"Yes," replied Jakoba. "I believe they're in the cathedral looking at the dome."
"I'm glad you are all here. We need to make a decision with regard to Reverend De La Rosa. We will be seeing him in Rome in a few days. Shall we give him the go-ahead?"
General Li nodded his head and spoke. "I think that the time is right. We should encourage him to put the program into full swing. The world is ready for a religious leader to unify all of the religions into a one-world church. People are tired of all the conservative religious right hogwash. Evangelical Christians are a danger to everyone."
"I agree," replied Ganesh. "In India, the people are tired of all the fighting and killing over religion. I think they would welcome a peacemaker."
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"I concur," responded Sir William. "The people of Great Britain and the United States have had their fill of corrupt preachers, strange sects, and weird cults. I think they would be drawn to a religious leader who exuded integrity and honesty. Especially when he is able to back up his words with some bona fide miracles."
"We must instruct Shane Barrington to have his television crews follow De La Rosa everywhere he goes. They should be there to record all of his miracles for the whole world to see. Once the people hear his convincing message, it won't be long before everyone believes in him."
"I agree with Viorica. The media will be a powerful tool toward our goal," said Bartholomew.
"Are we ready for the mark?" asked Jakoba.
"I think it's a little early. De La Rosa needs to develop a strong following before he introduces the marking system for buying and selling. When the people trust his message of peace and unity, then we can institute the controls of the mark. He will need to provide sustenance for the poor for a period of time. Once the masses think he is the great provider not only of spiritual truth but also of food and clothing, it will be easy to persuade them to voluntarily take the mark. We will disrupt the flow of goods and services for those who do not have the mark, and blame it on the unbelievers. They will be forced to comply or become global pariahs. We will starve them into oblivion."
They lifted their wineglasses and drank a toast. John Bartholomew turned to General Li.
"General Li, have your informants any new information on the activities of Dr. Murphy?"
"Yes. He and a man named Bob Wagoner have begun to expose some false teachers in the United States. But I don't think it will garner much attention. These people have large and loyal followings as a result of their television programs and literature. Murphy and his ally will be rejected as religious wacko extremists."
"Perhaps," responded Sir William. "But I am a little tired of his
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continual irritating interruptions. He is like a bulldog that won't release its grip. Is there something that can be done about him? I'm afraid that when De La Rosa begins to gain popularity, Murphy will do what he can to discredit him. He will not see De La Rosa as a prophet."
"The answer is obvious," said Jakoba. "Send Talon to kill Murphy."
Barrington frowned. "Easier said than done. Dr. Murphy has proven most resourceful in the past. Furthermore, if Murphy becomes a martyr for his cause, it could do us more harm than good."
"I've got an idea," said Mendez. "We had Talon kill his wife and that slowed him down for a while. We instructed Talon to get rid of his girlfriend. That would have succeeded if the police hadn't shown up at the last minute. How about eliminating his assistant, Shari Nelson? They are very close and perhaps Murphy will get the message that no one he cares about is safe so long as he opposes us."
A grin crept across Bartholomew's face. Perfect .
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TWENTY-SEVEN
MURPHY HAD HIS BACK to the counter and didn't notice the approach of the man in the tailored blue pin-striped suit. He was sipping his Starbucks coffee and daydreaming about finding Aaron's Rod and the Golden Jar of Manna. It would be an archaeological find that would stun the world and put Bible critics on the run. Physical proof of the Bible's authenticity.
"Dr. Murphy. Do you mind if I join you?"
Murphy turned and looked full into the face of Shane Barrington. His flint-gray eyes burned with intensity, and he'd gone a little grayer at his temples than when Murphy last saw him. Light reflected off the gold Rolex watch on his wrist as he brought his coffee to his lips.
"Be my guest."
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Murphy's mind quickly shifted back to the last encounter they'd had. It was when he had asked Murphy to come do a show on archaeology for the Barrington Communications Network. It had turned less than cordial when he turned him down. Barrington wasn't used to people saying no to him and he demanded a reason.
"Because I don't want to be a part of your sleazy organization. Your late-night shows are nothing but pornography. Your prime-time shows are filled with sexual innuendos, distasteful language, and an assault on morality. Your comedy shows make fun of everything that is decent in America. Your reality shows don't even touch reality. And you support political leaders who are corrupt. If I've left anything out, I apologize. To quote a verse from the Psalms, 'I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.'"
After that response, Murphy was surprised to see him and even more surprised that Barrington wanted to talk to him.
"I guess we both like a good cup of coffee."
Murphy nodded in agreement.
"You're a long way from home."
"I'm in town to close the deal on a television station. We recently bought KKBC Channel Twenty-four."
"I saw that on the news. How many stations do you now own?"
"Thirty-two, plus a number of radio stations. Have you seen our new religious program?"
"The one promoting Reverend Constantine De La Rosa?"
"Yes, that's the one. What do you think?"
Strange. Barrington doesn't care a whit for anyone else's opinion. Is it small talk or is he probing for something?
"He certainly has charisma... and the ability to use all of the catchphrases." Barrington looked at him quizzically, so Murphy began to rattle them off: "'Unity in the midst of diversity,' 'a culture of peace and security,' 'honoring the environment,' 'discouraging absolutism,' 'encouraging tolerance for all sects, cults, and methods for worship'..."
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"Don't you think those things are important?"
"Actually, Mr. Barrington, I think they're a little dangerous."
"Dangerous?"
"Yes. The Bible talks about what is called 'the last days.' During that time there will come many false teachers and prophets. They will say things that will tickle people's ears and will outwardly sound beneficial for all men and women. They will take on the form of being godly but inwardly they deny the truth of the Bible."
"But how about some of the miracles that De La Rosa has performed. There was a blind man that had his sight restored. And a woman who was deaf and can now hear. Those have to be acts of God, don't they?"
"Not necessarily. The Book of Revelation talks about a man who will come to prominence during the last days. He is referred to as the False Prophet. He will have great powers and will be able to perform miracles. He will have a plan to establish a world church and will gain control of global religious affairs. Let me ask you some questions: Does this De La Rosa talk about forming a worldwide church? Is he performing miracles? Do you think he might be deceiving people?"
Barrington was silent for a moment. He knew how corrupt he was ... and he knew how corrupt the Seven were ... and he knew that the Seven had forced him to give television coverage to De La Rosa. He had insight enough to know that Murphy might have put his finger on the truth. Barrington didn't believe in God like Murphy, but he did admire Murphy's ability to not mince words and to speak honestly.
"Are you saying that he is the False Prophet?"
"I don't know that for sure, but we can get some idea by looking at what he believes. Does he have an appreciation for the gospel? That
means the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead, and was seen by numerous people."
"I don't know."
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"Well, when I've heard him speak he does not refer to Christ at all. He talks about the brotherhood of man a lot. He talks about unity of beliefs and occasionally he will mention the name of God. But when he accepts everything from Wicca to UFO cults, I don't think he believes the gospel. In fact, there is an underlying current of rejection of Christianity in his speeches. He talks about tolerating everything and that there are no absolutes. However, there are absolutes. There is right and wrong. There is good and evil in this world."
Barrington couldn't say much. He knew there was lots of evil in the world and he hadn't seen very much good.
"But Reverend De La Rosa seems to want to do good for the poor people and help develop peace in the world."
"Well, then, Mr. Barrington. Since your communications network is promoting him, and since you seem to be trying to convince me, may I ask you a question?"
"I suppose."
"Are you becoming one of his followers? Do you believe in what he says? Are you going to follow his example?"
Barrington knew he should answer yes. He was a consummate liar, but somehow he didn't want to he to Murphy about this. If he said no, he wasn't going to follow De La Rosa, he knew that Murphy would ask, Then why are you promoting him?
"My communications network covers all kinds of news. Constantine De La Rosa is news just like the pope, or Mother Teresa, or any other famous religious leader."
They both knew that Barrington had skirted the issue. Murphy approached it another way.
"You see, here's the difference, Mr. Barrington: When someone truly believes in something, that belief changes the way they live. I believe that Christ is God's son and that He came to rescue me from my sins, my wrongful thoughts and deeds. Because I believe this, I try to follow the teachings of Christ in my daily life. Are you suggesting that you believe in and follow the teachings of De La Rosa?"
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Barrington didn't like to be pressed. He had to keep his temper in check.
"Frankly, I don't know that much about him yet. He is just starting his Religious Harmony Institute. Our plans are to cover his upcoming World Unity Summit. We'll see what comes out of all of that."
"I'll be watching and listening intently to what he has to say. If he is not the False Prophet, he will not contradict the Bible in any way. In my view he has already started to separate himself from the promises found in Scripture. Be careful, Mr. Barrington ... you may be promoting the wrong person."
Murphy got in his car and drove back to the university. He wasn't concentrating on his driving as much as on his conversation with Barrington.
Lord, why did You bring him into my life today? Am I supposed to have some kind of influence in his life? He's power hungry, arrogant, and difficult to like. Help me to be tolerant. Please give me patience and the wisdom to have the right words to speak .
As Barrington rode back to KKBC Channel Twenty-four, he felt uneasy. He didn't like to admit it, but Murphy was right. There was something corrupt about De La Rosa. He also didn't like the fact that the Seven had threatened him into promoting this golden-tongued religious hypocrite. He was getting very tired of them pulling the strings of his life. His anger continued to grow as he reflected that it was the Seven who had ordered Talon to kill Stephanie Kovacs and his son. Barrington felt like he was going to explode as thoughts of revenge dominated his mind.
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TWENTY-EIGHT
THE SUN WAS BEGINNING to set and the sky was filled with spectacular reds, oranges, and golden colors. The smell of steaks cooking on the barbecue made the mouth water. It was a typical warm North Carolina evening. Murphy and Isis sat in his backyard. They had decided to have a quiet dinner at his place rather than going out. There was something very appealing about just relaxing together and watching a rented movie.
After dinner, Murphy and Isis cleaned up the kitchen. Murphy washed while Isis dried the dishes. They laughed and joked through the process. It felt so natural to be together. In a word, it was comfortable.
It wasn't long before they were cuddling together on the sofa. Both
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their feet were on the coffee table in front of them. Murphy had his arm around her, and her head was snuggled into his chest. Murphy thought, This is something I could get used to .
As the movie ended, Isis got up to get a drink of water.
"Is there anything I can get you while I'm up?"
Murphy leaned back and watched Isis move about in the kitchen.
"I guess I'll have one of those apples."
He turned back and began flipping the channels. But nothing on the TV screen captured his interest. All he could think about was Iris.
"Here, catch."
Murphy's quick hands shot up to catch the apple that she had tossed. He fell back on the sofa in the attempt, and before he could sit back up, Isis had hopped over the back of the sofa and landed on top of him with a laugh. Surprised, Murphy looked at her. As their eyes locked, she leaned in and gave him a long, passionate kiss. They had been building to this moment the whole night. Maybe much longer than that.
Murphy dropped the apple and his arms enfolded her in a strong embrace. It felt so good to hold her and to show how much he cared for her. They exchanged one passionate kiss after another, completely lost in the moment.
The phone began ringing. Murphy tried to ignore it, but it wouldn't stop. He couldn't believe that after all this time, a ringing phone was ruining their long-awaited moment. And the phone just kept on ringing.
Murphy groped around with one hand for the receiver.
"This is Murphy!" he barked, sounding not exactly pleased with the interruption.
"What's the matter, Murphy? Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed? It's only ten-thirty at night."
Murphy felt like he was in a fog for a moment and then he recognized the voice. It was Levi Abrams. At the same moment he also realized something else. Isis was gone. He looked about the room. The
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television was on but she had vanished. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. She was never there. He had fallen asleep and Levi's phone call had awakened him from a most pleasurable dream.
"Sorry, Levi. I fell asleep in front of the TV."
"Well, that's what happens when you get older. I hope that I didn't wake you from a good dream."
"As a matter of fact, Levi, you did. Anyway, what's on your mind?"
"My mind? I'm just returning your call. You left a message on my answering machine ... or did you do that in your sleep too?"
"Oh, yeah. I did call."
"You're not becoming one of those absentminded professors, are you?"
"I guess I am ... or I'm still enjoying my dream. Anyway, I need your help."
"Another fingerprint for Methuselah?"
"No. This has to do with Ashdod."
"You mean, Ashdod, the city in Israel?"
"Right. I got a note from Methuselah that indicates there may be some important artifacts hidden in Ashdod."
"But Ashdod is not that old of a city. You mean someone has brought artifacts into the city?"
"I'm sorry, Levi. I must still be half asleep. I mean the original Ashdod, located three to four miles inland. It was the city that housed the Temple of Dagon."
"I don't know much about the original site. In some of our Hebrew classes I remember that Ashdod was supposed to be the home of the Anakites. They were a tribe that produced people of extraordinarily large stature."
"Do you have a moment to talk about it?"
"Why don't we get together at the gym tomorrow and talk about it. I could use a good workout, and I need to practice my karate on someone. How about doing a little sparing?"
"You're on. What time?"
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"I've got an eight o'clock meeting. How about six A.M., if you can tear yo
urself away from your dreams."
"You're on. I'll see you there."
Murphy batted aside the large fist and snapped a swift kick with his left leg. Levi gamely deflected the move and the two circled around each other on the mat.
"Getting slow, Murphy," Abrams taunted.
"I'm just going easy on you. I know what a crybaby you are."
Levi unleashed a fierce volley of punches and kicks, but Murphy blocked or dodged every one, and then went on the offensive. They were perfectly matched. After a half hour of intense sparring, Murphy and Abrams sat down to rest.
"Levi, your reverse punches are like hammers. How did you develop them?"
"With paper."
"Paper?"
"A reverse punch comes from the hip position. The fist is made with the fingers and thumb facing upward. As the fist comes forward, it rotates with a twisting motion. At the end of the blow, the fingers and thumb are facing downward. The final twist happens at the last split second before impact. The purpose of the twist is to tear the skin and shatter the bone."
"I don't think you shattered my ribs but it certainly felt like it."
"Actually, I pulled the punch a little or it would have. It works sort of like a bullet shot out of a gun. The barrel of the gun has ribs inside that cause the bullet to twist. As the bullet enters a person's body, it is spinning. It is that motion that shatters bones. Although the reverse punch doesn't travel as fast as a bullet, it operates on the same principle."
"What's that have to do with paper?"
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"You practice with paper. You take an eight-by-eleven sheet of paper and suspend it from two strings. The paper is hung about shoulder level. You then throw a reverse punch at the center of the paper. If you are throwing the punch correctly--that is, twisting the punch at the last second--it will tear the paper where the knuckles hit it. If you twist the knuckles a fraction of a second too soon or too late, the paper will not tear. It will just move with the punch. The object is not to tear the paper away from the strings holding it, but to tear it in half with the twisting motion of the knuckles while it is still attached to the strings."