CHAPTER THIRTY NINE
When Kenann returned from a lengthy conference with Pierre, the first thing she noticed was the smear of lipstick on Danny Mac’s lips. She raised an eyebrow and her look was feral. He tried to utilize their previous hand signals, but she ignored him. He looked for any sign of Kenann.
“All right ladies, Pierre has consented to you being our guest tonight. Daniel will leave with you tomorrow. But he will have his duties, Nita. I am afraid he will not be able to show you around.” Her smile was ice cold.
“I will show you to your rooms so you may freshen up.”
Pinky sensed the tension and offered sweetly, “That would be lovely. Thank you, ma’am. I just realized I don’t even know your name.”
Kenann gave her a very direct gaze and with steel in her voice said, “Inanna.” Danny Mac prayed to God Kenann was still in there.
* * *
Carter looked at Mrs. Gage. “Nita is playing a dangerous game, Gabrielle.” Mrs. Gage could not disagree but decided to change the subject, nonetheless.
“What is our plan, John?”
“Let’s wait to see what Kenann and Danny can reveal through the wire.”
They did not have long to wait. Kenann came back into the room and if she shut the door a little harder than necessary no one acknowledged it. Danny Mac spoke first.
“These women could be a nuisance, Inanna. Why did you let them stay?”
Kenann gave him a feral smile which did nothing to reassure him. “Oh, a cat likes to play with her prey before she goes in for the kill, don’t you know?”
He cleared his throat. While Kenann took Nita and Pinky away, he had gone to the bathroom and placed the comm device deep in his ear.
“What do you and Pierre desire of me?” Danny Mac attempted to focus Kenann on their task at hand.
Kenann appeared to shake off confusing thoughts and looked at him. “You are to bring our enemies here so we can dispatch them.” She said it with such conviction, Danny Mac feared Pierre had implemented further hypnotic control over Kenann. It was a fear shared by those who were listening a few short miles away.
“What am I to say?”
Kenann sighed in exasperation. “Do I have to do all your thinking, Daniel? Tell them you escaped. Bring them here to rescue me.” Her laugh chilled Danny Mac to the bone. Jake and Mrs. Gage looked at each other, their hearts sinking.
Kenann continued. “And you must produce Blade as well.”
Danny Mac’s head whipped around. “What?!”
“You heard me. We want everyone who was in Egypt here. Do not oppose me on this Daniel.”
Danny Mac knew he was being watched closely on the monitor. His role playing was being scrutinized as closely as Kenann’s. “Yes, milady,” and bowed his head slightly to acknowledge.
Across the valley Mrs. Gage straightened from her close monitoring of the voice transmission. “Time for a Council of War.” Danny Mac heard and concurred.
CHAPTER FORTY
They sat around the table communicating with Nita and Pinky using their remaining comm device. They had gone out on the balcony under the guise of checking out the view, hoping any surveillance equipment would not pick up on their conversation. They kept their comments cryptic. nevertheless. Danny Mac took their cue and walked out on his balcony as well to listen. He was pleased but not surprised to learn they were ensconced on the next mountain.
“That Inanna is some kind of chick.” Pinky heard Mrs. Gage explain that Pierre had hypnotized Kenann at one point and they feared he had regained at least partial control of her. She also cautioned Nita to cease and desist her seduction of Danny Mac. Kenann’s control was tenuous.
Pinky related this to Nita. “You better quit hitting on that guy, Nita. That chick looks like she could do you in.” She added because she felt it, “This is already a spooky place, Nita. I don’t want to have to keep one eye open all night.”
Nita pouted, “All right. I hear you loud and clear.”
They both sat quietly looking out over the valley while the Council of War proceeded. Carter had the floor.
“I could see how this could work to our advantage . . . or go completely south.”
“Exactly.” Andy agreed. He was more worried than ever about the outcome of this operation.
Granny spoke. “Get me in there.”
Everyone turned to look at her. She sat looking straight ahead and repeated. “Get me in there. She is my granddaughter. I can reach her even if she is under Pierre’s power.”
Judy spoke softly, “Granny, if Danny Mac can’t do it, how do you know you can.”
Granny turned to look her. “I know. Danny Mac, can you hear me?”
He coughed in reply.
“Get me in there.”
He leaned on the rail and cupped his chin in both hands in apparent contemplation. He whispered, “Moira.”
“You heard me.”
He spoke as if only she and he could hear. “I’m afraid it may have gone too far, Moira. I’m scared.”
“Now you listen to me young man. You are a warrior of God. You will not lose heart. Do you understand me?”
He whispered huskily, “Yes, mam.”
She gave me one final order. “Now get me in there.”
He grinned despite himself. “Yes, ma’am.”
* * *
He knew he would not be able to go to Pierre and Kenann unannounced or unbidden. So, he waited. When she came to get him for dinner, he asked her conversationally, “Perhaps I can get my phone that Pierre confiscated and begin contacting the others to lay the groundwork for our plan.”
She turned and looked at him. He searched her eyes. She gave him an enigmatic smile and said, “All right.”
Her look was predatory. She came to him and stood within an inch of him. “Pierre says I can have anything my heart desires.” She began tracing her finger over Danny’s chest. She looked up into his eyes and said, “I think my heart desires you.”
She turned and walked slowly to the door. She tossed a look over her shoulder. “Now come eat dinner, Daniel, and I will give you dessert later.”
* * *
Nita and Pinky were not prepared when Pierre rolled into the dining room in his chair and breathing apparatus attached to his chair. Pinky swallowed audibly. Nita took her hand under the table and squeezed. Danny Mac stood and helped position him at the table.
Pierre hissed, “Don’t touch me.”
Kenann cajoled. “Oh Pierre, don’t hold a grudge.”
He looked at her for several seconds. Pinky could not stand the tension a moment longer.
“Thank you so much for letting us stay tonight. I can’t wait to get home and tell my folks that I actually stayed the night in a castle. This is really awesome. I can’t imagine living in a castle. I live in a ranch style.”
Nita laughed to herself, Liar, you live in a castle too.
Everyone settled into their dinner while Pinky prattled on. Pierre sat at the head of the table watching the others eat. He had survived via a feeding tube since he awoke in a back room surgical unit operated by the Order. He hated it and he hated the man who put him in that chair. One way or another he was going to die a slow and torturously painful death.
The meal was obviously uncomfortable for everyone except Kenann who carried the conversation after Pinky ran out of steam.
“I’ve laid out some night things for you ladies. And I’ve asked the men to bring in plenty of wood to keep the fire going tonight. Don’t want the light to go out. You never know what might be lurking in the shadows.” Her laughter appeared harmless enough, Nita thought, so why is the hair standing up on the back of my neck?
“First thing in the morning, Daniel will take you to the village.” That’s better, Pinky thought. I cannot wait to get out of this stupid place.
“Pierre, Daniel is in need of his phone to contact our. . . friends.” Nita and Pinky looked at Danny Mac. This was not good. Not good at all.
“I wil
l ensure it is taken to his room. . . along with my instructions. Is that clear?” He turned his gaze to Danny Mac who nodded.
“Thank you, Pierre. We will meet with you in the morning before Daniel and the ladies depart.” She turned her gaze to Nita and Pinky. “Now, if you will allow me to escort you to your room, I think we should all turn in.”
They had no real choice but to stand and be led from the room. Danny Mac asked Pierre, “What are my instructions?”
“You will be told when I choose, not until. Now leave me in peace.”
When Danny Mac did not move, one of Pierre’s men stood up. Danny Mac stood and faced the man daring him to make a move. He was itching to vent his spleen on someone, and this was as good a time as any. The man lunged. Swift as a snake, Danny Mac struck. First to the soft part of the man’s neck with a crushing blow to his vocal cord, finishing him off with an elbow strike to the back of his head. He went down like a tree.
Danny Mac didn’t look back. He simply walked out and mounted the steps to his room. He slammed the door open and paced. He was like a pent-up tiger warring with himself. He did not know what kind of man he was. He was sick to death of living under the shadow of his past and now this crazy society he was fighting. Kenann was possibly lost to him. God seemed far away. He charged out on the balcony taking in great gulps of the cold air.
He sensed rather than heard Kenann come in and close the door. She looked him in the eye as he turned, then she went to a picture on the wall and unplugged the accent light above it. He realized it held the surveillance camera for this room. She turned back and began unbuttoning her dress. She stopped long enough to toss the key that locked them in onto the sideboard table.
“Kenann?”
“Inanna.” She answered.
“No, you are Kenann. I am your husband. I have spoken to Granny.”
At this Kenann paused and looked quizzical as if fighting with a distant memory. She shook it off and continued disrobing. Danny Mac took the comm device and folded it deeply into the chair cushion on the balcony. He closed the door behind him as he reentered the room. If he was going to make love to Inanna, he did not want any witnesses.
* * *
Granny slipped from the group. Going to her room she dropped to her knees. “Oh Lord, we need you. Danny and Kenann are under attack by the Evil One. Please, oh Lord. Rescue them. Be their strength and guide. They need your mighty power. Right now, oh Lord.” She bent forward groaning inwardly knowing the Holy Spirt would interpret the desires of her heart to the Father. When she pulled her old bones up from the floor a few hours later, she knew she had prayed through.
* * *
Nita and Pinky were in conference with Mrs. Gage from their balcony. If anyone was observing, it appeared they were only talking to themselves. The conversation was somber. Things had taken a bad turn. Pinky was spooked and had placed a straight back chair under the door knob. Mrs. Gage allowed herself a smile.
All they could do at this point was wait till morning and see if they truly were able to leave with Danny Mac as promised. If they were detained and things got dicey, they would move in. Carter weighed in on this.
“We cannot afford to lose that data on those pipelines. If we move in like gangbusters, they will crash and burn it.”
“I will not put any of these people in jeopardy.” Mrs. Gage squared off with him.
“You knew going in that we weren’t playing. Don’t make me pull rank.”
Mrs. Gage did not blink. She stared him down and plotted.
* * *
Danny Mac had found another way to vent his spleen. Kenann’s aggression with him did little to remind him he was no longer that man. They were brutal with each other in a way they never would have been before. Both were set on conquest in an unholy battle. Granny was waging her own war for them.
* * *
Dawn broke. Danny Mac turned to a sleeping Kenann feeling shame at the way he had treated her throughout the hours of the night. He turned on his back and stared at the ceiling. ‘How could this have gone so wrong? God please help me.’
Kenann stirred and turned to him sleepily. She snuggled in and murmured, “Good morning sweetheart.”
Danny Mac started, “Kenann?”
She continued to snuggle, “Hmmmmm?”
“Is it you?”
She looked up then. “Who else would it be, silly?”
He pulled her to him in relief. “I think I am going mad.”
She looked around at that point. Memories began flooding back. “Danny?” She waited till he was looking at her. “What is going on?”
“I think Pierre has been exercising some form of mind control. What happened when you went back to his room that last time?”
“I don’t know. We talked about how he wanted everyone here like he said before.”
“Did he do anything differently? Did you hear anything?”
She pondered carefully. She knew it was important. “I heard a clock chime. Well, it was more like the sound of a hammer hitting a gong.” As soon as he said it, she knew. Danny Mac realized it at the same time. On the platform in Egypt, she had gone off script right after the gong had sounded. He must have used this sound in her apartment in Memphis as well.
“Oh, Danny Mac. What can we do?”
“Well, I don’t know but I know who does.” And with that he enclosed her hands in his and prayed. “Father, you are master of all things. We praise and honor you for your sovereign power. We call on that power to intercede now with Kenann. Do not allow Pierre to exert control over her mind in any way. From this time forth when she hears the sound of the gong that has been used to control her, it will now remind her of your love and influence in her life and she will be infused with power from on high. Thank you, Lord Jesus. And it is through the power of your name we ask and believe these things.”
They were both still for several seconds. When Kenann opened her eyes and looked at Danny Mac her eyes shown with hope and confidence. “Okay, let’s do this partner.”
Danny took another moment to repent and say a private thank you for God’s grace in his own life asking for strength to honor Him in all he does.
CHAPTER FORTY ONE
Danny Mac and Kenann entered Pierre’s command center together. He turned his chair to face them and waited.
Kenann came to stand beside him placing a proprietary hand on his shoulder. “It is time to begin, Daniel. I hope you understand what is at stake. Pierre has decided all of our enemies must be brought here. If you fail, you will fail me. Do you understand?”
“Yes, milady,” nodding his head.
She reached behind her. “Here is your phone so you can begin making contact. Now go. And take those dreadful women with you.” She had steeled herself for this moment as he turned and walked away leaving her with Pierre. Their earlier words of good bye would have to sustain her through what lay ahead.
Danny Mac went to the women’s room and knocked. Nita answered. He inquired, “Are you ready to leave?”
Pinky called from inside the room. “I’ll say we are!”
He led them down the stairs and took the keys offered by the man at the door. Nita once again looked for the boy Vincenzo had described as his son. She had seen no one fitting his description. She promised herself to not leave this village until she knew what had happened to him.
Danny Mac shook his head tapping his ear when Pinky started to talk freely. She understood. They parked the car in the village and went to the nearest coffee shop. Once they were out of range of any listening device in the car, they called Carter.
“We’re out. Come get us,” giving him the name and directions to the shop.
Danny Mac was embraced all round. Granny held back. Danny Mac wrapped her in his arms and clung to her knowing instinctively she had fought for him in prayer. She patted his back in comfort and love. He smiled despite his concern for Kenann.
They gathered in the library for their Council of War. Carter wasted no time before
barking, “Report, MacKenzie.”
Danny Mac checked in with Kenann on the comm device he left in her care. “Can you hear me, Kenann?” She responded with a cough. He continued as he addressed the group.
“As you know, the Order has an intricate complex of pipelines throughout the world. If they actually pull it off, they really might have a shot at controlling the global economy. We have to get our hands on that grid data. And we need to be introduced to the rest of the ruling council. This is a personal vendetta by Pierre against us. The other power brokers are too busy holding the Order together or covering their own tracks. We have to find a way to flush them out.”
Judy asked, “Are we really bringing Blade here?”
Jake answered, “Not unless we absolutely have to.”
Danny Mac sighed. “Unfortunately, we may not be able to complete our efforts without him. Here is my plan.”
They talked for the better part of that day. At one point Mrs. Gage gained Carters’ attention and indicated she wished a private word.
“Do you think Whittaker is strong enough to accompany Blade?”
“Yes, I believe so. I will call him and give him his orders.”
“First let me talk to Mr. Baer so he can make arrangements for me to speak privately to Blade. God help me for doing this to his dear mother.”
“God help us all.” Mrs. Gage stared at Carter as he turned and walked away.
* * *
“I’m coming with him.” CJ demanded.
Once In Awhile Page 16
