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Prophetic
Prophetic
Prophetic
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Prophetic

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Before the church understood, Robyn was singing in the spirit. She had revelation inside of her and her heartbeat, Nathaniel, was the manifestation in her music. Revelation speaks, manifestation reveals, but impartation, where is that in the Word?
Separated around the age of six, Rebecca’s life in the foster care system was trouble-free, her twin sister Vanessa, however wasn’t. The one thing Vanessa had going for her was, she discovered that whatever she spoke, happened. Rebecca however didn’t need to speak a word.
Teufel knew if he was going to stop the prophetic he had to stop the stop the parents from birthing forth a righteous seed. Since that didn’t work, he now had to stop the seed. Vanessa however was a little more devious than he thought and he only had seven days to get her to gain her sister’s trust. The problem, even he didn’t know the truth.
Seven days to the greatest discovery in God that was there from the very beginning; eight days before impartation. Prophetic is the second book in the Track Series written by Tianna C. Trezevant. If you enjoyed “Kahlir,” this one will make you sit back and wonder, ‘what else God, what else?’

LanguageEnglish
Release dateAug 5, 2012
ISBN9781476376400
Prophetic
Author

Tianna Trezevant

Some gifts are developed though hardship. Tianna first began to write after the death of her mother. Her first published piece came through the local church. With the excitement of seeing her words in print, it birthed forth something she never expected. Prophetically, she was told that God was going to use her hands; she had no idea that it would be in this manner. After having the experience of someone receiving Christ, through something that God gave her to pen, He revealed to her, “that laying on of hands, isn't necessary in the touch, you can touch in your writing.” Tianna has written for the Church of God in Christ, and New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established Life Word Ministry and Impact Church, in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is currently a member of Reaching All the World Ministries International in Matthews, NC. She has written a two novels, Kahlir and Prophetic and her third, soon to be released, HIMSELF.

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    Prophetic - Tianna Trezevant

    Prophetic

    By Tianna Che’re Trezevant

    Copyright 2011 by Tianna Che’re Trezevant

    Smashwords Edition

    This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    All Scriptures are from the Spirit Filled Life Bible New King James Version published by Thomas Nelson Publishers Copyright ©1991 The Holy Bible New King James Version Copyright ©1982

    Chapter 1 Day 7 Thursday

    Vanessa hated the after. She lay there listening to Rodney’s breathing; he turned right over and went to sleep. ‘Wow, I don’t believe . . . whatever,’ she thought, rolling her eyes, and then she started looking around for a clock. It made her sigh even deeper because it was going on 2 am. The bareness of her body started speaking, loud. What covers he had; he had them and the pillow was flat. ‘I don’t believe that he didn’t even get up to clean himself.’ Then a sudden chill from the air conditioner made her feel really exposed, ‘Okay, let’s move.’ The room was dark, but she could make out the closet, the windows, and then she focused on the door. ‘I can get home in an hour and still possibly get some sleep before work. At least he did that for me. Hum, Mr. Rodney,’ she reached over and touched the side of his face. Once the thought was finished, she slipped out of his bed, felt around until she found her dress and underclothes, and then she tiptoed to his bathroom.

    My God? she said, whispering to herself, ‘Does he know how to clean? Damn, I don’t believe I’ve done this.’ You weren’t thinking that when you were flirting, Nope, I wasn’t, she answered aloud. The floor was stained yellowish brown, and around the toilet, she could see where he aimed incorrectly. There was a permanent dark brown water stain inside the commode; his dirty towels were thrown across the shower rod where a shower curtain should have been, and the counter had stains with hair and toothpaste dried on it and the mirror. She found herself almost happy that the seat was up. It wasn’t until after she started, she realized there wasn’t any toilet paper or anything she could use to clean herself. Man, shoot! After sitting there for a moment, scanning the place, she noticed that there was a box of tissue in the corner with two dusty tissues left, so she used that in disgust.

    After trying to be as quiet as possible, flushing the commode was loud, running the water was loud, ‘I’m just going to be loud.’ She used her panties as a washcloth to clean herself, and then she slipped back into her dress, tied her hair, and then turned off the light. She tried to sit lightly on the bed placing on her shoes, ‘if I can get out of here before he wakes up . . .’

    Where’re you going? Rodney’s voice sounded deep and sexy.

    Shh, go back to sleep, she said above a whisper.

    I don’t want you to leave. He reached over and started rubbing her back. I might not be finished.

    Well, I am, it came out sharp and condescending.

    After a brief pause, he said, Man, it’s like that. Then he moved his hand.

    She thought about how she sounded and took a deep breath. No, it’s not like that. I just need to go home, change, and get some sleep before work. She tried to make her tone sound caring. And, can you do me a favor, please?

    What’s that? Rodney didn’t sound too interested.

    I need to keep this on the down low, you know, at work.

    Why? It was just as sharp and condescending.

    Because, Rodney, I don’t need everyone in our business. The truth is she didn’t want anyone to know what she was doing. The truth really was she wished she didn’t know.

    Fine, whatever, he sounded hurt.

    Come on, you act like we have this major relationship going on. Flirting isn’t a relationship, she then stood up and looked down at him on the bed. I’ll see you later. She thought about kissing him but changed her mind.

    ****

    Rebecca felt that same familiar sensation that instantly woke her. She lay there for a moment between consciousnesses and wanting to go back to sleep, but the stir in her spirit was penetrating. Opening her eyes, she listened to Jake, her husband breathing, and as suddenly as her eyes opened, her legs moved. ‘Okay Lord?’ Looking over at the clock it was 2:07 am, Help me to pray, Holy Spirit, her yawn was deep. Please Jesus.

    What’s going on? Jake said, feeling the bed move.

    God just woke me; go back to sleep, knowing that he wouldn’t, soon the bed started moving, and she could feel him straddling her and then pulling her to lean back on him as she focused on praying. Jake’s voice was deep and rustic and no matter how many times she heard him pray, she absolutely loved it, especially while he was praying in the spirit.

    As far as Rebecca could remember she was in love with God, but it wasn’t until she was going to church on a regular basis that it became real to her especially when she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She was around the age of seven or eight. She and her sister were separated around the age of four only to be brought back together from time to time and then she was told that her sister was dead. She knew it wasn’t true and it caused her to pray.

    ****

    When Vanessa reached Rodney’s front door, she suddenly stopped, spinning around. ‘Are you sure?’ She had heard Teufel in her ear. Then a since of urgency hit her system, and she could feel her adrenaline rise. She instantly turned around, ran back into the room, turned on the lights and yelled, Get up! Rodney, move now! She picked up his jeans and shirt and threw them at him.

    What? He said looking at her strangely.

    I don’t have time to explain; MOVE NOW! she looked around his room remembering him saying that he kept his life in his briefcase, so she picked that up first, and then she picked up his wallet that was on the dresser.

    Vanessa, what are you doing? He yelled.

    RODNEY! GET DRESS, NOW! she yelled back. She spotted a duffle bag inside the closet, and she picked it up. Clothes? Rodney, COME ON, MOVE! I don’t know how much time!

    He didn’t know what she was doing, but he could see she was serious so he started to get dressed as fast as he could, pointing to the different places where he had clothes.

    When she filled his bag, she started for the door. COME ON!

    He was one foot behind her.

    You have anything on that computer? She came to a sudden stop.

    Ah, He took the C/Ds off the stands, picked up another bag and dropped them in. What? He asked again.

    I can’t explain right now, she walked to the door and then pointed to a picture that was on the wall. You might want that, she said and then she was out the door.

    He followed her to her car, tossed his things in the back seat, and got in beside her.

    Where’s your car? she asked, speeding out of his parking area.

    It’s parked in the back.

    You got insurance? she looked at him.

    Yes, why?

    Vanessa felt the car skit forward as the back window cracked, she grabbed the steering wheel to maintain control of her car. Flashing a look in her rear view mirror all she could see was the broken glass so she looked in the side view mirrors and saw the fire.

    OH MY GOD! Rodney yelled with the sudden thrust forward.

    Vanessa stepped on the gas.

    OH MY GOD! AHHHHHHH! OH JESUS! Rodney couldn’t stop yelling and screaming.

    Hey, you’re safe. Hush, baby.

    Rodney seemed to sink in the chair as he watched Vanessa speed up. It was as if his mind went blank.

    Where can I take you?

    He didn’t answer her. He just looked at her.

    Rodney, come back, she snapped her fingers in his face.

    How did you know? Oh, my God, all those people?

    I know, I’m sorry but I didn’t know how much time. Just think you could have been one of them. Vanessa was unemotional.

    OH Jesus! Oh God, You saved my life! Oh God . . .

    Rodney? When she looked over at him, it was like, Are you crying?

    I could be dead, Oh God!

    Rodney. Hey, don’t go religious on me, please. Where can I take you?

    Vanessa, God just saved our lives. We could have been dead! OH MY GOD! We would have been in hell. OH God! Vanessa, God has given us another chance.

    Whatever, Rodney. I wouldn’t have been dead, you would have been. I’m taking you to your mom’s, which way?

    Rodney lifted his head toward the ceiling.

    Okay, enough, she turned on the radio and pushed the channel for the news station as the fire trucks blazed past them.

    ****

    Stacey was used to the telephone ringing at any time, knowing it was a part of Clarence’s job, what she didn’t like was what it might mean, especially the part about him having to get up and leave her. She automatically started praying. Stacey looked over at the clock; it was 2:15 am. Answering the phone, she just handed it to Clarence while she placed her head on his chest, Father God, I cover him with the blood of Jesus, keep my man safe.

    Okay. He said then handed her the phone back.

    What?

    Apparently a whole apartment complex blew up.

    A WHAT?

    Court Communities on Court Road, It blew up.

    Clarence! Stacey tried to say, losing her breath. His words bounced in her ears and knocked the wind out of her. Should I . . . get up?

    Honey, umm, he just looked at her.

    Stacey jumped up grabbing her housecoat and running into the kitchen. Their kitchen was the shape of a large square box with two entrances. After they built the house, she wasn’t happy with the kitchen and for the first three years, she kept redoing it. After the fourth time, she seemed to be a little happy, but Clarence was waiting for the other shoe to fall. The cabinets were oak with glass doors that had little lights that automatically came on at night. It was beautiful to him. If she could have found it or made it, the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and trashcan, would have been glass, too. However, she went with black.

    She turned on the coffee pot and pulled out his large thermal cup. She was praying under her breath in her spiritual language, looking at the phone and then the clock. She wanting to call Rebecca, but deciding to wait. When Clarence came out, he was in his fire attire, his black pants, and white shirt. She always kept them ready because they never knew when he was going to need one. She handed him two bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, a thermo full of coffee, with a big bag of plain M&M’s.

    Stacey met Clarence right after she got out of college. One of her neighbors decided to burn some trash and the fire started to spread a little. When she saw there was no one watching it, she called to report it. When the fire department arrived, he was the first to get off the truck and she recognized him from church.

    Stacey, why are you always messing with me?

    Because, you forgot my birthday?

    First, he looked at her for a long moment and then asked. When is your birthday?

    Next month, she had a mischievous smile on her face.

    Clarence kept his laugh to himself, but he asked her out to lunch to make sure he didn’t forget. What surprised her was that he remembered her name, because she didn’t remember his. Stacey pulled her 6’1, 235-pound man into her 5’ 4 130-pound body and squeezed him tight. I speak peace over and in you, the Holy Spirit will guide you and bring you home safe in the name of Jesus."

    Clarence wouldn’t leave until she prayed. He kissed his wife and looked her into her eyes, Keep praying baby.

    ****

    Rebecca felt the urgency in her prayer release about 2:20 am. She pushed Jake a little, clueing him to move. Once he did, she laid back and suddenly was standing in the spirit. It was an open space nowhere that led to any place she wanted to go, her secret place of the Most High where she could abide with God and feel His presence. God always gave her the opportunity to see, but if she thought for one second, it was for self-gain she wouldn’t and if she was praying for what she thought, she didn’t. She purposely stepped out of the spirit and back into her bed and within a few seconds, she was asleep and dreaming. She could see fire with babies being birthed out of it; however, she was standing in the middle of a church looking at herself while the clock behind her was flashing the time, 7:00. What does this mean, Lord? Why am I looking at myself? That’s when the alarm clock sounded. Reaching over she started pushing her husband. Without a second thought, he would move if she got up to pray, but for work, it was a fight every morning. She knew he liked for her to push and pull on him. Some mornings it would result in a lot of laughter with them playing and other mornings something more. She enjoyed it just as much. Come on, Jake.

    Come on, Becca. I didn’t get any sleep.

    Po baby. Get up. I’m going to make breakfast.

    ****

    Stepping into the shower, Vanessa knew it would fully wake her up. She didn’t feel like anything had happened, but she knew she was going to have to answer questions. Teufel? She said aloud standing in the middle of her bathroom. There was no response. Turning to look at herself in the mirror, she thought about her sister, it felt surreal. She knew she was out there, and Teufel told her, that they would eventually meet. The question was, when. Just as she knew, that her family was in Track, that question was where.

    ****

    What are your plans for today? Jake said coming into the kitchen. Rebecca was standing near the stove making him breakfast. Their kitchen was shaped like a half of a circle with an island in the middle that curved in the same direction. Their stove, refrigerator, sink, and the handles on the cabinets and drawers were copper with a dark granite border especially made for them. The kitchen sink was the center focus; it was a three-sink combination, with a large looping-style movable faucet for each sink. Their stove had a flat surface even though it was gas. Above the island was a silver and copper bracket hanging display with pots that Rebecca refused to use. Her argument was that she spent too much money for them, and they’re for show only; no cooking, they were too good to be handled that way. Jake’s argument was that they’re only pots. On the outer part of the kitchen, there was ceiling to floor cabinets that turned outward. In building the house, Rebecca wanted a walk-in pantry. When you pulled it open, it exposed twelve long shelves.

    Ooh, you look good, honey, she said turning around. Um, not that tie, she said, loosening it.

    Jake stood at 6’2", with a soft brown complexion, broad shoulders, and he weighed about 220 pounds. He looked thick and soft until you touched him.

    What, Jake was standing there like a little boy, it matches my socks?

    And who is going to be looking at your socks? she said, pulling him to her. Rebecca was 5’6 middle built with curves. I think a part of my plan today will be to come down to that office and put them gals in check, looking at my baby’s socks and all.

    Yeah, right.

    I only have one appointment today, and we’re supposed to be meeting with Pastor. He has some new projects he wants us to be in prayer about, and then I can be right over and do some ministry with you, her eyebrows went up when she said that.

    Oh, Jake said smiling, I wouldn’t be able to get anything done. Besides, I know someone has plans for vacation, and I saw her budget. I have to make sure that I have half of Seattle on my retainer, so no, you stay, Jake was shaking his head with a smile, stay away from the office.

    Rebecca laughed thinking about the last time she was there. Eat, and I’ll get the tie that goes with this suit.

    As Jake walked into the kitchen, he saw Clarence on the television. He walked over to the counter and turned up the volume. Hey Becca, come and look at this!

    What, she said, coming up behind him.

    Apparently there was a major explosion down on Court Road. That apartment complex, the big one, it was destroyed in a fire this morning. They’re saying that everyone was killed.

    WHAT! Everyone? Oh my God! Why didn’t Stacey call me? Honey, do you think that’s why God woke me up this morning? ‘Was I praying for the wrong thing?’

    I don’t know, baby. They said it was around two this morning.

    Oh God, Jesus, Rebecca backed up to the chair and sat.

    Listen, I have to go. I love you. Call the church and see if we knew anyone who lived there, and if you can, call me.

    I will, Rebecca wrapped her arms around her husband. Oh honey, everyone?

    All things work together; let’s just know that God knows what He’s doing, and then Jake kissed his wife.

    ****

    Stacey laid in the middle of the bed with every channel on watching her husband. Their bedroom was the size of a small apartment. Besides the king size bed, she had a full couch, glass coffee table, and lamps, with a dresser for both her and Clarence. There were two walk-in closets, the same size to be fair, but she knew that hers was bigger; her husband knew too but never let on. Their television was mounted and she had him program it so she could watch multiple channels at the same time. Her thing was, that was her husband on television, and she wanted to see it all. When she saw where he was talking, she could zoom in. She tried to tell him not to chew when he was talking on television, and sometimes he would remember. This time he didn’t and that told her, he was overwhelmed.

    ". . . The Chief Investigator Clarence Harmon will be assigning a task force to investigate the fire. Again, to recap for those who are just tuning in, this morning around 2 am, the Court Communities Apartments, on Court Road, burst into flames for reasons, right now unknown. It will be a while before they can get a total on the deceased however; they are expecting the numbers to be great. These apartments had a total of 1300 units and each was occupied with a family so the numbers could be well into the thousands. This fire will touch many people in our community. Now is the time to support our city. We’ll have more information as it comes into the studio. Tamara . . ."

    "Thanks, Jason, we’ve just received word that we had two employees here at the station that lived in the area and their home was also destroyed. This is a sad day in the town of Track . . ."

    Finally, they showed him again standing next to the Caption Kam Blue. Lord, I love my husband. I’m in love with my husband, and my husband loves me and is in love with me, Stacey confessed. She started confessing that over six years ago right after she met Clarence, and they were just dating. Clarence’s emotions were showing on his face and his eyes were telling her about the grief he was feeling.

    Why didn’t you call me? Rebecca yelled through the phone.

    It was early and I didn’t want to wake you; doesn’t Jake have that case today?

    No, it’s next week, I called the church; we had three families living in that complex.

    Oh God! Stacey said, interjecting.

    And the Hendersons lived in the neighborhood behind the apartments, some of their windows were shattered, but they’re okay.

    Oh God, Becca, have you talked to Pastor? Stacey asked.

    No, not yet, he’s out there with Daddy and Casey.

    Do you know how many members from their church?

    No, I’m waiting for the call from Donna, especially with them being in the middle of their conference. I understand Pastor Blue’s church received some damage, also.

    I wonder how many people were killed . . . did you know?

    She sat there for a moment, thinking about it. I don’t know, Rebecca took a deep breath feeling her insides, searching. I was awakened like always but this, Stacey, this, I . . . I, her emotions were beginning to stir, my mind told me one thing, however . . .

    What about Jake? Stacey asked.

    He woke up and prayed with me but he’s gone.

    Okay, we have only one appointment today; do you want to cancel?

    No, not if they don’t want to. Pastor also wanted to meet with us. I think it’s about the new training class. Rebecca took a deep sigh.

    Okay, what time do you want me to pick you up? Stacey asked.

    Stacey, you’re not still in your pajamas are you?

    You know I am. I don’t even know why you constantly ask that question. I’m not going to change, Becca. I’ll stay in my PJ’s all day long if I can, now answer my question.

    Rebecca started laughing, How about 11?

    Fine, I’ll see you then, fully dressed, Stacey started giggling to herself.

    Bye, girl. Rebecca hung up the phone and walked into her living room. She slid on her knees and started to pray in the spirit. She could see into the next hour and so wanted to look, but she didn’t. Rebecca understood her gift, but she never spoke on it and she would only use it in ministry. She just closed her eyes tighter and prayed for the families and her sister that was out there, somewhere.

    ****

    Clarence couldn’t believe that eight hours had past. As he walked into the Fire Department’s main offices and entered the elevator, he could feel the pull on his body. ‘Lord God, this isn’t good.’ When the doors opened, everyone stopped and turned around. A few volunteers showed up and they were on the phones. As you enter, the floor from the elevators, there was the reception area with multiple desks behind it. To the right were three rows of cubicles with a big office table for meeting. As you looked to the left, there was a waiting area and to the right were regular offices. That was the direction Clarence headed.

    Chief Blackmon is in your office, Shawn said as Clarence approached the door.

    Thanks, man.

    When he opened his door, he looked straight into Harry’s eyes. Placing his hat and jacket on the coat rack, he then shook his head, No.

    So we don’t have anything?

    Clarence looked at him almost in disgust. You know just as much as I know.

    Harry Blackmon was the Chief of the Fire Department, Clarence was the Chief over the Fire Department Task Force, and he reported directly to him.

    Did you hear what I’ve been telling the news reporters?

    And?

    And that’s the answer. Kam is all over it, and it’s the same information. So far, they have pulled out over two hundred bodies while trying to find hot spots. The other half of the crew is in the surrounding neighborhoods assessing the damage. There are a lot of fatalities, a lot, Clarence looked at Harry.

    Man, Clarence, this has made national news. The Governor has already called. How could something like this happen? You don’t think . . . Harry looked at Clarence with a steadiness in his eyes, it was some type of . . .

    Let’s just follow the evidence. I’ve been asking myself the same question and, Clarence paused looking through his office window at the boxes they were delivering.

    Shawn looked back at him to catch his eye and then waved his hand for them to come out. We’ve received the applications from each tenant from the owners of the complex. They’re in apartment order.

    Good, because the Mayor wants the names and the body count first. It came out so harsh that both Shawn and Clarence looked at him and then looked at each other. Then Shawn answered the direct line coming from the police department. Clarence, Kam is on the line for you, apparently there’s someone at the station who lived in the apartment complex and . . .

    What, you’ve got to be kidding? Clarence walked over and picked up the phone.

    Harry watched as Clarence started going through the files. Okay . . . good . . . very good . . . wow.

    What? Harry started asking.

    Okay, we’ll be right there. I need to hear this for myself.

    What, Harry was being impatient.

    You won’t believe this, Clarence said to Harry. A Rodney Banks walked into the police office this morning. He lived in apartment 617. He said that his girlfriend woke up early and started grabbing some of his things, and before they could reach a mile down the road the whole place exploded.

    How did she know?

    He said that she doesn’t claim it, but apparently she’s psychic or something.

    Yeah, right, she might be behind it. She just woke up and knew to get out of there. I don’t believe it. There has to be more. Who is she? You don’t believe in that stuff, do you? Let’s go.

    Here’s his file, Shawn handed it to Clarence.

    Harry, wait a minute. First, let’s go and talk to this guy, and as a matter of fact I do. I know the truth behind the gift. Having a spiritual understanding of the things of God, the gifts of God and the purpose, is what I believe. It’s the same gift, but with anything, you have what is real and what is counterfeit. It’s called the gift of wisdom and knowledge.

    Okay, Clarence, I need what is real right now, because this is stressing me out. Where’s this Rodney Banks?

    He’s still down at the station.

    And the girlfriend?

    She apparently didn’t want any part of this, so she dropped him off at his mom’s, and he came in on his own.

    Umh, Harry grunted.

    ****

    When Vanessa arrived at Wilson Priest Corporation, the parking lot was full, but upon entering, she knew that something was wrong. On her floor, everyone was quiet, so she pretended to be in a good mood. While checking her email she felt her assistant standing at her door. She had been at this company for about nine months and in that time, she moved from Junior Representative of Foreign Affairs to Senior VP. The way the company was structured, each division had a VP. She spoke 18 different languages and when the VP was offered a position in Tokyo, with Teufel’s help, she was the obvious choice. In a few days, she was going to be promoted again, possibly Monday because her ideas had proven to be marketable and the current President was about to be arrested. For six years, he’s been supplementing his income by shipping pill casings for use on the black market, and the paper trail led to a front organization that led to his eight-year-old daughter. Wilson Priest was the major distributor of pill capsules for many major pharmaceuticals. The company capital was worth eighty million, and so far, she silently purchased 60% of the shares. She’d been buying them as Teufel instructed and not showing up at any board meetings, not yet at least. In purchasing the shares, she only used the V instead of her full first name, so they had no idea who she was. It was her every intention to be owner within a year, and she hadn’t missed a goal.

    Since the last promotion, she was always careful with whom she became acquainted; Rodney was a junior manager and extremely sexy. She played hard to get for a while because she really enjoyed the flirt, but the truth was that Officer Torrie had her singing. One evening as she was leaving, a police car pulled into her parking lot moving really slowly. It was after hours and the sun was going down. She slowed down to wait for him to pass, but he slowed to a stop instead. She knew he wanted to watch her, so she made sure she gave him something to see. As she approached the middle of the parking lot, she placed her briefcase and purse down and then turned towards his car. When the car came to a standstill, she watched the man get out, thinking, ‘Oh, he’s cute.’ Two hours later he was at her house, four hours later he was leaving, thirty minutes later, he was calling asking if he could come back. Her no seemed to make him want her more. Five hours later, he was back and now he was only a phone call away; she didn’t care that he quote, unquote had a situation at home. That was his house, not hers.

    Good morning, Vanessa, the shaky voice caused her to look up.

    What’s wrong?

    You haven’t heard about the fire?

    Fire, yeah, there was something on the news this morning, she tried to sound unrelated.

    Yes, Clara started crying, and then took a deep breath to regain control. There was an apartment fire down on Court Road. The whole place exploded. We have at least five families that lived in the complex and two other families who lived close to the complex whose houses were destroyed. The only good side is one of the junior managers wasn’t home, so he’s fine.

    Who?

    You, I don’t think you know him, Rodney Banks. My supervisor is . . . Clara started crying again.

    ‘Oh God,’ Vanessa said. Cancel everything . . .

    We can’t, we have . . .

    Clara, it can’t wait until tomorrow? Wait a minute, she picked up the phone to call personnel. When the answer came, she could tell that the female had been crying. Who is this?

    Kelly.

    Let me speak with . . .

    Eric, he’s not . . .

    Eric Blanton, oh my God.

    His house was located around the corner, and they’re all . . .

    Okay, are there any other VP’s here? Who’s in charge up there?

    I guess that would be me, but yeah, you and John. No one else is here that I know of, maybe a couple of managers, Kelly took a deep breath.

    I’m declaring this day an emergency day for everyone.

    I would need a memo or something.

    Okay, I’ll take care of that, and I’ll contact Mr. Senior. Have everybody meet in the conference room downstairs in 30 minutes.

    Okay, I’ll send an email, Kelly hung up the phone.

    Clara, can you excuse me, please? Vanessa got up and walked over to her door. Clara was a wonderful assistant but the crying was getting to her. When she walked out, she closed the door behind her and then closed her blinds so no one could see in. I don’t believe this, why you didn’t tell me? She spoke out.

    "Tell you what?" Teufel’s voice didn’t startle her.

    That there were other families that worked here! Why didn’t you give me a chance to warn anyone else?

    "I told you. I didn’t tell you to play savior."

    What have I done by saving Rodney? Vanessa sat in her chair.

    "Well. I’ll guess we will see. Your phone is about to ring," Then he was gone.

    Teufel has always been there for Vanessa. At first, some of her foster parents thought he was an imaginary friend, but he wasn’t. He took care of her, taught her many things, and was the only one who really loved her. As far back as she could remember he was there. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and waiting for the third ring before she answered. The person on the other end could tell that she was upset.

    Vanessa, this is Al. Are you okay? I heard it on the news here in China.

    Hi, yeah, I’ll be fine. How are you? How’s China? Please tell everyone that everything will be fine here.

    What steps have you taken?

    Well, I’m calling a meeting with management in a few minutes, and I’m allowing everyone to go home, but tomorrow it will be business as usual.

    There was a brief pause.

    The human resource manager and his family are presumed dead, not to mention . . .

    Wow. Oh My God.

    Al, don’t worry; it’s a part of life; things happen, and we had no way of knowing. The thing is, trying to handle it from a position that will create a positive outlook on the company, the community and to boast moral. We’re going to have to plan some type of dedication to the ones who were lost.

    Okay, Vanessa, do what you think is best, please let me know who we may have lost as soon as possible.

    Thank you, sir.

    ****

    Barbara moved gracefully around her front yard. She loved the spring when things started coming back to life. She went to the nursery, picked out some fresh new flowers, and had been working in her front yard for hours.

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