“Listen, guy, I just deliver them. Do you want it or not?”
Protocol dictated he should not accept packages until they were checked out by the hazard team, but he could not think anyone seeking him harm would know he was here, so he relented. As soon as he signed, the man stepped out of sight of the door and returned with a package on a dolly. He brought it into the room and made no pretense that he was waiting for a tip. Andy was intrigued and handed the man the first thing he pulled out of his pocket. The delivery man quickly pocketed the fifty and closed the door behind him as he left.
Andy walked around the box slowly looking for clues as to its origin. There were no markings except his name and the address of the hotel.
Finally, he thought, ‘Why not,’ and began pulling at the tape securing the top of the box. Once opened, he gingerly began pulling out the tissue paper chastising himself.
“This is a bad, bad idea.” He said aloud.
His body jolted when he saw a hand. He stepped back and drew his service revolver pointing it at the opening.
“Come out of there. Hands where I can see them.”
He saw shapely hands and well-toned, lovely arms and then his heart stopped.
Judy stood up and looked at him under her lashes. He couldn’t move. He reminded himself to breathe.
“Andy could you point that somewhere else?’
He came to himself with a start and holstered his weapon. He began tearing into the box to get to her.
“I don’t care why you are here. Don’t say anything. Just let me touch you.”
Judy laughed and began helping tear away the barrier between them. She finally pushed through the last vestiges of the box and went into his arms. He simply held her. She felt the pounding of his heart and never knew anything could feel that good. They stood that way for several moments.
“Can I say something now?” She asked.
“Only if it is good.”
“I don’t hate you.”
Andy chuckled. “Well, that’s good.” He pulled back to look at her face. “Why are you here?” He hoped he was strong enough for the answer.
“Because, I want to be with you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Well, I just fed exed myself to you. I think I’m pretty sure.”
He laughed from glee and joy and disbelief all rolled in one. Twirling her around, they both laughed like children. Once again, she thought, who knew she could feel this free.
“Wow, I haven’t thought past the rejection.”
“Well, you better be thinking. I didn’t come this far to be shown the door now.”
“Oh, baby, you are not going anywhere.” He framed her face with his hands. “I have thought about this.”
He captured her lips with his. She was able to respond to him with all the abandon that had been missing in her life. She had been sexually assaulted at 17 and had shut herself off from men ever since. She knew without a doubt she was breaking free of that demon. It felt glorious. Pouring all that pent-up passion into her kiss, she made Andy forget any other woman he had ever been with. He was branded now. A goner. And he loved it.
* * *
Kenann did not waste any time reaching out. Danny Mac had taught Granny how to Skype. She took one look at Kenann’s face and said, “Talk to me.”
And she did.
Granny listened intently, only interrupting for succinct questions. When Kenann had told her everything, she sat back and gave Granny a questioning look.
“This is not good, Kenann.”
“That’s all you got?”
Granny laughed. “No, smart aleck. This is very important information. Danny Mac needs to know.”
“What, that I’m crazy?”
“You are not crazy dear. You are being used.”
“Used?”
“You have never had these issues or symptoms before. You are not crazy.”
“But, Granny, I am afraid that I am having a trauma reaction.”
“Does that make you crazy?” Granny gave her a very pointed look.
Kenann dropped her head. She looked up. “I knew talking to you would help me. Of course, it doesn’t, and I have been very silly.”
“That being said, dear, I am not sure this is coming from some trauma reaction.”
“You don’t?”
“No. You are being stalked.”
“By the Society?”
“Yes. And it is time to talk to Danny Mac.”
“Okay, Granny. Thank you for being my voice of reason.”
“Take back your life, Kenann. You are a smart cookie. Don’t allow yourself to be a victim.”
Kenann could feel her shoulders straightening and her spine strengthening. She grabbed her phone and called Danny Mac.
When he answered, she said, “Danny Mac, I am calling a council of war.”
CHAPTER SIX
Danny Mac and Kenann made their way up the long tree shaded drive to Mrs. Gage’s large Gothic home, holding hands. They had spent the last two days talking, knowing their lives were about to change again. It had taken that long to get everyone in place for the meeting. Mrs. Gage owned one of the largest homes (estates really) in Memphis. As they started up the wide stone steps leading to the platform landing, the front door opened to reveal a diminutive woman with frosted hair and large personality.
“There you are, my sweets. Everyone is gathered in the parlor. Oh, I have missed you two.”
“Hello, Mrs. Gage.” Danny Mac took her hands in his and kissed her on the cheek. She leaned into Kenann for another kiss. Kenann was comforted by the scent of her signature perfume. Mrs. Gage led them into the massive foyer, turning right into the parlor. The people sitting around the fireplace looked like a family gathering – comfortable and relaxed to be together. Jake Taylor, a large, grizzled man who had commanded Danny Mac in battle had Blade, their ten year old mascot in a head lock and was tickling him in the ribs while Judy and Andy looked on laughing. Mrs. James, Kenann’s grandmother entered from the side patio door where she had been enjoying the garden.
“Granny!” Kenann ran and wrapped her arms around her. “When did you get here? And why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“I’m just full of surprises.” She reached out a hand for Danny Mac who obliged her by wrapping his arms around his two favorite women. It was then that they were struck by the scene of Andy with his arm around Judy who was nestled in next to him.
“Well, well,” Kenann beamed, “It seems we have a development.”
Judy’s smile was magnificent as she turned and looked up at Andy. He looked down at her as if she were the only person in the room or in the world.
Danny Mac broke the spell by coming behind them and inserting his face between them for a hug.
“It’s about time. I was afraid I was going to have to hire Angelo to kidnap one of you to get this ball rolling.”
The silence was deafening. Danny Mac looked up, afraid his humor had missed the mark, when suddenly the room erupted in laughter. Relieved, he joined in the laughter and grabbing Kenann’s hand pulled her down to sit with him in the oversized chair next to the fireplace. Mrs. Gage was firmly ensconced as the unofficial leader of this merry band of misfits and stood at the focal point in front of the group.
“Kenann has called this council of war. We have been home for a few weeks now and I think it is time we process our experiences both individually and collectively. First I must ask if anyone feels anything particularly pressing.”
No one spoke for several moments. Jake cleared his throat and straightened his posture in preparation to speak.
“Gabriel, you know my thoughts, but I will discuss it for the benefit of the group. I have been deeply troubled by the scope of this society we uncovered. I have had a very hard time wrapping my mind around this and making sense of it. To be honest I am angry and perplexed that this could have been allowed to go on for apparently thousands of years.”
He paused. “And as much as I am loath to admit,
it has shaken my faith somewhat. I have so many questions. I know we need not ask why, but I do.” He leaned back as if spent.
Granny James nodded several times deep in thought. “Jake, I have to admit some of the same feelings. I know God is still in control, but it does shake me a bit. Andy, have they learned anything new?”
All eyes turned to Andy. He shook his head. “Carter has been working nonstop on the intel coming in. I told him I needed some personal time.” He glanced down at Judy and smiled. “He was so caught up in it all, he just grunted and waved me away. I took that as permission and took the next flight to Memphis. But he sent me a message this morning to get my butt back to DC and bring all of you with me.” Andy saw their expressions and said with chagrin, “I had planned to save that little bit for later.”
Danny Mac came more alert. He maintained a healthy sense of guardedness where governmental authority was concerned.
“Andy, he already offered Kenann a job which she declined. What does he want?”
“Danny, you know he doesn’t respond to the word no. He has been given the directive to take point on this task force. He is caught in the competition between us, Mossad and MI6. He needs us.”
“All of us?” Blade asked expectantly.
Andy smiled indulgently. “Yes, you have proven to be a trustworthy soldier and have more than earned a place on this team.” Blade became solemn as he absorbed this praise. He knew his mom would kill him if he sneaked onto any more trips like the last one. His mom was grateful for Danny Mac’s help since his father’s death last year from Sickle Cell Anemia, but Blade knew he wouldn’t be doing that again.
Mrs. Gage spoke up. “Andy, can you tell us exactly why Carter needs us?”
“Even though the computer information we retrieved from the underground facility was extensive, as well as the information Angelo provided, the organization has been able to cover their tracks well. It appears to be the key as to how they have survived this long. They had contingencies in place that allowed them to disappear and go underground without a trace.”
Jake offered, “That explains the disappearance of the State Department official you recognized in the crowd that night.”
“Exactly.” Andy agreed. “Gone along with any paper or electronic trace of his activity while in office. It is an ingenious system – comprehensive. Even though his disappearance hit the news, there has been no hint of his involvement in a secret society.”
Danny Mac persisted. “Why all of us, Andy?”
“Because we are Carter’s bargaining chip to stay in command. No one got closer to the core of this Society. If Carter maintains us under his command, he can run the show. Otherwise he is just another analyst.”
Danny Mac continued, “We are going to have to discuss this as a group and weigh all the ramifications of teaming up with Carter. I sold my soul to him once. I don’t plan on doing it again.”
Mrs. Gage turned to Kenann. “Dear, you have said nothing, and it was you who asked to have this meeting.”
Kenann looked around at the people who had all risked their lives for her. She was afraid to her very marrow. She felt the minute she spoke things would be put in motion and there would be no going back. She took a very deep breath, letting it out slowly. All eyes looked at her with love. She dove in.
“I am counting on your understanding and plead with you not to overreact, okay?” She waited until they all assented verbally or by gesture.
“Something strange has been happening. I don’t have the answers. All I can do is tell you what it is. I am not crazy. And I really don’t think it is a result of trauma from this summer.” She winked at Granny in silent thanks for her clear reasoning. No one moved a muscle but continued to look at her intently.
“Okay.” She forged on. “I have been seeing shadows. I look out the window and sometimes think I see someone standing at the edge of the woods. They are wearing those brown robes like we saw in the underground. The hoods are pulled down over their face, so I cannot see who it is. I have run downstairs to confront them, but they are gone. And I dream. Dreams that shake me up. And I lose time. The other night Danny Mac found me out cold in the back yard.”
Everyone looked to Danny Mac for confirmation. He added, “I had entertained the idea that Pierre hypnotized her at some point. She went off book on the platform in Egypt. That would explain a lot of this. And that means someone is getting close enough to administer whatever trigger Pierre set up. If it hadn’t been for a large yellow dog that woke me up barking and growling, they might have had her. As soon as I came out and saw Kenann on the ground, the dog ran away. It may have saved her life.”
Kenann pressed on. “And I am hearing things. Chanting. Screaming sometimes. It unnerves me. I haven’t said anything before because I was afraid I was going crazy. And then I got mad. I am not crazy. I want to get to the bottom of this.”
Mrs. Gage reached over and put her hand over Kenann’s hand.
“Dear, we will get to the bottom of this most assuredly. Any ideas?” She looked around the room.
Judy was the only one with enough confidence to ask. “Kenann, are you sure these aren’t hallucinations?”
“Well, of course I can’t be 100% sure on something like that, but my gut says they aren’t. Now the voices, I suppose could be, but they sure don’t seem like it. And I never hear them when anyone else is around. That’s suspicious. If they were hallucinations, they would come indiscriminately.”
Andy turned to Danny for confirmation, “Have you heard anything?”
“No, but I believe Kenann. I knew something was bothering her, but she is not losing touch with reality. If she were, wouldn’t there be other subtle signs?”
“Hello? Crazy person still in the room!” Everyone laughed.
She went on. “Clinically, you are right, Danny Mac. Someone who is hallucinating or becoming delusional will often show some deterioration in other areas. Social skills, hygiene stuff like that.”
Jake offered. “Well, then that leaves the option that there is someone stalking Kenann from that cult.”
“If they are making contact in this way, we can use it,” Andy interjected.
Judy glared up at him. He held her gaze. She spit out, “So you are willing to use her again for your means.”
“Yes, I am. Kenann is a tough cookie. Carter would never have offered her a job if he didn’t think she could handle it. This may be an opportunity we cannot afford to pass up.”
Judy looked from face to face for reinforcement that this was wrong. She found none. Even Kenann looked resigned.
“Judy, I know why you feel that way and I appreciate it, but Andy is right. I didn’t choose to still be involved in this but apparently, I am. It is what it is, and we have to play the hand we are dealt.”
“Well, it still stinks. And you Mister,” her glare was a little softer, “Are in charge that nothing happens to my best friend.”
“That’s my job, Judy.” Danny Mac looked deadly serious.
Kenann rolled her eyes. “Honestly, Danny Mac.”
He captured her chin with his hand and looked intently in the eyes. “Deal with it.”
At that moment, a butler in full livery appeared at the door to the library. Kenann was once again reminded that Mrs. Gage lived in a whole different world than her.
“Madame, a gentleman wishes to join your company.”
“Who is it, Dawson?”
“He says his name is Carter.” The entire room stirred in unison.
“Show him in and implement the increased security measures, please.”
“Yes madame.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
All eyes faced the doorway as Carter, a section chief of the CIA, entered the room. He was a compact man who made up in his commanding demeanor what he lacked in stature. He wasted no time.
“I see I have come at a fortuitous time. Finding all of you together saves me time. The only person we are missing is Angelo. I know you know where he is, Danny. I n
eed you to get him here pronto.”
He did not wait for assent, self-assured that his orders would be carried out. Kenann felt Danny Mac stiffen beside her. Carter forged on.
“We are nearing completion of our analysis of the records we retrieved from the underground facility in the desert of Egypt. That, and the information you were able to provide, Danny, on the scrolls you reviewed at Monforte’s villa, have painted a very disturbing picture. Of course, the scrolls were gone by the time we got to the villa, but thankfully for us you have almost total recall. I have left you alone for the last few weeks while our analysts completed their work. No more. I need to pull out every memory, every nuance you remember to get a handle on this bunch. They aren’t done. And like a wounded animal, I fear we have only made them more dangerous.”
Mrs. Gage re-took command of the room. “Mr. Carter, it is a delight to have you with us and we do appreciate you leaving us alone.” Carter cut his eyes to her.
Andy dropped his gaze to hide his smile. Mrs. Gage continued. “And we have much to tell you. If you will make yourself comfortable, we will do our best to bring you up to speed.”
Carter had no choice but to sit. He looked at Andy and sneered, “Personal business, huh?”
Andy’s fair complexion betrayed him. Judy stuck out her chin daring him to say another word. Carter secretly admired her spunk and made a tactical retreat.
Mrs. Gage nodded to Danny Mac. “Will you be so kind?”
He rose from his seat and stood a little apart to address Carter. He related the apparent harassment of Kenann by these forces, and what she was hearing and seeing. He acknowledged Carter’s assessment that this secret society continued to be a considerable threat and went on to say he felt they were planning to target Kenann. And for that reason alone, he would do everything within his power to stop this cabal. Then he turned to Kenann. She raised an eyebrow seeing something in his eyes but remained silent.
“Kenann has expressed for several weeks that we should wait to marry.”
“Danny Mac!” Kenann sighed out his name in exasperation.
“Not one word till I am finished.” She crossed her arms in a perfect pout.
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