The Search for Truth

By Michael Drotos

In this sequel to Waiting for the Rapture the earth is still reeling under the evil influence of the Anti-Christ, the false prophet and the organization of the New World Order. Innocent people are being forced to accept the New World Order mark; and if they refuse, they are martyred.
All is not lost. There is still a remnant group of believers who are resisting the demonic spirits and who have picked up the torch lit by Jimmy Farmer. They refuse to let Jimmy’s message be forgotten even while demonic spirits are attempting to deceive the world. Heavenly angels have been released along with two mysterious prophets to assist these remnant believers.
Their search leads the characters to uncover the lies beneath the façade of the New World Order. In their quest they will also discover the truth about their own destinies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664121508

Michael Drotos

Mike lives in a small town near the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. He is a college graduate with a degree in economics and a graduate of a well known Bible college. His background includes pastoring for over thirteen years and working in the insurance industry for sixteen years. Currently, Mike Drotos is teaching and preaching on his YouTube channel, Solving the Prophetic Puzzle, with a large focus on end times prophesy. He also facilitates a weekly Bible study group and is pastoring a small country church. His passion is reading and teaching the Bible. He is also interested in end time events pertaining to biblical prophecies as they unfold in present day worldwide events. He also enjoys numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, gardening, and raising chickens.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

O n July 4, Jimmy Farmer had made a decision that would change his life for eternity. Jimmy had fought the good fight as good as any human being could under his own volition. He’d stood strong and looked straight into the face of a decaying and dying society. When he had been drained of his strength physically and emotionally, he came to the realization that in the face of chaos, he was powerless. In the eleventh hour, he surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ, accepted Jesus as his Savior, and was born again. This rebirth gave him the wisdom, discernment, and supernatural strength to break through the veil of darkness before he was brutally shot by the prison guard.

Makhil had been Jimmy Farmer’s guardian angel since his birth. It had, at times, been a difficult journey, but here they were, standing at the entrance to heaven. The golden glow emanating from the wings of his guardian angel gave Jimmy an overwhelming sense of peace and joy.

Carrying his charge to the gates of heaven was an honorable duty for the guardian. He climbed the long winding staircase with such ease that it seemed as though they were floating. Jimmy felt light as a feather, and he lay back, closed his eyes, and rested in Makhil’s arms. He was totally unaware of anything except the scenes from his earthly life that flashed by. Many of those unforgettable everyday moments passed through like a silent movie on high speed. Jimmy watched the bits of his life play out and recollected them with fondness. He opened his eyes and gazed up at Makhil. It’s a shame that I did not give my heart to the Lord sooner. My life may have been dramatically different, he said wistfully.

Makhil stopped for a moment. Do not have regrets, my friend. You fulfilled your destiny. Rejoice that you are spending eternity in heaven with the Lord, Jimmy.

Jimmy smiled, pointing toward the top of the stairway. Look, I see the door. What’s behind that door? he asked.

Behind that door is a large room, a waiting room of sorts. Your loved ones are there to greet you. After you meet them, you will pass through another door into heaven, answered Makhil, continuing his ascent up the stairs.

When they reached the top, Makhil gently lowered Jimmy to his feet. Are you ready to go through the door, Jimmy?

Yes, I’m ready, said Jimmy excitedly. But before I do, I want to thank you for all that you have done for me. You left your home to watch over me and protect me. You know all my faults, and you’ve seen everything I ever did in my earthly life, yet I don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed by any of it. You are a part of me, and I hope that we will continue to see each other.

Makhil looked down at his charge. You are a very fascinating man, and it was my honor to be your guardian. You kept me on my toes, but I treasure the time I was with you on the earth. I too would like to build on our relationship and stay in contact with each other.

I’m so happy to hear that, Makhil. Shall we go?

Makhil placed his hand on Jimmy’s shoulder. Yes, let’s enter into the joy of our Lord.

Jimmy slowly opened the door as beams of golden light swept past him. The door swung inward to reveal a room awash with soft, bright light. His eyes came into focus, and the first person he saw was Lynette. She was standing right in front of the door, waiting for him. Jimmy! Lynette called out gleefully.

For a moment, Jimmy stood still, amazed at how everything around him seemed so focused and distinct. His eyes fixed on Lynette as he feasted on her beauty. She appeared to be more beautiful than he remembered. She was dressed in a white gown, the soft folds falling gently around her ankles. Her hair was adorned with the same tiny yellow flowers as on their wedding day. A brilliant smile stretched across her face, almost touching her glistening eyes. Lynette! exclaimed Jimmy, running toward her with his arms open wide. He threw his arms around her, and then something unusual and unexpected happened.

As the two embraced, their spirits melted together, and a warm, radiant glow encompassed them in unity as one spirit. Somehow Jimmy knew that he was experiencing Lynette’s genuine love for him in a very tangible way. The sensation reverberated through his spirit. Jimmy leaned back and looked at Lynette. What just happened? That was incredible.

We are spirits now, Lynette explained. Actually, we’ve always been spirits, but we are no longer in our earthly body. So when we embrace, there is an instant connection with our spirits.

Jimmy nodded. You mean we don’t have our bodies blocking our spirits like we did on the earth?

That’s right, said a voice off to Jimmy’s right.

He quickly turned around to see his parents standing beside him. Dad, Mom, it’s so good to see you again. Jimmy reached for his parents and fell into their outstretched arms. Jimmy felt their tremendous love for him course through his spirit.

He was still languishing in the remarkable atmosphere of love, peace, and joy when he recognized the familiar face of Pastor Rufus. I see you read my Bible tract, Jimmy, said Rufus with a slight chuckle.

Jimmy turned toward his friend. Yes, sir. When I reached the end of my rope, I discovered the Bible tract you gave me in the pocket of my hoodie. I took it out, unfolded it, and read it over and over until hope began to rise in my spirit. Then I prayed the prayer of salvation on the back page of the tract and gave my heart to the Lord.

That’s not all you did, Jimmy. Pastor Rufus smiled, placing his arm securely around Jimmy’s shoulders.

Jimmy was bewildered and cocked his head. What do you mean?

Lynette could not contain the joy she felt, and her eyes lit up with enthusiasm. Tell him, Daddy.

Pastor Rufus turned and faced Jimmy. Your daring transmission from the New World Order complex changed countless lives.

Makhil spoke up, Yes, that’s true. Jimmy, the people you touched by your testimony are coming in by the thousands.

Jimmy was astonished to know that his short message had been so effective. Really? That’s incredible.

Yes. Lynette grinned. There are hundreds of believers in this room right now who want to thank you.

Jimmy shook his head and threw his hands into the air. "Wow, I had no idea. I just wanted to get the truth of God’s Word out."

Lynette smiled. You did get the truth out and fulfilled your destiny and calling at the same time. You became a preacher.

Jimmy felt overwhelmed and humbled. He had no idea what would transpire in the hearts of the people listening during those few short minutes while the truth of everlasting life spilled out his mouth without hesitation for all the world to hear.

Lynette’s guardian, Stephen, and another angel had been standing nearby and walked over to stand beside her. Lynette looked over at them and then back at Jimmy. Before you meet the others, there is someone I would like you to meet, she said with a big smile. Jimmy watched as the two guardian angels stepped aside to reveal an older woman. Her hands were cupped, and a soft glow emanated from something she was holding. Lynette introduced the woman. Jimmy, this is my mother, Lynn.

Jimmy took a step forward, overjoyed to finally meet Lynette’s mother. It is a real pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Jackson.

Lynn smiled back at him. Please call me Lynn. We’re family now.

Jimmy nodded in agreement. Of course. What do you have in your hands, Lynn?

Lynn and Lynette looked at each other and giggled slightly. I am holding my baby granddaughter, Lynn proudly responded. Her name is Lynn as well.

For a moment, Jimmy did not comprehend what she had said. He knew that Lynette had been an only child and glanced over at Lynette inquisitively. Lynette reached out, gently took the tiny baby, and held her gingerly in her hands. This is our daughter, Jimmy.

Jimmy looked down at the tiny baby, who was only about the size of a small cell phone. But how? When?

She tilted her head to one side. The only time it could have happened, she hinted shyly.

Jimmy lightly touched Lynette’s face with his fingers. Yes, of course, the night at the cabin when I proposed to you.

Lynette smiled. Yes, that was the most romantic night of my life. You asked me to marry you, and you placed your mom’s engagement ring on my finger. Then you went inside and prepared our dinner while I waited on the front porch. You set the table with a white tablecloth and filled the cabin with candlelight. After dinner, we danced in the moonlight, and then we spent that night in the cabin together. It was on that night that our baby was conceived.

Jimmy looked around sheepishly, feeling as though all eyes were on him. He made a feeble attempt at an explanation that came out in broken words. I don’t know what to say. I did not … mm … I was not thinking. I just—

Lynette started to giggle and then changed the subject. It’s okay, Jimmy. I’d like you to meet Athene. She motioned toward the angel who accompanied Stephen. He is Lynn’s guardian. When I died on the earth, Athene transported our baby to heaven.

I don’t get it, Jimmy said, tilting his head to one side. The baby was still inside you and was only a couple of weeks old. How could she have survived?

Athene gently put his hand on Jimmy’s shoulder. She did not survive. When Lynette died, so did the baby.

Jimmy nodded. I understand that, but the baby was never born.

Athene went on to explain further, That’s true, Lynn was never born as in the earthly nature of giving birth. You see, at the moment of conception, God’s Spirit is imparted to the baby, and that’s when life begins. But if the mother’s life is cut short and she dies before giving birth, the baby also dies and is taken to heaven. So will she stay like this, so small and fragile, forever? Jimmy asked Lynette.

Lynette laughed. No, Jimmy. Your baby girl will grow and develop just like all children do who die before they reach full maturity. There are many children in heaven, and part of my calling is to care for them here.

I’m not surprised about your calling. I had a dream, and in the dream, I saw you at our cabin. There were a number of children with you playing in the meadow. One of the children looked like you. Could that child have been Lynn?

Yes, of course. That child was a representation of our daughter, Lynette confirmed. I did inhabit your dreams that night. The children and I were there at the cabin. It was part of the plan to encourage you to go back and fulfill your destiny.

Jimmy looked down at the tiny baby she held gingerly in the palm of her hands and introduced himself. Hello, Lynn. I’m your daddy.

Do you want to hold her? Lynn asked affectionately.

Jimmy shook his head. No, not yet, she’s too tiny.

Athene stretched out his hands to Lynette. I will take her back to the nursery, and you two can stop by later.

Thank you, Athene, she said, passing the infant to her guardian. Jimmy watched as Athene walked back to the nursery, tenderly holding his charge.

Come now, Jimmy, there are many people who want to thank you. Makhil motioned to Jimmy. They turned around to face the other side of the room, where a large crowd of people were eagerly waiting to speak with Jimmy.

Jimmy took Lynette’s hand in his and stood still for a moment. His eyes widened in amazement at the vast number of people, young and old, gathered together before him. Do they all want to meet me? asked Jimmy. Makhil smiled warmly. Yes, they all are waiting for you. These are only some of the people who heard your transmission of the gospel and chose to accept Jesus as Savior. Christians who had grown weary in the struggle were inspired and encouraged to remain strong, even to the point of death.

He’s coming! yelled someone in the crowd. Jimmy and Lynette took a step in the direction of the throng, and instantly, they were surrounded by multitudes of smiling faces.

I prayed the prayer after I saw your transmission. Thank you, Jimmy! exclaimed one young man. One by one, they testified about their conversion and how the transmission had encouraged them. Lynette stood by Jimmy’s side as the group formed a long reception line to greet him and shake his hand until there were only two people left.

Franklin! shouted Jimmy.

Dorothy! exclaimed Lynette in delight. We are so happy to see you.

The friends, overjoyed to see one another again, threw their arms around in a long embrace. Jimmy stood back to get a good look at his friends. Gosh, it’s so good to see you. What happened after I left the camp? Jimmy asked.

Franklin took Dorothy’s hand. Well, after you left, Nero didn’t bother any of us. He pretty much left all of us alone. The food baskets kept appearing on the doorstep each day according to Miss April’s direction. She provided us with medicine and blankets too. Miss April seemed to be sincerely concerned for our welfare. About three weeks after you left, we were taken to a detainee camp. The conditions there were horrible beyond description. It was unbearable for some of the prisoners, and they turned and accepted the mark and the chip. Others had grown very weak and died of sickness or disease. But the worst part of the detainee camps was the mental torment that the prisoners were subjected to. The guards constantly bombarded us with all kinds of lies about how Victor Cortes was our only hope and how God could not hear our prayers.

Franklin, interrupted Dorothy, tell Jimmy about the transmission.

Franklin pulled his wife closer. Yes, of course, the best part, he went on, his eyes beaming with excitement. Every day the guards gathered us all together in the compound yard to watch a New World Order propaganda film. They had set up a huge screen and forced us to watch as celebrities and sports figures preached to us about how great the New World Order is and that we should join in with the rest of the world. Pope Judas gave a message declaring that the Bible was wrong and full of errors and nothing more than a deception by God to control people. One day April Sanchez got on the air and was reporting a story about killer cults. She said that she had met and helped rehabilitate someone who was rescued from a cult that called themselves the Ark.

Dorothy looked at Lynette. We were so afraid that she had persuaded Jimmy to turn.

Yes, Franklin continued. But right before the scheduled broadcast was to begin, who do we see on the screen but Jimmy! He threw his hands up in the air as the excitement of the story surged through him. He began to tell the truth to the entire world about how Victor Cortes was the Antichrist and how Pope Judas was the false prophet as prophesied in the Bible. Then he began to encourage people not to accept the mark of the beast and how life would really be if they did. He finished up with a prayer of salvation, inviting the listeners to accept Jesus as Savior. It was truly remarkable. Many of the Christians in our camp were encouraged in the faith and strengthened to face the inevitable death sentence without fear.

Jimmy was astounded that those few stolen moments in front of the camera had caused such a transition in people’s lives. I am so glad the transmission went out. I was not sure what would happen, and of course, right after I finished that transmission, I was shot by a guard. It’s strange though. It didn’t even hurt to die.

Franklin nodded. I know what you mean. I was beheaded, and I didn’t feel a thing either. I was there lying on the ground, and suddenly, I was here in heaven.

Dorothy reached out and placed her hands on Jimmy’s and Lynette’s shoulders. The important thing is that we are all here now. She sighed. The four friends agreed and continued to chat for a little while longer.

Lynette looked intently into Jimmy’s eyes and began to speak. He was startled that he could hear her voice and her words as she spoke to him about Lynn, yet her lips did not move. Wait a minute, Jimmy said, placing his finger against her lips. How is it that I can hear what you are saying to me but your lips are not moving?

Lynette took hold of his hand and looked into his eyes. In heaven, we don’t need to talk to communicate. We just think what we want to say to someone, and the person will immediately hear it.

Jimmy shook his head, and his brow wrinkled. You mean thoughts are transferred into audible language? But why not just speak words with your mouth? he asked. I don’t think I can do that. I’ve just got to talk.

Pastor Rufus stepped forward and began to communicate with Jimmy using thought transference. Words are very powerful, and they have creative force. In heaven, we only speak words aloud for the purpose of worshipping God or to create something.

Lynette’s lips moved to speak words of encouragement. You can do this, Jimmy. It’s easy. Just look at me and think something. I will be able to hear you.

Jimmy reluctantly closed his eyes tight and took a deep breath. Okay, I will try. He faced Lynette, placed his hands on her shoulders, and thought, You look beautiful.

Lynette smiled and responded back, Thank you. You see, it’s not that difficult.

Pastor Rufus patted him on the back and said, It’s okay to speak words here in the waiting room, but when you step through the door into heaven, it’s proper to use thought transference.

Yes, projected Dorothy. It’s actually a more effective way to communicate because the recipient not only hears your words but they actually feel the words as well.

I understand, Jimmy projected back. So we save our words for praise and worship to God.

Lynette chuckled. That’s right. Save your spoken words to praise and worship. Use your thoughts to transfer words without speaking out loud.

Have you met Him yet? inquired Dorothy.

Who?

She means Jesus. Have you met Him yet? Lynette asked.

Jimmy shook his head. No, I figured He is too busy to meet me. I am just glad to be here. He’s not too busy. He loves you and is waiting to see you, Lynette assured him. I am going home. I will see you later.

Jimmy reached out for Lynette. Wait, I don’t know where to go.

Dorothy projected, He will show you the way. We will see you later.

Jimmy watched them walk toward a door. Franklin opened the door, and the others began to file through. Just before she walked through the doorway, Lynette turned and looked back at Jimmy. You will be okay, I promise. I will see you later.

Jimmy felt only slightly relieved as he stood there and watched until the last person had vanished behind the door. He thought he was all alone until he smelled the most intriguing odor. It wafted through the air like the scent of lilacs in the breeze on a warm summer evening. It reminded him of the smell of sweet wood burning in a campfire. Jimmy spun around, surprised and delighted that he actually recognized the Lord as He approached from a distance. Jesus! he exclaimed.

Jesus smiled as He walked toward Jimmy. He was wearing a white robe with a gold sash tied around His waist, and He wore sandals on His feet. His soft dark hair fell in wavy locks around His face that was framed with a full beard. When Jesus got to within a few feet of him, Jimmy tried to stand up on his feet, but he could not. His knees began to shake and grew weaker and weaker until he fell to the ground, where he lay prostrate before the Lord. Jimmy thought, I am not worthy to stand before Him. He laid there motionless for a few minutes, unable to make a move. Slowly, he moved his head to the side and opened one eye.

By that time, Jesus—in His resurrected body—was standing directly before him, and Jimmy saw His sandaled feet up close. It looks like an ordinary sandal, thought Jimmy. His eye wandered up past the five toes of the sandaled feet. He blinked his eyes a couple of times. At the top of Jesus’s foot was a hole, the evidence of His identity. Jimmy reached out and touched Jesus’s foot with his finger. It felt like flesh but different.

Arise, Jimmy. I’ve been waiting for you. I want to talk with you, instructed Jesus.

Jimmy nervously responded, I don’t think I can get up.

Jesus knelt down and looked at him. Yes, you can. Just take My hand, He said through a loving smile.

Jimmy reached out, grasped Jesus’s hand, and slowly stood up. They stood side by side; Jimmy’s face was aglow as he gazed on the Lord’s countenance. Jesus stood a little taller than Jimmy, and when he looked up into Jesus’s eyes, he felt tremendous love emanating from them. I am so glad you made it, Jimmy. Enter into the joy of your Lord, Jesus invited.

My God and my Savior, Jimmy proclaimed reverently, bowing his head.

Just then, Jesus broke out into joyous laughter, wrapped His arms around Jimmy, and gently hugged him. The warmth that permeated Jimmy’s body began at the top of his head and flowed down through his body like warm, fragrant oil. He had not expected to experience such a reaction at the touch of Jesus on him. Jimmy felt pure love course through his spirit and began to laugh along with Jesus as he got caught up in the flow of joy. Several minutes passed, and then Jesus stepped back and looked into Jimmy’s eyes. Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord, He said softly.

Thank You, Lord Jesus. Thank You, Jimmy replied, feeling at ease and comfortable with Him.

Shall we sit down? asked Jesus, motioning to a nearby marble bench.

Jimmy knew this was his opportunity to ask all the questions he’d been wanting to ask about his new life and surroundings, yet Jimmy paused for a moment. Lord, he began, what’s behind that door? He pointed to a large ornately decorated door.

Jesus smiled. Behind that door is heaven, He answered. Come, let’s go take a look.

Angels were standing at the door and swung the door open as they approached. Jimmy was in awe as he walked with Jesus through the open door. His eyes opened wide, taking in the amazing scene before him. They were standing on a path in the midst of a green meadow. The color of the grass and sky was far above the clearest blue sky or greenest grass he’d ever seen. He moved his head back and forth slowly in an effort to absorb with his eyes what his mind could not comprehend. There were vibrantly colored flowers of all kinds lining the pathway. Honeybees breezed past him, buzzing back and forth from flower to flower. Brightly colored songbirds flitted from tree to tree, filling the air with their secret exchange of lyrics.

Far off in the distance, Jimmy could see a large city majestically poised beyond the forests and mountain peaks. A bright light surrounded them, but Jimmy could not see the sun in the cloudless sky. It seemed to him that the light emanated from the city. What is that place, Jesus? he asked, pointing in the direction of the city.

That is the house that I live in, the temple where My glory dwells.

Is that where we can go to sing and worship You before Your throne? Jimmy asked excitedly.

Yes, Jimmy. You can come to My house anytime you want. The angels who are there play beautiful music for Me on their harps, tambourines, and trumpets. It is My favorite place to be in all heaven.

Jimmy felt like a kid on Christmas Day. Wow, I’d like to see that. Can we go there now?

Jesus took a few steps along the path. Of course. We can go right now. Come, follow Me.

Jimmy’s mind raced with questions as they walked along the path, his eyes taking in the sights and sounds. He was puzzled to see a herd of deer grazing in the meadow and a dog as it ran across the path in front of them. Lord, did those deer die on the earth and then come to heaven?

No, My son. They were created here in heaven by the residents.

Jimmy’s mouth dropped open in amazement. That’s incredible, but what about the pets that people have on the earth? Do those pets come here when they die?

Jesus paused and faced Jimmy. If a person had a beloved pet while they lived on the earth, the pet can be here in heaven too. That person can create the exact pet they loved on the earth to live with them here. Pets on the earth don’t die and come to heaven the same way humans do. You see, animals do not have the same ability to make the choice of everlasting life the way people do.

The two walked for a while longer until they came to a fork in the road. To the right was a broad, wide path that led toward the city. To the left was a less traveled path that went toward the woods. Which one, Jimmy? asked Jesus.

Jimmy shook his head. Lord, You know the way.

Jesus smiled, and with a twinkle in His eye, He said, Let’s take the one less traveled. They turned onto the path that wound its way through the woods and up the mountain. They traveled for some time, chatting along the way until they arrived at a high meadow.

Jimmy stopped and pointed. Wait, Jesus, I know this place! he exclaimed, his heart racing at the familiar scene before him.

Jesus smiled and nodded. Yes, you do. Let’s get closer. They made their way down the path through the vibrantly colored wildflowers and up a small knoll until they came to a cabin.

This is my cabin. Jimmy gasped.

Yes, that’s true. You enjoyed this place on the earth so much that I prepared the same place for you here in heaven. It’s an exact replica of the cabin in the High Meadow.

Jimmy reached out and hugged Jesus. Oh Lord, thank You.

Come with Me. There’s much more to see.

Jimmy followed Jesus as He led the way around to the front of the cabin. To Jimmy’s surprise and delight, there was Lynette sitting on the front porch on the bench he had made for her. Hi there. Welcome home, she greeted with a wave of her hand and a big grin.

From the front of the cabin, Jimmy could see the city of the Lord off in the distance. He could see the river that flowed out of the city through the valley below the High Meadow. He was overwhelmed, and his voice quaked. Is this for us, Lord?

Yes, of course, all for you. This is the place I prepared for you, assured Jesus. Lynette stood up and walked over to Jesus. Thank you so much, Lord. I love you, she said, grasping His hand. Lynette, Jimmy, and Jesus sat together on the front porch, talking and enjoying their time together.

After a while, Jesus stood up to leave.

Do you have to go, Lord?

Jesus smiled. Yes, for now. But I am always with you. I am going to the city off in the distance.

Jimmy stood up to say goodbye. Thank you, Lord, for everything. We will come to visit You at the temple in the city soon.

Jesus hugged both of them. We will meet again. Then He stepped off the porch and was gone.

Jimmy looked at Lynette. Heaven is a place far beyond what I ever imagined.

Lynette smiled. And there is so much more to discover, and we get to do it together.

CHAPTER 2

M arcus managed to pry Jimmy’s death grip from around the guard’s throat and shoved Jimmy across the floor. Bang! Bang! The shots rang out from the gun the guard was holding as he lay on the floor, gasping for breath.

Stop shooting! screamed April desperately. I can fix this!

The sound of the gunshots reverberated across the room as the bullets struck Jimmy in the chest and toppled him backward. His lifeless body lay face up on the floor in a pool of blood. Nooo! screamed April. "Stop! You’ve shot him."

April looked at Marcus frantically. "Call for help now, she commanded, ran to Jimmy’s side, and knelt down on the floor beside him. You’re gonna be all right, Jimmy. We’re going to get you some help. Marcus, don’t just stand there. Go call for help!"

Marcus knelt down beside his sister. There’s nothing we can do for him now, sis.

April ignored him as she frantically pressed her hands down on Jimmy’s wounds in an effort to stop the bleeding. Get me a towel or something—quick! shouted April.

Marcus stood up. It’s too late, sis. He’s lost too much blood. You’re sitting in a pool of blood. Please get up.

April looked into Jimmy’s eyes and spoke to him through her tears. I am sorry, Jimmy. It was not supposed to be like this.

Jimmy was quickly losing consciousness. I’ll be okay, April. I just need to rest for a minute. Would you tell the guard that I’m sorry I lost my temper? I will be okay, he faintly whispered with his last breath.

April’s head hung down while the tears ran down her cheeks, and her shoulders quivered under the weight of the grief. Marcus tried to comfort his sister and placed his hands around her shoulders. He’s gone, sis.

I know. April stood to her feet and looked down at her bloodstained blouse. She glared at the guard. "You murdered him!" she shouted through clenched teeth.

The guard got up off the floor and stood up straight. He squinted in determined defense of his actions. No way, it was self-defense. He was trying to strangle me.

Marcus quickly came to the guard’s defense. Yeah, it’s true, sis. It was self-defense. Jimmy was strangling him with the billy club.

April shook her head and covered her face with her hands. Whatever, Jimmy is dead now. She sighed and turned her attention back to the guard. You! she yelled, jabbing her finger into the guard’s chest. You get outa here. There is no reason for you to be here now. And not a word of this to anyone, do you understand?

The guard sheepishly shook his head. But what about the body?

April looked at Marcus and then back at the guard. We’ll take his body down to the morgue and fill out the paperwork before we leave. You just go.

The guard looked at Marcus in an effort to find confirmation of his justification in the killing. You know it was self-defense. Marcus nodded, and the guard left the room.

What do we do now, sis?

April spun around and began to bark orders at Marcus. Go get a gurney and a body bag. We are going to take care of this now.

But don’t you think you should get cleaned up first?

April restrained her emotion. Marcus, please do as I say. I need your help, she pleaded calmly.

April once again knelt down beside Jimmy and leaned forward. I am so sorry, Jimmy. It was not supposed to be like this. Maybe I should have told you more. I am sorry, she softly whispered in his ear.

Marcus returned with the gurney and a body bag to find his sister kneeling next to Jimmy Farmer’s lifeless body, sobbing uncontrollably. He’d never seen her in such a broken state before. April Sanchez was once a world-famous reporter, former professional cheerleader, and a woman renowned for her power. Her captivating beauty now seemed as lost and helpless as a lamb. Marcus was beside himself, not knowing what to do or how to comfort her. He knelt down beside her and brushed the stray strands of hair away from her face. Hey, April, what’s the deal? I’ve never seen you so affected by this kind of thing. What’s wrong with you?

April looked up at her half brother. Marcus was a young black man, tall and handsome like his father. April was a petite Hispanic woman who favored her mother. They became brother and sister when Marcus’s dad married her mom twenty years before. The two siblings grew up together, and April had carried Marcus on her coattails throughout her famous career.

It was not supposed to end like this. I had a plan. I wasn’t going to force Jimmy to take the mark. I should have told him more.

Marcus grabbed her arms and pulled her to her feet. What do you mean you were not going to force him to take the mark? That’s your job, right? he asked her sternly.

I don’t know what my job is anymore. I don’t know anything, she whimpered.

Marcus was taken aback. His sister was always in command of every situation. Did you have feelings for Jimmy, sis?

April took a few steps back and turned around, not wanting to see the look on Marcus’s face. I know he was in love with someone else, but yes, I did care for him very much, and there is more.

More? What else could there be?

Wait right here. I’ll be back in a minute, she said, looking over her shoulder at him. She left the room and returned with a pair of scissors in her hand.

Ah, sis, what are you going to do with those scissors?

Watch, she said mysteriously. She held the scissors in her left hand and slowly began to scrape at the mark that had been tattooed on the back of her right hand.

Marcus was horrified at her indiscriminate action and screamed at her, What are you doing? Stop! You’re going to hurt yourself!

April ignored his plea. Don’t worry, Marcus, just watch. As she continued to scrape away at the mark, it slowly began to lift off her hand.

Marcus’s eyes widened as he watched in disbelief. Hey, what’s happening? You can’t peel the mark off your skin. It’s tattooed on for life.

April put the scissors down, and with her left hand,