by Rachel Dylan
“I agree,” Dan said. “And I’m open to any suggestions you may have.”
“There is one thing I’m going to do.” Olivia paused and looked down.
“What?” Dan asked.
“I’m going to have a meeting with Nina Marie.”
“Why?” Chris asked. “What good can come of that?”
“I’ve given it a lot of thought while I was away, and I still believe there is hope for her.”
Dan thought that Olivia was being a bit naïve and overly optimistic about Nina Marie. “I understand that you don’t want anyone to be led astray, Olivia. But Nina Marie is really far gone.”
“I realize that, but I can’t help but feel like I have to make an effort with her.”
“You know she’s not going to want to hear any of that,” Chris said. “She made it her mission to destroy all the believers in this community.”
“I hear your reservations. Both of you, I really do. But I’m not going to change my mind on this one. Please let me tackle this issue my way. At least for the time being.”
“It’s not that we don’t want you to succeed. It’s just that we’re worried about your safety,” Dan said. The last thing they needed was for something to happen to Olivia. She was the lead warrior in this battle. And regardless of what Olivia thought, Dan was entirely distrustful of Nina Marie.
“I’ll be careful. I promise.” She rose up from her seat. “I’m going to call it a day. It’s been a long travel day, but I’ll be in touch with any relevant information I can gather.”
“Please do,” Dan said. “And we’re very glad that you’re back here.”
“Me too. Have a nice evening.” She walked out of the office leaving him alone with Chris.
Chris patted Dan on the shoulder. “I know you’re struggling right now. Not only because you see the decline in the church, but also because you just had to experience your first holiday season since losing Tina.”
Dan felt his eyes get misty. Chris knew him all too well. The loss of his precious wife still weighed on him daily. He’d just experienced his first Christmas without her and it was devastating.
“You don’t have to say anything,” Chris said. “Just know that I’m here for you. Whatever you need. We’ll get through all of this together as a church family.”
“We’re going to be tested,” Dan said. He knew deep in his gut that it would probably be the biggest test of their lives.
“You’re right, but we’re not going to back down. We’re going to fight this battle that the Lord wants us to fight. We’re going to rid our community of these occult forces.”
Dan only prayed that Chris was right.
**
Nina Marie Crane tried to keep her facial expression neutral as she sat across the table from Optimism CEO Layton Alito. Her sworn enemy had now become her ally. At least for a season.
She would never forget that Layton had tried to kill her—and failed. Only after his inability to remove her, did he want to join forces. But while she was definitely holding a grudge, she wasn’t stupid. They shared common goals as far as the evil one was concerned. So for now, she was forced to work with Layton instead of against him. She was CEO of Astral Tech, and she had to think about what was best for the company.
They were currently sitting at a large oak table in his study. The room was expansive and immaculately decorated. As was the rest of his mansion.
“Thanks for meeting with me,” Layton said. He looked as handsome as ever. His striking blue eyes making direct contact with hers. But she knew better than to be influenced by his good looks and smooth ways. Underneath that exterior was a lethal man with a totally depraved heart.
“What do you want to talk about?” she asked.
“Our source on the inside at Windy Ridge Community Church.”
“Yes, yes. How is Beverly doing?”
“Very well.”
“I still can’t believe you managed to turn her,” Nina Marie said. Beverly Jenkins was the financial administrator at Windy Ridge Community Church and a lifelong churchgoer.
“I can’t take all the credit on this one. It helped that her and Louise started going to the same hair salon a few years ago. That changed everything. An unlikely friendship blossomed into something much more.”
Nina Marie nodded knowing full well that having Judge Louise Martinique on the side of Optimism was a huge advantage to them. She wanted Louise to be on her side, not Layton’s. But that would require a lot of work. “However it happened, it’s a huge benefit to us now.”
He smiled. “And the time has come, my dear. The plot has been put into motion.”
“All right. So tell me about your plans.”
“I can’t tell you that part just yet.”
She let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re really starting to try me, Layton.”
“Believe me. Once the news breaks, you’ll understand. And you’ll thank me for such a brilliant plan.”
“But until then?”
“Hold tight and wait for the glorious news.”
She took a sip of the merlot that Layton had provided her. He was always drinking wine. Really expensive wine, so she wasn’t going to turn it down. Layton appreciated all the finer things in life. She wasn’t quite as materialistic as him, but she fully recognized that she loved nice things too. Especially since she used to have nothing. Be nothing. Except a victim.
But that time in her life was over. She was in charge of her own destiny, and she’d never let a man control her again. And definitely not Layton Alito.
She’d placate him for now, but when the time was right, she’d destroy him. “Is there anything else we can actually discuss?” she asked.
“Enjoy the wine, Nina Marie. Why are you in such a rush?”
“Since when do we actually enjoy spending time together?”
He raised an eyebrow. “If I remember correctly, we used to enjoy it a lot.”
“There’s no way I’m ever getting back in bed with you.” If he thought that was a possibility, she was going to shut that down right now.
He waved his hand. “Don’t be so tightly wound. Relax. I do have one more thing to discuss.”
“And that is?”
“I heard an interesting rumor this morning.”
“Yes?”
“That the law firm of BCR is opening a Chicago office.”
“That’s interesting. But why do you care what our former law firm does in Chicago.”
He leaned in closer to her. “Because I heard that your favorite lawyer is going to move here to start the office.”
“What?” Her hand shook and red wine splashed on the oak table.
“Ah, so I see that this does bother you.”
“It should bother you a lot more. I don’t have to remind you how strong Olivia Murray is or what a threat she could be to our enterprise.” Nina Marie still stayed up at night remembering how Olivia had chosen to save her life. She still hadn’t fully come to grips with someone acting as selflessly as Olivia did. But even though she was grateful, she couldn’t have Olivia spoiling everything they were working toward.
“You should have a chat with her. Feel her out.”
“How did you even find out about this?”
“Once again, Louise came through. She knows everything that goes on in the legal community. And the opening of a BCR office in Chicago is a big news item for law firms around here.”
“Leave Olivia to me. I can take care of her.”
Layton reached over and gripped her hand. Hard. “Make no mistake. If you don’t deal with her appropriately, then I will.”
“Understood.” She pulled away from his grip. “And don’t put your hands on me.” She’d had enough of this infuriating man. Throwing back the rest of her wine, she stood up. “I can see myself out. When you’re ready to actually tell me the plan with Beverly, let me know. Until then, I think we don’t have anything else to discuss.”
**
Olivia walked into G
rant Baxter’s law firm the next day to take him to lunch. She had to admit that she had missed seeing him while she took her time off. She had never expected that her former opposing counsel would become such a good friend and a source of strength in this crazy battle.
She had one more day before she started work at the Chicago office of BCR. She walked up to the front desk and smiled at the receptionist.
“Grant’s expecting you, Olivia. You can walk on back.”
“Thank you.” She strode down the long hallway passing Ryan Wilde’s office along the way. Grant had the last office.
When Grant saw her walk in, he smiled widely and his blue eyes sparkled. His thick dark hair looked as if it had been freshly cut.
“It’s great to see you.” He rose from his chair and hugged her tightly.
“It’s good to see you, too. It’s nice to be back in Windy Ridge even though I did enjoy my time in DC.”
“How’s Lizzie?”
“Great. She’s thinking about transitioning to a smaller litigation boutique to get more courtroom experience. It’s a big decision for her.”
“I can understand that.”
Grant had left a big law firm to start his own, and Olivia knew how much stress that had put on him. Olivia had misjudged him when they’d first met. Assuming he was just in it for the money, but there was a lot more at stake for him that that. She understood that now.
“You ready to go to lunch?” she asked.
“Yes, I’m starving.”
They exited his building and walked down the street to Grant’s favorite pizza place near his office.
Once they got settled in a booth and placed their orders—hers a slice of cheese and his two slices of supreme, she looked up at him. “Tell me what I’ve missed in Windy Ridge.”
“I didn’t want to bother you while you were away, but I think something is going on with Pastor Dan.”
She thought Dan had looked tired yesterday, but she had been tired too so she didn’t think much of it. “How so?”
“He seems really depressed. I know the holidays had to be rough on him, but I can’t help but think there’s something else deeper going on.”
“Did you ask him?”
“Every time I ask how he’s doing, he claims he’s doing fine.”
“Maybe it’s just a cumulative effect. He’s been through so much. First the death of his wife, and now this spiritual battle in his own backyard. He’s taking it all very personally—especially the decline in church attendance.”
“Whatever it is, I hope he can snap out of it. The church needs him. The community needs him.”
She reached over and squeezed Grant’s hand. “It’s going to be okay. Pastor Dan shouldn’t have to bear the burden for all of us. We’ll get through this together.”
“I’ve missed your optimism.”
She laughed. “Please don’t use that word.”
The pizza arrived and they ate in silence for a few minutes.
“How are you doing right now, Grant?” she asked.
“I’ve still got so much to learn and a lot of questions. But I haven’t wanted to burden Dan with them so I’ve been talking a lot more to Chris.”
“Your new found faith is already strong. It’s perfectly normal to have questions and want to talk things through. I’m glad I’m back now.”
“I’m glad you’re back, too. I really missed you, Olivia.”
Her heart constricted at his kind words. “We’ve got a long fight ahead of us. But there’s no one else I’d rather have by my side.”
“Let’s hope this is a new year filled with many good things to come.”
She hoped that was the case, but she also knew that a storm was just around the corner.
**
As Othan exacted the punishment that was required, his fellow demon Kobal groaned in pain. They stood outside the L in Chicago as people bustled back and forth to get on and off the crowded train during the evening rush hour.
“You failed again,” Othan said. “Your charges have gone back to their Christian ways. What do you have to say about that?”
The less powerful demon stared up at him. Othan enjoyed making him squirm. Kobal had great potential, but he needed more focus.
“I’m sorry, Othan,” Kobal said. “I did everything I could. But the pastor was able to intervene. I wasn’t able to convince them that the way of darkness was for the best. Even with their greedy and lustful ways.”
“Enough excuses.” It was time to see what Kobal was really capable of.
“I’ll do whatever I can to make it up to you and to the evil one.” Kobal stood proudly. His demonic form wasn’t what most people would expect for a demon. No, Kobal presented himself in human form just like Othan. Yes, they could transform if necessary, but their ability to blend into the population gave them an edge.
“I’m glad you feel that way.” Othan patted Kobal on the shoulder. “Walk with me.”
They walked down the subway platform as the snow started to fall more steadily. Othan adjusted his winter coat a little tighter. Not because he actually was impacted by the cold, but mainly out of habit.
“I’m anxious to start a new assignment,” Kobal said. He looked directly at Othan with his blue eyes sparkling with excitement.
“You’ve no doubt heard about our work in Windy Ridge.”
Kobal’s eyes widened. “Yes, it’s the hottest topic in our community right now.”
“You’re going to be working with me on various issues related to Windy Ridge Community Church.”
Kobal gasped. “I won’t let you down. This is a huge opportunity.”
Othan couldn’t help but smile. “If you fail, then I will destroy you. Do you understand?”
Kobal nodded but straightened his shoulders. He was an arrogant demon who often acted too hastily without thinking of the consequences. He reminded Othan of himself years ago. But to be successful, Othan would need someone like Kobal who could blend in with the humans.
“What do I need to do?” Kobal asked.
“First, I’m going to have you shadow Pastor Dan. There are going to be some events happening soon, and I’m going to need you to turn the screws where he is concerned. I’ve already had Zebar tailing him. But I need someone with more power and who can inflict more pain.”
“I can do this.”
“I know. Kobal, this is going to be one of our greatest battles. With victory in Windy Ridge, there will be no stopping us. The evil one will give us everything we ever wanted. Failure is not possible.”
Kobal brushed the snow off his blue wool cap. “I’m ready to go to work.”
“Perfect. Keep me updated.” The plan was a great one. And once Othan helped the evil one succeed, then he would be handsomely rewarded.
Excerpt from Expert Witness
Chapter One
“All rise.” The bailiff’s deep voice echoed through the crowded Atlanta courtroom.
Sydney Berry took a deep breath and stepped down from the witness stand. Unfortunately, her expert testimony as a forensic artist in the murder trial of businessman Kevin Diaz wasn’t over. She’d have to come back tomorrow and testify about her sessions with the eyewitness and the drawing she’d created of the suspect. The goal—to get the sketch of the suspect introduced into evidence. It would bolster the eyewitness testimony to have the contemporaneous drawing in front of the jury.
If the defense attorney was able to tear apart her testimony, the prosecution’s case would be severely weakened. And a guilty man likely would walk free. She refused to let that happen.
She walked out of the courtroom doors, and then the other bailiff standing outside nodded to her, indicating she was on her own. Dear God, please give me the strength to get through this. Let my testimony help the jury so that justice may be done for the murder of an innocent woman.
“Ms. Berry!” A male voice rang out down the courthouse hallway.
The last thing she wanted to do right now was deal with the pre
ss. She’d refused every media inquiry thus far, and she would do the same again today. Because of Kevin Diaz’s position in the community, the local Atlanta media were having a field day covering the trial.
“No comment.” She turned around and came face to face with a tall man in a dark suit and a navy checkered tie. No, he didn’t look like the press. He had to be a Fed. His dark brown hair was cut short, and his eyes were a striking deep green.
“I’m not a reporter,” he said. “Please let me escort you to your vehicle, and I’ll explain.”
She took a step, and he followed her.
She turned to him. “Who are you?”
He looked her in the eyes. “I’m US Marshal Max Preston.”
Close. She had figured him for FBI. Having dealt with the FBI quite a bit in her line of work, she knew its style, and he fit it perfectly down to the gun she caught a glimpse of on his right hip. Though she wasn’t accustomed to consulting for the US Marshals, they were obviously built from the same mold.
“As you can tell, I’m a bit preoccupied right now with this trial.” She reached into her pocket for her business card. “Here’s my card. Contact me and we can set up a consultation. But it will probably be a few weeks before I can fit it into my schedule.” When he refused the card, she pocketed it and pushed open the courthouse door. The summer heat of Atlanta hit her, and she already felt her hair starting to frizz.
“I know this is bad timing, but I need five minutes,” he said, following her outside.
The persistent marshal wasn’t taking no for an answer. They walked down the courthouse steps on to the sidewalk.
“Really, sir, this isn’t a good time.”
He touched her arm. “It’s important, Ms. Berry. I wouldn’t come to you like this otherwise, but I really need to talk to you. Now.”
Then she heard car wheels screeching loudly. Looking toward the street, she saw a dark SUV barreling down the road in their direction at top speed. Instinctively, she took a step back.
The tinted window rolled down, and the sound of gunshots exploded through the air. Before she could duck, she found herself hitting the sidewalk hard and tasted the faint taste of blood in her mouth.
