Purge: Book Three: Last Days Trilogy (15 page)

Seville, Ohio

Michael paced angrily in front of the man they called James. Huffing, stopping, shaking his head.

“You have to calm down,” James said. “There is nothing you can do. Reggie would have let them in anyhow.”

“Did you know this?” Michael asked.

“That he would pull this type of trickery? Yes. We told you. And it isn’t that Reggie has been deceived. She has faith in everyone. She is optimistic.”

“We have worked so hard to secure this camp. The forces of pure good, they guard us. We are breached.”

James tilted his head. “Not as badly as you think. The only way Devante can break into this camp is when Lillian and Todd allow him in. You’ll defeat them the moment they do. Right now, that’s not his intention. They are spies. Just that.”

“Why must I permit them to stay?” Michael asked. “Can I not just cast them out? Slay them and the evil for which they stand?”

“And do what in the process? Lose Reggie? As much as I’d like to tell you to go for it, I can’t. The bond between you and Reggie will be broken. You killing her mother, good or bad, will not bode well.”

“She would believe what I say.”

“Not all of her. Reggie is overwhelmed by the fact that her long-lost mother has returned. So many years have passed, she forgets that she was abandoned. That type of quality is what makes Reggie, Reggie. Even if you tell her Lillian is bad, what’s to say Reggie doesn’t think she can turn that around?”

“Can she?” Michael asked.

“Unlikely. Todd or Lillian would have to pull an act of unselfish kindness, and that is doubtful.”

“So.” Michael held up his hands. “What is it that I should do? Watch helplessly as our camp is invaded? I cannot.”

“Things are supposed to happen one way. You knew that coming in here. You can try to stop them. Sometimes you will succeed, other times you will fail. You just have to keep going. You have to concentrate on your battles. You have to remember, the loss you caused him will not go unavenged. He strikes out again tonight.”

Michael raised his eyes. “How many?”

“He’ll try for forty thousand. He will succeed in half. We may be able to cut those numbers down, but you must speak to Kyle about issuing his warnings to people. Tonight, when the sun sets, they will be very vulnerable.”

“There is only so much protection you can give them,” Michael stated.

James nodded his head, sadly. “Once again, the free will of man comes into play.”

“Is there anything else we can do? Can we leave the camp and stop this?”

“No. His strikes will be scattered and many. You haven’t got the manpower. You can only plan to move ahead with a series of battles to gather soldiers for the final confrontation.”

Michael looked up, worried. “My series of battles.” He closed his eyes. “Reggie and I must leave for nearly two days to accomplish these. The camp will be unprotected.”

“Then you know what you have to do. You know, for protection, who you must leave here.”

“Marcus.”

“Yes...” When James raised his eyes, he saw Marcus approaching. “Marcus.”

Michael nodded. “Yes. Marcus.”

“No... Marcus.”

“Yes, Marcus.”

“Michael. Marcus.”

“Yes. Marcus.” Michael tilted his head. “Are we not speaking of the same Marcus?”

Marcus spoke up. “I think he’s talking about me.”

Michael turned around, stunned. “Marcus.”

“I saw you talking,” Marcus spoke nervously. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I felt compelled.”

Michael shook his head. “No. It is no intrusion. Marcus, please meet the man they call... James. And James, this is Marcus. He is my friend here, and quite a jerk.”

James snickered as he shook Marcus’ hand. “So Marcus, you’re a jerk.”

“That’s what everyone says.” Marcus held firm before slipping his hand from James’. “I... I don’t know what to say. Are you staying around?”

“No. Not me. I’m more here in a supervisory capacity. Discussing strategy with Michael. Mike’s the man, you know.”

Marcus blinked. “You talk...”

“I talk. Yes. Have all my life.”

“No.” Marcus chuckled. “You don’t talk like Michael.”

James smiled. “No one talks like Michael anymore.”

Michael seemed surprised. “What is wrong with the way I speak?”

“Exactly,” James nodded. “Anyhow, Michael will fill you in on what we discussed. Remember, Marcus.” He laid his hand on Marcus’ arm. “It is only with the greatest of honor that you are asked to do this.” He winked. “I’ll check back. I have my own spying to do on the other side.” He started to walk away. “I’ll keep you updated, Michael.”

“Wait,” Marcus called out. “Please.” He waited until James turned around and moved toward him. “I have a question. I wouldn’t normally ask something like this, but she’ll kill me if she finds out I didn’t. Where’s Reggie’s sword?”

James laughed. “You always have and always will have Reggie first on your mind. You have to know that this is looked upon quite favorably.”

“Thank you.”

“I have to go.” James moved away quickly, fading as he did.

Marcus turned to Michael. “He didn’t answer me.”

“He speaks in riddles. Always has.”

“I guess he wants us to find out for ourselves.”

“No.” Michael shook his head. “He just enjoys confusing us.”

“That is amazing. Thank you for not making me go away.”

“Why would I?”

“So, tell me what you’re supposed to tell me.”

Michael rested his hand on Marcus’ back. “We have much to discuss. Walk with me while I tell you.”

“He said about it being an honor. It’s not me killing myself, is it?”

“Marcus, you should be ashamed. He would never request such a thing.”

“I had to ask.”

“So would I.” Michael smiled, and they walked on.

<><><><>

“You haven’t asked. I’m waiting.” Lillian unpacked her bag in the small trailer.

“There’s really no need,” Reggie said. “I don’t care.”

“I expected it to be first on your mind.” Lillian placed the empty bag on the floor and sat on her bed.

“Why you left isn’t important. Why you are here, is.”

Lillian smiled and laid her hand on Reggie’s cheek. “When Todd and I heard Kyle’s name, and he said he was still here, I figured, so were you. I had to see you once before this crazy world ended.”

“I’m glad you did. It gives resolution to my life. I’m sorry Daddy won’t let you stay in the house. Let alone on his property. I’ll talk to him.”

“No need. Kyle can believe what he wants. We’ll prove him wrong.” She let out a breath. “And you’ll like Todd.”

“I can’t believe I have a brother.” Reggie grinned. “We look alike, too.”

“Very much.” There was a single knock on the tiny trailer door.

Marcus walked in. “Reg. Dinner.”

“Marcus.” Reggie took a step toward him. “Have you met Lil? Lil, do you remember Marcus?”

“Yes,” Lillian answered. “I delivered him.”

“Thanks.” Marcus held his hand out to Reggie. “Reg, my mom says dinner. Come on.”

“Okay.“ Reggie moved closer to the door. “I’ll bring Seth by later, Lil, so you can meet him.”

“Seth, your son,” Lillian nodded. “You didn’t tell me. Is he... is he Marcus’ son?”

Before Reggie could answer, Marcus did. “As a matter of fact,” Marcus said. “Yes. Seth is my son.” Impatiently, Marcus took hold of Reggie’s hand and pulled her. “We have to go.”

Once outside the door, Reggie pulled her hand from Marcus with a gasp. “You were rude.”

“How do you want me to be, Reg?”

“That’s my mother.”

“No.” Marcus shook his head. “That’s the woman who gave birth to you. Big difference. Have you spoken to Michael? He says she’s up to no good. He’s an angel. You think there could be some merit to what he’s saying?”

“Of course, Marcus, we’re battling evil. If she’s bad, why can’t I battle the bad in her in my own way? Maybe being with us will change her.”

“You really believe that?’

“I have to,” Reggie said. “She’s my...” She saw the glare Marcus gave her. “She’s the woman who gave birth to me. Enough said.” She took hold of Marcus’ hand but felt his reluctance to move. “Marcus?”

“Please don’t trust this, Reg. You’ve got a good heart, but please…”

“Marcus, really, she’s just one woman and a young boy. How much harm could they do?”

“That’s a question that screams ‘be afraid of the answer.’” Clutching tight to her hand, Marcus led Reggie back to the house.

Fort Knox, Kentucky

“To destroy all good things God has made,” Devante explained to Leonard.

“Yes,” Leonard said. “Unfortunately, Kyle Stevens has a radio broadcast that everyone in the world hears.”

“He may cost us lives, but he cannot stop it all tonight,” said Devante.

“Maybe we should have Lillian and Todd take out his broadcast booth.”

“No.” Devante shook his head. “That would give away their intentions, and the angel would waste no time removing them. Right now he is in a tough position, because Regina believes in her mother.”

“Can I ask a question? With all the lives that will be lost tonight. With all that’s going on. The destruction and such. If the angel wins, what would be left of God’s earth for them? Hypothetically, couldn’t you stop right now and still be victorious?”

“No. There are those who hide and are protected with pathetic prayers. We will never succeed in removing them all. We will only succeed if we win the final battle, then all those who are not on our side, they... become ours. But tonight…” Devante smiled. “We rain upon them.”

Seville, Ohio

Standing at Reggie’s bedside, Michael pulled the covers over her shoulders. He laid his lips at her ear. “I must go and secure our safety,” he whispered. “Gabriel will be with you.” Pulling away, he saw a smile cross her face. Michael huffed, backed up quietly and left the room.

He wasn’t tired, even though he knew he had to rest. The next day would begin a two-day, two-battle fight for his soldiers. Weariness would hit them; time and rest would be short. They could have chosen to have the battles days apart. But the prisons were so close to each other; and Michael felt a sense of urgency to acquire more men.

Kyle’s home was quiet. Everyone but Eliza was asleep. She knew she had to get sleep as well, but she was excited about her new responsibility: being a traveling nurse.

Michael spoke with her briefly before leaving. He knew exactly where he had to go. Guards were posted around the camp. Not so much to keep evil out, but to inform him if something should happen close to home. Keeping out the evil that lurked beyond the wall-of-cars was not where Michael’s concern lay, it was watching the evil that lurked inside.

He made his way to the small trailer of Lillian and Todd. He could hear their voices, laughter, and conversation. More than anything, Michael didn’t want them around. He wanted to take them out. But he couldn’t.

He kept hearing the words of James, saying how they were only spies. But the last thing Michael wanted was the devil’s eyes watching him. Devante knew enough already.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Six-year-old Samuel lay snuggled between his father and mother on the floor of the dark temple. A few candles provided a hint of lighting. Yet, unlike the many others that took refuge in the temple, Samuel couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t because of the chattering of the soldiers who guarded the room, but the steady knocking on the large wooden doors. Did the soldiers not hear? Did no one hear?

He was restless, and shifted his body back and forth. His irritated parents whispered his name several times telling him to settle. But he couldn’t. In switching sides, he heard his name again. He thought it was his father, but when his little brown eyes peered up, he saw his father was sleeping. With an easy turn, he lifted his body to sit.

“Samuel.”

Samuel looked around.

“Samuel. Let me in. Open the door. Please. I’m cold.”

“Papa.” Samuel shook his father.

His father grumbled. “Samuel. Sleep.”

“Samuel, let me in,” the distant voice whispered.

Samuel spotted the soldiers by the inside doors. They sat, their guns perched between their legs, talking amongst themselves. The whispering, the knocking, caused Samuel to crawl on his hands and knees away from his parents.

He scooted unseen from the lines of people that slept on the floor, to the far corner of the temple. Small and shadowed, Samuel was not spotted by the soldiers. He went to the far right door, opened it slightly and slipped into the front portion of the temple.

The knocking there was loud. Looking back one more time to the soldiers, Samuel pushed on the temple doors. Outside stood an old man.

“Samuel,” he spoke softly. “May I come in?”

“Yes.” Samuel opened the door wide.

The old man smiled and walked in. “Thank you.” The moment he said it, he showed his true form.

The two soldiers stopped talking immediately when they heard the short shriek of a child. They turned on their flashlights as the room stirred.

“Samuel!” Samuel’s father called out. “Samuel!”

The inner doors to the temple flew open, and Samuel’s limp and bloody body was thrown in. Amongst the screams, the soldiers had no time to react. The beast had entered. Like a dragon with horns, he moved on four legs. Before he could be fired upon, he opened his jaws. An ungodly fire roared from his mouth, filling the screaming temple, charring the occupants into silence.