“Yes, sir. They did not report the fugitives to the NWU troops who were only yards away.”
“Good.”
“Where was this taken?”
“Just outside Savannah, sir.”
“They are making their way north, then… but to where?” He twisted his lips, eyes narrowing. “Where is that Deviant hideout?”
“I suppose we’ll know soon enough, sir.”
“So this”—Landry pointed at Aaron—“is the Tall White’s spy?”
“Yes. Which is why we no longer need to monitor drones or cameras for facial recognition. He reports to Jura frequently.”
“Tell me, sergeant, what does Jura’s plant say about Thomas? Is he one of them, or is he merely playing them for fools in order to find their location?”
“Aaron has not determined that yet, sir, though he does say that Thomas does not believe as they do, and he makes that quite clear.”
Landry nodded, smiling. “Good. I still have hope for him. Excellent work, sergeant. Finding and dismantling this Deviant hideout, which is the only one left in the North American Region, is Lord Aali’s top priority.”
Kyle gulped. “Lord Aali?”
“You heard correctly.” Landry sat on the edge of his desk and gave Kyle a pointed stare. “He is intent on finding all Deviants and bringing them to justice. Only then can the Earth heal and his plans for a Utopian paradise succeed. That is why”—he pointed at Kyle—“your work with this Tall White is vital, and you can bet on a huge promotion and raise when you are successful. For us both.”
Kyle couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”
“Then be about it.” He waved him off, and Kyle left, feeling like he floated on air. If his parents could see him now… his sister…he was no longer the black sheep of the family, no longer the screw-up. He was going to have more power and money than they ever dreamed of.
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
Isaiah 59:19
Chapter 18
Awall of water rose out of the sea, higher and higher, its white, foaming crest curling like a fishhook seeking prey. Demons, dark and slithering, danced on top, laughing…mocking… spitting.
Wake up! Wake up!
Tori jerked awake and sat with a start.
Thomas rubbed his eyes and stared at her. “What’s wrong?”
Oh my, she’d slept in his arms! But that didn’t matter now. What mattered was the sense of doom, the heavy darkness descending upon them.
And fast…
Her gaze took in the others. Everyone was still asleep, except Aaron who stood at the open window staring toward the sea. A shadow hung over him like a cloak. She blinked and when she looked again, it was gone.
Lord?She asked the source of truth.Is it coming for us?
Yes. Leave now, my daughter.
Tori jumped to her feet. “Everyone, wake up! We have to leave! Fast!”
To his credit, Thomas didn’t question her. He just stood and helped Brianna with the children, then rushed over to Sara, who seemed confused. Callie began to scream.
Carla rushed to Sara’s side. “Onafiel says we have to run. Come on, Sara. Onafiel says to get up.”
