Day of Reckoning: Clash of the Kingdom Realms

By Patricia Carroll

In book 3 of the Clash of the Kingdom Realms trilogy, the threat of a demented charlatan continues. As Joy and David Kramer arrive in Maui, Hawaii, all they are looking forward to is some precious alone time as husband and wife. However, their honeymoon is complicated by an encounter with the man who has eluded them for months. They had been the ones to pursue him from Oregon to Arizona. Now they are the hunted. Revenge is the obsession driving their pursuer. All thoughts of a relaxing vacation are abandoned as Joy and David move into investigation mode. This madman must be found and stopped before he does more than interrupt their honeymoon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888511626

Book preview

Table of Contents

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

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

About the Author

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Day of Reckoning

Clash of the Kingdom Realms

Patricia Carroll

ISBN 979-8-88851-161-9 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88851-162-6 (Digital)

Copyright © 2023 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

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Chapter 1

November 1998

Ididn't know the man who tried to blow up my wedding would show up during my honeymoon. David and I were blissfully enjoying our time together in paradise. David had talked me into spending our special trip together in a place I knew well. He wanted us to rewrite some of my past by making new memories in Maui, Hawaii. It is a place where many newlyweds go to spend uninterrupted time together. However, that was not scheduled for us. I should have known that our lives would never settle down to domestic tranquility, having started out in the midst of turmoil and threat. Why would our honeymoon be any different?

The first premonition of what was to come arrived via a dream. God used my dreams to warn of impending dangers. They had been a reliable source of information, guiding our perspective and direction. David had his angels; I had my dreams. God had given us spiritual tools that made Mr. and Mrs. David Kramer a serious threat to the devil's agenda. We had both left our former professions to follow God's lead in bringing justice and salvation to the communities he placed us in. Through God's guidance, we had planted two growing churches in enemy strongholds in the West. As we pursued a corrupt manipulator named Milo Ripley, the Lord allowed us to be instruments of His kingdom. The very people that Ripley had used for his gain turned to Jesus when they were given the opportunity to see He was their true Messiah.

I was sitting by a beautiful waterfall. The tropical sun warmed my skin and lulled me into a sense of perfect peace. I heard a shout and looked to the pool beneath the waterfall and saw a person calling for help. I ran into the pool and swam to the person who was thrashing in the water. I tried to grab them to bring them to safety, but they overwhelmed me and pulled me under the surface. I was dragged down and down and despaired that I would ever breathe air again. I finally got a look at the face of the person I was trying to save and was shocked and horrified. It was Milo Ripley.

Joy, wake up. My mind surfaced to the present with David shaking me. You were thrashing and moaning in your sleep. Did you have another one of your dreams?

I grabbed David and clung to him for reassurance that it really was just a dream. It all seemed so real.

Yes, it was Ripley. He tried to drown me, I answered in a sleep-laden voice.

David held me and stroked my hair. I was so thankful for his presence and patience with my sometimes-frightening gift.

"Oh, David, I hope this dream isn't a warning. We should be able to enjoy our time together without him making an appearance."

Don't allow the enemy to put you in fear. You know all the times God has protected us, and I'm here as your protector as well. Not every new bride has a former police detective as a bodyguard.

I snuggled into David's embrace and began to relax. His closeness was a real dream come true. All the months we had been so close in proximity yet had to keep our distance for purity's sake were over. We were married now, and after a few weeks of waiting, we were finally allowing ourselves to enjoy some bonding time on our honeymoon. David had given his notice of retirement from the Berkeley Police Department. I had resigned my position teaching in Boise, Idaho. We were free to start our new life together. When we returned to California, we would start our new venture together as a husband-and-wife investigating team.

Okay, is it breakfast in bed, or do we go down to the restaurant? David asked.

Let's get dressed for the day. I want to see some sights and get my mind off that dream.

We had only arrived on the island a few hours ago. We had settled into our hotel room in the Royal Lahaina Resort in the evening and hadn't had time to enjoy the lush grounds and ocean view. Many memories of my time in Hawaii came flooding back as I soaked in the tropical feel of the air. The sights and smells were strong reminders of a time when I had called Lahaina home. The palm trees and hibiscus hedges brought me back to a place I thought I would never see again, but David had made it well known that he wanted to help me rewrite my island memories, with him in the story this time.

We found a seat at the terrace restaurant and ordered a light breakfast of coffee, toast, and fruit. The variety of tropical fruits was presented with artistic flare. I hesitated to disturb the beautiful display before me. David had no problem, and dug into his dish with relish. His eyebrows arched in approval as he enjoyed his first meal in Hawaii. I relaxed into the moment, and we chatted about our plans for the day. We wanted to ease into our weeklong visit. We would start out with a walk on the beach and then head into Lahaina to see the shops. Our hotel was located in Kaanapali, just north of Lahaina. I didn't hold out much hope of finding the kind of shops that had lined the streets on my last time in the town. In those days, artists and craftsmen displayed a wealth of handmade items. I knew that times had changed, and Lahaina was no longer the sleepy little town of the past. It was a full-fledged tourist attraction, but I hoped it retained some of its charm. Front Street was the main street through town and hugged the harbor.

During my communal days, I was part of the Maui family that ran a clothing store right in the middle of the stretch of Front Street, across from the seawall. We sold handmade clothing decorated with original airbrushed designs. Many of the designs spoke of our connection to alien intervention. We believed that our brothers and sisters from another more-evolved planet were guiding our ascension into cosmic consciousness that would bring a new age to our world. So depictions of flying saucers or celestial displays were included among all the palm trees and tropical flowers.

Our walk on the beach was heavenly. We played in the surf and splashed each other as we relished the sea and sand. Then it was back to our room to freshen up and head into Lahaina. We walked along Front Street, and I pointed out the shop where I worked for five years.

Not a bad gig when you had a view like that out the front door, David commented as we stood on the sidewalk outside the shop. Now it held a lot of the souvenirs that attracted visitors. If they looked closely, they would see they were all made in China.

"Yeah, there were many things about living here I loved. I enjoyed the creative work, and I was especially good at displays and staging in the shop itself."

You do have a great eye for design, David replied.

How about you, your—I mean our house looks like something out of Better Homes.

Let me set you straight there. I had help, David confessed.

What! And here I thought you were some kind of decorating genius.

Well, I might have many talents, but decorating isn't one of them. I'm smart enough to know when to call in the experts.

However it happened, I love the results. Our home is not only beautiful, it is also comfortable, and the best thing of all is that you live there, I said as I looked in his eyes with love.

An older couple walked by and gave us a knowing smile. I suppose we looked like many other honeymooners on the streets of Lahaina. I gave them a little wave, and they nodded back. We stood in that spot and soaked in the warmth of the sun and the smell of the ocean a few steps away. Just then, my stomach gave out a serious growl. I looked at David, and he said we had better find some lunch. We went down the street to the banyan tree park, found a taco stand, and ate on a bench under the massive arms of the oldest banyan tree in the area. The shade was welcome as the day was heating up. This was why Hawaii is a destination for winter-weary travelers from colder states.

What a wonderful blessing to sit here with you and have no pressure to meet a deadline or find some nefarious character, David mused.

I suppose so. Why do I keep feeling like a shoe is yet to drop?

It might be that dream. Things like that can linger for days, David explained.

Our conversation was interrupted by a boisterous laugh coming from somewhere behind us on the other side of the banyan tree. David turned around on our bench to check out the source of the disquieting sound. He quickly turned around again, and his face was full of shock. I started to turn myself when he grabbed my hand.

Don't look. You won't like what you see, David whispered.

Now I have to. You've got my curiosity up.

I took a peek over my shoulder and gasped. Luke Candle?

The hulking frame of one of Milo Ripley's bodyguards could not be mistaken for anyone else. We thought we had seen the last of him in Sedona when he and his sidekick, Tony, had an encounter with an angelic warrior. They had been so frightened they burst through a door to get away and left the town in a hurry. I knew his appearance in Lahaina was not a coincidence. My heart sank as the validity of my dream warning came flooding through me.

David took my hand, and we walked calmly to a nearby shop. Once inside, we stood by the window and looked out to watch Candle and try to make sense of the jarring sight of his intrusion into our precious honeymoon. He was in the plaza with another man I couldn't identify. They were carrying on a lively conversation punctuated by laughs that drew attention from passersby. They turned and walked out to the street and headed out away from the center of town. I looked at David, and we made a decision to follow them. I watched David's cues, as I knew he was the expert in covert observation.

Not long after we left the shelter of the banyan tree, we saw the two men duck into a courtyard across the street. High walls surrounded a two-story house buried in a grove of palm and banana trees. Whoever lived there had to have a lot of money to afford to even rent a place that large right in the heart of town. David took my hand and guided me away from the house and back down the street to a coffee shop across from the seawall. We took a seat in the corner, and of course, David sat with his back to the wall and peered intently out the open door. I ordered our coffee and sat next to him and saw him visibly relax.

I don't think they saw us, David announced.

Do you think Ripley is in that house? I couldn't disguise the fear that made my voice quaver.

David gave me a look that said it all. We had always been on our front foot when we encountered Milo Ripley in the past. We had been the ones pursuing him. Was he pursuing us?

Chapter 2

David and I were back in the relative safety of our room in Kaanapali before we felt free to discuss the situation we found ourselves in. My fear had turned to anger as I realized our special time together had just been hijacked.

What do we do? Abandon our holiday plans and track down Ripley? I asked.

No tracking down required. I'm certain he's inside that house on Front Street.

We have to take care of him before he makes a move on us, I declared.

I know, but who to notify? Who would have the biggest stake in seeing him apprehended? You remember what happened in Ashland and Sedona. Ripley had compromised the local authorities. I wouldn't be surprised if he's done the same thing here. It's his standard protocol. David was conflicted, and I didn't like seeing him put in that position.

I'm reluctant to mention this, but what about Agent Hall? He was left empty-handed when Ripley skipped Ashland. He may have had enough time to work up a vendetta that would give him sufficient motivation to see Ripley put away for good, I suggested.

That's one option. There are also the Hawaii State Police. They may want to know what kind of person is hiding out in their jurisdiction. Let me put some feelers out. It's a bit different now that I'm no longer with a law enforcement agency, but I do know how to navigate the system. David's wheels were going full speed as he made circles around the problem.

I left our room to give David uninterrupted space to make his calls. I drifted down to the main lobby and found a spot in the café. Out of a newly formed habit, I sat across from the door with my back to the wall and kept a close watch on the comings and goings in the lobby. I ordered a nonalcoholic drink that came with all the tropical trimmings. It was delicious, and I forced myself to sip it slowly. My vigil was rewarded sooner than I ever wanted when I saw a familiar face in the crowded hotel lobby. Naomi Bell, from the now-defunct One Humanity group, boldly walked up to the front desk and asked a question of the attendant. The man at the counter frowned and shook his head in the negative. Naomi was not pleased and flounced off to the hallway that led to the outdoor patio and pool.

I was so shocked to see her right there in my hotel lobby; I forgot all about my drink and jumped up. I made sure Naomi was gone before I made my way to the elevator and back to our room to warn David.

I rushed into our hotel room, and David jumped to his feet. What's wrong?

I was out of breath but managed to get out the name. Naomi!

David hurried to my side and wrapped me in his arms. His reassuring presence helped me gain my confidence.

I was having a drink in the café. She came into the lobby, just as bold as can be, and walked up to the front desk and asked the attendant something. I think she was trying to get our room number. The attendant denied her the information, and she went out to the pool area to look around. Oh, David, this is just too much of a rerun. I thought Naomi was in a prison in California somewhere.

Obviously she had help getting out of her legal entanglements. Amazing what the right lawyer and lots of money can do. She and Ripley must have a very special relationship for him to bring her back into the picture, David speculated.

What can we do? I don't think this hotel is safe for us any longer.

I may have a solution for us. Pack up our things. A friend is going to be waiting back in the service alley in just fifteen minutes, David announced.

I looked at him with unspoken questions. He just turned, pulled our suitcases out of the closet, and began folding his clothes. I had to trust David to make the best decision for our safety. I did as he asked. I double-checked the closet and bathroom for any stray items and zipped up my suitcase. David gave me a reassuring smile, and we left our room behind.

We left the hotel by way of the service elevator. Luckily we didn't encounter any staff and had no need to explain our actions. In the access alley behind the hotel, a jeep was waiting for us. David tossed our luggage into the rear compartment and then held the door to the back seat open for me. He jumped into the front passenger's seat and nodded to the driver. We left the hotel behind and drove out of the commercial area of Kaanapali quickly. Not a word was said up front, so I contented myself with the view of sugarcane fields as we drove deeper into the Maui countryside. We took a dirt road east and wound around until we met back up with the Honoapiilani Highway. It took us past Lahaina and north across the island to the more commercial town of Kahului. Our driver stopped at a gas station to fill up. As soon as he was out of the vehicle, I sat forward and put my hand on David's shoulder.

Are you going to tell me where we're going and who our mystery driver is?

David turned in his seat and took my hand. His name is Steve Benson. He used to work for the Berkeley PD. We all envied him when he got a job in Kahului, in the state police department. I let him know we were coming over, and we intended on getting together during our visit, but when we started to feel the heat from Ripley, I called him for help. He shares a holiday home up-country with his family, and they've agreed to let us stay there.

I knew all about the up-country retreats many Maui residents kept. The relentless sun of the lower elevations on the island could be very wearing, especially in the summer. The higher elevation on the slopes of Haleakala Crater was a refreshing change. In my communal days, I had spent time at our farm in the up-country climate.

Why all the cloak and dagger? I asked.

As soon as we reach our destination, I'll introduce you. I had to let Steve know how serious the situation was. He's kind of a serious type until you get to know him. Just bear with me for a while longer.

I sat back as Steve got back behind the wheel. The word serious was echoing in my mind. If these two men were taking our situation in this manner, I needed to reassess my view of it.

I got lost in the beauty of the landscape as we climbed out of the beach areas and into the mountain terrain of Haleakala. Some of the sights became familiar, and I realized we were on our way to the little town of Makawao. The retreat owned by Cosmic Earth Collective was just outside the little town. I wondered if it was still owned by some of the members of my old communal family. I certainly hoped Ripley didn't have ties to that group. We stopped at a small grocery store in town, and Steve went in, I assumed, to purchase a few fresh food items for us. He placed the bag of items on the back seat next to me, and I saw a loaf of bread and a head of lettuce, along with other staples. We left the town and wound around a series of back streets and up a long drive to a large home surrounded by island vegetation.

We're here. I'll help you with your luggage, Steve announced, finally ending his silence. He unlocked the back door, and we entered a spacious living area with windows overlooking a stunning front yard filled with flowering trees of every variety. This was not the up-country cabin I was expecting.

I'm going to build a fire to dry out the house. It's been a while since I've been here, Steve said as he busied himself with his task. I couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful garden surrounding the house. I wanted to go out and wander through it but knew I had to wait to be invited. On our way up, I had a few grudging thoughts about giving up our hotel honeymoon suite. Now I felt like I had just gotten an upgrade.

Would you like some tea? David broke into my reverie.

I turned and saw a table near the kitchen filled with cups and a vintage teapot. There were cookies on a plate and slices of mango on display.

Which magician produced this lovely table? I asked.

We both helped. You were so involved in the view we just pitched in and made it happen, David answered.

Have a seat, and I'll explain the plan to you, Steve said as he made his way to the table. "Sorry for the silent treatment in the car. I needed some time to sort things out and get my bearings. When David called, I was so surprised to hear from him it took me a while to put his request into perspective. This home belongs to my family. I have permission to use it, and I let them know some good friends would like to stay here for a few days. Please make yourselves comfortable. I need to be back in town tonight, but I'll give you a call and an update in the morning. I'll show David how to fire up the faro so you can have a soak if you like. Help yourselves to the pantry. We can restock later. I know you're here for your honeymoon. However, I could use your help with the Milo Ripley situation. He is on our radar and so far has been very hard to track down. He has a network of enablers on the island. We had him pinned down years ago and were going in for an arrest for fraudulent land deals. As you have found out, he's very slippery. David filled me in on his recent scams. It would be a big feather in my cap to finally put him in prison where he belongs."

The level of his crimes has risen lately. The Arizona State Police want him for murder, I added.

I'm not surprised. He will do anything to line his pockets and escape the consequences, Steve replied.

Steve, I want you to know, honeymoon or not, we are fully vested in the effort to track down our nemesis. Our lives were threatened in Sedona, and I don't want his escalating tactics to put anyone else in harm's way. David looked to me for confirmation.

We will bring all our talents to bear for the common goal, I declared. I looked back at David, and we acknowledged the depths of that word—talents. God had given us tools, and we would use every one of them to bring Milo Ripley to justice.

Great, I've got to shove off. Be ready for my call in the morning. Here are the keys to the car in the garage. It's not fancy, but you are welcome to use it while you're staying here. Steve gave David a ring of keys and then made a move to clear the table, but I intervened and sent him and David on their mission to check out the wooden hot tub out on the backyard deck. I was lost in thought as I cleaned up the tea dishes and put the kitchen to rights. I surprised myself as I made the adjustment from tourist to investigator. I found I was more excited about our mission than I could ever be about another walk on the beach or fancy dinner out. The David-and-Joy team was back in action, and there was no other place I'd rather be.

Chapter 3

Steve had gone, and we were on our own. I went to the kitchen to see what we could make for dinner. The old standby—pasta—was an option. I found some ziti and sauce in the cupboard. Steve had brought some fresh lettuce, and there was an assortment of dressings in the door of the fridge. David joined me in the kitchen, and we had our meal ready in record time. The sun was just lowering to the horizon when we sat at the dining table for our meal.

Lord, we may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds all our tomorrows. We put our trust in you. It looks like you want us to finish our mission, and only pray we can complete it this time. Thank you for the lovely safe haven you have brought us to. Bless Steve and his family for providing for us and give him favor in finding Ripley and putting an end to his tyranny. Bless this food. Amen. David prayed all the things in my heart as well.

I don't like the position we're in, but I must say I do like the place God had provided, I said as I watched the colorful sunset outside the wall of windows overlooking the back garden.

I think I like this better than the hotel we had booked.

That reminds me. What about our reservation?

I cancelled it, and we only had to pay for today. They were pretty accommodating since their busy season is just starting, David said, to my relief.

David and I ate in silence for a while. I had so many questions bouncing around in my mind. I finally had to just give it all to the Lord and try to enjoy the moment.

Dinner cleanup went just as quickly as the prep. In just a couple of months of marriage, we had managed to establish a routine of food prep and cleanup so efficient I felt liberated