Exodus: Book Two: Last Days Trilogy (15 page)

Devante stomped into the tent and snatched the phone from Todd, hissing under his breath, “I don’t appreciate being summoned from my lectures for this ridiculous device.” He shook the phone in Todd’s face. “Now, clear the tent!”

He held the phone while Todd shooed everyone out, then sat and placed it to his ear.

“You have a problem,” Leonard told him on the other end of the line.

“Why are you using the telephone to communicate? I told you I would contact you.”

“Because, Devante,” Leonard said curtly, “we have a problem. That little freeze that gripped Russia and China, also froze their defense system and locked us in as a target, and others as well. We are a big bull’s-eye now. ”

“I don’t understand.”

“Your fire from the sky has nothing on a barrage of nuclear weapons,” Leonard said. “
Their
nuclear weapons are locked onto targets in this country.” He paused, and then laughed bitterly. “Believe me, Devante, your little Chicago fireworks have nothing on what their nuclear arsenal can do. When they’re launched, full force, most of the people over here, whether they believe in you or not, will die. And it won’t matter if it’s by accident. Dead is dead.”

“I cannot have that,” Devante wheezed. “Their hearts are not yet mine.”

“Exactly. And we’ve tried on this end. At first we thought it would be a good idea to release the information. More people would flock to the camps, realizing the camps would be their best hope. Until we realized we can’t control what gets set off and what doesn’t. We tried to run interference, maybe re-routing them via satellite, but, let’s face it, it’s hit and miss.”

“So these weapons are set to go off?” Devante asked. “And they will strike where I am?”

“Most likely, yes.”

“You mentioned re-directing them. Do you have designated spots you wish to see obliterated? Places with mass non-believers?”

“Devante!” Leonard raised his voice.

“Why do you shout? Don’t do that again.”

“You’re not listening.”

“I hear every word.”

“No, you don’t.” Leonard was adamant. “We don’t have much time here. Three days. Then they’ll go off. We can’t stop them. We can’t control them at all.”

“No.” Devante smiled. “You forget once again to whom you speak. I can control them.” Devante hung up the phone.

Michael stuck his head into the shower stall and the spray of water touched the bridge of his nose. “It tickles,” he said as Reggie worked the taps. “How clever, this stand-up bathing.”

“Very. Enjoy.” Reggie stepped back from the stall. “Get in.”

“How long do I bathe standing up?”

“Um... uh… until the water gets too cold.”

“I see.” He stepped in as Reggie opened the door. “Where do you go? You must stay by my side. We must not separate.”

She sighed, folding her arms to her chest.

“So you’ll stay?”

“Okay,” Reggie conceded.

Michael stepped all the way inside the shower and slid the door closed. Reggie, not caring much about bearing false witness to an angel, quietly slipped out and turned down the hall to the bedroom. Marcus was reading on the bed.

“Hey,” she whispered then lunged onto the bed next to him.

“Hey.” He set down his book and leaned into her, sniffing. “You smell good.”

“I just showered.” Reggie lay on her stomach.

“It took you long enough.”

“Sorry. Gave shower instruction 101 to Michael.” Reggie inched closer. “How are you?”

“Better, why?”

“Well, Seth is sleeping.” Reggie traced tiny circles on his chest. “It’s quiet and I thought maybe you might need to take your mind off of everything.”

“Reg,” he spoke through a swallow, “maybe we should lock the door.”

“Yeah. We may not have much time.”

Jumping from the bed, Reggie did a mad dash to the door as Marcus took off his shirt. Just as she touched the button lock, Michael walked in.

Marcus plopped backwards and Reggie shrieked.

“The water ran cold. I am done,” Michael announced, stepping further into the bedroom. “This body is tired. It is time for sleep.”

“Yes it is,” Reggie said as she pulled at her hair. “Hey!” she exclaimed as Michael sat on the floor. “What are you doing?”

“Why is it you are in this room?” Michael asked.

Reggie stuttered, “Um... Uh, bed.” She winked at Marcus. “I mean sleep.”

“Then I shall be here as well.” Michael tapped the floor. “A covering, please.”

“No.” Reggie climbed back on the bed. “You have your own room.”

“Another room is mine?” Michael stood up. “Is it the room I awakened in?”

“Yes,” replied Reggie.

“Let us go.” He stepped to the door. “Reggie, come, you must sleep with me tonight.”

Reggie snickered.

Marcus did not.

“Marcus,” Reggie whispered, “He’s speaking figuratively. No, Michael, I stay here.”

“Then so will I.”

“No, you have your own room,” Reggie insisted. “You sleep in there.”

“And so shall you, Reggie. We must not part. The mind gathers strength while it sleeps. We are to be as one. Our minds should be close at all times. This will be important when we battle together. We must be close to share each other’s thoughts.”

Reggie laughed. “Right. While we sleep. Michael, I’m no Einstein, but I doubt our minds will work better if we’re in the same room twenty-four-seven. I
really
doubt that.”

“You’ve never slept with an angel, have you?”

“Can’t say that I have.” Reggie looked at Marcus. “He’s speaking figuratively. Gees.”

Marcus pouted, knees to chest, his head shaking in disbelief.

“Sorry.” Reggie held up her hand. “Michael. I’ll stay here.”

“I insist,” Michael stood bold.

Reggie exhaled loudly. “I refuse. Are you going to make me?”

Michael stormed over to the bed, placed his hands on her hips, lifted her up and tossed her over his shoulder. With one hand holding her legs and the other firmly planted above her backside, Michael moved to the door.

He turned to look back in the room. “Good night, Marcus.”

Marcus, with a final shake of his head, shrugged and plopped backwards into the pillow, listening to Reggie bickering all the way down the hall. After a final minor explosion, it stopped. Marcus doubted she would be able to sneak back down.

He picked up a book next to him and forced himself to read. After a page or two, he felt suddenly claustrophobic and decided to go browse the fridge downstairs. He put his tee shirt back on, slid off the still-made bed, and walked into the dark hallway. He looked up at the ceiling and thought of Kyle on roof-watch. He felt guilty that he hadn’t taken any watches yet. He supposed Kyle remembered the disastrous hunting trip they’d taken, the only one ever. And he knew Kyle didn’t want Marcus armed any time soon.

He walked down the hall and lingered at Michael’s bedroom door. Closed with no lights under the jam. He started stomping for all he was worth. He heard rustling movement inside. Taking a deep breath, he lifted his hand to knock. He couldn’t. He clenched his fist and turned away. It was bigger than the two of them, he thought, an important heavenly reason they would not be together tonight. Marcus would not intrude.

Moonlight lit Michael’s crouching form, staring down at her sleeping on the bed. He put a lock of his hair to his nose and inhaled, then did the same with strands of Reggie’s. Then he felt the respective textures of both.

“So sweet,” he murmured to himself. “So different is woman, no feature is the same,” he added in awe. “She is unlike any I have ever fought beside and yet we are to be as one side-by-side in the greatest battle of earth’s time.”

Michael moved his hand lightly over her form and down the leg closest to him as if in scientific study. “Her legs are too small for speed. And her skin is too soft to endure. She is not big of stature,” he whispered, his face contorted in confusion. He touched her hand as it lay on the pillow, then arose and lay down next to her. He placed his hand over hers and it disappeared in the moonlight. He lifted her pinky finger. Buried between his fingers, he fondled it with childlike wonderment. He touched this strange animal, examined it. Then he slid his fingers up her hand. As he reached for her arm, Reggie opened her eyes.

“Michael?” she said groggily. “Why are you touching me?”

“I am learning you, Reggie.” Michael lifted her arm and pointed to a scar, long and on her elbow. “This wound. From which battle did you acquire it?”

“Michael, goodnight!” She pulled her arm away, lifted the covers over her shoulders and rolled the other way.

“Goodnight, Reggie.” Michael replied and got off the bed to retrieve his spot on the carpet. He leaned against the wall and watched Reggie until his eyes no longer could stay open.

No newsmen, cameramen or workers were present in the broadcast studios at Rockefeller Center, only Leonard, General Admen and one other. The three worked the signals, trying to break through, hoping to get another broadcast out. They had gotten a few out in the past week, but Tim the engineer left early that morning for safer ground.

“We have a signal.” General Admen pointed to Leonard and handed him the mike.

“My fellow Americans.” Leonard spoke slowly into the microphone. He read off his notes, beginning his speech with a believable sincerity, complete with the proper number of emotional voice tremors. “We have put forth all efforts to stop the impending destruction. Our allies are praying that we can stop this offensive that threatens our planet’s existence. We’ve sent experts by the score, but to no avail. Ground Zero approaches with each passing moment. We’ve arranged to make room in our shelters for our allies. Rescue ships and planes are en route as we speak to transport those we can to the safe ground of America.” He paused, and then continued. “As those of you in the camps know, you are on safe ground. And those of you who have not made it to the safe areas, I urge you to do so at this time. Devante has assured me that he will not allow us to be harmed. He will protect us. I must give my faith to him because, at this darkest hour, he is our only hope. Share with me in my belief that his goodness will see us through. As I leave the airwaves, I wish all of you luck, and pray for each and every one of you. Thank you, and God Bless mankind.”

Leonard watched General Admen until he motioned the signal was disconnected.

“Good job,” General Admen said.

Leonard tossed his notes. “Yeah,” he grunted. “Now let’s just hope Devante pulls through.”

“Reggie... Reggie.” Michael walked quickly behind her. “Reggie.”

Reggie whirled around. “Michael. Please.”

“Where are we going?” Michael asked. “You said you needed to walk.”

“I lied.” Reggie opened her front door. “I needed to stop hearing your stories.”

“Why?”

“You want to know? You go on and on, Michael.” Reggie tossed her hands up. “You’re supposed to be training me to be this great warrior. To fight with you, right?”

“Yes.”

“So when does the training start? This is your fourth day here. And all I’ve done is listen to your stories. Your tales of wisdom. Angels who did this, angels who failed to do that. You keep telling me it’s important and I keep hoping all this knowledge will mean something. If not, I’m going to be pissed.”

“It will and...” Michael held up his hand. “Today we move to more into intense physical training.”

“Thank God!”

“I will.” Michael nodded. “But maybe, Reggie, your mood is not the best because you did not pull the sword from the ground today.”

Reggie bobbed her head and rolled her eyes. “No shit! I’m supposed to be a warrior. I don’t even have a sword! You make things worse by saying, ‘try’ and I stick my hand in for nothing.”

“Patience,” Michael said, looking around. “So what is this place?”

“My home. I miss it.” Reggie took a breath.

“It is small and very nice,” Michael said, his eyes scanning the house and lot. “Ah, Daniel.” He pointed to a photograph on the mantel. “Young Seth looks like him, except for the eyes. He has your eyes.”

“You really think Seth looks like Daniel?” Reggie asked as she moved to the mantel. “You know, no one ever says that about his eyes and mine.”

“That is because they only see him with you, Reggie,” Michael said. “The struggle through your husband’s death made you strong. I believe that is one reason you were chosen to be a warrior.”

“You don’t know much about it, though.” Reggie touched the picture.

“I know everything about it. Trust me,” Michael whispered.

“Are you my guardian angel? Is that why you’re here?”

“No.” Michael shook his head. “I am no one person’s angel. You and Marcus have your own. And let me tell you Reggie, they’ve complained many times.”

Reggie smiled.

“I’ve changed your frightening expression.” Michael touched her lips. “Better. It is unlike you to be like that.”

“I know,” Reggie said. “I’m frustrated. The world’s ending. I’m supposed to fight in this great battle, but I can’t pull the sword from the ground.”

“You keep forgetting, the great warrior is not great because of how quickly he moves or jumps or runs. Necessary attributes, yes, but greatness begins here.” He touched her temple. “And courage here.” Michael slid his hand to her chest. “This you will learn.”

Reggie took a deep breath. “So, speaking of learning, when do I start teaching you?”

“Soon.” Michael held up a finger. “You still have much to learn from me.”

“Yeah, but I have this whole list of things to teach you,” Reggie nodded. “God said I was your teacher.”

“Yes, but God did not intend for me to learn those things on your list.”

“How do you know?”

“Why do you argue?” Michael asked. “Always.”

“Someone has to. I don’t think many people have.”

“Nobody has. You must not forget, I am Michael the...”

“Archangel. Yeah,” she snickered and walked back to the front door. “Let’s go.”

“We soon move into important battle skills. Once you have the groundwork and connection with me, we can seek out our army.” He walked through the open door.

“You’re very focused on this. It must be an important battle for you.”

“It’s an important battle to mankind.”

“And to you, too,” Reggie stated. “You’re adamant about winning.”

“No,” Michael shook his head. “I would like to win, yes. If I do not, I do not. But I will have tried.”

Reggie stopped cold. “Why did you say that?” She stared intently at him. “You sound like you couldn’t care less if man wins this battle.”

“Reggie, it is a battle that should not be happening. Man brought this upon himself. Not God. I did not ask for this battle.”

“But you came,” Reggie stated.

“I was summoned.”

“Okay, fair enough.” Reggie lifted her hand, paused, then spoke calmly. “Before... before I get myself upset. Just tell me, when you were ‘summoned,’ as you put it, you wanted to come. Right?”

“No. I asked not to. This dilemma man has put on his own shoulders. Man has crossed God. God is the one who has been wronged. Now man seeks help?” Michael huffed, arrogantly. “Man should always think first.”

“Well, if man realized
you
were the help,” Reggie said, in a composed, stern voice, “he would have passed on the assistance.” She shook her head and turned.

“What do you imply?” Michael gasped. “I am a warrior.”

“No!” Reggie spun back. “You,” her voice lowered, “are an angel with a dick attitude.”

“I do not understand?”

“A dick. That’s what you are. You could really care less. Win or lose, it doesn’t matter to you. It’s a job. God asked, you came. You lose, so what?”

“Yes.”

She exhaled loudly, feeling deflated, exasperated. “And I’m supposed to put my trust in you?”

“You prayed for me.”

“No!” Reggie held up her hand as she backpedaled. “I certainly did not. If God thinks I prayed for you, I’ll set Him straight. And if He hears my prayers, then he’ll hear my prayer that He take you back.”

Michael followed her. “You cannot do that.”

“Watch me.”

“Your people need me.”

“Bullshit!” Reggie rushed up to him placing her face close to his. “Bullshit. We’ll do it on our own, thank you. I’ll train myself
and
my army.” Reggie walked away, hands flailing. “Supernatural sword from the earth… I don’t need it and I certainly don’t need you.”

“Halt!” Michael ordered. “We are to be as one.”

“No. Not anymore. Why in the world would I want to fight side by side with someone who couldn’t give a damn whether I live or die?” Reggie marched off.

“Where do you go?”

“To Marcus. I need him. And don’t follow me!

Minutes later, a lost-looking Michael was in front of the detached garage to the side of Kyle’s house, standing still. Sounds of hammering came from inside, then stopped as Marcus walked out the door and around the side of the building.

Michael followed him. “Marcus.”

“Hey, Michael.” Marcus picked through sheets of metal stacked there. “We’re working on it. Don’t worry.”

“I believe you and Herbie will do a fine job.”

Marcus felt the sturdiness of a small sheet of metal and tossed it to the side.

“Marcus, have you seen Reggie?”

“Lose her again?”

“She walked away. She said she was coming to find you. Has she not arrived?”

“Not yet. But I’m sure if she said she’s gonna find me, she will.”

“Why is that?”

Marcus looked up from the metal. “What do you mean?”

“Why does Reggie seek you out?”

“I’m her best friend, Michael.” Marcus held a piece of metal in his hand. “We’re very close.”

“I have to have closeness with her. We are to be as one.”

“So you’ve said.” Marcus bent back down to the metal.

“I will need her.”

“I’ve heard.” Marcus tossed the sheet to the side.

“I sense it now, Marcus. More than just being told it, I sense that I will need her. I want to be her best friend.”

Marcus eyed Michael. “You can’t.”

“I must.”

“You can’t,” Marcus stated coldly. “All right? It’s not that easy. You have to earn it. Reggie and I worked hard at it.” Marcus bent down to the pile again. “Ask anyone. Ask her father.”

“I shall.”

“I mean you can’t just say, hey I want to be...” Marcus looked up. Michael was gone. He wondered if literal-mindedness was on Reggie’s list of things to fix about Michael.

As he stood watch on the rooftop, listening to the radio, trying not to let the steady hiss of static get on his nerves. He had to keep his ears primed for any other bulletins that might cut through. He heard an abrupt scratching at the edge of the roof, so he readied and aimed his rifle, only to see Michael lifting himself over.

“Hello Kyle.” Michael climbed the angled roof with ease and sat next to Kyle.

“You know, Michael, humans invented these things called stairs.”

“It was easy. I’m an angel, Kyle. I’m looking for Reggie. I have lost her again. She moves with haste and darts quickly from sight.”

“Always has. I guess you want to know if I seen her, huh?”

“No, I came to ask you a question. How hard did Marcus and Reggie work to become best friends?”

Kyle looked up to the sky. “I don’t know if you’d call it work. Those two have always been best friends,” Kyle explained.

“She runs to him. We are about to embark on the battle and she runs to Marcus. She and I are to be one.”

“She’ll still run to Marcus.”

“Why is that? Tell me what he does so that I might do the same. She must run
to
me, not from me.”

“You don’t get it, do you?” Kyle shook his head. “Reggie’s always run to Marcus. Call it need... or habit. She just has. And Marcus has done the same. Hell, they talked to each other before they could even form words,” he smiled.

“I don’t understand.”

“Let me put it this way. Eliza and George moved to town when he got his job at the school. Eliza was nine months pregnant with Marcus and Reggie’s mom was pregnant with Reggie. Reggie’s mom, Lil, was a nurse at the local hospital. One day, Lil was leaving her shift; Eliza was coming in the hospital. Seems Marcus was three weeks overdue and when Eliza went into labor, she really went into labor. But the hospital wouldn’t let her in because of her insurance. They said she had to go to another hospital. Eliza wouldn’t make it, so Lil brought her here and delivered Marcus.”

“That was kind.”

“I ain’t done yet. Reggie wasn’t due for another month, but Lil went into labor and had Reggie right then and there. Like I said, and have always said, my Reggie and Marcus were meant to come to this earth together and I swear they’ll leave it together. Of course, I hope that’s not for a long time. So, you see, nothing you can do will stop Reggie from running to Marcus. She just will. As far as making her run to you instead of from you...” Kyle shrugged, and then smiled. “I don’t know what to tell you there, Bucko. Don’t know myself.”

“Though you did not give me answers, you have enlightened me. And I thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now enlighten me.” Kyle reached over and picked up the radio. “Not long ago, the President urged those of us near the city to leave. It may not seem like it, but we’re near the city. I’m a little worried about these bombs. They can kill us all.”

“Do not worry, Kyle. We are safe. This is not a war of anger. It is a war of souls. And if a body dies before Devante has taken the soul, he loses that being.”

“So he’ll stop it?”

“If he doesn’t, God will. Look for many to die, but not us. We are destined to try to defeat Devante. He must be cast out from your world, and no weapon of man can do that. Only the will of man in battle can.”

Kyle nodded judiciously. “I’m going to trust you on that. But keep in mind, if you’re wrong,” Kyle winked, and then stared back out over the town. “I’ll... how can I put it so you’ll understand... be slaying you.”

“Thirteen,” Reggie said from around Marcus’s shoulder.

Marcus laughed, then brought the mallet down on the sword.

“Yes, and Marcus, you have a talent for manual labor.”

Marcus chuckled and wiped the sweat from his brow. “Herbie’s doing the hard work.”

“Please,” Reggie scoffed as she looked at Herbie standing before the open garage door in front of a smelting pot. “Herbie’s just cooking the metal. You’re pounding it and...” she whispered in his ear, “...you look really cute. Thirteen.”

“Reg, no,” Marcus argued. “You were older that that the last time you were in a bad mood.”

“No, I wasn’t. I’m talking really bad mood, Marcus. And death doesn’t count.”

“What about after Seth was born and Daniel disappeared for three days?” Marcus raised his eyebrows.

“Ha!” Reggie shook her head. “How long did I bitch? Ten seconds.”

“Reg, you were pissed the entire time.”

“Was not. Marcus, I should know.”

“So should I, I listened to you.”

“Still. I say this is the worse mood I’ve been in, in my entire life.”

“You always exaggerate.” Marcus looked over to Seth who sat on the floor pounding a miniature sword Marcus made for him. “Seth, is your mom in the worst mood of her life?”