“She?”
She? Did I say she? You’re an idiot, Jack.
“Uh…yeah. She’s an envoy from the Council, and she’s in town to speak with me about the ministry. Do you want to join us?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.”
The elevator doors opened as Mandy hung up. I stood for a moment staring at my phone.
That went well, Jack. You’ll be lucky if she ever talks to you again.
“Are you going back up?”
I looked around to see a nurse, her hand on the door, holding it open. I stumbled forward. “Oh, no. Thanks.”
I put the conversation with Mandy out of my mind, and tried to decide where to take Rachel for dinner.
I know, Jack. Why don’t you take her to Mandy’s favorite place? You can make today even better by running into Mandy while out to dinner with Rachel!
I smacked myself in the forehead, irritated with my poor timing and lousy decisions. I looked at my watch and decided I had time, so I headed home to change.
*******
At 6:29, I knocked on the door of room 237 at the Ramada Inn.
“Just a minute!”
I leaned back against the rail, waiting for Rachel to emerge from the room, and realized I was a little nervous.
Settle down, Jack. It’s just a business dinner.
I breathed into my hand, then smelled my breath. Rachel opened the door at that moment. “Your hand smell, Jack?”
“Something like that,” I mumbled.
When I got over my initial embarrassment, I realized Rachel looked stunning. Her red hair was swept into a side ponytail, with an orange flower pinned on the short side. A black dress, with a scooped neckline, was glued to her hourglass figure. Black high heels, and an orange clutch, completed the look.
“Miss Tanner, you look wonderful.”
“Why, thank you, Mr. Carter.” She looked me over. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
While I’d worn slacks and a nice button-down shirt, I hadn’t dressed up quite as much as Rachel. I decided my original plan of Denny’s for dinner was not fancy enough.
Fortunately, not far from where we were, was Tony G’s. A very nice steakhouse and piano bar. We walked down to the Ranchero, and I was about to open the door for her, when she handed me her keys. “Why don’t we take my car?”
She gestured at the rented Ford Fusion, and considering the dress she was wearing, I couldn’t blame her. The Ranchero looked more farm truck than limo, and I didn’t keep it very clean.
Maybe she saw the Cheetos bag on the floor of the passenger side, or did she know Bear likes to ride shotgun?
I nodded, unlocked her door and let her in, then went around to the driver’s side. I got in and started the rental. In ten minutes, we were at the restaurant.
*******
Dinner passed with small talk, mostly by me about me, and I found my nervousness from earlier had disappeared quickly. We ordered coffee, and after it was served, she sipped it while looking over the cup’s rim at me. “Do you know why I’m here, Jack?”
“Good steak and okay company?”
She smiled, but her mood had clearly changed. “No, I mean why I’m here in St. Louis.”
I sipped my coffee before answering. “Well, Gary said you were here to get the details of Brother Timmons’s death and information on Harbinger.”
She set her cup down, put her elbows on the table, folded her hands below her chin, and rested her face on them. She regarded me seriously with the most intense green eyes I’d ever seen. “I’m here for you, Jack.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Don’t get me wrong, what Gary told you was true, but my larger mission was to see you.”
I didn’t know what to say. How would she even know who I was, and what made getting to know me so important? “Okay, but why?”
“There’s a big world outside of Missouri, Jack. I’m not talking about the physical world, but the spiritual one, and you have a big part to play in it.”
I went to sip my coffee, but was sure my hand was shaking, so I left the cup on the table. “I’m not sure I understand.”
She let her hands drop to the table and leaned in closer, candlelight dancing on her cheeks. “You’re familiar with Harbinger, his history and his age, correct?”
I nodded.
“Well, there are others, Runners like Harbinger, who are older and more difficult to cross over than you can imagine. Runners who have thwarted every effort, made by both the Council and numerous Chasers, to make them face their final destiny.”
Oh, greaaat! More Harbingers, only worse. This day just keeps getting better.
“I’m sure I’ll regret asking this, but what does that have to do with me?”
“We believe, the Council and others, you have the power of the Spirit in greater measure than anyone we’ve seen for the last hundred years.”
See, I told you I’d regret it.
“So, am I to guess that you’re here to recruit me for something?”
Rachel sat back in her chair, and crossed her arms. “In a way.”
“In a way, what?”
“I’ve been sent to train you, and counsel you, in your effort to defeat Harbinger.”
“Well, that’s good, because I can use any help I can get.”
She sat watching me, and I could tell she was waiting for me to get the rest of it. It came to me slowly. “What happens after Harbinger?”
“If we’re right, and you are what we think you are, there will be special missions for you.”
I considered what she was saying, staring back into her eyes, seeking a judgment on this woman.
Is she trustworthy, or am I getting in over my head?
“What if I don’t want to take part in ‘special missions’ from the Council?”
Rachel sat forward again, and laid her hand on mine. “Jack, nothing about the ministry itself changes. You serve voluntarily, and your choices are between you and the Lord.”
Her touch and her voice were both sincere, and I believed her. What really bothered me now was the idea of Runners stronger than Harbinger.
Suddenly, I remembered the note. I pulled my hand away, reached for my wallet, and took out the envelope left at my office by Harbinger. “I brought something for you to look at.”
“Really, what?”
I removed the note from the envelope and handed it to her. “This was in my mail at my office.”
She unfolded it and read the warning. “I assume H. stands for Harbinger?”
“Yes, but look at the back of the paper.”
She flipped the note over, and as she read the names, all expression left her face. “Can I keep this?”
“I suppose. Do you recognize the names?”
“I think so, but I don’t want to say for sure, at least not until I talk to the Council.”
“When will that be?”
She looked at her watch. “About ten minutes after you get me back to my hotel room.”
*******
I dropped Rachel at the hotel and picked up the Ranchero. She didn’t want me to wait while she talked to the Council, but she said she’d call me with any news.
As I’ve said before, I hate being left out of the loop, and this was a big loop. I sure would like to talk to some of these Council folks. I bet that would be a fascinating conversation.
I headed for home, resigned to the fact I would have to wait, and letting my mind wander to thoughts of Rachel’s red hair.
chapter 6
The next morning, Bear decided I’d slept too long, and laid several slobbery kisses on my face. “Yuck, Bear!”
I climbed out of bed and scratched her behind the ears despite the slobber starting to dry on my face. I was finding that having someone there in the morning was kind of nice.
I checked my phone for missed calls—there were none—and then let Bear outside. I grabbed a shower, made coffee, and fed the dog. It was now almost ten in the
morning, and the sun was beginning to warm the chilly late September air.
I headed down to the office, and despite the traffic, was there by ten forty-five. When I went inside, I was relieved to find no new notes waiting for me. The look on Rachel’s face when I gave her the list the previous night had left me unsettled.
My first desire was to go to the hospital, but I knew what Buddy would say if he found out. “The Chase must always come first, get after the Runner.”
I was unsure where to start my search. No obvious location had popped up from my research, and I still didn’t know why Tracy Adams had turned Runner.
I answered a couple messages before deciding to go by the Adams’s home on the way to the hospital.
*******
Tracy Adams lived with her husband and two children in a large two-story home. Her husband, David Adams, was a stockbroker with a major firm downtown. When I pulled up at the house, it appeared David had gone to work and the house was quiet. The kids were probably in school or staying with relatives.
I drove farther down the block, parked the car, and walked back to the house. Moving slowly by the front yard, I tried to sense the presence of a Runner. Despite walking around the block three times, I picked up nothing.
Going back to my car, I rolled the windows down to let the cool breeze in, and sat watching the house. I kept a pad and paper out, making it look like I was doing some work, but my eyes remained glued to the Adams’s home.
Eventually, my stomach growled, forcing me to look at my watch, and I decided it was time to get something to eat.
Maybe Sarah hasn’t eaten, and I can get her to go with me to the hospital cafeteria.
After one final look, I pulled away from the curb and drove to the hospital.
*******
I found Sarah in the same waiting room chair, in the same print dress, with the same look on her face.
My sharp detective mind is telling me nothing has changed since last night.
I smiled at my own joke, walked over to where she sat, and kissed her on the cheek. “How is he?”
“The same. There’s brain wave activity, but he hasn’t come to yet.”
“How about you? You okay?”
“I feel the same as Buddy.” She smiled, patting my hand. “There’s brain wave activity, but I’m still in a numb coma.”
I laughed. “How about you and me break outta this place and get something to eat?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I really don’t want to leave the hospital.”
“Okay, how about the cafeteria?”
She hesitated, looking toward the ICU window, but relented. “Okay, I am kind of hungry.”
I stood and put out my arm. “Excellent! Please take my arm and I will escort you to ‘La Cafeteria.’”
My nonsense managed to draw a small giggle, and her face lightened noticeably, as she took my arm. “Thank you, Monsieur!”
*******
After securing two plates of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, at least that’s what they were labeled, we took a table by the window. Sarah tried her food, and was pleasantly surprised. “Hmmm, not bad.”
I played with mine more than anything, but I was glad Sarah was eating. She regarded me over a forkful of mashed potatoes. “Brother Edwards told me you were meeting with Rachel Tanner.”
I was unable to hide my surprise. “You know Rachel?”
“Only by reputation. Buddy has mentioned her to me in the past.”
“I see. Well, yes, we had dinner last night. She had some things to reveal to me about my mission, or at least the way the Council sees my mission, and she offered to help me prepare for Harbinger.”
“Brother Edwards told me she’s a very impressive person.”
“You could say that.” I nodded as I remembered her dress. “She knows how to make an impression.”
Sarah was quiet for several minutes, and had stopped eating, taking to pushing the remaining food around her plate like I’d been doing. Finally, she looked up. “How’s Mandy?”
I shook my head. “I don’t know, really. I’ve seen her, but she refuses to discuss the ministry, and I think she’s really struggling with it.”
“Give her time, Jack. She’ll come around.”
“I wish I could be as sure as you.” I pushed my plate away. “I desperately want to make her see the truth.”
Sarah smiled at me and touched my hand. “It’ll happen in His time.”
*******
When we arrived back on the third floor, Buddy was still comatose. As we walked back to the waiting room, a nurse waved at Sarah from the ICU desk. Sarah walked over while I waited for her.
The nurse handed her a note, and when Sarah turned around, she was whiter than the nurse’s uniform. I immediately went to her. “What is it, Sarah?”
She handed me the note, then sat on a bench in the hall, waiting for me to read it.
Sarah Daniels,
Sorry to have missed you. I stopped by to check on your husband. It appears the jury is still out on his eventual recovery.
I’ll be in touch.
Steve Mason
Involuntarily, I sucked in my breath. I looked over at Sarah, and she was watching me. “That’s who I think it is, right?”
I nodded.
She put her face in her hands and started to sob.
I read the note again, this time getting angry. I pulled out my phone and dialed Rachel.
“Hello.”
“Rachel, it’s Jack.”
“Hey, Jack.”
“When can we start training?”
“Well, I guess anytime. What’s up?”
“I’ll explain when I see you. Pick you up at eight tomorrow morning?”
“I’ll see you then.”
I didn’t ask about the list of names she was investigating, mainly because I was too angry, and only one name concerned me right now.
chapter 7
Annie Carter was a wonderful cook. She also happened to be my mother. These were the reasons I had dinner at my mom’s as often as I could. It was almost always my best meal of the week.
Often, Mandy would join me, especially if Mom was making any of her famous pasta dishes. Although that was the case tonight, I still had not been able to get a hold of Mandy, and so I had come to dinner alone.
Mom had made spaghetti and meatballs, with meatballs nearly the size of a baseball, and it was delicious as always. Bear was with me, and received two monster meatballs of her own.
Mom looked up at me as she heaped a second helping on my plate.
“Soooo, how’s Mandy?”
“I was hoping you could tell me.”
She stopped with the serving spoon suspended over my plate, as if deciding whether I deserved another meatball. “What do you mean?”
“Well, you talk to her fairly often. Has she called you in the last day or so?”
“No. In fact, I haven’t talked to her since the last time you guys were here for dinner.” The meatball landed safely on my plate. “Why? Something wrong between you two?”
Where do I start? With the I love you’s we said to each other? Or maybe with the fact Mandy isn’t comfortable with my ministry, which I can’t tell my mother about.
“It’s not that there’s something wrong, nor are things quite right, but they’re complicated.”
“You’re making less sense than you usually do, which is saying something. Do you care to elaborate?”
My mother’s main task in life, since my father died, has been to worry about me. I wouldn’t be getting out of here until I’ve told the whole story.
“Do you remember when I was injured and you took care of me for several days last year?”
“Of course.”
“And do you remember how Mandy came by everyday to check on me?”
“Again, of course.”
“Do you remember what you said to me when I finally came around?”
“Well, among other things, I told you I thought Mandy cared for
you as more than just a friend.”
She sat watching me carefully, sensing what was coming, and ready to explode. “Well…it turns out you were right.”
“Hot dog! I knew it,” Annie Carter, despite her age, jumped out of her chair, and came around the table to hug me. “Did you tell her how you felt?”
I nodded.
“And?”
“Well, it was great for a few hours.”
Mom went back to her chair, sat down, and stared at me. “A few hours? Then what happened?”
Yeah, Jack, then what happened?
I had to be careful. The last thing I wanted to do was get into a discussion about Chasing, with my mother, who didn’t even know I was in a ministry. I measured my words carefully.
“What happened is a little muddled. We began to discuss some of the things that might become part of our future together, and found one that provided a challenge to our relationship, and warranted further discussion.”
She sat back in her chair, turned her head sideways, and looked at me from out of one eye. “Challenges to our relationship… further discussion…you sound like a politician who wants my vote without telling me his name.”
“Now Mom…”
“Don’t you ‘now mom’ me. If you don’t want to talk about it, just say so!”
I shook my head. “It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, it’s just sensitive.”
She stared at me with frustration painted on her face. After several minutes, she spoke, her voice softer. “How serious is it?”
“You mean the relationship, or the issue?”
“Both.”
“The relationship is serious. She told me she loved me and that she moved to St. Louis to be near me, and I told her I loved her...”
Mom waited for part two, without showing any reaction to part one.
“…But the issue is also serious, and it could keep us apart.”
Without saying anything, she got up, gathered some plates, and started for the kitchen. As she reached the swinging kitchen door, she stopped and turned back to me.
DESTINY (THE CHASER CHRONICLES Book 3) Page 4