him away again.”
“Did Paul say anything?”
“He said you would find what you need in Caesarea.”
Michael leaned on his spear. He took off his helmet and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “This complicates the plan now.”
“What is the plan?” Elizabeth asked.
“I don’t have time to explain. Rest but do not sleep. I will be back once the soldiers have fallen to the wine. It should not be long.”
“Is Aharon safe?” Leah asked.
“He will be outside waiting. You and Aharon should follow us out of Jerusalem. It will be the best path to safety.”
“We will,” she said and sat down.
Michael adjusted his helmet and threw down the face clamp. He wiped some perspiration off his hands on his garment. Turning to Elizabeth, he asked, “Do you have the key?” When she nodded, he turned and walked away.
He returned back upstairs and saw the dice game was slowing down. Three of the five Romans were slumped over each other. Cups of wine lay beside them. The chatter had died down, and the silence of the fortress was a welcome relief until he heard Titus’ bellows.
Michael wondered what to do with Titus. He decided it was time to join him for a cup of wine. It might be his only chance to get rid of the man.
He leaned down and grabbed a cup, dumping most of the wine on the floor, and began stumbling around.
“My brother, Titus, you were right. The wine is delightful this evening. I am feeling much better already.” He waved the cup around as the Roman approached him.
“You talk unlike any I have heard in the Roman Empire,” Titus said.
“I have had too much of the wine.”
Titus glared. “I am glad you have joined us, brother.” He poured some wine in his cup and took a big gulp. He raised his cup high and said, “To the Roman Empire.”
Clang. Their cups met and some of the wine sloshed to the floor. “My apologies, my friend,” said Michael. He poured the wine to the top of Titus’ cup and poured some in his own cup as well.
I wonder what’s wrong. He looks even angrier now. Michael sipped his wine slowly. He dumped most of it on a soldier who was passed out behind him when Titus looked away. He sat down to catch his breath. “Sit with me, soldier. You must be exhausted from the day’s worries.”
Titus sat across from him, away from the wall. “You are right. It has been a day of sweat. My brother is here no more, murdered by those peasants. The commander has now taken away my right for vengeance.” Titus paused briefly and then bellowed, “It is my right to avenge my brother’s death!”
Michael straightened up. “Why did the commander do that?”
“They are taking them back to the empire.”
“The empire? Where?”
Titus gave him an odd look. “You do not know?”
“Yes, yes, of course. Rome.”
“They are to be tried there like the prophet. They murdered Marcus. I will take revenge in my brother’s name before they are able to get on the boat.”
“You cannot. The commander – ”
Titus growled and stood. “The commander had his say, and now I will have my say.”
“You will be punished,” said Michael as he stood, gripping his spear.
“I do not care about being punished. I will go past the commander and to the Roman Empire with my plea.”
“Titus, think it over. This is against protocol. You will risk your high standing in the Roman army.”
“The blood of my brother was spilled by that whore and her daughter. I do not care about my standing. The honor of my brother is at stake.”
Titus put his helmet on and grabbed his spear. “I will need you to be on guard while I do this.”
“You are doing this now?”
“I am.”
“I cannot help you.”
“Take off your helmet,” said Titus, moving closer.
Michael backed up against the wall. “All right, I will help you. I am ready. Whatever you need me to do, I shall.” He looked away. “I do not want the women to see my face.”
“So be it. I want them to see my joy when I kill them.”
Chapter 25
Modern-Day Long Island
Hewitt opened his door as his car came to a flying stop. “FBI, get out of the way,” he shouted to a woman dressed in white packing equipment into an EMS truck. He pulled Dennis out of the Cadillac and carried him to a stretcher stationed outside the emergency vehicle.
“Step aside sir, we’ll handle this,” said the woman.
“Move,” Hewitt demanded as he brushed past her.
“Sir, stop, now,” she said, racing to catch up to him.
“Lady, you can either help or go back to your lu
nch break,” Hewitt said.
He laid Dennis on the stretcher and pushed him toward the door. “Open it,” he yelled.
He barreled past several people and into the emergency room. “I need a doctor,” Hewitt yelled.
“I’ll take it from here,” the woman said, grabbing the stretcher.
“It’s his side,” Hewitt said, opening the door to a hallway. “It’s his side, the right side. He’s bleeding badly.”
The paramedic raced him through another doorway and into a room at the far end. Hewitt pushed past two doctors.
“Sir, we’ll let you know how he is as soon as the doctor allows it,” the paramedic said. “There’s a waiting room. You need to go sit there.”
Hewitt retreated a few steps and looked down the hallway. He went back to the door’s window and watched as the doctor ripped open Dennis’ shirt, pressing paddles against his chest. He jerked up and down several times. “I hope he makes it,” Hewitt whispered.
The doctor shouted out instructions, and one nurse inserted a needle in Dennis’ arm, starting an IV, and placed an oxygen mask on his face. Two other nurses and a doctor grabbed the stretcher and quickly pushed Dennis through the door past Hewitt and on down the hall.
Running behind them, Hewitt said, “Is he going to make it? Is he?”
They wheeled him into an operating room where several masked nurses and technicians were waiting and then moved into action once he was positioned on the table.
Hewitt watched the medical team until the door clicked shut, obscuring his view. The thought crossed his mind that they almost looked like ants retrieving a big kill.
“Sir,” a nurse said as she approached him from behind, “this will likely take a while.”
Hewitt looked away, back down the hall.
“We’ll let you know his condition as soon as possible.”
Hewitt nodded, returned to the waiting room and left his business card with the nurse.
As he was leaving, he spotted the EMS workers finishing up packing the truck. “Could you tell how bad he was?” he asked, catching up to them as they were closing the back door.
“Don’t know,” said the man.
“What do you mean you don’t know?”
“He’s lost a lot of blood.”
“What are his chances? Tell me. Tell me now. Do you want me to run you in?” Hewitt said, showing more edge while pulling out his badge.
The woman stepped between them. “Settle down, sir. Pushing people around won’t get you anywhere. It’s understandable you’re concerned about your friend, but you have two choices – sit in the waiting room or go home. It’s going to be a while before anyone knows anything. He’s in good hands. These doctors are among the best around. If he’s able to survive the blood loss, this is the best place for him.”
“If he survives?” Hewitt turned away, holding his head. “I need him alive.”
“Go take a break and get something to eat. Go relax with some friends.”
“I don’t need to eat. I need him to live.”
Chapter 26
First-century Jerusalem
Soldiers snored, slumped against the walls across from the prison cells. “Look at these sorry men,” said Titus. “They hold their wine like women. They are not Romans.”
“Sir, are you sure this is the best time to take vengeance?” Michael asked. “I would like to continue celebrating with wine.”
Titus turned around on the stairway and pulled up the top iron of his helmet. “We have celebrated enough. You can walk away and show no courage if you wish.”
Michael shook his head. “I am with you, brother.”
Titus flashed his yellow teeth. His bottom lip and chin were stained from wine. “Let us do this for one of the greatest Roman soldiers.” He walked down the remaining steps, holding onto the walls to keep his balance.
Michael was tempted to kill Titus right then and there, but he knew it wasn’t a good strategy. He had no idea what he would do with the body or how he could explain what had happened if he were questioned. It might even prevent him from rescuing Leah and Elizabeth.
Michael let his spear scrape the ground a couple of times. He needed to come up with a better plan. He knew he wouldn’t hesitate to kill Titus if it was truly necessary. It might be the only way to save them all. Michael still wondered if it might not be better to do it now. The Romans were all drunk, making it easier to fight them. He might not be in the greatest shape, but he was certainly younger than any of them. All that was needed was a quick jab at Titus’ neck and there would be one fewer problem to worry about.
Michael raised his spear. If he was going to do it, he had to do it now. Stop hesitating. Kill him. He’s a Roman. They deserve to die.
Titus turned around, and Michael withdrew his spear quickly. “May I ask you something, Titus?”
“What is it you wish to say?”
“When are they taking the man to Rome?”
“The one the crowd wanted to kill?”
“Yes, that one.”
“Why are you so interested in this man?” asked Titus.
Think. “He is said to know where a treasure lies.”
“Treasure? What kind?”
Not a good response, Michael. “Where there is silver and gold. I could have heard wrong. He talks strange.”
Titus shook his head. “No, soldier. You talk strange. I think we both should seek out this man who knows about this treasure you speak of.”
“Where are we going?” Michael asked.
Titus turned around and continued to walk without answering. They passed several cells and came upon Elizabeth and Leah. They stood as Titus opened the latch. “Come out,” he said.
Elizabeth quivered and shook her chains. “No. We aren’t going anywhere with you!” She bent over and held her head. “No. No more pain.”
“Are you all right?” Michael asked, running to her.
“Leave the crazy woman alone,” Titus said.
“Can’t you see she’s hurt?”
“My head. It’s pounding. I cannot take this anymore. Let me go home.”
Michael rubbed her back. “Elizabeth, what’s wrong? Tell me.”
“You know this woman?” Titus asked.
“He does not,” said Leah, standing in front of them. “He is concerned. He has a daughter like her.”
“How would you know?”
“He told me so.”
“I do not believe you.” He pushed Leah aside and glared at Michael.
“Is this woman your daughter?”
Michael pushed Elizabeth back behind him. Now what? What do I say now?
“Answer me, soldier.”
Michael took a deep breath.
“You will die like Marcus, Roman,” Elizabeth said.
Titus took a step toward Elizabeth, and Michael put his spear to his neck. “Move away,” he said.
“Are you threatening me?”
“Yes.”
Titus moved to attack and Michael defended. “I would gladly go to hell to make sure you could never hurt my daughter.”
“We can both go to hell and continue our battle there,” Titus said.
Elizabeth stepped forward. “Marcus said you killed innocent women and children while on duty during the high holy days. You took their lives and their money. He said you deserve to die like him.”
Titus lifted his spear higher and sneered. “How do you know that?”
“He told me.”
“He would not say such words to someone like you. Your tongue breathes fire, and I will kill you here.” He backed up and straightened out his spear.
Michael raised his own spear higher and felt a hand on his shoulder, holding him back. “Get your hands off of me. Stay behind me, Elizabeth. Leah, move over to the right.”
“I am behind you,” she said.
“You cannot protect both,” Titus said. He swung and struck Leah in the leg. She fell to the ground.
“Dad, she’s pregnant.”
“My God.”
Titus snickered. “Two times the pleasure now.” He swung as Michael defended her with his spear. The weapons clanged together.
“I do not want to kill you,” Michael said as he grimaced. “I do not believe in killing.”
“I do,” Titus said, and he pushed him back with a short thrust.
Titus retreated a step and then quickly struck Michael. He winced and saw blood dripping from the side of his leg.
Titus lunged at Leah. “No,” she screamed, holding her stomach.
Michael flung his spear, piercing Titus in the side.
Titus grunted. His spear fell to the ground, and he grabbed his abdomen. He gagged, uttering some inaudible words.
Michael dropped to his knees. “No one and I mean no one touches my daughter.”
Chapter 27
Michael tried to lift Titus up. “He is too heavy for me,” he said, dropping the body to the ground. “Grab his legs,” he said to Elizabeth.
“Where are we going to put him?” she asked.
“Just follow me.” He looked at Leah. “Are you able to walk?”
She nodded.
They walked slowly down the corridor, past the drunken, sleeping soldiers, carrying Titus about a foot off the ground. When they reached the top, Michael rested and Elizabeth dropped his legs.
“Okay, we need to move him over there,” he said, pointing to the far end of the courtyard. A lone casket stood upon a stanchion. Michael opened it and glanced only a brief moment at Marcus dressed in his Roman red colors and steel-plated armor. His hands held a red-tipped stained spear.
“It doesn’t even look like him,” said Elizabeth, looking in. “Are we sure it’s him?”
The Greatest Gift Page 10