Marked Souls

by Adrienna Turner

  Lavonne grabbed Roya back by wrapping her arms around her waist from behind and pressing her feet backward, and she whispered in Roya’s ear, “She isn’t worth it.”

  Roya made a loud sigh, “Ugh! Let me go! Just let me go!” She swayed her arms in the air as Lavonne avoided them and kept a grip around her waist not to storm towards Sondrea with her fists.

  “Ladies, we aren’t here for a fight. We’re here to discuss what’s going on here. I’m glad that you’re home safe, Lavonne. We have been tracking you since Roya called us, so we would have gotten to you in time, just so you know,” Isaiah said, patting Lavonne and Roya on their shoulders to calm the tension in the room between Sondrea and Roya.

  “Isaiah, I’m terribly sorry. I’m glad that you’re here and made it. I can’t remember how long it has been since we parted our ways. I couldn’t accept…”

  Isaiah interjected before Roya could finish her sentence, “I know. I know, sweetheart. It is best that you left Florida to be with your family in California after losing Solomon. We all miss him. You will never know what he meant to this organization!”

  He extended his hand to Sondrea, “So, this is your sister, Sondrea. It is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Isaiah Williams. This is Joshua, Yosef, Tommy, and Stuart. One of our guys stayed in the SUV parked outside with Agent Derrick Kennedy to make sure the coast is clear.”

  Sondrea frowned, “What do you mean by the coast is clear? Nothing is going to happen if I can help it. Yeah, I know Joshua from that brief ceremony after Solomon’s death. I never was properly introduced though. I also didn’t get the chance to meet you one-on-one either, Isaiah, back then. I hear that you’re still at Roya and Solomon’s house?”

  Isaiah cracked a smile, but didn’t answer.

  “I finally get to meet the leader of Alliance Crusaders,” Sondrea added.

  “Yes, you have.” He leaned his head. “We’ve also been in touch with another organization called Ambassadors in Christ, which are now stationed in Los Angeles and Atlanta. There are twelve members in Los Angeles and twelve in Atlanta. While we are stationed in Florida, we keep in touch to see what’s going on with the Antichrist and his allies.”

  “Who’s this Antichrist? Chipped? Hocus-pocus, come on, you truly believe this?” Sondrea remarked and folded her arms over her chest.

  “Sadly, we have too many losing their souls and taking the mark! They’re being chipped.”

  “This is nonsense.” Sondrea retorted.

  “We will not argue with you Sondrea.” His hands extended to his fellowmen. “This is your home. If you want to find out more, we can talk in another room—alone.” Isaiah spoke in a calm tone, extending his hand out to hers with a glance at Bernard.

  She shook her head, making it obvious that she refused to hear what he had to say. She turned heel, put her nose in the air, grabbed Bernard’s hand and pranced out of the room with him in tow.

  Lavonne let go her grip on Roya. Roya rushed towards Sondrea. Her twin sons jumped in her way to avoid a confrontation between sisters.

  Tavon yelled, “Mom, what are you doing?”

  “Don’t tell me that my eldest son is defending this woman! How could she marry Bernard when her sister, Lavonne was missing! And Sunny, how could you stay there when this happened?” Roya turned her head to look at Sunny on the side of her.

  Sunny lowered her head in repugnance. She tightened her lips.

  She swung her hands in the air, mumbling, “What’s wrong with these people? They say I’m losing it!”

  Joshua ambled towards Roya to wrap his arms around her. He hugged her tightly. She started to sob on his shoulder, laying her head down in the crook of his arm, and he pushed back her curly locks. He kissed Roya on her forehead. She entangled her arms around his waist as tears dripped from her eyelids.

  Tavon said, “Mom, I didn’t mean to make you cry. I’m so sorry. I love you. I just don’t want to see you fight. Please Mom, understand?”

  Roya flagged him off of her when he attempted to hug her from behind.

  It was apparent that Sunny desired to be married too. “Sis, let her enjoy her life, with Bernard. I get it.”

  Sondrea acted like a wild beast, as she came storming into the living room, straight at Roya with her long nails extended to claw at her back. Lavonne ran up on Sondrea, balled up her fist, and punched full-blast at her head. Sondrea held her hand over her mouth, mumbling, “What is wrong with you girl?”

  “You’re trying to attack Roya while her back was turned. I should be asking you, what is wrong with you! I cried inside when they captured me, but I was thinking unselfishly that I wanted to see your wedding ceremony still continue.”

  “I’m not going to let you or your Alliance friends destroy what I have! I have a good man and you will not pin any of this on him!” Sondrea jogged to the kitchen to put ice on her mouth to stop the bleeding and soothe the pain. Sunny followed to check on her.

  Joy’s mouth was open, eyes bulging, in shock to see her aunts & mother fighting. Roya hugged Lavonne when she turned around. “Thank you, Sis, for having my back.”

  “Roya, you were the only one that came to my rescue. What I just did was nothing. I wasn’t going to watch Sondrea claw her long nails into your back or pull your hair. I love you!” Lavonne kissed her on the forehead and hugged her.

  Tavon hugged his mom from behind this time without her pushing him back off of her. Javon and Joy embraced their mother too. They were happy she didn’t swing at Sondrea. They’d fought like wild women in the past and no telling what would’ve happened this round. Joshua grinned and then folded his hands over his muscular chest.

  Roya joked, “I see Joshua and you’ve worked out. You’re so toned now since the last time we saw each other. I didn’t notice it when we were in Philly, but then again, I didn’t hug you like that.”

  “Yeah, I’m glad you noticed,” he said sarcastically.

  Isaiah butted into their casual banter. “Well, where can we talk to go over some of these incidents? I got my guy from Atlanta, Tommy, and he’s an old friend of mine. He is one of my military buddies. When we were in the Air Force together, he can fly any type of contraption.”

  “Maybe it’s best to go back to my house! You can see we aren’t welcomed here. It’s strange that her newlywed husband isn’t with her, overhearing everything we say. They were just married a few hours ago!”

  Sondrea overheard the last comment made by Roya. She stepped in the living room before they exited the mini-mansion home, saying, “I thought you forgave me after all these years. My husband, for your information, just left on an emergency business trip. He did make it in time for our wedding ceremony. Again, for the last time, I don’t believe he has anything to do with this mysterious capture of Lavonne. I heard on the news last week that her—,” she sneered, pointing at Lavonne, “fiancé boyfriend, Mark Mathis, has some enemies in the criminal world on his trail. They escaped prison grounds and on his tail!”

  “I’m not going to cater to that last comment, Sondrea. You’re still all about yourself even though you want others to believe you’re all about Christ. Remember, you have to be Christ-centered, not self-centered. I hope you are happy with your new husband and it’s worth it all!” Roya said, keeping her distance. “But, don’t think for a minute that I will not keep tabs on Bernard.” She raised her finger in the air. “Doesn’t it seem strange that he left now, immediately after your wedding and reception, again claiming it is business? I also looked up this Luke character who got his wife to contact me months ago, and we saw him at the spot when I got Lavonne in the car to drive off. What is he doing here—from Florida?” Roya emphasized her observations to make sure Sondrea understood.

  “Who is Luke?” Sondrea quizzed, nervously shaking while holding the ice pack over her mouth.

  “Look, I’m so ready to go! Come on kids, let’s jet because I’m two minutes off hurting your so-called aunt.” Roya sauntered past Sondrea to the door with Tavon, Javon & Joy. Lavonne
and the men from the Alliance Crusaders for Christ thanked Sondrea and followed behind Roya and her children.

  They opened the door to see Jaizon on the porch, about to ring the doorbell. His eyes grew big with excitement to see Roya standing there. It was obvious he was surprised to see Roya at Sondrea’s home. He grabbed Roya’s arm, “Hey remember me, Roya?”

  “Jaizon! Hey. I’m about to leave. We can chat later,” She dug in her purse and handed him a business card.

  “Wait, Roya. Hey, Tavon and Javon, right? I heard every word of your last sermon. Powerful stuff, guys!” Jaizon raved on.

  Tavon and Javon shook his hand. They raced behind Roya to the parked car.

  Jaizon

  Jaizon stared at Joy as she sidled behind him to follow her brothers, stunned to see her blossoming into a young lady. He smiled. He became more excited when he saw Joshua. “Hey man. You might not remember me. I was in the audience when you were giving that remarkable eulogy to Solomon. Solomon took me to a couple meetings when he was living! I’m Jaizon.”

  “Yes. I vaguely remember you, but good to see you man. I heard so much about you. You’re a multi-platinum singer, right?” Joshua asked.

  “Yes, that’s me.”

  “Good. Happy to meet you,” Joshua extended his hand.

  “I would love to join your organization. I heard so much about it.” Jaizon inquired.

  “How did you hear about us?” Joshua quizzed.

  “Believe me, I just know of you, because of Solomon,” Jaizon said blatantly.

  “We are having a brief meeting now. This is Isaiah, our head of the Alliance Crusaders for Christ organization, who founded and started it. You can follow us or ride with us if you like. We’re leaving now. Roya’s upset and we’re trailing behind her,” Joshua walked over the threshold to his car while Jaizon stood at the door and watched them leave. He stared at Isaiah, who was the last person to leave Sondrea’s home.

  Sondrea ran to the front door, watching them leave, and she called to Sunny to stay with her. Sunny shook her head. She screamed while running down the sidewalk, “Wait for me, Roya. Don’t leave me here! I’m sorry.”

  She stood, watching the cars leave. Sondrea turned and noticed Jaizon outside of her door.

  “What do you want?”

  “Here, I wanted to pay my month’s rent.” He handed her an opaque white envelope.

  “You know that you could have paid me on PayPal or Cash app.” She fired. “Please don’t meet me at my home again. I don’t think my husband is comfortable with this little arrangement.” Sondrea barked.

  “Yeah, whatever. I figured I would get this payment to you before you went on your honeymoon. It occurred to me that you might need the extra cash on the trip. Peace,” he raced down the sidewalk to his car to follow the cars driving off.

  CHAPTER 20

  Sunny Days Come Again

  July, Los Angeles

  Roya parked her Infiniti QX car in the driveway. Derrick pulled behind her vehicle and parked. She flagged everyone to come inside. Joshua followed behind her as she offered them a seat in the living room.

  “What’s wrong?” Joshua asked.

  “Does something have to be wrong?” Roya replied as she headed to the bathroom.

  “No. I guess not. Sorry, I don’t want to disturb you.”

  Joshua turned around hastily. He walked past her, gathering his thoughts as he headed back into the living room with the other crew members. Lord, I’ve got to get my head straight when dealing with serious issues.

  Roya stepped out of the bathroom; turning off the lights after washing her hands, and saw Sunny standing in the hallway, waiting with her arms folded.

  “Hey, Roya. You’re chilled now. I see how Joshua looks at you,” Sunny offered.

  “Really. Are you saying what I think?” Roya said.

  “Yep. He has feelings for you, for sure. I also wanted to let you know that I’m attracted to his boy, Yosef,” Sunny added.

  “Yeah right, Sis. This is too much right now,” Roya walked around her, grabbing her arm as they headed down the hall. “Task force has struck again. We’re warriors.”

  “Okay, Sis.” Sunny followed, “I hope you’re cool now. I pray nothing happens to Sondrea.”

  “Ugh.” Roya waved her hand to dismiss it.

  “I fear what is to come, Sis.”

  “What’s on your mind, Sunny? Truthfully, now,” Roya stopped to glare into Sunny’s eyes.

  “Well, from my understanding, Satan will appoint twelve apostles to join his New World order before he’s appointed since he calls himself Messiah! He’ll stand on top of the Jerusalem temple to display his dictatorship on Earth.”

  “Where did you hear this from?”

  “Twelve apostles, sounds like carbon-copy of Jesus Christ, when he walked the earth with his twelve disciples. I wonder if there’s a Judas in the midst.”

  “Wow, Sis!” Roya’s eyes widened. She folded her arms.

  “This Salvator fellow sounds like a counterfeit of the real Christ.”

  “Did you know that his name means “Savior?” I think in Latin. Don’t quote me on it, but I know that’s what it means. Wow, he’s a genius. I wonder if he was born of a whoremonger instead of a virgin,” Roya commented.

  “If he was, he’s going against Christian beliefs, Jewish traditions and most traditional morality!” Sunny said quickly as her voice rose.

  “Sweetie, I don’t want to get you all riled up. Will you join me in the kitchen, please?” Roya sauntered to the kitchen.

  Sunny took a deep breath, and nodded. “You’re right, Sis. Everyone has to be hungry!”

  A short time later, after everyone had eaten, Sunny couldn’t keep her eyes off of Yosef. Javon, sitting next to her on the couch, tapped her on the arm, leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Why are you looking at Yosef like that?”

  She spoke in a soft voice, “I like him. I wonder if he’s married. Or has any kids? He’s so hot.”

  “Umm. Aunt, I don’t need to know that,” Javon remarked.

  “Well then, Javon, don’t ask,” Sunny chuckled.

  Yosef glanced at Sunny. Then, startled to see her gazing at him, he looked down at his hands. Feeling the chemistry, he looked over for a longer moment, and found himself mesmerized by her hazel-green eyes. He got up out of the recliner and asked Javon, “May I sit here?”

  Javon scooted over to the end of the couch. Tavon was seated on the arm of the couch. Joy sat at their feet on the carpet.

  Isaiah occupied a two-seated wide recliner next to his old friend, Tommy. Derrick, Joshua, and other guests had taken the straight back wooden chairs with cushions from the dining room and had arranged themselves in a large circle around the perimeter of the room. When Roya brought in a tray of drinks from the kitchen, Tavon and Javon offered to help pass them around. Roya nodded her head to give them the okay.

  Jaizon, having let himself in the front door, “What brings everyone here to Los Angeles?”

  “Jaizon. What are you doing here?” Roya called from the hall as she was returning from the kitchen with a tray of finger desserts.

  “Well, since there’s nothing going on at home, I accepted Joshua’s invitation to follow you all here. I hope it’s okay?”

  Roya gave a slight nod, and shooed at him.

  “To answer Jaizon’s question, we’re here to help Roya after her sister’s capture. We’re trying to figure out who captured her and to discuss who and where these intruders can be? Who’s involved?” Joshua answered.

  “How can I help?” Jaizon offered, as he sat on the hearth of the fireplace.

  “We’ll see.” Joshua turned to Roya, “They may foreclose on your home, Roya, since they are no longer accepting our payments via checks.” Joshua explained.

  “What did you say, Josh? The bank is trying to foreclose on my home? I paid it off almost seventeen years ago!” Roya remarked.

  “That may be true, but if you’re unable to pay your property taxes, they
can allow someone else to pay the taxes and own the home on the tax sale…whatever they call it. I got a notice in the mail this week. According to the notice, you’re expected to put in the access code of your microchip, where the computers read the imprint of your hand or head once you put it up to the computer screen. That’s some weird crap, and the computer talks to the customer while online. Scary. Tommy’s looking into that now,” Joshua responded.

  “Yes, that’s scary, but why haven’t we heard about that restriction?” Roya asked. “It’s been some time since I checked the corporation’s mailbox…could they’ve sent a chip—hmm, let me ponder on that for a minute.”

  She touched her cheek with her forefinger while she thought, and continued, “since corporations aren’t people.”

  “I beg to differ,” Joshua remarked.

  “It seems as if we’d have gotten more information than just suddenly needing an implanted chip for an online system, even though just about all new appliances have hand scanners now. Can’t we just use the bank credit cards?”

  “It’s only available on sites that you want to pay your accounts online. I’m not exactly sure how you’ll be able to pay on your home property taxes by the end of this year. We had this problem last year in Florida. The bank has extended this new procedure for about a year and wants you to use it to pay the back-tax payments. It is July now. We only have a few months left to come up with something. Otherwise, the fifty people we are currently housing will be out on the streets. This is how they are uniting our world system with those who take the mark, by stealing the homes you've worked hard for by making it difficult for you to make payments as you normally did. They really want us to take the mark. Nothing is guaranteed. One minute you can be in a luxurious home and the next, on the streets. Anything can go with the enemy from hell. You know what they’ll do once they capture them or any of us. I dread the thought." Joshua shook his head and lowered his head for a moment.

  He continued, “We’ve been meeting and talking to the Ambassadors in Christ organization through video conferencing, they’ve been also sharing some other frightening news. They were raided by young secret agents, killing anyone that moved or who had renounced the New World Order. Only one of their young girls got away with the help of an Alliance Crusader pretending to be a cop with a bullet proof vest on. He was able to get her away safely after shooting one of the agents down in broad daylight. They will be transporting her here this weekend, once everything has chilled out in Atlanta.”