When Darkness Shines Bright

By Levi Walker

June, 1989: In the three years that Tony Russo had been in the Navy, he had trained as a NIS agent, found Civil War gold pilfered by a Confederate Captain with Union sympathies, and had fallen in love with and married a Soviet Ukrainian. On his wedding night, through some glitch in the time/space fabric, Tony was transported to 1857 with war on the horizon. Unable to return, age, or die, he walked immortal through time fighting in every American war and engagement until he catches up to the present.
Finally, returning from more than a century of war and carnage, he is the most highly trained warrior on the planet. But the generations of blood and death has changed the carefree and childlike man and left him cynical of humanity and plagued with nightmares. Vowing to leave war and bloodshed behind, he focused only on his future with his lovely Ukrainian wife. When she is brutally raped and murdered by a gang that was previously a target of Tony’s investigations as a Naval Investigative Agent, all efforts at restraint are removed from his conscience. With inhuman cruelty and all-consuming hatred, Tony methodically and ruthlessly tortures and eliminates those responsible...even some that are not. He had become the Angel of Death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Levi Walker
• Release date: Dec 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310880513

Levi Walker

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1965; I have lived all over the South and had great many adventures. I was educated at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. I have served both in the Navy and, more recently, the SC Army National Guard as a civilian contractor. Currently, I devote all my time as a substitute teacher for Lexington County School District 2 and to writing as a burgeoning freelance author.

Book preview

When Darkness Shines Bright:

The Evil Within series

(Book 2)

By Levi Walker

***

Copyright 2014

Walker-Russo Publishing

Smashwords Edition

Cover art by stanzalonedesign.weebly.com/

***

Books by Levi Walker

The Evil Within series

Love, War, and Treasure too

When Darkness Shines Bright

Leviticus Prime

***

Dedicated to Natasha Romani Ledkenski

***

Table of Contents:

Prologue:

Chapter One: The Promise

Chapter Two: The Reception

Chapter Three: A Father's Loss

Chapter Four: The Rock Floor

Chapter Five: The Garden of Good

Chapter Six: The Wedding Night

Chapter Seven: Clarissa Mae Grant

Chapter Eight: Path to Freedom

Chapter Nine: Claraland

Chapter Ten: Confederate Gold

Chapter Eleven: Cry for Dixie

Chapter Twelve: Temporal Menagerie

Chapter Thirteen: A Stranger in Her Bed

Chapter Fourteen: The Last Time

Chapter Fifteen: Tears of the Damned

Chapter Sixteen: Conspiracy

Chapter Seventeen: Night of Vengeance

Chapter Eighteen: Burn It All

Chapter Nineteen: Funeral in Ukraine

Chapter Twenty: SIN

Chapter Twenty-One: Sex

Chapter Twenty-Two: Hate

Chapter Twenty-Three: Trust

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Aborted Confession

Chapter Twenty-Five: Prelude to Battle

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Sacrifice

Chapter Twenty-Seven: In the Shadow of Death

Chapter Twenty-Eight: An Anniversary Carrol

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Super Friends

Epilogue:

About the Author

Prologue

***

2245 hours (10:45 PM cst) June 9th, 1990;

Claraland Plantation House-West Memphis, Arkansas:

Good. You’re all waking up. I really am sorry about this, but I needed y’all to not interfere or get in my way. Tony strapped his sword and arrow quiver to his back and donned his compound bow.

What the hell, Tony! You drugged us? Charlie yelped in apparent confusion.

Just a mild sedative. You've only been out twenty minutes.

What is this? Brandywine bellowed. All the dinner guests were tied in their chairs and lined against the wall They all harangued him with the obvious and expected cacophony of questions, and showed the expected level of annoyance, confusion, and indignation.

You’ll understand soon enough. For now, just sit tight and everything will be okay. The yard is full of explosives. I don’t want any of you blundering about, getting yourselves blown up. I’ve arranged for some entertainment for this evenings little gathering. It should keep you tied to your seats. Well, that and the ropes.

Where’s Mallory and the baby? Jessica asked frantically.

They’re safe.

Where’s my partner? FBI Agent Bentham asked looking around the room.

I’m afraid Agent Mathis grew frustrated with me and left the party. Pity really. I was growing quite fond of him.

Are you crazy? I’m the Chief of Police. This is criminal! Garret yelled.

I know. I know. Add it to the list. I’m willing to pay the full measure for my crimes, but not until I’m finished criming.

The dinner guests were baffled and found themselves near speechless. Tony looked at them one last time and left.

Chapter One: The Promise

***

Two years earlier at Claraland Plantation;

June 10th, 1988; 1400 hours (2:00 PM cst):

The signal was given and Tasha came around the corner on the porch and walked to the steps leading down to the yard and stopped. Four bride’s maids lifted the train of her gown as she descended the stairs. Once there, Colonel Brandywine took her arm in his and walked down the aisle as two young girls threw red rose petals down in front of them. Tony gazed into her eyes as she slowly came closer. Every time he saw her, he thought she was even more beautiful than before. This was her shining moment. She would probably never again go through so much trouble to look this beautiful. And she was just that, absolutely ravishing. Radiant and proud, she stepped up beside Tony never taking her eyes from his.

We are gathered here… The preacher spoke, breaking them out of their bubble. …to join these two…blah, blah, blah.

Tony and Tasha’s eyes met again and everything and everyone vanished.

Do you, Natasha Romani Ledkenski take…, He cut a glance at the Colonel and saw a shocked, baffled look briefly cover his face with a slight smile following. …take Antonio Del Russo as your lawful wedded husband? To have and to hold, for better or for worse, so as long as you both shall live? Tony looked around behind him. People were checking their invitations, with the names Lieutenant Vito Mazzi and Sandra Duvall printed on them. ‘They must think they came to the wrong wedding,’ he thought. Natasha thought the same thing and they smiled at each other, barely containing a laugh.

I do!

Do you Antonio…yadda, yadda, yadda…for as long as you both shall live?

I do!

I believe you both have written vows for one another, the minister said and stepped backwards. All eyes focused on Natasha.

"My dearest Tony, I never knew what it meant to love. I have watched as others walked hand in hand, whispering to each other as they passed by me. I often wondered what they were saying to each other that could be so secretive that it must not be said aloud. Why did I never hear sweet whispers in my ear? Where was the one that God sent especially for me to share my thoughts, my dreams, my heart? Where was the one that would listen to my most prized secrets and tell me his? Where was the one that, above all else, loved me without reservation and with absolute, unswerving conviction? For years, those questions haunted the back of my mind. In time, I determined that love was for other people and I was destined to be alone. I resigned my hopes and dreams to be nothing more than childish imagination. And then I met you. You answered everything for me, Tony. You freely gave to me, without knowing, everything that I had ever desired. You gave me purpose. You gave me love. You gave me your heart, Tony. Most importantly, you gave my hopes and dreams back to me. You gave all that to me simply by being yourself. I stand here before you now and swear to you for eternity my heart, my everlasting love, even my soul. Since I first saw you, my mind has been your captive. Every waking moment, you consume my thoughts. And at night, my dreams belong only to you. I am, and always will be, yours. You are my shining knight and you have rescued me. From the deepest part of my heart, I thank you for that. And I love you, Tony, more than I could ever say.

Tony stood entranced. Silence consumed the gathering with the exception of an occasional sniffle. Charlie nudged Tony bringing him back out of the sanctuary of Natasha’s captivating eyes. He looked down at the paper cradled in his hand and was embarrassed by his inadequacy in expressing himself. English was his primary language and he could never convey his feelings as well as she had. She had not paper to read her vow from, nor had she practiced what she would say. Every word she spoke came honestly from her heart. The paper crumpled in his fist and he tossed it away. Staring deeply in her soulful eyes, he finally replied.

I vow to you that I will never, so long as I live, love another. I’m afraid verbal eloquence is an ability I cannot claim. I could not hope to express the depths of my love for you. But I swear on my honor, on my life, and with every single breath, I will show you the depth of my love.

The crowd seemed both amused and disappointed at Tony’s inadequacy. Tasha continued her gaze into Tony’s eyes as her smile grew wider and more enticing. The left corner of her mouth imperceptibly curved upward. She leaned to Tony and whispered, I know you will.

Tony lifted her veil and leaned forward. Their lips neared. It was only he and she, alone on the planet of five billion souls.

Ahem, the preacher cleared his throat. Not yet.

Sorry Reverend, Tony apologized. The world reappeared and they separated, but only by a hair. He begrudgingly pulled her veil back down.

By the power vested in me by our Lord Jesus Christ, I now pronounce you man and wife. Now, you may kiss the bride.

As Tony lifted her veil yet again, the depth of her gaze became apparent to him. It was as if she was once again looking into Tony’s soul. This time, he didn’t cross his eyes or attempt to distract her. He whole heartedly let her in to his deepest sanctum as he fell face first into hers.

As their faces approach each other, her eyes slowly closed. She whispered a line from Blue Hawaii. I will love you longer than forever.

Promise me that you will leave me never. Their lips met.

***

The kiss lasted longer than Charlie’s desire to stay at the Alter. Charlie tapped his shoulder, then nudged Tony and Tasha back up the aisle. The world reappeared and all the world tried to hug and congratulate them. As they ran away from the throngs of well-wishers, they were pelted with the traditional…birdseed?

Why are they throwing birdseed at us? Tony and Tasha both shielded their faces.

It was Jessica’s idea. Rice is not good for birds or squirrels or something. Ask her.

Aren't they supposed to do that when we leave for our honeymoon?

Also Jessica's idea. We are staying here for our honeymoon, so she wanted it done now." Tony spit a seed from his bottom lip. He wished he could start that part of the ceremony right away, but the honeymoon had to wait a gazillion more hours. It was a requirement that he and Natasha mingled and charmed all the strangers that came to the wedding first. They ran around the corner of the house and into the front door.

***

11:00 PM; St. Petersburg, Russia:

Ilyanka, could you come into my office. Bring the Ledkenski file with you. Since he had received the news of the disappearance of the Spetsnaz team, he had paced his office floor. These were highly trained men sent to abduct Natasha Ledkenski, alias Sandra Duvall. If abduction was not feasible, assassination was the alternative order. None of them had reported in since their plane had landed in Memphis. He, his secretary, and the men themselves were the only ones aware of the operation.

Here you are, sir. The tall, short-haired blonde had also been uneasy the entire afternoon. She had given Natasha's brother a copy of the file to repay an old debt that she owed to his sister. It was kindness for which she was fast becoming regretful.

Vladimir perused the file as she stood over him. He shined an ultraviolet light on each page. As a precaution to subversion, he had installed a device that would tag anything copied on his machine. Every page in this file had been tagged.

Will there be anything else, comrade, Ilyanka asked, eager to leave.

Have a seat, Ilyanka, he ordered as he rose and walked around the table.

A lump formed in her throat as she sat.

Ilyanka, you have loyal and faithful to me for three years. I've known you since you were a child. There is nothing to fear from me. Tell me how my teams disappeared. No harm will come to you, I promise. He messaged her shoulders.

I do not know, comrade. I arranged everything as you said.

Vladimir snapped her neck with a violent twist.

***

Back at Claraland, the wedding reception was unequalled even by British Royalty. Tony and Tasha performed the traditional wedding dance to Dean Martin’s, ‘Amore’. They had practiced their dance and performed it to exquisite perfection. After that, she danced with Brandywine. As they moved around the dance floor, Tony thought they looked like a third grade father/daughter dance with the Brandywine’s six foot six frame towering fifteen inches over Tasha. Tony waited to see if she would stand on his feet as they moved around the floor. He saw Brandywine whisper to her, probably asking about her name. She had been Sandy for so long that it must be difficult for him to see her as a Natasha. Brandywine kept a broad smile on his face the entire time. Tony had never seen him so happy.

***

When the Colonel’s and Tasha’s dance ended, she joined Tony. They walked to where Charlie and Jessica were standing. Taking Jessica’s hand, Tony kissed the back while he looked deeply in her eyes.

I’ve been waiting for this moment all afternoon, he said and turned to Charlie. Captain, may I have this dance?

I thought you’d never ask, Lieutenant.

As Tony led Charlie onto the dance floor, all eyes turned to them.

Shall we Shag? Charlie asked as he plucked a rose from a table and put it above his ear.

I’m hoping you’re asking me to dance and not the other thing. I’m married now, you know? Under The Boardwalk, Tony yelled to the DJ.

Can you believe we married those idiots? Jessica asked, shaking her head. She took Tasha's hand. They're not gonna have all the fun. Come on.

Jessica, no, I don't know how to do this dance. She pleaded as Jessica pulled her to the dance floor.

It's easy. The rest of the guests either laughed or looked shocked. Soon the dance floor was full of people laughing. Tony switched partners with Natasha and stood toe to toe with Jessica for a slow dance.

Thank you, Jessica. The wedding was perfect. He knew Tasha had done most of the work but Jessica had been the guiding force.

It had to be perfect. Natasha deserves nothing less. She looked into Tony’s eyes. You deserve nothing less.

You seem pretty comfortable with her new name.

"She told me her name a long time ago, but we never told Charlie. He’s probably razzing her about it over there.

***

Nicholai, Tasha’s brother, became something of a novelty to the ladies in the room. Being a KGB agent, Tony worried that he would use this opportunity to polish some high ranking contacts. Nicholai promised otherwise. Tony took him at his word. He had to. As Natasha’s brother, Tony gambled that he would never jeopardize her position. By bringing their young brother Dema, Nicholai cemented Tony’s faith and trust. Nicholai appeared charming and well versed in the social seduction of military wives. He was careful not to stand out too much, though. Tony watched as ‘Sergei’ worked the room and was truly impressed. He could learn a lot from Nicholai. True to his word, Nicholai stayed away from high ranking Officers and their wives. But the Colonel could not be avoided.

Brandywine walked up to Tony as he and Nicholai were chatting. Tony, we haven’t been formally introduced. He extended his hand to Nicholai.

My apologies, sir. Colonel Brandywine, this is Sergei…I’m afraid I don’t know his last name. He’s Sandy’s cousin from Brighton Beach. Part of it was a cover story, they had come up with spontaneously. Being her cousin rather than brother, and living in America rather than travelling from the Soviet Union, would hopefully reduce any suspicions anyone would have. Tony knew he should have gotten more information from Nicholai before the wedding, though. He didn’t know his fake last name or his fake place of residence. Brighton Beach in New York City had a large Russian population and Tony was sure that would be good enough for the Colonel.

It’s Repenski, sir. Sergei Repenski.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sergei. Welcome to my home and thank you for helping out with that problem we had earlier. I hope you are enjoying yourself.

Yes, sir. I am. You have a lovely home, he replied.

Thank you. I hope we have more time to talk later. If you’ll excuse me, I should see to our other guests. Tony, be sure that you and Charlie dispose of our uninvited guests before they stink up the place. Tony felt uneasy. His instincts told him that Brandywine was suspicious of Nicholai but he wasn’t sure if it was the usual Russian distrust or something more. Nicholai felt the same.

I will, Colonel. Stashed away in a broom closet was the bodies of Soviet Spetsnaz operative and his handler sent to eliminate Tony’s intended bride. He, Nicholai, Captain Charlie Parker, Colonel Brandywine, and Lieutenant Savannah Mallory had all unloaded a round into the handler just as he was about to open the door to Natasha’s dressing room. Natasha had double tapped the Spetsnaz Soldier as he was about to put a round into Tony’s head. All this had happened moments before the ceremony began.

Your Colonel sensed something was not right with me. He is a very shrewd man. Perhaps I should make an exit. He paused and asked Tony, How did you know my cover was to be a Brighton Beach Russian?

I didn’t.

Nicholai looked at him but said nothing.

I didn’t know your pretend last name either. You almost became Sergei Smirnoff. It’s a very well respected name on college campuses all over the country. Don’t worry about Brandywine. Just mingle and have fun. You’re doing great. But do try to avoid him if you can. When Natasha and I get ready to leave, I’ll let you know. I’ll tell the Colonel we’re taking you to the airport but we’ll go somewhere safe for you and Tasha to talk. Where's Dema?

He is with Natasha and her friends. He is better with the ladies than I am, I think. Who is that man over there? He pointed to a portly, greasy skinned man staring their way.

I don’t know. He must be on the guest list.

He looks familiar. I’m sure I have seen him before but I know not where. Tony sensed Nicholai was becoming pensive and uncomfortable. Nicholai’ penetrating eyes stared the man into submission and the strange man turned his attention elsewhere pretending to be interested in a tray of peppered shrimp.

Do you think he knows you? Tony asked in a whisper.

He was not looking at me. He was looking at you. His eyes looked at me only for a second. When he saw he me looking at him, he turned away. Strange. Find out who he is!

No problem. Can we eat first?

Chapter Two: The Reception

***

Dinner was to be served everywhere; outside, inside, and on the porches. Entrees were set up in the grand dining room. The centerpiece of the entree table was an ice sculpture of a naked man and woman atop a winged stallion. The stallion was reared up and its wings outstretched nearly six feet It appeared as if it was just landing. Large bowls of sliced fruit and vegetables of all kinds lay beneath, catching the cold melt water from the dripping wings. Bunches of juicy red and seedless green grapes draped the base of the statue and flowed outward giving the scene a feel of cornucopia. At each end of the table were finger sandwiches and tray upon tray of shrimp cocktail and finger foods which would occasionally be walked around the other rooms and outside by the wait staff. For the main courses, caterers worked tirelessly in the kitchen preparing: fried chicken, baked potatoes, cornbread, rice, beans, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, macaroni salad, and a dozens of other side dishes. Most of the vegetables had been picked fresh from the fields around them, grown especially for the occasion. Peach and cherry cobblers, banana pudding, pecan pies, cherries jubilee, and a whole plethora of delightful desserts were arranged on a separate station.

In the hundred and eighty-year-old brick pit, a whole pig had been cooking in hickory smoke for nearly twelve hours. Various Jamaican spices had been rubbed over it to create a true authentic eighteenth century Jamaican barbeque. On the adjacent grill: porterhouses, sirloins, barbeque chicken, hamburgers, and hotdogs sizzled over hot charcoals. Large white wicker chairs with small adjoining tables lined the porch on all sides of the house on both levels. Twenty-two large round tables covered in white table cloths; each with glass, winged stallion centrepiece, now occupied the space where the guests had sat for the ceremony. Glossed paper menus were distributed and people were served wherever they ordered; whether from the tables, the house, or the porch. The music of Tchaikovsky, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff was piped softly through a number of small hidden speakers throughout the house. In the yard, Banjos, violins, and an entire string ensemble played music more indigenous to the area. Guests bounced carefree on the dance floor in front of the bandstand. Had the guests been wearing nineteenth century formal wear, the whole scene would have appeared to be a marriage of Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice' to John Jakes 'Love and War.'

The caterers and everything had cost Tony a fortune but the service and ambiance of an old plantation gala was excellent and well worth it. Once, the Colonel had asked Tony where all the money was coming from and Tony froze for only a second. He told him it came from Sandy’s father. Tony looked around and everything was perfect. People laughed and joked and children bounced around in the playground or ran around the house playing. The sky was bright blue with only a few billowy white clouds crossing.

Tony looked around the yard for his bride. He spied her still in her wedding dress, trying to eat barbeque chicken. ‘This should be good for a laugh,’ he thought. He walked over to her.

Is this seat taken, ma'am?

Why, no sir, it isn't, she exclaimed as she fanned her face. I hope I am not being too presumptuous, but if I may say, sir: You are by far the most handsome man I have ever seen. Her Southern accent was made, both exotic and erotic, by her rich Slavic tongue.

Thank you, ma'am. And if you'll permit me to say, you are by far the loveliest flower in this, or any other, garden. He kissed her hand.

Jessica looked at Charlie. His mouth was full of barbeque and sauce covered his chin.

Charlie looked back at her. What?

Tony, your bandage is leaking, Tasha whispered. Blood had started to seep through the white fabric.

It's okay. I'll tell everybody it's sauce.

I should go change before I ruin this dress. Would you excuse me, sir? I must retire. Jessica, would you care to join me?

Of course, my dear, Jessica replied as she, Tasha, and Tony stood. They all waited for Charlie to stand as a gentleman should.

Charlie? Jessica uttered.

What? he looked up. Sauce still covered his chin. Oh, my Lord! He stood begrudgingly.

When they had retired, Tony and Charlie sat back down.

Charlie? You're usually the perfect gentleman.

Have you tasted this barbeque? It's incredible.

Well, good food does trump good manners. Hurry up and finish. I have something I want to show you.

I'm taking some of this home with me.

***

Five minutes later, Charlie and Tony were in the cellar beneath the kitchen.

Are we going to bury the bodies now? Charlie asked. "I’m surprised those Russian’s bastards had the balls to try a hit right before the wedding. Why would the Soviets send six Spetsnaz teams to kill Sandy…or Natasha…or whatever the hell her name is? Ya’ll musta really pissed somebody off. But, I'll tell you the truth. That, along with the precision that we took out the other teams at the airport, has made this