Once, and For All

by Kendra G. Johnson

  Mrs. Gage considered and said, “I hope we haven’t asked more of them than they can do. I did not anticipate the possibility the visitors would move in.”

  Robert added, “And I didn’t think they would assign me to keep Danny Mac and Kenann in line. I figured I would be back in their camp, where I could keep an eye on them for you.”

  Andy said, “We just roll with it, bud. Things have a way of working out the way they are supposed to.”

  Several nodded, many thanking God for his unseen guidance in these matters.

  Mrs. Gage continued. “We will need to have a rehearsal Thursday night. It has been a while since we performed and we want to be sharp for Saturday night.”

  Moira asked, “Gabrielle, can I meet with you and Kenann at some point?”

  Judy spoke up. “Can I come, too? I don’t want to be left out of Girl Power Hour.”

  Moira smiled at her warmly. “Of course.”

  Bridget laughed. “What am I, chopped liver?”

  Carter offered, “You’re one of the guys.”

  Bridget rolled her eyes. “Carter, go lay down somewhere.”

  Moira intervened before another fight could break out. “Bridget, please join us.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. James.”

  “You can only come if you start calling me Moira…or Granny.” She grinned at Kenann.

  “Indeed. Moira it is.”

  Before they dismissed, Danny Mac asked, “Any particular agenda, Mrs. Gage, when I meet with Magda?”

  She turned her gaze. “What do you think, Robert?”

  He was momentarily nonplussed. He was not used to being asked his opinion. He was only given orders. He gave her question some thought. “Well, I can assure you she hasn’t given up on bedding Danny Mac, so that will factor in for sure. But I think power respects power. Perhaps he should play up the angle that he is looking to move up the ladder?”

  “Excellent.” Mrs. Gage smiled. “Danny Mac, this will be what we use to gain her trust. She will see any effort on your part to get information as a way to gain an edge in the organization.”

  “I’ve got to protect Kenann from her, though,” Danny Mac replied.

  “Absolutely. We must solidify her place in this,” Mrs. Gage agreed.

  Moira spoke up. “Well, that was my intent for a more private conversation, but it appears we can discuss it now.” She had everyone’s attention. “I could see Kenann was in danger and I began devising a plan. We have to return her to an indispensable state. At this point, Danny Mac is the desirable commodity.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it,” Kenann interrupted, only slightly sarcastically. Everyone chuckled. Danny Mac winked at Kenann and her heart flipped. The thought hit her like a brick. Everyone wants him but I’ve got him. She smiled back at Danny Mac and it caught his breath.

  Moira continued. “I’m sure by now Magda knows about the jungle ceremony. Let’s exploit that.”

  “But how?” Several turned to Carter, expecting sarcasm, but could see he was genuinely interested.

  “Make her indispensable to the operation—to the Order,” Moira replied. “So far we’ve been lucky that no one has recognized her from Egypt. We have either incarcerated or killed anyone who could. And those who escaped did not know her true identity. She was only introduced to the group at large as Inanna.”

  “Are you saying we resurrect Inanna?” Carter asked.

  “Perhaps.”

  Everyone considered this. Mrs. Gage was the first to speak. “It just might work.”

  Blade, who had been chowing down on a large plate of nothing but bacon in his mother’s absence, raised his hand from the end of the table. They realized they had forgotten he was there.

  “Yes, dear?” Mrs. Gage smiled.

  “Kenann is going to have so many parts, she’s gonna forget who she is.”

  Everyone laughed. Except Kenann.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  As a group, they devised the back story for Kenann to reemerge as Inanna and the plan going forward. Then Danny Mac took Kenann’s hand and led her back to their room before he left to meet with Magda.

  “Danny Mac, you don’t have to reassure me anymore,” Kenann said and laughed.

  “This is not for you. It’s for me. You are my armor, baby. My spiritual advisor.”

  Kenann blew out a breath, scoffing at this.

  “Kenann, I had no idea when I fell in love with you, all the ways God wanted you in my life. I just knew you took my breath away with your humor, your heart.”

  “Is that all?” She gave him a teasing glance.

  He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him, placing his hands across her hips. “I would have thought last night proved what else I desire about you.”

  Her grin lit up her face.

  Danny Mac laughed. “You little minx, you just play at being naïve.”

  She chuckled then sobered. “I just love you so much, Danny Mac. And I know you love me. I think Satan wants me to doubt you.”

  “Absolutely. What we have, Kenann, is straight from God. The passion, the love. Satan is a destroyer of all that. He hates what we have. So promise me that anytime you even start to doubt what I feel for you, you will remember that. He is the Father of Lies. Don’t believe him.”

  “I will, Danny Mac. I know I have stinking thinking sometimes. It’s the devil’s best tool against me.”

  “Well, now you know his tactic, so counter it with good old positive truth.”

  “Okay, now who’s being the spiritual advisor?”

  “Well, right now I want to be your lover.”

  She laughed. “Works for me.”

  * * * *

  Kenann stretched languidly beside Danny Mac. She looked up at him and they smiled at each other. Pleasuring each other had become their favorite hobby. And it was only getting better with time…and practice.

  Danny Mac stroked Kenann’s arm. “Are you sure you are ready to become Inanna again?”

  She thought about this. “No, not really, but I believe it is necessary. Does that make sense?”

  “Yes. But both of us need to be in deep prayer through this whole thing.”

  “Yeah. It gives me the creeps to go back into her…it…whatever it is.”

  “You actually feel yourself changing? It isn’t a role you are playing?”

  “No, it feels different.”

  Danny Mac sat up and looked at her. “Kenann, we have to stop this.”

  “Why? What do you mean?”

  “This is more than a covert operation. This feels like spiritual warfare.”

  “What?”

  “Yes, you are describing a situation where you are being influenced.”

  Kenann thought about this. Really thought. She decided. “Okay, but forewarned is forearmed, right? If we go into this knowing the enemy, then we can fight him, right?”

  Danny Mac didn’t like this. Not at all. Kenann was placing herself into a seriously dangerous situation. She was risking her life. But was she risking her soul? “Kenann, we have to stop this.”

  “Danny Mac, I think you are overreacting.”

  “No, I’m not. I’ve seen you when this happens. You change. It doesn’t last, but why would I knowingly put you into a situation that hurts you?”

  “Do you think I am possessed?” she asked incredulously.

  “No. We’ve had this discussion before. But I do think this could hurt you.”

  “Okay. But come on, where is your faith? You and Granny have prayed me through anything that has ever happened to me. And we will get through anything else we come across…with the Lord’s help.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Well, no. But I am sure about God. He’s got this.”

  * * * *

  Granny and Danny Mac sat quietly together over coffee on the veranda that afternoon. Danny Mac had talked to her about his conversation with Kenann.

  “She says she is fine. That we can pray her through anything.”

  Granny
considered this for several moments. “Well, we had better step it up because I feel a spiritual storm coming.”

  “Do I pull her out of this?”

  “I don’t think you can. I think she was destined for this. Let’s trust God to see us through it.”

  “She is the most important thing in my life. I can’t bear the thought of losing her.”

  “Trust God, Danny Mac. We have to. He is our Rock and our Refuge in times of trouble.”

  “I’m getting distracted by all this. We haven’t been to a church service in weeks. I have been neglecting my Bible study and prayer time. I hear you, Granny. Like Kenann said, He’s got this. With His Holy Spirit inside us and angels surrounding us, whom do we fear?”

  Granny smiled. “Remember when Elisha asked God to open his servant’s eyes to see the hillside full of warrior angels ready to do battle for them?”

  “Second Kings 6?”

  “That’s right. We have to keep our spiritual eyes open. ‘Look unto the hills from where comes our strength.’”

  “Psalm 121?”

  “Very good.” Moira laughed. They smiled and were both encouraged.

  * * * *

  It was not planned, but the men gravitated to the solarium and the women to the upstairs veranda overlooking the back garden. Each gender needed the comfort and guidance that only their own could give. Andy flopped into one of the chairs and threw back his head. Once everyone was situated in their respective places, he looked at Danny Mac, who sat staring into the closest potted plant with a brooding expression on his face. Angelo sat stoically beside him. His solid presence providing subtle strength for Danny Mac.

  “How you holding up, my friend?” Andy planted his long-fingered hand on Danny Mac’s shoulder and squeezed.

  Danny Mac looked over at him and smiled. “Peachy. How are you?”

  “Don’t change the subject. You and Kenann have taken some hits. You lost her for several hours then her mother puts some moves on you and dies. Come on, you can’t even make this stuff up!”

  “I guess when you say it like that, it is pretty insane.”

  “Totally.”

  “I am just trying to keep up. And I pray.”

  Andy put his hands over his ears. “Say no more. I don’t want to succumb to your cultish ways.”

  Danny Mac had to laugh in spite of himself. He reached over and pulled Andy’s hand away from his ear and whispered loudly, “Jesus loves you.”

  In mock horror, Andy shrieked, “EEEEEEK.”

  Danny Mac boxed Andy’s ears and felt better, which had been Andy’s intention all along. They smiled at each other with complete understanding. Jake came over at that point and eased his large frame onto the window seat in front of Andy, Angelo, and Danny Mac.

  “Boys,” Jake said in way of greeting. He leaned over and squeezed Angelo’s forearm in silent support.

  Andy still had moments when he remembered Jake as their commanding officer and felt himself tense despite himself. Reflexive habits. As the newcomers, Robert and Adam had gravitated together. They had things in common as well, not least of which had been their career choice as men for hire. When they walked in together, Jake waved them over and got up, pulling a couple of chairs closer to the group.

  “Where’s Carter?” Danny Mac asked the group at large.

  “He ran me out of the makeshift comm center,” Andy supplied. “He said he would keep an eye on things. So far no one is saying much.”

  Danny Mac turned his attention to Robert and Adam. “Are you regretting hooking up with this bunch yet?”

  They looked at each other and smiled.

  Robert said, “Well, I will say you all are different. Seems to find a way to work, though. I cannot say it often enough. I am just glad to be away from that witch.” He looked at Danny Mac a little sheepishly. “Sorry, man, I know she was your wife’s mother.”

  Danny Mac smiled. “No problem.”

  Adam added, “She wasn’t always like that. She changed and I’m guessing it was after she met that Pierre fellow.”

  “No doubt,” Jake offered

  Robert continued. “I have hired out to some pretty bad people, but once this bunch got their hooks in me, they owned me. They make the mob look like Girl Scouts.”

  Andy was intrigued. “How so?”

  “Well, even the mob has a code of honor. Things they won’t do. Family is big. I don’t know, under all the violence there is a sense of heart.” He shook his head at some bad memories. “These people are cold, heartless. Empty.”

  Angelo grunted his agreement. They all understood he agreed with this assessment.

  Adam considered. “That describes the change I saw in Ann. I think Ken saw it, too, but didn’t want to accept it. He was crazy about that woman. I think he wanted a love like his mom and dad had.”

  Danny Mac smiled. “Moira? Well, who couldn’t love that woman?”

  All the men smiled warmly in agreement.

  Robert added in earnest, “Danny Mac, don’t underestimate these people. They are already dead and don’t even know it.”

  Danny Mac was chilled by his choice of description.

  * * * *

  Danny Mac took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. CJ started to react with pleasure until he saw the warning look in Danny Mac’s eyes. CJ nodded acknowledgement and stepped back.

  “Can you announce me?” Danny Mac asked.

  “Yes, sir,” CJ replied. “Wait here.”

  Magda started down the stairs. Danny Mac did not know if it was natural or she was trying to look like a sex goddess. When she made it to the foyer, Danny Mac could only laugh to himself and think, Well, I’m glad that’s over.

  “Who told you to come here?” Magda was not happy.

  “No one. I wanted to get a head start on my tutelage.”

  “What do you mean?” She headed to the sitting room and curled her finger for him to follow.

  “Well, unless I am mistaken, you are offering me a chance to advance in your organization. I want to get started.”

  Magda cocked her head and studied him. “The best way to advance is to join me.”

  He understood her meaning.

  “I told you. No can do.”

  “Well, that depends on how badly you want to advance.”

  “Oh, Magda, come now. Are you that petty?”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Careful.”

  “I see an opportunity here. I don’t want to waste time parrying with you about some sexual liaison.”

  “You are pretty sure of yourself?”

  “I know something you don’t.”

  “You have my attention.”

  “Kenann and I were in Egypt with Pierre and Katerina.”

  That rocked her and she didn’t try to hide it.

  Danny Mac went on as she sat, incredulous. “We had been recruited by him that summer. The council in the desert compound was to be our introduction. Then something happened. Pierre said he recognized Kenann as Inanna.”

  “Wait. What?” Magda was obviously familiar with the prophecy.

  Danny Mac went on. “And then she became Inanna.”

  “What do you mean she became Inanna?”

  “Just what I said. Kenann left and Inanna showed up.”

  “Well, she wasn’t Inanna here yesterday.”

  “When Pierre and Katerina were killed, everything got crazy and we ran. Shortly after that, Kenann came back to herself.”

  “Did you see who killed them?”

  “No, we just saw their bodies. Kenann does not remember much of that time. But I do. I know a lot of things she doesn’t.”

  “So where have you been since then?”

  “We had to go back to our life. We had no idea how to contact anyone because Pierre and Katerina were our only connection. Everyone scattered after the raid. So did we. Then Mrs. Gage, an eccentric rich lady in our neighborhood, had this idea to do this play and start our tour. She has made friends in some very high places and could pull o
ff the connections to get it noticed on an international level. I figured it might be the vehicle to get in touch with someone from the Order.”

  “Is Mrs. Gage connected to us?”

  “No. No one is except me and Kenann. We were on the lookout for someone in the Order and thought everything was derailing when her mom grabbed Kenann. But it looks like it was all part of the plan after all.”

  “This is a lot to take in.”

  Danny Mac laughed. “I’ll grant you that. But I’ve seen it with my own eyes. She is the key to all of this. I am protecting Kenann with my life.”

  “Because you love her or because she is promoting your agenda?”

  Danny Mac looked at her and considered. Tell her the truth or play the mercenary card?

  “Does it matter?”

  “I guess we’ll see, won’t we?” Magda smiled.

  Danny Mac did not like that smile. “I love her. Period.” Then realizing he had a role to play, he added, “And because she is the key to my agenda.” The sly smile he gave Magda cost him. Again he prayed, God, what am I doing?

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Danny Mac called another council of war upon returning to the villa that night. Blade had long since gone to bed but everyone else was in attendance. Rough, sensing something in the air, left Blade’s bedside and made his way down to the parlor to join the others. He positioned himself at Kenann’s feet. That was his true happy place and where he wanted to be if there was danger in the air.

  Danny Mac was somber but also vibrating with new information. “We hit the jackpot, Carter.”

  Everyone looked at Carter, wondering why he was singled out.

  Carter’s face paled. “The global agenda?”

  Danny Mac nodded. Andy’s face lost color as well. He had not shared with Judy the details they had been shown that day, but Kenann remembered and a shudder ran through her body. Rough leaned into her leg and laid his head on her knee, looking at her with alert golden eyes.

  Mrs. Gage, used to being the one in charge and in the know, bristled at this. A thought went through her mind that she would have to look at this later, as she hated to feel petty on any level. She cleared her throat. “Report, Daniel.”

  Danny Mac looked at Carter, who merely dropped his gaze. He had not regained his confidence to address this group. He had known this global agenda was real and his peers in the State Department had not believed him, and now he feared this group would reject him as well—again. Danny Mac was suddenly aware of Carter’s feelings in a way that he knew could only come from the Holy Spirit. His compassion for Carter swamped him, but he tamped it down.