The Unholy Trinity

By Don R. Budd

What will the Unholy Trinity be like? You may be surprised. How will the Unholy Trinity explain away the rapture? How will you survive this time of great disaster? What will these disasters be like? The Unholy Trinity follows the choosing of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, to their reign, and to their fall. They are much different than their usual portrayal. How will they deal with the judgments? How does current news fit into prophecy? Read and find the answers to all these questions and more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Don R. Budd
• Release date: Apr 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370631582

Don R. Budd

Don R. Budd studied Science Fiction and literature while studying for his degree in International Business at California State University at Sacramento. He has traveled and lived overseas in 14 countries. He has studied 20 languages and interpreted 11 of them while in the US Army. As part of his duties in Germany with Military Police Customs, he interpreted for NATO officers heading for the United States.He still enjoys meeting and corresponding with people around the world. Although his language skills have deteriorated over the years from lack of use, he still would enjoy corresponding with people from all over the world. So don't be afraid to contact him.PLEASE, NO SEXUAL PICS!! I DO NOT RESPOND. WOMEN WHO SHOW BREASTS DO NOT GET A RESPONSE. TOO MANY ARE PRESSING THEIR BREASTS INTO THE PICTURE. I WILL NOT RESPOND TO THIS BEHAVIOR!!PLEASE, DON'T KEEP TYPING ON SKYPE OR OTHER SERVICES AND NOT ALLOW ME TO RESPOND. I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR GAMES, ESPECIALLY SEX GAMES. YOU WANT A RESPONSE, BE SERIOUS, NOT JUST TAKING UP TIME.

Book preview

A middle-aged man with a shaggy beard and long wavy salt and pepper hair, who wore tattered and dirty clothes walked down the marina side of Via Nazario Sauro in Napoli, Campania, Italy. He had a dirty face. His hair was clumped together as if not washed in some time. The traffic circle was busy. People walked to and fro along the marina side. Some carried large picnic baskets. They looked at the man with disgust as they passed him. Some held their noses when they smelled his stench. He held out his hand for any little coins the people might hand him. But, the people just walked on past and turned up their noses at him.

An older man in a business suit walked up to the man. He had a young man with him who was also in a tailored suit. The homeless man looked at the young man, then at the old man. The man held out his hand. But, the old man just looked at him.

Antonio, I have a proposition for you. The old man stopped in front of him.

The beggar withdrew his hand as he furrowed his eye brows. How do you know my name? The man looked down at him with a huff.

I know a lot about you, Antonio Tonelli originally of Roma. The man looked at the beggar with interest. I am called ‘Beelzebub.’ I also know you lost your business to the Board because of a clause in your parents’ will.

How do you know all that? Tonelli eyed the young man again. Have we met before? He glanced again at Beelzebub.

No, not in person. Beelzebub watched Tonelli eye the young man with him. You have met several of my associates in your lifetime. You like it here because you can watch.

Watch what? Antonio took his eyes off the young man and looked at Beelzebub.

Well, you’re not here to watch the boats or the women. The old man kept his eyes on Tonelli. After a pause he continued and leaned close to Tonelli. You’re here to watch the young, good-looking men. How long has it been since you were with such a man?

What makes you think I'm looking at the men? The man raised his voice a bit.

You really like my associate, Keith. Beelzebub straightened up. You are wondering what he looks like without his suit. Keith, why don't you take off your coat?

The young man took off his tailored suit coat. His short sleeves showed a slender man. The shirt was tailored around his small waistline. Antonio eyed the man up and down. He noticed the slender form and how well the man looked. He had never seen such a good-looking man before.

There was a lot of interest on the old man's face now.

Keith’s face lit up as he grinned to high light the gorgeous dimples and then put his free hand on his hip as he eyed Tonelli with invitation in his eyes.

I can see I am right. Beelzebub watched Antonio try to calm his interest. You do like good-looking men. Why don't you come with us? I can get your business back and you can talk to Keith.

Well, I could stand a change in scenery. Tonelli turned his attention slowly back to Beelzebub.

Fine. Beelzebub turned to lead the way back. Let’s go then.

The three men walked to a limousine. Keith entered the limousine first as Tonelli looked at him as he entered. Then he entered the plush backseat. They were dark blue seats and felt so soft. Beelzebub entered and caused him to sit closer to Keith, which he didn’t mind at all. If Keith had a problem with his filthy body and bad odor being so close, he didn’t show it. Beelzebub shut the door. Then he opened the sliding glass window between the seats.

Take us to the villa! Then he closed the glass window.

Tonelli looked at Beelzebub with a puzzled expression. What is this proposal you have for me? He kept his hands by his sides on the seat.

It has to do with a management position. Beelzebub glanced at him. I have a big organization I am putting together. I want you to be part of it.

How can I be a manager of anything? Tonelli looked at Keith again. I’m not exactly ‘management material.’

That’s where you are wrong. Beelzebub looked at Tonelli again. I can make you into a good manager. Your work with the family business will give us the basic training to build from.

How are you going to get my family business back? Tonelli looked at Beelzebub. It has the clause that demands I must give up my lifestyle. I can’t do that. It seems to control me.

Leave that up to Beelzebub. Keith moved a little closer to Tonelli as the limousine drove away.

Soon, the limousine had driven up to a villa just outside Roma and entered large iron gates, which opened as the vehicle drove to them. The gates slowly closed behind it. They followed a long drive to the big house and spent several minutes as they maneuvered through a garden that was well groomed and decorated with various flowers and trees.

The limousine parked in front of the house in the circle drive. The driver stepped out to open the door for Beelzebub. Tonelli noticed the driver’s uniform was carefully tailored. Beelzebub stepped out, followed by Antonio, and then Keith. They went inside as the beggar glanced back at the driver. The well built man grinned at him as he walked back to the driver’s side door to take the limo to the nearby four car garage.

Table of Contents

2. The Study Begins

In the lounge of Greenwich Hall at Holiday Institute of the Bible in Chicago, four students gathered around a wooden table. The four moved some chairs up to the table, each gender took a side. Other students sat around the lounge. There was a mildly loud sound to their voices as they discussed various topics or just chatted with friends. More people came off the elevators.

Tim ran his fingers through his curly, black hair as if to attempt to comb it out. He towered over the man to his right. This man was a French student, Aubert. He appeared to be swallowed up by the couch and his clothes fit rather tight around his body. When he looked down at his notebook, his dark brown hair hid his face. He had to brush his hair back to see his notes. Lakeisha was the African student across from Tim. She towered even over Tim. Her tightly braided dreadlocks with multicolored beads swung every time she moved her head. To her left and across from Aubert was Mary. Her straight blonde hair reached most of the way down her back. She was not as tall as Tim, but taller than Aubert.

Thanks for coming. Tim looked at everyone. Has everyone had a chance to look up their information?

I have some. Mary opened her notebook. It was interesting to find out about the antichrist.

Do you think your new President might be him? Lakeisha had a Swahili accent.

President Brown, the antichrist? Tim looked at Lakeisha and then shook his head. No, I don't believe so. Sure, arrogance just oozes from him, but he lacks one very important factor. He must be single. It says in Daniel chapter 11 and verse 37 that he will have no interest in women. That, I believe, is an Old Testament way of saying someone is a homosexual.

Are you sure? Lakeisha looked at him. Maybe he’s just not interested in woman.

I never heard anything about him. Aubert looked at Tim. I just thought he was – How you say? A woman's man.

A lady’s man. Mary looked at Aubert. Yes, I thought that too. Mary flipped through her Bible and found Tim’s reference which she first read to herself. Yes, here it is. Mary looked at the verse and then up at everyone. It does say he will have no interest in women.

I understand it to mean he will be a homosexual. Tim looked at Mary. The sharp rise in homosexuality around the world would suggest that meaning. But, I will ask Professor Smith tomorrow. It could also mean someone limited to having no care about the welfare of women at all, not just wanting to be single. Many men are quite satisfied without a partner. They see no need for one. It’s just as Paul said in Corinthians, it is good to be even as he is and not marry, but if you cannot control yourself, then it is better to marry.

He will also be paranoid to the max. Mary continued to look through her notes. He will be so self-centered it will be beyond belief.

That’s narcissism. Tim flipped through his notes. "It’s a personality disorder. Narcissism is out of control these days. It means the person will have no empathy for anyone else. All they see is their own problems and demanding others solve them. But, remember the antichrist will not be revealed until the restrainer is removed. That includes the true Church. The false church will remain. We are never told which churches will be true or which will be false. There will be people from every denomination left behind. Many believe the Catholic Church will be the false Church, but this is false. Many in the Catholic Church will be saved and ascend too.

Lakeisha looked through her notes.

I read he will wear down the saints. Lakeisha looked up. Does that mean he will wear them like clothes?

No, it means he will give them a very bad time. Mary looked at Lakeisha. He will act like a dictator going after those who are against him.

Oh, that I understand. Lakeisha looked at Mary. Why doesn’t your English Bible just say that?

It does in a way we would understand it. Tim looked at Lakeisha. You look at it from outside our language. The word ‘wear’ has more than one meaning.

Ah, English! Lakeisha sighed. You may think me stupid.

No! Mary and Tim looked at her.

We understand you are struggling with English. Mary leaned toward Lakeisha. I, for one, would have much more trouble trying to speak Swahili. I have never even heard an African language spoken before.

Swahili is easy. Lakeisha wrote down a phrase. Awabarkiki Kwa jina la Bwana! That means, Bless you in the name of the Lord!

That is easy? Mary looked at the written phrase. It looks more like a tongue twister.

It says just above where Mary read that the antichrist would do just as he pleases. Aubert looked in his Bible as he changed the subject back to their meeting.

Yes, he will be a spoiled brat. Tim turned his attention to Aubert.

Let’s focus on the signs of the antichrist and the false prophet in the newspapers. Mary pulled several articles from her notebook.

Okay. Tim pulled articles from his folder.

The group flipped through their notebooks.

Here’s one in which the French President invited President Brown to walk the English Channel. Mary held it up. People are comparing him to Christ.

I saw that too. Tim held up his copy. People are calling him the ‘Savior.’ He claims to be Christian, but his behavior says otherwise. He was given the Nobel Peace Prize shortly after he entered office and he didn’t even have to do anything. He loves all this attention.

Pride comes before the fall. Aubert held up his articles.

Isn’t that the truth? Tim looked at Aubert with a grin. The more people get to know him, the more they will not trust him. He is very pro-Muslim and seems to be against Christianity. He wouldn’t even make the National Day of Prayer proclamation that has been made for many decades.

We should focus on the antichrist and the false prophet, not on President Brown. Mary glanced around; afraid she had spoken out of turn.

You’re right! Tim showed a list of comparisons. Mostly the antichrist will be the opposite of Christ.

And he will be against Christ, too. Mary looked at Tim. What else have you found?

Table of Contents

3. The Prophet

A priest walked reverently down a corridor of the Vatican. He turned at a junction and walked right into Beelzebub. The prete stopped. He was a bit startled.

Oh, sorry. The padre regained his composure.

Father Bonati. Beelzebub looked at him as if nothing was wrong.

Si? The father looked at Beelzebub. How may I help you, my child?

He held out a golden chalice. Please, deliver this drink to the Holy Father. It is very important that he drinks this.

The padre looked and saw it was filled with a wine colored liquid.

The Holy Father only drinks what his servant brings him. The priest remained calm. I’m afraid he would not accept it from me.

Tell me, do you dream of becoming the pope yourself? Beelzebub glared at him.

Oh, how could you ever ask such a thing? The prete was shocked as he took a step back.

It’s not such a hard question. He looked hard into his eyes. You have dreamed of it since childhood. Don't you want your childhood dreams to come true?

I cannot wish such a thing. The padre’s brows burrowed as he leaned toward him.

We have the pontiff. To wish his position would be like wishing something terrible to happen to him.

Don’t act so humble with me! Beelzebub burrowed his brows just as much as he handed the chalice toward the priest. I know your thoughts and you have had those wishes, a lot.

Who are you? Bonati became stern, but with a nervousness in his voice.

I’m the one who holds your future in his hands. Beelzebub looked down his nose at the priest. I’m the one who can put an end to this dead end job of yours. I am called ‘Beelzebub.’

The only Beelzebub I know is also called ‘Lucifer’, ‘Devil’, and ‘Satan.’ You are the prince of demons. The priest burrowed his brows more. Be gone with you!"

Bonati started to walk away. Beelzebub raised his right hand and he stopped and turned back to him.

You will take this to the Holy Father. He lowered his hand.

Bonati took the golden chalice and he continued down the hall as Beelzebub vanished. The priest glanced back to see the hallway completely empty. A puzzled look came over his face as he walked to a corner and turned toward the pope’s office.

The padre entered the pope’s office with the golden chalice. He walked over to the Holy Father as he sat at his desk. The pope looked up and recognized him, and then he turned to allow the priest to kneel and kiss his holy ring. The man knelt and kissed the ring in the prescribed manner. He offered up the cup without a look at the pope.

This drink is for you, Your Eminence. Bonati’s voice was soft.

Thank you, my child! The pope looked at the chalice. You may go now.

As the Holy Father took the cup, the priest backed away. The pope raised the cup and nodded. The priest bowed and turned to leave.

The pontiff sat the chalice on the desk beside the book he had just read. He flipped the page, read on, picked up the chalice, and started to raise it to his lips. The buzzer on his intercom sounded. He sat the chalice back down and reached for the buzzer just as it sounded again.

Si? The pope responded to the call.

Holy Father, your audience with ... Rossi’s voice came over the intercom.

Si! The pope remembered he had a meeting of the inner bishops in ten minutes.

The pontiff turned off the intercom. As he reached for the chalice, his hand knocked it over and spilled the contents. He grabbed a nearby cloth and quickly wiped up the liquid and sat the chalice upright. Just then there was a knock at the door.

Enter! The Holy Father stood to rush to the meeting.

A cardinal bowed as he entered and still held on to the door.

Si! The pontiff’s voice was urgent.

The Holy Father quickly patted his lips with the cloth and instantly collapsed.

The cardinal rushed in and checked the pope. He pressed a button on the intercom.

Si, Holy Father? Rossi’s voice sounded.

This is Cardinal De Luca. the cardinal spoke quickly. Call the doctor right away. The Holy Father has collapsed in his office. Hurry!

Si!

De Luca sat the pope back in his chair. He tried to find a pulse, and then tried to restore the pontiff’s breathing.

Within a couple minutes, a doctor rushed into the office followed by several other men. The doctor quickly checked the pope.

Quickly, get him on the floor!The doctor ordered. We must revive him!

Two of the men quickly laid the pope out on the floor next to his desk. The doctor tore open his robes and shirt. Another man was ready with the portable defibrillator. The doctor took the paddles and placed them on the pontiff’s body.

Clear!

The man pressed a button and shocked the pope. The Holy Father only jerked.

Clear!

The man pressed the button again and shocked the pope a second time. There was still no response.

Clear!

The man pressed the button a third time and shocked the pontiff. He began to come around. The Holy Father gasped for air. A man gave him oxygen. The pope began to calm down as two more men brought in a stretcher.

The doctor removed the paddles and moved back. The two men carefully placed the pope on the stretcher. They covered him with a white blanket, and then raised the stretcher.

The doctor motioned them to take the pontiff from the room, which the medics did.

A cardinal entered the office. Who brought the drink?

Cardinal De Luca thought for a moment. I believe Father Bonati was the last to visit the Holy Father. The cardinal thoughtfully responded. He had a golden chalice for the Holy Father. I don't know what was in it.

Have Father Bonati come and explain himself. The cardinal snapped as he looked over the scene.

Si. De Luca turned and exited the office.

The cardinal checked around the desk. He saw the golden chalice and the spilt liquid. Don’t touch anything! The cardinal ordered sternly. The authorities will need to see this as it is. I don’t want any more people in here than is absolutely necessary.

The people began to clear the room until only a few people remained to protect the crime scene.

Table of Contents

4. The Characteristics of the Antichrist

Students gathered around tables in the lounge at the Bible school. Some sat in chairs and on couches. Others stood around in groups as they chatted. Still others walked about as they went from place to place to chat or leave the lounge.

By the time Tim, Lakeisha, Aubert, and Mary stepped off one of the elevators, classes had let out for the day. They looked around at the busy room. There seemed to be no open areas.

What do we do now? Lakeisha looked at the other students.

Let’s go to the other end of the floor. Tim led them around the corner to the lounge.

As they walked, they checked the tables and chairs. Aubert found an empty chair. He pulled it along behind him. Mary found another and brought it along with her. Tim found a couch in the back. They went to it quickly before anyone else could claim it. Aubert and Mary put their chairs in front of the couch.

We’ll have to do without a table today. Mary took her seat as did the others.

That’s okay. Tim sat next to Lakeisha. We’ll do just fine without it.

They opened their notebooks.

Tim glanced to his left. Lakeisha, what were you able to find about what the antichrist will be like?

She read from her notes. Daniel tells us he will be very arrogant and paranoid. John tells us he will come out of the sea. The woman looked up at her classmates. But, I heard the phrase; ‘out of the sea’ has many meanings. I’m not sure which one is meant here in the book of Revelation.

It can be translated ‘from across the sea.’ Mary looked at Lakeisha. It’s unlikely that it means literally out of the water.

Yes, but it is not known if he meant the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean. Lakeisha added.

It’s important to remember that all prophecy must be interpreted from Israel’s perspective, since the Bible was first written for Israel. Only later, did the European perspective enter into Church teachings. So, Rome can still be the origin of the antichrist. Tim flipped through his notes.

Some people interpret ‘Sea’ as ‘the political arena.’ Aubert looked at each of his friends.

Good, it can be both. Prophecy often has more than one interpretation, which makes it hard to understand. Mary opened her notebook and then looked at him. The idea that he will be paranoid is another one most people know about. This guy wrote the book on paranoia. This also shows President Brown will not be the antichrist. President Brown is not paranoid.

What else did you find, Lakeisha? Tim looked at her beside him.

We know from what Jesus said to the Jewish leaders that they will accept one who comes in his own name. Lakeisha looked down her list of notes.

Good. Tim read his notes. That refers to the antichrist. It also gives us another clue to look at for uncovering the antichrist. He will be anti Christ or against Christ. ‘Anti’ also means ‘opposite.’ That means we can take the traits of Jesus and look at the opposite to come up with the traits of the antichrist.

So, the antichrist comes to destroy instead of save. He comes in his own name instead of God the Father’s name. Mary looked at Tim.

He will be loved by the world instead of rejected. added Aubert. He will come from a wealthy family instead of a poor carpenter family. He'll be proud instead of meek.

You’ve got it! Tim looked at him. Plus, he’ll have power straight from Satan himself. Some believe Satan will enter into him and possess him. The problem is Satan can only be in one place at a time unlike Christ. So, it is doubtful he will enter the antichrist until the last or periodically. What can we see, today, which might indicate someone is the antichrist?

President Brown is an excellent example. Mary was quick to add. People just fall all over themselves to praise him.

Good, but he can’t be since he is married and has daughters. Tim looked over at her.

Oui, our President asked him to come to France and walk the English Channel. Aubert darted at each of his friends with his eyes.

What should a real Christian do when given all this praise? Tim looked at the others.

Decline it. Mary ran her hand down her pony tail after a pause. We are never to accept such praise. Praise is to go to Christ alone. However, the antichrist will demand it from all.

So, who would Satan choose? Lakeisha looked at her classmates inquisitively.

People have been asking that question since Christ's time. Tim leaned back in his seat. However, no one will be able to answer it until the Holy Spirit and the real Church are taken out of the world.

Each time people have suggested some person as the antichrist. Mary looked at her notes. Nero was the first one to be named as the antichrist. But, he was not. Lately, Hitler was thought to be the antichrist. Now, many believe President Brown is.

That’s right. Tim glanced around at his friends. The Bible says the spirit of the antichrist is already in the world, referring to the attitude in the world. Many people will be like the antichrist, but will not be him. The term refers to both an attitude and a person.

How are we to know him then? Lakeisha looked frustrated.

Those of us in the true Church will never know. Tim looked at Lakeisha. But those that will be left behind will learn who he is very quickly. However, most will not know he is the antichrist. They will just see him as the savior of the world and only in the closing days of history will they see him as a dictator.

Mary started to flip through her papers. She became quite troubled.

What’s wrong? Tim looked over at her with concern.

I can’t find some of my notes. She still flipped through her notes. They were just here. I just had them.

A young man stood behind her with papers. He was not seen by anyone. He took the notes and put them in the trash against the far wall.

What were they about? Lakeisha became concerned.

They were about what the antichrist would be like. Mary was frustrated. They were very interesting, but now I can’t find them.

The man vanished.

I’ll just have to look them up again. Mary looked at her friends as she let out a heavy sigh.

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5. Confinement

Bonati walked down the corridor as he looked around nervously. He passed another corridor and looked to the right. When he looked forward again, he walked right into Beelzebub. He stood there and stared at the priest harshly for a moment. The padre tried to regain some composure and glared back at the Devil as he tried to act courageous.

What are you so afraid of? Beelzebub stared at Bonati with eyes that seemed to burn right through to his soul. You’re one step closer to becoming pope. Your childhood dreams are about to come true.

You ki-ki-killed the Ho-ho-holy Father. How am-m-m I to fe-e-e-el? Bonati nervously continued to look around afraid to have anyone see with whom he spoke.

Lucifer grinned as if he was about to devour some juicy steak. Relax, you’re about to become a cardinal. Once you are in the College of Cardinals, you can be voted in as the new pope.

The prete stood with his hands on his hips. What are you planning? Kill the new pope? I can’t have any part of this.

Satan leaned toward him. Oh, but you are in deeper than you realize. You were the one who poisoned the pope. His sinister statement echoed in the vast hall. It turned to laughter as the priest became even more upset.

You, you had me under some spe- spell, or something. The father looked around nervously.

Beelzebub laughed again in an eerie voice. As the padre tried to shush him, afraid someone might hear his evil laughter.

No one would know that and you could never prove it. Lucifer grinned again.

The prete went out around him. But, Satan appeared in front of him again.

Leave me alone! yelled Bonati and quickly looked around scared that anyone may have heard him and then whispered. I want nothing to do with you.

It’s too late. You’re mine. Beelzebub stayed in front of him as a wolf smacks his lips over a choice lamb he has cornered. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation of a kill.

Another priest approached from an adjoining corridor. He was both shocked and relieved by the presence of another priest. The padre stopped next to him.

Father Bonati, your presence is requested in the Holy Father’s office. The padre spoke softly.

Good, I’ll walk with you. He walked away with the priest as he kept an eye on the wolf that stayed behind as it still smacked its lips.

The two priests walked down the corridor from which the one priest had come. Beelzebub vanished.

Bonati and the priest entered the pope’s office. The daylight shined through the stained-glass windows. The room had several cardinals as they went through boxes and cabinets. A cardinal who sat at the desk looked up.

Good, we need to discuss what you brought the Holy Father to drink. The cardinal sat at the pope’s desk. We’ve already sent the cup and napkin to the authorities. But, I want you to explain your actions, especially, why you brought it instead of Father Perez.

I just brought the Holy Father some of his favorite grape juice. Bonati was very nervous like a boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He did not drink from it while I was here.

You know the rules; all drinks must be through Father Perez. The cardinal was stern as he pointed a gnarly finger at him in a jabbing motion. So, why did you bypass him?

I saw no harm. Bonati glanced around at the others in the room as he wondered what they thought. It was just grape juice.

Just grape juice?! He yelled. Everyone stopped for a moment. Well, until this investigation is done, you must remain in your room. The cardinal remained sharp. You are relieved of all duties. Your meals will be brought to you. Now, go!

The cardinal watched as Bonati left the office. Then he resumed his task. Another cardinal came over to him with a box and showed him the contents. He looked inside. He glanced back at the door.

The padre left the office with the priest who came with him. I have never seen Cardinal Acciai so angry.

They walked back the way they had come. Bonati looked around afraid Beelzebub would appear at any moment. He was afraid the priest would see him.

Nor have I. But, his name means ‘axe man’ and he lives up to that name. If he wants to get you, he will in the harshest manner possible. Beware! The priest leaned over to his friend. What was really in that drink, anyway?

It was just a grape juice as far as I know. Bonati was humble. I don’t know if anyone slipped something into it.

That’s why Father Perez must check all drinks before they go to the Holy Father. The priest straightened. It’s a hard lesson to learn. I only hope you learned your lesson.

I did. Bonati placed his hands on his bony cheeks and ran them down to his protruding chin. That I did. I just saw no harm. I wouldn’t have believed someone would want to kill the Holy Father. I will not do that again.

Who did you get it from? The priest glanced at Bonati.

From someone I should have never trusted. He dropped