North & South: Mysery Loves Company

By Stacy Wright

In North & South: The Confederate Soldiers, Billy began his crusade seeking revenge for his fathers murder. In Dragons Fang, he took it to a new level and it almost cost him everything. In North & South: Lines Drawn, he fought to get it all back, and it almost cost him his life.
Mysery Loves Company will be his greatest challenge yet, where he must travel to New Orleans to face off against a most powerful foe in order to save his foster brother and end this quest once and for all. This is where he learns, and accepts, that his destiny is intertwined with that of Nickolas Landrys. Now the only question is can Billy survive this conflict so that he can contribute to the salvation of humanity? The End of Times continues with the forces of good and evil building their ranks. Can Billy save his brother, and manage to keep his friends from meeting their fate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 18, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481720809

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© 2013 Stacy Wright. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 3/14/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-2079-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-2080-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013903605

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

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.

Billy opens his eyes to find that he has awakened in a dark and dreary place.

Am I dreaming?

It’s hard for him to see into the void that has enveloped him, but his hearing is working fine, and he doesn’t like what he hears. All around him are the sounds of suffering, but he can’t determine the origin or distance away out their in the inky blackness.

Maybe I’m dead.

A touch of fear settles in over William Raymond McBride, as he wanders about.

Suppose I didn’t survive that explosion, and this is the entrance to hell? He laughs to himself as a thought comes to mind. The lighting sucks if this is the lobby.

Is it really possible that he is dead? Has everything he’s done, earned him this supposedly miserable afterlife? These questions bring out a little anxiety and paranoia in Billy, causing him to sit up. For a man who cared less a few hours ago, about living and dying, he has suddenly developed a strong desire to find proof that he is still alive. There’s no sense in giving up all hope just yet.

Then as if on cue, the blackness in front of him begins to move, as if someone or something is moving through the darkness towards him, from far off in the distance. Just as fast, the black void in front of him stirs, swirls, and then parts like the Red Sea to reveal Jezana’s presence. Warrior McBride, she addresses him, You have risked your life how many times now to save the ones you love? Jezana reaches out and runs her long fingernails across his cheek as she slowly starts to walk around him. Is she some sort of dark temptress working her ways of seduction, or some sort of predator sizing up her next kill? Since Billy must be dreaming, he decides to hold judgment until he knows where this is going. How has that worked out so far? She asks, in a condescending tone. What if I told you that with one word from my lips those still alive would be spared the dark times soon to come?

For whatever reason, Billy recognizes Jezana as the image he spotted in the cloudy bathroom mirror, days ago, even though he never got a clear image of anything or anyone in the first place. He doesn’t know why, but he is sure that it was her. That alone is enough to trouble Billy to no end, and he states his refusal, very clear, and very loud, NO!!! He doesn’t know why, but he’s sure that it was the right thing to do.

Horrible images of everyone he loves, being tortured and tormented by terrible creatures of darkness, race through his mind chaotically, until it forces Billy to open his eyes. Unable to move, for whatever reason, he looks around to recognize his surroundings. I’m home, he mumbles, barely able to breathe. Then, it’s off again. You know what they say, A body at rest heals the best.

North & South:

Mysery Loves Company

Stacy Wright

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Contents

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Chapter XXI

Chapter XXII

Chapter XXIII

Chapter XXIV

Chapter XXV

Chapter I

T en hours ago, JD, Billy, and the others arrived at the ranch in Alabama, via Commander Ryker’s shuttle. Isaiah told JD and Saphyre a little later that it looked like some kind of close encounter movie scene. Home, or as close to it as JD knows for now, he’s glad to be away from New York and all of the insanity that was there. To most, their mission would seem like a success, with acceptable losses. Some would even be surprised that any of the hostages, Billy, Taylor, or JD, made it out alive. But to JD, his efforts ended in failure when Billy’s mother, and the others, lost their lives. It’s not like anyone holds JD accountable for anything. In fact, there is no reason for anyone to be pointing fingers at anybody at all. Still, he feels guilt over the outcome. With even one hostage lost, JD feels that he has dishonored his teacher, because Nick believed JD was capable of doing far more than that. Nick; somehow there are events that took place in New York that are connected to Nick’s destiny. That is one thing that JD is sure of. If he is ever going to have a moment’s peace again, JD will have to figure out what the connections are, and better yet, why they exist.

After helping Ryker’s medical officer with the supplies up to Billy’s room, JD said his good nights and began his term of seclusion. It wasn’t much really, the medical supplies, mostly monitoring equipment that Ryker’s medic instructed Taylor on how to check Billy’s status. JD was hoping to block out the thoughts of the night’s experiences by keeping himself busy. He did take notice to the tension that seemed to exist between the medic and Kaitlyn, but dismissed it just as quick having his thoughts occupied by Nick’s destiny. His battle with Shalimar, and the goons earlier at the loading docks, was all part of something much bigger than an old man wanting revenge against Billy. What bothers JD the most about it, is the only man that he could ask about this is nowhere to be found. For the first time, he finds himself cursing Nick for dragging him into this. He knows that it isn’t Nick’s fault, and if Nick was around, JD wouldn’t be so quick to condemn his closest friend. But unfortunately, rash times tend to bring out rash behavior.

Destiny, how much of that can be real? Is there really some all knowing being that drew out the histories of everyone alive, at the beginning of time? It would be a good question to ask his father, but JD wonders if there is more to this than simple religion. How does he find these answers, when there is no one to ask?

After lying in his bed for an hour trying to figure this all out, JD finally fell asleep, brought on by the waning adrenaline flow in his system, coupled with his extreme fatigue. He has yet to suffer any sort of headache from using his force field the way he did, which is a welcome relief to him, because his mind has been way too active to deal with that sort of pain. Still this added advantage of clear thought has not helped him to decipher the clues associated with his new friends and his present life. Frustrated, JD finally fell asleep as the moon made its presence known from behind the clouds. To him, this was a glimmer of hope that life could also return to some measure of normality. His outlook about that is about to change.

Jefferson David Johnston, a voice calls out; deep and booming, echoing through the thick blackness that surrounds JD. Awaken, student of the Guardian. You must hear what I have to say.

JD opens his eyes with a start. He quickly recognizes the fact that the room is completely devoid of any light. Immediately, he returns to his previous train of thought, questioning the possibility of more intrusions of darkness. Who’s there? Show yourself to me immediately and declare your intent! JD jumps to his feet and takes a strong defensive stance. Part of him doesn’t want to wake the others, but right now, he would be more than happy to have a little assistance with this matter. Either way, he can’t let this intruder proceed any further into the house.

Slowly, methodically, he begins to spin in a circle, straining his eyes to see into the pitch black around him. Where’s the door? JD was sleeping on a bed. Where did it go? Okay, there is a logical explanation for this. Remember the room, JD. Walking in the room, there was a desk along the wall. Across the room, over by the window was a cushioned bench. To his right, was the queen size bed that took up half the room. The question now is where is his location in the room as opposed to the furniture he envisions? Answer the question, he demands while continuing his defensive spin, Who are you?

My name was once Hyldegaarn, the voice states sounding as if it is coming from behind JD. Whipping around to face the intruder, JD sees only the same blackness in front of him as before. Judging by the sound of the voice, he expected to see a gargantuan creature standing there, and yet there is nothing to be seen. I represent the Council, who you are familiar with through your alliance with the Guardian, and his Master, Masamoto. I have come to you delivering a warning."

Again, JD spins around trying to follow the sound of this Hyldegaarn’s voice. If what you say is true, then why haven’t you shown yourself to declare your true intentions?

Alas, young warrior of light, it is not permitted at this time, the voice replies echoing all around JD. Student of Landry, you are about to embark on a new journey that is fraught with even more peril than the last. You must embrace your destiny and stay the course. What is about to happen can not be prevented. But above all else, the unlikely ally must not fall. Awake, young warrior, and embrace your role for the end of times.

JD suddenly opens his eyes and sits up in his bed. He notices right away the moonlight cascading into his room from the window. His heart is racing, and his breathing is shallow and rapid. Anxiety over the brief encounter is racing through him, but he isn’t quite sure why. For whatever reason, an image of a majestic bull’s head is all that remains and it’s just as much a mystery as the rest.

Running through the house screaming like a hysterical kid who had a bad dream seems like a little much, but JD feels the strong desire to do something, none the less. The clock on his nightstand shows the time being four forty five. After everything he’s been through, after everything that has happened, all JD wanted was just a few hours of silent rest. After this disturbing image, or dream, or whatever it was, he knows that sleep is the last thing that will happen for him. Turning on his bedside light, he rifles through his bag and retrieves Nick’s journal. Nick left it unfinished, so JD decides to write down what happened to him on this little expedition to New York. Certainly, the strange occurrences he witnessed there, and in Atlanta, warrant mention in his teacher’s journal of strange happenings. The thing is that after a few minutes, JD is oblivious to what he is writing, but he continues to fill page after page right up to sunrise.

Chapter II

T aylor awakens to the smell of fresh coffee brewing in the kitchen. She rolls over and sees Billy lying there beside her, barely holding onto life. After condemning herself for falling asleep, she resumes her duties of last night. She has kept her vigil at his side, since Ryker and his team left, believing that it was her duty to do so. She kisses the scar on the back of his right hand and brushes his hair away from his face. Good morning, Billy Ray. So much has happened to them all, but especially Taylor. The torture she endured is bound to leave some kind of emotional scars. But, at the moment, she is able to block all of that out by focusing on her man’s condition and needs.

A rap at the door catches Taylor’s attention. She looks up to see Saphyre standing there holding a steaming cup of fresh coffee. Good morning, Taylor, Saphyre says softly. Would you like a cup of coffee? My grandpa made it fresh just a little while ago.

That sounds wonderful, Saphyre, thank you. Taylor motions for the young woman to walk around the bed, so they didn’t risk dripping any of the hot beverage while reaching over Billy. Both have endured terrible acts against them with Taylor’s being worst of the two. And yet, as the savvy veteran of Billy antics, Taylor dismisses her pain long enough to admire Saphyre’s ability to deal with the PTSD. You have no idea how good this smells, Taylor declares, taking the hot cup from Saphyre.

Do ya want any cream or sugar? I could run and get some for you.

Appreciating the gesture, Taylor waves Saphyre off, preferring her coffee just the way it is. No, no, this is perfect. I’ve had Isaiah’s coffee, and he knows how to get it exactly right, every time. She takes a sip of the coffee, burning her lip as usual, and then asks, How are you doing Saphyre? You sorta got pulled into a big smelly cow patty, didn’t ya?

Can I be honest with you, Taylor? Saphyre sits down on the side of the bed before looking around, as if she was about to reveal a great secret. Even as terrifying as that was, it was the most exciting event of my life. I still can’t believe we made it out of there alive. And yet, I feel really bad about Billy’s mother. Looking over at Billy, Saphyre asks Taylor, How is he doing? After all that he and JD did to save us, it seems pretty shitty if he isn’t able to pull through to see the result.

That is an understatement, to say the least, Taylor agrees, having everything she’s got riding on Billy pulling out of this. The only thing that kept her going was the sound of Sarah’s voice telling her that Billy was coming for them. Taylor believed it, knowing that deep down inside, Billy loves her as much as she loves him. But, you have to understand that deep down inside of Billy; he lives by a code that demands he give himself for the safety and welfare of others. It’s one of the reasons that I love him so much.

So, how are you doing, Taylor? Saphyre lays her hand over the top of Taylor’s, and adds, I know you don’t know me from squat, but I’m a good listener if you want to talk about it. I guess, I don’t know, I thought that it might be easier for you since we were there together and all. It’s kinda like, you know, we shared some common ground together.

She understands Saphyre’s attempt to connect, but at the moment, Taylor doesn’t want to discuss what happened with herself, much less anyone else. Thanks Saphyre, but not right now. I guess stuff like that takes time before you start to open up about it. In all honesty, Taylor would prefer to forget all of the horrible madness that took place to her in New York. She doesn’t want to talk about what happened. She doesn’t want to recall any of it for the sake of conversation. All she wants now is for Billy to recover so that they can move on with their lives and put all of this behind them. Antonio Callistone is gone, dead, and can never hurt Billy again.

I understand, Saphyre replies. But, you’ll let me know if there is anything I can do for you, right? You really should try to get some sleep though. You don’t want your man to wake up to see you looking like the underside of a hog pen, do ya?

Taylor laughs at the remark, knowing that her appearance must look pretty rough. Sure, maybe I will try, and you’ll be the first asked when I need someone to talk to, okay? Obviously, you don’t pull your punches. I like that. Ya know, speaking of opening up and good will gestures, have you seen our latest member of the household? Taylor leans back against the headboard and begins to nurse her coffee.

No, not since we got up this morning. When I went by our bedroom while ago, the door was open but she had already bailed out of the house. I’m sure she is around here somewhere. I know it’s sad to say, but where else does she have to go?

The rains have stopped for the time being, giving Kaitlyn the first chance to get out of her room and out of the house. The first few hours at the ranch, she slept due to sheer exhaustion. After waking up to a horrible feeling of dread, she laid there in the bed crying, while watching the rain drops splatter against the panes of the bedroom window. Each crack of thunder, and flash of lightning, reminded her of how her father would comfort her during the storms of her childhood. It also served as a constant reminder that Jonathan was no longer with her, which perpetuated her crying. Bad weather really does bring on the blues.

As for now, she is wandering through the stables of the McBride ranch, trying to come to terms with what has happened. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she would be missing her father the way she does right now. Everything and everyone, Jonathan, Toby, and even Henry and Amanda are gone, destroyed or killed, leaving Kaitlyn feeling all alone.

The horses welcome her though, nodding and snorting for her attention as she stumbles along. If she seems aimless, it’s because Kaitlyn has no direction at the moment. How could she, after all that has happened? What is a seventeen year old girl suppose to do when her life has been erased. Jonathan taught her well on how to take care of herself. Although, he did wonder from time to time about how much was sinking into her thick head. She may have acted like she wasn’t paying attention, or just didn’t care, but she always took everything he said to heart. Kaitlyn just never thought she would have to be using the information so soon in her life.

Now she’s stuck in a completely different world, with no one to turn to for guidance. Sure, there’s Billy and the others, but honestly, they’re all strangers. Well, she and Billy met like a lifetime ago, when she was little, but no one even knows if he is going to pull through or not. Not knowing which way to turn, Kaitlyn just continues on her meandering way, wandering the farm with no determined destination. Sooner or later, she will have to face the others and return to the house. At the moment, she decides that it should be later. I miss you, daddy. A ray of sunshine breaks through the gloomy skies to spotlight the ground around her. This brings a slight smile to her face as she looks up to the warmth of the sun, hoping that somehow it was Jonathan responding.

Everyone on the farm is doing their best, in their own way, to recover from the New York episode. JD is diligently searching for something to do, or at least something to occupy his mind. His current activity is hunting down the ranch manager who seems to be avoiding him, or at least that’s what JD thinks. There you are, Isaiah, JD declares, finding the old man sitting in a stall, eating a sandwich. Have you got anything else for me to do?

The old man wraps his sandwich back up and shoves it into the bib pocket of his overalls. As a matter of fact, JD, I do. I want to replace that bottom rail of this here stall gate. After unclipping his tape measure from his pants, he hands it to JD and says, Get me a measurement for length, will ya?"

Happily, JD takes the tape and stretches it out the length of the board. I’m reading, five foot, eleven and a half inches. Then to be thorough, he measures the top rail to find it the same length. Turning to face Isaiah again, he reports, Next time, you can save yourself the trouble of getting down on the ground, by just measuring the top rail. They’re both the same length.

Isaiah shakes his head. I know that.

Then why didn’t you say something before I squatted down to measure the board?

Isaiah lowers his head a little and looks at JD over the tops of his glasses. To prove my point that sometimes you have to do things, even if you think you know the answer. The old man stares at the confused expression on JD’s face and then shakes his head. Boy, why don’t you just sit down right there and cool your heels a little. Before we get any deeper in the mud, I want you to tell me what is troubling you.

This catches JD completely off guard. Wh-what makes you think something’s bothering me? He looks around welcoming the opportunity for Saphyre to come checking up on him again. Right now, I think we’re all pretty happy and grateful to be alive. Sure, we all faced certain doom, and some of us never made it back, but other than that, what makes you think that something is bothering me?

Well, for one thing, if I’m not mistaken, you suffered the least out of the group, and you seem to be taking it the hardest. Isaiah pauses to give JD a chance to disagree, but the young man doesn’t bother. Obviously, JD is more readable than he thought. Continuing with his point, Isaiah states, You don’t have to open up to me, JD, but you do need to open up to somebody, before whatever it is eats you up inside.

The old man picks himself up off the straw strewn floor of the stall. He has said his piece for now, and gives JD a confident and reassuring smile. To his surprise, Isaiah is caught off guard by JD throwing out the question, But what if what you have to say could destroy the friendship involved?

Finally, a break through shows itself. If the truth hurts, it’s supposed to, Isaiah replies, "If this person is your friend, he will listen to what you have