Life Is, as It's Been Given

By Richard Ramone

Life was going well for Jason Porter, a man whose position on the world stage was as comfortable to him as a second skin. His company, Twenty-Second Century Medicine was competing to become the global authority on medical care. Life could not have been any better; however, unknown to Jason that was all about to change.

Jason will soon be shown a rare glimpse into a world hiding in plain sight and will find himself in the crosshairs of a demonic power whose only objective is to end his life. A mighty angel is sent to protect him from this evil slaughter and from himself. Because he turned his back on God and freely walked away, Jason has opened himself to the demonic power and has unknowingly given them the right to his life.

What Jason does not know is that if he fails to turn and give his life back to God, the angel who was sent to save his life will have to take it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512756319

Richard Ramone

Richard Ramone was born in Detroit, Michigan, the oldest son of Raymond and Hortense. He now lives in North Texas with his wife, Judy. They have two grown sons, Joel and David, and a beautiful young granddaughter, Nicole. Richard’s parents saw to it that he and his brothers, David and Gilbert, grew up in a Christian home. Richard faced many adversities as a child, and as he grew, he developed a deep interest in the spiritual world, especially the roles that angelic and demonic powers play in our daily lives. Richard’s hope is that the reader will come to an understanding that no matter the circumstances in their life, and even though they may stand alone in the physical, it does not mean that they are truly alone.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The creature entered the City of Chicago’s dark streets on a chilly autumn morning. As the sun broke the night sky, it slowly brought to life the sleeping metropolis. The malevolent being crawled like a lizard, moved side to side, and focused like a predator closing in on its prey. The grotesque beast looked up at each of the towering buildings it passed and searched for its intended target. With each movement the frail entity made, a dim, gray smoke escaped its thin, bony form that resembled a charred piece of coal smoldering in a pile of ash from a freshly extinguished flame. Closer and closer the devil moved in. Over the cold, hard streets, a scorched footprint quickly faded away with each step.

The hideous creature’s face wrinkled as it smiled and laughed to itself, If only they could see me. Oh, what they would do. They have no idea that we even exist and are walking amongst them while they’re working, playing, and sleeping. It would shatter their comfy, cozy reality if they knew what was really going on.

Finally, this slow-moving creeper stopped in the middle of the street and looked up in search of its target as the hustle and bustle of the city’s morning moved through it as though it wasn’t even there. But it was just as alive and just as real as they were.

The creature stood upright and ambled across the street with purpose while it focused on its objective. Its deformed hand resembled more of a claw than a hand. Its razor-like talons lightly scratched across the creamy stone of the skyscraper like nails on a blackboard. The hunter began scaling the outside of the building as easily as a man breathes.

Higher and higher it climbed as human movement on the street below appeared smaller and smaller. At each floor, the creature paused to look in through the cold windows to observe the people going about their daily lives. Some of them belong to the enemy, it thought as a smile slowly spread across its face. But the others belong to us. They don’t think about the fact that their time will someday end.

Finally, the creature reached the roof and lowered itself onto the ledge. Its thin, dark-clawed feet wrapped under the very edge. It’s hunchback form looked like a gargoyle perched above a church. With every small movement, its frail form exposed ribs through the thin, leathery skin that ran across them. Its brittle, stringy hair was buffeted by the wind as the grotesque creature concentrated on its purpose. The creature slowly searched the cityscape. Looking from side to side and up and down, it examined each building with focused determination.

Its eyes widened as it leaned forward. There he was. The creature found its target.

The building across the street held its mark. It was a man. His black, Italian suit fit his slender frame perfectly, and he looked sharp in his crisp white shirt and blue silk tie. Not one hair was out of place. He stood confidently at the window, with his feet shoulder-width apart and his hands clasped behind his back as he looked toward the city.

The man watched a phenomenon of dark clouds quickly overtake the city. The creature knew that the man could discern the difference in the clouds. That ability was part of what made the man dangerous. The man could sense it, but the entity really knew the secret those somber clouds held. They hid the forces that the man would soon encounter.

CHAPTER 1

T HERE WAS SOMETHING different yet so familiar about this day, but Jason Porter couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He stood gazing through the wall of windows of his office on the ninety-eighth floor. His company, Twenty-Second Century Medicine, a subsidiary of JP Enterprises, occupied the top three floors of JP Tower, located in the heart of downtown Chicago. The tower was the corporate headquarters for Jason’s business and charitable ventures and home to thousands who operated and managed the many facets of the organization, which included real estate, worldwide investments, and humanitarian efforts in many countries, including Europe and Asia.

Jason felt that his life had come to a standstill and that time had come to a screeching halt. With everything that’s going on right now, why do I feel this way?

As Jason stood comfortably near the window in his plush office, he could see that the rat race was well underway on the city streets below. His office was adorned with artifacts he had collected from his many travels. He was a lover of the many cultures and beliefs that the world held, and his special collection reminded him of people he had met and made connections with on a personal level. He found out early in life that meeting people in their hearts was the only way to understand, communicate with, and really know them well.

To his left, he watched as a wave of dark, menacing clouds moved in steadily from the east. If it had been any other day, he would have admired them, but today they bothered him. The clouds soon covered the sky, quickly blocking the morning sun. They covered the city like a heavy blanket.

As Jason observed the ominous display, he had a strange feeling that someone, or something, was watching him. But he was so fixed on what was in front of him that he was oblivious to the only movement in the room.

William, Jason’s best friend and the company’s director of security, had the build of a fullback. His short brown hair was still something he wasn’t used to. His unbuttoned collar and loosened tie were a direct contrast to Jason’s well-tailored appearance. He anxiously paced back and forth across the office. They were waiting for an important call that would be the catalyst for the launch of a disease-elimination plan that Century had designed for those that suffer from the sicknesses that plague mankind. William tried to read an article he had been carrying around. What time is it? he asked as he sighed with frustration.

Jason offered no answer, still wondering what was wrong about the day.

William walked over to Jason, who stood firmly planted. Looks like rain.

Jason knew that his lack of response might make William think he had not heard him or that he was deep in thought, which was not unusual for Jason. At that moment, thunder cracked in the distance. Jason looked in the direction from which it came. Was that thunder? It sounded like it, but then again, it didn’t.

William peeked at his watch. What time did they say they would call?

Jason was still lost in his thoughts. Thunder has a round, rolling sound to it. This sounded much different, like … I don’t know what.

Lightning flashed in the distance. Jason squinted in an attempt to focus. What he saw, if only for an instant, shocked him. It looked like two giant figures fighting in the clouds. You’re losing it, Porter! It was a trick of light. It had to be!

William leaned in closer, put his hand on Jason’s shoulder, and repeated, Looks like rain.

Jason, now broken from his trance, looked down. He turned and walked back to his desk and replied with certainty, Those aren’t rain clouds.

Jason watched William frown at the ominous clouds, and then another clash of thunder shook the windows. Looks like rain to me.

Mr. Porter? came the excited voice of Nancy, Jason’s assistant, from the intercom on Jason’s desk.

Jason didn’t respond. He just sat silently in his burgundy leather chair behind the mahogany desk he had received seven years ago as a gift from an old college friend. The desk was fitting of the oval office. The rope-trimmed edge and serpentine sides of Corinthian-style, columned corners characterized its timeless old-world style.

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Barely a week after moving into Jason’s new suite of offices, his new assistant, Nancy, knocked on the half-open door and walked into his sparsely furnished office. Excuse me, Mr. Porter?

Jason, please.

There’s someone here to see you.

Jason was so engrossed in his work that he didn’t look up to see who his visitor was until he heard a familiar English accent.

Such a large space for such a small card table.

Jason’s face lit up when he saw who stood in the doorway.

Ginny! He quickly got up and welcomed her with open arms. Or should I say Virginia? Congratulations on your new position! Becoming a curator at your age—and at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Nice!

Her blue eyes sparkled, and her soft brown hair bounced as she playfully curtsied. Why, thank you, Mr. Porter.

I didn’t know you were in town. I thought you would be well on your way by now.

I was … oh, and thank you for the flowers. They’re lovely … but I had to come back. I couldn’t miss the launch of this new venture of yours. We need to celebrate. Can I buy you dinner?

Jason smiled and accepted the invitation.

I know you’re going to change the world.

Jason looked around his nearly empty office and at the lowly card table with his laptop and a small stack of files spread across it. Doesn’t look like much of a command center yet, Jason joked.

Virginia lightly patted his chest. Which brings us to why I’m really here. Without breaking her gaze, she smiled. Bring it in!

Jason watched as four brawny men dressed in navy-blue overalls gently wheeled in a huge crate. Smiling, he asked, What is this?

Virginia softly took Jason’s arm and moved him out of the way. Patience. You’ll see. She turned her attention to the movers and instructed, Okay, why don’t we put it here. She motioned to the middle of the room.

The movers slowly rolled the cargo into place, tightened their grips, and began to lower it. Jason could see that Virginia was nervous with anticipation until the delivery was safely on the floor. As the four men began to uncrate its secret contents, Virginia pulled Jason around to get a better view.

What did you do?

Just wait. You’ll see. She became more nervous. I really hope you like it.

Jason couldn’t believe what he saw. Oh … this is incredible!

Virginia could tell by looking at him that she had made the right choice. He loved it.

This is amazing! he said.

The nervousness Virginia felt quickly melted away. When I found it, I knew it was you. From the mahogany finish to the old world design, it had what you would call character. I knew this would be the perfect desk from which to run your empire. It will add a warm, cozy feel to your office during your ride down those bumpy roads we all go down from time to time. She smiled and paused. Then, as if planting a seed, she said, And … maybe you’ll think of me along the way.

Jason stood speechless.

Well?

I can’t believe this! Thank you! I don’t know what to say.

Virginia smiled. Your face says it all.

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William noticed the blinking light on Jason’s phone. Trying to control his anxiety, he said calmly, I’ll bet that’s them.

William could see by Jason’s lack of response that he was otherwise preoccupied about something else.

Are you going to get that? William was trying to stay patient.

Jason finally looked at him. What?

William stepped over to Jason’s desk. Nancy’s on the line. You have a call. William looked at his watch again. It’s probably CG.

Conner Green Technologies was a consultant to the One-World Medical Authority and had been hired to conduct the investigation of the finalists being considered as the new face of the One-World Medical Authority. The recommendation of CG would determine if Twenty-Second Century Medicine or another renowned Chicago-based organization, The Medical Group, would become their decision-making body and determine policy for the newly forming one-world structure on the planet. Century, if chosen, would then be free to move on to the next phase of research—human testing and the effects of focused nutrition on the human body. This would impact whether or not nutrition would become a globally recognized medicine.

The Medical Group, on the world scene for over forty years, had been led by Hunter Henderson for the last twenty of those years. The Group had given the world many medical miracles during its tenure and hoped to lengthen the lives of human kind through an increase in technological advances.

Both Century and The Group were well respected and recognized the world over by their many contributions to the lives of men, women, and children. But only one of them could be granted the position to govern the direction of medical care on the planet.

Oh. Jason pushed the button on the phone. Yes?

Nancy spoke the words William had waited for all morning. Mr. Snyder with CG Technologies’ Chicago office is on line one.

Thank you.

William was beside himself with anticipation. Jason slowly moved his finger to the speakerphone but didn’t press the button. He looked at William, who motioned for him to take the call. Jason smiled slightly and shook his head, teasing him. Unable to take it anymore, William pushed Jason’s finger, forcing him to take the call.

Still smiling, Jason leaned back in his chair. Good morning, Mr. Snyder. How are you, sir?

Fine, thank you.

That’s good. Thank you for getting back with us so soon. So, let’s get into it; what can you tell me? Jason continued to smile at William as he took the call off speaker.

William snarled and whispered, What?! Come on! That’s not funny! He never resists a chance to mess with me.

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Nine-year-old Jason laughed hard from his gut, rocking the little boat they were in. "Grandpa, you’re so funny! You make everything funny!"

Jason’s grandfather laughed and continued his celebratory dance after catching the biggest fish they had ever caught.

I can’t wait to show Mom!

Yeah, she’s gonna love it.

Jason’s grandfather watched the look on his grandson’s face as he relished in their victory. Never lose that joy, son.

Even though Jason was a young boy, he could hear by the change in his grandfather’s voice that his words had a much deeper meaning. Jason looked up at him with a smile.

Anything you do or go through in life, good or bad, there’s always something that you can take away from it, said his grandfather.

Jason playfully held up their trophy. Like this fish!

Exactly like this fish.

"I said I thought we weren’t going to catch anything today, and you said to have faith. You were right!"

What else did you take away from this day?

Everything happens in its own time, just like you said.

Jason’s grandfather clapped. You got it!

Jason nodded, Got it!

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Jason clicked the phone back to speaker so William could hear. Uh-huh … I see. What was the decision on human testing?

Mr. Snyder sounded matter of fact but kind in his answer. Even though your documentation for the first six years on the effect of highly focused nutrition on the body is detailed and compelling, and your animal testing shows unbelievable promise, CG is still recommending additional testing before moving to human subjects.

Jason saw William cringe at the news and asked, What was the basis of their decision?

There is still a question of whether or not the people of the world are ready to give up the comfort of their fast-acting medications.

Jason reiterated as he had so many times before, The question is not that they would have to give up their medication; it’s that they would have less of a need for them in the first place. What we’re proposing is not to replace western technology and its medicines, but to work together with it and teach the world how the body works.

Even though this news was disappointing, Jason kept his composure. He understood that what seemed like a setback was just another step toward their goal. However, Jason saw by William’s reaction that, after this call, there would be a fire to put out. William had reverted to his signature move of pacing around the office and shaking his head. Jason understood that William’s pacing was his way of controlling his often-strong emotional and verbal outbursts.

Watching William focus on the newspaper he held in order to help keep his mouth shut impressed Jason. Oh, that’s the paper he tried to show me this morning having to do with some article about The Medical Group.

Jason noticed that William squinted from another flash of lightning followed by a loud crash of thunder. As William turned away from the windows, he stared at Jason sitting behind his desk, as calm as could be, unaffected by this new obstacle. He mumbled to himself, What’s going on in his head?

This drove William crazy, since he prided himself on his experience as a behaviorist. His studies in sociology and criminology helped him to better understand why people did what they did. He had decided on that path almost twenty years earlier when he was still in reform school.

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The secretary at the Adams School of Correction pointed to the door of the dean’s office. You can wait for him in there, William.

William slowly walked in and took a seat in the same chair he had sat in so many times before. Being sent to Mr. Franklin’s office for one thing or another eventually turned into a habit, until William got a handle on how to make good choices. He looked around the room and fondly remembered all he had learned, but it would be his last time in that seat as a student.

William heard Mr. Franklin approaching.

He’s already in your office, sir.

As Mr. Franklin walked in, William stood, out of respect—a habit he had learned during his years of training at the school. Please have a seat. Mr. Franklin smiled. Well, William, how does that diploma feel?

Feels good, sir.

Mr. Franklin reminisced, You know, when you first arrived here, you were a handful.

William smiled and agreed. I was just thinking. When the third orphanage finally had it with me and said they were sending me here to Adams, I thought it was just a matter of time before you would get rid of me too. Next stop … juvie.

That was four years ago, Mr. Franklin said, but I saw something in you. We all did. Underneath those emotional battle scars beats a heart of gold. Remember, William, you’re eighteen now. You have your whole life ahead of you. You’re in control of your destiny. Life’s a choice. You may not be able to control what other people do, but you can always control yourself.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Franklin looked down at William’s file. Your counselor tells me that because of your grades, your SAT score, and your service at school and in the community, you’ve been awarded a scholarship to the University of Chicago … sociology?

William adjusted himself in his chair, obviously excited. Yes, sir.

What made you decide on that path?

William was eager to explain. When I first got here, I was hopeless, or at least I felt hopeless. Because of what my parents did, because they gave me up, I knew nothing else but to give up on myself as well. I had no reason for anything else, but my views were skewed. You helped me to see past that. When I finally came to the realization that what they did didn’t define me and that it wasn’t my fault, I was able to forgive them, and the world didn’t seem as heavy.

I am very impressed, especially given your troubled past, Mr. Franklin interjected.

I understand why I was the way I was, getting into so much trouble. I’m interested in why people do what they do. If I can understand that, maybe I can give back a little of what was given to me. If it weren’t for being sent here, my life would have gone in a dismal direction.

Mr. Franklin sat back in his chair. In all the years I’ve been director of this school, I’ve never heard of, or seen, such a change in a student. You know, when you first arrived and from time to time, I had my doubts. But seeing what you’ve become, I have no doubt you will be a part of the solution, because you’re not a part of the problem anymore. Remember, William … control.

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Tomorrow is the last day of deliberation before the final vote, Snyder sadly stated. I know this news is a disappointment, but I really don’t know what else can be done at this point. Then Snyder extended an olive branch. You have additional documentation of tests that you’ve conducted within the last six months, correct?

Jason sat up in his chair and leaned closer to the desk. Yes, we do.

Jason saw the glimmer of hope in William’s eyes as he recognized the possibility of moving forward with their human testing. He walked over to Jason’s desk.

"Let’s do this. This is extremely unorthodox. It’s a long shot and is never done. The official deadline for any new documentation has passed, but can you send the file to me personally?"

Jason smiled at the chance.

I can send you my personal e-mail. It’s secure, and I’ll make sure the documentation receives the committee’s full attention.

Sure.

Both Jason and William heard Snyder typing on his keyboard over the phone. Here, I’m sending it to you now.

William walked to the other side of Jason’s desk. As he did, he looked at Jason’s screen and saw Snyder’s e-mail arrive. Just got it, Jason said.

Jason, for what it’s worth, I have read the final analysis of all your reports, and I am impressed with your findings. Off the record, though, I have been pulling for Century during these hearings. And I will suggest Century be awarded the position, but remember that my vote is only one vote.

I appreciate that. I will see to it that you have the reports within the hour.

Fine, it was good talking to you. Thank you for all your work and patience.

As soon as Jason hung up the phone, William bombarded him with questions. What’s their problem now? Isn’t ten years’ worth of testing enough for those people?

Jason answered calmly, Take it easy. Slow down. Take a deep breath.

I’ve been breathing for the past forty years! What’s going on?

It looks like the trenches of the battlefield will have to wait. Human testing is a no-go, for now. You heard them. They need to go over the results and conduct back-up testing.

More tests! yelled William. We’re just hamsters in a wheel to them!

Jason rose from his chair. Calm down. It’s okay.

William responded in disbelief, Doesn’t this bother you?

Jason stood and headed back to the windows, not giving any real response other than a slight nod.

By now, William was frantically talking with his hands. All of this! All this running around is a waste! They’re just messing with us.

Jason stood at the windows and stared out. Patience, my friend. Patience.

How can you be so cavalier about this? How can this not affect you?

Jason turned and looked squarely at William. It does affect me. It affects a lot of people. Every person on the planet is affected, but agonizing over it won’t affect the outcome in one way or another. All it will do is steal your joy.

My joy! William roared. What does my joy have to do with anything?

Jason stared out the windows again. He could hear William ranting, but the more he focused on the dark clouds and what he thought he had seen just before the call, the more William’s voice faded. What’s really going on out there? If I told William what I had seen, he’d think I was a lunatic.

The morning’s occurrence triggered Jason’s memory of a story he had heard at his grandfather’s feet about an unseen world that was just as real as the physical world. It had captured his imagination. It also reminded him of an old forgotten hurt.

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But how is this possible? asked young Jason.

His grandfather tried to think of an explanation that Jason would understand. Say you’re at school walking in the hall to one of your classes. When you get to your class, can you see into that class?

No.

Why?

Because I’m in the hall, and I can’t see through the wall.

Right, but just because you can’t see through the wall, does that mean the classroom or the teacher in it are not there?

Of course they’re there. Jason smiled.

His grandfather could see that Jason grasped the concept. But in this case, between these two worlds, instead of a wall, the Bible calls it a veil.

Stories like that intrigued young Jason, and their impact birthed a curiosity to comprehend those mysteries; however, sadly, that was the time Jason had turned his back on God. Because of the premature death of his grandfather, God was dead to Jason and could stay buried.

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Young Jason ran into the house after school so fast he didn’t even close the front door. Mom! Mom! I did it! I did it!

Close the door.

Jason turned back to shut the door and then ran to tell his mother his good news. I did it! I got an A in math for the year! I passed!

Oh, honey, that’s great!

Where’s Grandpa? I can’t wait to tell him! If it weren’t for him working with me every day, I wouldn’t have passed. He saved me!

He’s pretty smart.

Jason admired his report card. He knows a lot about a lot.

He should be coming home soon. He’s still at the police station.

I thought he was a retired captain?

He is, but he still teaches. He had a class of new recruits today.

Just then the doorbell rang. Jason’s mother got up to answer the door.

What do you think, Ma? Should I frame my report card for him?

That’s a great idea! He’d love it.

When Jason’s mother opened the door, a chill ran through her. She immediately remembered the first time someone had stood on her doorstep with that look of sorrow. She could also tell that the police officer who stood there now, who worked with her father-in-law, and whom she had known for many years didn’t want to say what he had come to say.

The officer slowly took off his hat, just as two soldiers had done when they had paid her a similar visit seven years earlier. Janice …

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When Jason was only three years old, the world’s attention was focused on the Iran hostage crisis and the fifty-two diplomats held captive at the embassy of the United States in Tehran. However, in the Porter household, it held a deeper and much scarier meaning.

Jason’s father held his wife, trying to console and assure her that everything would be okay.

Come on; everything’s been planned out. I’ll be back before you know it.

Jason’s mother looked up at her husband through tear-filled eyes. But why you? Couldn’t they have found anyone else for this mission to free the hostages?

Jefferson hesitated in his response because he knew how his next words would make her feel. Honey, I volunteered for this mission.

Jason’s mother was hurt and angry. Why? Why would you do that? You have a son! What if something goes wrong? Jason needs you! I need you!

"They need me too, Janice. I have to go. I joined the service to help protect our freedom. Those people are not free. I need to help. Jefferson tried to lighten the mood. Besides, with a name like Operation Eagle Claw, the mission can’t fail."

Janice understood her husband’s need to go and deeply admired him for it, but she had a feeling this would be the last time she would ever hold him.

Less than a week after their tearful goodbye, Janice put little Jason down for his afternoon nap and went downstairs. The television show she and Carl, her father-in-law, were watching was interrupted for breaking news.

Janice looked at Carl and then at the TV with a chill and fear of what she might hear.

The announcer said, We go live to the White House for an important announcement.

An older man stepped up to the podium. The lights overhead reflected off his wire-framed glasses as he stared into the camera. We have some sad news to report this afternoon. The United States, in an attempt to free the hostages in Tehran, met with many unforeseen obstacles, and the mission had to be aborted. He paused for a moment, obviously shaken. Out of the eight helicopters sent to the staging area … only five arrived operational …

The newscaster’s voice faded as Janice came to realize her fear. She noticed that Carl was visibly shaken at the possibility of losing his only son. She quickly ran upstairs to where young Jason slept. She entered the room, gently picked up her baby, and kissed him on the top of his head as tears ran down her face.

The doorbell rang, and Jason’s grandfather went to see who was calling. As he opened the door, Janice came downstairs with Jason in her arms and saw two military officers, formally dressed, standing in the foyer with a look of despair on their faces. When they saw Captain Porter’s wife, both officers slowly took off their hats. She knew why they were there.