Marked Souls

by Adrienna Turner

  “Okay. Tavon. Share please,” Snoop extended his hand for him to continue.

  “Is the Task Force here?” Tavon asked. Agent Snoop gave a confirming nod.

  “What do they want with us?” Javon said anxiously.

  “I got an alert from a Special Ops agent that they plan to capture you.”

  “Why, for what, and what did we do?” Javon fired.

  “Let’s take this one at a time.” Agent Snoop said, remaining calm and cordial. “Tonight, they’ll announce those in the top ten.”

  “We already know. We made the cut last night,” Tavon answered.

  “Well, what I meant to say, is they’ll narrow it to the top three tonight after the ten have delivered their speeches,” Agent Snoop corrected.

  “Yes. We all know that. Contestants, I mean,” Javon jumped in.

  “Explain why they’re here to capture us!” Tavon shot. He stood upright and folded his arms.

  “Both of you are noted as ‘Unapologetic Christian Soldiers.’”

  “Wow, really,” Javon looked surprised to hear the designation. “There’s actually a name for that? ‘Pastors’ isn’t strong enough?”

  Tavon giggled at the comeback.

  Snoop was prepared for their youthful bravado. “I’m serious, guys. Special Ops has concerns that either one of you, or both for that matter, will alert the world about their master plans. You already have an appeal with the audience, judges, and a wide appeal in general. They didn’t expect that of contestants so young,”

  “So, you’re saying we have an ability to, or may, influence the world, thereby convincing the public about Satan’s plan?” Tavon responded, staring at Agent Snoop as if he was trying to see inside his soul.

  “Umm…FBI agent, Agent Snoop, I’m not sure what our sermons have to do with these men trying to capture us?” Javon’s voice cracked. “What’s their mission with us?”

  “Their mission has quite a bit to do with you two. Our sources show that Chief Commander Les Blanche has been tracking your movements, taping the live feeds, and they were watching you before—and especially after—the death of your father,” Yosef added.

  “I’ve verified that what he just told you is correct,” Snoop chimed.

  “We know that name,” Javon looked at Tavon in fright. “Les. Blanche.”

  “Yeah. He’s the same one who appeared on the special broadcast with Pastor Isaiah,” Tavon walked over to console his brother. They glared at Yosef and Snoop, sitting close to each other in separate chairs.

  “There’s already enough damage done to our family. Mom still hasn’t healed, she’s suffering PTSD, and you have to bring up our Dad dying?” Javon’s voice broke as his unspoken anger at their revelation bubbled to the surface. . “They made a spectacle of my father, linked on the Internet, social media, and even created YouTube clips of him to make him some mind-control meme.”

  “Only to scare and terrify believers into not speaking openly and freely, such as sharing the Gospel, and making them believe that other spiritual leaders are vanishing,” Tavon ranted.

  “Hey, guys. I understand your anger. You’re having to grow up far faster than you’re ready for. Just know that there were lots of guys your age fighting wars throughout history, and they and their families had to deal with the very same emotional issues.” Javon hung his head. “Tavon knew last night. He didn’t know who, just—well, we were enjoying ourselves and the joy of seeing people turn to God. Now it’s war.”

  Yosef grabbed the hands of both boys, and Snoop grabbed their free hands, creating a circle of prayer.

  “Lord, you’ve been our shield, our strength, and our faith. Today, be our guide. More than ever, Amen,” Tavon said.

  “Well, guys, you aren’t alone. Some of my men will be in the auditorium tonight.”

  “Okay,” both said in unison, even through their fear.

  “Just in case, we’d like both of you to wear a bullet-proof vest, and these wireless earpieces to keep tabs on you.”

  “Hmm,” Tavon uttered, “Won’t it alert someone if we look bigger? Is it worth losing over our fear of the future?”

  “Really, all this gear?” Javon said bluntly.

  “We also have these tiny plastic cameras we can place behind your ear that’s invisible to the man’s eye so we’ll see what you see,” Derrick handed them the bulletproof vests.

  Tavon and Javon allowed the FBI agent Snoop help them put on the vests under their dress suits, placing the earpiece on their left ear, and the other device on the back of their earlobe next to their neck.

  Javon asked, “Yosef, to get our minds off this, tell us more about Africa and what actually happened while you were deported there.”

  “Just know, it wasn’t a pleasant visit, no open arms welcomed me, like yours did!” He tapped Agent Snoop on the arm, “Agent Snoop followed me from the plane ride and the entire journey to make sure I’d arrive back here safely, and without suspicion.”

  “Don’t you think the world government is aware of your movements?” Tavon frowned.

  “I would believe so,” Yosef shrugged. “Agent Snoop explained how it worked for the better. There are still laws to protect legal citizens in America, and they need immigrants so badly for work, that the tracking was only to prove we’re not terrorists. They can only make people think that they have no protection. As much as they would like to, Satan and his minions can’t remove America’s freedoms until God removes us. We made it back securely without causing any problems. Look at it this way. I learned an awful lot from that experience – the very reason that we all experience setbacks. Now I’m a full naturalized citizen, and I do not have to wear any tracking!”

  “If you say so,” Tavon exhaled. Yosef smiled. “But I will say, how’s your mom holding up?”

  “Not too good from what Sis and Sunny text us about her,” Javon told him.

  “Sorry to hear that. Solomon was one of the best.” Yosef rose to hug the boys.

  “I will share this with you. There are so many false beliefs back in my homeland. False religions. False gods. The freedoms that we have here are leaps and bounds beyond most other countries.”

  “I believe you,” Tavon said. “There’s an epidemic here in the States too.”

  Yosef elaborated, “Did you ever hear about the Sun God?” He didn’t allow them to answer. “Probably not. Well, the Sun God was, and still is worshipped today on Sunday.”

  “What, Yosef. You gonna give us a Bible lesson?” Javon joked.

  “Let’s just say, Constantine, a renowned ruler after Christ’s death, let’s say around the 300 era,” Yosef guessed.

  “Pagan religion, right, Yosef? What is it you want us to understand?” Tavon chimed, urging an end to the conversation.

  “Just like this foretold world leader in our day, he wanted to blend all religions as one! Constantine’s focus was mixing Christianity and pagan religion, as a way to unite them, and took these rituals to be practiced on Sunday instead of the Sabbath,” Yosef explained as he moved his hands while speaking.

  Javon’s eyes lit up. Tavon clapped. “Thanks for the lesson,” Both said at once, and glanced at each other.

  “Might have to use that in our teaching sermon tonight,” Tavon added.

  Javon changed gears, “Have you got in touch with Mom? Pastor? Or Josh?

  Yosef shook his head. “I sent an encrypted email to Joshua,” He lowered his head, “Let’s just hope he got my message.”

  “Probably so,” Tavon said.

  Javon’s eyes opened wider. He saw Yosef’s pupils darken. He glanced at Tavon, and realized he saw it, too. They stood, speechless.

  “Many eyes will be on you two. You’re protected,” Agent Snoop rose from his seat and stood at attention. “Don’t be terrified. We have skilled people in the audience.”

  “So, do they,” Javon’s voice rose to a high pitch.

  “Remember, Jay, you said, we’re protected by God. Trust Him,” Tavon said. “I need to text mom.�
�

  “Nah. We should call her,” Javon reached for his phone and dialed the number, put it on speaker phone, and they listened as it went straight to voicemail.

  “Guess we can leave a message, or I’ll send a text,” Tavon said.

  “Right.” Javon left a voice message. “Love you, Mom. Call us.”

  “We should leave,” Agent Snoop slowly strolled to the door and opened it. Yosef followed and waved at the twins as he left.

  “We have a lot to take in, and now, we do have to prepare for our speech tonight,” Tavon said, as he placed the top lock on the hotel door.

  “We sure do. Pray Mom gets our message,” Javon whined.

  “I believe Mom knows and she’s on her way.”

  “Right, Bro.” Javon patted him on the shoulder.

  “Let’s pray that Jesus will anoint us for this time we have to speak to his people,” Tavon spoke.

  “Lord, I receive,” they said in unison as they lowered to their knees.

  CHAPTER 11

  God’s Umbrella: He’s my Shield & Protector

  Roya Whitmore

  At nightfall the boys were prepared to take their sermon to a higher level since they wanted to be in the final three. They watched eagerly from the wings as the judges paraded in. Two of the judges stood still as the others took their seats. They somberly announced the names of the ten semi-finalists, as people stood and applauded each name.

  Joy, Roya, and Joshua arrived at the entrance of the auditorium without any tickets for the event. Joshua spoke to the teller to get tickets, “Can we purchase three tickets for the event tonight?”

  “Sorry sir, we’re all sold out. We have people who purchased tickets online and before the event began. Tomorrow’s show is already sold out too.”

  Roya interjected, “We have to get in there. Do you have anything for the contestants’ parents or family members?”

  “Actually, we do. Why didn’t you say that earlier?”

  Roya smiled.

  “How many are with you?” the ticket handler asked, ready to call the security guard and ticket person inside to show them to their seating.

  “There are only the three of us.” Joshua countered, sticking his hand out for their tickets.

  “I’ll have to ask for an ID from each of you or scan your hands with my scan gun.” He held up the scanner. “Please let me know what relationship you are to what contestants,” She asked to look up for the contestants on the list she had in front of her to check off and write in the number of guests including their names in the spaces left on the paperwork.

  “I’m here for Tavon and Javon Whitmore. They’re my sons, and this is their sister, Joy. My name is Roya Whitmore. Here’s my driver’s license,” Roya said, after digging through her wallet inside of her Louis Vitton bag.

  Joshua yanked out his driver’s license from his back pocket inside of his thin leather wallet. Before Roya could answer in his behalf, he said, “I’m Roya’s cousin.”

  Joy covered her mouth with her hand to prevent her smile from giving Joshua away.

  “Good. They only have up to five guests each to see the contestants tonight. It also has to be only for those contestants still featured on tonight’s televised showing,” the ticket attendant admired the twin contestants and eye-balled Roya as if she couldn’t believe the boys’ mother was standing before her, “Wow, it is an honor to meet you.” She lowered the scanner and placed it on the ticket counter inside the booth.

  “My pleasure as well,” Roya added.

  “I’ve listened to their sermons during the auditions, and loved what they said at the prison which was aired this morning.”

  “The prison sermon?” Joy said in disbelief.

  Roya showed her pearly whites. “Thank you.”

  “Already down to ten contestants, and tonight I hope your sons will be as sensitive to the people’s needs, warm, and inspirational as they’ve been the last few days.” She rambled on. She reviewed their driver’s license and nodded, then handed them back. “Again, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Roya Whitmore.”

  Roya was handed her tickets. As she passed one each to Joy and Joshua, the woman was still speaking, “Man, your daughter resembles you so much. She looks just like you!”

  “Yes, she does.”

  “That’s so amazing. I hope the baby I’m due to have in a couple months looks like me! I’m having a girl.”

  “That’s wonderful news. Congrats.” Roya added.

  “Oh, here’s an usher to take you to your seats in the audience. I’ll be at the back, watching them.” The ticket handler quickly placed a CLOSED sign in the checkout window.

  Roya saw the judges clear to the bottom of the amphitheater. She was dumbfounded as she, Joy and Joshua were led to seats in the front row, just to the right of the stage. The judges were in front of the stage, only a few inches away. Roya was stunned to see celebrity evangelists and pastors in the surrounding audience, along with several milling about onstage. She knew this was God’s calling on her sons’ lives to speak to the nations through this reality program. Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to be here. Her heart swelled with pride. Joy Meyers sat on the judges’ panel tonight, and other guests were slated to speak before the final round began.

  “You guys have to be hungry? Want anything?” Joshua asked.

  Joy yelled, “Yes. Can I go?” She begged.

  “Sure, go ahead,” Roya agreed with a nod.

  Joshua pushed past Roya to the aisle and Joy followed.

  “Wait, I’d better go too,” Roya raised her hand and caught up.

  They trailed up the aisle to the exit, he sought out the concession stand, and stood in a line.

  “Do you know what you want, young lady?”

  “Josh. I want that hot dog with all the toppings, popcorn, soda, and oh, M&Ms.”

  “What an appetite you have!” Joshua joked. “It’s yours.”

  She tugged on his shirt. She motioned her hand for him to come closer and whispered, “Will you still use money?”

  “I see what you mean,” Joshua said. “Most people are scanning their hand across some device that we used to use for the chipped card. I have a chipped card in my pocket and that’s still an option, for now.”

  “Josh, she’s right. I hope it won’t alarm anyone? After all, this is the Riches for Life program.” Roya’s voice squeaked.

  “Hey, we have a Savior on our side. Look, we got in without being scanned and still showed our driver’s license.”

  “Yes, but that’s chipped. We did that without any concern. As always, we’ve accepted governmental suggestions that do not enter our bodies,” she whispered.

  “Okay, Roya. Shh. We don’t want to make a scene,” Joshua held his hand up. “It’ll be fine. What did you want?”

  “I’m fine with fruit punch and nachos with cheese,” She answered.

  Joshua stepped to the counter and placed his order. Once the total rang up, he looked at the device where others scanned their hand over it, and still saw the symbol for a near-field credit card. He yanked it out the back of his pocket and scanned it over. He heard the buzz and glanced at Roya, who smirked over his shoulder.

  “It still works, okay?” He held up the card.

  “Okay, don’t make a scene remember?” Roya said.

  Joshua laughed. “They’d just take the number down if it didn’t. See?”

  Joy grabbed her order, Roya reached for hers, and Joshua munched on his cheeseburger while holding his soda. They speed walked through the crowd and back to their seats.

  Minister Joy Meyers stepped off the platform, down a couple stairs, and walked past the aisle to where Roya was sitting. “Hi, are you the twin boys’ mother?”

  “Yes! How did you know that?”

  Minister Joy chuckled, “I’m a fan of the twin pastors,” she said. “Tavon and Javon were showcased on an episode about their hometown, parents, other pictures, and their schools. I thought I’d walk over before the program began t
o say, ‘Hello.’”

  “Hi…I’m a huge fan of yours…”

  Minister Joy smiled and shook her hand vigorously.

  “I felt like giving up. After losing my husband and smaller children. I will not let anything happen to my twin sons if I can help it,” Roya whispered to Minister Joy. She didn’t want anyone to hear this message as people came to their seats.

  “Sorry for my thoughts, but I’ve viewed the brutal, horrendous death of your husband, Solomon Whitmore. You’re Roya Whitmore, right?” Minister inquired.

  “Correct,” Roya responded quickly.

  “Here, take this,” She handed a business card to Roya.

  “Yes. We figured that after reading your email,” Joshua whispered, looking over his shoulders to make sure no one heard him.

  “Could they really be in danger?” Roya whispered.

  Agent Snoop gave a slight nod. Yosef shook his hands and leaned forward to indicate that is a possibility. Roya sighed.

  Joy, “Mom, they’ll be fine. God is here.”

  “I pray so,” Roya whooshed.

  Roya shook Agent Snoop’s hand, and looked at him quizzically. “Don’t I know you from somewhere? Have we met before? Maybe it was a couple of years ago. I remember your face…hold on…your name is Derrick right?”

  “Great memory. Most people can remember a face, but not a name to go with that face.”

  “True.”

  “Yes, I met you briefly after one of the sermons Solomon preached with Isaiah. They were like a tag team. How’s Isaiah these days?”

  “Honestly, I don’t know. After my husband died, he promoted Joshua in my husband’s position. Here’s your second-in-command, Joshua Mack, and this is Derrick…”

  Derrick interjected, “Kennedy. Derrick Kennedy. Nice to meet you again.”

  “You too.” She interjected.

  “I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “I wish the same,” She knew nothing about this man.

  “But everyone calls me Agent Snoop. I’m an undercover working at Task Force Special Ops.”

  “Really. You may not want to say that aloud,” Joshua teased. “I hadn’t even heard about you yet.”