DESTINY

by

john c. dalglish

2014

Dear Reader,

Before you embark on what I hope will be an enjoyable read, I wanted to address an issue that has presented itself in the early reviews of the first book in this series, CROSSOVER.

I am a Christian. I believe in the plan of salvation and the infallibility of the Word of God. In writing this series, I have attempted to remain true to the character and love of our Lord.

Having said that, I must tell you this book is written for pure enjoyment and fun. The concept of Chasers and Runners is purely a fiction of my mind, and a vehicle for the story.

It is not my desire to put forth any suggestion of this being a reality of the Spirit world.

It is fantasy and fun.

So please enjoy, and rest assured that my only goal was to entertain without any of the junk the world puts in its books.

God Bless, John

Excerpt from JOURNEY (The Chaser Chronicles #2)

*******

When we arrived back at the waiting room, Sarah was wearing a smile. The doctor was standing next to her, his head going up and down. He turned and walked away as we came up.

Sarah stood and hugged me. “We have good news.”

I pulled back and looked at her. “What?”

“They’ve detected electrical impulses in Buddy’s brain. It’s still swollen, but the doctor said that’s a very good sign, and hopes the swelling will begin to subside over night.”

I hugged her again. “That’s great, Sarah.”

“He’s not out of the woods by a long shot, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Brother Edwards was talking on the phone, and when he hung up, he came over to us. “Journey’s congregation is rejoicing and continuing to pray.”

I looked at Mandy, then Sarah. “I need to talk to Gary. Okay if I leave Mandy with you?”

“Of course.”

I stepped into the hall with Gary. “I’m going after Harbinger.”

“You can’t, not yet.”

“I don’t mean now, but I’m going after him in October.”

“The next date of his visitation to the family plot?”

“Yes, but I need to do something first. That’s why I asked you out here.”

“Okay, what’s up?”

I looked over his shoulder, watching Mandy comfort Sarah, then back at Gary. “Buddy once told me he informed Sarah of his ministry before he married her.”

“That would be standard practice, but only after a Chaser is certain the woman will be his partner, both in marriage and ministry.”

“What happens if it doesn’t work out? What if she and I don’t make it like Buddy and Sarah, what then?”

Brother Gary looked over his shoulder, then back at me. “Detective Myers?”

I nodded.

“Well Jack, here’s the deal. If she can’t accept your ministry after being exposed to it, and the events surrounding it, she would be taken the same as a person contacted by a Runner.”

I slumped against the wall.

If I tell her about Chasing, and she accepts it, but can’t deal with it later, she’ll die. If I don’t tell her, I risk losing her anyway.

“Is just telling her enough to put her in danger?”

“No, not by itself. But if she believes in the ministry, and moves forward with it, there will be no turning back.”

I shook his hand. “Thank you, Brother.”

“Anytime.”

We walked back to where Sarah and Mandy sat. “I’ve got a dog at home who no doubt is hungry. I need to go, Sarah.”

She got up and hugged me again. “I understand.”

“Call me if anything changes?”

“You’re the first.”

“Good. Mandy, can you walk out with me.”

“Of course.”

*******

I still had Buddy’s keys, and when we arrived down at the Impala, I turned Mandy to face me. “There’s a lot I have to tell you, BUT…you have to be sure you’re ready. Once I share this with you, there’s nothing I can do to protect you, from both the knowledge of what I do and what it means.”

“Jack Carter, if you think it’s important enough to risk your life for, then I want to know what it is.”

“Okay, then get in your car and follow me. We have a lot to discuss.”

“Lead away!” she said, laughing. “I’ll follow.”

I hope she says that AFTER I’ve told her everything.

chapter 1

I couldn’t make myself sit down. With so much on the line, at least from my point of view, I kept pacing the living room from end to end. I was rubbing my hands together as well, and I never did that.

“Jack, what is wrong with you?”

Mandy had been watching me go back and forth for the last forty-five minutes. She was sitting on the couch, iced tea in her hand and Bear by her feet.

Bear was my Bernese Mountain dog, a gift from both my mother and the Lord, and had given up following me with her eyes about a half hour ago. She was sleeping, or maybe had just closed her eyes from boredom.

I stopped and looked at Mandy. Her blonde hair was still tied up in a bun, and she still had her detective clothes on. We had driven to my home after leaving Buddy at the hospital. “Are you sure?”

“Jack, that’s the fourth time you’ve asked me! I’m sure!”

Finally, I sat down next to her and took both her hands in mine. “I know, I know, and I’m sorry. It’s just I’m afraid.”

Her face softened. “Afraid of what, Jack?”

“Two things.”

“Okay. What’s number one?”

I smirked at her. “Number one is you’ll think I’m crazy.”

“Oh, Jack. It’s too late for that. I already do!”

We laughed together, still holding hands. Her greens eyes stayed fixed on me. “And number two?”

“Number two is the biggie…I’m afraid you’ll reject the truth.”

A puzzled look possessed her face. “Why would I reject anything that was truth?”

I reached up and stroked her cheek, thrilled I could finally do it after wanting to for so long, and soaked in the love I saw in her eyes. “You could reject it because what I tell you will sound like fantasy, not truth. What I have to tell you goes outside anything you’ve ever recognized as being truth.”

She took my hand away from her face. “Jack Carter, either you tell me what this secret ministry is you keep going on about or I’m leaving right now!”

Okay, Jack. This is where the rubber hits the road. It’s time to fish or cut bait. Either crap or get off the pot. Coward! Quite using old clichés, and stop stalling!

I got up from the couch and crossed the room to my leather chair. Sitting down opposite Mandy, I sucked in a deep breath, and started.

“Mandy…” I froze.

“Jack...” She imitated me, grinning.

“Mandy,” I started again. “Did I tell you how nice you look today?”

“That’s it!” She stood up, heading for the door. “I’m outta here!”

I jumped up, grabbing her arm. “No… No, I’m sorry. Sit down and I’ll tell you.”

She stared at me. “Last chance, Jack Carter.”

“I know. I promise.”

She relented and retook her seat.

For the second time, I drew in a deep breath, and began. “Mandy…I’ve thought about telling you this since the first day I found out, but I was never sure where to start. I could describe the ministry in general terms…or tell you some of the things I’ve done and how.”

“Jack, why don’t you just start at the beginning?”

“Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”

A third deep breath, and I was off and running. “The ministry I’m involved with is called Chasing. My first connection with this ministry was on a weekday several months ago. I was on my way into work, had just parked, and someone cracked me over the head. When I came to, I was inside my office, tied to a chair.”

She sat watching me, her mouth slightly open, but no words coming out.

Keep going, Jack!

“The person who put me there was this rather large individual who calls himself Harbinger. You know him as Steve Mason.”

“The guy from the gas station who told me to say hi to you?”

I nodded.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I could have arrested him right there.”

“I couldn’t. You’ll see why soon enough.”

“Okaaaay.”

“Anyway, Harbinger had attacked me and tied me up to give me a warning.”

“Did he have to hit you over the head to give you this warning?”

“That’s what I said!” I groaned. “Anyway, his warning was about the ministry of Chasing. He said I would be called to Chase, and if I wanted to stay alive, I should not get involved.”

She was getting aggravated. “He threatened to kill you?”

Again, I nodded.

“You know that’s a crime, right?”

I gave her a sarcastic glare. “Of course! There’s more.”

“Okay, I’m sorry. Please continue.”

“After he warned me, he disappeared, and a man...”

“Wait, what do you mean ‘disappeared’?”

“Just what it sounds like. There one minute and gone the next.”

“Gone where? Out the window, out the door?”

I could see a skepticism creeping onto her face. “He was just gone. I later learned he had transformed back to spirit, and I couldn’t see him.”

“You’re putting me on, aren’t you?”

“Mandy, everything I’m telling you is the truth. I promise.”

“Okay… I interrupted again, sorry.”

“It’s okay. I know it sounds far-fetched, but let me finish.”

I have to give her credit for not leaving already, because as I’m listening to myself, it sounds crazy to me. Anyway, the die has been cast, (another cliché I know), and so there’s no turning back.

“After Harbinger was gone, a man came into the office. It was Buddy Daniels. He was looking for Harbinger and had tracked him to me.”

“So,” she interrupted, “Buddy could see the invisible guy?”

“Yes.”

“Why.”

“Because Buddy is a Chaser.”

Mandy stood up and started pacing. She was quiet for a few minutes, and I sensed she was deciding whether to leave, but eventually she sat back down. “Continue.”

“Well, Buddy untied me, and told me not to pay attention to Harbinger’s warning, and that I needed to decide for myself.”

“You mean decide if you want to be a Chaser?”

“Yes, but he wouldn’t tell me what a Chaser was. He said someone would come and deliver the choice.”

Her hand went up. “Choice?”

“To chase or not to chase.”

She lowered her hand.

I plunged on. “So, the next thing I know, Buddy is gone and I’m alone. My head hurt, so I went home and slept.”

I paused to let stage one of the explanation sink in. “Would you like some more tea, Mandy?”

She handed her glass to me, a distant look in her eyes and no emotion on her face.

When I returned with the tea, Mandy was gone.

*******

I sat in my chair for nearly half an hour, thinking my future with Mandy was over before it even got started and wondering what I could have said different.

I know you wanted me to tell her, Lord. At least, I thought so. Did I get it wrong? Did I miss something? What should I do now?

In the confusion of seeing Mandy gone, and the sadness that overtook me, I’d failed to notice Bear was also gone.

“Bear?”

I walked back into the kitchen, and then into the bedroom. “Bear?”

Did Mandy take her?

“Bear!”

The front door pushed open. “She’s out here with me.”

Mandy and Bear were sitting together on the porch. I hadn’t even checked to see if her car was gone, figuring she’d run at the first opportunity. I should have known better, Mandy doesn’t run from anything.

I stayed where I was. “Are you coming back in?”

She didn’t answer for several minutes, but finally, she stood up and brought Bear back in with her. She settled on the couch, waited for me to sit down, and fixed me with a blank stare. “Continue.”

She doesn’t believe me. What now? Should I crack a smile, tell her I was pulling her leg, and let it go? No, she deserves better than to have me lie to her, and especially about a truth such as this. Strike while the iron is hot, Jack! (I can’t help myself with clichés.)

“So, that night I had a dream, only it wasn’t a dream. It was a visit from the Lord Himself, and He had a message to deliver.”

Her eyes went into the suspicious squint that appeared whenever she questioned a suspect. “A message? What kind of a message?”

“Well, essentially, he validated what Buddy had told me. I had a choice, to serve as a Chaser or not.”

“How did you know it was Jesus?”

I shrugged. “I can’t explain it, but if it ever happens to you, you’ll have no doubt it’s Him.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” There was sarcasm in her voice.

I’m losing her, Lord. What should I do?

I kept going. “The next morning, Buddy Daniels was on my doorstep, ready to explain the ministry.”

I got up now, and started slowly walking the room, choosing my words carefully. “Buddy explained there was a whole other world, a spirit world, which we can’t see around us. It’s the world of the Holy Spirit, life after death, and the Book of Revelation. It’s of angels, heaven, and worship.”

I glanced at Mandy, checking to see if she was still listening or if she had shut down. She could tell what I was doing. “Go on. I’m still listening.”

There was no warmth in her voice.

“So the ministry, called Chasing, is about finding and crossing over Runners.”

I expected more questions, but she stayed silent.

“He told me a Runner is someone who has died, and during the journey to the other side, finds the power to run back to our world. Usually, they’re trying to get to someone or someplace, and it’s the Chaser’s job to stop them, and send them back over before they can interact with this world.”

“What happens if they interact?”

“The people they interact with will be taken.”

“Taken?”

“Crossed over.”

“Killed! Why?”

“Because their decision to follow the Lord will no longer be based on faith, but on knowledge.”

Mandy stood up. “Okay, Jack, you told me you were giving me the truth, and I believe you’re not lying to me in your mind, but I think I’ll go and try to sort this out.”

Inside, I was dying. I wanted to do this right. I wanted her to believe, to join me, to stand with me in this ministry. But I understood her struggle. I had spiritual signs to demonstrate to me what I was being told was the truth, and she only had my word, along with some circumstantial evidence.

“I understand. Please know this, I love you. And I wouldn’t lie to you. Every word is true.”

She looked at me with an odd stare.

Was that sadness in her eyes? If it was, is it because she doesn’t believe me, or because she thinks I’m delusional?

“I know you love me, Jack. I love you, too, but…”

She turned to the door and left without finishing her sentence.

I stood in the living room, looking down at Bear.

But what?

Chapter 2

The next morning I was up early. I had called Mandy before going to bed but her phone had gone to voicemail. I needed to talk to her, to make sure she was okay.

Before trying to track her down, I decided to go to the hospital and check on Buddy. The last I’d heard from his wife, Sarah, was he was still in a coma, but the swelling on his brain was subsiding.

I thought back to the confrontation with Harbinger at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. I’d had no choice but to shoot my mentor with a Taser gun. He fallen on a headstone and cracked his skull. An involuntary shudder ran through me from the memory.

I arrived at the hospital just as visiting hours were starting. Buddy was still in the Intensive Care Unit, and I found Sarah in the ICU waiting room. She stood when I came in, a tired smile creasing her face as she hugged me.

She hung on tightly, not wanting to let go, but finally relenting. Buddy and Sarah had never had any children, instead focusing on the ministry, so she’d probably been alone most of the night. I followed her to where she was sitting and sat down next to her.

Her hair was pulled up in a messy gray bun, and her eyes bore the redness of tears. I took her hand. “How’s he doing?”

“The doctor stopped by this morning. He said Buddy’s brain was continuing to improve, and they should be putting his skull back together tomorrow.”

The doctors had left a piece of Buddy’s skull off to prevent the swelling from doing permanent damage.

“That’s good, Sarah. Are they still registering electrical impulses from his brain?”

“Yes.”

This was very good news, and my attention now turned to the woman in front of me, and her well-being. “Have you had anything to eat?”

“No, not since yesterday afternoon.”

I used my best big brother voice. “Sarah Daniels! What would Buddy say if he knew you weren’t taking care of yourself?”

She gave me a guilty smile, and hung her head slightly. “You won’t tell him, will you?”

“I just might! Unless you agree to going for some food right now.”

She stood. “Okay, I am a little hungry. Can we stop by the ICU window first?”

I stood and put my arm around her. “Of course.”

We left the waiting room, turned right, and walked to the end of the hall. Long lines of thick windows covered by heavy curtains lined either side of the hall. We stopped at the ICU door, which had a curtainless window, and Sarah pointed at a bed halfway done the far wall.

“That’s Buddy there.”

I couldn’t recognize him. Tubes, wires, and gauze were everywhere. The figure under the blanket was motionless, but dials and gauges moved incessantly, in a stark contrast to my friend’s stillness.

I stood saying a silent prayer before taking Sarah away from the glass. “Come on. He’s in good hands, and you made a promise.”

We headed down the hall toward the elevators.

*******

There was a line when we arrived at the cafeteria. After nearly fifteen minutes, we each had a plate of scrambled eggs, toast, and a cup of coffee. We found a table in the back corner of the expansive room.

After eating in silence for a while, without looking at me, Sarah went right to the center of my thoughts. “How’s Amanda?”

It’s creepy how she and Buddy had this intuition into what other people were thinking. “Actually, I’m not sure.”

She sipped her coffee. “Do you care to explain?”

I laid down my fork and stared at her. “Can I ask you something?”

“You just did.”

I smiled. “Can I ask you something personal?”

“Of course.”

“How did you find out about Buddy’s ministry? He said you knew before you were married.”

Sarah sat back in her chair and regarded me with all seriousness. “You’ve already told her, haven’t you?”

You see what I mean! It’s like she already knew we were going to have this conversation.

“I started to tell her…”

“And?”

“I only got halfway through before she said she needed to leave. She said she wanted to think about what I’d said.”

Sarah rolled her eyes and smiled. “You can hardly blame her!”

I laughed. “That’s for sure. It sounded nuts to me while I was telling her.”

The seriousness returned to Sarah’s face. “What is her background?”

“How do you mean?”

“Her religious background, how was she raised?”

I had to think about it. We had discussed our faith many times, but our early church experiences had rarely been brought up.

“I think she was raised in a traditional Protestant Church. Why is that important?”

“Perhaps the best way to answer your question is to tell you what happened when I found out.” She sipped her coffee. “One Sunday, Buddy took me on a picnic after church. He said he had something special he wanted to talk about, and he didn’t want us to be disturbed. Of course, I thought he was going to propose.”

“Apparently, he wasn’t referring to marriage?”

“Nope. We went to a park in the next town, and sat under a large willow tree, next to a pond. It was right off of a postcard. After eating lunch, and lying on a blanket talking for a while, I finally couldn’t take it anymore. He can be so aggravating when he has a secret!”

“Tell me about it! You should try and plan a chase with him.”

“Anyway, I asked him what he wanted to talk to me about. It was then he told me about Chasing.”

“What did he say?”

Sarah sat forward, the intensity in her look going up three notches. “This is where the importance of religious upbringing comes into play. He asked me if I believed in the spiritual world and things like miracles, angels, demons. I said, ‘Of course’ and looked at him puzzled. He said he’d been called to a ministry that took place in the spiritual realm.”

“Okay, but I don’t get the connection with religious background.”

“Wait for it.”

I grinned, acknowledging my impatience.

“My dad was a Pentecostal preacher. He and Momma raised us kids in a miracle-believing church, and by the time I was eighteen, I had seen the Lord move in many powerful ways.”

“I envy you, Sarah. That must have been wonderful.”

A warm smile, no doubt created by fond memories, took over her face. “Indeed.”

I thought I saw where she was headed. “So, when Buddy told you about a ministry in the spiritual realm, you were accepting of it because of your spiritual upbringing, is that it?”

“Yes, mind you there were many more discussions, and Buddy had to show me the connections between his ministry and some of the things that occurred in our early lives together.”

“So he proved it to you?”

“Not exactly. He helped me see it for myself.”

My head started to hurt.

I thought only Buddy could spin my brain like this.

“Then you’re suggesting Mandy can’t believe in the ministry because she was brought up in a more traditional church?”

Sarah shook her head vigorously. “No, not can’t. But it will be more difficult, and you will need to have greater patience, until she can resolve some of the things she doesn’t instinctively believe.”

“What did Buddy show you that convinced you it was real?”

“Has Mandy had any connection with other people and places involved in the ministry?”

I thought about it. She’d met Steve Mason, been to Journey Chapel, investigated the murder of Brother Timmons. “Yes.”

“Then, when she’s ready, those are the examples of the truth you use to help her see.”

I nodded. “Buddy was a lucky man the day he found you, Sarah.”

She reached across the table, laying her hand on mine. “And you were a lucky man the day you found Amanda. Trust me.”

*******

Buddy’s status hadn’t changed any while we were gone, but my heart had undergone a major change. I was now convinced I had to finish telling Mandy everything, and then let the Lord take over.

Let the Lord take over? That should have been your first thought, dummy!

While sitting with Sarah in the waiting room, my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Jack, it’s Brother Edwards.”

I was disappointed it wasn’t Mandy. “Oh, hey Gary.”

“Jack, Can you come by Journey sometime today?”

I looked at my watch. “Sure, I guess. What’s up?”

“There’s someone here from out of town. I want you to meet her.”

“Her?”

“Yes, Rachel Tanner is her name, and she’s connected to the ministry.”

“Okay, Gary. How about an hour from now?”

“That’ll work.”

“Hold on Gary.” I covered the phone. “Are you going to be okay, Sarah?”

“I’ll be fine. Several members of Journey Chapel are supposed to be here later, anyway.”

I uncovered the phone. “Gary, I’ll see you in an hour.”

“Good.” Brother Edwards hung up.

I put away my phone and stood up. “You’re sure you’ll be okay?”

“I’m fine,” she said, taking my hand for the second time in an hour. “Thank you, Jack.”

I put my other hand on top of hers, grinning at her. “I don’t want you telling Buddy I abandoned you! He’ll have my butt!”

She burst out laughing, and it was good to hear her laugh for the first time in a couple days. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell.”

I kissed her on the forehead. “You better not.”

chapter 3

On the way over to Journey Chapel, I tried Mandy’s cell phone. It rang several times, then went to voice mail. I didn’t leave a message. My number would have popped up on her caller ID, so either she was busy, or avoiding me.

I hoped she was busy.

The huge edifice known as Journey Chapel should’ve had a more impressive name, like maybe, Journey Holy Spirit Cathedral & Worship Center. The church had gotten its small-sounding name from the original stone chapel that was built over two centuries ago. That original chapel was now Brother Gary Edward’s office.

The primary mission of Journey was to assist the ministry of Chasing. To provide guidance, comfort, prayer, or anything else a Chaser might need. It also served as a Chaser’s connection to the Council, twelve men who oversee ministry operations worldwide.

After parking in the back, I knocked on the small door leading to the original chapel. Brother Edwards opened it, greeting me with a hug. “Good to see you, Jack.”

“Hi, Gary.”

He closed the door behind us, and then led me down the long hallway, moving a little faster than normal. “Come on. Rachel is in my office and she’s anxious to meet you.”

“You said she was sent here by the Council?”

“That’s right, and specifically to see you.”

“Me? Why me?”

He laid his hand on the office door handle, but didn’t turn it. “Why don’t I let her tell you?”

I shrugged. “Okay.”

He opened the door and we walked in. Sitting in one of the armchairs, near the bank of wall-to-ceiling windows that take up one side of the office, was a red-haired woman. That’s all I could tell initially, because her back was to us.

Brother Edwards announced our arrival. “Rachel, come meet Jack Carter.”

Rachel Tanner stood and turned toward us. I was concerned my mouth hung open, exposing my thoughts. Gary herded me closer.

“Jack Carter, this is Rachel Tanner. Rachel, this is Jack.”

Rachel Tanner extended a long, slender arm, and took my hand. She was tall and thin, but not skinny. Her long red hair was highlighted by the dark green of her eyes and the matching red freckles on her face. She managed to look harmless and intimidating at the same time.

“Jack, it’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a great deal about you.”

“Some of it good, I hope.”

Her laugh was genuine, and I immediately liked her. “Absolutely.”

I returned her handshake, and noticed there was a confident strength in her grip. “Gary tells me you’ve come here from the Council.”

She waved her hand, dismissing the idea of her importance. “True, but don’t let that bother you. I’m here as an envoy, just fact finding and message delivery.”

Rachel went back to her seat, and I followed, taking a chair across from her. She wore a black pantsuit with an orange blouse under the jacket. Orange sneakers, not heels, completed the ensemble. Brother Edwards brought a tray. “Coffee, Jack?”

“”Yes, please.” I took my cup and looked up to see Rachel Tanner studying me. She wore a warm smile, and I returned it, comfortable with her only seconds after meeting her.

Rachel held out her own cup, and let Brother Edwards refill it, all the while still looking at me. “So, Jack, how do you like Chasing?”

I thought about it. No one had asked me if I liked the ministry. “I like it a lot. I’ve found it to be very rewarding, as well as challenging.”

She nodded. “There’s no other ministry like it.”

“Are you a Chaser?”

“I was. For the last several years, I’ve served the Council in different ways by taking on tasks requiring a personal emissary from them.”

“Am I one of those tasks?”

She regarded me with humor. “I guess you could say that, but I don’t think I’d describe meeting you a task. It sounds too much like work and drudgery, and I don’t consider my purpose here to be any such thing.”

“So, if I may be so forward, what is your task here?”

Brother Edwards interrupted. “Her main task is to understand the events surrounding the death of Brother Timmons.”

Rachel addressed the pastor, but kept her eyes focused on me. “Actually, that was my first task, but not my main task.”

Brother Edwards looked confused. “What other instructions did you have from the Council?”

Rachel leaned toward me, her hair falling down over her shoulders. “I’m supposed to spend some time with Jack, and find out how we can put an end to Harbinger.”

I was flattered, or maybe flustered, I wasn’t sure. “Me? You’ve come to take on Harbinger with me?”

“No. As I said, I’m no longer a Chaser,” she sat back, crossing her long legs, and clasping her hands in her lap. “But I was one of the best when I did it, and they want me to give you assistance in any way I can, so you can defeat Harbinger.”

“I don’t need any help. I’ll figure it out.” I was less sure than I sounded.

“In that case, Jack Carter, consider me just someone who wants to hang around with you for a while.” She winked at me, which I found unsettling. “It could be fun.”

“Suit yourself, but come October tenth, I’m meeting Harbinger, and he will be crossed over.”

She laughed. “That’s a party I don’t want to miss!”

*******

After Rachel Tanner left to go to her hotel, I was alone in the office with Brother Edwards. I sensed an almost jovial mood in the long-time counselor.

“Gary, you seem quite pleased by our guest showing up?”

He was sitting behind his desk, drinking his third cup of coffee since I arrived, and probably his tenth today.

Maybe his mood is just caffeine induced.

“I am in a good mood, Jack. Rachel Tanner is a legend.”

“A legend? You’re kidding me, right?”

He shook his head. “Nope. She did her chasing in L.A. and crossed over some very big stars.”

“Movie stars?”

“Mostly rock stars, ones that could have turned out like Harbinger if she hadn’t crossed them over. They made for very nasty Runners.”

“So, does that mean she’s here to train me?”

Gary shrugged. “I don’t know. As you saw by my reaction, I’m not privy to everything, but my guess is Rachel is to serve as your Counselor until Harbinger is taken care of. Besides, I saw you noticed she’s easy on the eyes.”

“She is that.” I might have blushed, I’m not sure.

*******

When I left Journey, I headed back to the hospital. Again, I tried Mandy’s phone while I was driving, and again it went to voice mail.

“Mandy, it’s Jack. Call me, please. We need to talk about last night, and there’s still more I need to tell you. Don’t shut me out, please.”

I closed my cell phone, and was about to put it away, when it rang. My heart surged, until I saw it wasn’t Mandy’s number.

“Hello?”

“Jack, it’s Sarah.”

“Hi, Sarah. Is everything okay?”

“Yes. I wanted you to know they’ve scheduled Buddy for surgery.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow at eleven in the morning. They’re going to put on a skull plate.”

“That’s great! The brain swelling has gone down enough to do that?”

“That’s what the doctor said.” She hesitated. “I need to ask you a favor.”

“Anything, Sarah.”

“Can you be here when he goes into surgery?”

My heart broke. Sarah was alone, and I might be the closest thing to a son she and Buddy had.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Sarah.”

I could hear the relief in her voice. “Thanks, Jack.”

“No thanks needed, you know that.”

“Oh, Jack?”

“Yeah, Sarah?”

“How’s Mandy?”

With all Sarah had been going through, she still had time to worry about others. “I still haven’t talked to her.”

“While I’m praying for Buddy, I’ll add one for Mandy.”

“I appreciate that. See you tomorrow.”

I was only halfway to the hospital, and since I knew Sarah was okay, I turned around and headed for home.

*******

My heart began to pound as I turned down my block. Sitting in the driveway was Mandy’s yellow Volkswagen Beetle. I pulled in behind her, and got out. Mandy has had a key ever since I bought the home.

When I opened the front door, I was met by Bear, tail swishing side to side. Her tongue licked my outstretched hand as I looked past her. “Hi, girl. Do we have a visitor?”

I heard a sound in the kitchen, and as I crossed the living room, Mandy came out carrying two cups of coffee.

I took one. “Thanks. How did you know I would be home?”

“When I called Sarah Daniels to check on Buddy, she told me you had just spoken with her. I figured you were on your way home.”

Mandy didn’t smile, and for that matter, she wouldn’t meet my gaze either. There was a definite tension filling the space between us.

“Mandy…”

“Don’t say anything, Jack. I don’t want to discuss it right now. I just wanted to see you and Bear. But I don’t want to discuss any of this chasing stuff, so I can remind myself you’re not crazy.”

“That’s fine. I’m glad you came by, and I’m not crazy. In fact, I’ve never been saner in my life.”

“I believe you.” She still didn’t smile.

“You know we have to talk about it sometime.”

She didn’t say anything.

Time to change the subject, Jack, before you lose her altogether.

“Well, I’m glad to see you, but Bear is the one who was going crazy! She mopes around, and I swear she’s looking at your picture on the shelf, trying to figure out when you’ll be back.”

“She does!” Mandy reached out and scratched both of Bear’s ears. “Well, I missed her, too.”

A smile finally crossed her face, and I rejoiced inside to see her happy again.

chapter 4

Mandy left about two hours later. Chasing never came up again during her visit. After making sure Bear was fed and watered, I cleaned up and crawled into bed.

It was easy to think happier thoughts after laughing with Mandy, but something still nagged at me. I finally decided, despite my best effort to explain, she hadn’t found logic enough in what I’d said to believe my truth.

Maybe she can’t believe because it changes her perception of reality. Good and evil now each have two faces, the physical and the spiritual, and both can interact with her. She probably thought of the spiritual world as being in the next life.

A part of me had hoped she would be excited by the prospect of hunting spiritual bad guys, and maybe even want to help, but I’d underestimated the impact chasing would have on her.

I closed my eyes and set my heart on prayer. I prayed for Buddy, Sarah, Mandy, Journey Chapel, and my own ministry. There were many others on my list, but sleep took hold. I couldn’t remember who I was thinking of last when I fell asleep.

*******

In my drowsiness, I began to hear running water, like a stream. No, not a stream, maybe a waterfall. No, it wasn’t strong enough for a waterfall. What was it?

I started to gain some visual focus, and a white oval began to take shape below me, shining in the light, but rippling. Suddenly, I knew what the water was. A tub faucet!

The sound of the running water continued as I settled on the floor below the tub rim. Something soft was under me, a bath mat or bathrobe maybe, and I was completely relaxed. I tried to move my hand to feel the softness, but my hand wouldn’t respond.

The water sound stopped, and I felt myself being lifted up by strong hands. I watched as the rim of the tub came closer. Without realizing it, I was in the water, looking up from beneath. I still couldn’t move, but my lungs were exploding. Everything went black.

When my focus returned, I could see up to the surface, and there were police and EMTs looking down at me. But now I was looking up through blue water, not the clear liquid from earlier. Everything went black again.

When I came around the next time, I was standing in a tunnel, looking toward a bright light. Walking into the light was a woman. She stopped, looked back at me, and then continued toward the light.

Just before she passed into the light, she turned and ran back at me. She was a tiny woman, in her late twenties to early thirties, with black hair and blue eyes. When she raced past me, both the vision and bright light, disappeared into a vacuum.

I awoke with a start, sweat soaking my bed, and rolled to look at my clock. Three in the morning. I picked up the pad I kept on the floor by the bed, uncapped a pen, and wrote down what I could remember of the vision.

I would research it in the morning, after I had some more sleep. This Runner vision had scared me like no other, in part because I’d never been in the place of a drowning victim, which is what it felt like. But there was something more, something hidden, and I could feel it.

*******

The next morning, I was dressed and headed for the office early. I wanted to do some research on the previous night’s vision before I had to leave for the hospital. Bear was not happy to be left behind again.

“I know, girl. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

If a dog can look skeptical, Bear has it mastered.

Stopping at a Conoco station, I grabbed a coffee and a newspaper. A quick glance at the front page told me my Runner wasn’t headline news. Ten minutes later, I unlocked my office door.

The usual pile of junk mail was on the floor, and I gathered it up to throw it out, when a plain white envelope caught my attention. It was addressed to ‘Chaser,’ and didn’t have a stamp.

I could think of only one person who would leave me an envelope like that. I tore it open.

Chaser,

You will not escape alive again.

H.

I instinctively turned the letter over, looking for something more, and what I found was a list. Four names, scribbled quickly, and nothing else.

Richard Douglas

Bartholomew Wesley

Betty-Mae Parsons

Franklin David Carver

The handwriting on both sides matched, meaning Harbinger had written the names. The obvious question was who were these people, and why was Harbinger writing down their names?

The only thing I did know was Harbinger had delivered a message, but not in person, which said to me he was unsure of himself. Twice now, he’d failed to kill me, and it appeared to be getting to him.

The threat was nothing different than I’d received before, but it let me know Harbinger was still around, still watching me. I decided not to leave Bear home again. At least, not until this business was done. She was an alarm system I didn’t want to be without.

Putting the note back in the envelope, I tucked it into my wallet and sat down at my desk. I unfolded the newspaper and, as was my habit, went to the obituaries first. There was nearly half a page of them, but none seemed to fit the circumstances of my vision.

Next, I went to the City section. Several pages of local stories, everything from robberies to hit-and-runs, but nothing involving water. I followed that by going through the State news section, coming up empty again. Either the Runner must have died prior to yesterday or after the morning paper was printed.

The paper was put to bed about one in the morning, so if it happened after that, I might find it on the webpage.

Opening my laptop, I pulled up the website of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. I did a search for drowning victim and several stories popped up. The oldest went back three years, but the newest was from that morning.

I clicked on the story.

Police were called early today to a residence located on the 5200 block of Plaza Hills Drive, in south-central St. Louis. A woman was discovered unresponsive at the bottom of the family pool around 3 A.M.

She was found by her husband, who immediately called 9-1-1. Tracy Adams, 31, was declared dead at the scene.

Police said it appeared to be an accidental drowning, and alcohol may have played a part. An autopsy will be conducted today.

Detective Nathan Talbot of the St. Louis Homicide Division said the husband is co-operating with law enforcement, and the couple’s two children were not home when the drowning occurred.

Further details will be reported as they become available.

I had found my Runner, but now I needed to discover why she ran and where she was headed. My best guess was the most common destination: home. She probably wanted to say something to her husband or her kids.

I’d known Nate Talbot for years, so I pulled up his number on my phone and pressed the call button.

“Hello?”

“Nate, this is Jack Carter.”

“Hey, Jack. It’s been a while, how have you been?”

“Good, you?”

“I can’t complain, except I’m on the graveyard rotation this month. It makes for long nights.”

“No doubt! Listen, the reason I called is the case you had this morning over in Plaza Hills.”

“The drowning?”

“Yeah, that’s the one. You still calling it accidental?”

“So far. The autopsy won’t be done until later today, but it looks pretty clear cut. What’s your interest?”

“Just came across the story and was curious. Why is it clearly an accident?”

“The husband told us she takes sleeping pills, and we found a half-empty glass of wine by the edge of the pool. The husband said she often dangled her feet in the water when she couldn’t sleep.”

“Where was he?”

“The husband? He was in bed, and when he woke up, she wasn’t there. When he looked for her, he discovered her in the pool. Hey Jack, do you know something I don’t?”

I chuckled. “No, I’m afraid not. Just curious, but if I hear anything, you’ll be the first to know.”

“I appreciate that. How’s the gumshoe business?”

I snickered. “Oh, you know. Just another day in paradise.”

Nate laughed. “I bet! Anyway, I gotta run, Jack. See ya.”

“Bye Nate, and thanks again.”

*******

I was just pulling into the hospital parking lot to meet Sarah before Buddy’s surgery when my phone rang. I dipped into a space and answered it as I put the car in park.

“Hello?”

“Jack Carter?”

“Yes, who’s this?”

“Rachel Tanner.”

“Oh, hi Rachel. I gather Brother Edwards gave you my number.”

“Yes. I hope that’s okay.”

“Sure, no problem,” I thought back to our meeting yesterday. The red hair and green eyes were hard to forget, but I hadn’t noticed how silky her voice was until now. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, we didn’t get much of a chance to talk yesterday, so I was hoping you would join me for dinner.”

I was caught off guard, and I didn’t know how long Buddy’s surgery would be, nor if I would hear from Mandy. “Well, I’m not sure.”

“Oh, come on. I won’t bite, I promise.”

I laughed, although I wasn’t sure I believed her. “It’s not that. Buddy Daniels is going into surgery shortly, and I promised his wife I would be here with her.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Her voice was heavy with concern. “I forgot about that. Brother Edwards mentioned it early this morning. Don’t worry about dinner, we’ll talk later.”

I didn’t have plans for dinner, so I wanted to keep the option open, and I was curious to know more about this Chaser turned envoy. “How about this? If all goes well, and I can get clear by dinner, I’ll call you. Sound okay?”

“Sounds great. You have my number on your caller ID?”

I checked. “Yeah, it’s here.”

“Okay, I’ll wait to hear from you. In the meantime, I’ll be praying for Buddy.”

“Thanks, Rachel. Bye.”

“Bye.”

I hung up and looked at the time. Ten forty-five. I needed to hustle.

*******

I found Sarah sitting in one of the surgical waiting rooms on the fifth floor of the hospital. The waiting area was less a room and more of a large space, divided by random glass panes. Comfortable chairs, multiple TVs, and coffee machines were dotted around the transparent cubicles.

Sarah got up and hugged me when I came in.

“Thanks for coming, Jack.”

“Don’t be silly. I’m here for you and Buddy, anytime.”

She sat back down and I took the chair next to her. She pointed to a giant screen on the far wall. “You can follow along as his surgery progresses.”

The electronic board had multiple columns, with random colors, and names running down the left side. The colors matched various stages of surgery, and each patient’s current status was being tracked. Red for Surgery Prep, yellow for Pre-op, green for In Surgery, blue for In Recovery, and so on.

I found Buddy’s name, a yellow block next to it. At that moment, the color changed to green. “He’s in surgery now, Sarah.”

She looked up from stirring her coffee, and then glanced at her watch. “The doctor said I should expect the surgery to take two and a half or three hours.”

The clock on the wall said eleven fifteen.

*******

For what felt like the hundredth time, I looked at the color next to Buddy’s name, still green, and then at the clock. It was now two forty-five and Buddy had been in surgery for three and a half hours.

Sarah had gone silent nearly forty-five minutes ago, no longer pretending to be upbeat, but seemingly entranced by the surgery board. Worry etched her face, and I understood why.

Did something go wrong? What am I going to say to Sarah if her Buddy doesn’t pull through? What would I do without my friend and mentor?

I chastised myself for thinking the worst. I was well aware Buddy was in the Lord’s hands, and my fretting was not doing any good. I closed my eyes to say another prayer, something Sarah and I had done together multiple times this afternoon, when I felt her grab my arm.

“He’s blue!”

My first thought was Buddy had been wheeled past and he was dead. “Where did you see him?”

“No, not him. His name.”

My heart began to beat again as I looked up at the surgery board. Buddy’s name was now flanked by the color blue—he was in recovery.

A disc sitting on the table started flashing and vibrating. I stared at it like it was a bomb. Sarah picked it up. “We need to go to the nurses’ station.”

“What is that?”

“A kind of beeper thingy. They gave it to me when I got here.” She stood, gathered her bag and purse, and headed in the general direction of the nurses’ desk without waiting for me.

When I caught up with her, she was already speaking to a nurse. “My thing was flashing.”

“Your name?”

“Sarah Daniels.”

“And the patient’s name?”

“Buddy Daniels.”

The nurse consulted her chart. “Yes, Mrs. Daniels. The doctor will speak to you in room C. It’s right across the hall.”

We walked over to the room she pointed out. The doctor came in just after we were seated at the round table. He shook hands with both of us.

“Sarah, I’m happy to say he came through with flying colors.”

Yeah, I know. Flying surgery board colors! I wonder if that’s his favorite cliché!

Sarah took a tissue from the box in the middle of the table and dabbed at her eyes. “It took longer than you said. I was beginning to worry.”

The doctor nodded. “I know, and I’m sorry, but your husband has a hard head!”

Sarah rolled her eyes. “I could have told you that!”

“We had a more difficult time attaching the steel plate than we anticipated.”

“When can I see him?”

The doctor, still standing, crossed his arms. “Well, he’ll be in recovery for at least another hour, and then he’ll be moved back to ICU. You can see him then, but he still won’t be conscious.”

“When will that happen?”

“Well, he’ll be removed from all sedatives, but when he emerges from the coma will be up to Buddy.”

Sarah nodded, and shook the doctor’s hand again. “Thank you, Doctor.”

“You’re most welcome, Sarah. I’ll see you tomorrow morning on my rounds.”

With that, the doctor left, and I helped Sarah up. I do believe she felt a little lighter when I took her arm.

Worry is a heavy burden for anyone to carry.

chapter 5

After meeting with the doctor, Sarah said she wanted to go clean up. She had been at the hospital almost constantly for the past several days. I drove her to the home she and Buddy shared, a small yellow matchbox house with white trim, the lawn green and manicured. A cement walk divided the lawn in two, leading up from the street, to the house.

While she showered and changed, I tried calling Mandy. The call went to voice mail again.

“Mandy, it’s me. I was thinking we could meet for dinner, but I guess you’re busy. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.”

I hung up, feeling frustrated she was staying out of touch again. I thought we might have gotten past that after our time together the previous night, even though we hadn’t discussed chasing.

I looked at my watch. Four o’clock. I still had time to call Rachel Tanner. I called the saved number on my phone.

“Hello?”

“Rachel, it’s me.”

“Hi, me.”

“I’m sorry. It’s Jack Carter.”

She laughed. “I knew it was you, Jack. Are you free for dinner after all?”

“It appears so. Is around five okay?”

“No, too soon.”

“Oh, well…”

“Jack, a girl needs time to get ready,” she laughed. “How about six thirty? Pick me up at the Ramada Inn, just down from Journey Chapel, Room 237.”

“That sounds good. Where do you want to eat?”

“I picked the time, you pick the place. Fair?”

I smiled into the phone. “Fair. I’ll see you at six thirty.”

“Don’t be late!” She hung up.

I closed the phone. “I won’t,” I said to myself.

“Won’t what?”

I jumped, and looked up to see Sarah watching me in a flower-print dress. Her hair was pulled up in a fresh bun, and she looked better than I seen her in days.

“Oh, nothing. I was talking to someone on the phone. You look great!”

She did a little spin, flaring her skirt out. “Thank you, sir.”

I stood up. “Are you ready to go back to the hospital?”

“I am.”

I bowed deeply at the waist. “Then, Madam, your chariot awaits.”

*******

I went up to the ICU with Sarah, but Buddy was still unconscious. She took her now familiar seat in the waiting room, and shooed me away. “Off you go. I’m sure you’ve got things to take care of, and there’s nothing for you to do here.”

“Are you sure?” I still had an hour and a half before I needed to pick up Rachel, and I didn’t like leaving Sarah alone.

“I’m sure. Besides, I believe Brother Edwards is coming by this evening.”

“Very well.” I leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay.” She got out her Bible and started to read. I headed for the elevator.

On the way down, my phone began to vibrate.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Jack. You left a message about dinner.”

Oh crap! Now Mandy calls me back.

“Yeah, I was hoping we could get together and finish the discussion about my ministry.”

“I don’t know, Jack… I thought you just wanted a dinner companion.”

“Well, I did. However, since I left you that message, someone from the ministry and I made plans to go to dinner.”

“Okay, that’s fine.”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if you came.”

“She?”

She? Did I say she? You’re an idiot, Jack.

“Uh…yeah. She’s an envoy from the Council, and she’s in town to speak with me about the ministry. Do you want to join us?”

“No, I don’t think so. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.”

The elevator doors opened as Mandy hung up. I stood for a moment staring at my phone.

That went well, Jack. You’ll be lucky if she ever talks to you again.

“Are you going back up?”

I looked around to see a nurse, her hand on the door, holding it open. I stumbled forward. “Oh, no. Thanks.”

I put the conversation with Mandy out of my mind, and tried to decide where to take Rachel for dinner.

I know, Jack. Why don’t you take her to Mandy’s favorite place? You can make today even better by running into Mandy while out to dinner with Rachel!

I smacked myself in the forehead, irritated with my poor timing and lousy decisions. I looked at my watch and decided I had time, so I headed home to change.

*******

At 6:29, I knocked on the door of room 237 at the Ramada Inn.

“Just a minute!”

I leaned back against the rail, waiting for Rachel to emerge from the room, and realized I was a little nervous.

Settle down, Jack. It’s just a business dinner.

I breathed into my hand, then smelled my breath. Rachel opened the door at that moment. “Your hand smell, Jack?”

“Something like that,” I mumbled.

When I got over my initial embarrassment, I realized Rachel looked stunning. Her red hair was swept into a side ponytail, with an orange flower pinned on the short side. A black dress, with a scooped neckline, was glued to her hourglass figure. Black high heels, and an orange clutch, completed the look.

“Miss Tanner, you look wonderful.”

“Why, thank you, Mr. Carter.” She looked me over. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

While I’d worn slacks and a nice button-down shirt, I hadn’t dressed up quite as much as Rachel. I decided my original plan of Denny’s for dinner was not fancy enough.

Fortunately, not far from where we were, was Tony G’s. A very nice steakhouse and piano bar. We walked down to the Ranchero, and I was about to open the door for her, when she handed me her keys. “Why don’t we take my car?”

She gestured at the rented Ford Fusion, and considering the dress she was wearing, I couldn’t blame her. The Ranchero looked more farm truck than limo, and I didn’t keep it very clean.

Maybe she saw the Cheetos bag on the floor of the passenger side, or did she know Bear likes to ride shotgun?

I nodded, unlocked her door and let her in, then went around to the driver’s side. I got in and started the rental. In ten minutes, we were at the restaurant.

*******

Dinner passed with small talk, mostly by me about me, and I found my nervousness from earlier had disappeared quickly. We ordered coffee, and after it was served, she sipped it while looking over the cup’s rim at me. “Do you know why I’m here, Jack?”

“Good steak and okay company?”

She smiled, but her mood had clearly changed. “No, I mean why I’m here in St. Louis.”

I sipped my coffee before answering. “Well, Gary said you were here to get the details of Brother Timmons’s death and information on Harbinger.”

She set her cup down, put her elbows on the table, folded her hands below her chin, and rested her face on them. She regarded me seriously with the most intense green eyes I’d ever seen. “I’m here for you, Jack.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Don’t get me wrong, what Gary told you was true, but my larger mission was to see you.”

I didn’t know what to say. How would she even know who I was, and what made getting to know me so important? “Okay, but why?”

“There’s a big world outside of Missouri, Jack. I’m not talking about the physical world, but the spiritual one, and you have a big part to play in it.”

I went to sip my coffee, but was sure my hand was shaking, so I left the cup on the table. “I’m not sure I understand.”

She let her hands drop to the table and leaned in closer, candlelight dancing on her cheeks. “You’re familiar with Harbinger, his history and his age, correct?”

I nodded.

“Well, there are others, Runners like Harbinger, who are older and more difficult to cross over than you can imagine. Runners who have thwarted every effort, made by both the Council and numerous Chasers, to make them face their final destiny.”

Oh, greaaat! More Harbingers, only worse. This day just keeps getting better.

“I’m sure I’ll regret asking this, but what does that have to do with me?”

“We believe, the Council and others, you have the power of the Spirit in greater measure than anyone we’ve seen for the last hundred years.”

See, I told you I’d regret it.

“So, am I to guess that you’re here to recruit me for something?”

Rachel sat back in her chair, and crossed her arms. “In a way.”

“In a way, what?”

“I’ve been sent to train you, and counsel you, in your effort to defeat Harbinger.”

“Well, that’s good, because I can use any help I can get.”

She sat watching me, and I could tell she was waiting for me to get the rest of it. It came to me slowly. “What happens after Harbinger?”

“If we’re right, and you are what we think you are, there will be special missions for you.”

I considered what she was saying, staring back into her eyes, seeking a judgment on this woman.

Is she trustworthy, or am I getting in over my head?

“What if I don’t want to take part in ‘special missions’ from the Council?”

Rachel sat forward again, and laid her hand on mine. “Jack, nothing about the ministry itself changes. You serve voluntarily, and your choices are between you and the Lord.”

Her touch and her voice were both sincere, and I believed her. What really bothered me now was the idea of Runners stronger than Harbinger.

Suddenly, I remembered the note. I pulled my hand away, reached for my wallet, and took out the envelope left at my office by Harbinger. “I brought something for you to look at.”

“Really, what?”

I removed the note from the envelope and handed it to her. “This was in my mail at my office.”

She unfolded it and read the warning. “I assume H. stands for Harbinger?”

“Yes, but look at the back of the paper.”

She flipped the note over, and as she read the names, all expression left her face. “Can I keep this?”

“I suppose. Do you recognize the names?”

“I think so, but I don’t want to say for sure, at least not until I talk to the Council.”

“When will that be?”

She looked at her watch. “About ten minutes after you get me back to my hotel room.”

*******

I dropped Rachel at the hotel and picked up the Ranchero. She didn’t want me to wait while she talked to the Council, but she said she’d call me with any news.

As I’ve said before, I hate being left out of the loop, and this was a big loop. I sure would like to talk to some of these Council folks. I bet that would be a fascinating conversation.

I headed for home, resigned to the fact I would have to wait, and letting my mind wander to thoughts of Rachel’s red hair.

chapter 6

The next morning, Bear decided I’d slept too long, and laid several slobbery kisses on my face. “Yuck, Bear!”

I climbed out of bed and scratched her behind the ears despite the slobber starting to dry on my face. I was finding that having someone there in the morning was kind of nice.

I checked my phone for missed calls—there were none—and then let Bear outside. I grabbed a shower, made coffee, and fed the dog. It was now almost ten in the morning, and the sun was beginning to warm the chilly late September air.

I headed down to the office, and despite the traffic, was there by ten forty-five. When I went inside, I was relieved to find no new notes waiting for me. The look on Rachel’s face when I gave her the list the previous night had left me unsettled.

My first desire was to go to the hospital, but I knew what Buddy would say if he found out. “The Chase must always come first, get after the Runner.”

I was unsure where to start my search. No obvious location had popped up from my research, and I still didn’t know why Tracy Adams had turned Runner.

I answered a couple messages before deciding to go by the Adams’s home on the way to the hospital.

*******

Tracy Adams lived with her husband and two children in a large two-story home. Her husband, David Adams, was a stockbroker with a major firm downtown. When I pulled up at the house, it appeared David had gone to work and the house was quiet. The kids were probably in school or staying with relatives.

I drove farther down the block, parked the car, and walked back to the house. Moving slowly by the front yard, I tried to sense the presence of a Runner. Despite walking around the block three times, I picked up nothing.

Going back to my car, I rolled the windows down to let the cool breeze in, and sat watching the house. I kept a pad and paper out, making it look like I was doing some work, but my eyes remained glued to the Adams’s home.

Eventually, my stomach growled, forcing me to look at my watch, and I decided it was time to get something to eat.

Maybe Sarah hasn’t eaten, and I can get her to go with me to the hospital cafeteria.

After one final look, I pulled away from the curb and drove to the hospital.

*******

I found Sarah in the same waiting room chair, in the same print dress, with the same look on her face.

My sharp detective mind is telling me nothing has changed since last night.

I smiled at my own joke, walked over to where she sat, and kissed her on the cheek. “How is he?”

“The same. There’s brain wave activity, but he hasn’t come to yet.”

“How about you? You okay?”

“I feel the same as Buddy.” She smiled, patting my hand. “There’s brain wave activity, but I’m still in a numb coma.”

I laughed. “How about you and me break outta this place and get something to eat?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I really don’t want to leave the hospital.”

“Okay, how about the cafeteria?”

She hesitated, looking toward the ICU window, but relented. “Okay, I am kind of hungry.”

I stood and put out my arm. “Excellent! Please take my arm and I will escort you to ‘La Cafeteria.’”

My nonsense managed to draw a small giggle, and her face lightened noticeably, as she took my arm. “Thank you, Monsieur!”

*******

After securing two plates of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, at least that’s what they were labeled, we took a table by the window. Sarah tried her food, and was pleasantly surprised. “Hmmm, not bad.”

I played with mine more than anything, but I was glad Sarah was eating. She regarded me over a forkful of mashed potatoes. “Brother Edwards told me you were meeting with Rachel Tanner.”

I was unable to hide my surprise. “You know Rachel?”

“Only by reputation. Buddy has mentioned her to me in the past.”

“I see. Well, yes, we had dinner last night. She had some things to reveal to me about my mission, or at least the way the Council sees my mission, and she offered to help me prepare for Harbinger.”

“Brother Edwards told me she’s a very impressive person.”

“You could say that.” I nodded as I remembered her dress. “She knows how to make an impression.”

Sarah was quiet for several minutes, and had stopped eating, taking to pushing the remaining food around her plate like I’d been doing. Finally, she looked up. “How’s Mandy?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know, really. I’ve seen her, but she refuses to discuss the ministry, and I think she’s really struggling with it.”

“Give her time, Jack. She’ll come around.”

“I wish I could be as sure as you.” I pushed my plate away. “I desperately want to make her see the truth.”

Sarah smiled at me and touched my hand. “It’ll happen in His time.”

*******

When we arrived back on the third floor, Buddy was still comatose. As we walked back to the waiting room, a nurse waved at Sarah from the ICU desk. Sarah walked over while I waited for her.

The nurse handed her a note, and when Sarah turned around, she was whiter than the nurse’s uniform. I immediately went to her. “What is it, Sarah?”

She handed me the note, then sat on a bench in the hall, waiting for me to read it.

Sarah Daniels,

Sorry to have missed you. I stopped by to check on your husband. It appears the jury is still out on his eventual recovery.

I’ll be in touch.

Steve Mason

Involuntarily, I sucked in my breath. I looked over at Sarah, and she was watching me. “That’s who I think it is, right?”

I nodded.

She put her face in her hands and started to sob.

I read the note again, this time getting angry. I pulled out my phone and dialed Rachel.

“Hello.”

“Rachel, it’s Jack.”

“Hey, Jack.”

“When can we start training?”

“Well, I guess anytime. What’s up?”

“I’ll explain when I see you. Pick you up at eight tomorrow morning?”

“I’ll see you then.”

I didn’t ask about the list of names she was investigating, mainly because I was too angry, and only one name concerned me right now.

chapter 7

Annie Carter was a wonderful cook. She also happened to be my mother. These were the reasons I had dinner at my mom’s as often as I could. It was almost always my best meal of the week.

Often, Mandy would join me, especially if Mom was making any of her famous pasta dishes. Although that was the case tonight, I still had not been able to get a hold of Mandy, and so I had come to dinner alone.

Mom had made spaghetti and meatballs, with meatballs nearly the size of a baseball, and it was delicious as always. Bear was with me, and received two monster meatballs of her own.

Mom looked up at me as she heaped a second helping on my plate.

“Soooo, how’s Mandy?”

“I was hoping you could tell me.”

She stopped with the serving spoon suspended over my plate, as if deciding whether I deserved another meatball. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you talk to her fairly often. Has she called you in the last day or so?”

“No. In fact, I haven’t talked to her since the last time you guys were here for dinner.” The meatball landed safely on my plate. “Why? Something wrong between you two?”

Where do I start? With the I love you’s we said to each other? Or maybe with the fact Mandy isn’t comfortable with my ministry, which I can’t tell my mother about.

“It’s not that there’s something wrong, nor are things quite right, but they’re complicated.”

“You’re making less sense than you usually do, which is saying something. Do you care to elaborate?”

My mother’s main task in life, since my father died, has been to worry about me. I wouldn’t be getting out of here until I’ve told the whole story.

“Do you remember when I was injured and you took care of me for several days last year?”

“Of course.”

“And do you remember how Mandy came by everyday to check on me?”

“Again, of course.”

“Do you remember what you said to me when I finally came around?”

“Well, among other things, I told you I thought Mandy cared for you as more than just a friend.”

She sat watching me carefully, sensing what was coming, and ready to explode. “Well…it turns out you were right.”

“Hot dog! I knew it,” Annie Carter, despite her age, jumped out of her chair, and came around the table to hug me. “Did you tell her how you felt?”

I nodded.

“And?”

“Well, it was great for a few hours.”

Mom went back to her chair, sat down, and stared at me. “A few hours? Then what happened?”

Yeah, Jack, then what happened?

I had to be careful. The last thing I wanted to do was get into a discussion about Chasing, with my mother, who didn’t even know I was in a ministry. I measured my words carefully.

“What happened is a little muddled. We began to discuss some of the things that might become part of our future together, and found one that provided a challenge to our relationship, and warranted further discussion.”

She sat back in her chair, turned her head sideways, and looked at me from out of one eye. “Challenges to our relationship… further discussion…you sound like a politician who wants my vote without telling me his name.”

“Now Mom…”

“Don’t you ‘now mom’ me. If you don’t want to talk about it, just say so!”

I shook my head. “It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, it’s just sensitive.”

She stared at me with frustration painted on her face. After several minutes, she spoke, her voice softer. “How serious is it?”

“You mean the relationship, or the issue?”

“Both.”

“The relationship is serious. She told me she loved me and that she moved to St. Louis to be near me, and I told her I loved her...”

Mom waited for part two, without showing any reaction to part one.

“…But the issue is also serious, and it could keep us apart.”

Without saying anything, she got up, gathered some plates, and started for the kitchen. As she reached the swinging kitchen door, she stopped and turned back to me.

“Whatever you have to do, Jack, you do it. That woman is the best thing that ever happened to you.” She disappeared into the kitchen, leaving me alone with her words.

She hadn’t said it harshly, or with anger, but with love. She felt in her soul that Mandy was the one for me, and I hoped she was right, because the feelings I had for Mandy ran deep into my soul.

*******

I had just pulled away from my mother’s house when my phone began to vibrate. I answered it without checking the ID and was met by a familiar voice.

“Jack?”

“Yeah, Nate.”

“I got the autopsy on Tracy Adams back from the coroner, and thought you might be interested.”

“Sure enough, what’s the verdict?”

“The coroner says accidental drowning. The toxicology won’t be back for a couple days, but she had water in her lungs, and there was no sign of defensive injuries.”

“Huh! That is interesting. I appreciate the call, Nate. The case really just struck me when I read it in the paper.”

“No problem.”

“Take care, Nate.”

“Hey, Jack?”

“Yeah, Nate.”

“When are we gonna play some racquetball again?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t played in a while.”

Nate laughed. “Good, maybe I’ll beat you this time!”

“Not a chance! I’ll call you as soon as I can break free.”

“Sounds good. Bye.”

An accidental death didn’t help me much. If it was an accident, then her reason for becoming a Runner may not have been tied to her death, and I may have a tougher time tracking her down.

I looked at my watch. Nine thirty. The sun had already set now that October was right around the corner, and the days were growing shorter. I’d planned to go stake out the Adams’s home again, this time overnight, to see if Tracy showed herself.

I had an early morning appointment with Rachel, so I couldn’t be there all night, but I figured to stay until at least one in the morning.

While on the way to my stakeout, I checked my voice mail. No message from Mandy, nor was there a message from Sarah Daniels. I called Mandy again, got her voice mail again, and hung up without leaving a message.

Maybe there’s a reason you’ve been single all this time.

*******

I pulled up in front of the Adams’s home at ten fifteen. The lights were on inside the house, and occasionally I would see a figure pass by the curtains, forming a dark image. There was still no sign of my Runner, and no sense of her being here, either. Bear was sleeping in the seat next to me, and with my headlights off, I slid down in the seat to wait.

chapter 8

My phone’s ringer startled me awake.

Where am I? Oh, crap, I fell asleep!

I grabbed the phone. “Hello?”

“Jack?”

“Yeah, who’s this?”

“It’s me, Sarah. I’m sorry to wake you.”

“No, not all. Is something wrong?”

I could sense more than hear her smile through the phone. “Buddy’s awake!”

I sat up straighter. “Sarah, that’s great! How is he?”

“Pretty groggy and a little confused. He doesn’t understand where all the time went.”

“I guess that’s normal?”

“Yes. The doctor said he was very pleased with Buddy’s responses.”

“Sarah, I’m tied up right now, but I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Okay, Jack. I’m sure Buddy will be happy to see you.”

“Not as happy as I’ll be to see him. Bye.”

I hung up and looked at the time. Five thirty. The sun hadn’t started up yet, and apparently nobody had called the police on me, so I started the car. Bear stood on her seat, wagging her tail. She was glad to be going, this stakeout stuff was probably too boring for her.

I had a last look around, still unable to sense Tracy Adams, but then I may have missed her while I slept.

Way to go, super private eye!

I headed home to clean up.

*******

After a shower and a change of clothes, I downed a bowl of Raisin Bran and fed Bear. As I got ready to leave, I realized I still had time to go see Buddy before picking up Rachel. Bear was getting tired of being left behind, and I didn’t like being without her, but there was nothing I could do. Some places just aren’t dog friendly.

I arrived at the hospital around seven and went to the ICU waiting room, but couldn’t find Sarah. A platinum-haired nurse saw me looking up and down the hallway. “Can I help you?”

“Yes, please. I’m looking for Sarah Daniels, her husband was in ICU.”

“Mr. Daniels was moved to a regular room on the second floor.” She consulted a chart. “Room 201.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

I took the stairs down one flight, and came out into the hall right next to room 201. I tapped lightly on the door.

“Come in.”

I pushed the door open and entered to find Sarah sitting next to Buddy’s bed, holding his hand, and smiling broadly. “Hi, Jack.”

I kissed her cheek. “Hey, Sarah. This patient giving you any trouble?”

Buddy was entombed under all the bandages. I touched his hand. “Nice to see you, old man.”

“Do I know you?”

I looked at Sarah, startled by his reaction, and she nodded back toward Buddy. When I turned, his face was split into a smile. “Got ya!”

I laughed. “You’re a bad person, Buddy Daniels.”

He squeezed my hand. “How are things?”

I knew what he meant. How’s Harbinger, Gary, Journey Church, and everyone else? I wasn’t biting. “You worry about you. Everyone else is just fine.”

The thought of Brother Edwards reminded me to ask Sarah. “Did you call Gary?”

“Yes. He was sharing the news with the church, and said he would be by later.”

“Good.” I looked at the big clock on the wall. “I’ve got an appointment, so I need to run, but I need to ask a favor.”

“Of course. What is it?”

“I’m going to be doing some training, and I was hoping I could use Buddy’s gym.”

Without a word, she turned to her purse and extracted a house key. “Here, I don’t think Buddy will be using the gym for a while.”

I took the key. “Thanks, Sarah. I’ll be back later to see how he’s doing.”

When I looked at Buddy, his eyes were closed, so I crept out of the room without saying goodbye.

*******

I arrived at the Ramada Inn just one minute past eight. Rachel was on the ground floor, leaning against a railing and checking her watch.

I smiled at her teasing. “It’s just one minute!”

“Hey, late is late. Just saying!”

“Oh, I see how it is. The whole drill instructor thing has started already.”

She got in the car wearing a black spandex body suit, orange Nikes, and had her hair pulled up into a pair of matching pigtails. “Do you have a place you like to train?”

I pulled out into traffic. “Actually, I borrowed my mentor’s gym. It’s in his basement and should be perfect.”

“I heard Mr. Daniels is awake. That’s great!”

“Yeah. I’m excited for Sarah as much as anybody.”

“Why did you call last night to schedule training immediately?”

I paused, looking at Rachel. “Harbinger left a note for Sarah at the nurse’s station.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “I see. What did it say?”

“That he was there.”

We drove in silence the rest of the way to Buddy’s, and it was nice. I didn’t feel any awkwardness, which I’d expected with a new training partner, and I began to get excited about what Rachel might be able to teach me.

We pulled up in front of the house and got out. Rachel stood at the end of the walk, sizing up the place with her hands on her hips. “Cute. It has a good spirit around it.”

I looked at her, curious. “You say it like you can see an aura or something.”

“No, not see, feel. Don’t you reach out with the Spirit to determine the nature of a place or person?”

“I have sensed people, like when I look for a Runner’s presence.”

“Well, it’s no different. You know how going into a church gives you a sense of the Lord’s presence?”

We were standing in front of the house, pointing at it, and I thought we might be mistaken for robbers casing the place. “Sure, I know what you mean.”

“Okay, so when I got out of the car, I reached out with the Spirit to feel for the presence of the Lord. It was immediately there.” We started up toward the house. “You should try it, Jack.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Rachel stopped on the front step. “Now, Jack.”

I turned to look at her after unlocking the door. “Now?”

“It’s part of your training.”

“Okay, but can we go inside?”

She shook her red hair emphatically. “No, in fact, let’s go back out to the car.”

Rachel walked off and stood by the Ranchero. I let the screen door close and followed her. When I reached the car, I turned and looked at the house. “Okay, now what?”

“Once you learn to do this easily, you can do it with your eyes open, but for now you need to close them.”

I did as she said. I could sense her next to me, almost vibrating with intensity, and it was distracting. “All I can sense is you.”

She smiled and moved away. “Try again.”

I did, reaching out as I would when trying to sense Harbinger. It took a few minutes, but eventually I began to sense a welcoming and peaceful feeling. “I feel it!”

“Excellent. Now open your eyes, walk down three houses, and do the same thing.”

“Uh, don’t you think someone might call the police?”

“Maybe,” she laughed. “But do it anyway.”

I walked down the block and stopped in front of a small brick house. Closing my eyes, I reached out toward the home. I felt it quicker this time, a fear magnified by hopelessness. I shuddered and retreated to where Rachel stood. “I felt such a cold, almost despairing, atmosphere.”

Rachel studied me with those green eyes. “Which home would you be cautious entering? It’s obvious, isn’t it?”

“Sure.”

“You can learn to do this whenever you come to a new situation. In fact, it will become automatic. For the time being, though, you need to practice it.”

Rachel headed for the front door, and I followed her, beginning to see what made this lady so special.

*******

We worked the rest of the day on physical fitness, taking advantage of Buddy’s gym, and the privacy it gave us. It was much easier to focus when you weren’t surrounded by other people. Rachel pushed me to get in as good shape as I could. “You must be able to outlast a Runner, to make them go back to spirit, before you run out of energy.”

By the time the late afternoon arrived, I was exhausted, but Rachel looked like she was just getting started. She tossed me a towel and went upstairs, returning with two bottles of water. She handed one to me, and sat on the floor, gesturing for me to join her.

I sat down, cross-legged, opposite her. After a long drink of water, her face took on an even more intense look than when she was training me.

“Jack, we need to talk about the list you gave me the other night.”

“Did you find something out?”

“Yes, and it’s what I thought.”

I took another drink. “What you thought?”

She wiped her face with the towel. “Yes. When you handed me the list, I was pretty sure I recognized the names. It turned out I was right.”

Does this woman take lessons from Buddy on ‘getting to the point’?”

“Right about what?”

“Each of those four names belongs to a long-time Runner.”

I stared at her. “Long-time? You mean like Harbinger?”

She nodded. “In fact, all four are considerably older than Harbinger.”

“Does older translate as stronger?”

She nodded. “Stronger, and usually more cunning.”

Oh, great! That means even if I defeat Harbinger, he’s probably just a warm-up.

“Why would Harbinger have those names?”

“Our guess is, although we’re not certain, he might have been contacting them to come to St. Louis.”

I closed my eyes and flopped onto my back. “Great news, Rachel!”

She laughed. “I know, but we don’t have any evidence they’ve made it into town, yet. For the time being, we focus on Harbinger.”

I sat up. “We?”

“Yes, we. I told you, I’m here to help you reach your potential.”

I smiled. “You sound like an Air Force recruiter.”

“Not a bad analogy.” She grinned. “Except we fly by a different method!”

She reached over and took my hand, the energy that was Rachel Tanner, surging through her hand to mine. “Come on, we need to finish with prayer.”

*******

After prayer, I showed Buddy’s office to Rachel. Buddy had revealed the office to me in the days before our last confrontation with Harbinger. He had all of his mentor’s research, as well as what he had gathered, stored in this little office under the stairs.

Rachel examined the photos of Harbinger, including the ones Buddy had taken at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, and then went over some of the documents. She spotted a full-year calendar hanging on the wall. There were three dates highlighted. “What are these dates?”

“They relate to Harbinger. Buddy discovered three dates, significant to Steve Mason, before he became a Runner.”

“Really? How did he do that?”

“He found out, through his research, that Mason had a mother and sister who died in a fire.” I pointed at the first date. “The fire occurred on this date, April second.”

“And the other two dates?”

“Birthdays. One is the mother’s and the other is the sister’s.”

Rachel was obviously impressed. “That’s good work. What did he do with the dates?”

“Well, the mother and sister were buried under the same headstone, and Buddy would stake it out on each of the dates. Without fail, Harbinger showed up to visit the graves.”

The light bulb inside Rachel Tanner’s head lit up. “So, you and Buddy confronted him on September nineteenth, is that it?”

“That’s right.” I reached over and tapped October tenth. “And I’m going to be there on this date to face him again.”

Rachel found a red pencil in the desk drawer, and began making X’s through each date from September nineteenth to today. “I hope Buddy won’t mind.”

I looked at the blank days between the last X and October tenth.

“I’ve got just about two weeks to be ready, and I intend to be. By that date, I’ll be Harbinger’s worst nightmare!”

It sounded good, anyway!

chapter 9

I went by the hospital on the way home. Sarah, still in the print dress she’d put on the other day, was sitting by Buddy’s bedside. I didn’t know the last time she ate. I kissed her forehead.

“Sarah, do you want me to sit with this old man while you go home for a little while?”

“Do you mind?”

“Certainly not.”

Buddy opened his eyes and smiled. “Do I have a say in this?”

I looked at him and laughed. “Hey, I know I’m not as pretty as Sarah, but you can suffer through for an hour!”

He rolled his eyes. “Fine.”

Sarah kissed her husband, patted his hand, and gathered her purse. “I’ll be back shortly.”

After she left, I took her seat by Buddy. “How you doing, my friend?”

“I’ve certainly been better, but considering the alternative, I’m doing okay.”

He fell quiet, and I was still tired from my training, so I just enjoyed the opportunity to sit in my mentor’s company.

My thoughts wandered to Mandy. I’d checked my messages on the way over to the hospital, but still nothing from her. I needed to be patient, but I was used to talking to her nearly every day, and I missed her.

Rather than allowing myself to wallow, I switched gears, concentrating on the Runner. Tracy Adams.

I still didn’t have a hint where she would be, and I didn’t know what to do next. The ruling of accidental drowning was bothering me. A murder, and the emotions tied to such an act, is much more likely to spur someone to run.

What if it wasn’t an accident? Where would I be if I was the Runner and I knew I’d been murdered?

The answer for me would probably involve tracking one of two people. Following around the person responsible or the person who could right the wrong. I’d already staked out the person most likely to be guilty, if it was murder, and not found the Runner. The person most likely to right the wrong would be Detective Nate Talbot.

I need to visit my friend.

I took out my phone and called Nate.

“Hello?”

“Nate, it’s Jack.”

“Hey, Jack. What’s up?”

“I thought we might schedule that racquetball game, what do say?”

“When?”

“Tomorrow morning, say nine o’clock at the Y?”

“Sounds good. See you there.”

*******

I was out the door by eight thirty the next morning. I had called Rachel and explained to her why I would be late for training today. She understood, and said she would meet me at Buddy’s later. I called Mandy as well, but still got no answer.

The YMCA Nate and I usually played at was in Chesterfield, less than fifteen minutes from my house. I arrived just as Nate was getting out of his car.

The first thing I did was try to sense my Runner, Tracy Adams, and to quote Yukon Cornelius from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, I got “Nothin’!”

I caught up with Nate. “Hey, you ready to lose?”

He snorted. “I was going to ask you the same question.”

“Very funny. Try not to cry this time, please.”

Nate laughed. “It’s a wonderful place, this imaginary world you live in, huh?”

You have no idea!

*******

Racquetball was invigorating, and my conditioning paid off in the end, with me squeaking out a one-game victory. Nate stayed to shower, but I needed to continue my workout with Rachel, so I left before my friend.

Despite taking several water breaks, I never saw Tracy Adams hanging around the courts. I was considering my next move as I came out into the early October sun, when a lone figure standing under a shade tree caught my eye.

I had seen a couple photos of Mrs. Adams, and I had no doubt this was her, probably waiting for Nate to come out. She looked younger than her thirty-one years, with sandy-brown hair, blue eyes, and an athletic figure.

I walked over to her, and surprise raced across her face, the same reaction as all Runners when they find out someone can see them.

There were people around, and I didn’t want to look like a crazy person, so I leaned against the tree while I talked. I didn’t look directly at her, and it looked like I was singing to myself, at least I hoped so.

“Hello, Tracy Adams.”

“Who are you, and why can you see me?”

Always the same question. Oh well, I guess that’s exactly what I would say.

I decided to play along for a change. “My name is Jack Carter, and I can see you because the Spirit allows me to.”

“The Holy Spirit?”

“One and the same.”

She seemed pretty calm by new Runner standards. “Were you looking for me?”

“Yup.”

“Why?”

“I need to cross you over to the other side. You know…go into the light.”

Tracy suddenly sounded distraught. “Is God mad at me?”

She’d caught me off guard. “No, Tracy…” I looked at her and my heart broke. “Not at all. It’s just that God has to enforce the rules of life and death, and you need to be in the right place.”

Relief swept across her face, and I decided we needed to move this conversation to a more hidden spot.

“Tracy, follow me over to that clump of trees by the side of the building, and I’ll explain everything.”

She nodded and fell into step with me. Nate was just coming out of the building, but fortunately, he didn’t see me. When we got out of sight, I turned to her.

“What you did, running away from the light, is very difficult. It usually requires a huge emotional output. Why did you run?”

Her anger flared, demonstrating the very emotion that allowed her to run, and she started to pace. “My husband murdered me! I couldn’t let him get away with it.” She paused, the anger on her face ebbing. “I had to do something.”

I knew it! It makes me so happy when I’m right!

“What did you think you could do?”

She restarted her pacing. “I don’t know. I guess I was hoping to tip someone off, maybe reveal some evidence.”

“How did he kill you? The coroner said your death was an accidental drowning.”

“That’s what Dave wanted it to look like. The thing is I didn’t drown in the pool, I was drowned in the bathtub!”

“He moved your body?”

“Yes.”

“Why? You could have had the same accident in the tub.”

She stopped pacing and came over to stand in front of me. “I was drugged, but I put up a fight, and some things got knocked around the bathroom. Water was everywhere, and he needed time to clean up. Plus, he could say he was two floors away and asleep.”

It makes sense, and was actually pretty smart, but how to prove it?

I looked up to see her staring intently at me. I wasn’t sure if I could prove it was murder, but I would do my best, and I told her so.

“Tracy, you can’t stay here…”

“I have to, he has to be caught.”

“…I understand, and if you’ll do what I tell you, I promise I will find a way to prove it was murder.”

She looked skeptical. “What do I have to do?”

“You have to let me cross you over, right now, and trust me to keep my word.”

Tracy stared at me for a long time, seeming to balance my promise against the idea of running some more. “How do I know you’ll do it?”

“Do you remember who allows me to see you?”

“The Holy Spirit?”

“Yes, and He’s the best reference I can give you.”

She smiled. “Well, I guess it’ll have to do.”

I laughed, and took the blessed cross out of my gym bag. “I just need you to take hold of this cross, and you’ll be back to the light.”

She hesitated, staring at the cross, and then lifting her eyes to mine. “I trust you, Jack Carter. Thank you.”

She reached out and touched the cross, disappearing with a flash.

Normally, I like to bask in the feeling of sending someone home, but I had training to do. And now, a promise to keep.

*******

Rachel was waiting for me when I arrived at Buddy and Sarah’s house. “About time!”

“Yeah, sorry I’m late.”

“What happened?”

“I found my Runner. Things went better than I expected, and I was able to cross her over.”

“You’re forgiven.” Rachel wore another black one-piece jazzercise outfit, but this time it was accompanied by pink Nikes and a matching pink scrunchie that held her red hair in a long ponytail.

I grabbed my stuff and hurried up the walk to where she waited under the front door canopy. “You ready to work?”

She snickered. “I think the question is whether Jack is ready?”

I let us in. “Oh, yeah. I’m feeling energized.”

“Crossing someone over always made me feel recharged too,” She followed me into the house. “By the way, Buddy has some interesting neighbors.”

I laughed. “I gather you’re referring to the ones over the back fence?”

“Yeah. A cemetery is unique for a Chaser.”

“Buddy says they’re the quietest people he has around him.”

“Sure, dead quiet!”

I laughed, but her joke reminded me of the last time I heard it. Mandy had said the exact same thing the first time she visited here.

I miss her so much.

We went down to the gym and spent the next several hours working on fitness and sensing the Spirit, but quit just before dinner time rolled around. Rachel toweled herself off as I sat drinking a bottle of water. “You got plans for dinner?”

I looked up. She appeared ready to go out on the town, despite the spandex suit and ponytail. “No, but I need to do some research. I was just going to grab a burger on the way to my office.”

“Oh, okay.” She sat down next to me on the bench. “I haven’t seen your office, so why don’t I pick up some food and meet you there?”

“Sounds like a plan.” I fished a business card out of my wallet. “The address is on the card, along with a little map that’s printed on the back.”

She turned the card over. “Okay. Do you like chicken?”

“Sure, whatever you want.”

“Good, because what I want right now is to spend some more time with you.” She stood and headed up the stairs.

*******

I arrived at the office and immediately turned on my computer. There had to be some way to determine if a victim drowned in a tub or a pool.

Aren’t questions like this the reason Google was invented?

I did a search for a tap water vs. pool water comparison. It turned out chlorine is something you find in both kinds of water.

Crap!

I was in over my head when it came to forensics. I decided to call Nate. We had talked about the case in vague terms, earlier in the day, during a break in racquetball. I hadn’t pushed, because I didn’t know all the facts, but I’d talked with Tracy Adams since. I dialed.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Nate. Jack again.”

“You call to gloat?”

I laughed. “Certainly not! I barely escaped with a victory.”

“What’s up then?”

“It’s the Adams drowning case. I can’t seem to let it go.”

“Wow, it’s really stuck in your craw, isn’t it?”

That was an understatement. “Yeah, something just doesn’t feel right.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. What about the wine glass, did it have the wife’s fingerprints?”

There was a long hesitation. “Well, I’m at home and don’t have the file here, but I’m not sure. What are you suggesting?”

“I guess I’m just fishing. Did the toxicology report show alcohol in her system?”

“I don’t know. The tox screen isn’t back yet.”

Rachel came through the door, a KFC bag in her hand and a bottle of wine under her arm.

“I gotta go, Nate. Sorry to bug you, it’s one of those private eye things.”

“I understand. You PIs have too much time on your hands, that’s the problem.” He hesitated. “Seriously though, Jack. I’ll give everything a thorough going over at the station tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Nate. Bye.”

While I’d been talking to Nate, Rachel had been laying out chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, and two wine glasses. She twisted the top off the wine and poured. “Sorry about the cheap wine. I didn’t know if you had a corkscrew.”

“Everything looks awesome.”

We prayed and dug in. I was starving, but she kept pace, filling her plate and glass as often as I did. When we were done eating, I leaned back in my chair, while she got up and stood over by the window.

She turned, sitting on the window ledge, and seemed unsure of herself for the first time since I’d met her. I could sense a question lingering on her lips.

“What is it? There’s something you want to say, I can tell.”

Rachel smiled, looking at the floor, seemingly embarrassed at being caught. “Jack…is there a woman in your life?”

My surprise must have been written in neon across my forehead. She immediately turned away. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry. It’s none of my business.”

“No…it’s okay. In fact, I’m quite flattered…”

Rachel smiled at the compliment. “You don’t have to say anything.”

“I don’t mind. The answer is a resounding yes and no.”

She rolled her eyes and laughed out loud. “You should be a politician!”

“That’s what my mother told me.” I sat forward in my chair, looking into her eyes and feeling the heat from across the room. “There’s a girl I’ve loved for many years, but never told her. I finally confessed recently and it turned out she feels the same way, but there’s a problem.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“No, it’s not anything you’ve done. Her name is Mandy, and I tried to tell her about the ministry, but it didn’t go well.”

“She didn’t believe you?”

“Can you blame her?”

Rachel laughed, a kind of sad laugh, which I hadn’t heard from her before now. “No, I guess not.”

“Actually, I think she believes me, or at least trusts me, but I think the whole spiritual world thing was too much for her. She’s a detective and she has enough bad guys in her world. So finding out there’s a whole other evil in the spirit world was just too much for her to deal with, I think.”

“She’ll come around, Jack. You’re worth it.”

“Thanks, Rachel. What about you?”

“Me? I was married once, but he couldn’t handle the ministry, either.”

“What happened?”

“He left me, turning his back on the promise he’d made, and he was taken.”

“Oh Rachel…I’m sorry.”

“I appreciate that.” Rachel stood up, downed the last of her wine, and started for the door. “Pick me up at nine tomorrow?”

I smiled. “Not one minute after!”

She laughed, the same sad laugh, and disappeared through the door.

chapter 10

The next morning, I woke up with Mandy on my mind, which was not unusual. But my feelings had changed. The talk with Rachel had scared me.

What if Mandy does join me in the ministry, then changes her mind like Rachel’s husband, and she’s taken? I could lose her forever.

At the same time, I couldn’t imagine moving forward without her. And then there was Rachel.

What if Mandy doesn’t believe, doesn’t go with me, what then? Rachel is amazing, and already part of the ministry. Could I ever feel the same about her as I do about Mandy?

I rubbed at my temples, forced myself out of bed, and tried to stop torturing myself. There was only thing to do right now, focus on training and preparing for Harbinger.

If you don’t take care of him, neither Mandy nor Rachel will be your problem.

I got dressed and left to pick up Rachel. Bear insisted on tagging along, which I didn’t mind.

I can see why some people prefer pets as companions. Less stress!

*******

I called the hospital on the way to pick up Rachel. Sarah answered the room phone.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Sarah. It’s Jack.”

“Hi, Jack. How’s the training going?”

“Good, I think. How’s Buddy coming along?”

“Well, he started asking the doctor if he could go home. Does that tell you anything?”

I laughed. “What did the doctor say?”

“He laughed out loud, and left the room. I could hear him laughing down the hall.”

“Too funny! I guess there’s no chance Buddy will be going home any time soon?”

“Nope. At least, not until his skull heals up some and his strength returns.”

“How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine, Jack. I’ve got Buddy right where I want him, sitting next to me, holding my hand.”

“Great. Tell him I’ll be by to see him soon.”

“Okay, bye.”

As soon as I hung up, my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Jack? It’s me, Nate.”

“Hi, Nate. Any news?”

“Actually, yes. The only prints they found on the wine glass belonged to the husband.”

“No kidding!”

“That’s right. I don’t know how I missed it, so I’m glad you said something.”

It helps to have the dead victim to tip you off!

“Like I said, something was bugging me.”

“There’s more. I found a patrolman’s interview with a neighbor, in which the officer mentioned Tracy Adam’s husband said she liked to dangle her legs in the pool. The neighbor’s statement negated the husband’s.”

“What did the neighbor say?”

“That Mrs. Adams would always go inside before dark, even at her own pool parties, because she hated mosquitoes.”

“Wow, that’s wild!”

“I wanted to go talk to the husband, but the lieutenant wants to wait on the tox report before going any further.”

I was just pulling up at the Ramada, and Rachel was again outside waiting. Bear’s tail began to wag furiously when she saw Rachel.

“I need to go, Nate. Keep me up to speed, will you?”

“Sure thing, Bye.”

I hung up and got out of the Ranchero, followed by Bear. The big dog jumped into the back of the vehicle, then waited for Rachel to come over and pet her. After Bear had received sufficient attention, Rachel threw her gym bag in the back with the dog and climbed in the car, and we headed for our workout.

*******

We arrived at Buddy’s a short time later. Nothing was said about our conversation last night, and Rachel didn’t appear to show any sign of being uncomfortable.

I wish I could say the same thing.

Nevertheless, once training began, any nervousness on my part was quickly gone. After nearly two hours, we took a break. Rachel went to her gym bag, opened it, and lifted out a box. It was the size of a shoebox, completely covered in purple velvet, and appeared to be heavy as she carried it toward me.

“What you got there?”

She laid it on the bench next to me. “Open it.”

“It’s not my birthday.”

“Good, because it’s not a present. They’re on loan.”

The box had a very old latch on the front, and I had to remove a pin and lift a clasp before raising the lid. The inside was lined with the same purple velvet, and nestled among the fabric were three stars.

“Interesting.”

She stood there, arms crossed, watching me. “They’re throwing stars.”

I lifted one out of the box. It weighed easily two, maybe three pounds. “Wow, somebody would have to be strong to throw these with any force.”

“They’re heavy for a reason.”

I hefted it a couple times, then turned it over in my hand, inspecting both sides carefully. I was familiar with throwing stars, every one of them meant to cut someone like a knife when it hit them. These were unlike any I had seen.

For starters, these were shaped like a Star of David, with the arms of the star hollow. On the end of each arm, rather than a razor sharp point, was a solid, round ball about the size of a standard marble.

“Aren’t throwing stars usually sharp?”

“Yes, but as with the weight, there’s a reason for the round points.”

I laid the star back in the box. “Okay, I’ll bite. What’s special about these, and why are you loaning them to me?”

Rachel took one of the stars, holding it up for me to see. “These balls on the end, they’re meant to keep you from killing a Runner. A sharp edge could kill them if thrown the right way and cost you the chance to cross them over.”

I nodded. “Makes sense.”

“The weight of the star is meant to deal a concussive blow to the Runner, stunning them or even knocking them out. This gives you a tactical advantage to move over to them and use your sword.”

“Again, that makes sense, but those are too heavy to throw with any real force.”

Rachel gave me a sly smile, turned toward the punching bag that hung across the room, and closed her eyes. In one swift motion, she fired the star. The heavy bag swayed significantly from the force of the impact. I never actually saw the star in the air.

“Wow! I’m impressed.”

She smiled, retrieved the star, and held it out to me. “You try.”

I was skeptical, but accepted her challenge. Taking the star, I planted my feet much like a baseball pitcher, wound up, and threw it. The star hit the bag with a thud and dropped to the floor. The bag moved slightly, then resumed its motionless hanging.

I grabbed my arm. “Ouch! I think I threw my shoulder out.”

Rachel rolled her eyes, retrieved the star, and handed it to me.

“Don’t worry about your shoulder, you’ll survive. I want you to try again, but before you throw this time, let the Spirit take control.” She stepped back to give me space. “Just like the first time you ran up a wall or reached out to sense a Runner in the area.”

I did as she said, taking my stance and closing my eyes. I wound up and fired the star. It smashed into the wall past the punching bag.

Like before, Rachel retrieved the star and handed it back to me. “Again.”

I turned it over a couple times, looking for damage, but it seemed uninjured from my abuse. “Okay.”

I went back into the stance and closed my eyes again. I don’t know how long I stood focusing, but suddenly my muscles exploded with motion, and the star sailed across the room.

This time into the bag, knocking it back, and causing it to sway several times before settling down.

Rachel nodded approvingly. “Not bad!”

In spite of myself, I got a charge out of Rachel being impressed. “That was awesome.”

Rachel picked up the star, this time putting it back in the box, and grabbed her towel. “That’s enough for today. We’ll work with them some more tomorrow.”

I took another look at the stars before she closed the box. “So, they’re  effective despite being heavy because the Spirit throws them, not our natural bodies.”

“Exactly.” She headed for the stairs. “But isn’t that how everything should be for a Christian?”

“You mean reliance on the Spirit?”

“Yes, and especially for the Chaser, who needs extra speed, strength, and wisdom.”

I smiled, and answered under my breath. “When you’re right, you’re right!”

*******

After dropping Rachel off and turning down another dinner invitation, I headed over to the hospital. When I got there, Buddy was in good spirits.

“Hi, Jack!”

“Hey, Buddy. How’s it going?”

“Pretty good, considering.”

I laughed. “Where’s Sarah?”

“I told her to leave because I needed some time to myself.”

“You didn’t!”

“Of course I did. Really though, I just wanted her to take a break, get some fresh air, and find out if you and that Rachel have destroyed my house.”

I took Sarah’s normal seat beside Buddy. “Oh, so that’s it! You sent her to check up on me.”

“I refuse to answer on the grounds it may incriminate me.”

I see he has his sense of humor back.

“I guess you’re familiar with the envoy from the Council?”

“Yup. She’s a pretty lady, and tough as nails.”

“Indeed.”

Before Buddy could ask any more questions, Sarah came into the room. She looked refreshed and happy, as if a large weight had been removed from her shoulders. “Hi, Jack. I didn’t know you were going to make it in this afternoon.”

“Well, training finished a little early, so I wanted to stop by.”

I got up and let her have her chair back. After visiting for a little while longer, I said my goodbyes, and left them alone.

As I stepped out of the hospital and into the late afternoon October sun, I dialed Mandy again. As had been the case for several days, it went to voice mail. I waited for the beep, then spoke from my heart.

“Mandy, it’s me again. I miss you…I miss us. Call me so we can move forward. Please…soon…”

chapter 11

I was on my way to pick up Rachel for training the next morning when the phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Jack, it’s Nate. You were right!”

“Man, I’m glad to hear that. About what exactly?”

Nate laughed. “The Tracy Adams case.”

“Oh, of course. Did the tox screen come back?”

“Yes, and there were no chloramines in the victim’s lungs.”

“I knew it!” I laughed. “What are chloramines?”

“I’m sorry, Jack. I forgot you’re a PI with limited real crime experience.”

“Ouch,” I winced. “That hurts!”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t know what it meant when the coroner told me either. Apparently, chloramines are created when chlorine makes contact with organic matter.”

“I’m still not following, Nate.”

“You know the strong chlorine smell you find at a public pool?”

“Sure.”

“Well, the coroner said what you actually smell are chloramines, not chlorine. The smell’s created when chlorine cleans up human organics.”

“Human organics. You mean like sweat?”

“Yup, and certain other unmentionables.”

It became evident why Nate was so excited. “So she didn’t drown in the pool?”

“Nope. She was dead before she hit the water.”

“Anything else show up in the tox report?”

“Two things. First, her blood contained enough prescription sleep meds to knock out a gorilla. And second, there was no alcohol in her system.”

“The husband has been lying through his teeth.”

“Yup, and I was just issued an arrest warrant. I wanted you to know I was on my way to arrest the guy.”

“Thanks, Nate. Congrats on the bust.”

“Couldn’t have done it without you. I owe you one.”

I laughed. “Don’t worry, I won’t forget. Bye.”

I hung up and looked for a place to pull off the road. A city park came up on my right, and I turned into the parking lot. I shut off the Ranchero and pulled out the newspaper article I had been keeping in my wallet.

It was a story on Tracy Adams, and it was accompanied by a photo. I ran my finger over the photo, reaching out to her in my mind.

“We did it, Tracy. You and me, we made sure he didn’t get away with it.”

I wasn’t expecting an answer, and I didn’t get one, but inside me was a tremendous peace. I’d kept my word. Closing my eyes, I said a prayer of thanks.

*******

For the next week, I met with Rachel every day, working on conditioning and throwing the stars. At the end of each day, we crossed off another box on the calendar. I was getting into superb shape, but the star throwing was not going well.

Rachel shook her head for the umpteenth time. “You’re not letting the Spirit throw it.”

I was missing the target completely, and when I did hit the bag, it hardly moved beyond a shudder. “I’m trying!”

“I know, Jack.” She couldn’t hide her disappointment. “It’s just that we’ve only got a couple days left to get this right. These stars can be the advantage you need to defeat Harbinger.”

I sat down on the bench, wiping my face with a towel, and gulped some water. “I know you’re trying to help, but maybe we need to reconsider our plan of attack.”

She looked skeptical. “What do you have in mind?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know, but let me think on it and we’ll talk tomorrow.”

She stared at me for a long time, then shrugged. “Okay.”

I stood up. “By the way, can I ask you a personal question?”

“Of course.”

“How many of those tight black workout suits do you own?”

I had caught her by surprise. She looked down at herself, then back at me. “Why? Don’t you like them?”

The look on her face made me break out laughing. “Sure, I think they look great.”

When she realized I was teasing, her lips turned down into a smirk, and she took a swing at me. I jumped back, barely escaping what surely would have left a bruise.

She grabbed her gym bag and marched up the stairs. Still laughing, I opened the door to Buddy’s office and reached in to cross off the date on the calendar.

October eighth, two days to go.

*******

After dropping Rachel at the hotel, I went to see Buddy. He was getting a little better each day, and the doctor was no longer laughing out loud when Buddy asked to go home. It would still likely be at least a few days, though.

Sarah was gone when I arrived. “Hey, Buddy!”

“Hi, Jack. How’s the training going?”

It was always his first question. I sat down next to him.

“Oh, okay I guess. The stars are still giving me fits.”

“I wish I could go with you, Jack.”

I touched his arm. “I know you do, and I appreciate it, but you’re retired.”

He raised one eyebrow. “Really, and who told you that?”

“Let’s just say a little angel told me.”

He crossed his arms across his chest. “I don’t suppose this ‘little angel’ would be named Sarah.”

I laughed. “I’m not at liberty to say.”

“Uh-huh, that’s what I thought,” he stared into my eyes, much like when he was training me, and wanted my full attention. “Do you want to know what I think?”

“You’re going to tell me anyway, right?”

“Yup. Now, I’m not knocking Rachel Tanner, and I can tell she has you in tremendous shape…”

I smirked. “But?”

“…but I always felt you were at your best when you fought with a staff.”

“Really?”

He nodded.

“I hadn’t considered which weapon I used best.”

“Like I said, it’s just my opinion.”

Sarah came into the room. “Hi, Jack. Did he try getting you to smuggle him out of the hospital?”

“No.”

Sarah laughed. “Well, you’re the first. He been bribing nurses, threatening doctors, and who knows what else.”

“Buddy sounds like he’s feeling much better.”

I let her have my seat, and she rolled her eyes. “If you mean he’s back to being his regular pain in the butt, then yes, he’s much better!”

Buddy scowled as Sarah and I shared a laugh at his expense. I looked at my watch and decided it was time to go. “I’ll see you two later.”

Their response came in stereo. “Bye, Jack.”

*******

On the way home, my thoughts wandered to Mandy. It had been longer than I could remember since I talked to her.

A week? Two weeks? It seems like forever.

I’d continued to leave messages, and she had continued to ignore them. I didn’t know how she was feeling, or what she was going through, and it was killing me.

I pulled into my driveway, went into the house, and fed Bear. When she was done eating, I took her out back, sat on the steps, and watched her run around.

I took out my phone, and instead of calling, I typed out a text message.

I need to talk to you. I am going up against Harbinger the day after tomorrow, and I’m struggling with my training, as well as my courage. I wish I had you to help me make the tough decisions, the ones that could make or break the battle, the ones that could save me. If you feel you can, call me.

I reread the message, then pushed send. A half hour went by, and with no response, I went to bed.

*******

A restless night left me feeling more tired when I got up than when I went to bed. I let Bear out, made coffee, and when to check my phone. There was still no message from Mandy.

I got myself a bowl of cereal, went back into the living room, and turned on the TV. The Today Show was on, and even Al Roker doing his best Daffy Duck impression couldn’t make me smile.

Bear came into the room and lay down next to my feet. I scratched her behind the ears, taking my time with my cereal, not wanting to leave the house.

Come on, Jack. You’ve got to shake out of it. There’s a battle to be won, and this is no time for a pity party.

I was startled by the ringing of my phone. I leapt toward it as if it was a hand grenade about to go off unless I reached it in time. The ringing stopped as soon as it started, and I realized it was my text message tone.

Mandy’s picture filled the screen, and my heart started to pound. I pressed the little yellow-and-white envelope, and message opened up.

I’m sorry I’m not there for you, but I’m still figuring things out. The only advice I can give you is this: As long as the Holy Spirit is there with you, trust Him. Whatever way He tells you to fight, follow Him. Right now, you need to trust yourself and His power.

I read the message again, and then again. It wasn’t news that Mandy believed in the Holy Spirit, but the spirit chasing world was still not in her message, nor whether she believed I was actually facing a Runner. I longed to talk to her, but I was glad for her advice.

She’s right. Use the weapon you’re most comfortable with, and let the Spirit do the fighting.

I grabbed Bear by the ears, kissed her muzzle, and jumped up. My heart soared as I prepared for the last day of training.

I’ll take Mandy’s advice. No stars, no guns, no Tasers! Definitely, no Tasers! Just me, the Spirit, and a staff.

chapter 12

I picked Rachel up like usual, Bear in the back seat, and drove to Buddy’s. We didn’t talk much, which was unusual, and she seemed troubled. Finally, she asked the question bothering her. “So, what did you decide?”

“Decide?”

“Yeah, about the plan of attack. I get the feeling you have a different idea than what we’ve been training for.”

Rachel was not unlike Mandy in that nothing got by her. I stole a glance at her and found green eyes focused intently on me. “Actually, I’ve decided to change a part of my attack.”

“Okay. What part?”

This time, I didn’t look at her. Rachel could be intimidating at times, and I was about to scrap the gift she’d brought me, which meant she might be angry. “The stars.”

There was a long silence, and I had to look over to make sure she hadn’t jumped from the car. “You still with me?”

“Of course, but I don’t agree. What do you intend to use as a weapon?”

We pulled up in Buddy’s driveway, and I got out of the Ranchero, then looked back in through the window. “Come on, I’ll show you.”

I ruffled Bear’s fur. “Stay girl!”

We went inside and down to the training room. I turned on the lights, and then did a circle, trying to locate the weapons I knew were there somewhere. Buddy and I hadn’t used them since our early days of training, but he hadn’t got rid of them, I was sure.

“Ah-ha! There they are.”

Leaning against the wall, and covered by a towel, were two galvanized pipes with taped-up handles. I picked one up and hefted it a time or two. Rachel was standing at the bottom of the stairs, a look of bewilderment on her face. “Pipes? You’re going to fight Harbinger with pipes?”

“I am.” I tossed her the one I was holding and grabbed the other. “This is my best weapon.”

I swished the pipe back and forth, the only thing missing from my demonstration was the sound of a light saber. I provided that myself.

“VVVUUMMMM! VVVUUMMMM!”

Rachel Tanner’s face cracked open into a huge smile. “You’re nuts!”

I bowed at the waist. “Thank you.”

Suddenly, I was under attack. Her red hair flashed toward me, a scream exited her lips, and her pipe-staff swung at me.

Without thinking, I ducked, rotated, and blocked her swing. I retaliated with my own, which landed on her thigh, drawing a wince, but not slowing her down. She renewed her attack by spinning several times, then jumping toward me, the staff aimed for my knees.

I leapt into the air, waited for the swing of the staff to unbalance her, then landed a blow on the other thigh. This time she stopped against the far wall, sizing me up, and planning her next charge.

Neither of us was out of breath, but the intensity of the battle exposed a fire in her eyes, and left me wondering what I had unleashed on myself.

Before she could attack again, I closed my eyes, and called on the Holy Spirit to take control. I sensed more than heard Rachel coming.

Almost without opening my eyes, I sidestepped her charge, the staff pointed at me like a medieval knight’s lance. Although her movements were lightning quick, I easily moved behind her as she went by, and placed my staff across her chest, grabbing both sides and pulling her back against me.

She squirmed, but I had her pinned, and she knew it. Her hair brushed my face, a sweet smell filling my nostrils, so I rubbed in my victory. “I like your shampoo.”

Rachel stopped fighting and broke out into laughter. I released her and she turned to face me. She was still close, and I could feel her breath on my face. She leaned in and kissed me. I was caught by surprise, and the adrenaline of the moment took over. I kissed her back.

Jack! You’re opening a door you won’t be able to close.

I pulled myself away, turning my back, and walking to the bench across the room. “I’m sorry, Rachel. I shouldn’t have done that.”

She came over and sat beside me. “You didn’t, Jack. I did, and I don’t regret it.”

Putting her hand under my chin, she raised my face, and stared into my eyes. “I get it, Jack. Your heart is with someone else, but I don’t want you to have any doubt, I have feelings for you.”

I was speechless, unsure what to say or do, which is no less than paralysis for me!

Rachel stood up and walked over to the little office, opened the door, and crossed off the last day of our training. She turned back to me, put her hands on her hips, and smiled. “I declare you ready and Harbinger in serious trouble!”

I picked up my staff, went over and grabbed the other, then followed her up the stairs.

I think I’m ready. Probably. Maybe.

*******

After saying goodnight to Rachel, I drove to Journey Chapel. Leaving Bear in the Ranchero, much to her displeasure, I went inside the main sanctuary. The sanctuary was open every day for people to pray.

It was a cavernous structure, with a large stage at the front, and multiple doors around the perimeter. Each door opened onto an aisle blanketed with plush, burgundy carpet that ran all the way downhill toward the stage.

A few others were there, but they paid me no attention as I came in. I slipped into the last row, bowed my head, and reached out to my Lord and Savior.

I don’t know how long I was there, but after what felt like five minutes, I opened my eyes. The chapel was empty and the last light of the day was just disappearing, creeping below the red leaves outside the windows.

As I approached the car, Bear’s tail wagged back and forth, and I decided to treat her for being so patient. “Come on, girl. Ride up front with me.”

Her presence close by makes me feel just a bit safer.

*******

When I got home, both Bear and I ate before sitting down on the back steps. I was nervous, but also at peace, about the events ahead of me tomorrow. My phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Jack. It’s Sarah.”

“Hey, Sarah, everything okay?”

“Yes. In fact, better than okay. The doctor is finally tired of Buddy and is releasing him.”

“Sarah, that’s awesome! When?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

“Oh Sarah, I’m sorry. I can’t be there to help you.”

“Don’t you worry about it. Buddy told me about tomorrow, and we’ll be praying for you.”

“Thanks, Sarah.”

I heard a voice in the background but couldn’t make it out. Sarah began to laugh. “Buddy says kick Harbinger’s butt!”

I smiled into the phone. “Tell him that’s the plan.”

After chatting for a few more minutes, we said goodnight and hung up. I sat staring at my phone, hoping Mandy would call, but not wanting to call and get her voice mail again.

Finally, I decided a text message was a good compromise.

Tomorrow I will be facing Harbinger. I have taken your advice, and I covet your prayers.

I wanted to say so much more, to tell her what happened with Rachel, and that it made me even more certain of my feelings for her.

No more, Jack. Just push send.

I did.

chapter 13

I arrived at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery before sunrise. This time, I wasn’t trying to hide, nor was I in a hurry. Bear walked with me to the grave of Steve Mason’s mother and sister, and lay down next to me as I sat and waited.

The morning dawned cold, a north wind bringing an early promise of a long winter. I wore my standard outfit. Black bomber jacket, white t-shirt, black jeans, and Reebok shoes. Mandy liked to refer to me as a cross between Fonzie and Johnny Cash. Tucked in my belt was the blessed sword. Two staffs lay in the grass next to me.

I took out my phone and re-read her message for the tenth time. A short message from Mandy was waiting for me when I woke up this morning.

Prayers coming your way.

That was all, but it was something, and it helped me put one foot in front of the other this morning. I wanted to stay in bed, come up with a different plan, like recruiting Rachel to fight with me. I knew better.

This is my task, my fight, and I’m not gonna put it off any longer.

The sun was barely above the horizon when Bear stirred. Her lips curled back to expose her teeth, and a low warning growl came from deep inside her. She stood and looked to the west.

“Good girl, Bear.”

Although I hadn’t spotted him yet, I knew Harbinger was near, and I stood next to my dog. I ruffled her neck fur, more for my own comfort than hers, and waited for Mason to show himself.

“We meet again.” The distinctive voice of Harbinger filled my ears.

I turned to my right, seeing him silhouetted by a sliver of the sun, wearing the same long, black leather jacket he always did. Even in the dim light, I could see his shimmering eyes, a trait that always creeped me out.

“Hello, Mason.”

He hates when I call him that.

“You’re going to ignore my proper title right up until I kill you, is that it?”

“Your name is Steve Mason, right?”

The shimmering eyes focused briefly on Bear. “I see you brought your spirit dog. You still need someone to fight for you, I guess.”

“She’s only here to let me know when you arrived. I didn’t want you sneaking up on me like you did Buddy.”

“I see. Buddy was old and it was beyond easy to get the drop on him.”

“You speak about him in the past tense. You know he’s fine, right?”

Harbinger nodded. “I heard. I stopped by the hospital to say hi.”

“I bet.” I reached slowly for the two staffs. “I brought you something.”

“You shouldn’t have.”

I tossed one of the staffs in his direction, and he watched it fall to the ground in front of him. “What’s that?”

“Pick it up and see.”

Harbinger bent down, keeping his eyes on me, and picked up the pipe. He stood back up and hefted it a couple times. I held out my own.

“Staffs, You and me. This ends today.”

He spun the staff like a cheerleader spins a baton. “No guns or Tasers or the like?”

“Nope.”

Harbinger lunged so quickly, striking my chest with the end of the staff, that all I saw was his coat swirl past. The blow knocked me over, and I landed on my back, with Bear next to me. She stared into my eyes, looking for the order to attack.

“Stay, Bear.”

As the words left my mouth, Harbinger flew over me, driving his staff downward into my shoulder, briefly pinning me to the ground. When he landed beyond me, his staff released, but the pain remained.

In one motion, I leapt to my feet, but my left arm hung loosely by my side. Harbinger turned, a smile crossing his face, and lunged at me again. He swung the staff from above his head, down toward my other shoulder, but I dove out of the way. I could hear the swish of air as it just missed.

He stumbled from the effort and it gave me a moment to gather myself.

Holy Spirit, I am your hands. Take me now!

Apparently, I’d said my prayer out loud.

Harbinger circled back at me. “The Spirit isn’t going to save you now!”

This time, when he charged me, the Runner appeared to be moving at half-speed, and I easily sidestepped him. As he passed me, I brought my staff to the back of his knees. He collapsed with a howl.

I rotated to face him as he regained his footing. His eyes revealed a small level of uncertainty, something I’d only seen once before. He rubbed the back of his legs.

My left arm still hung useless, but the pain I felt when it happened, now seemed absent. Harbinger yelled, rushing at me while swinging wildly for my head. Again, I easily avoided him, but this time I landed my staff across the front of his right knee.

I heard a tremendous crack, and he collapsed again, howling. I stepped back, caught my breath, and waited. Harbinger pulled himself up, leaning on the staff like a crutch, and stared at me. His eyes still shimmered, but now they reflected fear.

No words were said between us. This was it, and we both understood, only one person was leaving this cemetery.

He tried to hobble toward me for another attack, but now all advantage and speed belonged to me, and I struck him before he could grasp what was about to happen. Coming in with my one good arm, I swung the staff for the other knee, striking home with another resounding crack.

Harbinger collapsed for the third time, unable to raise himself, and writhing in pain. I went to him, sat on his chest, and pressed my staff across his throat. The strength I used was not my own, and despite my injury, he was unable to break free.

Slowly, his resistance began to fail, the fight ebbing out of him. His physical form started giving way to the spirit nature. The moment had come to cross him over, but when I looked down for my sword, it was gone.

I held the pressure on his throat, frantically looking around for my blessed weapon, and hoping Mason didn’t die before I found it. If he did, it would mean another battle on another day.

I saw Bear sitting obediently, but tensed to pounce, and I could hear her whimpers.

“Bear, sword!”

With speed only available to a supernatural being, three steps landed her behind a large headstone, where she grabbed something. When she turned back to me, my sword was in her mouth, and two jumps brought it next to me.

I looked down at Mason. He was fading fast, and all movement had stopped, but he was still present in spirit form. I let go of my staff, grabbed the sword, and plunged it into his chest.

A huge flash, bigger than any I’d seen before, vaulted me off the ground and onto my back.

Dazed, I wasn’t sure what just happened. I felt a tongue licking my face, and as I slowly regained my senses, I realized Harbinger was gone.

I lay there, looking up at the cloudy October sky, and wept.

“Thank you, Lord!”

*******

After a while, people started to show up at the cemetery. I had to look bad after such a fight, and forced myself up off the ground, Bear helping me get to my car. Once inside the Ranchero, I got it started and drove to my mother’s home.

Annie Carter was a nurse, and I’d gone to her before when I needed medical care without the questions. When I pulled up, I blew the horn several times, unable to get out of the car myself. I saw the front door open.

“Jack?”

“Mom, come here!”

She started to run. “Jack!”

Once she got to my side of the car, she opened my door, and reached for my arm to get me out.

“Ahhhhh!” The pain was incredible.

“Sorry, Jack. Is there anywhere else beside the shoulder?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Okay. Nice and easy, let’s get you inside.”

chapter 14

My mother’s doorbell rang, and I heard her go to the door. It sounded like several voices talking back and forth, but I couldn’t make out what was being said. I was upstairs in my old bedroom, and she had given me something to take the edge off the pain.

I heard footsteps on the stairs, and assumed the people at the door were now coming to my room.

There’s that sharp PI mind of yours again.

I giggled slightly, both amused at my own humor and feeling more than a little drugged. When my visitors came in the room, I was smiling idiotically at them. Mom turned and looked at the two people. “Don’t mind him; he’s had a couple happy pills.”

Taking a chair next to me was Brother Gary Edwards. Leaning against the wall, Rachel pushed her red hair out of her eyes and smiled. “Hi, Jack.”

I smiled back. “Hey, Rachel.”

Gary touched my leg. “How you feeling? Your mom said you had a separated shoulder.”

“Yeah, hurts like crazy. Pills help.”

“I won’t ask for details, but I assume you being here means Mason is not.”

I nodded. “He’s gone.”

Rachel looked both relieved and excited. She gave a small pump of her fist. “I knew you could do it, Jack.”

I shook my head. “It wasn’t me.”

Confusion flashed across both their faces. Gary looked at Rachel, then back at me. “Who then?”

“Holy Spirit.”

Gary stood, a large smile across his face. “You get better, we’ll talk soon.”

He moved toward the door, but Rachel stopped him and said something. Gary nodded, and left the room. She took the seat next to me.

“Jack…”

I looked into her green eyes, but didn’t answer.

“…I’m glad you’re okay.”

I smiled. “You’re not surprised are you?”

“No…no.” She appeared embarrassed. “It’s just I haven’t felt this way about someone for a long time.”

“Rachel, I can’t…”

She reached over and touched her finger to my lips. “Don’t Jack. I know how you feel.”

“I’m sorry…”

She shook her head, and I could tell she was fighting back tears. “I just want you to know that if things change, or even if they don’t, I’m here for you. Anything you need, you can call me.”

I stared at her for a long time. “Thank you.”

She leaned over and kissed me softly on the forehead. “Bye, Jack.”

I closed my eyes, not wanting to open them until she was gone, afraid I might call her back, ask her to stay, tell her I wasn’t sure.

You can’t, Jack. You are sure and you know where your heart lies.

I kept my eyes closed until I fell asleep.

*******

Three days of my mother’s care had me feeling better. She’d popped my shoulder back in herself, made sure I had everything I needed to recuperate, and I was finally beginning to feel like going home. Bear lay at the bottom of the bed, my constant companion, and would come up for a reassuring scratch whenever I made a noise.

Despite numerous attempts, I still had not reached Mandy. Other than a short text message saying she was glad I was okay, she hadn’t responded to any calls.

I was beginning to envision life without my best friend, and was tortured by the knowledge it was my fault. If I hadn’t told her everything, she would still be in my life, which was infinitely better than how I felt now.

Bear sat up and started banging her tail on the ground. I hadn’t heard the doorbell, or any voices, but Bear was getting more excited by the second.

“What is it, girl?”

“Hi, Jack.”

I looked toward the door, and standing there was Mandy. She wore a red blouse, jeans, and sandals. A red scrunchie held her blonde hair in a ponytail. She was beautiful.

“Mandy…I…I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I hadn’t planned on coming, but something happened, and I decided I needed to see you.”

I pointed at the chair next to the bed. “You want to sit?”

“Yes.”

When she was settled, I looked into her eyes. “I’m glad you came. What was the something that changed your mind?”

“I had a visitor.”

“Oh, who?”

“Sarah Daniels.”

Suddenly, I understood. If I knew Sarah, she was just the one to help Mandy see the reality of the Chaser’s life. I reached over and took Mandy’s hand. She didn’t pull away. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, Jack Carter.”

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR.

It’s with great excitement I’ve finished “Destiny.” I started this book immediately after finishing “Journey” , and I’ve spent a lot of time lately in the world of Jack Carter. It’s been fun.

“The Chaser Chronicles” is now three books long, and so many have written to tell me you enjoy the series. I wanted you to know I enjoy writing it just as much.

I’m sure the future holds much more for Jack, Mandy, Buddy, and all the others, including Rachel.

Blessings to each of you who has taken time to read these books, and I hope they brought you some enjoyment.

If you would like to comment, my email is jdalglish7@gmail.com or you can visit my webpage at http://jcdalglish.webs.com. Also keep up to date on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DetectiveJasonStrong

God Bless, John

I John 1:9

Cover by Beverly Dalglish

More by John C. Dalglish

CROSSOVER (Chaser Chronicles #1)

JOURNEY (Chaser Chronicles #2)

INNER DEMONS (Chaser Chronicles #4)

THE CHASER CHRONICLES (Books 1-3)

THE DET. JASON STRONG SERIES

WHERE'S MY SON? (#1)

BLOODSTAIN (#2)

FOR MY BROTHER (#3)

SILENT JUSTICE (#4)

TIED TO MURDER (#5)

ONE OF THEIR OWN (#6)

DEATH STILL (#7)

LETHAL INJECTION (#8)

CRUEL DECEPTION (#9)

DET. JASON STRONG: THE EARLY CASES

(Books #1, 2, & 3)

DET. JASON STRONG: COLLECTION #2 (Books #4, 5, & 6)

DET. JASON STRONG: COLLECTION #3 (Books #7, 8, & 9)