Page 22 of A Gathering Storm

“We’re going on a treasure hunt,” Sadie exclaimed, the most important thing on her mind.

Jen pretended surprise. “You are? Well, that sounds like fun. Maybe I can come with you?” Their core team was growing. Jen was due in five months’ time, and now Sidney was possibly pregnant. New life was burgeoning, and it felt like a promise from God.

“Can she, mommy?” Sadie’s eyes lit up.

Eva chuckled. “If Jen would like to come, then, of course, she’s welcome.”

While Jen and Eva chatted, Cole gazed around the packed room. So many people had been touched by Legion’s actions without realizing Kirkpatrick’s dangerous intentions.

Victor stepped to the front of the room. “Thank you all for coming so quickly. I’d like to ask Ben to lead us in prayer first, and then I promise this will be quick. I know you are all busy, and there’s a lot of work to do still.”

Ben squeezed his wife’s arm and moved to the front beside Victor. “If you would bow your heads.” He waited until the room quieted. “Father, God, I ask Your protection on each member of this group both here and in the line of fire. I pray for Your wisdom as the time of Your return approaches. Help us to keep our people safe. Guide us along the way as we seek to show You to a world in need.”

The prayer ended and Cole swallowed the lump in his throat. Ben’s prayer for guidance and protection moved him more than he’d anticipated.

“Thank you.” Victor smiled at his friend and then laid out the information they had so far on the whereabouts of the president and the rest of Strike Force. “As you know, the events taking place in Berlin will alter the makeup of the world as we know it. We believe we’re getting closer to the appointed Rapture, and I ask you all to be prayerful.” He told the team about the plans to set up satellite compounds around the world as well as expand their current location to accommodate those who would be coming soon.

“I know this will require a lot of work, and we’re all running on empty as it is, but things are going to become harder before the end, and I believe God is delaying His return so that more people will come to know Him. There are those out there who are dying spiritually.” He looked around at his loyal team. “That’s all I have. I’ve asked Emily Pearson and Lizzy Grayson to spearhead the sign-up committee. They will be reaching out to each of you to help with extra duties.”

With the meeting ending, Eva leaned in close. “Let’s step outside.”

Cole nodded. As they left the warmth of the lodge, his hands grew moist at what lay ahead. Would Sadie accept him as her father or resent him for not being there for her through the years? He glanced down at the child who seemed content to walk beside them talking to Samson, her newfound friend.

Eva unlocked the door to hers and Sadie’s cabin and they went inside.

“Mommy, can we go treasure hunting now?” Sadie waited for her mother to answer. Eva sat on the bed and reached for her daughter, bringing her close while the dog settled on the floor nearby.

“Not right now. Sadie, I have something important to tell you.” She glanced at Cole who sat down beside her.

Sadie’s big hazel eyes stared at her mother as Eva struggled for the words.

“Baby, I told you Cole and I are good friends. We’ve known each other for a long time.” She stopped and the child looked at him, her gaze boring into his heart. “What I’m trying to say is Cole is your father.”

The young girl glanced between Eva and Cole for a long moment before she moved to stand in front of Cole. Eyes that were the spitting image of his held him prisoner. “Where have you been? Why weren’t you with us?”

Each word was like a knife to his heart, and he struggled for the words to tell his daughter why he hadn’t been there for her.

In the end, Eva answered for him. “Sweetie, Cole didn’t realize you were here until just recently when he and I came to get you in Israel. You mustn’t blame him. This is all my fault.” Tears filled her eyes and she looked into Cole’s. “You are blessed to have this man as your father, and I just hope he and you can forgive me for not telling you both sooner.”

???

The plane touched down at the airport in Berlin. A car waited for him with a single occupant inside. That Walton Kirkpatrick was angry wasn’t evident to anyone except for Daniel.

Daniel slid into the passenger seat beside Walton. The driver put the limousine into gear and started toward the castle loaned to Walton by a friend for the specific purpose of the peace talks taking place over the next few weeks.

Walton waited until they’d driven for a bit before he raised the window separating them from the driver so that their conversation would be private. He turned to Daniel with an angry glint he’d seen many times.

Daniel waited patiently for the temper tantrum that was coming.

“How dare you not take my call.” Walton sounded like a spoiled child. While the older man continued to berate him, Daniel placed a hand on his shoulder, and the man immediately quieted.

“I understand you are tired, Walton. You’ve accomplished much, but it’s almost time for you to step into the shadows and enjoy the fruits of all the hard work you’ve accomplished. I’ll take over our mission from here. I will need you to be at my side for a little while longer.”

Walton’s eyes glazed over as he stared without blinking. “Of course. I understand. There is much to do.” Walton’s tone turned monotoned.

Daniel smiled. “Good. When it’s time, you and Mamie will be taken care of, but until then, I require your assistance.”

Walton’s mouth slackened. Daniel patted the arm of the man who had been his mentor and faced forward. Once Walton had served his purpose, he would take care of him personally, but for now Daniel hadn’t reached that point where the world leaders would follow him. His mentor’s influence was still necessary.

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