by Ken Fry
Martha, still holding the knife, moved forward knowing she was free. She didn’t give the dying man a second glance.
Shepard hadn’t seen or heard. He was transfixed by Bower’s hand. “No, this is not true. It’s a trick.” He blurted out incoherently. “Let’s try again.” He began to raise his gun, but he was too slow.
There was a sharp crack of a shot.
Shepard stood with a frozen expression of disbelief as he felt his life force draining from him. The bullet went straight through his head. He keeled over sideways and hit the ground with a heavy thump.
The Condesa Maria Francisca de Toledo, stood imperious and impassive, holding her smoking silver revolver.
A silence fell on the compound like a heart that had ceased to function.
“I never did like him.” She placed the gun back into her pocket.
CHAPTER 52
The bodies were disposed of down the ancient and secretly concealed, massive, one hundred and fifty foot deep well that had accepted Throgmorton’s body seventeen years ago. It had been constructed in medieval times for protection, and disposal of one’s enemies, when necessary.
Apart from the Abbot, nobody had any qualms about it. They all swore to secrecy. He insisted on performing burial ceremonies for each of them.
The only surviving member of Shepard’s crew was Alexis. They had picked him up – he could still walk – and dumped him into the driver’s seat of the truck they had arrived in. They told him to vanish. He didn’t disagree.
§
Two months later...
Ned Garcia had done it again. His exposé had finished off the already floundering Holy Church of Lazarus. It’s founder, Pastor Silas Shepard, had vanished, and with him a considerable sum of money. Nobody knew his whereabouts or that of the money. It was rumoured that he had fled to the Polynesian islands somewhere. Of course, Garcia made sure the true circumstances were not revealed. He then published his book, a clever piece of ‘faction’ which was zooming up the best seller charts both in the USA and the UK.
Additionally, his personal loneliness would soon end. He’d taught Luciana how to mix a Rusty Nail to perfection. What more could a man ask for from his future bride?
Come the wedding, all his friends involved in the ‘Lazarus’ episode would be invited. It was a day he eagerly looked forward to.
Maria too had embarked on a new lease of life. She was so delighted with Luciana’s news that she began making plans for the wedding reception and all the other issues that involved weddings. As a gift for them both, she had brought them a car that Garcia said he always wanted to own, an Aston Martin DB9. If that wasn’t enough, in her will, she had bequeathed her Guadamur home to Luciana upon her death. What more could she do?
She had begun to write another book concerning the influence that miracles had on religious art, and how that impacted and influenced the observers. It was a subject that had now become very dear to her heart.
Alone at night, she would often stand and gaze upon the distant hills, and in her loneliness, hear their call and take comfort in all the memories they held for her. She could ask for no more.
With sorrow, her mind would encompass Brodie whom she admired so much. He had given a great deal – a part of his life – and she felt she had given him so little. Meeting his daughter, Martha, in that remarkable fashion in Toledo’s cathedral, had been a gift from heaven. Whether their story was finished, she had no know way of knowing. Only time would tell.
EPILOGUE
Sacramento, USA
He sat alone in the subdued lighting of his library. He hadn’t been in there since that early meeting with Shepard. He still couldn’t fully comprehend the enormity of what he had been through and witnessed. Nobody would believe him. But that didn’t matter. He, John D. Bower, knew the truth of what had come to pass.
The effect of his healed hand on the Lazarus band had been profound – on him, most of all. When it happened, joy like he had never known had flooded through him. It had been astonishing. Now, his life had been changed forever. The paradoxes of his previous days had been erased. There were none remaining.
The mysteries would forever remain mysteries. That is how it had always been and always will be, he thought. His course had never been plainer. He now knew where he was going.
His painting, The Raising of Lazarus, had shone Christ’s gaze upon him – as it had done since the first artist, Annas Zevi. He entrusted it back to Abbot Louis at the Monasterio de San José de Nazaret. It was the least he could do apart from earmarking a substantial amount of money for the monastery. Bower now had more cash and funds, and he did not know what to do with it. But there was no hurry, Abbot Louis would guide him. The life of a monk is not a rushed one. He had much to learn and his future was clearly set out for him.
The Raising of Lazarus would, as Brodie’s work had been, be locked in a secret chapel. When the time is right, it will be displayed … so that it may serve its purpose.
How long that would be, nobody could say.
He reviewed the events around Shepard, his plans for a new church and the crookedness of it all, and it disgusted him that he could have ever wanted to be a part of it.
That young woman, Martha, had changed it all for him.
It had been instantaneous between them. It was as if she had been sent to guide him. That damned White Horse they had all ridden had brought them together. He knew he could never forget her – or any of them. They were now deeply ingrained into his being and that’s the way he would always wish it to be.
There was one thing left to do.
He rolled the library steps to where he wanted, climbed, and reached out. It was still there where he had last put it. He pulled the Book of Miracles and carried it down to the table. He had promised it to the monastery. He had no more use for it.
Turning the pages with great care, he searched for the section with the missing Lazarus pictures. They were no longer missing. Staring up at him were the images of three paintings – and he recognised them all. Brodie’s, Martha’s – of that he was certain – and his own.
How did they get there? Of that question he had no answer. He could only believe in the miraculous once more.
For the second time in his life, he wept.
§
Uffington, UK
Ulla Stuart was on edge, very much so. At any minute, they would arrive at the door. The last couple of days had been spent cleaning up the spacious cottage, going from room to room with an array of buckets, mops and cleaning materials. The diffusers had been switched on in each room and she could say the house was as clean as a nun’s convent.
Nerves were getting the better of her and she grabbed an extra-large brandy and took a big swig. That morning, she had taken extra care on her clothes and appearance. She wore tight blue trousers, and spinning around, she was pleased to see her figure was as it was many years back. She opted for an equally tight blouse, a couple of its buttons undone. Just in case he’s forgotten. She had applied mascara, eyeliner and a soft pink lipstick. Silver pendant earrings hung sweetly from her ears. She felt ready.
From the phone calls she had received from Martha, and reading between the lines, she knew things had been happening. They always did when Brodie was about.
Looking out of the window at The White Horse, she lifted her glass to it.
“Here’s to you, troublemaker.”
A black taxi pulled up outside. They’re here! She began to shake.
The first person out was Martha, looking as she did the day she left. The well-remembered form of Brodie emerged next. Ulla gasped. He looked older, but it was still unmistakably him. His walk and stance were the same old Brodie. He was smiling, and her heart leapt at the sight of it.
Martha walked to the door, but she beat her to it and flung it open, stepping out with wide open arms.
“Ma!” They embraced heavily before Ulla pulled away. Martha stood aside, and for the first time ever, witnessed her mother and her dad �
�� together.
Not a word was spoken.
They stood silent, still, gazing deeply into each other’s eyes. Tears rolled from Ulla’s as he reached out awkwardly, as if unsure of how he should react and of her reaction to him. With a loud sob, she fell into his open and welcoming arms.
§
It had been a charged and highly emotional evening. The bond that had existed between her parents had never really left them even after all these years. It was so obvious. It caused Martha to think she was indeed blessed. They had been God’s thieves. His raw humanity, and love for Ulla and herself shone through. It wasn’t all about perfection, she thought. There existed faultlessness in the crack in a glass. The crack was in itself, perfect. Brodie and Ulla were cracks personified.
Faultless within the erroneous idea of imperfection.
Watching them together, she understood where she came from. She marvelled at their love for each other, which after so many years, remained as bright as the sun itself. It had never diminished. She could only feel the utmost pride and love for them both, and wished that one day, she would find it too.
Her thoughts turned to John. He now carried the burden her father had borne for so many years. He had volunteered to become a monastic under the kindly watch of Abbot Louis.
She loved him for being able to let go of what he had been. What was it she recognised in him when they first met? She knew she would never be able to name it. What was important now was that they had connected, and after a long struggle, Bower had finally learnt to truly open his heart.
John D. Bower’s life, as he had known it … was finished. He was now Brother John, The Defender of the Risen Lazarus.
The role would never be a sinecure. More attempts to steal the painting and exploit its powers were inevitable.
Martha realised this and was happy that Brodie had been released from his guardianship.
For a young lady her age, she was quite remarkable. Ulla and Brodie both loved her with a fierce and consuming passion. She was now the brightest light in their lives.
The White Horse remained as it always had, the link that had connected them all. It had carried them equally with love and care and without favour. It had recognised Martha’s spirit – naked and unashamed.
Of the bluebells, they still didn’t know where they came from.
She sensed it was not over yet.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to give special thanks to my editor, and book manager, Eeva Lancaster, and her team, for their hard work, perseverance and patience with a disorganised individual like me. Without that bond, all my books would not be possible.
ALL BOOKS WRITTEN by KEN FRY
SHAKYAMUNI’S PEARL
Danger Above... Danger Below...
A deadly hunt for a 17th Century legend beneath the coastal waters of Japan.
17th Century, Japan
The Legend...
Ama divers, Makoto and Kaho, discover a gigantic pearl deep in the coastal waters of Japan, resembling the head of Buddha, Shakyamuni. At that time, all finds are the property of their Daimyo, Lord Hatakeyema. Their secret is discovered, and before they can bring the pearl to the surface, they are attacked. Rather than face certain death by beheading, the couple commits suicide by drowning --- taking the pearl with them.
Since then, it has never seen the light of day...
The Present...
Maxine D'Argy Steele and Hugo Leyton, renowned researchers, are offered a lucrative deal by an American-Japanese pearl and diamond dealer. Locate the legendary pearl and recover it. They form a team to help them in their quest --- a renowned freediver and oceanographer, and an ama diver, Mizuki, who has motives of her own.
But the problem with legendary treasures is that people will kill to own it.
Two rival factions, the Yakuza, a criminal organisation led by Kazuma, and The Flaming Flag Society led by Yamura, are aware of the expedition, and they will use all their resources to possess the pearl.
With danger from above and from below, Maxine and Leyton dodge bullets and threats as they try to resurrect Shakyamuni's Pearl from its watery tomb.
Read this high adrenaline, hunt and chase thriller and let the action propel you towards a new Ken Fry adventure.
THE LAZARUS CONTINUUM
An age-old secret must be kept safe...
Until the next successor is chosen.
It's been seventeen years since Brother Baez, formerly Broderick Ladro, entered the monastery to fulfill his legacy, turning his back on all earthly affairs. His strange visions and doubts have steadily increased through the years and he goes on a desert retreat to make sense of it all.
Brodie’s painting, The Raising of Lazarus, is endowed with the power to heal. A secret that must be guarded, as it has been since the first was painted thousands of years ago by Annas Zevi, who witnessed the miraculous event.
Brodie senses that a new artist is being summoned. But who?
THE CHRONICLES of AVELINE: AWAKENING
Struck by the sword of injustice, driven by love and loyalty…
An unlikely heroine is born.
Read The Chronicles of Aveline and enjoy this epic tale of a young woman’s incredible courage and loyalty even in the most desperate circumstances. A captivating story of true love and heartbreaking trials, deception, and one woman's determination to take back everything that was taken from her.
DISJOINTED TALES: A Collection of Eccentric Short Stories
A small but unhinging collection of weird tales that will entertain you on dark nights, by the fireside or in bed.
From the depths of the scrambled mind of KEN FRY, bestselling and award-winning author of The Lazarus Succession and The Patmos Enigma.
While exploring his archives, he discovered a host of stories he had forgotten about in a dingy cupboard. Included in the collection is the first story he ever wrote. These are but a few he found, but there are many more... somewhere... mostly odd, unnerving, and not short on dark humour.
Read and enjoy… be entertained, but be careful, for you never know who you're going to meet.
THE PATMOS ENIGMA
UK #1 Christian Fantasy Bestseller
A mysterious man walking the earth for millennia
And a discovery we might not be ready for…
The Patmos Enigma will take you on a journey of wonders and thrills as it hurtles from dark truths to enlightening revelations as the war between science and mysticism commences.
RED GROUND: The Forgotten Conflict (Massacres in Sierra Leone)
Part Fiction. Part True.
Red Ground is an action-packed military thriller based on the Sierra Leone Rebellions, a bloody and horrifying part of West African history.
"Red Ground is a fast read revealing horrors beyond imagination. Whether in the UK or West Africa, continuity is maintained. The in-depth characterization is masterful. The vivid imagery of the battle scenes will have you ducking for cover." – Amazon Review
THE LAZARUS SUCCESSION
UK Religious Mystery Bestseller
A Legend to Slaughter For…
A Truth to Die For….
The Lazarus Succession takes readers to the ancient scene of Christ's greatest miracle, to medieval Spain, and back to modern-day Europe. A modern-day thriller with a spellbinding ancient mystery.
"... with his excellent grasp of the written word he leads us to accept the surreal as perfectly normal and possible. The writing is excellent, the book is a treasure in itself and I would love to award this six stars." --Lucinda E Clarke for READERS’ FAVORITE
THE BRODSKY AFFAIR
Lost Art. Murders. A Collector who will stop at nothing.
The Brodsky Affair is a roller coaster ride that moves from Australia to UK, to Russia and France, as Interpol attempts to unravel a complex trail of murders and art thefts.
“The mystery itself is classy and intelligent and develops into a killer of a finale…. Try this one if you like your art-heist thrillers to
be gritty, real, and steeped in history.” – Amazon Review
SUICIDE SEEDS
The fate of The Gambia, and maybe the rest of the world, rests on the shoulders of an ambitious man. Will he give up his dreams to do the right thing? Or will that cup of rice be your last?
Lloyd Olsen, a top executive of NewCrop, a western producer of genetically engineered (GE) seeds, is sent to the Gambia to head the company's operation. The company has developed a new strain of rice, GRX, which promised to end the famine in West Africa. Olsen leaves everything behind for the promise of a CEO position.
Little did he know that the supposed "Holy Grail of Biotechnology" is a non-seeding, nightmare crop... dubbed the Suicide Seed.
A seed that could feed the hungry millions...
But a seed that kills itself and all other natural seeds in its proximity.
Giving NewCrop full control of West Africa's agricultural supply.
Olsen discovers NewCrop's real agenda when his life and those of the people he cares about is threatened by a fanatic hired by a corrupt government official in The Gambia to protect the contract. The body count starts piling up.
