The Book Of Gabriel

By J.T. Lewis

Gabriel Celtic is confronted with something that he could never have imagined giving a second thought to...Saving the world!

Ancient scrolls found by archaeologist Julien Taylor in present-day Iraq have foretold the end of the world, as well as the man tasked with stopping it....Gabriel himself.

Presented this unbelievable revelation by his old friend, Gabe is hesitant to believe, much less accept the massive responsibility seemingly thrust upon him until the Beast of Biblical prophecy makes it deadly personal...recklessly attacking Gabe and his family in their own home!

Forced against his will to get involved in the far-fetched prophecy, his faith is relentlessly tested as he raises a ragtag army to combat the man that calls himself Wolf.

Doing so will put everyone he loves in added danger...but to do nothing...risks even more!

The End Is Near!

J.T. Lewis’ epic novel The Book of Gabriel is the fourth in The Adventures of Gabriel Celtic series and reveals Gabriel Celtic’s most deadly case...ever!

I love, love, LOVE The Book of Gabriel!! JT Lewis’ Gabriel Celtic Series is quickly becoming a worldwide phenomenon of heart-stopping excitement with imaginative paranormal influences. He continues to bring us his unique style of writing and imagination into this paranormal thriller series! (Author KR Jordan)

I've always been a mystery fan, and I can't count the number of books I've read, and I'm truly impressed (with this one). I was lost in this book, which I love. There is nothing better than living in the world of the characters. I’m not sure you're going to be able to top this one...Please say this isn't the last one! (Author Jenna Hodge)

Includes previews of The Perthra Incident and Kidnap Inc.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.T. Lewis
• Release date: Jun 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310252723

J.T. Lewis

Mystery abounds in the books of Amazon Best Selling Author J.T. Lewis.Living in Southeast Indiana with his wife, J.T. has always loved a mystery. Striving to bring readers a story packed full of action, adventure, and suspense has led to his current selection of titles.His first full length novel, Murder! Too Close To Home, was the beginning of the acclaimed Adventures of Gabriel Celtic series, and was voted #1 on Goodreads Best Debut Mystery Series list. The thriller/adventure series continued with Gabriel's Revenge,followed closely by In Case of Death as well as The Book of Gabriel in 2014. The Adventures of Gabriel Celtic is as series about the life of Gabriel Celtic...an ordinary man caught up in extraordinary adventures!Another new series, The Nick Behr Mysteries, starts with the story Kidnap Inc., where we get to meet Nick Behr...as well as all of the people that have crowded into his head! Fighting against the craziness of his life while trying to solve the murders of the current case sometimes leads the story to veer off-kilter a little. This unexpected result has caused the story to be labeled, "One of the funnest mysteries I've read in quite some time!"Also added to J.T. Lewis' series list this year...The Artifact Hunter! Jesse Flanagan is just a guy who enjoys making a profit from the antiquities he buys and sells. When one of his discoveries suddenly puts him in the cross-hairs of assassins, he must change his whole life as he goes underground to try and reclaim his life!An electrician by trade, at night JT Lewis morphs into a fictional detective with a keyboard, a transition that suits his need for creating exciting stories for his ever-growing audience.Find and follow JT Lewis @:http://jt-lewis.blogspot.com/https://www.facebook.com/JTLewis.Authorhttps://twitter.com/JTLewis_Bookshttp://www.wattpad.com/user/JTLewisAuthorhttp://pinterest.com/jtlewisbooks/https://www.facebook.com/Murdr.Too.Close.To.Homehttps://www.facebook.com/gabriels.revengehttps://www.facebook.com/ThePepperAndLongstreetMysterySeries

Book preview

Prologue

October 1, 1999

Hank

Hank Jeffers released the trigger on his drill.

What the hell? he thought to himself while looking down at his feet. Having felt a sudden numbing sensation at his toes, he was shocked to see a halo of orange energy now moving slowly up his legs.

Frantic with fear, he let out a scream…but the sound was lost in the relatively soft walls of the Illinois coal mine that surrounded him.

At his knees now, the orange energy was making its way slowly up his body, his legs feeling like lead smelted into the stone below his feet.

Screaming again in frustration, panic pushed its way up his body ahead of the ring, threatening to cram itself into his head, bursting it with the added pressure.

But that didn’t happen.

His eyes glazed over as the ring of light reached his neck, his consciousness terminated as the energy entered him fully. Had anyone been there to observe the encounter, they would have seen Hank standing as still as the coal encircling him, with only a few telltale tics here and there evident as the energy plugged itself into each cell.

A sudden ragged breath entered his lungs, followed by another score or more as his body reacted to the last ninety seconds without air.

Somebitch, Hank exclaimed breathlessly as he opened his eyes.

Those beautiful blue eyes, the ones that had always made the women swoon at the bar on his night off…they had changed.

Barely noticeable, an orange ring now surrounded the iris.

Of course Hank wasn’t aware of this change. He was aware however, of an overriding need to leave the confines of his underground hole and find his car. He had somewhere to go, and although he knew not of the location, he was now determined to get there.

Reaching down, Hank grasped the handle of a small pickax, the comforting feel of the well-worn wood reassuring in his hand.

Standing up once again, the orange ring in his eyes suddenly flashed brightly, momentarily enveloping the surrounding darkness. A smile crawled across his lips as he shouldered the pick and started to saunter out of the mine.

Confidence now surged through his veins, his steps springy with the anticipation of it all.

Book I

The Prophesy

Chapter I

October 1, 1999

"In the year of the second millennium… in the new lands to the west..."

The two men rode silently in the back of the cab, their eyes sharing the hollow look of long travel mixed with quiet uncertainty.

Will he do it? the thinner of the men asked nervously for the tenth time since leaving the airport.

He will do it, the heavier of the two sighed, his patience wearing thin with the other man. Not without some convincing however, of that I am certain. But he has the fortitude needed for the task my old friend, a fortitude of gargantuan proportions. The only thing he may be lacking in…is faith. Once we persuade him of the need, the faith will follow. I have an unwavering confidence in him.

I wish I could share in your confidence, the other man mumbled while wiping the tiredness out of his face with his hands. "The stakes are also gargantuan! Why would someone like him be the one chosen? From what you have told me, he has done nothing in his life that would prepare him for this."

Waving his hand wildly at the houses passing the cab, Outside of this Podunk little town, he is a virtual unknown, he yelled. "He has done nothing on a worldly scale!"

The cabbie looked worriedly into the rearview mirror as the heavyset man placed his hand calmly on his friend’s shoulder.

There, there Franklin. You are scaring the man.

Pasting on a smile and looking forward, Please excuse my friend dear sir, we have been traveling for many days, and I do believe he has reached his limit.

The cabbie continued his worried stare for a few more moments before shaking his head and once again concentrating on the road ahead.

Franklin Buff shook his head in despair. Please forgive me my old friend, he whispered, but the enormity of it all…I didn’t ask for this you know!

His eyes were wide with emotion as he sat back in his seat dejectedly.

I dare say no one would be totally prepared for a discovery such as yours Franklin. It is indeed unfortunate that it happened so late in our lives, younger men would be much better suited to the task.

As the speaker glanced out the window, the cab slowed to a stop in front of a nicely maintained older house.

Ah! Here we are now!

Exiting the cab, the man leaned into the front window to pay for their trip as his friend grabbed their luggage out of the trunk. As the cab departed in a cloud of blue smoke, the man known as Franklin gazed after it longingly.

Meanwhile, the heavyset man…the professor…gazed at the house with a tentative smile. It would be good to see him again…if it were only under different circumstances.

Leaning forward slightly to gain momentum, the professor started up the sidewalk at a fast clip.

Come Franklin, the day has but only started.

Picking up the suitcases, Franklin fell in behind the professor with little enthusiasm. Making their way up the steps and onto the porch, the professor rapped on the door quickly, taking a step back and removing his wide brimmed hat as an afterthought.

After a few moments, they heard a noise from within the house…the sound of glass breaking…followed by a mumbled curse.

Coming! they then heard from behind the door as someone fumbled with the lock.

The door finally swung open, banging against the wall as the occupant carelessly flung it aside.

Standing before them stood a man of average height and build, his dirty blonde hair flattened on one side of his head as if from sleeping. He carried dark bags under his eyes, and his right arm was slung in a cast.

Help you? he mumbled while rubbing his eyes against the morning light streaming in. His cutoff jeans revealed a leg wrapped in gauze, a streak of dried blood running across it a good four inches. His ragged tee-shirt, exhibiting a multitude of holes and rips, looked to be a day or two past its prime.

This is the guy? Franklin had moved his lips close to the professor’s ear to whisper. I fear we are doomed.

The professor ignored Franklin’s words, merely smiling as he took in the man in the doorway.

It is a pleasure to see you again my boy!

The man stopped rubbing his eyes, his hand staying in place for a few moments before he dropped it to squint into the daylight surrounding the men on his porch.

A look of recognition crossed his face suddenly, closely followed by another look of confusion.

Julien?

It is indeed Gabriel! May we come in?

Gabriel’s confusion seemed to hold him fast in place until he remembered his manners.

Of course, of course, come in…please!

Stepping aside, he let the men enter the cool kitchen before closing the door behind them. Turning, he was met by the older man’s extended hand.

I must say, you look much worse for wear compared with the last time we parted my dear boy.

Taking the professor’s hand in his, his eyes came more to life, exhibiting some of the sparkle that the professor remembered from their time in Peru.

We just finished a case yesterday Julien. As you can see, I didn’t escape it unscathed.

Indeed! Julien Taylor exclaimed, I do hope the other man is at least in comparable shape?

Gabriel shook his head. He didn’t make it…but it was no great loss to mankind, believe me.

He seemed to realize his manners again suddenly. Please, come in, have a seat. Would you like some coffee?

Tea for me, Franklin interjected, having used up all of his patience on the trip.

Gabriel, the professor interrupted quickly, The cantankerous man on my left is Dr. Franklin Buff. Besides being infused with very poor manners, he is best known as a crack Archeologist. In point of fact, if not for a recent discovery of his, I would not be here now.

Dr. Buff ignored Gabriel’s outstretched hand as he took a seat at the table. Shrugging, Gabriel started his preparations as he listened to the professor, pouring the water into the coffee maker and turning on the burner for the teakettle before turning back toward his guests.

Really, Gabriel stated unenthusiastically as he sat down across from his guests.

Indeed, Julien continued, "On a recent dig in Samaria…well…ancient Samaria anyway, he came across a scroll. It is a very intriguing scroll, Gabriel, as well as worrisome. He honored me with a request to join him to help with the translation, and since I was wrapping up the project in Peru I gladly accepted."

Worrisome? Gabe asked offhandedly as he got up again and pulled some cups out of the cupboard, How so?

It involves predictions Mr. Celtic, Franklin Buff interjected, end of days predictions to be exact.

Interesting, Gabriel intoned as he brought a sugar bowl and a plastic milk jug to the table, ignoring the distasteful scowl on Franklin’s face.

Extremely! Julien Taylor nearly shouted. Point of fact, after weeks of studying this scroll my boy, it is my considered opinion that it points to a savior of sorts. It points to you Gabriel!

Startled, Gabriel overflowed his coffee before he caught himself, pulling off some paper towels and throwing them on the floor before turning and staring at the men.

It does what? he asked incredulously, his voice coming out a little louder than he had expected. It points to me?

We are not of one mind on this of course, but for my part, I believe that it does indeed point to you Gabriel.

Gabriel was quiet, mulling over what he had just heard. Slowly a smile crossed his lips as the unlikelihood of an ancient scroll mentioning him triggered something humorous within him.

"Really gentlemen, you’ve come all this way to tell me this?" he asked grinning.

Just what is it that I’m supposed to do Julien?

Why…you’re to save the world my boy, you are to save the world.

Chapter II

October 1, 1999

Sonja

Sonja Nelson had shunned lunch as usual.

Sitting at her desk in the empty office, she typed away quickly on her reports, her infrequent nibbles on a granola bar the only acknowledgment of the hunger rumbling in her stomach.

This was the only part of the day that she enjoyed, and it also worked out that it was the most productive.

Why waste the time eating?

Already in her forties, the thin woman with mousy brown hair had never married, and had nothing in her life save for this job and her four cats at home.

Not that the job had any real meaning. Her boss hated her, but still stacked job after job on her desk because he knew she would get it done.

The mass of people that usually populated the cubicle-packed office just made her nervous. Cold sweats and churning intestines haunted her days, her many trips to the restroom fodder for the office rumor mill. Embarrassed, she kept to herself as much as possible, spending her days holed up in her cubicle and out of sight.

She knew she had advanced as far as she was going to in her life, and had made peace with that. Her house had been left to her when her parents had died, and she only needed enough money to feed her cats and pay the taxes.

Even this crummy job gave her that!

Concentrating on the quarterly report that her boss had demanded by the end of the day, she didn’t even notice the change at first when it found her. When she finally did notice the orange energy creeping up her thighs, she just stared at it like one might a spider, frozen in place with fear.

As the orange ring reached her neck, she became completely unaware of her surroundings as the energy melded with hers.

When she once more became consciously aware, she gasped for air greedily, the coolness of it entering her lungs feeling like a comforting elixir.

At first confused by the sudden change, Sonja quickly embraced the newfound confidence that had enveloped her. Minimizing the screen she had been working on, she pulled up her email account and sent a quick note to her boss before shutting down the computer.

Standing up, she picked up her old homemade cloth tote and set it on the chair. Pulling open her middle drawer, Sonja pulled out the 8" letter opener that she kept there, dropping it into the bag before she shouldered it. Turning to leave she stopped suddenly, turning back and picking up her stapler before leaving the cubicle with a smile.

The confidence surging through her was amazing; it felt as if there was energy snapping at her skin!

The office was once again filling with people as she headed for the exit, but unlike before, it didn’t bother her in the least. As she brushed by the hordes streaming into the door, she happened upon her boss.

Where in the hell do you think you are going Miss Nelson? I need that report done ASAP!

Without a second thought, Sonja swung the stapler, hitting her boss on the temple as an orange ring around each iris flashed brightly. Watching him fall to the floor unconscious and bleeding delighted her as she then strode out of the building.

Later that day, they would find that last email on her boss’s computer. It stated simply: I quit.

Chapter III

October 1, 1999

"And he shall be called, Gabriel…"

I couldn’t help laughing!

What are you guys smoking? I gasped as my body racked with the best laugh I’d had in weeks.

The men at the table weren’t smiling however; Dr. Buff was actually scowling as he looked over to Julien.

"See? I told you your theory was just so much wishful thinking! The thought of this…this…miscreant saving the world is…laughable!"

As Franklin Buff rose to leave, the professor calmly placed his hand on his partner’s shoulder, holding him down as his eyes stayed intently on me.

Gabriel my boy, I noticed something when we were working together at the dig. Do you mind showing the impatient Dr. Buff here the back of your neck?

The humor of a few moments before suddenly left my being, leaving in its place…anger!

Oh come on! I exclaimed, Not you too!

Ahhhh…I see this has been brought to your attention previously?

Julien, what in the dickens are you trying to get at? Franklin Buff exclaimed in frustration. Would you call us a Taxi please Mr. Celtic? It’s been a trying few days and I really need to lie down!

Julien ignored his friend’s pleadings as he continued to watch me intently.

Gabriel…if you please.

Sighing in frustrated resignation, I replied, Fine!

Walking around the table, I slowly got on one knee between the two men, facing away from them.

Dr. Buff gasped at the blue stain.

Julien…could this really be true, the Mark of the Angel?

Indeed, Julien responded evenly.

It’s just a birthmark Julien, nothing more, nothing less, I responded angrily, moaning as I pulled myself back up using the back of Julien’s chair.

It’s much brighter than I remember it my boy, almost glowing to be precise. You can now easily make out the loop, as well as what I would call the wings. Has it been bothering you lately?

Thoughts of the burning at the back of my neck came flooding back as I involuntarily rubbed it again. It had actually been bothering me for the last several weeks.

Catching myself, I quickly dropped my arm.

What’s that got to do with anything? I asked as I made my way over to pour my guests some tea.

In my estimation, quite a lot I dare say, Julien countered. As the time for action draws near, I can only imagine that your calling would make itself known to you, abundantly so.

I poured the water over the teabags before taking the cups to my guests, setting one in front of each man.

Franklin Buff’s distasteful look at the sight of a common teabag was not as pronounced as I thought it would be.

Grabbing my coffee, I then reclaimed my seat across from my guests. We sat looking at each other silently as we sipped at our drinks.

Anyway, I finally spoke up, Even if this was all true, which it isn’t, I would have to refuse. Look at me! I can hardly make it to the bathroom, much less save the world!

Julien sat there, studying me intently.

You do indeed appear to be extensively wounded. Would you mind if I had a look at your leg wound my dear boy? It shows signs of recent bleeding.

Knowing that my old friend had some medical training in his background I nodded reluctantly, scooting my chair out as he made his way around the table.

Be careful, I cautioned as I stuck out my leg, It was slashed with a sword.

Indeed! Julien exclaimed as he kneeled before me comfortably. You do live an active life my boy!

Inspecting it carefully, he then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small knife. Unfolding the blade, he aimed it at my leg.

Be careful with that! I said through gritted teeth, preparing myself for the added pain I knew was coming.

I’ll be as gentle as a lamb, he replied as he pinched the top of the gauze and inserted the blade. In one practiced motion, he slit down the length of the wrapping. Pulling it apart gingerly, he studied the stitched wound.

As I suspected Gabriel my boy, the cut is well on its way to being healed! You should be right as rain in just a couple of days.

I laughed. I think it’s time you invested in some glasses old friend, that cut was made barely twelve hours ago.

Standing then, Julien gave me a knowing smile. Be that as it may my friend, the wound is already puckered together under the stitching. Have a look for yourself.

I leaned over, studying the cut.

I couldn’t believe my eyes!

How is this possible? I mumbled quietly to myself.

It is more than possible my boy, it is a fact! Additional proof, if any is still needed, that you are the one that the scroll has foretold of. Combine that with the Mark of the Angel on your neck, and I am confident in the fact that you have indeed been chosen my boy!

Julien sat down before his tea again, but I was frozen in place at my chair.

You actually have little choice in the matter I would imagine, Julien continued between sips. There aren’t a lot of people out there as replacements for someone destined to save the world as we know it.

I groaned inwardly as Julien’s words swirled around in my head. As I sat there wondering how this day could get any worse, my answer came in a rustling from the living room, followed loudly by the words that made me cringe:

"I Knew IT!"

Chapter IV

October 1, 1999

Snake

Snake Black gazed at the painting before him with satisfaction.

He had found it!

Vermeer’s The Concert had been missing for nine years, stolen in 1990 from the Gardner Museum in Boston.

"I found it!" he exclaimed inwardly, in awe of his own prowess.

Sighing contentedly, he flicked open his knife, stepping toward the painting determinedly.

This was the ultimate reward, stealing a painting that was already stolen.

"No one would be calling the cops on this one," he mumbled as he brought the point of the blade close to the canvas.

Discovering it in the hands of a collector in Dallas had taken Snake two long years of research. Another two days of constantly staking out the large residence had finally earned him an empty house in which to claim his prize! He was as proud of the hunt for the painting as he was the fact that it was about to become his own.

At least until he could fence it anyway.

Carefully sliding the point of the knife through the canvas, he slowly drew the knife down the edge of the gilded frame. Concentrating on his work, he didn’t immediately notice the orange electric as it crawled up his legs.

Shit! he screamed involuntarily when he finally noticed the encircling ring at his waist.

After a few seconds of confusion, he gazed back up at the painting longingly. Although he didn’t know what would happen, he was fairly certain that the outcome didn’t include finishing the theft of his beloved painting.

Shit, he sighed in resignation before he lost consciousness.

Still standing upright, his body exhibited a few small seizures before he started anxiously gasping for air.

Wow! he smiled when he had caught his breath, That was wild!

Folding the knife, he slipped it back into his pocket as the newly installed orange rings around his irises flashed.

Exiting the house, he easily vaulted over the brick wall surrounding the property, whistling when he reached the street while walking to his car.

"This should be fun!" he thought as he got in.

He really wasn’t sure what ‘this’ was yet, but he knew that he had to travel to get there, and that it was to the North.

The owner of the stolen painting would notice the slit the next morning. Knowing what the cut meant, he would wonder the rest of his days why whoever had broken in had not finished taking his most prized possession.

Chapter V

October 1, 1999

"He will bear the mark of the angel…"

Abby stood in the doorway, looking like hell!

She had yet to reach her full height for the day; due I’m sure to the many sprained and sore muscles from the night before. The bandage wrapped around her neck reminded me of a cheap turtleneck.

Her wild hair looked like it hadn’t seen a comb in a couple of days, and her bruise-blackened eyes gave her the look of a raccoon. The only thing that seemed normal about my beautiful daughter was the huge grin on her face.

Seeming to become aware for the first time of the strangers around the table, she dropped her grin.

I’m sorry, she said, while making her way slowly into the kitchen, I didn’t mean to interrupt.

Gentlemen…this is my daughter, Abby.

Julien Taylor raised his eyebrows at me in confusion before immediately standing and turning toward Abby. With his hand outstretched, It is indeed a pleasure to meet you my dear, my name is Julien Taylor.

"Ahhhh…. Professor Julien Taylor?" Abby asked as she took his hand in hers.

The very same, Julien answered brightly, and this irredeemable fellow is my associate, Dr. Franklin Buff.

Dr. Buff turned and nodded curtly before returning to his tea.

My, those are some exquisite shiners my dear! Julien stated with admiration.

Abby was beside me through much of last night’s activities, I stated in explanation. The man we were hunting…lets just say he didn’t go down easily.

Indeed! Julien smiled, grabbing Abby’s elbow and leading her to the empty chair beside him. Allow me the honor of fetching you some tea my dear…or do you prefer coffee?

Coffee please, Abby replied brightly.

I must admit Abby, Julien started before he turned and made his way to the coffee pot, I was not aware of your existence before today. It’s quite a pleasant surprise actually!

Julien’s statement shocked me! Although I too had not been aware of Abby’s existence during my time with the professor, she was such a natural part of my life now that I hadn’t given a thought to any kind of explanation.

Abby and I actually met each other on the plane ride back from Peru, I explained. She was an angel, sent to help a grieving, washed up old man regain his life.

Julien grinned as he brought her coffee cup to her. Setting the cup on the table, he bent over and placed a kiss on top of her head.

Thank you my dear, he said sincerely. You have not only helped Gabriel, but relieved a nagging worry that has been tugging at my heart for the past year.

Abby had a tear in her eye as Julien then took his seat. I reached across the table and grabbed Abby’s hand, squeezing it until hearing the ouch!

That hurts too? I questioned.

Everything hurts! Abby moaned with a grin, But it was worth it!

I saw out of the corner of my eye that Dr. Buff actually rolled his eyes at our exchange.

I smiled.

We were just discussing something of great import with your father, Julien added suddenly. It just occurred to me that you stepping into his life at that particular moment, arguably the lowest point of his life may also have been preordained. Considering the facts that we have uncovered so far, I believe Gabriel calling you an angel earlier may not be that far away from the truth!

Abby grinned again, looking over at me before speaking.

Yeah…about that…

***

You still haven’t convinced me this is anything more than a wild theory! I had ignored Abby’s questioning look, addressing instead the two men across from me.

A theory based on a two thousand year old prediction, written on a scroll that has been buried for a millennium or more. Julien looked up from his tea, I am not surprised by your reluctance my dear boy, it is ‘out there’ as the kids say today.

But considering everything you have seen and heard today, he continued, Can you at least recognize that it is conceivable? That the world could have certain, shall we say cataclysms that could be foretold…that could be preordained?

Not to mention what Preacher said…

All eyes turned to Abby.

Preacher? Julien asked, He is a pious man?

Of a sorts, I finally answered with a grin, trying to fathom how best to describe our partner.

The point is, he saw and recognized the angel mark on the back of Gabe’s neck. Abby spoke seriously. He said there was a lot of lore about it in some religious writings, and that no one has seen one on anyone for like, a thousand years.

I glanced at my daughter questioningly.

We had a talk, she replied with a grin in answer to my look.

Splendid! Julien crowed, We should get him involved in this discussion!

I held up my hand.

Hold up everybody!

All eyes were on me then, the room silent. I took a few moments to gather my thoughts.

"You can surely understand that I may need a little time to digest all of this. Even if I did believe it, we have a meeting scheduled with our clients this morning."

Not a problem my boy, Julien said as he stood from his chair.

Let me call a cab, and I’ll see if I can find a room to put up in until later.

I can help with that! Abby exclaimed as she slowly worked her way out of her chair and headed for the phone.

Abby will fix you right up, I added, She’s a genius at arranging things like that!

Excellent! Julien espoused. When would you like us to return my boy?

I mentally clicked off in my head all that we had to do today.

Today was not a good day at all for this crap!

How about 6:00? I’ll pick up something for supper on my way back.

I was not surprised at the distasteful look that crossed Dr. Buff’s face. I will arrive at 5:00 and prepare the meal myself, he stated simply, if not sternly. Your American fast food disgusts me.

The subject settled in his mind, he stood from his chair.

I assume that I will have access to the facilities at 5:00?

I nodded. Key’s under the mat if we aren’t home yet.

Nodding tiredly, Come Julien, I am exhausted from our travels.

Julien came around the table, grabbing my left hand with his right and placing his left on my shoulder.

It is so good to see you again my boy!

Patting my shoulder a couple of times, Exciting things to discuss…exciting things indeed!

With that he turned, making his way to his luggage sitting inside the door. I recognized the spring in his step as he walked away, I had seen it many times while we were in South America.

He had it every time he was on the verge of a major discovery.

I wish that I could drum up half the excitement for this that my old friend seemed to have!

Chapter VI

October 1, 1999

Hank

Most of the eyes surrounding him were averted, not sure whether to be fearful…or just embarrassed for the man.

A few were bold enough to stare however, their fascination overcoming any of the societal norms that may have stopped them on a normal day.

Stopping at the Big Wheel truck stop, Hank had his 4WD pickup hooked up to a hose out in the lot. He loved that truck, but at only 7 miles per gallon from the massive engine onboard, it was a poor choice for his mission.

Not that he even understood what his mission was, but the fact of the matter was, it was the only vehicle that he owned.

He had entered the quick mart while his truck finished sucking up the fuel, his stomach also begging for a fill up.

It was when he entered the store that people began to notice.

Wearing his coal-covered work clothes and hard hat, he would have garnered attention even if he hadn’t been carrying the wood-handled pick in his hand.

The feel of it was comforting to Hank, and he hadn’t given a thought to leaving it in the truck.

Ravenous, he made his way immediately to the large rack of bagged snacks. Swinging the handle of the pick under his arm, he then reached out and grabbed a large pack of Tortilla chips, ripping it open and spilling half of the chips onto the floor. While he looked on at his other choices, he packed the chips into his mouth a handful at a time, ignoring the ones that missed and littered the floor.

Almost done with the first bag, he let it fall to the ground as he reached for the Cheddar Cheese popcorn, repeating the earlier process as he headed for the wall cooler. Dropping the popcorn to the ground when he reached for the handle, he leaned in and pulled open a twelve pack of beer by ripping open the end and extracting a can.

Popping the top, he hefted the can and greedily poured the cool liquid into his mouth, much of it running down both sides of his upturned head.

Sighing happily when he had finished, he easily crushed the can in his hand and tossed it over his shoulder before leaning in again and hefting the remainder of the case out of the cooler.

Walking toward a scared looking high school kid manning the register, he plopped the beer down, followed closely by the pick. The heavy tool caused a chip to pop off of the glass-topped display case that was the register station. Hank didn’t notice.

While he waited for the man to dig out his wallet, the kid thought about pissing himself, not sure that he even had any control over such things at a moment like this.

I got that black 4x4 out there, and this here half case of beer, Hank explained, handing the kid a $100 bill.

Nervously looking behind him toward the fuel pumps, he noted that the truck was at station 4. Bringing the pump up on his screen, his heart sank when he saw that the 32 gallons of diesel @ $3.85 amounted to $123.52. If he added in the beer, not to mention the chips…

Taking the bill shakily from the man who now had beer streaks through the coal dust on his face, he set the bill into the drawer and extracted a $20.

H-h-here’s you c-c-c-change sir, he finally spat out nervously.

Hank grinned, stuffing the $20 into his front pocket and grabbing up the pick and the beer.

Thankee, Hank replied as he left through the automatic doors and made his way to the black truck.

As the truck pulled out of the lot, the kid sighed in relief, not even closing the register’s drawer as he too made his way out of the store and to his car.

He was through, done with this job and dealing with people like the crazy bastard that had just left. Of course, he would have had to gone home even if he hadn’t given up on the job. There was a large wet spot that had spread down both legs of his pants.

Chapter VII

October 1, 1999

"Valor will guide his path…"

We walked slowly up to Raven’s house…very slowly. I’m sure we would have been a sight to anyone watching, had anyone been watching.

Despite my unexplained and miraculous healing, I still felt like I couldn’t stand up straight. Abby, being much younger, was pushing through her pain a little better, but still didn’t exhibit her normal exuberance. If she felt self-conscious about her cuts and black eyes, she didn’t show it as she grinned at James when he opened the door.

Oh my word! he exclaimed as he caught sight of us, dropping the staid facade that he usually exhibited to guests at the mansion.

Having all survived the explosion at Raven’s house a little over a week before, a camaraderie had developed between us. Both he and Abby had survived the explosion from inside of the house, having herded our clients into a safe room in the nick of time.

Obviously, my partner and I had also survived. But the car we were in, that was within 100 feet of the explosion at the time of detonation, was all but completely destroyed. (1)

How we survived was…let’s just say if it wasn’t a miracle, I don’t know what is.

James reached out and gingerly hugged Abby before extending his hand to me in greeting. I grabbed it with my left, the cast now in a sling.

Good to see you, he said with a smile, Good to see you both!

Please come in, he said while standing aside to allow us entrance, They are both very excited to see you!

The explosion had destroyed most of Raven’s mansion, leaving but