The Prophet And The Deacon

By Ron Houston

The Best Kept Secret Is Now Revealed!
The Prophet and The Deacon
We first met the pathetic alcoholic womanizer Lawrence Garnier, in the exciting novel, The Rogue Prophet. There, in the restroom of the Church of Advancing Light, he recalled the horrific events that cost him everything that meant anything to him as he rose from obscurity to national fame. The Prophet Garnier blames all of his woes on his true, yet flawed, God-given gift of foresight. If only he could've seen his own future, maybe he could've avoided all of the loss he suffered, as well as the misguidance of the evil Bishop Barnes. When he finally exited that church restroom, he stepped out of the figurative frying pan straight into a blazing inferno. He never saw the past plagues that ruined his life, and he doesn't see the hell that's coming. He underestimated his greatest foe to date . . . Deacon Stone. For the satisfied reader, The Rogue Prophet raised questions, it's sequel, The Prophet and The Deacon delivers in a powerful, frightening, and totally entertaining way.
Lawrence the Prophet, Mitchell and his wife Rachel, Angela and her son Julius, Debbie and her sister Doreen, Maria, Thelma and Virginia.
Who Did It? Who Survives? Who Dies?

You wanted answers. Prepare yourself.

If you have not read the first novel. Do yourself a favor and get THE ROGUE PROPHET and read it first. Experience the same anticipated thrills that several thousand readers are enjoying with this series. To those readers who have already read the first book, strap yourself in for the thrill ride of your reading life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ron Houston
• Release date: Sep 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310167331

Ron Houston

Ron Houston lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and has been a mixologist for over 20 years and has worked in some of Cincinnati’s most popular night clubs. Ron says, “The diverse group of characters who have occupied stools at my bar were amazing. Their personalities and secrets were captivating.”As an experienced radio talk show guest Ron Houston has been heard frequently on 1230 WDBZ, 1480 WCIN and 1230 KCOH in Houston, Texas. He’s an articulate, humorous personality and is known locally as, “ The Mixologist.”Mr. Houston is the author of the bestseller Tales from The Satellite, The Devastation of Mr. Drake and two-part novel Rogue Prophet series. His latest release is entitled, Shade of the Sun.Ron's Email contact:[e-mail]

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The Prophet and The Deacon

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The Prophet and The Deacon

Published by Ron Houston

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 Ron Houston

Edited by Elizabeth Lippmann

Cover design by:

Anna D Russell

Gorillaworks Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, incidents, and dialogue, except for incidental references to public figures, products, or services, are imaginary and are not intended to refer to any living persons or to disparage any company’s products or services.

Also By Ron Houston

Dope Boy

www.smashwords.com/books/view/460753

Not since 'The Wire,' has a more engrossing tale been told about life on the mean streets. This urban tragedy focuses on a maniac who plucks victims from the fruits of the street. Meet Poet and Taye, friends since childhood, now two dope boys out to achieve big dreams. Poet's plans of growing the business includes taking over a kingpin's drug game in a neighboring community, while Taye has a completely different agenda. Success or failure is all the same in the ghetto, when only one thing is certain . . . no one will ever miss a dope boy.

The Rogue Prophet

www.smashwords.com/books/view/120887

Lawrence Garnier, a loser with a real but limited gift of foresight, is convinced that his talent is a curse. After he joins the ministry of Bishop Barnes, he realizes his talent is only the tip of a horrific iceberg between good and evil. At a time when faith is the only thing left to cling to, this novel dares its reader to question everything.

Just when you thought it was safe to believe.

If you have not read the first novel. Please do yourself a favor and get The Rogue Prophet FREE (for a limited time only) at Smashwords. The Rogue Prophet READ IT FIRST, and experience the same anticipated thrills that several thousand readers are enjoying with this series. To those readers who have already read the first book, strap yourself in for the thrill ride of your reading life.

The Prophet and The Deacon

The rapidness of which the runner's feet moved seemed to bleed into a stream of pure energy. It was as if the blurred figure was traveling through the air, making no contact with the ground at all. Speeding through the streets and alleys unnoticed by most, while a rare few only felt the presence to be nothing more than a stiff breeze that went as fast as it came.

CHAPTER 1

Don't leave! screamed Thelma as Angela sped away in a panic. She struggled to her knees and tried to stand. Doreen's foot came across the side of Thelma's face, flinging it along with a trail of blood to the pavement. Debbie's shadow slowly fell over her, dazed, she heard the little girl speak.

Exodus 20:12, Honor your father and your mother . . .

Thelma strained to raise her eyes upwards to see the little girl she tortured holding the very large bible high above her head. You're not my mother.

Thelma tried to scream as the large book slammed down on her.

****

Well come on son, take a seat and let's find out what's on your mind, said Bishop Barnes.

Julius was trembling, but managed to place one foot in front of the other and slowly move through the colorful light rays coming from the great stained glass window. His mouth was dry and his palms were wet, but he never took his eyes off the man standing behind the desk. Julius refused to sit as he faced the bishop. You're an evil man, who hurt a lot of people including my mother. The boy's sweaty hand shook as it started to move under his choir robe. I read her journals. I know what you did . . . all of it.

My, my, I see it now. You finally look the part . . . grown up, I mean. Here, take a seat and we'll talk man to man, son.

Stop calling me that! I'm not your son.

I thought you said you knew it all? the bishop grinned as he folded his arms. How far back in those journals did you go? Now take a seat and tell your dad what's bothering you, son.

Sweat poured from Julius' face. He could feel his knees start to buckle.

I said take a seat, boy, the bishop's grin disappeared.

As the boy reached for his gun he dropped it right in front of the bishop.

So this is why you're here? the bishop picked up the gun and checked it. Fully loaded. You have grown.

CRASH!!

The great stained glass window shattered. Julius quickly hit the floor, as the bishop turned toward the broken window. He raised the gun to shoot as a bullet went clean through his throat. Instantly another round caught him in the shoulder and he dropped the gun. The final shot lodged in his heart and he hit the floor.

****

The halls of the New Orleans Women's Mission were void of any activity. The air within was cold and still. The eeriness went unnoticed, simply dissipating as a mere wash upon the slumbering souls nestled within the various rooms. The glow within Virginia's office diminished as she affixed her wig back upon her head. Once again, the office was dim. The hulking figure that stood before her was again shrouded in shadow. Fragmented light lay heavy upon the facial features of Deacon Stone.

Virginia was feeling less uneasy due to the deacon's expressed approval, when suddenly, a vast dark cloud engulfed the already dark room. Deacon Stone turned and instantly dropped to one knee.

Master, we welcome your presence, chanted the deacon toward the vast fog. Virginia trembled. From within the dark emptiness, Chimeloc spoke.

WE HAVE LOST AN AGENT FOR THE CAUSE, the voice croaked. THE BISHOP IS DEAD . . .MURDERED.

Stunned, the deacon slowly looked back at Virginia, then diverted his gaze back toward the floor.

Who did this, master? he asked.

THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN REVEALED. WHAT IS CERTAIN IS THAT SOMEONE VERY POWERFUL HAS COME TO THE AID OF LAWRENCE THE PROPHET. CERTAINLY, THIS ALLY IS FROM THE ARMY THAT DEFEATED US DURING THE GREAT WAR. OUR VEIL OF PURPOSE HAS BEEN BREACHED. THE BISHOP WAS EFFECTIVE IN STIFLING THE PROPHET'S GIFTS, BUT HE HAD A PROPENSITY FOR GREED THAT ALLOWED THE PROPHET TO REMAIN IN EXISTENCE TOO LONG.

With head down Deacon Stone spoke. It was I who failed. Although I suggested such, my influence on Bishop Barnes was not enough to produce the death of the Prophet.

YOU HAVE FAILED, YET I WILL RESTRAIN MY WRATH. MUCH NEEDS TO BE DONE AND YOU MUST SUCCEED.

I renew my dedication to the cause, master, " replied the deacon. He noticed what sounded like the dragging of heavy cider blocks coming from the vast cloud. It seemed to be getting closer.

CONCERNING YOUR RENEWED DEDICATION, I SHALL ALLOW YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY YOUR CONVICTION.

The horrible sound stopped. Virginia slowly rose from her desk just as the deacon stood erect. Suddenly, from out of the dark cloud the face of Chimeloc appeared.

BEHOLD!

Against both of their wills, the deacon's and Virginia's eyes moved upward. They began to shake violently. Virginia's head began to collapse inward. Her face became haggard, while blood streamed from her eyes, nose and gums. She tried but could not scream. Deacon Stone's head tried to resist the tremendous pressure. Through gritted teeth, he tried, but couldn't utter a sound. Hundreds or veins branched out upon his face. A blood trail ran from the corner of his right eye. Instantly, Chimeloc recessed back into the dense fog. Their convulsions ended as quickly as they began. Virginia collapsed into her chair. Deacon Stone was still standing.

YOUR STRENGTH IS IMPRESSIVE DEACON, croaked Chimeloc. OBVIOUSLY YOU HAVE BECOME MORE NETHERWORLDLY THAN HUMAN. I SHALL ERASE MY IMAGE FROM YOUR MEMORIES, FOR NEITHER OF YOU WOULD SURVIVE OTHERWISE. HOWEVER, YOU WILL NEVER FORGET THE PAIN YOU HAVE JUST EXPERIENCED. FOCUS ON THE OBJECTIVE OF THE CAUSE AND TRUST ME . . . DO NOT FAIL AGAIN.

Master, if I may? the deacon's breathing was labored.

SPEAK.

May I have the bishop's body?

OH YES, YOUR NEEDED DEPRAVITY. YOU HAVE GAINED MUCH STRENGTH FROM THE DEAD. DO WITH IT WHAT YOU MUST. FIRST THOUGH, THOROUGHLY SWEEP THE CELLS OF THE CORPSE. IT'S CERTAIN THAT TRACES OF ECTOPLASM STILL EXIST. THE ABILITY TO TRACK THIS INFORMATION OF WHOM WE POSSESS WOULD LEAD OUR ENEMIES TO THE REST OF OUR EARTHLY HOST. WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR DARK DEALINGS, DISPOSE OF THE REMAINS COMPLETELY. THE POWERFUL ONES OF OUR ENEMIES ARE CLOSING IN. THEREFORE, WE MUST VANQUISH THE LOCATIONS INVOLVING PROPHET GARNIER. THE NEW ORLEANS WOMEN'S MISSION AND THE CHURCH OF ADVANCING LIGHT WILL NO LONGER EXIST. AS FOR THE PROPHET HIMSELF, HIS BLOODLINE, ALL AND ANY WHO ASSISTED HIM . . . FIND AND ERADICATE.

The deacon turned and looked at Virginia. Her face sustained a stroke-like twist. The hulking man turned back to the dark cloud.

Eradicate, he mumbled. Yes master!

CHAPTER 2

"Breaking News. Bishop Ezekiel Barnes has been shot and is confirmed dead. On what was to be the debut of the nationally televised ministry of The Church Of Advancing Light, Bishop Barnes was struck down. Reports have been confirmed that he has died. This ministry has been wrought with tragedy, as the church's founder, Rev. Virgil Robbie, died in a mysterious automobile accident some years back. Now, after the success of The Miracle Tour, which introduced the world to the gifted Prophet Lawrence Garnier, this ministry has suffered a terrible loss. A full investigation is now underway at the church."

Julius quivered in silence, clutching his mother's waist. The two of them sat in the nurse's office of the church waiting for the police to tell them when they could leave. The harrowing moments rolled over and over in his head, as he buried his tear-drenched face in his mother's side. Angela slowly rocked back and forth, in shock, as she mindlessly tried to comfort her son. She, too, was traumatized over the events that just took place, but it was what she saw upon her arrival to the church that hurled her into a state of shock.

The door to the nurse's office slowly opened. A female officer entered. Here's some water, Ms. Campbell.

Thanks. Angela took a slow deliberate sip. Her eyes never shifted in the officer's direction. Instead, they stayed fixed on nothing in space to which she stared.

How about you, Julius, water?

Instantly, Angela's eyes zeroed in on the officer and she shook her head no.

All right Ms. Campbell. A detective is on his way over to speak with you briefly.

Just then, two knocks on the door were followed by the entrance of a tall older man.

Excuse me, I'm Jerry Morse from Homicide. I think we've met before Ms. Campbell.

Angela remained silent and stared straight ahead.

That first meeting was also under tragic circumstances, I'm afraid. It concerned your son Nate.

Angela shifted her eyes to the man, but remained silent. The female officer pulled him aside.

We have sort of a statement from the mother, who is clearly in shock. The child has not said anything. We have a psychologist coming.

Thank you, officer. I've read the statement. I'm gonna try to get some clarification on a couple of things. Stick around, just to keep things calm.

He took a small notepad from his suit pocket and slowly approached Angela. Ms. Campbell, this is a difficult time but I have to get some of the facts clear. Where were you when all this went down?

Angela responded slowly. I was returning from an emergency that a church member was having with her daughters.

The detective glanced over at the officer. She leaned in to whisper. There was a disturbance between the Billups girls and their stepmother. We sent a car over. Detective Morse turned his attention back to Angela.

Ms. Campbell, once you arrived at the church, what did you see?

I pulled into the parking lot. I heard a crash and then two shots. I ran around back and saw my child.

Did you see anyone else?

The dead bishop.

Morse gave way to a slight smirk. It's on record that you had a gun in your purse. What was your purpose in that?

I was gonna kill that bastard.

Was there any particular reason?

Pick one . . . and I'm gonna want my gun back.

That shouldn't be a problem. It's registered to you and it wasn't fired. So you wanted to kill the bishop, but somebody beat you to it. Are you sure that you didn't see anyone else?

I'm sure that whoever shot that son of a bitch was lucky that he got there first.

He? So you did see somebody.

No, I just assumed it was a man.

Did Bishop Barnes have any enemies?

You obviously don't know Ezekiel Barnes.

Where is Deacon Stone?

He left town a couple of days ago, but I don't know where he went.

Detective Morse, put his notes away. Well Ms. Campbell, you have been very helpful. We appreciate your cooperation. Just one more question. What did your son see?

Angela stood up with Julius still clutching her waist. I'm sorry but he's not ready for this. I need to get him home.

Sure, of course, said the detective. We will be providing a crisis counselor for your son so that he can answer questions . . . when he's ready. So try very hard not to leave town for any particular reason, Ms. Campbell.

Angela and her son pushed pass the detective and out of the office. As Detective Morse and the officer stepped out of the nurse's officer and started down the hallway, he noticed a door marked 'No Admittance.' He pointed.

That door was locked and no one can locate the key, she said. We have a search warrant on the way. When it gets here we'll break in.

I want to be there when you do. I'm gonna go talk to Lawrence Garnier next.

Do you need me there? I need to start thinning the herd around here. The news crew and the television crew have left, so we're only going to keep a few officers around.

That's fine. I'm good. Come get me when that search warrant gets here.

Julius continued to cling to his mother as they walked out of the Church of Advancing Light. He knew he was being watched as they reached the outside. He felt the roving, shifting eyes of the police, knowing they were wondering what he saw. He saw taped off boundaries of the area holding the onlookers at bay, while they pointed in his direction.

At the car he released his grip from his mother, and tried hard not to look in the direction of the now shattered stain-glassed window that once filtered the