Soul Brigade 2

By Guy Dance

This is the second book in the Soul Brigade series, and is the continuing mission, of Michelle, Steve and his daughter Stacey on behalf of The Source. It is a mission, to rid the Earth of negativity, corruption and greed, and to encourage dramatic changes of attitude to benefit all creatures of the Earth.
The first part of their mission took them to Mexico, and after a relaxing overnight flight from there they arrive at Ben-Gurion airport Tel Aviv, in Israel, to begin the next phase of their mission. They soon become embroiled in a hotbed of conflicting beliefs and interests, in an area of the planet that has little history of peaceful coexistence. Based in Tel Aviv, where they make surprising new friends, they will venture out to ancient and biblical sites. They will have to push the boundaries of their powers, and themselves, to the absolute limit to continue with their mission to clear away deep-rooted negativity and raise the positive energy of the planet. Their short time in Israel will prove to be, both challenging and enlightening.
After completing their tasks in Israel they will travel to the Nile delta, where they will board a private boat to visit more ancient energy sites. They will discover many surprising things about themselves and struggle to overcome mind boggling mystical ancient energies. They are pursued by, and will have to face and do battle with the ultimate embodiment of evil energy. Their adventure culminates in the most conceptually challenging, incredible, and unexpected finale to their mission for The Source.

Although a work of fiction it is based on many true and astonishing events experienced by my wife, daughter and I during holistic trips to ancient energy sites around the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Mar 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481781633

Guy Dance

Guy was born in London, England in 1957 to a working class family, the youngest of three children. He was a homely boy and didn't really enjoy playing with the local kids, it just didn't attract him. He took his first job to earn extra pocket money at the age of 6, delivering milk to peoples houses, by 12 it became wholesale bread delivery. Considered bright, he went to a technical school in Woolwich, were the climax of his schooling was moderate grades, and school table tennis champion, once! The problem was that he was hanging out with a motor racing team as chief tea-maker and wheel-cleaner, instead of studying. He thought that, one day, he too would be a race-car driver; unfortunately talent without financial backing wasn't enough. He's worked as a sound engineer and roadie with a glam rock band, other motor racing teams, in design engineering and has had a very successful sales and marketing career. He admits that he has sometimes blundered through life, and has turned left instead of right. On occasions he's made mistakes and been taught many life lessons, he saw as costly. It wasn't until he found his way into Reiki healing in 1997 that he realised that it wasn't. And that you are supposed to acknowledge your lessons for your soul's enrichment, and forgive the lesson teachers for their part, only then does that life lesson stop repeating itself, in your life journey. Recent treatment for Cancer has meant that he is semi retired, but is still passionate about helping others to improve their lives and live in harmony with each other and the planet. This has prompted him to share his knowledge and experiences fictionalised in print, hoping to spread joy, light and uplift others.

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AuthorHouse™

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Phone: [phone]

© 2010, 2013 by Guy Dance. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means with out the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine or journal.

All characters portrayed in this book are fictitious and any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Published by AuthorHouse 03/13/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-8162-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-8161-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-8163-3 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

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

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Acknowledgements

To my wife and life partner Juliet.

Our journey through time is everlasting.

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My daughter, Rae Anne.

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Juliet’s children, Hayley and Karl Porch.

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A special mention for

Brian and Janet Pankhurst

Julie and Michael Reeks

Dearest Ted Tolhurst (My other dad, now in Spirit).

Edie Tolhurst, and the rest of their family.

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To all of our family and friends.

Thanks for putting up with, our sometimes unusual, holistic ways.

__

Editorial assistance and support for my books.

Julie Gorman (www.Helius.biz)

Thanks, Julie!

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Book cover design by

Jan Firedance Hatch

[e-mail]

Thanks for your inspired art!

__

Our time on Earth may be short and

the lessons for our souls often difficult,

but we can still spread our light, our energy,

and our love to help others to raise

the global consciousness.

Our lives are filled with lessons; everything that happens in our time here on Earth is to teach us those lessons. We are attending the school of life every day, but the problem is many of us don’t realise that we need to acknowledge the lessons that events teach us. We don’t understand that these lessons are for the growth of our souls and blindly carry on ignoring them. If we experience anger, fear or upset, it means that our soul is asking us to face, acknowledge and take ownership of a life lesson. Every time we blame somebody else, we ignore the lesson and this leads to repetitious events until we learn from our mistakes and understand the need to acknowledge the lessons. This is something that the human race needs to understand as a whole, not just as a percentage of the whole. It’s time to acknowledge our lessons and make changes to enable all of us to benefit from its positive effect of raising the consciousness and positive vibration, to create heaven, here on Earth. We all must take ownership of our part in this and do all that we can to help each other, the Earth and all creatures that inhabit it. It is our responsibility, we are ultimately the creators of our own destiny, let’s work together to secure a future for the Earth and all that live upon it.

Introduction

The first phase of Michelle, Steve and Stacey’s mission for The Source which took place in Mexico is now behind them. The positive cleansing and transformation of the Americas has dramatically improved people’s attitudes on that continent and have been undeniably beneficial. But news of their activities has reverberated around the world, and caused many people in power to become fearful of them, and the unusual powers they seem to command. There has been mixed reactions from the ordinary people of the world, some seem to understand and support their work, but many are confused and fearful of what it all means.

After an uneventful and relaxing overnight flight from Mexico, they arrive at Ben-Gurion airport Tel Aviv in Israel, to begin the next phase of their mission. They are soon to become embroiled in a hotbed of conflicting beliefs and interests, in an area of the planet that has little history of peaceful coexistence. Based in Tel Aviv, where they make surprising new friends, they will venture out to ancient and biblical sites. They will have to push the boundaries of their powers, and themselves, to the absolute limit to continue with their mission to clear away deep-rooted negativity and raise the positive energy of the planet. Their short time in Israel will prove to be, both challenging and enlightening.

After completing their tasks in Israel they will travel to the Nile delta, where they will board a private boat to visit more ancient energy sites. They will discover many surprising things about themselves and struggle to overcome mind boggling mystical ancient energies. They are pursued by, and will have to face and do battle with the ultimate embodiment of evil energy. Their adventure culminates in the most conceptually challenging, incredible, and unexpected finale to their mission for The Source.

Chapter One

The Mission Continues

Hello, it’s Stacey… I’m glad you’re joining us on our adventure again. I’m sure it will be as exciting as Mexico. We’ve arrived in Tel Aviv after a really long flight; the day turned into night really quickly after we left Cancun, so we had a snooze on the way. We’ve just collected our cases and are pushing them on a trolley to the customs area. There are lots of funny looking people around, all dressed the same, in long black coats, big black hats and tasselled scarves. The ladies all seem to go to the same hairdressers because their hairstyles look the same. They have long skirts, flat shoes, and long coats. It looks very odd. There are a lot of soldiers here, too. They seem very young and all have big guns. It’s a bit scary, and my dad and Michelle look a little bothered by this place, and even Ching Chong’s a bit worried, too.

It’s around 6am as Steve, Michelle and Stacey reach the surprisingly busy customs and immigration area; they are quickly approached by an immigration official wearing navy blue trousers and a crisp white short-sleeve shirt. He’s accompanied by two armed soldiers.

He nods politely at them. "Shalom, boker tov, come please. He gestures towards the open door of a small interview room off of the main hall. I have questions, please, come this way," he says and then leads them to it and then inside. The soldiers then close the door and take up position outside.

Stacey takes hold of Steve’s hand for comfort as he releases the trolley and begins to speak. What’s this about? he asks the man sternly.

He smiles politely at them. Just routine, it will not take long, sit please.

They decide to cooperate and put their hand luggage on top of the cases on the trolley before sitting on two chairs by a small table, with Stacey standing between them clutching her toy cat tightly. The man sits opposite, opens a folder and takes a pen from his shirt’s breast pocket. The room is quite sparse, has no windows, a large mirror on one wall which faces them and a single fluorescent light above them.

Michelle glances at Steve and whispers. Don’t worry… everything’s going to be fine.

He whispers back. I’m thinking of our guides already, luv, he grins cheekily.

She shakes her head and smiles. We won’t need them, she says and nods down at Stacey who is now facing her cat at the man and inquisitively staring past him into the mirror.

Unknown to them, their interview is being monitored via the mirror and a covert microphone system, by two members of the Mossad, the Israeli secret service. They orchestrate every question that’s asked via a discrete earpiece worn by the man in the room. After asking many questions about the purpose of their visit the man inspects their luggage and discovers the crystals they are carrying. They try to convince him that they are just tourists and the crystals are harmless souvenirs.

The official holds the statue of Chaac and one of the pyramid shaped crystals. So this is vacation, and these objects are the souvenirs, you do not live in Israel? He frowns quizzically. I do not understand why you bring them here, if they are souvenir?

Michelle chirps up. Because we’ve come from somewhere else that we’ve visited first, she says politely. Any souvenirs we buy here will go with us to the next place we visit. She reaches out her hands to relieve him of the objects.

He nods. Ah, I understand, he says and hands them over. Where will you be staying and where will you visit?

Steve knocks her foot with his before she can answer. We’re not sure yet, he says quickly. We’re just going as we please really.

The man takes their passports out of one of the bags and inspects them carefully. How long will you be in Israel Mr Snow? he asks.

Just a few days while we do some sightseeing, Steve forces a smile.

37145.jpg

Meanwhile one of the Mossad officers on the other side of the mirror engages in a conversation with a mystery third party on his mobile phone. They are here, he says, and then pauses while the other party speaks. Yes and the little girl. He pauses again. It is not possible. He pauses again, moves away from his colleague and begins to lower his voice. We cannot allow this, he says indignantly and then listens intently as the other party speaks again. After a while he grimaces and replies. Yes, we owe you some favours, but you ask too much of me. He shakes his head constantly as the person continues and after a while sighs with resignation. Very well, he says sharply. But if things go wrong, the fault will be yours. The other party replies briefly and then ends the call.

37145.jpg

Back in the interview room the immigration officer seems unconvinced by their answers and is silently waiting for guidance to arrive in his earpiece, after a few moments it arrives; his face flushes with surprise while he receives it. He turns his head half towards the mirror and looks confused, the message is repeated.

Very well, he says sharply and then turns fully back to look at the three of them again. Thank you for your cooperation, you may go and enjoy your vacation. He sounds insincere, but hands Michelle the clutch of passports.

They stand immediately and Steve takes command of the trolley loaded with their things. Thanks, he says as he turns it towards the door.

The man moves to the door and opens it. "Shalom, he says and then escorts them out of the room into the busy arrivals hall and then points in the direction of the exit. You will find taxi outside."

Michelle puts the passports into her flight-bag and then takes Stacey by the hand. "Thank you very much, shalom," she says, and then smiles at him and they walk away.

As they walk Steve begins to speak. When did you start speaking Hebrew?

She frowns playfully and ignores his comment. Do you think he believed us? she asks.

Steve grins at her wryly. Not a word of it, and I don’t think he was the one askin’ the questions either, Routine questions my bum, he huffs. Come on let’s get out ov ’ere.

They carry on towards the terminal exit and both of them have an uneasy feeling that they’re being watched or followed, maybe both. Just before the exit Steve stops outside a tobacconist shop, leaves the trolley with Michelle and Stacey and begins to walk inside.

Where are you going Steve? calls Michelle.

He stops walking and looks back at them. After all that rubbish, I’m in desperate need of a fag, he grumbles.

Stacey looks saddened. "Please don’t start smoking again, Daddy, they’ll kill you," she calls.

He looks at her pleading little face, and then remembers what his doctor had told a few years prior, which had prompted him to quit smoking in the first place. He then looks at Michelle who facially tries to encourage him to come away from the shop and not buy any.

Think of our guides Steve, let them help you, she says and nods supportively.

He’s static for a while and then begins to amble back towards them; he kisses Michelle on the cheek and then gives Stacey a cuddle. Sorry chicken, it must be the stress of all these idiots messin’ with our mission.

She smiles lovingly at him. That’s alright Dad, we just don’t want you to die, she says softly and waggles her toy cat at him.

Thanks for stoppin’ me, I know I’d ov’ regretted it.

He smiles at them and takes control of the trolley again and they walk through the exit and emerge outside on a paved area bathed in early morning sunlight. The area is quite crowded and a large number of the people seem to be the ones dressed alike in black. Stacey notices that under the coats, some of the men are wearing white tights or something on their legs and have long bits of hair hanging by their ears.

Who are those people, Dad, why are they all are dressed the same? she asks him.

They’re very religious Jewish people, Stace’, you’ve seen them in England, when we’ve driven through North London.

She scratches her head in thought. Oh yes, I remember. She pauses. Do they work here?

Steve and Michelle smile at her warmly. Maybe, but it’s a long way to come though. He grins playfully. Think of this place as their homeland, he says.

Oh, like England’s ours? she asks.

Yeah, that’s the one darlin’. They stand chatting for a moment whilst getting their bearings and adjusting to the new environment.

Steve frowns at Michelle. So, what d’ya think Miche’, do they know who we are, or what?

She shrugs. I don’t know… maybe it was a random check; you do look a bit shifty don’t you. She chuckles briefly before suddenly clutching her chest and doubling up, chasing her breath.

Her mind’s eye is filled with blood curdling visions of war, being fought over many ages by opposing factions of different religious beliefs. She sees them slaughtering each other and innocents around them; the visions are horrific and filled with utter carnage. Maimed and injured bodies amongst the dead crawling and crying out in pain.

She’s eventually snapped out of it by the sound of Steve’s voice. Miche’, Miche’! Are you alright darlin’? He rubs her back gently as she begins to straighten her stance and her eyes are moist with tears. This don’t look good, what’s up? he softly asks.

Her moist eyes look right into his. We’ve so much work to do here. What’s wrong with all these people, they really hate each other, she says despondently.

He frowns at her. Other than the over the top security, and all these clones wanderin’ about, they seem fine to me. He tries to comfort her with a boyish smile.

I’m not kidding Steve, beneath the superficial, runs a raging torrent of pure negative hatred and intolerance of others beliefs and an insatiable desire for absolute power! She shakes her head sadly.

He puts his arm around her. Don’t let it get t’ya darlin’, we’ve got the skills to help them ’avent we? He smiles.

Yes, you’re right, but the vision I just saw was so horrific, I think we’re going to need all the extra help we can get, she says worriedly.

Stacey steps to her side and holds out her the toy cat. Want to hold Ching Chong? You’ll feel better, she says softly and smiles.

Michelle smiles back at her. No it’s alright Stacey, you keep him safe. She nods. I’m okay now.

Steve smiles and gently squeezes her shoulder against his chest. I’m sure it’ll all pan out in the end, Miche’, he says and then changes the subject quickly. Well I haven’t seen a driver for us yet… d’ya-think Val’s got the schedule wrong?

Michelle frowns. I doubt it… perhaps the hotel’s messed it up and it’s late, she says.

Yeah, maybe… we’d better hang about a bit, he says.

Michelle nods towards a group of the people in the heavy black overcoats They must get so hot in those things, she says compassionately. Why do they wear them?

Steve shrugs his shoulders. Could be loads a’ reasons, I guess it’s just their thing, ya know, a sort of uniform so they know who’s in the gang. He chuckles. A bit like the CIA boys in Mexico.

She puffs sympathetically. I wouldn’t want have to wear all that, and those poor women, I’m sure they’re wearing wigs.

Do look a bit samey. He frowns playfully. Angela Rippon specials. He chuckles. Anyway, you couldn’t dress like that; you walk around half naked most of the time. He chuckles again.

She cocks her head sarcastically. Don’t you like what I wear?

He smiles wryly. That a trick question, or what? He nods towards a man coming close to them with long white socks running up from the black shoes on his feet which then disappear under his long coat. Is that our driver d’ya think? he asks and grins stupidly at her.

Before she can say a word the man stops in front of them, he has a long white and black silky tasselled scarf draped over the nape of his neck, a black cap over his crown, he’s holding a small open book in one hand and a little round cap in the other.

He looks Steve straight in the eyes. Are you Jewish? he asks. Steve looks at him blankly.

The man quickly plops the cap onto the crown of Steve’s head and begins reciting Hebrew words from the open book. Whoa… stop right there, I’m not Jewish mate. The man ignores him and continues his recital.

Michelle snatches the cap off of Steve’s head, tosses it onto the open book and stares sternly at him. We’re not of your faith… and you shouldn’t force it onto others… . we walk a different path.

Her words fall on deaf ears and he defiantly tries to put the cap back onto Steve’s head, but he is soon stopped by a big hand that appears from the side and grabs his wrist. The hand belongs to a very tall and well built man, who’s been watching events unfold, and has decided to intervene.

His voice is deep and resonating. "Selach Li," he says as he pushes the man away.

The man is still defiant. "Lo ba li macher, hishtagata," he says while vainly trying to hold his ground.

The tall man continues to push him away. "Lo chaver, chas veChalitah, he says glaring forcefully at him. Tzetech LeShalom tov todah," he says and waves him away.

The man decides to capitulate and speaks as he walks away. "Tov Me’od, shalom, shalom," he calls.

The big man turns back towards them. "Shalom, boker tov," he says warmly and smiles confidently at them.

Thank you so much, says Michelle.

Ah… you American, he says warmly.

No… We’re English, says Steve proudly. I’m Steve, this is Michelle and this is my daughter Stacey.

I am Yaakov. His smile is enhanced by odd bits of gold dental work, which sparkles in the sunshine. I am sorry for this man, he did not mean you harm.

What’s wrong with him? asks Michelle. He was very pushy.

Yaakov chuckles. Nothing is wrong with him; he is very religious man, he want to share it with you. He continues chuckling.

Steve smiles wryly. Sweet… we have them in England too, but they don’t get in your face quite as much as him, unbelievable, he says.

Still, you are okay, yes? They nod, You are first visit to Israel? asks Yaakov.

Yes first time, a bit shocked by all these young people carrying guns, says Steve and he nods towards a couple of teenagers in green army uniforms, wearing sunglasses and carrying rifles.

The smile leaves Yaakov’s face. It is for protection against those that would destroy Israel, he says defensively.

But they look like children, they’re so young, says Michelle despondently.

We all defend our country, it is law, says Yaakov proudly. You will see many more on your visit. He pauses. You like taxi? He quickly shows them an identity card clipped to his belt.

We thought there’d be a driver to meet us, but there’s been no sign of one yet, says Steve. I think we should wait a bit longer.

Yaakov smiles and hands him a business card. Very well, but if you need taxi and guide, you call this number, yes?

We will Yaakov, and thanks for helping us, says Steve.

Yaakov smiles warmly. "Shalom," he says before turning away to return to the taxi rank.

Michelle prods Steve in the ribs. Why’d you let him go?

What? he says dimly.

Our driver hasn’t shown up, but he did. She nods positively. Something’s telling me that we should stick with that man, I’ve got a good feeling about him, she says knowingly.

He looks at her face and knows that it’s a gut instinct combined with channelled intuition driving her comment. Well, ‘shalom’ is about it for me, we’re definitely gonna need a translator and transport, are ya sure?

She smiles positively. Yeah I’m sure, let’s catch him up.

Steve looks at Stacey. What d’ya think Stace’?

She smiles and nods her cat at him. He’s a nice man, she says confidently.

Well… if Ching Chong says so, that’ll do me. He grins stupidly at her and she gives him one of her famous playfully chastising looks.

They quickly wheel their trolley after him and for some reason Yaakov stops and turns towards them as if he knows they are coming. He walks briskly back to meet them and is smilingly broadly.

Could you take us to our hotel? asks Steve.

Yaakov smiles happily. Of course, where you stay?

The David Continental, says Michelle. Is it very far?

Thirty minutes only, come, let me take cases, says Yaakov as he takes control of the trolley.

Steve looks at the line of taxi’s and then at him quizzically. Tell me Yaakov, he asks. Are you driving one of those battered Skoda’s?

Yaakov chuckles deeply and then points towards the ugliest looking Skoda lined up in the taxi rank. Like this one? He laughs.

Steve frowns at him. Is that your car? he asks worriedly.

Yaakov chuckles some more. You must look where the finger it point.

Steve moves alongside him, cranes his neck, closing one eye and screws his face up as he looks along the length of the arm to the fingertip. Yaakov’s sense of humour forces him to sway his arm around, causing his finger to point at many different cars. Steve begins to sense that he’s being played with and starts to chuckle.

Okay, stop muckin’ about, which one are we headin’ for? he asks playfully.

Yaakov holds his arm still and smiles as his finger stops on a large Mercedes. This one, I would not drive the Skoda! How would I fit inside? He laughs again.

Steve smiles at him. Yeah, a big boy like you, it’d be tight!

They all have a laugh and continue on towards the white Mercedes passing other taxi drivers that look upset about something and Yaakov gives them disparaging looks as they pass them, and on arrival at his car he ignores them while opening the door. They climb into the backseat with their flight-bags and he closes it firmly. He then takes their cases from the trolley, puts them in the boot and then says something sharply in Arabic to a couple of the nearby taxi drivers. They exchange impolite gestures with him as he gets into the front seat and closes the door.

He looks across his shoulder at them. You are comfortable and ready to go? he asks.

Yes, says Michelle. Your Taxi is lovely and clean isn’t it? She observes.

He smiles humbly. I do my best, I would not have customer if it was not like this.

Steve had noticed the displeasure of the other drivers. Was there a problem out there, Yaakov?

He smiles at them. No problem, it is their way, he says and turns to the front.

He manoeuvres out into the flow of traffic and fights his way out of the busy airport roads to join the highway to Tel Aviv city. Yaakov has been casually scrutinising them in the rear-view mirror since leaving the airport.

Are you certain this first time in Tel Aviv? he asks.

Michelle looks into the mirror as she speaks. Absolutely the first time, why do you ask?

I drive many passenger; but I think I see you before this time, he says.

Steve joins in. Ah, we get that all the time. We must have common lookin’ faces or somethin’.

No, this is not reason… I do the thinking, it come to me, he says and cheekily winks at them in the mirror.

If you come up with anything let us know, Yaakov, smiles Michelle.

Steve is taken with Yaakov’s personality and feels ready to make him an offer. Yaakov, we’re only here for a few days and we’ve a lot of running around to do, I’m wondering if you’d be interested in being our driver and guide? he asks.

Where you visit? asks Yaakov.

Michelle chirps up instantly. We will need to go to the Sea of Galilee tomorrow and Jerusalem the day after, can you do that?

He smiles at them in the mirror. You pay in American dollar, no Shekels, is okay for you?

Anyway you want it, says Steve.

Yes, I do, and I give good price for the dollar. He smiles.

Deal, says Steve as he nods to him in the mirror.

Yaakov smiles back. Very well… I enjoy this.

Steve looks quizzically at Michelle. What’s with the Sea of Galilee?

She grins at him calmly. Sorry honey, it came to me when I was sleeping on the plane, we must go there before we go to Jerusalem.

What for? he asks. She shrugs blankly. No, it’s probably better if I don’t ask init?

To be honest I don’t know yet, but I expect we’ll find out soon enough when we get there, she says confidently.

Galilee? He pauses momentarily. Isn’t that where Jesus is supposed to’ av hung out?

I think it is… Should be interesting then, she winks and smiles at him.

He shakes his head wryly. Oh, I’ve no doubt of that, no doubt at all. He chuckles.

The car turns off of the main highway and begins to thread its way through the poorer suburbs of Tel Aviv and soon begin to pass a mixture of low rise housing and blocks of flats, all very Mediterranean in appearance, with washing hanging on many of the balconies. They eventually emerge by the town’s market, which has a busy bus terminal, right outside, and their hotel is dead opposite. Yaakov drives around the block to approach the covered entrance-ramp that leads to the hotels first floor drop off area and reception doorway. At the foot of the ramp they are greeted by armed members of the security staff and a throng of paparazzi photographers, who aim their cameras through the windows of the car and click off lots of pictures.

Steve is very surprised. What the hell’s this in aid of? he asks with trepidation.

Yaakov smiles back at him. Kabbalah conference, he exclaims. Some celebrities are here and hotel is very full.

The security officers peer inside the car and scrutinise them carefully before deciding to lift the barrier and wave them through. They continue up the ramp and come to a halt outside the glass entrance doors.

The David Continental, says Yaakov as he climbs out of the car to let them out.

Steve frowns at Michelle. Blimey, it’s a bit busy init? he exclaims ruefully.

Yes, lots of security and guns too, she says anxiously.

The door opens and they climb out onto the pavement while Yaakov goes to retrieve the luggage from the boot, assisted by a porter whom arrives with a baggage cart and helps Yaakov load their cases onboard. There seems to be high levels of visible security at the entrance, they meticulously check the ID’s of the large numbers of people wandering in and out. The people are dressed in an assortment of similar white-cotton outfits, some of the men with black and white tasselled scarves, and the women all have different kinds of shawls over their shoulders.

Steve, Michelle and Stacey look back down the ramp towards the excited paparazzi, who are now calling to a small group of people dressed in white and walking down the ramp.

They look at each other in wonderment. Who are those people? asks Stacey.

Steve shrugs. I don’t know, but I’m glad they’re more interested in them than us. He grins and then calls to Yaakov. Yaakov, would you pick us up tomorrow morning?

Yes, we go to Galilee? asks Yaakov.

Yes, Galilee, says Michelle positively. What time should we leave? she asks him.

It a long way, I collect you at nine and you have afternoon there? he asks.

Michelle nods. Yes, that’s fine. She pauses briefly. I think we’ll only need a couple of hours there.

There is much history to see, but if you are sure? he asks. She nods confirmation and he politely bows his head.

Steve gets a wad of dollars out of his pocket. How much do we owe you, he asks him.

Yaakov smiles at him. Special price, twenty dollar, he says.

Steve hands him thirty which he receives gratefully. "Thank you, I be here at nine, shalom," he says and bows his head again before returning to his taxi.

They watch him drive down the ramp and then make their way inside with the porter to check-in. They complete the check-in process at the reception desk, and once again Steve has to leave an impression of his credit card before they are issued with a key-card for their fourth floor room. They make their way with the porter across the busy foyer to the lifts. The lifts are also very busy, eventually an empty one, going up, arrives. They all get in and continue on to the floor where their room is. They exit the lift and the porter leads them along a very smart and carpeted corridor to their room, he inserts the key-card and pushes the door open and shows them inside. He pulls the luggage off of his trolley, puts it on the floor by a built-in wardrobe and looks expectantly at Steve.

Yeah… course. He nods wryly and pulls a couple of dollar notes from his pocket.

Thank you. he says politely and then hands Steve the Key-card. "Shalom." He says with a slight smile and then leaves with his trolley and closes the door behind him.

The room is very modern in décor, but nowhere near as spacious as the one they had in Mexico City. There are two queen sized beds, one of which Stacey claims quickly for herself and Ching Chong. It contains the built-in wardrobe, a large drawer unit with a TV and hot drink making facilities on top. There are double sliding doors at the far end which open onto a small balcony and there is a separate bathroom.

This is a nice room, says Michelle.

Steve shakes his head. A bit small init? he moans.

Stacey gets off the bed and opens the doors to the balcony. No it’s lovely dad, we can see the sea and everything from here, she exclaims happily.

They join her outside and all just about fit on the small balcony. Even this is tiny, he moans, I can get it changed, he says positively.

It’s fine, says Michelle. It’s only for a couple of nights.

Yeah I know luv, but couldn’t swing a cat in there or out ’ere. He grumbles. With memories of what happened to their balcony in Mexico City creeping into his mind, he quickly ushers them back inside the room.

What’s up Dad? asks Stacey inquisitively.

He puffs. Look… I’m not tryin’ to spoil ya fun, but, nobody goes on that balcony alone, okay? he says.

Stacey looks disappointed but nods in agreement, Okay Daddy, she says sweetly.

Michelle nods. Yeah alright, but please stop moaning about the room, it’ll only make you feel negative, she insists and then smiles. It’s got everything we need and its fine.

Yeah sorry… like ya say, it’s only a couple of nights. He smiles half heartedly. Who’s hungry then?

Stacey nods wide eyed. I’m starving, she exclaims.

He shakes his head wryly. I doubt you’re starvin’ Chicken, but you’re definitely in need of freshenin’ up, he chuckles.

She gives him a swift dig in the ribs. Dad, she moans and sniffs her armpits. No I don’t.

He nods positively. Yeah ya do. He grins. Go on, you can go first.

She leans closer to him and sniffs the air playfully. I think you need to go first, actually… She nods cheekily and wafts her hand in front of her face, which causes Michelle to chuckle quietly and wink at her.

He raises his eyebrows playfully. Less of ya lip, you’re first… I insist. He nods.

She gives up, heads towards the bathroom and collects her rucksack with her wash gear inside on the way.

They then take it in turns in the bathroom to freshen up before choosing some clean outfits to wear. Stacey puts on some pink shorts and a sparkly printed pink tee-shirt. Michelle is wearing a thigh-length faded blue denim-skirt and a loose fitting off the shoulder floral top. Steve puts on cream shorts and a lemon coloured oxford style short-sleeved shirt, they all wear trainers. After half an hour they’re ready to leave for their much needed breakfast. They leave the room and walk a short distance down the corridor to board a lift. It arrives quickly and they step inside to join a lady dressed in a white cotton outfit. In the time it takes to travel down they find out that her name’s Polly Fletcher, she’s from America and is there for the Kabbalah conference. Michelle makes an instant connection with her; they have much in common as Polly is also a Reiki therapist. The lift arrives on the ground floor and they walk with Polly to the restaurant, Steve and Stacey follow along quietly, while Michelle and the equally tall Polly chat away like long lost sisters.

They arrive at a large restaurant, which is crowded with more people dressed in predominantly white outfits. Do you already have a table? asks Polly.

No, we’ve only just arrived, smiles Michelle.

Good, smiles Polly. You can come and sit with my friends and me.

Are you sure? asks Michelle.

She Smiles again. Absolutely certain, I think we’ll have so much to chat about.

Steve looks at Stacey and disappointedly rolls his eyes at her, only to be caught by Michelle who then frowns at him.

Thank you Polly, that’ll be lovely, and I can’t wait to meet your friends too, she says and glances with self-satisfaction at Steve.

He curls his lips indignantly and looks to Stacey for support, but she just shrugs and grins. Michelle eagerly hooks Polly’s arm, takes hold of Stacey’s hand and they set off across the restaurant with Steve dejectedly following behind, receiving the occasional backward glance from them. They arrive at a large table with two