The Rot

By AC Cooper

I’ve been watching over Northridge for centuries. When its founding citizens arrived, seeking escape from persecution, their lives were focused on growing their crops, raising their families and worshiping God.

After a few generations however, that changed.

Their lips praise God, but their hearts are far from him.

Soon, however, the Saints will arise, cast off their apathy and go to war.

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! - Matthew 6:23

• Language: English
• Publisher: AC Cooper
• Release date: Jul 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310796272

AC Cooper

Anita Cooper is an author and freelance writer living with her family in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. She loves a good story, but only when it's sold as a story and not the truth. Her favorite genres are fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal and romance. Some of her favorite writers are JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Madeline L'Engle, Andre Norton, Debbie Macomber, Ray Bradbury and many, many others.

Book preview

The Rot

© 2016 by A.C. Cooper at Smashwords

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Foreword

It starts as a microscopic spore...something so tiny, so trivial that at first it escapes your notice. But after time, especially when the conditions are ripe for its proliferation it will spread everywhere, taking over every solid structure until you're left standing in rubble.

Dry rot and sin have much in common, however dry rot is easier to spot...and to wipe out.

I've been watching over Northridge for centuries. When its founding citizens arrived seeking escape from persecution, their lives were focused on growing their crops, raising their families and worshiping God.

After just a few generations, however, that changed. Their lips praise God, but their hearts are far from Him.

Soon, however, the Saints will arise, cast off their apathy and go to war.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

About author

Other books by this author

Chapter One

Joe, aren't you dressed yet?

Beth Williams dug through the large stack of sheet music crammed into the piano bench. Finding Amazing Grace and I'll Fly Away, she folded them neatly and slipped them into her purse.

Joe had tried to think up a good excuse to stay home, but he couldn't think of anything that would pass muster with Beth so he gave in.

Yeah, yeah...I'm coming alright? Grabbing his favorite red tie off the doorknob Joe slipped it under his collar and moved towards the mirror.

Sheesh, is that all she can do...nag? he muttered.

He saw her reflection appear in the mirror. Beth was standing in the doorway, arms crossed, watching him.

Hope she didn't hear that.

The kids are already in the car. I've got your coffee ready and your bible sitting next to it. Come on, Joe...I don't want to be late again. Remember...I'm filling in for Susan today.

Joe turned to look at her, a small grin on his face. They won't know what hit 'em, Beth.

Her brows furrowed as if she was deciding his intent, but she apparently decided to ignore it.

Trinity Baptist was the first church built in Northridge, Wisconsin. At the summit of its tall steeple was a clock whose chimes could be heard from every house in town. Guarding each corner of the large brick structure, crouched as if ready to take flight, sat those most ancient of creatures, gargoyles.

Joe studied them, half looking for any signs of movement.

Shrugging, he followed his wife and kids into the sanctuary. They made it with only a minute to spare.

It seemed like he had just settled in when Beth nudged him. Joe...are you asleep?

Mmm? No, no...I was just thinking.

Beth rolled her eyes. Pastor Braun is wrapping up his sermon. I've got to play the final hymn for the altar call.

Joe nodded. Sure. By the way, what's for lunch?

His wife sighed before slipping out of the pew. There's a roast in the crockpot. When church has ended, could you please make sure the kids have all of their Sunday School papers picked up off the floor? I'll be right behind you, I've just got to take off the robe and get my things.

Okay. We'll slip out a little early to beat the rush.

Shaking her head,