by Pam Funke
CHAPTER thirty
Amy Meyers waited patiently in the checkout line at the local grocery store. She was a little upset. She had not talked to her husband, Robert, for months now. She didn’t know why, but in a way she should be used to it by now. Robert was active duty military and was often deployed a lot. He was not like other husbands that she knew who called their wives and families almost daily while deployed. He was a most uncaring husband. She was dreadfully lonely, but she wouldn’t be like so many women she knew who had affairs while their husbands were away. No, she wasn’t brought up that way nor was it in her nature to do so. But it sure would be nice to have a true friend. I have plenty of friends, but they all have their own agendas. Besides, they aren’t as concerned about their spiritual relationship with God as I am. You would think that she’d have some friends from the church, but no one really looked in on her or spoke to her outside of the church. She turned on her mp3 player and listened to some gospel music while she waited. The cashier was unusually slow today.
Halle looked across the aisle. She noticed that the line was a little shorter over there so she pushed her cart over to the other line. The lady in front of her looked so sad. Halle tapped the lady on the shoulder.
“Are you alright?” Halle asked. “Wait. Do I know you?” she continued.
Amy looked at her. She recognized her from the church. It was the lady who had recently started coming to the church. What was her name again?
“Ashley?” Amy replied.
“No, my name is Halle”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m really bad with names. You go to the Temple of Praise, right?”
“Yes. I thought that I recognized you. How are you? You look so sad, are you okay?”
“Sorry, I’m okay really. It’s just that my husband is deployed and I haven’t talked to him in months.”
“I understand how you feel. My husband has been gone on a business trip for a week now. Would you like to join me for lunch?”
“Yes, I’d like that very much.”
“Why don’t we meet at The Buffet Palace say around 1:30 pm?”
“That would be great. That will give me plenty of time to put my groceries away provided this cashier doesn’t take the rest of the day.”
They both laughed.
****
General Ludlow arrived outside of the door to the conference room. He was thankful his driver, Robert, had left the door to the conference room cracked; it would give him a few minutes to observe before having to go in and deal with this. He hesitated to wonder if it was really too late to back out of this nightmare, but he supposed that it was. What am I going to do? Am I really this godless man that I see every morning in the mirror? Is there really a God like so many people believe? If there is, I hope He does not see what I am about to do. He will not be very happy with me, not one bit. I am not very happy about it either. Ever since he’d had that terrifying dream a couple of weeks ago, Alexander had been dreading this mission. He didn’t know what had come over him as he didn’t really even remember what the dream had been about, but whatever it was had unsettled his spirit.
“Alexander Ludlow, what do you think you are doing? We had a deal. No one can help you out of this, not even God,” the voice said.
I must be crazy. How could I have possibly heard that when there is no one here, but me? I must be overworked. My wife has been bugging me to take some time off; maybe I should. General Ludlow glanced nervously around himself. He saw no one else in the hallway. I must be losing my mind.
“You cannot explain me away. I am always here watching you. I know your deepest secrets; I know your darkest fears. I know everything there is to know about you. Do you remember what you did when you were 15 years old?” the voice asked.
General Ludlow’s heart skipped a beat. “Yes, I remember.”
He frowned as the image of what he had done played in his mind. That was one memory that he could do without. How could the voice know the terrible thing that I did back when I was 15 years old? How could anyone possibly know? I have never told anyone about what happened.
Alexander Ludlow lowered his head in shame. He had suppressed the memory for so long, but now it came rushing back to him. He tried to stop it, but he couldn’t. He was 15 years old again, hanging out at the city park with his football buddies. He was the all-star quarterback for his high school team. It was homecoming night and they were celebrating. They had just won the game 50 to 20 and their team was heading to the state championships next week. Instead of going home like the rest of the team had; the four of them had gone to the corner liquor store and bought some beer using fake IDs. They hung around the park laughing and drinking; having a good ole time. All of them were oblivious to the amount of alcohol that they had actually consumed. It was close to 10 pm when they finally decided that they had better head home.
Someone tossed Alexander the keys to the Mustang and told him to drive. Alexander was too drunk to drive, but rather than look like a wuss to his friends—he got behind the wheel. He figured that he’d be okay anyway, they weren’t going that far. As he sped through town he never saw the young woman crossing the street with the toddler until it was too late. He swerved and braked hoping to miss them. He heard a dull thud and stared into the rearview mirror. The woman was lying in the street in a pool of blood; the child was standing nearby sobbing and staring at the tail lights of the car. Thank God I missed the kid. He stared at the unmoving body of the woman lying in a pool of blood for a few minutes then glanced back at the child again. He was terrified of what would happen to him if he were caught. So rather than do anything to help the young woman, Alexander sped away never looking back. After all, there were no witnesses other than the small child. His friends were too drunk to even notice that anything had happened. Alexander vowed never to drink again and he never did.
I never even found out what happened to that woman and the little girl. But then again I guess that I never really wanted to know. But…how does the voice know about this? “Why are you bothering me now?” General Ludlow asked.
“It is imperative that you go through with Operation Dark Angel. It is drastically going to change the world for the better. You do want to make the world a better place, do you not?” said the voice.
“How is that possible? How will Operation Dark Angel make the world better?”
“General Ludlow? Sir, what are you doing out here? The meeting has started already. They are all waiting for you,” said Maya.
“I’m sorry, Maya. What did you say?”
“I asked if you were going to the meeting.”
“Ummm….yes….I was just….just gathering my thoughts.”
General Ludlow glanced around looking for the owner of the voice that he had just heard. There was no one there except the two of them. Where did the voice go? Who is the voice anyway?
“So do you need me to take the minutes or not, sir?” asked Maya cautiously. Why is the General behaving so strangely?
“No, Maya I do not think that will be necessary. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?”
“Are you sure that you are okay?” asked Maya. He has never given me a day off in five years. Something big must be up.
“Yes, I am fine. I will see you on Monday, Maya.”
“At least, I hope that I will,” General Ludlow mumbled as he walked into the room.
CHAPTER thirty-one
Nicolaitanes Balac stood in front of the group. Everyone was in attendance except for General Ludlow. He knew that the General was currently on his way to the meeting.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Nicolaitanes said as he walked to the front of the room. “I want to go over some changes while we wait for the General,” Nicolaitanes continued.
“But shouldn’t we wait for the General?” Adolph asked.
Nicolaitanes glared at him. Adolph sat back down quietly. He looked down at the table in front of him.
“It is now in the best interest of all that we change the targ
ets that we had previously discussed. This is for reasons that I am not at liberty to discuss, but the change is effective immediately. Everything will still fit in with current plans; it’s just a change of venue,” Nicolaitanes said pausing for effectiveness.
Ah, but I love confusion, Nicolaitanes thought as he observed the room. Everyone was quietly glancing from one to another as they were quite confused.
“What are you talking about Nicolaitanes? I thought the plan was to attack….,” Andrew started.
Nicolaitanes interrupted him, “Plans are not set in stone, my friend. Things change and, therefore, one must be capable of change as well. The new targets are….”
Nicolaitanes stopped as he felt a presence standing in the doorway. He glanced up and saw General Ludlow just standing there watching quietly.
Now, how long has the General been standing there? “Ah, General Ludlow. Please come in and join us,” Nicolaitanes gestured warmly.
Good Lord, what are we doing? General Ludlow gathered his courage and walked into the room cool, calm and collected. He glanced around at the people in the room, frowning slightly as he saw the elderly woman sitting impatiently in his favorite chair. The nerve of that woman! He recognized Nicolaitanes Balac from the UN summit meeting that was held on the television a few days ago. Nicolaitanes had been the guest speaker from Rome, Italy. I wonder what he is doing here. I have only met him that one time. Why is he acting as though he is in charge? Where’s the guy we’ve been video conferencing with? General Ludlow walked over to the only seat available. He did not think that it would be such a good idea to make the old woman move out of his chair.
“Good morning, everyone,” sighed General Ludlow.
“Good morning,” some of them mumbled in reply.
Adolph looked anxiously at Nicolaitanes. Nicolaitanes nodded ever so slightly and Adolph stood up.
“Let us get started without all the formalities,” said Adolph Christophe. “We are not here to make acquaintances, I am sure. We all know why we are here.”
“Oh yes, I quite agree,” said Tara Matthews.
“I am anxious to get started as well,” said Victor Bartola.
Well, at least, they seem to be in a hurry to get this meeting over with also. General Ludlow felt relieved. God knows, he was anxious to get this whole thing over with. He relaxed a little in his chair. He did not know why it was, but something in here made his skin crawl.
“Yes, we should get started. I understand that everyone here knows what we are here to discuss and the role in which they are to play. Our topic is one of utmost global security, one of such importance that I think it is imperative that I know to whom I am speaking!” demanded Annamaya Varnedoe. “It may not mean much to some of you, but as I do not know each of you personally—how can I possibly trust such a matter with you?”
The group muttered amongst themselves in protest. Annamaya shook her head impatiently.
“I am not asking that you reveal your full identities to me or your life stories. But your first name and a little about yourself will suffice!” Annamaya said as she sat back down in her chair. Nicolaitanes sat quietly watching everyone’s reactions.
Wow, she’s an ornery one. I’d hate to see her in a bad mood. General Ludlow shook his head as he listened to her speak.
“I completely agree with that and will go first. My name is Richard Smith. I am the financial advisor of a fortune 500 company.”
“I am Andrew Jackson and no I am not related to the President nor am I named after him. I am a research analyst.”
“Sampson Perry here, there is nothing further about me that you need to know.”
“Victor Bartola. I deal mostly with cyberspace security.”
“Nicolaitanes Balac as most of you must know. But you may call me Nicolaitanes.”
I wonder what’s with him. Arrogant much? General Ludlow sat staring at Nicolaitanes. Nicolaitanes caught General Ludlow’s eye making him uncomfortable. He soon looked away from Nicolaitanes.
“I am Adolph Christophe from the Federation of Germany.”
I bet I know where he got his name from…Adolph Hitler. Serenity Lambert burst out laughing. Everyone turned and stared at her. She continued laughing until she noticed the way Nicolaitanes was looking at her. It made her feel uneasy.
“My name is Serenity Lambert. Yes, Serenity. S-e-r-e-n-i-t-y.”
“Alexander Ludlow. I am the Post Commander around here.”
“My name happens to be Rosalind Carey. I have been around since before most of you were born, therefore, I demand respect from each and every one of you regardless of what you think!”
Wow. Get out of line and she just might pop you with a ruler. General Ludlow smiled to himself.
“I am just Tara Matthews, you know like the plantation.”
“Oh brother, you can just call me Caitlin Rogers. Now can we please get on with this?” Caitlin rolled her eyes. She was the youngest one in the room and was starting to get a little annoyed.
“Yes, we can get started now. I am Annamaya Varnedoe. Operation Dark Angel is a go. General Ludlow, you are to initiate at 0220 hours tomorrow. Israel will never know what hit them.”
Did I hear correctly? “Israel? I thought the target was Iraq. That is not what was discussed previously,” General Ludlow said shocked. “Why wasn’t I told of these changes?”
“You are being told of the changes now, General,” Rosalind replied flatly.
“Things have changed. Israel is, but one of many targets that will be hit with Operation Dark Angel. We do not need to keep you informed of any changes ahead of time nor do we have to explain ourselves to you! You work for us. You are to do what you are told and nothing more. We are not paying you to think General so stop asking stupid questions!” Annamaya said haughtily.
“Yes, ma’am. I will get everything ready,” General Ludlow replied standing up to leave.
“You have not been dismissed,” said Victor.
“Remember your place Victor. You may leave General,” said Nicolaitanes calmly.
General Ludlow got up and walked out of the room angrily. “Just who do they think they are? How dare she talk to me that way? I am the General for heaven’s sake,” General Ludlow mumbled under his breath.
The group watched as General Ludlow walked out of the room.
“You must not say too much in front of the General, Victor. The less he knows the better for us. Once the mission is underway he will become expendable,” Nicolaitanes said.
“But that was not discussed. We did not agree to be murderers. Is there no other way?” asked Andrew.
“Do you question me, son?”
Andrew looked up at Nicolaitanes, there was a cold, bloodless stare emanating from Nicolaitanes that Andrew had never seen before from anyone.
Looking back down at the table, Andrew answered, “No Nicolaitanes, I am not questioning you. I just thought….”
“I would advise you not to think Andrew,” Nicolaitanes said coldly.
“I will not think.”
Andrew stared at the floor. He was beginning to think that he had made a dreadful mistake. It would be wise not to cross Nicolaitanes again. That man was dangerous he knew. He just had no idea how dangerous he was.
CHAPTER thirty-two
Katy Farnsworth was at home having tea with her friend from the church. She enjoyed her weekly teas and Sunday dinners with him. They always had the most entertaining conversations. He kept her sane; his laughter was hearty and always made her smile.
“You’ve really outdone yourself, this time, Katy,” he said as he ate a large piece of her chocolate cake. “This is absolutely delicious.” He smiled.
“Thanks, how have you been?” Katy asked.
“I’ve been good, just been really busy with various things around the church. They keep me extremely busy these days, but I like it.”
“That’s great. I hope you’ll still have time every now and then to visit little ol’ me.”
Katy looked a
s though something was on her mind.
“Is anything bothering you, Katy? You seem a little distracted today.”
Katy remained quiet. She looked around her kitchen. “This house is very old. Do you know the history of my house?”
He looked at her. He was a little puzzled. He knew all about this house, he was the one who had pointed it out to Katy. He decided to just humor her.
“What is it?” he asked.
“They used to hide slaves in my house. When the bounty hunters and KKK members used to search the homes looking for the slaves; people used to hide them in the hidden rooms under this house. They used the tunnels to sneak them away later. In latter days, the tunnels were used to hide wounded soldiers and families. The tunnels have been used throughout the history of this house. I feel that something’s coming in which they’ll need to be used again. I think we should improve the tunnels and secret rooms. Perhaps even stock some of the rooms; you never know when you might need them again.”
“Is there something that you are not telling me, Katy?”
Katy stared at him. “What are you talking about?”
“Why the sudden interest in fixing up the tunnels and rooms downstairs, Katy?”
“What on earth are you talking about? Why would I want to do that?”
She looked at him oddly. Katy sure was acting strange, but he would do as she asked. There must be a good reason behind all of this.
Katy got up and cleared the table. She took the dishes to the sink and washed them.
“Would you like some help Katy?” he asked.
“No, thank you. You just sit back and relax.”
“Okay.”
Katy suddenly turned and grabbed his arm, “No one must know of the tunnels or where they lead.” She looked around as though afraid someone else would inadvertently hear them.
“You know I would never tell anyone unless they have need of it and I trust them.”
She smiled. “Thanks for keeping an old woman company.”
