by Jen Gentry
Praise for
THE GIFT OF LIGHT
By
Jen Gentry
5.0 out of 5 stars The Gift of Light, February 21, 2013
By
Pam This review is from: The Gift of Light (The Gifts) (Kindle Edition)
I loved this book and I can't wait for the second book in "the Gift" series. I didn't want to put it down so I have to admit I'm tired this because I stayed up way too late to finish. It is truly wonderful to read about light and darkness in such a different way and what a great story line. Loved it!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting and moving, February 18, 2013
By
Sandra B. Linebaugh This review is from: The Gift of Light (The Gifts) (Kindle Edition)
"The Gift of Light" was an exciting and moving book. At times, the hairs on my arms were standing up! I had my Kindle on text to speech and was listening while I was driving....I found myself gripping the steering wheel as the action heated up. I can't wait to read the next in the series "The Gift of Knowledge".
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully done!, August 7, 2013
By
cminiaci This review is from: The Gift of Light (The Gifts) (Kindle Edition)
This grabbed my imagination from the beginning! Great plot! This was fun to read. I was caught by surprise at the smooth presentation of salvation, coupled with the intercession and warfare education. I have often gagged on novelists attempts to integrate Biblical truths into the plot because they are so clumsy and forced. This was amazingly natural and I am cheering for the next books in the series
THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE
Copyright © Jen Gentry 2013
All rights reserved. This book or parts
thereof may not be reproduced
in any form without written
permission from the author
Visit Jen’s website at
www.JenGentrysBooks.com
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places,
and incidents either are a product of the author’s
imagination or are used fictitiously, and any
resemblance to actual persons, living or dead,
business establishments, events or
locals is entirely coincidental
Edited by: Kim Shaw Bussey
Book Cover Design by Fury Cover Design
www.furycoverdesign.com
For Jesus, who was tortured to death, so I could live.
He, alone, is worthy to be praised.
THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE
Book Two of
The Gifts Series
By
Jen Gentry
Chapter One
"Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens--what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave--what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.
Job 11:7-12 (New International Version)
Rain poured onto the Brazilian airstrip as Dr. Ethan McGowan loaded his carry-on luggage into the overhead storage bins of the crowded airplane. He dreaded the long flight into New York, but he really had no other choice. His irritation at making this trip showed clearly on his strong, masculine features. When the flight attendant said the flight would be delayed until the torrential rains passed, making one more thing to add to his growing list of aggravations, he glared at the poor woman. He needed to resume the search for what may prove to be his most profitable dig yet. This was it. His goals, long unattainable, were very close to being in his grasp.
Only twenty-nine, Dr. McGowan was a man with a mission. He possessed an intense desire to reach his ultimate goal that only steely determination and unwavering focus could match. Family and friends referred to him as simply driven. Considered to be a genius by any standard, he entered Yale and exited with two doctorates: one in Archaeology, and one in Biblical Theology.
Sturdy and tall, he looked more like a world-class athlete than the genius scholar that he was. He could be so serious that he appeared obtuse to others around him, yet many co-ed females had considered him a 'hottie' with dark brown curls and golden-brown eyes.
If the driving need to obtain his goals ever allowed him to actually pay attention to members of the opposite sex, his perfectly shaped smile could melt the coldest-hearted woman. Yet, he remained clueless to the effect he could have on women. He found their constant attempts to gain his attention merely irritating and distracting.
His parents and grandparents brought him up in a loving Christian environment, but as a child he always had his doubts. He needed proof that the Bible was more than just 'fairy stories.' His analytical mind deducted that if the Bible told the truth about the fallen angels, who procreated the giants with the daughters of man, then somewhere on this earth there must be some kind of physical proof. He needed to see that proof. Moreover, he needed to be the one who actually found that proof. He needed to find his 'Goliath.'
Today, Dr. McGowan was on a flight back to the states from a worksite in the Amazon. He had many years of 'digs' under his belt for one so young, as he'd spent days, weeks, and summers working with teams of archaeologist all over the world uncovering ancient civilizations, most notably Greece, Italy, Egypt, and Syria. Many of the sites he'd worked were in dangerous countries. He and his team had become quite adept at protecting themselves. Still, many times they had been run off their dig sites by either gun toting guerrillas or hostile locals.
His search in the Amazon had come to an abrupt halt for nothing more than a lack of knowledge. It would take more than local folklore to find the site he searched for. He needed maps from much earlier explorations of the area. With every expert he spoke to in his peer groups, one name kept coming up, Miles Perry. Mr. Perry was purported to have in his possession maps of the Amazon carefully written and illustrated by Spanish explorers from the sixteenth century. The maps, included in journals written in old world Spanish, pointed the way to ancient cave sites where the Spaniards allegedly found skeletal remains of giants. Some of them were reported to be eighteen feet long, with the skulls being as large as a man was tall. The problem was that Miles Perry passed away almost two years ago.
Ethan spent the last two months conversing by email with the granddaughter of Miles Perry, Emily Bell. He’d tried to bully her into turning over the maps and journals to him by way of courier, but the woman proved to be downright stubborn. She refused to part with the information in such a way, and would not sell the documents at any price. The only quarter she would give was to let him view the documents in her home.
This was not what Ethan wanted. He did not like it when he didn’t get his way. ‘That stubborn woman, what a waste of my time. Here I am onto possibly the most important find in the history of man, and she will not cooperate’. Ethan gritted his teeth and steeled his jaw at the thought of what an irritation Emily Bell was turning out to be. In his mind she was only slowing him down, holding him back. He decided to try using charm to get what he wanted from her. After all, he could be most persuasive if need be, as he proved when dealing with the many wealthy financial backers to his projects. It should be easy to dazzle one old woman to get what he needed.
As he leaned his seat into the reclining position, he let some of his irritation subside. The long flight to New York would provide a chance for some sleep, now that he felt confident he would have no problems dealing with an eccentric old woman.
***
The plane touched down in New York City just after three in the morning. Ethan hadn’t slept well and wasn’t in a mood to be trifled with. He still had a long drive ahead of him to reach Perry House in Hook Pond. Afte
r waiting for what seemed an eternity to gather his luggage and get into a rented car, he was finally on his way. He knew the directions to the Hamptons well, due to numerous visits to project supporters for their customary updates. With any luck he wouldn’t have any trouble finding Perry House.
It was March, and early spring was blooming in New York. The morning air still held a winter chill. Ethan, having just come from the hot and humid climate in the Amazon, wasn’t prepared for the change in temperature. Used to working in adverse weather and different climates, he shrugged off the cold chill and in his usual manner just kept going. He made a mental note to himself to take the time to shop for more appropriate clothing while in New York, because khaki shorts and tee-shirts weren’t going to cut it. This was just another thing that would slow him down and one more reason to raise his growing irritation towards Emily Bell for dragging him all the way up here.
He gave himself a once over in the mirror of a gas station restroom and realized his appearance resembled that of a bedraggled vagabond. This simply wouldn’t do. There appeared to be no choice but to delay his meeting with Ms. Bell and check into a motel for a shower, and some rest. He didn’t want to scare the old lady into a heart attack at the mere sight of him.
A full twenty-four hours later, Ethan found himself pulling into the long driveway at Perry House. Wearing the new slacks, Polo shirt, and grey pull over shirt purchased this morning, he now felt capable of charming his nemesis. He’d actually slept, showered and even eaten a quick meal in there somewhere. At last, the highly coveted maps and journals seemed almost in his grasp.
Exiting the car, he took a moment to take in the vast Perry House Estate. Spring flowers were starting to bloom, and several cherry trees were in full blossom across the carefully cared for landscape. But it was the white French Villa styled mansion trimmed in blue that reigned as the crowning centerpiece of the estate.
Spotting some movement on the large front porch of the mansion, Ethan noticed a woman watering potted plants scattered all around the wicker furniture arranged on the porch. The woman had red hair with a few streaks of grey all arranged in a snug bun on top of her head. She was dressed simply but smartly in long black slacks and a white blouse with a bright blue gardening apron covering her front.
"At last, I have you in my sight, Ms. Emily Bell." Ethan practically sprinted up the steps to the front porch.
The woman on the porch seemed oblivious to his presence, as she continued her chore of watering plants with a large, tin watering can. After a few moments, Ethan cleared his throat "Ahemmm" in an effort to gain her attention. No response. She did not seem to hear him. Ethan could feel his temperature rising along with his temper.
Trying a different tactic, he decided to address her directly. "Madame, I am Dr. Ethan McGowan, I believe you have been awaiting my arrival." Still the woman didn’t look up. Ethan threw his hands up in the air. The woman seemed bent on ignoring him.
"Madame, are you deaf? I’ve come to view the documents we spoke of through email." The woman continued to ignore him.
The front door behind him slammed shut with a loud 'BANG', and as Ethan turned towards the sound he was confronted by the most beautiful and indignant creature he had ever laid eyes upon. She was tall and thin with a long mass of dark red curls bouncing as she shook with fury. The young woman was dressed in jeans and a bright yellow button up sweater, making her all the more exquisite. Her eyes were a deep shade of pure green, and right now they were boring straight into his soul.
"I don't know who you are mister, but don't you ever disrespect my Aunt Gemma like that ever again. For your information she 'IS' deaf and mute. She only communicates using sign language." The younger woman shouted in Ethan's face.
Ethan took a step back and held up his hands in defense and surrender. His face burned red with embarrassment. "I am so very sorry." He stammered as the woman, hands on her hips, stared him down.
Aunt Gemma put down the watering can and came to stand next to her niece, ready to defend Emily if need be from this stranger who had obviously upset the girl, terribly.
Confronted now by two angry women, Ethan looked for a way to redeem himself. In perfect sign language, he signed to Aunt Gemma.
"I am very sorry, Madame, I had no idea you couldn’t hear me. Please accept my most sincere apologies. My name is Dr. Ethan McGowan. I’m here to view the documents that belonged to Miles Perry and contain sixteenth century maps of the deep Amazon. Would you please take me to Ms. Emily Bell? She’s the one with whom I’ve been communicating."
Gemma smiled and signed back to Ethan, "Welcome to Perry House, Dr. McGowan." Then she turned to her niece and signed with an exasperated look on her face "What? You are mad at this poor man because he didn’t know I couldn’t hear him? Get over yourself, girl. How could he know?"
Gemma signed and pointed. "Dr. McGowan, may I introduce you to my niece, Miss Emily Bell." She then threw up her own hands and went in the house, leaving Emily alone with Ethan.
Emily had the good grace to at least attempt to be civil. She could give the man credit for being very adept at sign language.
"Well, Dr. McGowan, it seems you and I’ve had some type of miscommunication."
"I'll say! You are not at all what I expected. I mean you are so, so, so young, and please call me Ethan." He stammered as he held out his hand for her to shake as an offering of peace.
Emily reluctantly took the stranger’s hand, shaking her head dismissively. "I assume you thought I’d be 'older' maybe? What I meant was that in our last email conversation you didn’t specify when you’d be coming. As it is I’m leaving right now for Manhattan to attend a birthday party for my best friend's daughter. Your timing couldn’t be worse."
Ethan looked down at the small suitcase next to Emily. Its appearance confirmed Miss Bell’s intentions at this moment.
"Miss Bell, if you could only delay your trip for a few moments and allow me to look at the documents, you could then be on your way."
"Dr. McGowan, I mean, Ethan, what you don’t understand is the documents are not here at the house anymore. They’ve been placed in a sealed vault in New York where they are secured and safe from further erosion or theft. If you’d only been clearer about when exactly you intended to arrive I’d have made arrangements for the documents to be sent here under very careful conditions. As you must understand, these things are very old."
Ethan felt his ire begin to rise but quickly squelched it. It was his own fault, as he realized he’d assumed a great deal too many things where Miss Bell and the documents were concerned.
"Well, since it seems we both need to get to New York, may I offer you a ride?" Emily started to decline but the Holy Spirit inside of her spoke in a clear voice. "There is a reason you must go with this man, Emily. He needs your help.”
"Alright, I'll go with you. I hope you like birthday cake because we’ll have to attend the party first. It’ll be late this evening before we can retrieve the documents."
Ethan let out a long-suffering sigh as he helped Emily into his rented sedan.
"Well then, birthday cake it is," he muttered as he rounded the car to get in on the driver’s side.
***
Emily sent a text message to her aunt saying she was leaving and would send her an email later. As the car drove away, Staniel, the Cherub, watched from the skies above Perry House. Liam, the warrior and commanding angel of Hook Pond, flew at his side.
Staniel spoke first "Well, Commander, they have come together at last."
"Yes, I will let Michael know. They are in for the fight of their lives as they embark on this journey. The dark ones have hidden this secret for thousands of years and they are not about to let it be brought to light so easily. Tell Terrence to go with Emily and guard her carefully, as he always does. Also, let him know that we will be sending reinforcements." Staniel left to do as he was bidden.
Liam sighed. "Let the journey begin. It is going to be a long and terrifying one, for all of u
s."
***
'This man drives like an old maid on Sunday,' Emily thought as Dr. McGowan drove his rented sedan back to New York, this time with Emily in tow. She kept checking her watch as she worried that they’d be late for little Amy's birthday party. Sneaking a peek and glaring at the good doctor's profile, she muttered under her breath. "I'd better not miss Amy opening her gifts."
"What was that?" Ethan strained his ear to hear what Emily was muttering.
"Oh, I was just saying that I hope we aren’t late to the party. I don’t want to miss Amy opening her gifts and blowing out her candles." Amy was precious to Emily as the daughter of her closest and best friend, Marta.
"And Amy would be the birthday girl, I presume?"
"Yes, she’s turning one today."
Emily had to admit to herself that not only was Dr. McGowan very good looking, but he had the sexiest baritone voice that was actually pleasant to listen to. Still, his personality, what little she knew of it, resembled an arrogant and somewhat conceited man.
She silently prayed to herself. "Oh, Holy Spirit, are you sure I’m the right Christian to help this man? I can barely tolerate his presence as it is." Her answer was swift and heard only by her.
"Yes, he needs your help. Stay the course." Emily sighed. She would go where the Holy Spirit led her. The Lord was always right and had a way of working things out for the good of all.
To Ethan's credit, he did step on the gas just a little harder. The two of them remained mostly silent as they made it into Manhattan.
"I need to make a quick stop, if you don’t mind?" Ethan looked over at Emily as he asked her.