Prophet of Doom: Clash of the Kingdom Realms

By Patricia Carroll

The quest for justice continues as Joy Morgan and David Kramer follow the trail of their nemesis to Sedona, Arizona. The beauty of red rock canyons cannot distract from their determination to bring a charlatan to account for his crimes that escalate as his desperation grows. The looming threat of the millennial changes gives him an opening to fleece vulnerable investors. But God's plan of redemption continues to outweigh the deception and peril as more souls find their way into the kingdom of God. Bonds of friendship and love flourish even in the midst of a demonic environment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685265182

Book preview

Table of Contents

Cover

Title

Copyright

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

About the Author

cover.jpg

Prophet of Doom

Clash of the Kingdom Realms

Patricia Carroll

ISBN 978-1-68526-517-5 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68526-518-2 (Digital)

Copyright © 2022 Patricia Carroll

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

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Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Second Timothy 1:7

Chapter 1

September 1998

There are all kinds of dreams. Wishes that take shape while day dreaming. Hopes from a heart that believes in the best. Fears that manifest as nightmares day or night. And then there are the prophetic dreams that come from spiritual realms revealed in symbols and types. Prophetic dreams can come by day or night as well, but it is the night time dreams that lodge in your consciousness for days until they are deciphered. Just such a dream had been lingering for a week when I got the call that I had been waiting for on tiptoes.

Joy, this is David. Just his voice sent my heart on a rapid ascent. I wanted to let you know my plan for the visit to Boise I have been promising all summer.

The long-awaited visit. We had talked about it so many times over the last few months, ever since that goodbye in the San Francisco Airport in June. We had kept in contact by phone, e-mail, and letter, expressing our hopes and fears, yes, our dreams of meeting again to see where the Lord would take us on our journey of discovery. We had been careful not to put too much pressure on ourselves to make something happen, but we were excited to see where the future would take us.

David! It's so good to hear your voice. I know we've both been busy lately. I have some news for you too. You go first.

As you know the forensic conference is scheduled for the week of September 14 to 18. So I would like to head to Boise that Friday evening. I'll get into town late so I'll stay at the Red Lion and call you the next morning to make plans for the week end. One of the reasons the trip wasn't confirmed until now is that I have had a hot lead on Milo Ripley and have been authorized to follow up on it right after my trip. If you hadn't started your next school year, maybe you could have gone with me as my consultant. My boss was really impressed with your expertise and help in Ashland.

That's what I wanted to tell you. I didn't start my teaching year. I've worked all summer on my second book, and it's been accepted for publication. I'm getting a very nice advance and decided to take the year off to promote the book and work on another one. It sounds like a trip with you to find Rallen—I mean, Ripley—could just be the inspiration I need for that next book.

Last June, David and I had followed the trail of a phony guru named Rallen Mandu from Berkeley, California, to Ashland, Oregon. We had rescued my best friend's son from his clutches and destroyed his counterfeit religious organization. A number of his followers had been arrested for the kidnapping, but Rallen, himself, had escaped. Now, David believes he has tracked Milo Ripley, aka Rallen Mandu to a new location. The thought of working with David again and completing the mission that we had started together was a dream come true.

Amazing! I'm getting holy goose bumps right now. I know God is setting this up for us to finish what we started in Ashland. Let me do some planning on this end. I'll let you know if I get the green light from my boss. When I come to Boise, we can settle our plans. I'll wait till then to give you all the details of my research.

I can't wait to see you. I'm so excited at the prospect of working with you again. I hated to end the call, but I knew David had a million things to do.

Joy, time will fly till we're together. I look forward to holding you in my arms again. David's voice had changed as he fought his emotions.

We both said reluctant goodbyes. When the phone was back in its cradle, I sat for some time just hanging on his last words. My arms were aching for him too. Mixed feelings swelled inside me because I was back in the position we had experienced in Ashland. I wanted to express all my need for David, the man, while keeping the perspective of the mission with Detective Kramer. Finding Ripley and bringing him to justice outweighed our personal desires.

Later that evening, I gave Claire a call. It had been at least a month since I'd talked to her, and she would not forgive me if I didn't share the news about Ripley. She would also hang on all the juicy details of David's upcoming visit. Claire is my best friend and the mother of the young man David and I rescued at the beginning of the summer. Through all the dangers and victories of the quest for Jacob, Claire and her son became believers. Something I had been praying about for many years.

Claire, it's Joy. I just wanted to check in and see how you and Jacob are doing.

Perfect. I was just thinking about you. I know I should have called you sooner. I've been so busy with my new project. The art show I did in June has put me in the spot light, and I have so many commissions I'm scrabbling to get them all completed.

That's wonderful! I know your work is all consuming. Don't ever feel guilty about putting it first. That's what keeps you so young and vibrant.

Thank you for permission, but be assured that God is number 1 for me now. I have been helping Jacob with his new church project. I'm amazed at how fast the group has grown. There's a lot more to be done behind the scenes than I ever expected. Of course Ashley has been a tremendous help. She's like a windup toy that never runs down.

Ashley was one of the lives the Lord had reclaimed during our battles with Rallen Mandu and his One Humanity group. Mandu used the OH, a new age front, to bilk people out of their money, promising enlightenment and fulfillment in return. Ashley had returned to her roots of Christianity after seeing through the flimsy façade of Rallen's promises. She had stayed in Ashland for a couple of months to help establish a new congregation built by former One Humanity members. It was thriving, and she had returned to Berkeley to help Jacob with his young group of former new agers who were experiencing the glory of God's truth.

I have some news from the David Kramer front, I explained the main reason for my call.

Okay, now we're talking. Tell me all the good stuff.

"David has finally put together his plans for his visit to Boise, and he has a lead on the whereabouts of Rallen Mandu aka Milo Ripley."

Oh, Joy! That is fantastic news. I mean, I'm excited for you two to get back together, but the chance that the old fraud could be tracked down and made to pay for his sins is just too good to be true. If anyone can get the job done I know it will be David.

"And I may be able to go with him!"

How? When? Wouldn't that be dangerous? I could hear the caution in Claire's voice as I knew she was remembering the close calls we had following Mandu's trail before.

Remember the way God protected us in Ashland? Why would he stop now? I countered.

Don't get cocky now! You don't know what kind of corruption he's been into since then. Claire had a counter play of her own.

I know God is in this. I had a dream.

Oh no! Not one of your dreams!! Claire's voice went high and screechy.

Calm down. You know the Lord talks to me in dreams and I'm not about to discount his voice. The last time we had encountered Rallen and the OH; my dreams had been both a map and a warning system in our mission to expose him as a fraud and kidnapper.

I still don't like it, Claire proclaimed with all the force of a spoiled child.

Like it or not, I'm going to follow that dream just like Elvis said. You remember the old song. I proceeded to sing the line in hopes of making my decision more palatable. Follow that dream. Wherever that dream may lead.

Don't distract me with your sweet voice, Claire shot back.

Look, Claire, this is far from a done deal. David has to get authorization. I'm not even sure of all the details. He's going to fill me in when we meet in two weeks.

You better keep me posted as it unfolds. I want to cover you in prayer, and you know the group here will want to get involved through prayer or whatever you guys may need.

"You mean, you are on board?" I asked excitedly.

Don't go that far. I just want to be kept in the loop. Claire was asserting her vested interest in David and my ongoing mission. That was to be expected since she almost lost her life on the last one. The vision of Claire almost flying off a cliff at Mount Diablo rushed up with all the emotional impact I had felt that day not so long ago.

I've got to go, I announced to bring our call to a close.

Don't think you're getting off easy, bucko. I expect to hear all about this crazy plan as it unfolds, Claire said with finality.

We signed off with I love yous and assurances that we would be in each other's prayers.

I sat for a few moments after the call and thought about the dream. Even after days, it still held an emotional weight. I woke in the middle of the night in a sweat. The images still lingered as I turned on the bedside lamp and tried to push back the darkness of the night and the dream.

I was in a moonlit desert landscape. I remember thinking how beautiful it was as I was surrounded by red rock formations that cast moon shadows all around me. I was suddenly aware of David beside me. He held a book in one hand and a gun in the other. I felt danger and threat all around us. Bullets were bouncing off the beautiful red rocks. A search light was combing the shadows, trying to reveal our hiding place. Then I saw Milo Ripley standing on a tall rock shaped like a large adobe building. He was pointing at us shouting, There they are! Men in black battle dress popped up from every rock and aimed their rifles at us. Without warning, Ashley appeared and stood in front of David and me. She held a torch in her hand and was wearing a long gown. It hit me that she looked like the statue of liberty. She was about to proclaim her authority when a bullet rang out, and she fell back into my arms. I looked down and blood was soaking into her white robe. I cried out. NO!

The word was still on my lips as I awoke to a feeling of dread and foreboding.

The dream faded into the background of my consciousness as the time passed toward the day that I had been waiting for. David finally called and gave me the date and time of his arrival in Boise. I was excited to get the information, but now I waited in a nervous holding pattern. What would it be like to see him again? I could still feel the power of that last kiss at the San Francisco airport. There was so much promise in that kiss. We had talked on the phone many times since then. Phone calls can hardly take the place of face to face contact. Would we be able to just pick up where we had left off? Here I was again, drowning in a tide of questions. David had a way of putting me in an unbalanced state. We had yet to establish the foundations of a solid relationship. I guess that was what this visit was all about, but would it resolve all the issues we had with pursuing a relationship across space and time?

The day came and I had managed to get a decent night's sleep. I knew David had gotten into town late the night before. Now, I had to wait for his call. What to wear? I had some coffee. Food was not even remotely interesting. I tried to read my Bible and pray from the list I had tucked into the front cover. My mind kept wandering so I just asked the Lord for grace and took a shower. I worried that the call would come while I was in the shower, but there was nothing for it. I refused to skip any steps and was happy there were no messages on the phone when I came out of the bathroom. I thought David might sleep in since he got in so late. I made myself slow down and thought about our first moments to come. David had said that he loved my golden brown hair and blue eyes. My complexion was what some might call peaches and cream. I could easily get a sunburn, so I avoided too much of that and was not one to lie in the open. I did not turn brown. Growing up in Arizona had taught me the painful lesson of too much sun.

Arizona, I had some fond memories of the dynamics of living in a desert environment. I grew up with bats, scorpions, tarantulas, and Gila monsters. We would tie June bugs on a string and watch them fly around in circles. Extra-large cockroaches would pop out of holes in the ground scaring and scattering us kids in all directions. We had massive dust storms that would engulf the whole area of Scottsdale and Phoenix. We lived at the foot hills of the Superstation Mountains. You can imagine all the mileage kids got out of the mystery and legends of the area. Most people think the desert is empty space. Far from it. The cacti are numerous: from the large and stately saguaro to the ubiquitous and sneaky cholla. As a child, I had many run ins with cholla. The spines had little hooks on them and you just had to brush by them, and they would attach to your clothing or skin and wheedle their way in. It took an adult with skill and lots of tears before you could get rid of them. If you ever fell into one, man, it was all over. There are friendlier types of cactus: barrel, ocotillo, and prickly pear that are even used by native peoples as food. There are stories of people surviving the desert thirst by cutting open a barrel cactus and drinking its stored water. I never tried it. Thank goodness I never got lost in the desert.

The sound of the phone call, the long-awaited phone call, jolted me from my reverie. Joy.

All I needed was that one word, and I knew my dreams were manifesting in that instant. It was David. He was in Boise and would I like to meet him for breakfast at the Red Lion Inn. I realized he was setting up a neutral location so we both could ease into our reunion. I agreed and we set the time. My excitement grew as I finished getting ready and headed out the door to meet the man I had come to love. Yes, there it was. I love David. I didn't want to guard my heart any longer. I was all in.

I entered the hotel lobby and headed to the restaurant. I stopped at the entrance and found David sitting in the location I expected, a corner table with his back against the wall. Ever the law enforcement agent he had to keep watch on the whole scene. Our eyes met and my knees felt like jelly. There he was in all his handsome strength. His dark hair was a little longer and wavier than I remembered. His dark eyes were dancing. I walked across the floor as calmly as I could manage and David rose to greet me. We embraced. It was heaven to be in his arms again. We leaned back to look at each other and David whispered one word. Beautiful.

Of course I was blushing as he pulled out a chair and I sat down trying to act naturally. Smiling from ear to ear we both waited to see who would start our conversation. What to say when we had waited so long to talk in person?

David finally broke the ice. You look lovely. After so many phone calls it's great to see you and share a meal. I hope this is the first of many.

You look pretty great yourself, I said as my eyes drank him in. David really was very handsome in a man's man kind of way. You could see his Jewish roots in his dark hair and eyes. His eyes, so full of wisdom and good humor; I had been dreaming of those eyes both waking and sleeping. Now here he was. How were we going to start the process of building back the connection and friendship we had shared in Ashland and Berkeley?

The waitress came and took our orders, and we waited while she filled our coffee cups. We busied ourselves with our coffee. I liked cream and honey, David preferred his black. After a few sips, I asked, How were your conference and your flight to Boise?

With a safe topic established, we fell into a familiar, friendly chat. I finally asked what was top of mind. Tell me about your investigation into Milo Ripley

Two weeks ago one of my sources called to let me know he had a lead on Ripley. He has a new name. No surprise there and a new scam.

I would not have expected anything else, I commented.

He was spotted in Sedona, Arizona.

At the mention of Arizona, my heart took a flip. Place of my birth and recent reverie, Arizona was a place I knew well. However, the ritzy area of Sedona was not a place I had frequented very often. Just the name, Sedona, brought up visions of wealthy, beautiful people doing yoga on a red rock. Red rock! My dream came back with a rush that made me catch my breath.

What's wrong? David asked with concern.

I gathered myself and proceeded to tell David about my dream. He sat silent for some time and then nodded his head. I know God is guiding us again, just like He did in Ashland. We both know your dreams are messages that we best not ignore. That leads me to the other part of my news. I have received authorization to retain you as my consultant again for the continuation of our mission to bring Ripley to justice. The kidnapping case is still open. If you are able, we can begin as soon as Monday.

I was stunned. My mind began to whirl with details and possibilities. If indeed my dream was a warning, this investigation could be very dangerous. I would not let fear keep me from following God's lead or hinder the quest to track down Milo Ripley. He may have slipped away in Ashland, but here was an opportunity to force him to face his crimes against Jacob and Claire.

I am not only able I am ready and willing, I answered David's last question emphatically. We sat looking into each other's eyes as all the possibilities swirled around us. It was one of those moments in time where everything stands still and you feel like you have just stepped through the looking glass.

Now let's see who had the waffle? The waitress broke the spell, and we forced ourselves to attend to the immediate issues of life. I don't think either of us was particularly hungry at that moment. However, we went through the motions of answering and thanking the waitress. David and I took a few tentative bites. Somehow the routine of eating brought us both back down to earth, a little.

I hoped you would answer in the affirmative. As soon as we are finished with breakfast, I'll get the ball rolling. Arizona, here we come.

We spent the rest of our breakfast time nailing down details and tasks to be done before Monday. I needed to talk to my friend Ellen and see if she was available to keep an eye on my home, plants, mail, etc. David would need to coordinate with his boss and secure lodging in Sedona. All we had was a name, Amos Jeremiah. It sounded like either an Old Testament prophet or a hill country patriarch. Maybe it was a combination of both. What could Ripley be planning now? I knew it would involve power and money. Those were the hall marks of his mode of operation. And from my dream, I was pretty sure guns would be included.

Chapter 2

It was a whirlwind weekend. I had to pack and plan to be away for a few days. David was on the phone a lot hashing out details with his office. We decided to drive to Sedona so we could use my car for the trip and to pull off our cover as a vacationing couple from Boise, Idaho.

The only tricky part of that was how to manage our room reservations. In Ashland, we always had separate rooms, and the boundaries of our relationship were somewhat secure.

Even though we had been very busy, we managed to spend some alone time at my home in the evenings. We began to feel comfortable in our togetherness. There were even some moments of intimacy on my front room couch. Kissing and holding each other was so satisfying, and we began to get back to our mutual admiration without compromising our dedication to celibacy. We both felt very strongly that sexual fulfillment should only be expressed within the confines of marriage. This was not our first rodeo, as they say. David had been married and even had a grown son. I had been married long ago and before coming back to the Lord, had a few worldly relationships.

I suggested we would still need our separate rooms but would use a cover story of needing space and separate bathrooms to keep us sane. David thought that would work since he knew of couples who maintained separate spaces in their home, especially if it was their second marriage. Sometimes it was a matter of a snoring issue or restless leg syndrome. We would leave that part to the imagination.

We attended my church in Boise on Sunday morning. I introduced David as my friend from California. Many of my friends knew the story of our search for Rallen Mandu and gave me a knowing look when shaking hands with David. Many more would know the whole story when my second book was published in a few months. David knew of the content of the book but had yet to read the manuscript. I was nervous about his reaction when he read about his character. The story was a mix of true life and spiritual revelation. The adventures we had in Ashland certainly gave me plenty of material to work with. We sat at my dining table that evening going over the last minute details of our trip. David asked, When do I get to read your manuscript for your second book? You know I was impressed by your first one. You're a great writer, and I'm not surprised they snapped up this second one.

Well, you know, my new book is a bit more personal. I reveal a lot of my thoughts and feelings from when I first met you. I wouldn't want you to get a big head when you see how impressive I have painted you.

I think I can handle it, David said with a twinkle in his eye.

So before he left for his hotel that evening, I gave him a copy of my unpublished book. We hugged and set the time for our early departure the next morning. I didn't know if the butterflies I felt as he left were from anticipation of our trip or of David's reaction to my story.

It took some time to unwind and get some sleep that night. The new day came way too soon. I picked David up early Monday morning. He was waiting in the lobby with his suitcase. We hugged our hello and went straight to the car to begin our journey to Arizona. We had decided to play our stops by ear. We would take turns driving and stop when we needed gas or food. The passenger would be the navigator with an assortment of maps in the glove compartment. My 1997 Pontiac Grand Am was comfortable and got pretty good gas mileage. It was reliable, and I was sure it would get us all the way to Sedona. Before we set out, we held hands and asked the Lord's blessing and protection on our journey and mission. I was the first driver. David checked the maps, but I was confident our first leg would take us through Salt Lake City. It was about four hours and would be a good lunch stop. With our direction and route settled, we sat back to enjoy the ride. The scenery outside of Boise was mostly high desert so conversation was the distraction we needed.

Tell me more about your lead on Ripley, I asked.

You know the millennial change is coming up in a little over a year. I'm sure you've heard about all the end of the world rumors.

Unfortunately, yes. It doesn't take much to bring all the crazies out of the wood work.

You can imagine Ripley is capitalizing on that one. He has organized a group of doomsday believers who are preparing to survive and thrive during the mass confusion they predict will occur when all the computers fail, and the world descends into an every man for himself society. He has built himself up as a ‘prophetic voice' crying in the wilderness. He says God has given him the blueprint for repentance and survival.

I don't even know how to process that. He certainly needs to repent, but I wouldn't want to follow him down that rabbit hole of fear. I took