Invisible Wars: The New Sentinels

By Walter A. Job, Jr. and Mary Rose

Life is a mystery! So it is said. We are living day after day by the roll of the dice with lady luck with us or against us. Our whole world left to fate and the hand we were dealt with? Or do we all find ourselves facing a turning point where we learn that it is all by design? During a conversation between Elyon, The Lord of Light and Apollyon, the lord of darkness. Elyon reveals six new Novice Warriors that have yet to met each other. Apollyon rages and vows that they will be his new servants and begins tormenting them. Elyon sends two Warriors of Light, Sebastian and Travis to locate and bring the Novices together and also train them for the fight that is unseen by the masses. Apollyon's dark forces led by Percy and Fia are also sent to find and turn the Novices away from the Light. Will they be successful?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Dec 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781977260505

Walter A. Job, Jr.

Walter A Job, Jr a story teller at heart was raised in the small town of Ocean Springs along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. He has always been interested in Archaeology, History and Science Fiction and has traveled extensively. He still loves to travel when able. Having lived in numerous places he currently lives in Woodland, California with his wife and two mini dachshunds and has family nearby.

Book preview

Chapter One

Thousands of candle flames flickered throughout the darkness and their glow dances on rock walls. Displaying an occasional but very quick glimpses of shifting shapes in the shadows from the candle light on one side of the very large chamber while the other side of the chamber is brightly lit. In the center of the room is a large table with different colors of changing sand patterns. Surrounding the table and separating both sides of the chamber is a wall of crystal clear water dividing the light from the darkness.

Both sides have very large antique framed mirrors facing the water wall which had constantly changing images from the sand reflected in them. Also they each have smaller framed mirrors floating in the air near by the large mirror. On the dark side, light flickers and reflects the shadowy figures like wisps of smoke while on the illuminated side a beam of light shimmers constantly with what looks like gold dust sparkling within it to the mirror.

The two figures, one dressed in a shimmering white opalescent suit and the other in a suit that looked like polished black onyx and molten lava that glowed in the candle light are standing near the large mirror on their respective sides of the chamber and glancing briefly at the new images that emerged and displayed. The figure in the black suit motioned with his left hand and the flames to the candles would rise as a shadow figure would pass through the floating mirror leaving a ripple. The figure in white would motion with his right hand and a flash of bright light would pass through the floating mirror on that side displaying a similar ripple.

And what do we have here Elyon? the very handsome man with eyes the color of black pearls hissed menacingly. New Novices of the Light? as the images separated from the others and were now stationary near the top of the large mirror.

Novices for the moment Apollyon, but they’re destined to be fierce and devoted Warriors of Light, Elyon replied clearly looking at two frozen images.

One of the images is of a very beautiful young woman with dark chestnut brown hair and brownish green eyes that accentuated her light olive complexion. The other is a very handsome young man with light brown eyes and red hair; both in their early to mid twenties.

Destined to be? So they’re unaware of one another? Apollyon asked gleefully while his movements became more animated while looking at the images and then at Elyon.

Through his penetrating fiery bright silver blue eyes Elyon glanced briefly towards Apollyon and then over towards the large tapestry and then back towards the large mirror and replied Yes.

One lives in the city where they both work and the other lives in a different city and travels back and forth. Apollyon said smugly as he brought his index fingers with their very long nails to his lips.

Again yes, Elyon replied calmly studying the frozen images.

I have already begun tormenting the Novices. Very soon they will curse the light and will instead embrace me! Apollyon taunted as he glared through the crystal clear wall.

Torment them as you wish, you cannot kill them for they will soon be united, Elyon said unperturbed. And they will never turn away from the light, as he weaved more rows into the giant tapestry.

His eyes like molten lava and his breath formed wisps of steam as he leaned closer towards the crystal clear wall. Apollyon retorted Not this time! This time they will turn away!

It is as I said, the Light will overcome the Dark, Elyon serenely replied.

That will never happen! Apollyon raged his face changing and becoming more grotesque while turning away and then he quickly motioned twice with his left hand and the sound of low moaning was heard as two shadow figures went through the floating mirror leaving a ripple effect.

It will happen and their bonds will be unbreakable. Elyon said with a smile as he motioned twice with his right hand and a bright flash and a trumpet sounded as two illuminated figures went through the floating mirror leaving a series of ripples.

Four new images separated from the other moving images and also became stationary beside the images of the young man and young woman. The first was of a very beautiful woman in her mid twenties with blonde hair and dark eyes that would briefly change to those of a snake before changing back again. The second was of a very handsome man in his late twenties or early thirties with dark hair and his eyes, which like those of the woman’s, would also change. The third was of a handsome man also in his late twenties with blond hair and piercing blue eyes. And the fourth was a handsome young man with a dark olive complexion and jet black curly hair in his mid twenties.

Percy Knight and Fia Oleander, my very cunning servants will prevail and the Novices Raya Thomas and Holden Standhope will never become Warriors of Light, Apollyon gloated. Instead they and the so called Chosen Witnesses will all become my loyal servants and do my bidding, while looking at the swirling dark mist in an alley, as the man with dark hair dressed in an expensive overcoat and dark suit walked out of the alley and across the trolley tracks and over towards the black Audi A8 sedan. He then looked with glee at another dark mist under some trees near the yellow gold tower bridge and the blonde dressed in very expensive dark clothes emerged from the trees and got into the back passenger seat of the black BMW 750 sedan waiting at the traffic light.

My humble servants Sebastian Goode and Travis Straton will unite the Novices and they along with their Chosen Witnesses will prevail, Elyon calmly replied. He watched the first flash of bright light and saw the tall blond wearing worn sneakers, faded jeans, tee shirt, zip up hooded jacket and large backpack walk out of the alley and towards the approaching cable car.

Then he looked at the other flash of bright light also under some trees near the yellow gold tower bridge and watching the tall young man with jet black curly hair wearing torn and faded jeans, sneakers, sweatshirt and worn leather jacket carrying a similar large backpack walk out from under the trees and down the sidewalk away from the bridge and towards the bus stop.

The black Audi came to a stop in front of one of the multistoried luxury high rise San Francisco apartment buildings. The very tall driver got out and quickly walked around to open the rear passenger door. Will there be anything else that you require Mr. Knight? the driver asked his breath causing visible steam in the cool night air as he saw Percy and a gorgeous brunette in her mid twenties wearing a slinky blue mini dress and matching blue cape get out of the car.

No Lars, Percy said in lightly accented English. After you’ve parked the car you may retire to your quarters. I’ll summon you when I want you, his breath visible as he looked up at the tall and very broad shouldered young man.

Yes Mr. Knight, Lars replied nodding his head and closing the car door.

Percy glanced back briefly as he saw the Audi pull away and then he and the brunette walked towards the lobby doors as he saw the doorman hold it open for them. Good evening, he said with a sardonic smile walking past the doorman.

Good evening Sir and Madame, replied the doorman closing the door and watching the couple walk towards the elevators.

Percy whistled softly as he and the brunette stepped out of the elevator and walked down the very short hall to the doors of the penthouse. They were met at the doors by an attractive and petite young woman in her late teens or early twenties with brown eyes and short flaxen hair dressed in a maid’s uniform, who smiled as she stepped aside to let them inside. Thank you and what do I call you? he asked looking down at the young woman as they handed her the overcoat and blue cape.

My name is Astrid Mr. Knight, She replied in French looking up at him.

You may go. I’ll summon you if I need you, Percy replied flatly in French.

Yes Mr. Knight, Astrid replied with a curtsied nod and then hung up the coat and cape before she started to walk down the hall.

Why don’t you pour us a drink my dear, Percy said in English looking at the brunette.

Coming right up Mr. Knight, the brunette replied smiling and walking over to the decanter set on the side table next to one of the leather sofas.

Hmm not the plushest accommodations, but it will suffice I suppose, Percy said dismissively looking around the ornate and very expensively furnished room and then at the spectacular view of the city from the floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors and balcony.

We’re glad that you find the Master’s choice of accommodations err tolerable. A deep voice said very flatly behind him.

Lord Leviathan! Percy cried as he spun around and saw the very large figure dressed in a black suit standing in the living room as the strong sulfur smell permeated the room and also saw the brunette and Astrid kneeling with their heads bowed. I-I meant no disrespect to our Master, he stammered lowering his head and kneeling.

The Master knows how loyal you are, so there’s no need to worry little serpents, Leviathan replied smoothly looking at the brunette and Astrid and then at Percy and motioned for them to rise.

Then my Lord Leviathan, why are you here? Percy asked looking up at the massive and ever expanding figure.

To let you know how much we truly trust your cunning and deceptive capabilities, Leviathan said with a slight smile. We have already dispatched many Dark Disciples as well as several of Legion’s Spawn and also some of Lord Asmodeus’ children to aid you in locating both Novices; Raya Thomas and Holden Standhope. He glanced at Astrid who smiled and his mass expanded and then glanced at the brunette who also smiled and his mass expanded even more.

I’m deeply honored and the Master can be assured that I and Fia will succeed in turning the Novices and Chosen Witnesses away from the Light, Percy said with a broad smile looking up at Leviathan.

We have no doubt, Leviathan said. But you must also be made aware that just as the Master has sent you here to San Francisco and the always stunning Fia to Sacramento, that the Lord of Light has summoned Sebastian to oppose you and Travis to oppose Fia, looking down at Percy, the brunette and Astrid.

They won’t stop me or us from succeeding that I promise, Percy said smiling. Especially with the children of Asmodeus and those from Legion’s Spawn along with the Dark Disciples under my direct, err our direct command, he puffed out his chest and his eyes changed to those of a snake while looking at Leviathan.

Then see to it! Leviathan coldly replied as his voice echoed and his large mass became a dark mist and disappeared leaving only the very strong sulfur smell behind.

Percy watched Astrid walk down the hall and then he turned and walked over to the brunette. Thank you my dear, he said. By the way what is your name? as he looked at her while taking the glass from her hand.

It’s Lydia Mr. Knight, she replied smiling and looking up at him while her eyes changed to those of a snake as she took a sip of her drink.

Lydia, that’s a charming name, Percy said taking a sip of his drink. You may go, I’ll summon you later, he said dismissing her while answering his cell phone. Hello Fia. How’s Sacramento? he asked.

Not quite what I expected, Fia said in heavier accented English. My luxury apartment is rather on the smaller side, but will have to do for the short time I’m here, as she looked around the spacious and very beautifully furnished living room.

I’m sure that you’ll make do, Percy replied nonchalantly.

Yes I suppose I shall especially with two of the amenities that came with it, Fia replied with a light purr looking over and smiling to the two handsome, muscular young men one with short brown hair and the other with short platinum blond hair standing by the thin attractive dirty blonde maid as the one with short brown hair began walking over towards her with a glass of champagne.

Now Fia, no devouring the help, Percy chided. Well at least not yet.

Spoilsport, Fia snorted taking the glass of champagne. Thank you Leo, she said. You, Dack and Pillar may go for now. I’ll summon you and Dack a bit later Leo, she watched as the young man nodded and then he, the maid and the blond left the room.

Yours is named Leo and mine is called Lydia, Percy said with a grin taking a sip from his drink.

And I’m quite sure that you’ll find her very charming too, Fia said smugly. Although I would have thought that a Domestic like Pillar or whatever yours is named would be just your thing Darling, taking a sip of champagne.

I see that your wit hasn’t changed or improved my dear, Percy replied curtly.

Since we’re not in Rome, I need to keep it very simple for a provincial like you to understand darling, Fia snickered walking towards the curtains.

Always the little poison tongue viper my dear, Percy retorted.

Yes always, Fia replied tauntingly.

Despite your antiquated jabs my dear, Percy said sarcastically. I’m going to be a gentleman and let you know that we have additional assistance from some Dark Disciples as well as from Legion’s Spawn and a few children of Lord Asmodeus with locating the Novices Raya Thomas and Holden Standhope, setting his drink down.

How marvelous darling, Fia said smiling. And as a ‘gentleman’; are there any other tidbits you’d like to share? Or are they to remain a closely guarded secret? she set her champagne glass down and opened the curtains and looked at the illuminated city.

Since you did ask, Percy said. Lord Leviathan informed me personally just prior to your ringing me, that the Lord of Light has dispatched Sebastian and Travis to try and stop me err us, such fools that those peasants are. He grinned as he heard her click her tongue.

That is indeed an interesting bit of news, Fia scoffed as she picked up her glass.

Yes it is, Percy replied flatly as he loosened his tie.

Well then, let the fun begin, Fia said sarcastically, Ciao, her eyes changed to those of a snake as she ended the call and glared at the pulsating bright Teal glow.

Ciao, Percy replied looking at his phone and then putting it in his pocket. He picked up his drink and walked back to the windows. Indeed, let the fun begin, he said smirking as he took a sip of his drink and looked at the pulsating bright Teal glow in the city skyline.

Sebastian watched the cable car pass by him as he crossed the busy street with the pedestrian light with other people and walked down the sidewalk past various shops, restaurants, bars and other businesses. After walking several blocks he stopped in front of an older apartment building and went inside. He glanced briefly in the direction of angry voices coming from one of the first floor apartments and heard the noise subside as he continued to walk up the stairs to the top floor. He stopped at one of the doors, reached above the door frame and took down the key and unlocked it and then walked inside. Thank you Father for this wonderful place you’ve provided as shelter, he said in lightly accented English smiling while closing the door behind him. He set the backpack down and walked into the simply furnished living room. He had just walked over to the curtains and pulled them back to view the city through the French Doors when he heard a knock on his door.

He walked over to the door and smiled. Come in Raphael, he said. It’s good to see you, opening the door and looking at the handsome average height man with jet black hair pulled into a pony tail and deep blue eyes wearing very faded jeans, old sneakers, tee shirt and worn trench coat.

Hello Sebastian, Raphael said with a smile. Father sent Phanuel and I to prepare the way for you and Travis, walking into the apartment.

Judging from your beard, I’d say that you’ve been here for some time, Sebastian said as he stroked his chin.

True, Raphael said with a chuckle. But Father’s timing is always perfect, looking up at Sebastian.

Yes it is, Sebastian said chuckling. May I offer you some food and something to drink? as he closed the door.

Thank you for the offer but I can’t stay. There is a bicycle hanging on the wall in the hall which you may find easier to use at times to get around the city traffic, Raphael said cheerfully. Everything else that you need for the time being is here in this envelope. He handed Sebastian a large envelope.

Thank you again Father. Sebastian said opening the envelope.

The cell phone has Travis’ number programmed in so that you can communicate with each other by either calling or texting. Raphael said smiling. One last thing before I go, the keys to the safe house that you will eventually take the Novices and Chosen Witnesses to when the time is right are also in the envelope, looking up at the tall blond.

I don’t see an address, Sebastian started.

Please kneel and close your eyes, Raphael said calmly. I’m sharing with you everything that Father wants you to know for now. He placed his hands on Sebastian’s head and a bright light filled the room.

I understand Father, Sebastian replied smiling. He opened his eyes and looked around the now empty living room as he stood back up.

While in Sacramento Travis stepped off the bus adjusted his backpack and then crossed through the park near the domed Capital building and then down the sidewalk for a few blocks before turning and then walking towards the older silver Nissan Sentra which flashed it’s lights at him. He saw the front passenger side window open. Not this side, the handsome young man with light brown hair and beard sitting in the front passenger seat said shaking his head looking up at him.

Hi Phanuel it’s great to see you. Travis replied in accented English and smiled as he walked around to the driver’s side, opened the rear door to place his backpack before getting into the car.

Hi Travis, Father sent me and Raphael ahead to prepare the way for you and Sebastian. Here you go, the envelope contains all that you’ll need for now including a cell phone with Sebastian’s number saved in your contacts, the keys to both this wonderful car and the apartment here in Sacramento for you to use, Phanuel said with a smile handing Travis the large padded envelope.

I see an extra set of keys, Travis replied looking in the envelope and then up at Phanuel.

There is also a key to the safe house among them so that you can take the Novices and Chosen Witnesses to it when it’s time, Phanuel said. Please close your eyes as Father has instructed me to share with you all he requires you to know for now, placing one hand on Travis’ head and one hand on his chest as the car was suddenly filled with a bright flash of light.

Thank you Father and I understand. Travis said opening his eyes and looking at the empty passenger seat. He smiled as he buckled his seatbelt and started the car. He glanced over his shoulder and saw a break in the traffic and eased away from the curb and drove down the street.

A few minutes later, Travis turned into the parking lot of a large apartment complex found his assigned parking space and parked the car. He put the envelope in his backpack and walked over to the stairs and walked up to the top floor. He unlocked the door to the number printed on the keychain and walked in. Father, I thank you for all that you’ve provided for me including this palatial shelter, he said softly and smiled as he looked around the small, clean and very simply furnished living room. He reached for his phone looked at Sebastian’s number and pushed the call button. Hi Sebastian, I saw Phanuel who gave me as they say the 411. He said as he picked up his backpack and walked towards the bedroom.

Yes I was visited by Raphael who also gave me the same information, Sebastian replied.

So Fia and Percy were sent by the Dark One to turn the Novices and Chosen Witnesses, Travis said calmly. Along with utilizing Dark Disciple muscle, they’re also involving Hounds, Hunter Trackers and Dark Children, walking back into the living room.

Yes it appears so, Sebastian said softly. I’ve got Percy located, as he saw the bright Red glow in the city skyline.

Travis walked over to the curtains and pulled them open. I have pinpointed Fia, he said looking at the pulsating Red glow among the city lights.

And they can also pinpoint us as well, Sebastian replied.

Yes and it makes it much harder for them to locate the Novices and Chosen Witnesses, Travis said with a grin standing in front of the window as he saw the bright Purple and Blue Violet glows and then at the other bright Orange, Amber, Yellow and Pea Green glows in the night time skyline.

Yes it does, Sebastian said. And the Novices are in for another restless night, as he opened the French Doors and stepped out onto the small balcony patio.

That’s true too, Travis replied.

I’ll talk to you later, Sebastian said. Good night Travis, as he ended the call and watched the bright Purple and Blue Violet glows along with the other bright Orange, Amber, Yellow and Pea Green glows in the city.

Later Sebastian, Travis replied placing his phone down on the coffee table.

Chapter Two

MID FEBRUARY

Holden walked past the rows of slot machines on his way out of the casino floor in Sacramento and towards the parking garage to drive back to his apartment. He glanced down at his watch and saw that it was a little after 11:15 p.m. Sunday. I can get a good couple of hours of sleep once I’m back in my apartment before I have to get back up and catch the early Monday morning train into San Francisco for work, he thought as he walked through the doors and into the parking garage. Thirty minutes later he pulled into his space and got out of his blue Acura RDX and walked towards his apartment.

He unlocked the door to his apartment and went inside turning on the lights while closing the door. What the hell! he said. Who’s here! as he heard the sound of running water coming from his bathroom. He cautiously walked towards the bathroom door with his fist clenched ready to strike as he gently pushed it open and looked in. I know that I heard the shower! Or at least I thought I heard the shower! he exclaimed as he saw the empty and dry tub and shook his head.

He reached in and turned the water on and glanced towards the mirror as he pulled his polo shirt over his head when he saw the very beautiful brunette with dark chestnut brown hair standing in the doorway mouthing the words help me. He spun around but she wasn’t there and walked out of the bathroom and looked around the empty living room before walking quickly to his front door and opened it and looked out into the empty stairwell and walkways. I know I saw what I just saw! he breathed shaking his head and closing the door again.

He made sure that the door was securely locked and chained before walking back towards his bathroom and then finished taking off his clothes. He stepped into the shower and pulled the shower door closed. Whoa this is some really hot water, he said as he reached over and turned more cold water on but instead of getting cooler the temperature became hotter. He then moved the lever all the way over to the cold side but the water continued to get hotter.

"Aah he cried as he felt the scalding water which was now quickly filling the tub as he tried to turn off the water but the lever wouldn’t budge and neither would the shower door. He gave the knob a good yank but nothing happened. His eyes became wide and he cried out as he saw the blistering of his skin on his feet and legs. He tried again to open the shower door but it still wouldn’t budge no matter which one he tried and he ended up losing his balance and slipped into the tub, the pain intensified as he was submerged and several pairs of arms with sharp claws broke through the tub and grabbed him. He tried to scream but the boiling water filled his mouth instantly blistering the inside of his mouth and tongue.

He opened his eyes with a start and looked around and saw that he was sitting in his recliner in his living room. He got up and quickly walked into his bathroom and looked into the mirror there was no blistering or scratches anywhere as he took off his shirt and jeans. That was very intense, vivid and completely insane! he breathed as he felt his racing heart begin to calm down as he walked out of his bathroom towards his bedroom.

Oh snap! he cried looking down at his watch and saw that it was nearly 6:10 a.m. Monday morning and he ran back into the living room, picked up his cell phone and quickly dialed a number. Hi Tessa it’s me, he said. Sorry but I over slept and just got up! I’m going to drive myself and I’ll meet you guys at the office.

Okay just be safe, we’ll see you when you get to the office, Tessa replied.

Thanks, Holden replied as he disconnected the call and headed to the bathroom.

Oh let me guess, Standhope is so not riding the train today, the tall handsome blond said with a sneer looking at the stunning Latina as she slipped her cell phone back into her purse.

Yes Adam, Holden will not be riding the train with us, he over slept and is driving in. Tessa replied looking up at the blond and then at the tall very handsome Latino named Max and then at the beautiful young woman with auburn hair named Molly and the beautiful redhead named Judith as they boarded the train.

So you’re going to have to save any of those snide remarks until later Dude, Max said flatly glancing at Adam and then at Molly, Judith and Tessa as they sat down and the train started to move.

And Holden will either just ignore them or have a comeback reply that you can’t top and cause you to sulk and brood the rest of the day, Tessa said. Besides dude, Max, Molly, Jude and I are so frickin’ tired of your spoiled juvenile antics, looking at Adam and then at the others.

But Dude is suppose to be in charge while Mr. Alverez is in Mexico City and he’s so messing up big time, Adam said sarcastically. He’ll never make it in time before we’re suppose to open and we’re all going to be late because of it! shaking his head.

No dude we won’t be late! Tessa snapped shaking her head.

Remind me to ask for some cheese to go along with your whine when we stop for coffee on the way into the office, Judith quipped shaking her head and looking at Adam.

For real, Molly replied looking out the window.

Dude got spanked! Max chuckled.

While in San Francisco, Raya put on her ear buds and turned the volume up on the song she was listening to on her phone as she rode the exercise bike in the gym. I have another hour to finish my workout and I can still get a load of laundry done since its only 10:15 p.m. Sunday, she said softly glancing around the empty room with various exercise equipment.

She was still riding the bike when she saw in the mirror the door open and a tall very handsome redhead walked into the room. I’m almost finished on the bike if that’s what you’re waiting on, she said as she saw him pointing and shaking his head and then turned to look back at him. Where’d he go? she asked taking out her ear buds as she looked again and there was no one but her in the room and stopped peddling. Okay maybe it’s time to hit the sauna, she said getting off the bike and walking towards the locker room.

She glanced around the empty room as she took off her workout clothes and wrapped a towel around her and then put her clothes and phone into her locker and then walked over to the sauna and stepped inside closing the door. This time of night especially on a Sunday is oh so quiet and relaxing, she thought laying on the bench and closing her eyes. She opened them as she felt the steam becoming hotter and heard a squeaking sound by the door and sat back up. Just a few more minutes and then a nice cold shower, she breathed as she felt the sweat rolling down her face. She glanced over towards the door and her eyes widened as she saw the redhead his face all blistered writing the word Danger! with a blistered finger on the glass.

She got up from the bench and went to the sauna door to step out but it wouldn’t budge. What the hell! she said as she tried the knob but it wouldn’t turn. She felt the steam getting hotter as she began coughing and pushed harder on the door. Hey! she cried. Is there anyone there! as she began banging on the door and glass as the steam got thicker and hotter making breathing more difficult.

Someone help me please! she cried as she continued to bang on the door and yelped as she burned her hand on the door knob and the small space became extremely hot and let out a shriek as she saw the large shadow of a snake pass by the window while the hot air burned her lungs.

Raya opened her eyes and looked wildly around her bedroom and took a deep breath. That was intense and completely nuts! she breathed sitting up with her hands to her face as she shook her head. Oh crap! she cried as she saw the time on her phone which displayed 6:45 a.m. Monday and quickly walked into the bathroom to turn on her shower.

Thirty minutes later Raya finished applying her mascara, eye shadow and light makeup. She pulled her hair back into a pony tail and then walked out of her bedroom. She picked up her purse which she put in the large messenger bag and walked out of her apartment. A few minutes later, she stepped out of the elevator and walked across the lobby of her building and towards the doorman.

Good morning Miss. He cheerfully said with a thick Irish brogue while holding the door open for her.

Morning Gus, Raya replied with a forced smile glancing briefly at him as she walked out the door.

Have a good day Miss. Gus called out after her and saw her nod her head.

Morning Byron, Raya said answering her phone while walking down the sidewalk.

Good morning Raya, Byron said. Where are you? Dolly, Freddie and me are inside the restaurant.

I’m running late and am on my way, I’ll be there in ten minutes, Raya replied ending the call and began walking quicker down the sidewalk.

Right, Byron replied with a smile putting his cell phone back in his pocket.

Well I don’t see her anywhere in here, the very beautiful blonde with blue eyes said looking up at the tall handsome young Eurasian as she saw him put his phone away and then up to the handsome young blue eye blond standing next to her.

She’s running late but on her way Dolly, Byron replied calmly looking at her and then at their friend.

She’s always running late but on her way, Dolly said. I thought that she would have shocked me by actually being here early, shaking her head.

By the time we’re seated she’ll be here Dolly, the young blond said smiling looking at her and then at Byron and then over towards the doors as a tall very handsome young man with very dark hair and dark blue eyes along with a very beautiful young woman with light brown hair and deep green eyes walked inside.

I know Freddie, Dolly replied looking up at him.

Morning, the young woman said with a smile. Guess we’re waiting on Raya, looking at Dolly, Byron, Freddie and then up at the tall brunette.

When aren’t we waiting on her Angela, the brunette replied with dripping sarcasm looking at her and then at the others as the doors opened and Raya walked in.

Morning, sorry I’m late, Raya said softly looking up at Byron, Freddie and then looked at the others as the host showed them to a large rectangle table.

Another late night hook up girlfriend? the brunette asked flatly glancing towards Raya as they sat down.

No Lyle, I over slept, Raya replied glancing up at him with a flash of anger in her eyes for a minute and then back to her menu.

If you say so, Lyle replied nonchalantly glancing back towards Raya and then at the others as he heard them gasp.

Dude quit being so rude! Freddie said sharply. It’s not like you’ve never over slept before and kept all of us waiting. Because you have numerous times, glancing at Lyle and then at the others who nodded and then at Raya while he clenched and unclenched his fist under the table.

Dude I didn’t ask you and I wasn’t intentionally trying to be rude to girlfriend, Lyle said defensively. I’m sorry if you thought I was, glaring intently at Freddie and then at the others.

Dude we know you’re sorry now apologize, Dolly quipped looking up at Lyle and shaking her head.

Ooh Dude got burned! Angela said with a grin looking at Lyle and then at the others.

If I were ever to consider a late night hook up with someone; It definitely wouldn’t be with you dude! Raya shot back without looking up at Lyle.

Ooh Dude got definitely roasted! Dolly gleefully replied as she saw the waiter come walking towards them to take their order.

Yes he certainly did. Byron replied staring at Lyle and shaking his head. He’s lucky I didn’t lay him out! he thought as he unclenched his fist.

Good one girlfriend, Lyle replied softly shaking his head. Always love the challenge of the chase, he thought looking towards Raya and then at the others.

As Holden drove his blue Acura RDX down Westbound Interstate 80 towards San Francisco and Raya and the others with her eating breakfast; Percy walked into the living room of the penthouse and saw Astrid walking carrying a tray with a gold coffee pot and a bone china cup and saucer on it. Not now Astrid, I’ll let you know when I want some coffee, he said very coldly looking at her and saw her nod her head as he walked over towards the wall panel and pushed two buttons.

Yes Mr. Knight, Astrid replied as she turned and walked back towards the kitchen. She saw both Lydia and Lars walking towards the living room.

Morning Mr. Knight, Lydia said with a smile looking at Percy and then up at Lars.

Morning sir, Lars said.

I need you two to drive to Sacramento and see if you can locate either the Novice Raya Thomas’ work place or her residence, Percy said. I’ll text you several workplace prospects there.

Yes Mr. Knight, Lydia said. And if we’re unable to locate her? looking up at Percy.

Then we’ll know that she is the one who lives and works here in San Francisco and adjust the search accordingly, Percy replied coldly looking intently at them and dismissing them with a wave of his hand.

Yes Mr. Knight, Lars replied as he and Lydia walked towards the front doors.

While in Sacramento, Fia was sitting in her living room with a cup of espresso that Pillar had given her and saw both Leo and Dack walking towards her. Good morning Darlings, she said with a smile. I want you two to search this city to see if you can locate both the Novice Holden Standhope’s workplace as well as his nest here. If you’re not able to locate a work place here then we’ll adjust our search pattern further West to San Francisco, taking a sip of her espresso and looking up at them.

Yes My Lady, Dack replied nodding his head.

Yes Lady Fia, Leo replied with a toothy smile.

Good morning Mr. Alverez, I’m sorry to call you this early in the morning, Holden said talking through his Bluetooth while driving past the last exit for Vallejo.

That’s okay Holden what is it? Mr. Alverez replied.

There’s going to be a complaint against me from Adam because I over slept this morning and missed my train and am driving in to work so am running late, Holden said. Even though I just past Vallejo, I’m still about thirty minutes out.

Don’t worry about Mr. Black or being later than you wished to be, Mr. Alverez said. You’ll still be within that window of time to open the office.

Yes sir and I’ll take the write up if it comes down to it though, Holden replied softly as he slowed slightly because of traffic and eased over towards the express lanes to go through the toll plaza.

If I write up anyone it would be Mr. Black and if he does give you more grief then write him up. Mr. Alverez said. I’ll be flying back to San Francisco tomorrow night and will see you Wednesday morning. Bye Holden, disconnecting the call.

Bye Mr. Alverez, Holden replied taping his Bluetooth.

As Holden passed through the West bound toll heading for San Francisco, Lars and Lydia in a black Mercedes CLS were passing through the East bound toll on their way towards Sacramento. Sebastian while waiting for the pedestrian light dialed a number on his cell phone. Good morning Travis, he said cheerfully.

Morning Sebastian, Travis replied.

We have some movement. Percy is sending a Hunter Tracker and Dark Child towards Sacramento, Sebastian said. Do you need me to head your way? as he walked with the other people across the intersection.

No, I can handle them if necessary along with the Hunter Tracker and Dark Child that Fia has sent out into the city looking for the Novices, Travis said. Better not to alert either Fia or Percy of any changes to our location until it is time, looking out the window at the pulsating bright Red glow in the skyline.

Sounds good and if there’s any other changes with the Peacock’s location I’ll let you know, Sebastian replied glancing up towards his left at the pulsating bright Red glow from one of the high rise buildings several blocks away.

Same here if Fia decides to make a sudden move, Travis said. Talk to you later, and ended the call.

Bye Travis, Sebastian replied putting his phone back in his pocket.

From his view through filtered curtains in his penthouse, Percy reached for his cell phone and dialed a number. Good morning Fia did I wake you? he asked with a smile as he heard her pick up on