Marked Souls

by Adrienna Turner

  “Look, calm down,” the man said firmly and quietly. “I know who you are and your purpose.”

  “You know me? I don’t know you!” Yosef fired.

  “I know that Les had something to do with your capture and deporting you back to Africa.”

  “Really?” Yosef’s eyes shifted. His mouth curved.

  “I have enough evidence to blow them out of the water.”

  “Where were you then?”

  “They are managing their dirty work above the laws of our government if you know what I mean,” he whispered.

  Yosef, no longer feeling aggressive, looked at his burly companion and tilted his head.

  “I cannot speak on this plane.”

  “Why not?”

  “We have no idea if their men are following you to make sure you make it back to your country.”

  “Okay,” Yosef lowered his voice to a whisper.

  “Here, let me show you this, and you’ll know whose side I am on.” He flashed a card with the ancient fish symbol in front of Yosef and quickly flipped it over. On the back side, it had the initials A.C.C. which stood for Alliance Crusaders for Christ.

  “How did you get that?” Yosef wondered as his eyes became watery.

  “No need to discuss all this right now.”

  “Right.”

  “Just know that I got your back.”

  “Okay.”

  “It’s really a blessing in disguise for you to go back to Africa.”

  “I disagree.”

  “You have no idea what God’s plans are for you, my dear friend.”

  “I don’t know you, friend. Why does it seem like I’m understanding you so well?” Yosef said slyly.

  “You’re better off to be deported. They already scanned you for any evil intentions—none. You’re fine. Just work hard and you’ll be back with citizenship in no time.”

  Yosef glared knowledgeably at the man, “You have no idea what it’s like in the third world countries, do you?”

  The burly fellow gave a slight shake no.

  “You soon will see,” Yosef was quiet for a moment, trying not to show any emotion. “Also, you’re not the ultimate Judge to tell me what is better or worse for me. Maybe Jesus does have a plan for me on this course of life.”

  Yosef closed his eyes in a silent prayer.

  “Yes, He does. Trust me. This is the absolute best way to citizenship, and you won’t be chipped or have to wear the bracelet when you get back. Others must wear a bracelet in order to work in the U.S. and still speak English,” he explained. “Les just wanted you out of the way. You have excellent coding skills. When I heard that you were going in spite of your lawyer’s effort, the law still allows you to be accompanied. I insisted that I be the one to go.”

  “I have no choice in the matter.”

  The agent folded his arms. “I’ll follow you every step of the way, including this eighteen-hour ride.”

  Yosef noticed that his supposed protector checked his surroundings, seeming to look for any suspicious characters on the plane. He also wondered what the F.B.I. had to do with the ACC mission. Was he a spy using charming words to later capture him? The truth soon will be told. Yosef knew the Holy Spirit’s power—unleashing mysteries not known to man. And soon the truth will unfold. I will see if this no-named agent is a wolf in sheep’s clothing or a true follower.

  Judge Collins

  Upon his arrival at the prison, Judge Collins was incensed to discover that Yosef was gone. They pointed to the dispensation paperwork that was left at the discharge desk. “So, none of you can explain why my client, Yosef Malik, is the only one deported.”

  “We don’t know!” the man answered. Others shrugged.

  “This is absurd,” Judge Collins said. He stormed out of the office, and raced out of the building. He drove to the Court of Immigration Appeals office. He demanded to expedite his hearing, attempting to fight Yosef’s case.

  One of the judges presented their findings and read aloud: “You may lose your residence status if you commit an act that makes you removable from the United States under the law in section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. You’ll be brought before the immigration courts to determine your right to remain a Resident of the United States.”

  Mr. Collins argued Yosef Malik’s case, “I represent Yosef Malik. I’m familiar with those laws under the Immigration and Nationality Act.”

  “Exactly, Judge Collins. Then, what brings you here to present case number 66675?”

  “Yosef was deported unknowingly to Africa, without due process to appear before the immigration courts to determine his rights,” He said as he flashed Yosef’s green card. “I have his green card here. It was expedited to my home address.”

  “Present that before the court,” The three-judge panel reviewed the card as Judge Collins continued. “Unfortunately, his green card expired due to the failure of mailing the document in a reasonable amount of time.”

  “We see.”

  “By what grounds are you holding that against my client? He was illegally transported back to Africa without appearing in court.”

  “How do we know he was illegally deported?” a male judge answered.

  “He’s no longer at the deportation location.”

  “What?” one the panel members said. “How do you know?”

  “I went there this morning after being told that he would still be there.”

  “So, he was no longer there, and you believe he was already deported before your arrival?”

  “I have copies of his dispensation paperwork. Those documents indicate he was deported in the middle of the night. There are no signatures to indicate that your honors are aware of this occurring. I just left there, to demand an appearance before you,” Judge Collins spoke in an intensely professional manner, but his face betrayed his rage. He muttered under his breath, “I believe the Task Force Operations had something to do with this.”

  “We don’t allow false accusations to be made in our courts, Mr. Collins.” the female judge replied abruptly. “You are fully aware of these proceedings.”

  He nodded. He pursed his lips to force himself to be quiet.

  “Your term is almost up for Judge.”

  “Yes, what does that have to do with anything?”

  “I don’t think you want this to go on your record when it comes to retention. Do you?” Judge Meyers countered.

  “According to our records, he had abandoned his resident status due to moving to another country and intending to live there permanently. We have a signed document by the defendant here,” The bailiff retrieved the signed document from the court secretary.

  Judge Collins interrupted, “Judge Meyers, that cannot be true. Yosef was applying to become a permanent U.S. citizen. He had no intention of returning to Africa.”

  “Quiet, Mr. Collins,” She raised her hand as she shushed him, “Speak when spoken to. Otherwise, I’ll call this contempt of the court.”

  He gave a slight nod.

  “These documents I have in front of me show that he was outside of the U.S. for more than a year without obtaining a reentry. It also shows that he didn’t update his green card in a reasonable amount of time, and it expired.” She paused. “However, we’re unable to determine whether his status has been abandoned—at any rate, a length of absence from the U.S. can be considered in this case even if it has been less than a year. If Yosef remains outside of the U.S. for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident VISA, he must start anew. He has failed to file income tax returns while living outside of the U.S. for any period. And lastly, he declared he was a “nonimmigrant” on this year’s tax returns.”

  “Sir, may I speak on behalf of that?”

  “Proceed. Permission granted.”

  “Yosef is a legally permissible resident according to the legal documents I have here.” He shuffled the papers from his briefcase. “Therefore, on the current tax returns, he wa
s unable to file once his visa expired, which makes him not a permanent alien or a U.S. citizen required to submit taxes. And by law, he cannot file his income tax returns. We were fighting to make Yosef a legalized citizen,” Judge Collins extended his hands out for the bailiff to take the documents to defend his client.

  After reviewing all the documents, the Judges came to their decision on this case. Yosef was held guilty even though he was illegally deported without proper representation.

  Shortly after Judge Collins lost the case, numerous broadcast networks invited members of the Task Force to discuss false allegations against Judge Collins with government officials. Collins shook his head, his rage brewing inside; how could they get away with these fallacies and propaganda!

  A week passed, and upon arriving to work, he discovered these allegations had created a loss of respect for his standing in the legal profession. How is this so? Judge Collins was fully aware of the US Code, outlining the discipline process for federal judges when someone filed an alleged complaint. He knew it was just a smear—to shame him, and his reputation as a judge. There were video clips showing images of him at swamp shops from other countries like Mexico, allowing illegal aliens in the country and made these allegations stick. It’s all lies! Who wants my reputation so badly as to doctor up video about my work with immigrants? Mr. Collins had no choice but to run to the Alliance Crusaders for Christ for help. He also knew he needed protection from persecution by the authorities. Their next mission will result in my arrest, and they very possibly would kill me.

  Judge Collins sped to the warehouse, parking about a mile away. He hurried inside the darkened building with hopes that someone was there. His voice echoed, “Anyone there?” he waited. “Hello?” He gave it a few seconds. “Where is everyone?”

  Joshua came in the dim light, after hiding behind a door. “Shh. Man, don’t you ever think?”

  “Whatcha mean?” Judge Collins quizzed.

  “Your phone was tapped when you contacted me. I should’ve known after the reports aired,” Joshua shot. “They set us up.”

  “You’re kidding me, right?”

  “I heard about your Immigration case with Yosef.”

  “How?”

  “I watched the televised news on my I-pad. And on my cell phone I followed the latest articles posted by the various news outlets,” he spoke so softly his voice was nearly a whisper.

  “That night, Isaiah was fired at, when we were attempting to rescue Roya. We drove to a secured hospital and—snipers were there.”

  “This happened days ago.”

  “Correct, Collins. Isaiah was miraculously healed from the bomb thrown.”

  “Whoa.”

  Joshua seemed to step into the traumatic events as he haphazardly rattled off the scenes his memory brought to the forefront.

  “When I drove to Yosef’s place, I didn’t find him. He’d vanished, like that,” He snapped his fingers.

  “Whoa, whoa!” Judge Collins lifted up his hands. “Hey, man, you’ve got to get it together. Calm down.”

  “Isaiah and the others are in a secured location. Off the grid. We got Roya, but no Solomon.”

  “I saw.”

  “Everyone did,” Joshua fired.

  “Sorry for your loss.”

  “You have no idea what the nights were like afterwards,” Joshua offered other information and then maneuvered to the real topic at hand, “I finally got the answers that I was looking for on my boy, Yosef. We need him, man,” He threw his hands in the air out of frustration.

  Judge Collins answered abruptly. “I know Josh. That’s why I’m here.”

  “Now he’s shipped back to Africa because of your pride.”

  “You speak like he was a package…”

  “Deported,” Joshua blurted angrily. “You thought you could bail him out alone.”

  “Bail?” Judge Collins’ forehead creased.

  “Why didn’t you hire an Immigration and National Law attorney?” Joshua continued before he could utter a word, “I know why, you thought you were the big fish and could take them down yourself.”

  “What are you talking about?” Collins’ voice rose.

  Joshua raged at him. “You thought your gentleness would bend them. You believed that your time served as a judge and attorney would give you some leverage. Well, you were wrong.”

  “Okay, I messed up. You’re right,” He said as he threw his hands up, “But where are the others?”

  “Listen. I told you. They’re at a secured site,” Joshua replied bluntly.

  “I cannot take all this bashing.”

  Joshua swatted the air, “Whatever.”

  “Doesn’t the Bible speak about not judging another man’s actions, especially if you haven’t taken the speck out of your own eye? I’m putting my career on the line,” Collins tapped on his chest, hearing a light pounding sound. “I’m also in the spotlight. In the news. Articles. Reports. And I may never work again in this town.”

  “Got it. But they can’t do that to you!”

  “I have family to take care of! Life these days isn’t without someone trying to make your honest effort a controversy.”

  “Well, yeah. Been happening since social media gave people a hiding place. We all have loved ones to take care of.”

  “What about that?”

  “What about them?”

  “I’m risking everything to help these immigrants to gain what? Learn about Jesus Christ, at what price?” He sighed deeply and shook his head hotly.

  “Oh, here we go,” Joshua paused as he expurgated all the derogatory words he really wanted to say. He blew air from his lips as he continued, “Look, we don’t need you if that’s what you’re implying. Going a bit too far.”

  “Me, going too far?” Judge Collins sunk his chest as he placed his hand in the center of it.

  “This isn’t about you or even me, but it’s about teaching them the real salvation for their lives.”

  “Who exactly? Those who don’t want to be implanted or followed! Tracked!”

  “I thought you were here for the cause, but it appears as if you’re punking out for your own pleasures and looking for accolades from society.”

  “Come on, Josh. You’re going a bit too far.”

  “So, what are they trying to do to your career exactly?”

  Judge Collins sneered. “Mr. Joshua Mack. Who told you to come off and talk to me any ole way in the first place? What do you do for a living again?” Judge Collins refused to let Joshua respond as he continued, “I’m a well-known and once reputable Judge in Brown County, ten years as a District Attorney, okay? Look, since you want to know, Mr. Know-It-All, there are five steps they can take.”

  Joshua lowered his hand as if he was laying down the royal carpet. “Oh. Excuse me, Mr. High—and—Ol’ Mighty One. You’re going to spill it.”

  “There’s private reprimand or informal admonition; public reprimand or published censure; probation; suspension; and disbarment.”

  Joshua interjected, “Well, they definitely didn’t give you a private confrontation.”

  “No. Where are you going with this?”

  “They made it public, suspended you until further notice, and geared themselves towards disbarment according to the speculation announced in the news.”

  Judge Collins stared at Joshua. “I’m not trying to one up anyone. I’m here because I don’t know what to do!”

  “Of course.”

  “Look you’re going to help me, right?”

  “FYI, I didn’t lose my job. I work-at-home.”

  Collins sighed, “Got it, Joshua.”

  “What you call ‘self-employment.’”

  “Okay, wise guy,” Collins shouted.

  “I guess you really don’t know any of us, do you?” Joshua continued, “I’m a computer technician, only serve on call for an extra fee, and work on cars. Mechanic,” He added snottily, “And my parents were hustlers on the streets. Therefore, I know how to fit in where I
get in.”

  “Thanks for sharing that. Let’s go!”

  “Go! To add, I’m a Youth Pastor.”

  “Great to know, Pastor Joshua.” He waved his hands to get moving.

  “Now, our monies are being tied into this new world order by popular demand, who knows how any of us will get paid? It won’t be long, I assure you,” He emphasized the word paid.

  “Paid, you say,” Judge Collins said rudely.

  “We may go back to early civilization; bartering to get what is needed.”

  “You think?”

  “I know Solomon put some things in play; if it all boils down to this system.”

  “What system?”

  “The New World Order. Heavy on the ‘order’ part.”

  “New world order?”

  “Yes, the new and updated laws put in place. Congress is now talking about the driver’s licenses being chipped by state’s rights because it’s the only way they can both keep track of all the transactions and give people freedom. The mint is still printing money. Most of the states are begging for the right to monetize the driver’s licensing because it will work for their benefit. It’ll creep up and, before we know it, threaten all we’ve worked for if we don’t take the chip when the world leader makes the final decree.”

  “Not President, the executive chief officer?”

  Joshua shook his head. “Interesting. You haven’t been listening.”

  “How can I—with so much going on right now?”

  “What is there about “World” pressures you don’t understand?”

  “All of this!”

  “Simple. Task Force is working undercover to get us Christians out of the path! Come on, follow me,” Joshua flagged as he put on some night vision shades that Yosef had created.

  “About time.” Judge Collins reached for Joshua’s shoulder to be guided through the darkness.

  Joshua handed Collins a pair, “Here. You don’t have to hang on.” He opened the door and pushed Collins to the side to close the door behind him. He followed a path through the trees and between houses until they came to another building that looked as though it had been long abandoned.

  Joshua Mack

  Joshua marched inside the darkened building. He flipped the light switch. Cots were scattered throughout the room. Judge Collins had been a volunteer and a generous donor to homeless shelters. Now, he was in their shoes; gazing at members of the Alliance Crusaders for Christ who once held reputable careers. He recognized all of them from associations they’d had just weeks ago. He saw attorneys, judges, bankers, and brokers resting on cots. He winced at the moldy odor lingering in the air.