Page 89 of Boxed In

Chapter 13

Olivia’s gaze flew to Luke. “Is it all right to talk about that?”

“You already told your friend Beth,” he answered, and she knew Zabastian was speaking.

“When we were on the run—because I thought we needed help.”

“She told Decorah what she knew.”

“Maybe I made a mistake,” Olivia murmured.

“No. These people have helped us. They can know more, but they may not believe what I have to say.”

Olivia looked around at the group. When Luke didn’t speak, she said, “Some of you already know the spirit of an ancient warrior was locked in the box—to protect it if that became necessary. He came out and joined his mind with Luke’s. I realize that sounds crazy. I had trouble believing it at first. But I've spent enough time with Luke to know it’s true. Luke is more than he was before.”

“The box is very ancient,” Beth added. “I can vouch for that.”

“How ancient?” Brand asked.

“The Moon Priests constructed the box more than two thousand years ago,” Luke said, his voice daring anyone to challenge him.

Beth added, “After Olivia told me about the box and the warrior, I did some research. The Moon Priests were very advanced for their time. They were monotheists. They also believed they had a sacred mission from God to keep mankind on the right path.”

“They didn’t just believe it. It is true,” Luke cut in swiftly. “The box helps stabilize the world. But it cannot stay in the temple. It must go out into the world from time to time to recharge its power. It was stolen a few months ago, and it arrived here in a shipment of stolen antiques. I must return it to the Master of the Moon as soon as possible. I have no time to waste.”

Olivia knew she was hearing Zabastian’s urgency.

“Where is the temple?” Frank asked.

“I do not know! I was about to find out—when the Poisoned Ones broke into our hiding place. He looked around the room. “Do you have a computer nearby where I can get back to the Moon priests Web site?”

“An ancient cult with a Web site?” Brand asked.

“They employ what is available.”

“You can use my desktop,” Dr. Valero said. “The connection is very secure.”

Luke pushed himself off the bed, and Olivia watched him carefully.

“It’s better if you use the cane for the time being,” the doctor said.

Luke scowled, but he took the cane, leaning on it as he followed the doctor out of the room. When Olivia got up, he shook his head.

“You stay here—and answer their questions.”

“Is that an order?” she asked.

Instead of giving a snap answer, he appeared to be considering the question carefully.

oOo

Smith, Jones and Brown cruised slowly down a residential street in their rental car. They had hidden in the attic of the house, hoping they wouldn't have to shoot their way out.

Apparently the police had been convinced that the only fugitives were the man and the woman—so they'd left very quickly.

The trio emerged when the coast was clear.

After their recent confrontation, they were somewhat the worse for wear. Any other men would have been in the hospital. But they had the stamina—or the desperation—to keep going.

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