Purgatory Among the Clouds

By R.A. Grimes

Skye Maxwell is a prominent, savvy young scientist whose ingenuity is recognized and used for ill-gotten gains. Joined by those closest to her heart, they journey from the east coast to boldly trek through the fierce terrain of the Alaskan wilderness. International world destruction is set in motion by a psychopath, but as bonds deepen and love connections flourish, a family is willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity and their loved ones. Greed and corruption fuel the elite and their ruthless associates. A series of threats are initiated after Skye's latest scientific breakthrough, inciting a response to the inhuman agenda.

Dissecting the truth proves to be dangerous for Skye and her loved ones as truths unfold. Most military and government affiliations happily assist "the Five Stars"---five lifelong inner-city childhood friends--family and mentors of Skye. The readers become intent on helping the protagonist to free everyone from imminent danger. The characters will provoke thought and soften your heart. The main characters risk life and love as they courageously stand up against global devastation.

Weather manipulations, coincidental tragedies, and abductions are divulged. Fragile bonds and animosity dominate and welcome power struggles and coverups. Skye is just as determined as the powers that be to have her own "vision" materialized. Can humanity be spared the fallout from the power of a few? Readers will relate to the characters as they envision extensions of themselves, appreciating life as they cascade through purgatory among the clouds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885056519

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Purgatory Among the Clouds

R.A. Grimes

Copyright © 2022 R.A. Grimes

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2022

ISBN 979-8-88505-650-2 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88505-652-6 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88505-651-9 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Credentialed

Kevon

Dr. Peter Jon Li

Skye

Ties that Bind

Commonality

Homecoming

Reece

Jada

Eli

Arctic Enemies

One Love for All

Friend or Foe

Revelations

Wings in a Vast Land

Imminent Wonders

Double Take

Serendipity

Parallel Collusions

Fellowship

Accountability

The Blink of an Eye

Faceoff

Altered States

Epilogue

To my amazing children—Melaika, Ariel, Keenan—and to my beautiful and prodigious granddaughter, Zaya, you will always be cradled with the warmth of my love. Find comfort in knowing that your ancestral angels are always in the midst.

Credentialed

After Frankie and Eli get here, we can check out ‘Vegan Up,' the new restaurant I ordered from the other day for the staff luncheon. I guarantee that you will be entranced by their barbecue tofu.

Sounds great!… Uh… I…

What's going on with you, Sam? Your voice just changed pitch. You are either choking, or something is going on.

An explanation can wait a few more minutes, Skye thought as she surveyed the picturesque campus grounds scattered with students praying a silent prayer for enough strength to persevere.

I'm good. I'll see you in a minute! Wha——. Whoa!

Instantaneously, Skye shoved her earbud back into the AirPod case deep lodged inside of her front jean pocket. She began taking pictures of the menacing object above her head. The blinding reflection from the alloy structure illuminating off Skye's cell phone caused Skye to squint through her sunshades. With a valiant effort, she steadied her hands long enough to take several more pictures of the intimidating object without calling attention to herself. The object was deliberate as it targeted Skye—following her movements at close range. While stopping to take photographs, Skye realized the risk she was taking but thought about how much the means outweigh the risk and continued to record.

Déjà vu!

In spite of the eighty-three-degree temperature in Washtenaw County, Skye felt a sudden chill. She adjusted the wide leather straps that secured her backpack and inhaled deeply. Nikki Davidson walked from the science building and headed in Skye's direction.

How are you doing, Skye? I thought I'd never see you again?

This time, there is much more at stake. There's no time like the present to shake off any apprehension. I really can't afford to cower at this point. This time around, I will be extra cautious. I really wish I had the time to talk to Nikki, but I don't. Hopefully she keeps looking down at the contents in the box she was holding, Skye thought as she attempted to make sense out of her current situation.

Nikki, it's good to see you again also. I would love to catch up, but I'm in a bit of a hurry to get to Dr. Li's classroom, but I promise to keep in touch. You look great. You know that you will be the best meteorologist on the West Coast. Good luck! Weather Guru, Tanya Robeson will be impressed.

Unpleasant memories began to surface Skye was certain that the intermittent flickers of light were cause for alarm. Instinctively, she used her bent arm as protection against blinding light emanating from a shoebox-sized multidimensional object looming overhead. She noticed how it picked up momentum as it closed in on her—no less than ten feet above her head. Carefully she slipped her phone into her back pocket. Fear soon turned into anger.

Not again!

Shielding her vision from the sun's blinding rays, she moved her sunglasses from the top of her head onto her eyes.

Corri has no idea how much I love my new shades.

The suspended object cast an alarming glow—visible through the sunlight. Skye thought fondly of Corrine's last visit.

Sam?

Yes, Corri, how are you…and what are you up to now?

Umph!

Corrine cleared her throat with emphasis.

I present to you an…awe-amazing scientist and the savviest multifaceted entrepreneur you'll ever meet.

Corrine looked at Skye coyly.

"Skye Ariel Maxwell, I proudly present you my oldest and dearest friend with this collector's edition of Miles Davis's ‘Legend's Forever' Aluminum 3cd gift set. Hold the presses. Let us not forget these classic-style Gucci sunglasses she'd been wanting for over a year!

I know. I know. You can't thank me enough. No wimping out, Sam. You've only been my best friend since…as far as I can remember. Happy birthday!

The memory of her last birthday was a welcomed distraction considering her current situation.

Ooooh!

Skye took a deep breath and then exhaled for several seconds as she often did. As if on cue, she stopped moving and looked around the busy campus filtered with staff and students. Mesmerized and cautious about what was taking place in real time, Skye remained alert. Once inside the foyer, she inhaled deeply before releasing a steady stream of air.

Yes, yes, I dodged that bullet. Uncle Eli warned me that this would soon be happening to me again real soon. Skye hoped for a better outcome.

As an attempt to process what she just witnessed, Skye prayed while walking briskly to the molecular biology department in the enormous building. As she rounded the corner, she watched as a contractor dressed in off-white methodically applied shellac on the oversized wooden door to Dr. Peter Jon Li's classroom. Dr. Peter Jon Li's nameplate was sitting on the ledge beside his classroom door faceup along with a tray full of unopened gifts and farewell cards. Slightly winded, Skye approached the energetic contractor who appeared to be of Russian descent working amorously at his craft.

Pardon me, I'm on my way inside Dr. Li's classroom. Do you mind holding the door for me while I carry Dr. Li, his farewell gifts, and his nameplate?

Certainly. That's if you don't mind it if I add a twenty-dollar bill to one of those cards as my way of saying, ‘Thank you,' to Dr. Li. He is as kind as he is wise.

I'll make sure that he gets it. Thank you. You do really great work. I couldn't help but notice the details you added to your stencils. Are they handmade designs?

Yes, thank you. Art was my major in college. I guess it paid off.

It certainly did.

The soft-spoken man happily handed over Dr. Li's plaque to Skye.

Thank you so very much for your kind words. Congratulations and best wishes on your recent graduation!

Thank you.

Skye was grateful for the diversion.

I recognize that same stencil pattern from somewhere else, but where? Maybe it'll come to me later.

The atmosphere indoors was informal, unlike the ambience of graduation that seemed to spark positive energy and excitement amid the staff and student body. The postgraduation atmosphere is somber, especially with all the noise from this building.

The deafening noise made by the construction crew verberated throughout the building. Skye passed a large conference room with a dozen staff members assembled.

How can anyone concentrate surrounded by this level of deafening noise?

Still processing what she just experienced, Skye finally relaxed. As she watched her mentor pack his belongings into the empty copier paper box, stopping intermittently to rub his arthritic fingers, Skye could sense his bittersweet thoughts. Peter Jon's failing eyes appeared reflective as he scanned years of treasured memories yet to be boxed up for a final goodbye.

Skye proceeded to say her final goodbye to her former classmates who stopped by before approaching her mentor. Momentarily, Skye forgot about the threat that had just loomed over her head. Skye began to think about her life. Peter Jon observed Skye as she entered his classroom, but he continued to pack and say his final goodbye to his students and colleagues as they came to visit. Skye's mannerisms didn't go unnoticed.

Skye twirled her hair between her fingers and rubbed the back of her head every few minutes. Peter Jon made a declaration to himself.

I'll gladly sacrifice my life before I let Miles's baby girl become collateral damage. Wherever you are, my friend, I will protect her at all costs.

Sam deserves for me to be the best godfather I can be to her. Wherever you are, Miles, I know you are surviving on the thought of reuniting with Sam. I'm sure of it. You can certainly be proud of her right now. You, Eli, and Frankie are my family. I am determined to find you and reunite you with your family, Peter Jon thought reflectively.

Peter Jon watched how his calculating nephew approached Skye when she entered his classroom. Skye sidestepped Kevon and gravitated to his second favorite student, Dana Smith. The smirk on Kevon's face looked as if he was conjuring up trouble, Peter concluded. Knowing how mean-spirited Kevon could be when things didn't go his way made Peter Jon even more suspicious of his nephew's motives where Skye was concerned. Kevon turned his head in Peter Jon's direction in time to see his uncle looking back at him. Kevon continued to smirk as he interrupted Skye.

Out of respect for his dearly departed sister, Gwendolyn Li, Peter Jon raised Kevon as he would his own child. Although Peter Jon loved and cared for his nephew, he never replaced Nelson as his mini me in his heart. When Nelson was presumed dead as a result of drowning at sea from a boating accident off the coast of the Bering Strait in Alaska, Kevon used Nelson's absence to his advantage. Peter was aware that Kevon also used Gwendolyn's death as an excuse to disrespect and manipulate anyone he chose.

Peter Jon began to notice how ruthless his nephew had become and pained him to ask them for special privileges from law enforcement for Kevon. Peter Jon's reputation was on the line with his friends in law enforcement, and he didn't like it. Kevon was once held at a detention center thirty miles away for eighteen months. Peter Jon made excuses or repeated a lie that Kevon had become an exchange student. Kevon could care less how his uncle was affected, and Peter Jon was ready to stop making excuses and lying for his nephew's bad behavior.

Peter Jon received a phone call just a few days earlier from Kevon's lawyer. He decided that his last and final payment was sent through the mail earlier that day. It was a relief to finally be free of Kevon's legal and financial obligations. Now Kevon was responsible for himself. Peter Jon was also rooting for Kevon's female accusers.

Kevon

I'll catch you later, Basil.

Teacher's pet, Kevon thought as he watched Skye when she entered the hallowed-out classroom. Kevon took advantage of Peter Jon's loss once Nelson was presumed dead and felt no guilt behind it. Kevon knew Skye was never off base in predicting motives where she was concerned. Skye stepped to him whenever he disrespected Peter Jon. Kevon secretly resented Skye for getting the attention from his uncle he thought he deserved.

Kevon didn't disappoint. He stood arrogantly—plucking the brim of his red fedora. Skye often told Peter Jon that Kevon wore his clothes as well as he wore his infamous smirk. Kevon was fashion savvy. He prided himself with a wealth of material possession. His lavish playboy lifestyle was accented by his impressive wardrobe and fancy cars.

Sam is most likely wondering what I'm up to now. Good. She will soon find out who she is toying with, he thought. Kevon knew Skye well enough to know her inquisitive nature always turned up something. Skye was wondering what he was up to. Kevon once overheard Skye tell Peter Jon that she sensed an ever-present underlying darkness in Kevon's demeanor. Yes, sirrr. Skye Mitchell has no idea who she's dealing with, he thought.

Kevon's eyes were cold and unblinking, and he didn't care.

Inwardly seething, Kevon recalled the night Skye's uncle, Elijah Maxwell, came within seconds of killing him. Kevon was in the habit of playing by his own rules and decided to ignore Eli's previous warning to steer clear of his only child, his beautiful Courtney, which Eli often said with pride. Kevon remembered the state he saw Courtney's father in on the night he planned to have an intimate encounter with her. Eli could barely stand up straight due to hunger and fatigue until he caught Kevon climbing through the basement window to see his daughter.

Kevon had no idea Eli walked home from the auto repair shop in the rain instead of getting a loaner car for the day. Kevin felt strong hands gripping him around his ankles and snatching his body backward. Sprawled out on the wet grass, Kevon was terrified to see Eli's huge fist threatening to disfigure his face. Courtney heard the commotion and ran outdoors in time to spare Kevon a beatdown by her father.

Courtney informed Kevon that she was outdone with him and tired of him making assumptions about the two of them becoming a couple. Kevon had other ideas, and so did Elijah Maxwell that Kevon wasn't privy to. Kevon Li prided himself with his show of bad behavior, caring very little about what others had to say about his self-serving actions.

Those Maxwells and Mitchells think they can dismiss me… I don't think so, he thought.

Kevon's arrogance preceded him, which he wore like a badge of honor. Skye was at the top of his enemy list followed by the rest of her family members. Indifferent by choice, Kevon was happy that his unscrupulous reputation preceded him. Peter Jon constantly pleaded with Kevon to tone down his overbearing temperament for his own well-being, but Peter Jon's words fell on deaf ears. Kevon was filled with hate and greed.

Kevon, you're going to self-destruct, Peter Jon said to his nephew earlier that morning. Kevon made sure he was always well groomed and well dressed. Skye often told Kevon that if he put the same time and energy into his personality as he did his appearance, he'd be one of the baddest men on the planet.

Sam, come have a celebratory drink with me? You don't have to support your uncle on his scientific quest for answers now that your college days are behind you. Sam? Where were you when you dropped from radar and then decided to attend school soon after you resurfaced? What were you really doing with your time?

Skye refused to respond to Kevon's inquisition. Kevon began to undress Skye with his eyes.

You sure are looking pretty hot these days, Sam. You know you should let me spoil you a little.

Skye wasn't impressed.

Thanks for asking, Kevon, but I'll take a raincheck. Quiet as it's kept, I'm still pissed with you for disrespecting Corri at the Jazz Festival a few weeks ago. You were way out of line!

What about a hug?

We'll talk later, Kevon.

Kevon inwardly seethed and cursed the day Skye was born. He wanted Skye to feel the same pain he felt she caused him, but worse. Skye told Kevon how disappointed she was in him because he refused to show her PJ the respect he deserved—even though Peter Jon raised Kevon as his own child. Skye felt negative vibes whenever Kevon was in close proximity—vibes she learned to trust from past experience she told Kevon. Skye admittingly wanted Kevon to stay away from Peter sooner rather than later.

Skye, you know I'm going to miss you, most of all.

Goodbye, Kevon.

I'll be seeing you soon, Sam!

Skye didn't turn around to see the sinister expression she knew was plastered on Kevon's face—an expression Peter Jon noticed quite a bit. Kevon was not very good about concealing his thoughts, especially when it came to Skye. Peter Jon forewarned Kevon to stay out of Skye's orbit with a stern look of his own. He decided to deal with Kevon at a later date. Skye was still upset with Kevon for verbally disrespecting Corrine during the university's Summer Jazz Festival.

Dr. Peter Jon Li

Hunger pangs reminded Peter Jon that skipping breakfast was not a good idea. The realization that he may never again capture the sight of Ann-Arbor's busy Campus—flaunting University of Michigan's picturesque views of the beautifully landscaped grounds—made him appreciate it even more. The wall clock reminded him of the last day of classes a few days prior. Peter Jon continued to pack as he reminisced.

Peter Jon was exceptionally proud to be the one responsible for introducing and financially backing his state-of-the-art three-dimensional science classroom, which displayed an array of his own patented inventions. Memories of Nelson surfaced as he scanned his classroom. Peter Jon's thoughts were often on Nelson—on how proud his son would be of him if his upcoming mission in the Turing Project was a success.

Nelson was my biggest fan, next to Skye, he thought.

Peter Jon remembered how proud he was when Nelson and Skye used to boast about his achievements and innovations.

I've befriended at least a half-pint or more of Cognac nightly after the disappearance of Nelson. It was Sam who helped me to finally realize the harm I was doing to myself and to those who love and care about me. Sam was also my constant source of inspiration, often prompting me to love and challenge myself. She has no idea how thankful I am for not giving up on me when I gave up on myself.

Peter Jon wondered if Skye was thinking about her father. Several of Skye's relatives and many of her father's closest friends joined forces in an effort to discover her missing father's Miles Maxwell's whereabouts. When Elijah Maxwell, Franklin Mitchell, and Peter Jon Li sat Skye down in her father's black and white custom-made leather recliner in the Maxwells' dining room the day Miles disappeared, the family changed from that point forward. During his tour in Afghanistan, Miles was presumed killed when his fighter jet was reportedly shot down over the Kabul River by enemy fire during active military combat.

Skye also reminisced about how Peter Jon wallowed in the grips of grief and chaos after the loss of his son and his two childhood best friends, Miles Maxwell and Maurice Gales, during that same year. Eli and Franklin became pillars of their families and the saviors of Peter Jon. She remembered how Peter Jon began to spiral out of control to the point of taking a leave of absence because of alcohol and drug dependency. Skye used her spare key to the Li household to help Peter around the house and take him to AA meetings and doctor appointments. By the look in Peter Jon's eyes, Skye could tell he was remembering tough times.

Months after Nelson disappeared, on one rainy evening just as the local news was ending, Peter Jon heard a faint sound at his front door but dismissed it as he reached for the remote control. He wondered why Skye hadn't stopped by to check on him the way she'd been checking since the news of Nelson's death as he drifted off to sleep. He was awakened by a faint knocking at his front door after dozing off for an hour and a half. Still buzzed from ingesting a half of a bottle of Hennessey that day, Nelson stumbled slightly as he made it to his front door. Still buzzed from the effects of alcohol he ingested earlier, Peter Li could clearly hear a light tapping at the bottom of his front door. He looked outside but didn't see anyone and decided to open the door to investigate. He was in a mild state of shock when he looked down to see Skye soaking wet from the rain and bloody from head to toe, barely conscious with no coat on in the dead of winter. He quickly pulled himself together and laid Skye on the sofa and began administering first aid before she bled out.

Peter Jon notified Skye's two uncle's Elijah and Franklin simultaneously via Skype.

It's Sam! Get over here now! Someone hurt our baby girl real bad. Let's get this situation handled pronto! I just administered twenty-five milligrams of Dilaudid intravenously. Now let's pray that her vitals soon stabilize. Sam has a fever of 103, and her pressure is high. Keep talking to her until she responds. We are not going to lose her.

It took all that Eli had within to maintain a calm voice.

Sammy. It's your favorite uncle. Sweetheart, you hang tight. You're a Maxwell!

Franklin refused to let Eli dominate the conversation. He was hurting just as bad.

"And Mitchell. Sam, do you remember when you fell out of Grandma Mitchell's fig tree on your seventh birthday? Your daddy scooped you up with one hand and looked at you. Do you know what you said? You said, ‘Next time, I'll wear a different pair of shoes.' Eli cried like a baby. I won't lie, Sam. I cried too.

You are our niece, but we all love you just as if you were our daughter. Sam, you're a loving extension of all your family, but especially the ‘Five Stars.' Ain't that right, PJ? And your godfather imitated a Bruce Lee move and was ready to chop grandma's tree down. PJ was funny as hell that day.

Eli shook his head from side to side as he and Franklin laughed through the tears. Eli decided to comment.

PJ certainly performed that day! Hey, PJ? Tell us…did you learn how to curse that day? You called that tree everything but a child of God. Grandma Mitchell made you sit down in the kitchen with her and Sam, and you three drank tea and had cake. Miles peed his pants from laughter.

Franklin was still laughing.

You have to admit, PJ, that was some funny shh—— stuff.

Peter Jon remembered how each of the men tried to find humor in the situation for Skye's sake. Franklin arrived in twenty minutes. Eli and Franklin arrived within minutes of each other. Skye had clearly been attacked and continued to resist treatment.