The Belial Origins

by R. D. Brady

  Still, the last thing they needed was a shootout with Max and Victoria caught in the middle.

  “Are your agents in place with the temple security?” Laney asked Mustafa when he rejoined them.

  He nodded. “Yes. My man is with the commander. He will speak with him as soon as you give the notice.”

  “Do you know where the Fallen will come out?” Henry asked.

  “Southeast corner entrance is the most likely. It’s where they went in and where they had their men stationed.”

  “Are the temple security working with them?”

  Mustafa grimaced. “Not all of them. Two bodies were left in a dumpster near where they entered.”

  Laney’s heart clenched, and worry for Max and Victoria flowed through her. She shoved it aside. She could freak out later. Right now, she needed to focus.

  “Well, let’s get this show on the road,” Jake said.

  Laney gave a nod, but inside she was shaking. This situation was untenable. They had scores of civilians wandering around, an armed force who didn’t know they were there, the Fallen, and Max and Victoria right in the middle.

  She glanced up with dread at the towering temple. The carved figures there seemed to be mocking them. She tried to swallow down her fear, but a little piece escaped and echoed in her mind. You’ll never be able to protect them all.

  CHAPTER 70

  The flashlights pierced the darkness of the vault. Victoria pulled Max behind her as she peered forward. From up ahead they heard hisses, followed by the sound of something slithering through the dark.

  Elisabeta nodded at Hakeem and one of the other men. “Cobras. Take care of them.”

  The men stepped into the darkness, flashlights lined up along the barrels of their weapons. A part of Victoria hoped the men got bitten. But even that hope was chased away by reality: even if they were bitten, the venom wouldn’t kill them.

  A few puffs of air sounded inside the vault, followed by a curse, then weapons fire. Victoria counted at least a dozen shots.

  Hakeem stepped back out. “We’ve cleared most of them out, but there are a lot of hiding spots. We’ll need to be careful.”

  Elisabeta grimaced. “Fine. Let’s go. Bring the boy.”

  Max ducked behind Victoria. Hakeem reached for him.

  Victoria pushed his hand away. “Don’t touch him.”

  Hakeem glared down at Victoria.

  She stared back defiantly. “Just try it,” she warned.

  Hakeem growled low in his throat before looking at Elisabeta.

  She sighed. “Oh, enough. Victoria, would you please escort Max into the vault?”

  Victoria continued to glare at Hakeem until he slowly backed away. Only then did Victoria turn to face Max. “It’s okay, Max. We’ll go together.”

  Max took her hand.

  Steeling herself, Victoria walked through the door.

  She hadn’t been sure what to expect, yet she was surprised to find that the vault was actually quite small: only about twelve feet by fourteen. Shelves lined the walls, filled with papyrus rolls, leather scrolls, and some leather-bound journals; a few chests were arranged neatly in one corner.

  Elisabeta stepped inside and immediately strode to the center. She turned in a full circle, inspecting each corner of the room. When she was done, she looked at Max.

  “Which one is it?”

  Max’s mouth fell open. He shook his head. “I don’t know.”

  Elisabeta’s eyes narrowed. “Listen here, you little—”

  “Stop.” Victoria stepped between Max and Elisabeta.

  Elisabeta stepped forward until she was practically toe-to-toe with Victoria. “Get out of the way.”

  Victoria raised her eyebrows. “You really want to do this?”

  Elisabeta narrowed her eyes.

  “Besides, Max is not the one you should be asking,” Victoria said.

  Surprise flashed across Elisabeta’s face. She stepped back, spreading her arms wide. “Really? Well, then. By all means.”

  Victoria squeezed Max’s hand, stepped away from him, and began to carefully survey the room.

  She disregarded the scrolls immediately. She glanced briefly at the books, but none was quite right. Besides, even hidden in the bowels of a temple, and behind two nearly unopenable doors, the book would not be left in plain sight.

  She turned to Elisabeta. “I need a flashlight.”

  Elisabeta faced the man nearest Victoria. “Give her yours.”

  Victoria took the man’s flashlight and shone it along the walls, conscious of everyone’s eyes on her. The truth was, she didn’t know what she was looking for. Her words to Elisabeta had been a bit of a bluff. But now she needed to come through.

  She squinted at a discoloration on one shelf and stepped over to it, then wiped her hand over the wood. Just age damage.

  She methodically moved the flashlight across the shelves, going side to side from top to bottom. On the lowest shelf, she spotted something. She knelt down and ran her hands over it. Something had been carved there.

  She wiped away the dust.

  Elisabeta leaned over her shoulder. “What is it?”

  Victoria ignored her, tracing the symbol—the star of David, and Enoch’s symbol. Hello, my love.

  Victoria ran her hand along the edge of the shelf. Sure enough, there was a groove there. She squeezed her finger in and felt a latch. She pushed to the left, but nothing happened. She pushed to the right, and it gave.

  A drawer popped out along the base of the shelving.

  Victoria’s shoulders slumped in a combination of relief and disappointment. She hadn’t wanted Max hurt, but she also didn’t want them to get this book.

  When she started to reach in to grab the book, Elisabeta waved her back. “We’ll take it from here.”

  Victoria hesitated but knew there was nothing she could do. Her knees protesting, she stood with some difficulty, and Elisabeta took her place. Victoria crossed back over to Max with a quick glance at the open door.

  The Fallen moved toward Elisabeta, trying to get a peek at the book; none of them were paying any attention to their two prisoners. Victoria grabbed Max’s hand and took a step backward toward the door, pulling Max with her. When he glanced up at her, she put her finger to her mouth and took another few steps back. She glanced out into the hall—still empty.

  Elisabeta pulled a leather-bound book from the drawer.

  Victoria tugged on Max’s hand. He glanced up at her, his eyes wide.

  Run, she mouthed.

  And she pushed him out the vault.

  Max needed no further urging. He sprinted down the hall and disappeared from view. Victoria felt relief wash over her and tears spring to her eyes. She edged toward the door herself, knowing she wouldn’t slip out as easily, but hopeful that she could at least—

  “Where’s the boy?” Elisabeta barked.

  Victoria’s gaze locked on Elisabeta’s. And then she threw her body at the door, knowing that if she got it closed none of them would be able to escape.

  “No!” Elisabeta yelled, sprinting across the room.

  The door was only inches away from sealing them all in forever when Hakeem’s hand slipped into the crack between the door and the frame, stopping it. He shoved Victoria out of the way. She stumbled back, crashing into a shelf.

  Elisabeta stood over her, her hands clenched into fists. “Your usefulness is over.”

  Victoria slowly got to her feet and nodded at the book. “Are you sure?”

  Elisabeta’s eyes narrowed. But Victoria knew Samyaza had not reached her position by making rash decisions. Her lips in a tight line, Elisabeta waved at two of her men. “Get the boy. And bring her.”

  Hakeem grabbed Victoria roughly by the arm as Elisabeta pulled open the door. Two men sprinted down the hall, disappearing in a blur.

  Victoria could focus on only one thought. Run, Max, run.

  CHAPTER 71

  As Laney jogged next to Mustafa, she watched the SIA a
gent from the corner of her eye. He was glancing around constantly, checking for signs of danger. Laney had seen him in action in Egypt, and she knew she could trust him in a fight. But could she trust him with Max and Victoria?

  Ahead, Jake stopped at the corner of the building. When Mustafa and Laney caught up to him, Laney peeked around it. “What do we know?”

  “The entrance is only a few meters down,” Mustafa said. “There were two guards stationed there.”

  “Were?” Laney asked.

  “The Fallen took care of them,” Mustafa said, his mouth grim.

  The security perimeter had been extended to this point—sawhorses blocked the way. The SIA had moved two vans to block the alley leading to the side of the temple. Two SIA agents were shooing away any tourists who happened to wander over. Not great, but better than she had expected.

  Laney turned back to Mustafa. “Make sure your men know the priority is getting Max and Victoria out.”

  Mustafa opened his mouth, and Laney knew he was going to argue with her. She cut him off with a shake of her head, and when she spoke, she left no uncertainty in her tone. “No. They are the priority. They come before anything,”

  Mustafa hesitated, then nodded with a bow. “Very well.”

  To Maddox, Laney said, “You get Max and get out. That is your only priority. We’ll meet you back at the safe house. For now, you and Henry need to stay out of their range. We can’t take the chance of them sensing you.”

  Maddox nodded, his jaw taut.

  Laney looked at Henry, Ralph, and Jake. “We’re in charge of Victoria. Okay?”

  Mustafa’s radio burst to life. “We have Max. He’s alone. We’re coming out with him.”

  “Go,” Laney yelled at Maddox, but he was already sprinting for the door. The Fallen would know they were there, but Max had to come before that. And she knew without a doubt that Victoria would agree.

  Seconds later, Maddox was on his way back. He came to a halt in front of them, Max clutched tightly in his arms.

  Laney reached up and hugged him. “Max.”

  He hugged her back. “Victoria’s still in there.”

  “We’ll get her,” Laney promised, nodding at Maddox. “Go.”

  Maddox needed no further urging. He disappeared in a blur.

  Laney turned to Jake, who gave her a grin. “One down…”

  “One to go,” Laney said.

  “They’re coming out. Two in front,” the voice called through Mustafa’s radio. “I think they’re looking for Max.”

  “Hold until they’re outside,” Laney ordered, and she and Jake ran for an old produce truck that SIA agents had maneuvered into the alley earlier. They leaned on the hood of the truck, taking aim at the entrance. Mustafa was right behind them, speaking quietly into the radio.

  “Remember, “ Jake said, “center mass.”

  Laney nodded, not taking her eyes from the entrance. Electric tingles ran over her as she lined up the door in her sight. Two men stepped out.

  Laney pulled the trigger over and over again. The two men collapsed. The SIA agents hidden on either side of the door pulled the men away from the doorway, put their weapons to the men’s chests, and emptied them. Then they shoved the men against the temple wall.

  Jake winked at Laney. “Nice shooting.”

  She smiled. “I had a good teacher.”

  “The rest are coming out. Victoria is with them,” Mustafa said.

  Laney took position again, and they waited.

  Soon, more electric tingles ran over Laney. “Here they come. Everyone hold until Victoria is out the door.”

  Yelling from the right drew Laney’s attention. The commandos from the temple security were rounding the corner. Damn it. “Mustafa, what’s going on?”

  “My man spoke with the commander. But he won’t play ball, especially after finding out two of his men were down. He notified security and ordered us to stand down.”

  “Like hell. Make sure Victoria is protected. Just try not to kill any of the security guards,” Laney said, her heart racing into overdrive.

  Mustafa relayed the instructions into the radio just as the first Fallen stepped out of the entrance.

  At the same moment, the commandos barreled down the alley toward them, shouting something Laney couldn’t understand.

  “No, no, no,” Laney whispered, picturing the bloodbath that was about to occur.

  More Fallen appeared at the entrance; they immediately opened fire on the commandos. Laney, Jake, and the SIA opened fire on the Fallen, just as the last of the Fallen stepped out—along with Samyaza and Victoria.

  A blur appeared to Laney’s side. From the sharp pain that jolted through her, she knew it was Ralph. He sprinted past the Fallen and pushed Victoria to the ground, then shielded her with his body.

  “Take them now!” Mustafa yelled over the radio.

  Laney wasted no time. She lined up Elisabeta and got her in the shoulder. Elisabeta flew back with the force of the hit.

  Two of the Fallen grabbed Elisabeta and took off at a run. The third Fallen fell in line behind them.

  “Don’t let them escape!” Laney yelled.

  But it was too late. The Fallen blurred and disappeared.

  Two of the commandos lay on the ground, blood pooling around them. Two more were storming toward Laney, Jake, and Mustafa, their guns raised. “Hands up! Get your hands up!” one of the men yelled, his face contorted with anger.

  Jake cursed and dropped his weapon on the hood of the car.

  Laney did the same, then put her hands in the air. Her eyes were focused on where Ralph lay.

  Slowly Ralph stood up. He reached down and helped Victoria to her feet. She dusted herself off and then gave Ralph a grateful smile.

  A call came over the commandos’ radios, and the looks on their faces went from angry to disbelieving to seriously ticked off.

  One of them glared at Laney and Jake. “You can put down your hands. And we’re…” He growled, obviously reluctant to say the next words. “We’re sorry for any problems we may have caused.”

  Laney raised an eyebrow. “No problem.” She quickly walked around the truck.

  Ahead of her, Henry reached Victoria and pulled her into a hug. Laney felt a tremor run through her. She’s all right.

  Laney reached the two of them and Henry stepped back. Laney looked into Victoria’s face. She was pale, and a little dirt smudged her cheeks, but her eyes were bright.

  “You’re okay?” Laney asked, surprised at how shaky her voice was.

  Victoria pulled Laney into a hug. “I am now.”

  CHAPTER 72

  Jake spoke with temple security and quickly got permission to leave the scene. One of the SIA agents would stay behind to answer any questions.

  Henry and Ralph took up position on either side of Victoria as they made their way to the cars. Laney and Jake followed behind. Mustafa’s people had cleared out the exit route.

  Sitting in an alley a few blocks away were two late-model Renault Dusters. Henry headed for one. One of the SIA agents moved to the driver’s door.

  “No,” Jake said. “We’ll follow you.”

  The agent gave a short bow and headed to the other car. Laney piled into the back with Victoria and Henry. Ralph took the passenger seat up front. Less than a minute later, they pulled out behind Mustafa.

  The car ride was tense. No one said much of anything as they raced through the tight streets. They were pretty sure the Fallen had fled, but no one was taking any chances.

  A few times, crowds and traffic jams stalled them, but Mustafa’s driver always seemed to know how to get around them. Twenty minutes later, they were away from the city, and Laney felt her shoulders relax a little.

  Mustafa’s voice came over the radio. “I just had a call. The Fallen have taken off on their plane.”

  “Did your people get a chance to put a tracker on it?” Jake asked.

  Laney glanced at him in surprise. She hadn’t even thought of that.
<
br />   “Yes. But the Fallen must have found it. My agent saw the plane take off, but the tracker showed it was still on the ground. All we know is that they’re heading north. We’ll let you know when we have a better indication of their destination.”

  Laney reached up and touched Jake’s shoulder. “Jake?”

  He gave her a nod and slowed down a little. “We’re clear for now.”

  Laney sat back against the seat and looked out the window. A bull was being led down the side of the road by a kid no more than thirteen. She shook her head. It always amazed her how life could be normal only a few miles from the craziness that was her own life.

  Victoria took both Laney’s hand and Henry’s. “I knew you would come.”

  Laney felt relief that Victoria was back. But she also felt the same old confusion about what this was really all about. And she knew she couldn’t put off the conversation any longer.

  She squeezed Victoria’s hand but spoke to Jake. “How long until we get to the safe house?”

  “About thirty minutes,” he said, his eyes meeting hers in the rearview mirror.

  Taking a breath, Laney turned to Victoria. “I think it’s time we talked.”

  CHAPTER 73

  Laney would have liked to have had this conversation while sitting in a nice parlor, maybe with a steaming cup of coffee and some pastries. She hadn’t pictured finding out her mother’s identity while on the run and squished in the back of an old Renault. But as with so many things in her life lately, she wasn’t given a lot of options.

  Victoria nodded. “Yes. It is past time.” Then she fell silent.

  Henry shifted so he was facing Victoria. “We know Ralph is an archangel.”

  Victoria looked between Henry and Laney. “I thought you would know by now. You felt the charge, didn’t you?”

  Laney nodded. “Yes.”

  Victoria sighed and looked past Laney out the window. “First, you need to understand why I have kept my identity from you. It’s not because I didn’t trust you. It’s because I didn’t want to burden you with it.”