In Searching: Finding Out The Truth (Left Behind Series Fanfic #2)

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XIX

****
Late that night, Ashton was able to find directions to Josiah's parents house. He pulled into drive way. He walked up front, where Josiah greeted him. Then he let him in.

"We should probably get some rest", said Josiah, "I got to get back to work later in the morning."

"Oh, how's that girl, Molly, doing?", asked Ashton.

"She's improving. She'll be out in a couple of days or so. Then she'll move in here as well."

"Wow. It's sure going to get crowded. Though in a big house like this, it will be nice to have about.... how many?"

"Well, there will be eight of us."

They came in, and decided to rest for the night. Ashton knew it would be a long day. Well, then, what if he didn't have to work double shift? That would be something. The next morning, Ashton got ready to get to the police station in Chicago, and Josiah got ready to go back to work. Everett, Santiago, and Aneurin would keep an eye on things.

****
Ashton arrived at the police station in Chicago. There was now the murder that happened late that night in Chicago. Sergeant Forgarty was meeting with Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan about what to do about Leroy Banks, the murderer.

"Well, Sergeant Fogarty said there was a problem", said Cole.

"What's that?", asked Ashton.

"You know we’re still trying to dig out from all the problems associated with the disappearances, everybody on the police force is already working overtime every day. We have to set priorities. Murder may not be one of them. Prejudice is still alive and well, even among the police. Sometimes especially among the police. You remember that Fogarty used to be homicide, right?"

"He mentioned that before"

"Yeah. He called his old boss from homicide, and him the whole story, and he thinks there’s a good chance we can nail this LeRoy Banks for both murders—André and the André look-alike. As long as LeRoy is living here in Mount Prospect, that’s where the jurisdiction problem comes in. The Chicago PD often cooperates—in a manner of speaking—with suburban departments, but here’s where, unfortunately, the racism surfaces. He claims he was speaking for his bosses. He was speaking his own mind and pretending he wasn’t."

"What did the boss say?" with everything we’ve got on our plates right now, everybody overworked and all, people are asking themselves what do they care about this element killing each other off.

"He said that with everything we’ve got on our plates right now, everybody overworked and all, people are asking themselves what do they care about this element killing each other off."

"So what's the problem?"

"Fogarty is with us here in Chicago and Banks is way too far away. We somehow need to get him back here in Chicago. Though I have no idea how we're going to do it."

"What about Eddie? He's one of the best homicide detectives we've got."

"I'm sure he could do it, but then, I don't know. I'm sure those kids will come up with something with Tom Fogarty. If anyone can catch that Leroy guy, he could do it."

Ashton sat the desk, and saw an image of what was left of Andre's apartment in Chicago. He couldn't believe that a murder had happened there. Then he read the online news- Two of the firemen who went into that building last night never made it out. If that was arson—and they found the source of the fire, a gas can, in an apartment rented under the name Cornelius Grey—deaths related to it can be considered homicides. Mr. Grey hasn’t been seen there for a long time. For as Ashton knew, Grey was not the murderer. He could gather somehow that Leroy and Cornelius were working closely together.

****
Molly had woken up in the hospital later that morning. It seemed like she had over slept. She had been checked on by a quite a few number of nurses, notably Josiah. He knocked on the door, and entered.

"How are we doing this morning?", asked Josiah with a smile.

Molly thought there was something about that smile of his, which was perfectly white teeth in that dark feature of his.

"Fine", said Molly.

"Good", then he gave her some water and medication, "In about a day, you'll be out of here."

"Is there anything going on in the world."

Josiah sighed, and told her how Ashton told him of a murder that had taken place in Chicago. The victim was indetify as Andre Dupree, an African American. Molly thought the name sounded familiar.

"Did he have any relatives left?", asked Molly.

"All of his family vanished except for one nephew", said Josiah, "I believe Ashton told me that his name was Lionel Washington. You know him?"

"I go to school with him and he's in my class. His mom was my dad's boss at the Global Weekly."

Molly could not believe what was happening. She had an uncle that was killed, too, except that he was far away in London. Josiah told her that the police had too much on their hands He told her that he needed to tend to some other patients and would be back to check on her. She nodded, and he left and closed the door. Then she laid back on her pillow. There had to be something about Josiah. Was he being nice to her or was that part of his job? It had to be. But it seemed each time had checked on her, he was getting friendly with her. She wondered how could that be.

***
Everett read in the paper about a murder that had happened in Chicago. It said that the apartment was rented under a man named Cornelius Grey, and the victim was Andre Dupree. Grey might as well have been a suspect, though the paper said he hadn't been seen in years. Meanwhile, Aneurin and Santiago began to wonder about school. As far as they knew, it was closed until further notice. How long would it be until school gets back up and running? And when it does, they began to wonder if school would ever been the same.

[With the disappearances, it seemed like things would never be the same]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XIX

****
Josiah had been checking on patients. Since the vanishings, many had been brought in to the hospital for accidents that followed. Plus, quite a few of the hospital staff were missing, so they became short on staff.

"Josiah", said a doctor, "Can you talk to you?"

"Yes, doctor", said Josiah as he attended to a patient. Then he met with the doctor in the lounge, "What is it?"

"I've been impressed by what you've done at our hospital. Though I must say... that girl we have admitted.... Molly..."

"I've been attending to her like any other patient."

"I'm not questioning your skill to attend to her. I think you've done a great job. Though I do think you've been getting rather... how do I say it...?"

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"Well, I'm not sure how I can say it. But it seems like you were getting close to her."

"Doctor, you know she's been through a lot. We admitted her when she tried to kill herself. We ought to be grateful that her two brothers called the paramedics and got her here in time."

"I know. It's just that...", though the doctor couldn't think of anything else to say.

Josiah decided he needed to attend to some of the patients. He began to wonder what could the doctor possibly mean or what was he trying to get at. He cared about Molly, and he was the one who periodically checked on her. But was the doctor worried that Josiah was getting too friendly or too close to Molly? Was he worried that he was starting to see her as more than a patient? No, that couldn't be it. Josiah knew he had to be careful not to think of Molly as something more.

*****
"What you know?", asked Everett, "School isn't up and running still. It could be a while."

"I wonder if school will ever be the same", said Santiago.

"I don't know."

"What about the elementary schools?", asked Aneurin, "Those kids are gone, and whose know how many teachers and administration teams are left. What else? How many secondary students are left?"

The boys looked at one another, wondering about what school would be like. It may never be the same again, like everything else.

****
Ashton was at the police station when he heard Tom Fogarty who, along with Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan, come up with a plan to catch Leroy and Cornelius.

"This is how it's going to work", said Tom, "We figure out a way to make it look like Leroy and Cornelius are coming to pick up insurance money to help pay the apartment rent. They come and pick up the money, and we bust them!"

"So you think it's going to work, Sergeant Forgarty?", asked Ashton.

"I'm sure it will. Then who knows? I might get back on homicide."

"That's not my department, but I've been involved with murder cases. Now with so many on the rise these days...."

In the meantime, Eddie had come in with a video that saw the whole murder thing. He showed it to Ashton, then played it in slow motion.

"Now look here", said Eddie, "There's Leroy Banks walking up to the apartment. Then you can see shooting Andre Dupree. Then he takes some gasoline, and lights up a match. Then flames burst."

"Wow", said Ashton, "So that's how it happened. But wouldn't we have run finger prints on the weapon?"

"Normally, but with the vanishings and being pre-occupied with what's happened, it's been hard to anything like that."

"Hmm....and you think this plan of Fogarty with the kids will work?"

"I'm sure it will. Hey, I've heard of your apartment being ransacked. Staying anywhere?

"Yes... with a Jewish nurse named Josiah Ben-Ephraim. Young, energetic, down to earth. He's taken in another group, you know. His house or the one he grew up in, is a large one."

"So a lot of space."

"That's right. Perhaps you should meet him sometime.... and the others as well."

"Perhaps I will."

******
Molly had laid in bed, watching some TV, in her hospital room. Though it seems like there wasn't anything on but news. She began to wonder if TV would ever be the same. Josiah knocked on her door, opened the door and walked in.

"I need to check some things out, sweetie", said Josiah, "In about a day or two, you'll be out of here."

"Oh, is there any place I can get some new clothes?", asked Molly, "I think most of mine were stolen."

"Oh, I'm sorry about that. Perhaps you can wear my younger sister's clothes. You'll be staying at my house anyways. She's older than you, but she's about your size."

"Your sister was small?"

"My younger sister. Yes, she is or was. I'm sure she won't mind, since she disappeared."

"Oh, that's real generous of you. So did she wear like cool stuff or some old fashioned stuff?"

Josiah showed Molly a picture of Addi on his phone. She was not much bigger than Molly, though she looked stylish. Molly asked Josiah if the picture was recent, and he said it was.

"So you get to stay at my parents house with two of your brothers and some friends", said Josiah, "Hey, you can even move into Addi's room."

"Really?"

Josiah nodded with a smile and kissed her forehead. Then he got paged to check on another patient. Molly looked around. There had to be about Josiah or his smile. It seemed to make her feel better. She wondered if it was having some kind of impact on her. Perhaps it was God's way of showing He cared. Could she possibly pray to become a believer? If so, could she do it in a hospital bed? Well, anything is possible. She heard of those who became believers in prison cells and even recalled what Jackie taught in Sunday School about the thief on the cross. So it's possible that anyone can become a believer in Christ anywhere.

[You'd be amazed that you can bring an impact on someone's life by your actions]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XX

****
Ashton went to be on patrol in Chicago for a while. It seemed that burglaries and murders are getting out of hand. Well, with the vanishings that just happened, things would never be the same again. Then he heard his radio cackled.

"Cleaver", Eddie radioed, "I need you back at the station."

"Roger that, Edwards", said Ashton, "I'm on my way."

Ashton headed back for the police station and met with Eddie. Now when it came to homicide, Eddie was the kind of guy to talk to. He was the youngest on homicide, and he knew well how to solve murder mysteries.

"Did you find anything?", asked Ashton.

"We just did a background check on Leroy Banks", said Eddie, "You know that Andre Dupree has been in and out of jail, right?"

"Yes, I remember that. As I recalled, he was at one point held at a prison facility in Joilet."

"Right. There were two men that Andre owed money to: Leroy Banks and Cornelius Grey. Banks had the motive to kill anyone who didn't pay him back."

"Sounds like it's quite a way to kill someone. Has he been convicted before?"

"He's got a history of doing such crime."

"And you think Tom Fogarty and those kids will catch him and Grey?"

"Oh yes. We might even have Fogarty back on homicide."

Ashton wondered how great it would be to have Tom back on homicide. He was hoping and praying that the sting that Tom and the kids, Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan were planning to do, would work.

****
Everett, Aneurin, and Santiago thought they check things out. Aneurin asked Everett if he could drive him to the hospital to see Molly and Everett agreed to. When they arrived, Everett pulled into the parking lot.

"You don't have to go in", said Aneurin, "I'll be back."

"Alright then", said Everett.

Aneurin got out of the car, and walked into the hospital. There, he ran into Josiah down in the hall.

"Any updates on Molly?", asked Aneurin.

"Well, she's improving", said Josiah, "In a couple of days, she'll be dismissed and I'll take her to my parents house, where you've been staying."

"It would sure be nice to have like 8 people... in a big house like that."

"Hey, I'm quite glad, because you, Everett, and Santiago will be helping to clean out the refrigerator."

Aneurin couldn't help but laugh. He asked Josiah if he could see Molly.

"I'm just heading there if you want to come along", said Josiah.

"Sure", said Aneurin.

Josiah and Aneurin walked where Molly's room was. When they got there, Josiah knocked on the door.

"You have to knock?", asked Aneurin.

"It's part of portacal", answered Josiah.

Josiah opened the door and, followed by Aneurin, walked in. He went to give Molly some ice water.

"You think God could forgive me for all I've done?", asked Molly.

"Well, of course he could, Molls", said Aneurin, "I mean, look at all the bad stuff I've done."

"I know. Well, I've never done anything that bad. Though they way I've dressed may have been questionable.... I was never into drugs or alcohol or smoking."

"We all mess up", said Josiah, "I was set in my own way, being Jewish. Then after the disappearances, I was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah who had come."

"And would God forgive me for trying to kill myself?"

"Well, I believe God wanted you to be alive. He's reaching out to you."

"That's what I think, too", said Aneurin, "All you have to do is ask Him into your life. Though it won't make your life any easier."

After having a talk with Molly, Josiah and Aneurin left the room. Josiah told her he would be back later.

"So how many patients have made it since the vanishings?", asked Aneurin.

"We have quite a few in critical condition", answered Josiah, "We even had those who had died."

Aneurin shuddered. There were thousands of accidents as a result from the disappearances. Quite a few were taken to the hospitals. And there it seemed that quite a few have died. He told Josiah he needed to get going and Josiah said he understood. Aneurin went back to the parking lot, and met with Everett and Santiago. Everett drove back to the house. Everett turned on the radio, but it was all news. He turned the radio off soon after. The boys soon realized that nothing would ever be the same again.

[It may be the start of a new normal]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XXI

****
"So how's Molly doing?", asked Everett.

"She's improving", said Aneurin, "She'll be out of there soon enough."

"That's good", said Santiago, "Will she pray to become a believer?"

"Well, she's not as skeptical as she had been. I don't think she has said the prayer yet. Perhaps, she will. It could happen anywhere."

"That is true", said Everett, "I've heard stories about those who prayed to become believers in a prison cell."

Everett pulled into Josiah's driveway and parked. They got out of the car, and walked into the house. There, they met with Robert and Lucille. Robert had been on the phone with Ashton then hanged up.

"What did Ashton say?", asked Santiago.

"Well, he said that a police officer named Tom Fogarty is working with four kids, Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan", said Robert, "They're planning up a sting to catch Leroy Banks and Cornelius Grey, and have them brought to custody."

"Wow", said Everett, "And will it work?"

"He said it might. He even mentioned a homicide detective named Archibald Edwards who goes by Eddie, whose involved. If there's anyone to talk to about murder cases, he's the guy to do it. So is another guy, Cole."

"It all sounds good", said Lucille.

*****
Josiah had been checking on a patient in critical condition. However, when he checked for a pulse, there wasn't any. He looked at the doctor and shook his head.

"Let's call it", said the doctor, and gave the time.

Josiah was sure grateful that they didn't have to do that to Molly. He was hoping they wouldn't. He was glad to see she was improving. It would only be in a couple of days that she will be dismissed from the hospital.

****
Lucille had been reading a Bible, looking at some verses. She decided to check out some verses. Meanwhile, Santiago was looking through prophecies as well.

"Looking at the prophecies", said Lucille, "The prophecy of Daniel."

"I have as well", said Santiago, "Here it is: 'He will make a covenant with many for 1 week.' Is that referring to the Peace Treaty?"

"It could be. And that's starts the Tribulation."

"And when that happens, we will only have about seven years left."

Lucille and Santiago looked at one another. It would be seven years of chaos and it was going to be a long one.

[You can imagine how much chaos seven years would be]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

[another chapter]

Chapter XXII

****
It fell to Judd, who believed he was the only one of the four kids who had never been seen by LeRoy Banks, to keep an eye on Lionel’s house. Fortunately, his mother’s minivan was also in the garage, and he was able to use that and not risk LeRoy recognizing the car that had backed into his brown and yellow monstrosity a few nights before. The first couple of days Judd tooled around the neighborhood, occasionally passing Lionel’s house. The only thing he noticed was that nothing seemed to be going on. He saw neither the old van nor the roadster Lionel had told him about. Maybe LeRoy was lying low for a while, more concerned about keeping out of sight than trying to eliminate the one person who could implicate him in the arson and murders: Lionel.

****
Robert was going through online news. There was yet any confirmation of how many have disappeared. There were those saying it was the result of nuclear radiation. Then his phone rang and saw it was Bruce. He decided to answer it.

“Hey Bruce”, asked Robert, “What’s going on?”

”Robert, did you see the big speech at the UN?”, asked Bruce.

“You mean with that Carpathia guy? Yeah, that sure was something.”

”He’s a really impressive guy. Though I have a feeling that he’s the guy we need to watch out for.”

”You think he’s the Antichrist?”

”I can’t say for sure, but he could be.“

”I don’t know, Bruce. He seems like he’s trying to save the world.”

”Well, that’s what the Antichrist will want you to think. He’s going to seduce just about everyone.”

“Alright. We’ll keep an eye on him. I have my doubts, though. I’ll talk to you later, Bruce.”

”Yeah, bye.”

And they hanged up. Robert told Lucille and the boys of what Bruce had just told him.

”Does Bruce really think that Carpathia is the Antichrist?”, asked Aneurin.

”He said he could be”, said Robert, “Though I’m not sure.”

“It doesn’t make any sense“, stated Santiago, “Carpathia was talking about peace for the world.“

“Hey, we can worry about that later. We got stuff to do.”

***
Josiah had been on the phone with Bruce who told him of the same thing: how Nicolae Carpathia could be the Antichrist. Josiah said he would keep an eye on Carpathia. Then they hanged up. He went to check on Molly, knocked on her door, and entered. As he attended to her, he told her of what Bruce had told him on the phone.

“But how could Carpathia be the Antichrist?”, asked Molly, “I mean, wasn’t he talking about peace?”

”Yes, though Bruce said that the Antichrist is going to seduce just about everyone“, answered Josiah.

Molly had no idea what to think. Was it possible that Nicolae Carpathia was the Antichrist? It seemed like he was trying to fix the world’s problems.

”I’m sure Bruce will have some Bible study about the prophecies”, stated Josiah.

He decided to let Molly rest for the remainder of the day and he said he’d be back the next day.

[Now it’s going to get interesting. Do you think our characters will find out that Nicolae Carpathia is the Antichrist?]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XXIII

****
Judd tooled around the neighborhood, occasionally passing Lionel’s house. The only thing he noticed was that nothing seemed to be going on. He saw neither the old van nor the roadster Lionel had told him about. Maybe LeRoy was lying low for a while, more concerned about keeping out of sight than trying to eliminate the one person who could implicate him in the arson and murders: Lionel. Finally, though, Judd caught a break. He saw the old brown and yellow van, only it didn’t look so old anymore, and it wasn’t brown and yellow. It had been spruced up, the rust spots filled and the whole thing painted a muted cream. It looked pretty good. Judd checked in with Sergeant Fogarty, who found out that LeRoy had ordered new plates too. They were for an off-white van in Talia Grey’s name, but Fogarty said the van had the same vehicle ID number as LeRoy’s. What had not changed, however, were all the city stickers on the far right side of the front windshield. That evening he mentioned the bag to Lionel.

“That’s the bag I used to take on my sports and Y trips,” Lionel said, “I thought it was stuffed way deep in my closet. I have no idea what it means. I want to see it.”

“I suppose if we go at night we’ll be safe,” Judd said.

“Anybody else want to go?”

“Not me,” Ryan said.

“I thought you were getting brave on us all of a sudden. Don’t fall back to being a chicken now.”

“I’m not! But I don’t care if I never get chased by a van again—I don’t care what color it is—as long as I live.”

“I’m not afraid of the van. But I wouldn’t want to run into LeRoy right now.”

“I want to go,” Vicki said, “but I want to stay out of sight until we know no one is watching us.”

“Promise,” Judd said. “That’ll go for you too, Lionel.”

“Yeah, I guess I’d be pretty conspicuous in my own neighborhood when everyone knows I don’t live there anymore", said Lionel.

“I’m stayin’ here,” Ryan repeated.

“It’s all right with me,” Judd said. “As long as you think you’ll be all right alone.”

“I’ll feel safer here. Anyway, like I said, I’m not a chicken anymore. I just don’t want to push my luck too far with those murderers.”

“I can’t blame you,” Judd said. “Let’s go.”

Judd left Ryan with the car phone number, just in case. Several minutes later, with Vicki ducking down in the front passenger seat and Lionel lying out of sight across the backseat of the minivan, Judd drove past Lionel’s house.

“What do you see?” Lionel wanted to know.

“Nothing. Not a thing. I mean nothing on the porch anyway. The cream van is out front, and there’s a light on in a back room.”

“That’s where Ryan said he heard Talia talking on the phone the other day,” Lionel said. “I wonder how she feels about André.”

“Wait,” Judd said. “I just saw someone! It’s a woman, and she’s coming from that back room into the hall. The light just went out in that room and on in the hall.”

“Park somewhere! I want to see if it’s Talia.” Judd pulled off to the side, several houses past Lionel’s. “You see anybody on the street?” Lionel asked. “Can I sit up?”

“Yeah, but don’t do anything stupid.”

Lionel sat up. “What, like jumping out of the car and telling everyone in the neighborhood I’ve come home? Whoa! I can’t see anything from here. Back up closer to my house.”

"I don’t think that’s smart,” Judd said. “We’re going to start drawing attention to ourselves if we do a lot of moving back and forth.”

“Then I’m going to sneak up closer and get a look through the window.”

“No you’re not!” Vicki said, sitting up herself. “We came close enough to losing you the other night. What if LeRoy or Cornelius or whatever his name is in there?”

“Why don’t we find out?” Lionel said.

“Not by going up to the house!” Judd said.

“Let’s call ’em,” Lionel said.

Judd and Vicki looked at each other.

“We need to keep this phone open for Ryan,” Judd said.

“Ryan will be fine for a few minutes,” Vicki said. “No one there will recognize my voice. How about I call?”

“Do it!” Lionel said.

Judd showed her how to dial.

“What if they have caller ID?” Vicki said.

“They don’t,” Lionel said. “It’s my phone, and we don’t have it. Unless they added it, and why would they?”

“Even if they do, it’s going to trace to this iphone,” Judd said. “And there’s no way the smart phone company will give out any information on the number. Even if they did, it’s listed under my mom’s name. Those guys wouldn’t have a clue.”

“Shh!” Vicki said. “It’s ringing.”

Judd told her to leave the phone on the stand and put it on speaker phone. A female voice answered.

“Who am I speaking to?” Vicki asked.

“Who’s askin’?”

“That’s Talia!” Lionel mouthed.

“A friend,” Vicki said.

“A friend of who?”

“André.”

“Oh, oh!” Talia wailed. “Who is this? You know he’s dead, don’t you? Started a fire, shot himself, and burned himself up in a fire the other night.”

“Who told you that?” Vicki said.

“A friend of his.”

“The same friend who gave him the gasoline?”

“What’re you talking about? Who is this?”

“Someone who knows you were with André before he died.” Silence.

“Are you there, Talia?”

“How do you know my name?”

“I told you. I’m a friend. A friend of a friend. A friend you’ve been looking for and trying to communicate with.”

“I’m going to hang up now.”

“Wait! Don’t! Don’t you want to talk to Lionel?”

“Yes! Put him on.”

“I’m here, Talia", said Lionel, "What’d you put my duffel bag out for?”

“You saw that? Oh, thank God! Ooh, boy, I got in trouble for that. Connie come flyin’ in here in LeRoy’s roadster and saw that bag before I got a chance to get rid of it, and he told LeRoy. My own brother, tellin’ on me. LeRoy liked to kill me.”

“The way he did André.”

“LeRoy didn’t kill André!”

“ ’Course he did, Talia. You were there with me. You know André didn’t have any five gallons of gas. And if he wanted to kill himself, why did he have to set a fire?”

“LeRoy went to see him later that night, Lionel. Said he found him shot and his place burning.”

“It’s a lie and you know it. LeRoy did it, don’t you see? My friend and I heard a shot and an explosion. We saw the fire and went back. LeRoy almost ran us over in the van. Why do you think he got it painted? Huh? My friend and I dragged André out of there, but it was too late. LeRoy shot him in the neck, blew open some kind of artery—”

“Carotid,” Judd whispered.

“Yeah, the carotid artery.”

“I don’t want to hear this.”

“ ’Course you don’t. Truth hurts. You loved André. I know you did. I loved him too. That’s why we have to face the truth. Judd and the others heard Talia crying. “Why did you want me to see my duffel bag?” Lionel asked.

“I just wanted you not to come around here for a while. LeRoy’s been blamin’ you for André, shootin’ himself. Says it must’ve been something you said when you saw him. He knew I wouldn’t upset André, but he was mad at me for goin’ anyway, and especially for taking you.”

“You’ve got to get away from LeRoy,” Lionel said. “He’s bad news.”

“I know,” she said. “You know what LeRoy wants to do now? He wants to see if there’s any insurance on Connie’s apartment that burned, or any life insurance on André.”

“You’re kidding.”

“It’s true. They’re acting all sad about André and all, but LeRoy and Connie both are talking about checking into some kind of insurance payoff.”

“That’s sick. Anyway, André never had any life insurance, as far as I knew.”

“LeRoy thought he might have had some through his work, you know, before he got laid off from the city.”

“Why didn’t he try to get that when it looked like André had killed himself before?”

“He was going to. Said he was gonna split it with André and the rest of us. But then he found out you were nosing around and he figured you told somebody that that wasn’t André’s body.”

“I didn’t.”

“I know. But he didn’t know that then. But that was for sure André the other night, wasn’t it?”

“For sure.”

“So, LeRoy’s going after the money.”

“How’s he going to do that?”

“Call the landlord I guess. Or the city about the life insurance.”

“Sick.”

“I know. Anyway, stay away from here for a while. I’m sure glad you saw my message. And I sure hope you’re wrong about LeRoy.”

Lionel shook his head and said his good-byes. Judd called Sergeant Fogarty on the way home. There had to be a way to use LeRoy Banks’ greed against himself.

“I have an idea,” Judd told Fogarty. “I want to come downtown and tell you about it.”

“I’ll meet you halfway,” Fogarty said, and he set the meeting at an all-night restaurant in Des Plaines.

By the end of their meeting, it was clear to Judd that Fogarty liked what he heard.

“I took you for a sharp kid,” Fogarty said, “but who knew you had a mind like that? Let’s hope you always use it for the right side of the law.”

“Oh, I will,” Judd said.

They laid their plans, and on the way back home to Mount Prospect, Judd smiled at the thought that, just a few weeks before, he was using for his own gain the brain Tom Fogarty admired so much.

***
"I think we may have our guy", said Eddie.

"What is it, Eddie?", asked Cole.

"It turns out that Cornelius Grey had tried to kill his sister Talia before. Leroy would do so as well."

"She should probably get away from him", said Ashton.

Later, Ashton's shift was done. He headed to Josiah's house and met him there. He proceeded to tell Josiah, Robert, Lucille, and the boys that the police will soon finally have their two guys: Leroy Banks and Cornelius Grey.

"What is their history?", asked Santiago.

"Well, it turned out that Connie Grey tried to kill Talia, his sister", answered Ashton, "We still think does, though we've learned he's the quiet one. Leroy Banks turns out he wants insurance money."

"Cornelius Grey has been trying to kill his own sister?", asked Ashton.

"That's sure one messed-up family", stated Josiah, shaking his head.

"You think Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan will help catch them?", asked Everett.

"We think the plan will work", said Ashton.

[If you have ever watched murder mysteries, then you know well that the bad guys are going to get caught]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XXIV

****
Molly had been laying in her hospital bed. Oh, she would sure be glad to be out of there real soon. She had been through a lot since she was admitted when she tried to kill herself with about a dozen or so sleeping pills. A knock came on her door, and Josiah entered.

"How are we doing, honey?", asked Josiah with a smile.

"I've been feeling better", answered Molly, "Josiah, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Well, I think Aneurin might have brought my Bible. Can you....?"

"I have it", and he handed a Bible to her.

Molly looked at the entrance. She had gotten it on her tenth birthday. They were hand writing by Carl and Donna, which read the following:

Dear Molly:
Never forget that God loves you and so do we! We pray that you will grow to be a godly young woman!
Happy Birthday!
Love,
Mom and Dad

"Will there be anything else?", asked Josiah.

"No", said Molly, "Though may I ask, why did you give me an extra blanket the other night?"

"I didn't want you to get cold at night. Not that it ever gets cold in the hospital..."

Molly understood. Josiah said he would be back to check on her. If he's not, another nurse would. Molly had different nurses to check on her and attend to her, though mostly it was Josiah. She decided to read through her Bible. She read the first chapter of John:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.(John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

As Molly read through, she began to wonder what it all meant. "In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and was God." She had to figure out what the "Word" meant as she read through. Then it read in further verses: "The Word became flesh." She remembered a song that they sang at Christmas "O Come All Ye Faithful." She remembered that one of verses say: "Word of the Father now in flesh appearing." She wondered that was she was missing out on: Jesus was the Word that came in the flesh. In her Bible, she saw a note called the Roman Roads that her Sunday School teacher, Jackie, had given her. She read through the Roman roads that had the following verses:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 9:10

for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.

****
Everett, Aneurin, and Santiago decided to meet with Bruce at New Hope Village Church in his office.

"I've heard from Josiah at the hospital", said Bruce, "He said that Molly has been reading her Bible and the Roman roads."

"I've heard of that", said Everett, "It's the road to salvation from Romans."

"Right."

"Man, how could we have missed out that on that?"

"I know what you mean. We missed out on that the first time. Now the question is whether Molly will pray to become a believer."

"I've been meaning to ask", asked Santiago, "Doesn't it say that the angels rejoice when someone becomes a believer in Christ?"

"It does. In Luke 15:10, it says, 'Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

"So the angels must have shouted an Hallelujah when we've prayed to become believers", said Aneurin.

"That's right, Aneurin", said Bruce, "I'm sure your family who were taken at the Rapture have joined in the celebration. I'm sure mine did. And there's more."

"What's that?"

"The Bible speaks of a great soul harvest in the last days."

"Does it say how many?", asked Santiago.

"It says there will be a great multitude that no one could count."

"Now that I want to see", said Everett.

It was almost too wonderful to imagined. When each of them have prayed to become believers, the angels were shouting "Hallelujah!" And there would be many more: a great multitude that no one could number.

[When someone gets saved, there is a celebration in Heaven. Just imagine how many there would be in the great multitude that no one could count]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XXV

****
After assuring his bosses that he would deliver a known killer right into their hands within a block of the precinct station house, Tom would run a few errands. He would rent a storefront office, move in some rented furniture, have his name painted on the window, “Thomas M. Fogarty, Attorney at Law,” and would wait there for one LeRoy Banks to present himself. When Judd got the call from Sergeant Fogarty that everything was in place, the cop told him of his own bit of creativity.

“I set up a messy secretary’s desk all covered with work and a cardboard sign that says, ‘In the law library. Back in 30 minutes.’ ”, said Tom

“Perfect,” Judd said. “Talia tells us LeRoy will be home late morning. I’ll let you know when to expect him.”

At eleven-thirty the four kids finished a prayer meeting, piled into Judd’s minivan, and drove to Ryan’s house. The plan was to call LeRoy from there, just in case he grew suspicious and tried to trace the call. Ryan let them in, and he and Lionel and Judd sat quietly while Vicki dialed. She threw on a very adult-sounding voice. Cornelius Grey answered the phone.

“Mr. Grey, this is Maria Diablo from the law offices of Thomas Fogarty in Chicago", said Vicki, "Mr. Fogarty is representing the insurance company handling the settlements in the destruction by fire of your apartment building last week.”

“Yeah, what do we get?”, asked Cornelius.

“Well, sir, I’m not at liberty to discuss the amount over the phone, but I can tell you it is substantial. Unfortunately, the payout must go to the payer of the rent over the last several months, and our records indicate that it has not been you.”

“No, the rent’s been paid lately by a friend of mine, helpin’ me out. Name is LeRoy Banks.”

“Would I be able to speak to him?”

“Sure!”

Judd and the others heard Cornelius Grey quickly filling in LeRoy on their huge stroke of luck.

“Let me have that phone,” LeRoy said, clearly doubtful, “Who is this?”

Vicki went through the same routine with him, in its entirety, just the way Judd had scripted it. Rather than let LeRoy build on his doubts, she made the prize a little harder to get.

“Of course, sir, we would not be able to issue a check of this magnitude unless you were able to prove to us that you are the same LeRoy Banks who has been paying the rent on Cornelius Grey’s apartment.”

“Oh, I’ll be able to prove it all right. What time did you say Mr. Fogarty could see me?”

***
Ashton was on patrol during that time. While, there, his phone rang.

"Cleaver!", he said.

"I think we'll finally have our two guys tonight", said Cole.

"So it's going as planned."

"That's right. Those two, Leroy and Cornelius, need to pick up some insurance money, and we got them! We'll have them in custody in no time!"

"It all sounds good!"

****
Molly had been reading through the Roman Roads. She wondered if there was anything else to read in her Bible. She remembered there had to be prophecies of some sort. But what? She flipped through, and found Daniel 7.

“I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’ After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Molly read through it, and began to wonder what these four beasts were. Surely, they had to be symbolic, and they sound pretty terrifying. The one that probably terrified her the most was the description of the fourth beast: great iron teeth, strong, devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left of his feet and ten horns. What could that mean, she wondered. A knock came on her door, and Josiah entered.

"Josiah", said Molly, "I was just reading through Daniel 7, where it talks about four beasts."

"Oh yes", said Josiah, "They spoke of world kingdoms. The lion was Babylon; the bear represented Persia, the leopard Greece, and the fourth beast Rome. They were all powerful at one point, then eventually fell."

"I've heard of those. Then another: the fourth beast is describing as ten horns. What does that mean?"

"Hmm... perhaps as soon as you're dismissed from here, we can ask Bruce about that."

Molly agreed that would be a good idea. She still had a lot of questions about what is to occur in the next seven years once the Tribulation started.

****
Rayford and Chloe sat in silence before their new television, taken with the fresh face and encouraging ideas of Nicolae Carpathia on Night Line.

“What a guy!” Chloe said at last. “I haven’t heard a politician with anything to say since I was a little girl, and I didn’t understand half of it then.”

“He is something,” Rayford agreed. “It’s especially nice to see somebody who doesn’t seem to have a personal agenda.”

“So you’re not going to start comparing him with the liar the pastor’s DVD warned us of, somebody from Europe who tries to take over the world?”

“Hardly. There’s nothing evil or self-seeking about this guy. Something tells me the deceiver the pastor talked about would be a little more obvious.”

“But if he’s a deceiver, maybe he’s a good one.”

“Hey, which side of this argument are you on? Does this guy look like the Antichrist to you?”

“He looks like a breath of fresh air to me. If he starts trying to weasel his way into power, I might be suspicious, but a pacifist, content to be president of a small country? His only influence is his wisdom, and his only power is his sincerity and humility.”

The phone rang. It was Hattie, eager to talk to Rayford. She was nearly manic with praise for Carpathia.

“Did you see that guy?", asked Hattie, "He’s so handsome! I just have to meet him. Do you have any flights scheduled to New York?”

“Wednesday I have a late morning flight and come back the next morning", said Rayford, "Then we’re going to see you for dinner that night, right?”

“Yeah, and that’s great, but Rayford, would you mind if I tried to work that flight? I heard on the news that the death report on that magazine writer was wrong and he’s in New York. I’m going to see if I can meet with him and get him to introduce me to this Carpathia.”

“You think he knows him?”

“Buck knows everybody. He does all these big international stories. He’s got to. Even if he doesn’t, I wouldn’t mind seeing Buck.”

That was a relief to Rayford. So Hattie wasn’t afraid to talk about two younger guys she was clearly interested in seeing, or at least meeting. He was sure she wasn’t just saying it to test his level of interest. Surely she knew he wasn’t interested in anyone with his wife so recently gone. Rayford wondered whether he should follow through on his plan to be honest with her about his past feelings for her. Maybe he should just jump right into urging that she watch the pastor’s DVD.

[A lot of stuff happening. Do you think it's about time for Molly to become a believer? Will any of these characters find out the truth about who is the Antichrist?]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XXVI

****
The police officers, including Davis, Eddie, Cole and Ashton, came through the back, and Fogarty briefed everyone on where to be and what to do. Judd was so excited he could hardly stand it. The answering machine was hooked back up to the phone, and Fogarty turned around the Open/Closed sign in the window to indicate his office was closed. The phony secretary’s desk was just messy enough to look real, and, of course, the chair was empty. When everyone was in place, they waited. Not long later, with everyone hidden, they heard the roadster slide up to the curb. LeRoy and Cornelius climbed out, looking enraged. They came up to the window and peered inside, and Judd heard LeRoy shouting and swearing all the way from inside. Cornelius had his hand in his belt, as if on a weapon. LeRoy hurried to the car and popped the trunk, pulling out a long metal rod. He approached the storefront with it in two hands, like a baseball bat. With that, Tom Fogarty grabbed a file folder and walked out from the back room into the front office, not looking up, as if he was unaware anyone was even there. LeRoy saw him and quickly held the rod out of sight behind his back.

“Hey!” he hollered. “You open?”

Fogarty approached the locked door. “No! Sorry! Tomorrow!”

“I had an appointment!” LeRoy shouted.

“Today?”

“Yes! Today! Now let me in!”

Tom went to the secretary’s desk and looked at the calendar, then slapped himself in the head, looking embarrassed and apologetic, and hurried to the door. Cornelius stepped in front of LeRoy as LeRoy skipped back to the car and tossed the metal rod in the backseat.

"Now we’re in business,” Cornelius said.

Sergeant Fogarty had LeRoy and Cornelius right where he wanted them.

“You can see there that we had an appointment,” LeRoy said, attempting to come in.

“I’m sorry, gentlemen", said Fogarty, "It does say that on the calendar, if you are …?”

“Banks", said Leroy, "Banks and Grey.”

“Yes, but Miss Diablo must have made a mistake. She knew I was off today.”

“But you’re here and we’re here, so let’s get this done.”

“Well, I’d like to, but I have to be in court in half an hour and—”

“This ain’t gonna take no half hour. We were told you had a check for us, and that’s all we need.”

“Really, gentlemen,” Fogarty said, still standing inside the slightly opened door, “this would be much more convenient tomorrow or next week—”

“No!” LeRoy said. “Now we’re here and you’re here and we know you’ve got a check for us, so let’s do this.”

He pushed his way past Fogarty, and he and Cornelius planted themselves in chairs at the side of the secretary’s desk. Fogarty was playing his part to the hilt.

“To tell you the truth, gentlemen", said Fogarty, "I’m going to need you to refresh me on what this is all about.”

LeRoy let his head roll back and he sighed as he stared at the ceiling.

“Connie here, that’s Cornelius Grey, he rents an apartment, well, he did anyway, on Halsted", said Leroy, "It burned down.”

“Oh yes, and this is about the insurance settlement then,” Fogarty said.

“Exactly.”

“And what is your stake in this, Mr., ah …?”

“Banks. LeRoy Bank", said Leroy, "I’ve been paying the rent for Mr. Grey here for several months, so—”

“And why was that?”

“What business is that of yours?”

“Oh, none, I guess. Proceed.”

“Proceed? You proceed. Your secretary said she had a big check for us, so let’s have it.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, sir. Were you expecting the check itself today?”

“Of course! That’s why we’re here!”

“Well, this initial meeting was just for paperwork, signatures, identification, that type of a thing.”

“So, we’ll sign some papers. Let’s get on with it.”

“Well, the documents have to be forwarded to the home office for verification, and then the check can be released.”

“So you’re saying the check hasn’t even been written yet? It’s not here, like she said?”

“Oh, it’s here, but if it’s released before everything is verified by the home office, then I’m in trouble.”

“You know what, Mr. Fogarty,” LeRoy said, his face clouded with rage, “you’re gonna be in trouble with somebody when we leave here, and you better hope it’s the home office.”

“But I can’t—”

“Yes, you can. You give us that check based on our word that we are who we say we are, and you deal with the home office yourself.”

“I’m afraid I can’t—”

“You don’t understand, Mr. Lawyer Man. We’re not negotiatin’. We’re walkin’ out of here with the check.”

“OK,” he said, “just let me see some ID so I’m covered.”

Banks and Grey reached for their wallets and produced driver’s licenses. Fogarty made a big show of meticulously copying down every detail.

“Now, the check,” LeRoy demanded.

“This is really highly irregular,” Fogarty said.

LeRoy closed his eyes as if struggling for a last sliver of patience. “Just hand it over,” he said.

Fogarty handed it to him, and LeRoy glanced at the figure. He smiled and showed it to Cornelius, then began folding it. Vicki noticed three cops a few feet from her, guns drawn, preparing to burst from the back room.

“Hey,” Cornelius Grey said, “wait a minute. What’s that say?”

LeRoy had stood and was shoving the folded check into his pocket when he pulled it back out and studied it. Where his or Grey’s name was supposed to be were the words You’re under arrest.

“What?”

Fogarty flashed a badge from his pocket, “LeRoy Banks, you’re under arrest for the murder of André Dupree and for arson in the case of—”

LeRoy and Cornelius were reaching for their weapons when the cops rushed in.

“Don’t even think about it!” one shouted, and the two were disarmed, handcuffed, and led away.

***
Josiah had just come home from work at the hospital, and gave an update about Molly. The next day, she would be dismissed from the hospital, and he even mentioned that he thinks that she'll finally pray to become a believer. Then Robert's phone rang and it was Ashton.

"Ashton", said Robert.

"We've got them!", said Ashton, "The sting worked!"

"That's great! Where are you at?"

"I'm just leaving a diner where we celebrated with dessert and coffee! You know that homicide detective I've told you about-"

"Eddie, right?"

"Yes. He was posing questions to Judd and Vicki about the disappearances. Cole, another homicide detective, a bit older than Eddie, posed the question as well. We even told Tom Fogarty that he will be back on homicide as soon as they're an opening."

"Wow. So you do you suppose that Cole and Eddie are interested about God being behind the disappearances?"

"I think so. The two others, Davis and Tom, they're not so sure. Tom shared his story how he lost two aunts and his first wife and two children."

Ashton proceeded to tell Robert if it was possible to invite Cole and Eddie to church sometimes or have them talk with Bruce. Robert said that would be a great idea. Then they hanged up.

[Finally it sounds like the murderers are going to be in custody]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XXVII

****
Lionel received a one phone call from Talia Grey, who was also arrested. He asked her if he could come and see her and bring a friend then she said yes. Soon after, Vicki called Josey Fogarty, Tom's wife, and invited them over. Bruce stopped by to pick up Lionel about half an hour before the Fogartys were to arrive and asked if he could talk to the four of them briefly. Lionel followed him inside and was reminded why they liked Bruce so much. He was so earnest, so focused, and busy as he was, he seemed to care about everybody. Bruce gathered them in the living room.

“We need to thank God for Judd’s and Vicki’s safety today", Bruce said, "for Judd’s chance to share his faith with the police officers, for Lionel’s opportunity with Talia this evening, and for the rest of you with the couple coming over.”

The five of them huddled, arms around each other’s shoulders, as Bruce prayed. When Bruce finished praying, Lionel was relieved to see that everyone else was emotional too. Even Bruce, who clapped him on the back.

“Let’s go, Lionel,” he said, and Bruce led the way out of the house.

****
Molly had laid in her hospital. She had read her Bible and through the Roman roads. What else was there, she wondered? Was there anything else to do but besides praying? She remembered Carl asking for a blessing at dinner time and Donna was the praying woman. So she knew a thing or two about it. But Molly had never prayed to believe. There wouldn't be any harm to do so in a hospital bed. Molly knew what she to do to now.

"Dear God", Molly prayed, "I don't think I've ever prayed before. You may know already that I've tried to kill myself yet You're reaching out to me. I'm sorry for all that I've done. I believe You've sent Jesus to die in my place and rose again! Please, forgive me of my sins, and come to my life! I also ask You to use me in any way and help me get through these hard times ahead! In Jesus's name. Amen!"

Molly never felt so much better. Maybe there was something to this believing. A knock came on her door. It was Josiah, and he was carrying a pair of Addi's clothes, that Molly would wear.

"Hey, you're being dismissed tonight", said Josiah.

"Thank you", said Molly, "Oh, can I tell you what I just did?"

****
LIONEL liked having Bruce to himself for a while. If there was one thing frustrating about living with the three other kids, it was that he didn’t get much time with Bruce, and when he did, it was usually shared with someone else Trouble was, Lionel couldn’t think of much to say, now that they were on their way to Chicago to visit Talia in jail. All he did was fill Bruce in on the whole situation and tell him what Talia had said about her own spiritual life.

“Her mother disappeared at the Rapture, and Talia says her mother tried to warn her", said Lionel, "Now she thinks she has no chance because someone taught her that when Jesus raptured the church, the Holy Spirit was taken away.”

“So she thinks no one can be saved now?”, asked Bruce.

Lionel nodded.

“We can counter that argument fairly easily, I think,” Bruce said. And they lapsed into silence again.

Lionel wondered how Bruce found time to do everything he had to do. But he was afraid to ask. Lionel figured the answer would have something to do with Bruce’s not having a wife and kids anymore, and who would want to be reminded of that? Bruce found a parking place several blocks from the precinct station house.

“If there’s any problem with your getting in to see her,” Bruce said, “let me try a few angles.”

****
Ashton was on patrol in the streets of Chicago. Later, Davis, Cole, and Eddie would be escorting Leroy and Cornelius to the lock-ups at the station. They would be in jail for a while, then may eventually go to a prison. Then Ashton heard his radio.

"Everything contained there?", Eddied radioed.

"Yes, Edwards!", said Ashton.

"Good! Soon, we'll have the two murderers locked up!"

"Ten-four!"

****
Aneurin and Santiago went to look through the Bible. They would sure look forward to talk to Bruce about what is to come next and the rise of the Antichrist. While they still had doubts that Carpathia was the Antichrist, well, there had to be some explanation.

"I was just reading what Jesus said when He spoke to His followers about the last days", said Santiago.

"What's that?", asked Aneurin.

Santiago flipped through his Bible, and read the following:

As He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray

"So is that saying there will be more than one antichrists?", asked Aneurin.

"I don't know. We'll certainly need to talk to Bruce about that."

Everett came in and joined them.

"I was just reading through Daniel", said Everett, "You know, Daniel and Revelation talks about ten kings."

"Ten kings?", asked Santiago, "Is talking of the whole world?"

"It could be."

***
Later that night, Ashton got a call from Eddie, who told him of a attempted jail break at the station. Leroy Banks shot Cornelius Grey and one of their homicide detectives, Cole. He was shot through the cheekbone, and Tom and Judd had gone to see him. Then Eddie told Ashton that Cole had died from the gunshot wound.

"Thank you for letting me know Eddie", said Ashton, "I'll be headed home."

"See you see", said Eddie.

And they hanged up. It was unbelievable.

***
Molly got changed, and she met with Josiah in his car. He was thrilled that she told him that she had prayed to become a believer. As he drove, he turned on the radio to find out if there was any news.

“An update on that story,” the newsman said, “is that the police officer wounded in the brief shoot-out fights for his life at this hour.”

"Unbelievable", said Josiah, shaking his head.

"Hopefully that wasn't Ashton", said Molly.

"I think he was on patrol. I'm sure he would have heard something from one of the other officers. Hey, I'm sure you'll tell the others about your decisions."

He pulled into his driveway and met with Ashton and Lucille, and was greeted by Robert, Everett, Aneurin, and Santiago. Molly told of she prayed to believed. Then Ashton proceeded how he got a called from Eddie that Cole was killed in the gunshot fight. They gathered around to pray, and Josiah thanked God for a new sister Molly, and prayed for the Cole family. It was time to head for bed, and Molly moved into Addi's old room. Oh how she couldn't wait to talk with Bruce and tell him.

[Finally, Molly prayed to become a believer! Now there would sure be tough things ahead.]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XXVIII

****
The next day, Everett decided that he, Aneurin, Santiago, and Molly would meet with Bruce. He drove to New Hope Village Church and met with Bruce in his office. There, Molly told Bruce how she prayed to become a believer while she was in the hospital, and he was thrilled to hear it.

About a week later, Bruce arrived at Josiah's house. Though he had no idea they were all staying in a mansion. Josiah got the smart TV set up, and tapped in Night Line.

"It shows this guy as a master communicator", said Bruce, "I know you all saw his address to the United Nations. Remember, he was just a guest. That speech and the way he carried himself made them beg him to take over. Watch now, and see how well coached he is. Either that, or he’s a natural, born for television.”

It showed Nicolae Carpathia on Night Line, being interviewed by Theodore Wallace after his speech at the United Nations. They gathered around to watch, and it seemed that non could keep their eyes off of him.

"Hey, it's our old pal Nicolae Carpathia", said Santiago.

“Your speech at the United Nations,” Wallace Theodore began, “which was sandwiched between two press conferences today, seems to have electrified New York, and because so much of it has been aired on both early evening and late night local newscasts, you’ve become a popular man in this country seemingly all at once.”

“Like anyone from Europe, particularly Eastern Europe, I am amazed at your technology. I—”, Carpathia smiled.

“But isn’t it true, sir, that your roots are actually in Western Europe? Though you were born in Romania, are you not by heritage actually Italian?”

“That is true, as it is true of many native Romanians. Thus the name of our country."

Bruce paused the streaming. "Remember what I've said that the Antichrist would have Roman blood?", he asked

They nodded yes, they did remember, and Bruce told them to keep watching. He pressed play again.

"But as I was saying about your technology", continued Carpathia, "It is amazing, but I confess I did not come to your country to become or to be made into a celebrity. I have a goal, a mission, a message, and it has nothing to do with my popularity or my personal—”

“But is it not true that you just came from a photo session with People magazine?”, asked Wallace Theodore.

“Yes, but I—”

“And is it not also true that they have already named you their newest Sexiest Man Alive?”

"I can't argue with that", said Molly, "He's not that bad looking, is he?"

"Ah, but just watch and see", said Bruce.

“I do not know what that means, really", said Carpathia, "I submitted to an interview that was mostly about my childhood and my business and political career, and I was under the impression that they do this sexy-man coverage in January each year, so it is too early for next year and too close to this year’s.”

“Yes, and I’m sure, Mr. Carpathia, that you were as thrilled as we were over the young singing star who was so named two months ago, but—”, said Wallace Theodore.

“I regret to say I was not aware of the young man before I saw his photograph on the cover of the magazine.”

“But, sir, are you saying you are not aware that People magazine is breaking tradition by, in effect, unseating their current sexiest man and installing you in his place with next week’s issue?”

“I believe they tried to tell me that, but I do not understand. The young man did some damage to a hotel or some such thing, and so—”

“And so you were a convenient replacement for him.”

“I know nothing about that, and to be perfectly honest, I might not have submitted to the interview under those circumstances. I do not consider myself sexy. I am on a crusade to see the peoples of the world come together. I do not seek a position of power or authority. I simply ask to be heard. I hope my message comes through in the article in the magazine as well.”

"What's so wrong with that?", asked Lucille.

"Keep listening", said Bruce.

You already have a position of both power and authority, Mr. Carpathia.”

“Well, our little country asked me to serve, and I was willing.”

“How do you respond to those who say you skirted protocol and that your elevation to the presidency in Romania was partially effected by strong-arm tactics?”

" He totally lost me there", said Molly, "What is he asking?”

“Let me explain", said Bruce, pausing the streaming news, "Protocol is the standard and accepted way of doing things. Romania had a democratic election, but some people say that Carpathia somehow got around that by getting himself put in as president, even though it was in the middle of another man’s term in office. Carpathia was just a member of the lower house of government there before that.”

"I would say that that is the perfect way to attack a pacifist, one who is committed to disarmament not only in Romania and the rest of Europe but also globally", Carpathia continued.

“So you deny,” the newsman came back, “having a business rival murdered seven years ago and using intimidation and powerful friends in America to usurp the president’s authority in Romania?”

“The so-called murdered rival was one of my dearest friends, and I mourn him bitterly to this day. The few American friends I have may be influential here, but they could not have any bearing on Romanian politics. You must know that our former president asked me to replace him for personal reasons.”

“But that completely ignores your constitution’s procedure for succession to power.”

“That was voted upon by the people and by the government and ratified with a huge majority,” Carpathia said.

“After the fact.”

“In a way, yes. But in another way, had they not ratified it, both popularly and within the houses of government, I would have been the briefest reigning president in our nation’s history.”

Theodore asked him, “Why the United Nations? Some say you would have more impact and get more mileage out of an appearance before our Senate and House of Representatives.”

“I would not even dream of such a privilege,” Carpathia said. “But, you see, I was not looking for mileage. The U.N. was envisioned originally as a peacekeeping effort. It must return to that role.”

“You hinted today, and I hear it in your voice even now, that you have a specific plan for the U.N. that would make it better and which would be of some help during this unusually horrific season in history.”

“I do. I do not feel it was my place to suggest such changes when I was a guest; however, I have no hesitation in this context. I am a proponent of disarmament"

"So Carpathia is talking about getting rid of nuclear weapons?", asked Santiago.

"I think he's talking about getting rid of all weapons", said Ashton.

"So what's the problem?", asked Aneurin.

"Oh, there's a catch", said Bruce.

"That is no secret", said Carpathia, "While I am impressed with the wide-ranging capabilities, plans, and programs of the United Nations, I do believe, with a few minor adjustments and the cooperation of its members, it can be all it was meant to be. We can truly become a global community.”

“Can you briefly outline that in a few seconds?”, asked Wallace Theodore

Carpathia’s laugh appeared deep and genuine. “That is always dangerous,” he said, “but I will try. As you know, the Security Council of the United Nations has five permanent members: the United States, the Russian Federation, Britain, France, and China. I propose choosing another five, just one each from the five different regions of the world. Then you would have ten permanent members of the Security Council, but the rest of my plan is revolutionary. Currently the five permanent members have veto power. Votes on procedure require a nine-vote majority; votes on substance require a majority, including all five permanent members. I propose a tougher system. I proposed unanimity.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Select carefully the representative ten permanent members."

"Now does the ten nation confederency ring any bells?", asked Bruce.

"It sounds familiar", said Robert.

"They must get input from and support from all the countries in their respective regions", Carpathia continued.

“It sounds like a nightmare.”

“But it would work, and here is why. A nightmare is what happened to us last week. The time is right for the peoples of the world to rise up and insist that their governments disarm and destroy all but ten percent of their weapons. That ten percent would be, in effect, donated to the United Nations so it could return to its rightful place as a global peacekeeping body, with the authority and power in the equipment to do the job.”

“Sir, where did you get your encyclopedic knowledge of the U.N. and world affairs?”

“We all find time to do what we really want to do. This is my passion.”

“What is your personal goal? A leadership role in the European Common Market?”

“No, I have no personal goal of leadership, except as a voice. We must disarm, we must empower the United Nations, we must move to one currency, and we must become a global village.”

Bruce stopped the streaming, and asked them any reactions or thoughts. They all sat there for a moment and wondered what Carpathia could be talking about.

"Daniel and Revelation has all kinds of stuff about ten kings", Everett finally said, "Do you suppose there's a connection there with Carpathia's plans for ten rulers?"

"What do you think?", asked Bruce.

"It's kind of hard to argue with", said Lucille.

"I can't imagine anyone so humble being the Antichrist", said Aneurin, "All he talks is about peace and bringing the world together."

"If this man is the Antichrist", said Bruce, "He'll be charming, attractive, and a great deceiver. Just about everyone will follow him around like a dog follow its master. We must be, as the Bible says, wise as serpents and gentle as doves as we study this."

"But he's just the President of a tiny country in Eastern Europe which is on the other side of the world", said Molly, "Who cares?"

"Oh, have you heard the latest?"

"What's that?", asked Robert.

Bruce tapped in another news feed from an anchor woman from CNN.

“New York is still abuzz following several appearances today by new Romanian president Nicolae Carpathia. The thirty-three-year-old leader wowed the media at a small press conference this morning, followed by a masterful speech to the United Nations General Assembly in which he had the entire crowd standing and cheering, including the press. Associates of Carpathia have announced that he has already extended his schedule to include addresses to several international meetings in New York over the next two weeks and that he has been invited by President Fitzhugh to speak to a joint session of Congress and spend a night at the White House."

“At a press conference this afternoon the president voiced support for the new leader.”

The president’s image filled the screen. He said, “At this difficult hour in world history, it’s crucial that lovers of peace and unity step forward to remind us that we’re part of the global community. Any friend of peace is a friend of the United States, and Mr. Carpathia is a friend of peace.”

CNN broadcast a question asked of the president. “Sir, what do you think of Carpathia’s ideas for the U.N.?”

“Let me just say this: I don’t believe I’ve ever heard anybody, inside or outside the U.N., show such a total grasp of the history and organization and direction of the place. He’s done his homework, and he has a plan. I was listening. I hope the respective ambassadors and Secretary-General Ngumo were, too. No one should see a fresh vision as a threat. I’m sure every leader in the world shares my view that we need all the help we can get at this hour.”

"Latest news", said Bruce, "Ngumo stepped down and Carpathia was installed as the new Secretary General of the United Nations."

"Wow", said Santiago.

"So what does that mean for us?", asked Molly.

"His plan is to ask the world give up 90 percent of weapons and give him the remaining ten percent", answered Josiah, "If it all comes together, he'll have every weapon in the world at his disposal. This man is going to have one serious gun closet! Let's hope he's really a pacifist as he claims to be!"

Bruce filled them in some more. He decided that he would call and see about meeting him at the church, and they agreed. Josiah thanked Bruce for showing them all what they needed to hear.

[Could it be possible that the Antichrist was being revealed?]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XXIX

****
Bruce called Josiah for a meeting with him, Ashton, Robert, Lucille, Everett, Aneurin, Santiago, and Molly at the church. They arrived there, taking separate vehicles and met with Bruce.

"I have something to show you", said Bruce, and he showed them a footage from CNN at the wailing wall.

“No one knows the two men,” said the CNN reporter on the scene, “who refer to each other as Eli and Moishe."

"Now does the names Eli and Moishe sound familiar?", asked Bruce,

"They have stood here before the Wailing Wall since just before dawn, preaching in a style frankly reminiscent of the old American evangelists. Of course, the Orthodox Jews here are in an uproar, charging the two with desecrating this holy place by proclaiming that Jesus Christ of the New Testament is the fulfillment of the Torah’s prophecy of a messiah. Thus far there has been no violence, though tempers are flaring, and authorities keep a watchful eye. Israeli police and military personnel have always been loath to enter this area, leaving religious zealots here to handle their own problems. This is the most explosive situation in the Holy Land since the destruction of the Russian air force, and this newly prosperous nation has been concerned almost primarily with outside threats. For CNN, this is Dan Bennett in Jerusalem.”

"Incredible", said Santiago.

"The Bible speaks of two witnesses", said Bruce, "Aneurin, can you look up Revelation 11."

Aneurin got out a Bible and looked up Revelation 11. He read the following:
And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed.

"So are those the two witnesses?", asked Robert.

"I believe so", answered Bruce, "The names Moishe and Eli may be a reference to Moses and Elijah. It even goes on to say that they are given power to hold back rain during their time of prophesying and turned water to blood."

"So it's what Moses did in Egypt and what Elijah did in the Northern kingdom of Israel", said Everett.

"Right. They will prophecy for 3 1/2 years, and will lead many to salvation. Also, the Bible says that God will raise up 144,000 witnesses. Our job is to win as many converts as we can and fight against the Antichrist for seven years, if we're going to survive til the end."

"I remember my mom saying that only a 1/4 of the earth population will be left at the end of the Tribulation", said Lucille.

"It's because of the wars, earthquakes, diseases, and many will be required to give their lives for the cause of Christ."

"Wait, there's four in our group now", said Ashton.

"And four in ours as well", said Everett.

"Does that mean only one of us will likely still be alive when Jesus comes again?", asked Josiah.

"And what about our group?", asked Santiago, "Only one of us will survive til Jesus comes again?"

"It's very well possible", answered Bruce, "I'm not say which of you will most likely to make it. It could also be possible that only one of you will not survive to the end."

"What is the reason for being here?", asked Molly, "If there's not going to be many of us that will survive to the Glorious Appearing?"

"That's the exciting part, Molly. Our job is win as many coverts as we can. As I've shared with these three boys here, the Bible says there will be a great multitude."

"How many?"

Aneurin flipped through pages in the Bible, and read the following:

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages,

"That's saying it will be numberless", stated Bruce, "This will be a great soul harvest, and many will come to Christ for salvation."

"I can't wait to see that', said Josiah.

Bruce decided he was done with the meeting. They got up and headed out.

"Josiah, can I talk to you for a second?", asked Bruce in his office.

"Sure", said Josiah, "What do you want to talk about?"

"Well, I appreciate that you've nursed Molly back to health. I know it's a lot she's been through. Though it's a miracle of God that she survived."

"We sure can be glad she prayed the prayer."

"Yes.. there's something I would also like to talk to you about."

"You want me to preach on Sunday? I don't have any experience."

"Oh, that would be something. Perhaps you could be my associate pastor. You could even help teach in small groups when I'm not available."

"So you're saying I could help teach these four kids I've taken in?"

"That'd be great if you could help me out with them. As for preaching as Sunday, well, no, not this week."

Josiah had been active in the Jewish synagogue and had been a registered nurse. Though he would have never thought of being an associate pastor. He actually liked the idea of helping Bruce out with teachings in small groups when Bruce was not available.

****
They got home, and ate some sesame chicken and rice for dinner.

"Bruce actually asked him to be his associate pastor and help him out teaching in small groups", said Josiah.

"That sounds good", said Aneurin.

"So you'll be teaching when Bruce is not available?", asked Santiago.

"Well, he'll still be our mentor", said Josiah, "But he asked me to help him to teach you four kids."

"So you're going to preach on Sunday?", asked Molly.

"Oh, no. At least, not this Sunday. But I probably will eventually."

They finished their meals, and continued with their studies. There will still so much to learn about in the days ahead.

[A lot of stuff happening]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Chapter XXX

****
Another time, Bruce called Josiah again and asked him to bring the others to New Hope Village Church for a meeting. Bruce mentioned that he has a guest speaker to share his story with them. Josiah said they would be right over. They arrived, and met with Cameron Williams for the Global Weekly Magazine.

"So the Cameron Williams from Global Weekly", said Aneurin.

"I remember we spoke on the phone", said Molly.

"So you three are Dirk's nephews and niece", said Buck, "Oh, and please, call me 'Buck.' I have a story to share with you all. It's something that happened to me, and it must not be traveled outside of this room."

"We understand", said Robert.

"So what happened?", asked Josiah.

My assignment, as I understand it, is to use my own experience and conversations with Nicolae Carpathia to convince you he is who Bruce fears he is", said Buck, "Let me run this down quickly. As you may have seen on the news, he’s asked for resolutions from the U.N. supporting some of the things he wants to do. These include a seven-year peace treaty with Israel in exchange for his ability to broker the desert-fertilizer formula. He’s moving the U.N. to New Babylon."

"Wait, seven years?", asked Molly.

"Yes", said Santiago, "The Bible says that he will make a covenant for one week... meaning seven years."

"Right. He’s establishing a one-world religion, probably headquartered in Italy. Though he might have trouble with the Jews on that one, he has promised to help them rebuild their temple during the years of the peace treaty. He believes they deserve special treatment. All those things are predicted in the Bible.”

"But surely, the Muslims won't allow it, will they?", asked Everett.

I have gained the attention and respect of Nicolae Carpathia. My former boss has become his public relations man. Because of that, I got invited to a private meeting at the U.N. immediately before Carpathia was to introduce to the world his ten new international ambassadors.

“I knew well the characteristics of the Antichrist, mostly based on a lengthy conversation I’d had with Bruce. I was not at that time a believer. When I got to Carpathia’s private meeting, I felt such an intense presence of evil and foreboding that I hurried from the room and got alone where I could receive Christ. I went back to the meeting, where I witnessed something so astounding that, had I not received Christ and he had not been in control of my mind and spirit, I know I would have been brainwashed like everyone else in that room You heard what happened there. The world, the press—in fact, everyone else in that room that day except Nicolae Carpathia and me—believe that one of those ambassadors grabbed a security guard’s gun and shot himself. In the process he killed Carpathia’s biggest supporter. After Carpathia went around the room, shaking hands and welcoming each new ambassador to his team, he borrowed a huge, powerful handgun from the guard and asked his financial supporter, a man named Jonathan Stonagal, to kneel before him. Stonagal did not want to do it. He was humiliated at the request. Carpathia pleaded with him to trust him, calling him his best friend in the world. Once Stonagal was on his knees, Carpathia was in no hurry. He spoke calmly and quietly, and I will remember every word he said for as long as I live.
He said, ‘I am going to kill Mr. Stonagal with a painless hollow-point round to the brain, which he will neither hear nor feel. The rest of us will experience some ringing in our ears. This will be instructive for you all. You will understand cognitively that I am in charge, that I fear no man, and that no one can oppose me.’
“Carpathia went on to say, ‘When Mr. Stonagal is dead, I will tell you what you will remember. And lest anyone feel I have not been fair, let me not neglect to add that a high-velocity bullet at this range will also kill Mr. Todd-Cothran.’
I was so shocked. I could not move.
With his so-called dear friend kneeling there, Carpathia murdered both Stonagal and Todd-Cothran with one shot. I just stared, my mouth hanging open, as others pushed back from the table and covered their heads in fear. Carpathia placed the gun in Stonagal’s limp right hand and twisted his finger around the trigger.
Carpathia said kindly, as if speaking to children, ‘What we have just witnessed here was a horrible, tragic end to two otherwise extravagantly productive lives. These men were two I respected and admired more than any others in the world. What compelled Mr. Stonagal to rush the guard, disarm him, take his own life and that of his British colleague, I do not know and may never fully understand.’
“Carpathia then went around the room, asking each person what he had seen. Every one of them told the story exactly the way Carpathia had described it. When he got to me, God told me to say nothing. Carpathia assumed I was speechless from shock or because he was controlling my mind. And I had no idea whether he knew or not that I knew the truth. When the police arrived and began taking eyewitness accounts, I rushed back to my office and began writing the story. My boss burst in and demanded to know why I had not been at the meeting. I could not convince him I had been there. No one I have talked to in the room remembers I was ever even there.You kids don’t know me from Adam. You don’t have to believe a word I say. But I swear to you as a new brother in Christ that this is the truth. Nicolae Carpathia is evil personified, and if he is not the Antichrist, I don’t know who is.”

After Buck finished his story, the four adults and four kids were astonished. Bruce asked the kids to went outside in the foyer while he talked with the adults in his office. Afterwards, Bruce called in the kids, and had a talked with them.

****
After that meeting, they could not believe what they just heard. Now they could see who the Antichrist is. But what could they do?

"Bruce was sharing with us about a core group that will be going on the offensive", said Robert, "That is, meet secretly and reach out to many as they can."

"Think about it", said Josiah, "A hospital or a police station or even schools and airlines that are full of people who have no idea what really happened. If Bruce and his group could go off the offensive, perhaps we should, too. We need to spread the news that Jesus loves them, how He came to Earth and died for their sins and rose again, and that He's coming back in seven years."

"And that the Rapture was Jesus", stated Aneurin, "Not space aliens."

"Well, we can see how crazy this world has gotten", said Robert, "I mean, I never knew anyone who died other than of natural causes. But I mean: Chris Smith, Dirk, Alan Tompkins, Andre Dupree, Cole."

"About this group that Bruce was talking about", said Molly, "Did he say who it is?"

"Well, it's him, that news guy Buck, and Captain Rayford Steele and his daughter."

"Chloe?", asked Lucille, "Wow. So she's now a believer."

"Right. He even said that they called this group, 'The Tribulation Force.'"

"I wonder what we should call our groups?", asked Santiago, "The Trib Squad? Earth Angels? Left Overs?"

"How about Trib Committee?", asked Molly, "Or maybe you could be the Trib Committee and we could be the Junior Trib Committee. Or how about Trib Council and Junior Trib Council?"

"I think we can take a rest on the names", said Josiah, "I'm sure we'll think of something. Let's get to work."

They gathered around for prayer. Soon they would joined together to trust God and reach out to as many people as they can.

[That was the last chapter. If you any suggestions for the names of these core groups, please let me know]

 

[jasmine_childoftheking]

Epilogue

And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week. Daniel 9:26-27

[And that's the end of this fanfic. As you may have noticed, from the kids series, I‘ve spared Eddie Edwards and had a different police officer killed off instead. If you have any favorite non-believer that you would like me to spare or even change his/her spiritual status, please let me know. Now if you have to guess, which of these characters do you think will survive to the end at the Glorious Appearing? Please, let me know]