The Lord Is With Me

Chapter 1

A man stood in the front of the small auditorium. We welcome our newest members. He seemed to be the leader. From where I sat, I couldn't make out his features other than figuring out that he was older.

People clapped all around me, but I had no idea why. I was just glad to be inside from the cold January Kansas City air. However, I wasn't feeling that great, so I was still chilled.

As I closed my coat tighter, I pulled my purse up onto my shoulder, and leaned closer to Troy, the man sitting beside me. What are we doing here?

I'm introducing you to my group. Why?

Group? I whispered. When I met you at the diner, you told me you wanted to take me to a show at your church. What is this, exactly?

He grinned but didn't give me any answer, because he was focused on the speaker.

I studied the rest of the people in the room, filled with men and women mostly dressed in conservative outfits. The women wore long skirts with bonnets on their heads while the men were dressed in suits and ties.

Two men sat in the back, who didn't really fit in. They seemed to be observers, dressed in white polo shirts and blue jeans. It was very odd, for sure. I wanted to go talk to them, because they seemed more normal.

The man standing at the front of the auditorium caught my attention once again. We'd like to bring our newest members into the fold, he said. They'll be joining our clan, living with us, and becoming part of the chosen.

The people in the congregation hooted and hollered, and danced around the room while forming a circle on the perimeter. They all joined arms.

The men dressed in the white polo shirts and jeans remained seated in the back with their arms crossed in irritation.

Troy pulled me to my feet and dragged me to the front of the stage. Others ushered their guests to the front as well, all appearing as if they'd been drugged. I felt kind of woozy, but kept my balance. When I got closer to the stage, I smelled something like incense, making me sick to my stomach.

I don't feel very well, I said. What do you think it is?

He leaned toward my ear. Something to make you compliant. Don't worry, it's safe.

Compliant? I couldn't believe my ears. You slipped me something?

He ignored me as we stepped onto the stage. He addressed the man in the front, but I still stared at Troy. I still couldn't get over the fact that he'd drugged me. I had to think fast, but my brain was a bit fuzzy.

This is Destiny McNeill, Troy said to the leader. She's my date. I'd like to make her my wife.

Uh-oh. Red flags filled my head. I just met you. I was out talking to your sister at a diner and you just happened to show up. I'm not your date—I'm dating someone else.

He thrust his hand over my mouth and grinned. She's compliant.

There was that word again. Compliant. I suddenly hated him and everything he stood for.

I tried to remove his hand from my mouth, but my arms felt heavy. He grabbed both of my wrists with his other hand and held them down in front of me.

And a virgin, Troy said.

I tried to bite his hand. He knew nothing about my past and had no right to tell anyone that I hadn't found someone worthwhile yet—not even my current boyfriend.

Troy laughed. Once she knows our ways, she'll produce many babies for our clan. She can join my other wives and make my life fuller.

Babies? Other wives? My eyes must've been as big as saucers. This was a cult group? My brain raced. I'd been set up by his sister, Lori. I was in over my head. I was raised to be a Christian, not a cultist.

I gathered all my energy and struggled to get free, but Troy held onto my arms, joined by three other huge men who stood behind me. I wasn't getting out of this warehouse anytime soon. I also wasn't about to let myself become a member of their clan. I was caught between a rock and a hard place. Besides, wasn't this considered kidnapping and against the law?

The leader stood in front of me where I could get a better look. However, as soon as I stared at the man, I wished I hadn't seen him. Scary was an understatement for this guy's appearance. I knew his face would haunt my dreams. He had dark wavy hair with eyes as black as coal. I couldn't turn away from him because his stare pierced through me, seeming to make me agree with him.

However, that was the furthest thing from my mind.

I'm Pastor Jacob, he said. I'm the leader of the November Order of the Stars Clan. With our brothers and sisters, we'll protect you and save your soul. Only our groups around the world will be recognized as true believers. We will prevail as the chosen few. Do you agree?

I tried to shake my head to disagree, but someone grabbed the hair on the back of my head and made me nod. What was happening? How could I make it known that I wasn't part of this group? Troy's hand still covered my mouth, so I couldn't even yell. Struggling got me nowhere. With all the men holding onto me, it wasn't going to be easy to get away. Besides, I didn't feel well. I was stuck.

The crowd broke out in cheers and my coat was yanked off.

I bit down on Troy's hand, hard, making him let go. I yelled for all I was worth. No! I won't agree to this! Leave me alone!

The sound of a gunshot rang out behind me and I heard a shuffle in the back of the auditorium. This is a raid. Everyone on the floor.

A fight broke out in the warehouse as I struggled to get away. The men held me with such force, I couldn't move. The evil bad guys pulled me toward Pastor Jacob, who took my arm and dragged me with him. I kicked him in the legs with all my might, making him fall to his knees. If only I wasn't so tired, I'd have this guy on the floor.

Satan is among us! he screamed, trying to get to his feet. We have to cleanse her of her evil sins.

Cleanse me? Look who was talking, Mr. Evil.

The men dressed in the white polo shirts and jeans ran to the stage and grabbed Pastor Jacob and the other men surrounding me. Cops followed behind them. The cops and the white polo shirt guys took the evil bad guys into custody, with handcuffs and all.

I could only watch. My head hurt and I fell down, sitting on the stage with a thud. I was so tired.

You would've been my special one. Troy's voice was quiet as two men handcuffed him behind his back. He continued speaking to me anyway, even though he did have the right to remain silent. You have the most spunk and would've given me the best children.

I wished he would've remained silent, actually.

Shouldn't it be my choice? I stared up at him with one eye shut from the glare of the lights.

He chuckled. Women aren't allowed to choose.

I lowered my head. Lori's going to hear about this one.

She's already gone elsewhere to find me another wife.

The cops took him out the back door.

A touch on my shoulder made me stand up and spin around. For some reason, I got a second wind. I punched and blocked, fighting for my life once again. I had the guy in a headlock before he spoke.

No, Destiny, he managed to say. I'm one of the good guys. I'm here to rescue you.

Doesn't look like it from my viewpoint, I said into his ear. I didn't even care that I felt awful. I had to fight for my life and my sickness had to take a back seat. Looks like I'm the winner and I'm not going to let you touch me.

I have a gun. Check my pocket. These people don't carry guns to their services.

I pulled up on his neck even more, staring into his bright blue eyes while he winced. How do you know they don't carry guns? I asked.

He was very handsome, with medium blond hair, very blue eyes, high cheekbones, and the softest looking skin. Because he wore a white polo and jeans, he definitely wasn't part of this group. Since he was so handsome, I had to keep reminding myself I was taken.

The man didn't fight back. We've infiltrated this group and were working to take it down, with the help of the local cops and the FBI. How do you think we knew they were having a harvest today?

A harvest?

He sighed. When they add people to their group.

I thought it over for a bit, found the gun in his pocket, and let the man go.

He straightened up and dusted off his white polo. I'm glad you did that. It shows they haven't given you the drug yet.

Do you care to explain this to me? I glanced around the room. I can't even believe I'm here.

He took my hand with a grin. Want to get out of here?

What's your name?

Adam Jones. I'm a leader in the RIA.

I must've looked confused because he almost laughed at me. RIA? What's the RIA?

Rescuers in Action. We save persecuted or bullied people around the world. Think CIA, but with an 'R.'

I let go of his hand, sat back on the stage, and lowered my head to stop the room from spinning. I don't feel that great.

Adam knelt beside me, lifted my chin, and stared into my eyes. I see that. He nodded to someone in the back. Barry, we have a victim here.

A big man with a dark military haircut, wearing a white polo shirt and jeans, ran to the front with a medical bag in his hand and a stethoscope around his neck. As soon as he got to where I sat, he checked my heart and pulse, and spoke to Adam. We'll take her in and check her over. Something's not right.

I'll meet you at the hospital, Adam said. Check all her vitals along the way. I think we might need to talk privately.

Barry chuckled. We need more recruits. He searched in his bag, pulled out a flashlight, and directed the light into my eyes. Did they hurt you? he asked me.

No. You guys stopped them from kidnapping me. Thank you. I gazed at Adam. I'm sorry I thought you were one of them.

No problem. Adam even chuckled.

Barry put his flashlight away. They would've married you to the man beside you with some weird ritual. Be thankful it didn't happen. He paused. Now, can you walk to the ambulance?

I glanced down at my feet. I hope so. Troy said he drugged me to make me compliant but I'm not sure what it was. I'm ready to pummel him for it, too. I glared up at the two men in front of me. How dare he? Who does he think he is, anyway? Can I have a gun to take care of him right now?

Barry glanced over at Adam. You're right. We do need to have that discussion.

As soon as I grabbed my purse, Barry put his arm around me and helped me toward the front door, talking the whole time. You're very lucky we'd been watching the N-O for a while.

I leaned against him for support. The N-O?

November Order. If we'd have waited a minute more, they'd have brainwashed you and you wouldn't be the same person you are now.

How can they brainwash someone that fast? I asked him as we kept walking.

They shoot you with a drug from behind to make you believe what you're being told. It takes months to get the victim back to normal, and months after that to make their fear disappear.

How do you know that?

He was silent for a moment while taking me out the door. My wife was kidnapped and forced into their slavery in New Mexico.

But we're in Missouri. They kidnapped her and took her across state lines? Why wasn't the FBI contacted?

We didn't know where she was, he said. We found her body a year later, after she'd given birth to a child who died at birth. They killed her for a stillbirth, according to our investigation. That's how I learned all about their ways.

I'm so sorry. I lowered my head to make sure I wouldn't pass out. What's being done about this? The cold night air hit my face. It helped a little bit, but whatever I'd been given wasn't nice. I was ready to sue Troy for damages.

We approached the ambulance. We're working on it and we've done internal investigations. Barry glanced into the back of the vehicle. Can you step up?

I'll try. I climbed into the ambulance and sat on the gurney, lowering my head. What can I do to help?

Barry joined me. I'm so glad you asked.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

They wheeled me into a small room of the E.R. in the Kansas City hospital.

Barry handed Adam my chart. I checked her vitals. I'm pretty sure she's been drugged.

Adam read over the chart and addressed the nurse. I want a complete blood analysis to see what drug they used. He approached the gurney, staring at me. I don't like what I'm seeing.

What are you seeing, Santa Claus? I asked.

Santa Claus? Adam shook his head.

He had no sense of humor.

I was kidding, I said. I'm fine. I just need a ride to my car.

Oh, no. You're going to be here for observation tonight. I can't chance anything happening to you.

The tone in his voice was strange, at least it sounded strange to me. Something's going on that hasn't been told to me. Am I right?

He nodded. Yes, you're right.

Are you a doctor?

Yes, I am. Adam pointed to his sleeve. See the coat? That means I work at this hospital. I had to check in before you got here and clear this room.

He must have some sort of power to get me into the room that fast. That was quick.

He chuckled. Yeah, but the hospital's not far from where we found you, either.

Barry smiled at me. Dr. Jones is the best this hospital has and takes a special interest in people who've been kidnapped.

I really haven't been kidnapped. I hopped off the bed and held onto the side so I wouldn't fall. Can I go home now?

Adam glanced down at my hand. No. You're shaking. He helped me back onto the bed, covered me up, and addressed the nurse. I want her put in a gown and admitted upstairs.

Yes, doctor. The woman left the room.

I closed my eyes. I didn't need this harassment.

Destiny, can you look at me? Adam asked.

Not really. I don't feel well. I really want to sleep.

I only want to see your beautiful green eyes.

I opened my eyes, squinting in the bright light he held in front of the left one. Did you just call my eyes beautiful?

Sure did. He moved to the other eye. I've never seen any color quite like that before.

Is that a come-on line? I had to know, because I really wasn't in the mood for flirting.

No. He laughed and turned the little light out. You have spunk, do you know that?

He was hilarious. No. I have a big mouth. There's a difference.

The nurse walked in less than a minute later. She'll be up on the sixth floor, protected by two officers. The police want a statement.

I sat up, probably too fast, but I tried to ignore the waves of nausea. Wait just a minute. I lowered my head to my hand. I have to go to work tomorrow and can't really stay here. I have things to do at home, too.

Where do you live? Adam pushed me back down to the bed, moving my hand off my face. I don't want you sitting up, he said. You're not well.

Overland Park. I returned my hand to my head. Check my purse for my address, though. I have a splitting headache. I closed my eyes but knew they were having some sort of silent conversation. My gurney moved for a while, but I kept my eyes closed. I was sure they were taking me to the sixth floor because I even felt like I was floating. It was probably an elevator, but I kept my eyes closed.

The night was confusing. Even though I tried to sleep, it seemed that every cop and nurse wanted me for something. I finally got to sleep after three, but didn't seem to sleep long before the door creaked open again.

Good morning, a man said.

I opened my eyes, squinting at the overhead light in the very white hospital room. Who said it's good?

I did. Adam walked beside my bed and Barry joined him. Both of the men wore white t-shirts and jeans again. I would've thought they had more clothes than just white t-shirts and jeans. Maybe they got a two-for-one deal on those outfits.

Are you here in an official capacity? I asked. "Because if you are, I have a terrible headache and would love something to make it go away. That cop last night wouldn't leave, and it was just annoying. He asked me if I wanted to be kidnapped, thinking he wouldn't have to charge anyone with the crime. Can you believe it?"

Adam and Barry both chuckled. I checked them both out, glancing down at their hands. No rings. Both single and definitely both handsome, in a weird wholesome sort of way.

What was I thinking? I was taken and had to remember that. Besides, it'd make sense about Barry. He probably hadn't found another wife since his wife had been killed. But Adam? He was wholesome, tough, and the type to take control over a situation. Any woman would kill to marry someone like him.

We're here in an official capacity, Adam said, wrenching me from my thoughts. Not as members of the hospital. He glanced over at Barry. Get something for her head. I want to talk to her alone.

Barry left the room, closing the door behind him. Adam moved beside the bed, grabbed my wrist, and stared at his watch.

"Why are you taking my pulse? You're not here on hospital business. Por amor de—I mean for Heaven's sake."

Adam took his hand off my wrist and stared at me, as if he'd never seen me before. Are you Hispanic?

Yeah, partly, but I never speak Spanish anymore. I don't know where that came from. I paused, wondering if he was judging me. Besides, what's it to you? Are you harassing me?

Oh, attitude. He smiled. It means nothing and no, I'm not harassing you at all. I'm just curious. With your light brown hair and green eyes, I wouldn't have thought you were Hispanic. Your skin isn't even dark to indicate a Hispanic background. I'm just surprised. That's all.

Oh. Sorry. I really needed to get that attitude in check, but it was what kept me going. Well, my mother was part Hispanic. She was a migrant worker. One of the hired help—a man with blue eyes and blond hair—decided she needed to be taught a lesson. She got pregnant, not of her own accord, and had me. I was adopted by a pastor and his wife.

Thus, the last name of McNeill?

I nodded. They were Scottish, and with my green eyes, I was accepted into their group.

That's an odd mix of genes.

Yep. I sat up and closed my eyes to stop the headache before opening them again. Now my real mother, Momma Rosa, lives with me, so I really want to see if she needs help. She learned English, but sometimes needs help.

His hand was on my arm. No. You're not going anywhere. We found a mixture of drugs in your system and you need to stay here until it wears off.

But Momma Rosa?

I'll call her. What's her number?

I held onto my head. I can't remember much of anything. Just call my home number and you'll get her, I hope. That is, if she's still alive, because she needs me. I don't trust her staying alone. Who knows what she'll do. My cell phone's in my purse, which is probably in this room somewhere. She's the first number in my directory.

He pushed me back into the bed and covered me up. I'll find the nurse and figure out where it is. What do you do for a living?

I teach aerobics.

I see. He pulled up a chair. I have to talk to you for a minute.

The door to the room opened and an older, pudgy nurse walked in. You needed something for a headache? she asked me.

Yes, I do, I said. Would you call my mother on my cell phone? She's the first in the listings. It's in my purse.

Will do. She gave me some pills and a cup of water. Once she got my cell phone from the closet, she winked at Adam and left the room.

Interesting development. As I weighed my words, I sucked down the medicine and water, and put the small cups on the table beside the bed before I addressed Adam. If I'm interrupting something between you and the nurse, you can leave. I think I'm stuck here. I peered up at the pole, realizing I didn't have the energy to fight being in the hospital.

"You are stuck here and Kristy always winks at me. She's a friend of mine."

My eyebrows lifted. Are you two are an item? Is this place like a soap opera?

No. We've never been an item. I'm not dating anyone right now, but she's married and has a few kids. Now as for you—

I shook my head. I'd rather talk about you. Tell me everything in your past. It'll make my headache go away. This guy was single and I was right. That was good to know, in case I had a friend who needed to be fixed up.

He crossed his arms. The medication she gave you will take your headache away. If I know Kristy, you'll be asleep before long, too, so I have to make this quick.

She gave me a sleeping pill? I stuck out my tongue, wondering if I could get rid of it.

You sucked it down so fast that I couldn't see what she gave you.

The table beside my bed contained only the empty paper pill cup and empty cup of water. I didn't even have breakfast yet.

Adam just stared at me with a grin on his face. You'll do nicely.

For what? You guys talk as though I'm something special, but let me tell you something, Buddy… I stopped, suddenly confused.

Adam sat up and watched me, his blue eyes shining in the light. Yes?

I forgot what I was saying.

He stood up. We'll talk another time. He touched my hair and chuckled. You won't remember this conversation anyway. In an instant, he was out of the room. They were all insane.

I considered removing the IV and escaping this looney bin, but before I could figure out how, my eyes closed.

~~~~~

Chapter 3

"Good evening, I heard. Would you like some breakfast now?"

The overhead light turned on and I closed my eyes as much as I could. The brightness still shone through, so I covered the top part of my face with my hand to block it and have darkness once again. Go away.

You're not hungry?

It sounded like Adam. I have no idea.

How's your head now? It sounded like he stood beside the bed.

I moved my hand and opened my eyes. Sure enough, he was right where I thought he'd be. I considered my situation, taking stock of the missing pain. Better, thanks. Did you call my mother, Momma Rosa?

Adam put a tray of something unidentifiable on the table beside the bed and moved it in front of me. Yes, we did. She's been in here, worried sick about you. You didn't come home last night and she was sure you were dead. She even called your adoptive parents and they're on their way here, from Texas.

You're kidding? Kitty and Bill? They're the kiss of death. I sat up and studied the tray. Oatmeal? I glanced out the window overlooking Kansas City. It's nighttime, right?

He pushed the tray closer to me. Yes, but you haven't eaten all day.

And I haven't gotten up to go to the bathroom?

Foley catheter. You'll be fine and won't wet the bed. He chuckled, as if he knew some secret.

Nice visual. Great bedside manner, by the way. I grabbed a spoon and dug into the oatmeal. This is really good. I wish I could cook like this.

Oatmeal?

I nodded and ate some more. Anything, actually. Cooking isn't really my thing, but my mom can cook.

Which mom?

Both. I stuck a spoonful of oatmeal into my mouth and swallowed. Momma Rosa cooks Hispanic stuff, but Kitty cooks American food. I love to eat. That's why I do aerobics—so I can eat.

You went to college. He nodded as if he knew that fact already.

I figured I'd clarify it for him just in case. Sure did. My degree's in secondary education with English as my subject matter, so I could teach Momma Rosa to speak English and get a teaching job. I don't like to teach kids, so I'm an aerobics instructor. I ate some more, shoveling it into my mouth as fast as I could. I didn't realize I was so hungry.

You don't like to teach kids?

No, and it's not the kids, I said, shaking my head. The parents get in the way. Now are you going to tell me what this is all about? I took the last bite of the oatmeal and licked the spoon clean.

I think you feel better now, so I'll tell you. Adam pulled up a chair and sat down. I'm one of the leaders of a rather secret organization called the Rescuers in Action.

I remember you telling me that. I took a sip of the tea. The RIA, kind of like the CIA but different, right?

He snorted a chuckle. Yes. We help people who are being suppressed, rescuing them in many ways. We work to get them back on their feet and back into life. We have various anonymous supporters, but no one knows their names except for our treasurer. That way if we're compromised, it can't come back to hurt any of the supporters.

Secret organization with weird rules. It sounded like the CIA. Who's in your group?

We have lawyers, teachers, doctors, social workers, and almost anyone else who can help. Ex-members of the military and intelligence members of the government are also involved. We have contacts worldwide, so we're able to work anywhere.

For some reason, I didn't think it was that impressive. It was probably because he seemed so nonchalant about it, like a spy would be acting if they were discussing their job. He probably didn't want me thinking it was a huge organization.

Even so, I had to participate in the conversation. Why are you telling me all of this if you're so secret?

He reminded me of a superhero, with that super-secret organization. It didn't help that he was extremely good looking, because I couldn't take my eyes off his face. I liked the way his blue eyes seemed so alive, drawing me in like a magnet.

We want to invite you to join us. His voice yanked me out of the fantasy of superheroes and his sparkling eyes. Your bills will all be paid and you'll get a salary from us.

Was he insane? I was a nobody. What could I possibly contribute?

Destiny, you were meant for this work. He ran his fingers through his medium blond hair. You know how to save people, from what I hear.

What are you talking about?

I had a chat with Rosa after you gave us her phone number. She told me how you turned her from an uneducated woman in Mexico with little self-confidence into someone who could fend for herself. You're good with people and don't put up with anyone feeling sorry for themselves.

I had to smile when I thought back to my past. That was thanks to my adoptive parents. They made me realize I was a person, too, with worth and a gift to give. Everyone has a gift and it's up to them to use it. I really needed to find mine, because aerobics didn't seem to be doing it for me.

"That's true on the