Finding Ethiopia

SEAT OF GOD

A child marked by God’s hand …

A woman willing to risk her life to save what’s left of her family ...

A priest obsessed with an ancient prophecy ...

A man forced to face his past ...

Four people on a collision course with an earth-shattering destiny.

An Ethiopian priest, believing a little girl is the key to a biblical curse, kidnaps her. The girl’s only surviving relative, Jasmine Rose, turns to former CIA operative—code name the Hunter—to help her find the child. The two must decipher a series of clues as they search from Israel to Egypt to Ethiopia to catch a holy man who always manages to stay one step ahead. What Jasmine doesn’t know is that the Hunter’s former boss is intent on having his revenge.

As the chase escalates, Jasmine finds herself becoming both hunter and prey. She is willing to pay anything, do anything, to secure the child. But will the child’s mystical abilities save the world—or destroy them all? Jasmine must face the ultimate questions: Will finding the girl be a blessing or a curse? And what will she sacrifice to save the child?

JOURNEY OF JOSEPHUS

For one man, the future is now.

The Prester family has been waiting for centuries for the prophecy to manifest. Josephus swore to his grandfather the day the old man died that he would be the one to deliver the Marked Child. For thirty years, he watched his Ethiopia be crushed by famine, disease, and religious conflict. The time for action has come. Breaking one vow to deliver on a greater one, he assembles the brothers who have the unwavering faith and knowledge of what will be necessary to seek out the reincarnated guardians, those who once shepherded this land to supremacy. It is time for them to remember their heritage and to reclaim their future. The guardians are the way.

It is a race against time to find the children who hold the key to saving the future before the darkness overtakes them all. Will they succeed? Or will the covenant, the first promise, made to an ancient people remain unfulfilled?

An intriguing and challenging premise, engaging characters, and a fast-moving story that crosses oceans and continents, all combine to make Sea of God an exciting read. Plan to be up well into the night.

— Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, International bestselling author

A promising writer! One to surely watch and read. Definitely read! W

— M.J. Rose, International bestselling author

If you love action and adventure, smart dialogue, and witty romance, Seat of God is for you. A treat for fans of Jeff Long and Indiana Jones.

— Tamara Thorne, International bestselling author of Haunted, Candle Bay and Eternity

A thriller about the Ark of the Covenant?  What’s not to love?  Phoenix takes the Ethiopian route and crafts a classic.  Highly recommended.

— Stel Pavlou, International bestselling author of Decipher and Gene

Once I picked up Seat of God it was difficult to put down... you will enjoy the journey for sure!

— Ladybug Mecca, Digable Planets, platinum selling Grammy Award winner

Seat of God is an essential read for anyone who wants to learn about the very real role that religion and religious history plays in our lives.  I highly recommend to anyone who wishes to be on the edge of their seat and learn a great deal about African history.

— Pastor Marvin Moss, Cascade United Methodist Church

Thank you, God, for blessing the owner of this book

and bringing many gifts to those who read it.

For the many souls who dance to the beat of their own drum and follow the path not taken ... you 're the ones who change the world.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SEAT OF GOD

Prophecy

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

JOURNEY OF JOSEPHUS

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-One

Chapter Fifty-Two

Chapter Fifty-Three

Chapter Fifty-Four

Chapter Fifty-Five

Chapter Fifty-Six

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Chapter Sixty

Chapter Sixty-One

Chapter Sixty-Two

Chapter Sixty-Three

Epilogue

About the Author

Copyright page

SEAT OF GOD

A child marked by God’s hand …

A woman willing to risk her life to save what’s left of her family ...

A priest obsessed with an ancient prophecy ...

A man forced to face his past ...

Four people on a collision course with an earth-shattering destiny.

An Ethiopian priest, believing a little girl is the key to a biblical curse, kidnaps her. The girl’s only surviving relative, Jasmine Rose, turns to former CIA operative—code name the Hunter—to help her find the child. The two must decipher a series of clues as they search from Israel to Egypt to Ethiopia to catch a holy man who always manages to stay one step ahead. What Jasmine doesn’t know is that the Hunter’s former boss is intent on having his revenge.

As the chase escalates, Jasmine finds herself becoming both hunter and prey. She is willing to pay anything, do anything, to secure the child. But will the child’s mystical abilities save the world—or destroy them all? Jasmine must face the ultimate questions: Will finding the girl be a blessing or a curse? And what will she sacrifice to save the child?

Prophecy

Holder of the staff, triple cross prophet,

Two mountains—one test failed.

A curse of fear and pain to last the age,

At the edge of destruction you will see.

Light and dark combined,

Born in fire—delivered by heaven’s hand.

The marked child is the answer

To the questions in your soul.

Guardians of old—angels of blood earth

Returned to safeguard the kingdom,

Burnt face men must find and gather

Before their blessings are lost to the sun.

What we are—so too is the world,

To save us all start anew.

Walk the steps from destined birth to death,

A new covenant shall begin.

—Ancient Ethiopian folk song found with the Dead Sea scrolls

 Prologue

St. Catherine’s monastery stood like a bulwark in the desert for the pilgrims who flocked to its doors. Many rested there before the treacherous climb up Mount Sinai to visit the place where God created the Ten Commandments. Built in the sixth century, the monastery contained a fortress of buildings, including a mosque and a warren of narrow tunnels featuring beautiful mosaics testifying to the glory of God.

As they drove up to the sand-beaten walls of the Sacred and Imperial Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai, she wondered if the child felt dwarfed by the great structure nestled in the palm of the surrounding mountains. As soon as its mighty shadow touched the car, they observed her as scientists, not parents, to see whether it altered her usual sunny personality.

There was no change.

Fair-haired and deeply tanned, with similar light-blue eyes, the couple looked like they had just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren ad They had befriended the monastery years before and were regular financial contributors.

Saint Catherine’s had always been a haven for Christians, Jews, and Muslims, the one place all three religions coexisted in peace. Perhaps silly to most people, but the couple had always seen religion from a unique vantage point, wishing they taught more than just the graduate students in the archeology department. Returning here year after year was for them the same as accepting an embrace from a loving parent. Giving their child the same gift was as vital as their Bibles and dig supplies. They had been requesting a private audience for eighteen months, wanting to introduce the girl to the holy bush. Permission being granted during summer vacation seemed a heavenly blessing.

Father Hector, chosen by the bishop, met them at the gate to escort them through the many halls and tunnels. The sun blazed until the pathways seemed to scorch the bottoms of their shoes.

The priest flinched upon meeting the girl. Was it her appearance, that she was night to her parents’ day? Or perhaps the uncanny stare she leveled on the orthodox monk, disturbing him with its intensity?

It didn’t matter. This was a family matter, albeit being witnessed by the church official due to their custodianship of the holy site. Saint Catherine’s belonged to the world, though the world was unaware of its gifts.

As the girl skipped over the shimmering stones, she asked questions about the mosaics on the walls while alternating between several languages. Her knowledge was so advanced, Hector wondered if she’d been there before. Three years old and already exhibiting an almost preternatural and exceptional mind, people were drawn to her spirit.

Father Hector approved of the way the girl acted as they moved through the tunnels. The woman wore appropriate clothing—long sleeves and skirts so her limbs were covered. As they approached the gates of the monastery, she draped a headscarf to cover her hair. The little girl had been similarly prepared. She wore a hooded jumper that almost reached the floor, its long sleeves covering her to the wrists.

Her parents gently guided the girl’s steps to the presence of their ultimate destination: the holy bush. Here was the place God had spoken to his prophet, Moses, for the first time, telling him he must return to Egypt to set his people free. Here was the spot all hope began.

As they reached the foot of the bush, Father Hector stopped a moment to say a silent prayer. Taking their child’s hands, the parents approached the hallowed ground together. The day had been unnaturally pleasant for summer in the desert, but when the couple stood beneath the shadow of the bush, the sun suddenly disappeared behind a cloud.

The earth started to moan.

Looking up, the holy man scowled when he saw the once clear sky darkening, as if a shroud were being drawn across heaven itself.

Hector grabbed his cross.

A strange rumbling began, and Hector lunged for the shelter of the wall. Earthquake? He had never heard of such a thing.

Yelling to his charges, he pleaded with them to take cover. He was shocked to witness the trio continue to gaze fixedly at the holy bush—almost with expectation.

The ground undulated and gave a sharp jerk. Father Hector was sent crashing to the earth. He rose and tried to reach out to them, but another quake erupted. His hands were scraped and bloodied, and their stinging pain made him wince.

A boom of thunder split the air, making his ears ring.

The world instantly became the deepest night. Another crash of thunder sounded, and a lightning bolt descended from the sky. With a viscous stab it struck the couple, sending them flying. Another lightning bolt struck. This time it caught the tender leaves of the holy bush, and the smell of smoldering wood filled the air.

Father Hector fell to his knees to pray when he saw the flames begin to lick at it, consuming the one object he venerated as much as God. Tears streamed from his eyes as he cried out with a hoarse voice.

A third lightning bolt tore out of the sky and wrapped itself around the child, an electric caress. It pulled the girl up into the flames that danced around the branches like some foul celebratory fire.

Once again a crack of thunder sounded. Hector felt his heart freeze as the child was slowly carried from the branches by the quicksilver tendrils and placed between her parents as gently as a mother laying a baby down to nap.

As a final peal of thunder sounded, the earth settled, the sky cleared, and all returned to as it was before.

Hector flew to the couple's side, not surprised to find that neither showed any evidence of life. He made the sign of the cross above them and closed their sightless eyes with a whisper of deep remorse. When he touched the girl, however, his heart was lightened to find that she at least lived. When he looked closer, he saw no proof that she suffered from the attack in any way, except for a cross mark burned directly into the space between her eyes.

Several monks hurried over, and the girl was carried away. Father Hector looked up to the bush with tears in his eyes, readying in his heart the testimony he must give his brethren of all he had witnessed this day.

The shame was a heavy cloak on his soul as he considered how to tell them that their mission, carried out over centuries was now ended. All in an inconceivable, unimagined act of God.

With one last prayer he looked up and noticed that the bush was untouched.

The tree showed no sign of damage. This is impossible, he thought. He could still smell the flames, taste the charcoal smoke in the back of his throat, and even feel the heat of the fire on his face.

And yet the bush was unmarked.

His mind flashed on the fact that the last time this tree was set on fire it had also been at the hand of God. Considering everything that happened from that event, Hector was humbled to be a witness. He wondered what the almighty had in plan for the world now.

Chapter One

 Final thing I hope you learned from this class is that not only do we lack the answers where Africa is concerned, we don’t even have the questions. I get to leave resolving that dilemma in your capable hands.

The professor paused for the wave of laughter that flowed through the lecture hall. Jasmine lowered her head to hide her rolling eyes. She had expected a bespectacled scholar wearing a tweed jacket with patches. Instead he looked like he just walked off the cover of Dreamy Guy’s Monthly. He stood in the pit of the auditorium, compelling the class to learning like a strong conductor working his orchestra. Ladies, the history of the African tribes clearly indicates some of the greatest leaders were female, so how about you show us men how it’s done?

Super, Jasmine thought to herself, every girl in the class just fell even more in love with him.

The room slowly cleared out, most of the students lingering to have some final appreciative words with their teacher. Their earnest faces more than made up for their hipster clothing and privileged air. Jasmine kept to the back of the crowd, unsure of what to say to the figure who had graced so many of her childhood daydreams, born from her brother’s wild tales. Professor Gabriel Chase had been her brother’s best friend once. The subtext of Stewart’s stories always seemed to indicate her brother had been the one to save the enigmatic boy from Virginia.

Now it was Stewart’s family who needed saving. Jasmine prayed she would be able to convince him of that fact.

Who the hell are you?

Her mouth dropped as she realized she was now alone with him. I’m –

You’re dressed too nice to be from the University, no way you’re a student. My best guess is you are seeking something, and lady, I am in no mood for games.

I thought you were an expert at hide and seek when you were at the CIA.

The stare he turned on her made her gulp. No way you’re agency. If you’re from Homeland Security, I told those paranoid bastards I was done with all that crap years ago.

No, Jasmine held out her hand to him, I’m Jasmine Rose. When he didn’t shake it, she let her arm drop down to her side. Stewie, I mean Stewart, was my brother.

What do you mean … was?

He died, she shook her head. Wait. You didn’t know?

How did he die ... and why didn't Isabelle call me?

Isabelle died as well.

Who killed them?

The Professor's stare turned mercenary and it made her take a step back with fear. They died at St. Catherine's Monastery, you know, at the foot of Mount Sinai? It was some freak storm.

He snorted, A storm at Mt. Sinai? Not likely.

No, it was. I had it checked out.

Fine, his jaw clenched as he started to slam his papers and laptop back in his ancient leather briefcase.

That's it? That's all you have to say?

No. I'll investigate it and make sure.

Jasmine stepped in between him and the exit. I'm sure about how they died. That's not the point, now.

To you, he snapped.

Please, I need you to help me find Keda.

 What the hell is a Keda?

He had finished packing his bag, but stayed turned away from her as if he couldn’t stand to look her in the eye. Jasmine felt ashamed. He was Stewie’s best friend, wasn’t he? How could he not know? When was the last time you talked to Stew? Keda was his daughter.

It’s been a few years, well, five. The face he turned to her was chiseled from stone, his blue eyes now dimmed from grief. I always figured we’d have plenty of time to catch up.

She didn’t know what to say. It did seem strange the world kept turning without her brother walking it.

What’s wrong with Keda?

Jasmine’s eyes closed as she realized she seriously sucked at doing this. She spent the entire journey imagining how she was going to handle this confrontation and somehow she’d completely forgotten what she planned on saying. Keda disappeared at the scene of Stewie and Isabelle's death. They took her to visit St. Catherine's and Mt. Sinai as a birthday surprise.

What the hell kind of birthday … He sputtered for a moment as his eyes turned into stone. That’s not important right now. I need information. What kind of storm did they tell you it was? What were the details? Did you get any satellite backup?

No. I didn't even know ... Jasmine took a deep breath as she tried to focus, Stewie and Izzy were struck by lightning.

Electric shock is easily masked, Gabriel mused to himself. Did you ask for an autopsy?

It was routine, she stepped closer to him as hope surged within her. So you’ll help me?

Find Stew and Isabelle’s killers? Of course.

No, her lips trembled. Why do you think someone killed them?

Who the hell dies of a lightning storm? I know St. Catherine’s, Jasmine. Not a lot of storms there.

 You have to help me find Keda, she insisted. Worry about who killed Stewie and Isabelle later. Jasmine recognized how callous that sounded. I loved my brother, Dr. Chase, but this is what he would want. He’d want his child found and given back to her real family.

Gabriel’s head tilted to the side as he stared at her. If their kid was taken from the scene of the accident, and disappeared, it makes more sense that someone killed them. Keda being gone, and no one turning her into the embassy or press, indicates she was collateral damage.

Fine, she threw her hands up. But our first priority is finding Keda.

Agreed, he picked up his case and started to stride out of the room. I’ll get some plans together and contact you from the road.

Chapter Two

Why the hell are you following me?

You don’t know enough to find her. You need me.

Bullshit. I work alone.

So do I, Jasmine spoke through her teeth. But I’m willing to make allowances in this case.

I’ll find out what happened to Stewart and Isabelle.

Let it go already. No one killed Stewart and Isabelle. You don't have to do anything there. Keda is what counts. I need help finding her.

 Fine, he answered. I’ll call you when I find the kid.

I don’t trust you, she bit back the laughter threatening to bubble out of her clenched teeth at his pained expression.

Still don’t like you following me.

You’re carrying my bag.

Gabriel stopped, scowled at her, and shoved the rolling case’s handle back at her. Only because it seemed like you were going to pass out from chasing after me through the green. His eyes moved over her hair, face, and body. Do you always look so stressed and tired?

I’m sorry, she drawled. I’ve been busy with searching for my niece, getting my brother and sister-in-law’s bodies back from overseas, screaming at the state department, handling the estate. Sleep hasn’t really been that easy to find.

You should always take what comforts you can when you find them.

Learn that in the CIA?

Nope, he unlocked his office door. Boarding school. From your brother. He examined her face again as if he were memorizing her for some reason. Go home, Jasmine. One thing Stewart told me about you was to stay as far away as possible. Let me do my job.

It’s not your job anymore. Stewart told me that much at least.

For Stewart, for Keda, I’ll do it again.

I have to come.

He swallowed back the rebuke he wished to deliver. He had no idea what a pain little sisters could be. At least she was hot. Jasmine was around five and a half feet tall, curly hair with a heart-shaped face. Her body was curvy in all the right places—but what he really liked was her unusual eyes. Almond-shaped and thickly lashed, they reminded him of a blue diamonds right now, though he knew they were more hazel. They were kaleidoscopes, changing shades with the different lights in the room and her emotions.

And for some reason, she was scaring the hell out of him.

Wondering what she’d think of his personal space, he opened the door cautiously. There were still piles of books masking most of the carpet. This was necessary since the floor-to-ceiling shelves were stuffed with artifacts he had uncovered over his long, colorful past. He’d used two desks to have enough room for his multiple monitors and CPU’s. In this age, technology was as important as time spent on a dig.

His computer chimes indicated an incoming call. Come in, already, he growled at her.

Moving to his desk, he turned on the monitor. A few clicks and the screen filled with the copper face of his best friend. Raffe, Chase smiled as he dropped his case next to his chair and wearily sat. How are you?

I am excellent as usual, my friend. I call to see if all is quiet on the home front?

Your home front is in Ethiopia, he pointed out wryly.

And yet I take time-out from my busy life to see you are well.

Chase glanced at Jasmine who was inching her way toward his chair. I’ve been better, he confessed. There’s a unique development.

Do sleeping dogs no longer lie?

Raffe’s question was sharp, his obsidian eyes growing hard with concern. Chase felt oddly comforted by his friend’s worry for him. It wasn’t as if Raffe didn’t already have enough on his plate. Shouldn’t you be busy running your country?

This is work for my sister. My mother named her after our infamous despot for a reason, Raffe reminded him. I am nothing but the family’s peaceful conscience.

You are neither peaceful nor do you have a conscience, Chase chuckled.

Nonsense, Raffe threw his hands up and then abruptly dropped them. He tilted his head to the side as his eyes stared hard at something behind Chase. I see things have changed, he grinned so widely his face almost split. This is good, brother. I am pleased at this unique development. I highly approve. I will contact you for details in a week. Be sure to answer. Gudit hates when I send the death squad outside of our borders. She worries about UN sanctions.

I don’t know if I should be terrified or comforted, Chase drawled.

Comforted, Raffe waved him off. I told you she doesn’t like them to leave our country.

The screen closed without a goodbye, and Chase leaned his head against the back of his chair. His mind was focused and clear. He’d already assembled a list of things he needed to do, and people he’d contact. Jasmine was not in his plans. Not for an investigation. Turning to his computers, he began to type instructions for the people he needed help from and the travel arrangements he wanted to start.

Is there anything I can say which will convince you to stay home? Anything at all?

No.

I don’t want you to come. Gabriel continued to work on the computers as he spoke to her, his mind well accustomed to multi-tasking. This mode of hyper-vigilance was surprisingly easy to fall back into. He made an idle note of her wandering around the office, visibly trembling.

Jasmine shook her head, and started to move closer to him. You don’t understand. I know, deep in my gut, if I don’t go I’ll never get her back. Stewart told me about you. I know you’re an orphan like us. If you had a chance to find a member of your family, wouldn’t you move heaven and earth to do it?

He hid his face from her as he remembered his uncle. He didn’t like the man but still had done everything needed to avenge his murder. Gabriel was glad Jasmine didn’t know the full extent of his violent past.

Still, her coming was not the most ideal situation.

Don’t you have a job or a man who needs you?

I’m a composer so I work for myself. And I’ve never done well with men.

More of a reason for you to stay far away from me.

All I care about is Keda, Dr. Chase.

You might as well call me Gabriel if we’re going to be traveling together.

Don’t just shut me down, she yelled. Then closed her mouth as her eyes opened wide and watered. Wait …

Gabriel hid his smile as she processed just what he said.

You agree?

I do.

Yes! She threw herself into his arms to hug him, then jumped immediately away as if he had scorched her in some manner. I won’t let you take it back, her scowl was so fierce again, Gabriel found himself fighting the urge to smile at her.

I don’t go back on my word. Now, Stew called you Jasmine, Jazz and Jazzy at various times. Which do you prefer?

Doesn’t matter, she shrugged. I answer to all of the above. Returning to her chair, she pulled out a folder and handed it to him. This is all the research I have about the storm, their deaths and Keda’s disappearance. I hired investigators here and in Israel, but no one came back with anything helpful.

I have some conditions. He scanned the file contents swiftly, making notes in the computer as he continued to speak to her.

Which are?

He chuckled at the mutinous expression on her face. This was the girl he heard Stewart complain about when they were growing up. I take it you have no experience in the mid-East or running investigations? She shook her head. Then I get to be in charge. If I tell you to jump, you ask me how high.

You’re asking for my obedience?

It’s my cost for your coming with me.

Fine, she brushed off his threat as if it were nothing. I’ll give you my obedience whenever necessary.

That’s it?

What did you expect me to say?

Gabriel found he liked poking at Stewart’s sister. It was a pity they had to meet under these circumstances. I expected a woman from this country to take off my head for demanding obedience in this day and age. He returned to his scanning, answering the email which popped up from one of his contacts.

I said whenever necessary, she reminded him.

And I heard you, he chuckled.

Is that it? she jiggled her foot impatiently. Can we get started?

No questions?

She shrugged.

I take it you have enough cash to travel?

Money’s no problem, Dr. Chase.

Gabriel, he reminded her.

Right. So can we get started now?

We already did, Gabriel assured her. Have you got any other information than this, he tossed the folder to the side. Any clues on why they went to the burning bush? Who set up the trip? Who they were meeting? 

Just this, Jasmine went to her carryall and pulled out a beaten leather book. This is –

It’s Stewie’s Bible.

She sat down and began to open it with the reverence of an ascetic touching a holy relic. The chicken scratch scrawl that was crammed in the margins on the pages looked like a foreign language to him.

Can you read any of it?

Not really, she confessed. He tended to write in his own code.

Did you get it deciphered?

His assistant thinks most of them are just observations from digs Stewie visited. Some of the notes are pieces of translations he was working on. She turned the page and tilted it so he could see it more clearly. This confused me.

On a fragment of paper shoved into the book of Exodus, he read out loud: God has singled him out for you and added plenty to his knowledge and physique. God gives his control to anyone he wishes; God is boundless, aware. Their prophet told them: a sign of his control will be that the Ark shall come to you containing serenity from your Lord, as well as some relics which Moses’ house and Aaron’s house have left behind. The angels will bring it, in that there will be a sign for you if you are believers.

I have no idea what that means, she said.

Gabriel felt his shoulder’s tighten. It’s from the Koran, he explained. What about these notations on it? He’d recognize Stewart’s habit of taking notes with a bright orange highlighter.

Jasmine pointed to the underlined piece in the passage. Our Lady of the Angels is the name of the hospital where Keda was born.

Why did he write Isabelle and point to Aaron?

It was her maiden name.

And serenity? Why would he put a star around it?

Jasmine shrugged. Stewie and Isabelle considered changing Keda’s name to that. I teased them so much about people thinking they were hippies, they gave up on the idea.

Gabriel turned the page again and blanched when he saw the next note. What the hell had Stewart been thinking? He felt sick at the idea that his problem might have led Stewart down a road no sane human should travel. Ever. What about this?

My cherubim needs no gold, though I have but one? Jasmine’s eyebrows rose. You got me. What do you think it means? When his hands tightened around the book, Jasmine pulled it away from him with a suspicious glare. Why do you look so mad? What’s your problem?

He shook his body as if to force the expression from his face. Did Stewart say anything about this trip? Anything at all?

Just that …

When her voice trailed off and she seemed to slip inside herself, Gabriel shook her arm. What did he say?

He was looking for the ‘sign of the cow,’ she whispered. Her chuckle was brittle from her forcing it so hard. Silly, huh?

Gabriel turned from her so she couldn’t see the look in his eyes. He had no intention of explaining to her that the ‘sign of the cow’ was the name of the passage from the Koran Stewart had made so many notations on. He looked down at the highlighted Bible verse on the same page, knowing it as well as his own birth date. Exodus 25:22 was circled several times.

May God have mercy on them all.

Chapter Three

Traffic was light, so Gabriel and Jasmine reached the Harrisburg airport fast. They boarded a flight to Kennedy in New York.

Sitting back in the seat, she gazed at him with expectation. Where exactly are we going?

We’ll discuss it when we’re on the next plane, Gabriel said brusquely.

Jasmine tilted her head. What do you know about the monastery?

St. Catherine’s? Her nod made him scowl. What do you know about it from Stew?

It was the home of the burning bush from the Moses’ story.

Burning bush remnant, he corrected her.

What?

There’s no clear evidence it’s Moses’s burning bush, he explained in an off-handed way as if he were speaking from memory. Even so, what there is left is little more than a remnant of the original.

Thank you for the history lesson. She shook her head. Don’t you want to talk about Stew— 

I want to meditate right now. The lack of rest was finally catching up. Sitting back, he closed his eyes and seemed to drop off to sleep.

Watching the clouds pass by the windows, Jasmine tried to keep her mind from obsessing about where Keda was and whether she was all right.

Landing in New York, they switched planes for a flight to Tel Aviv. Jasmine was surprised they were seated in first class but then remembered Stewie explaining how much the taciturn man beside her enjoyed his pleasures.

She sat back in the spacious seat, put her feet up on the small footstool that folded down from the space in front of her, and examined Gabriel closely. Now would you like to tell me where we’re going? Oh wait, let me guess … Tel Aviv?

Gabriel smiled slightly at her biting tone. Very good. Why don’t we simply enjoy the flight, and we can speak in depth when we arrive?

I’m not one for sitting idly back, Gabriel. I hate flying.

Right, you took Amtrak from Florida.

Trains are prettier. Jasmine shrugged. More relaxing. And they make their own kind of music.

I forgot you were a composer. Well, we can’t take a train overseas, he pointed out. Besides, I thought you promised to do what I say.

I said I would obey your orders, but I never agreed to not question you along the way, Jasmine started but realized the flight attendant was waiting to speak with them. The woman smiled flirtatiously at Gabriel and questioned whether she could provide him with anything. Grinning, Gabriel asked for a soda. Jasmine swallowed the urge to request the woman bring her a bat to beat both Gabriel and the flight attendant with, and instead asked the brazen hussy to bring her some orange juice. Yeesh, she thought, when did I start using words like brazen hussy? She stopped herself from asking what Gabriel found so funny when he softly chuckled at the venomous look she turned on him.

They sipped their drinks for a few moments as the flight was readied to leave. She managed to keep her patience in check until they were at cruising altitude before she turned her probing gaze on him.

He looked deeply into her eyes and tried to hold off her inquisition. Jasmine, can you please consider that I have had no sleep? I sorely need this time to get some rest.

Fine, Jasmine snapped, finally realizing she needed to let the man nap despite her endless supply of questions.

Gabriel put his seat all the way back and fell asleep. Sleep was the best course of action at this moment. He always chose the best course of action.

Jasmine found again she couldn’t find anything to keep her thoughts away from Keda. The magazines in front of her couldn’t hold her attention. She sipped her juice slowly, accepting refills from the attendant when they were offered.

Gabriel seemed to be sleeping deeply, and when the meal was served she considered letting him continue to rest. Remembering what he had said about taking comfort when they could she put her hand on his arm and gently shook him. He looked at her with hooded eyes, his gaze churning with a hunger that made her insides clench in recognition of shared need. Jasmine wondered if he had slept at all. This wasn’t a man who let his guard down.

Damn, I thought you would kiss me to wake me up.

Jasmine chuckled at his childish cant. The meal’s here. When he looked at the tray with disdain, Jasmine quickly added. You said that we should take what comfort we could, when we found it.

This isn’t food. At the very least it’s not fit for human beings, Gabriel said sulkily, though she noticed he did dig in. He finished the sustenance on the tray swiftly, and seeing his longing glances at her meal, Jasmine gave him the remaining food on her own tray. It wasn’t like she had much of an appetite.

He finished that as well and then leaned back and tried to return to sleep. Yet when Jasmine began to tap her nails against the armrest he opened his eyes. Can’t sleep?

No. What upset you about Stew’s Bible?

Hard to explain, he hedged. Was there anything else in it?

Just some pictures.

You haven’t shown me Keda yet.

Jasmine reached into her pocket and showed him the photo she kept close to her heart. In it, Keda was with two of her best friends from school. Gabriel looked at the picture for a few minutes before giving up trying to figure it out. I don’t get it. What am I looking at?

Keda.

He took a deep breath as he tried to understand what she was saying. These kids are black.

Keda’s in the middle, Gabriel.

Keda’s black?

Yep.

How’d that happen? He shook himself and considered the best way to spit his foot out of his mouth. I mean … Keda’s adopted?

Yep.

That’s a surprise.

Stew and Isabelle couldn’t have kids. Anything else?

No. You have more photos than just that, right? We’ll probably need them.

I’ve got a dozen in my bag alone.

Okay. He rose to a sitting position. I’d like to see the Bible again.

Jasmine retrieved it from her bag and handed it to him. You know, don’t you? What those words mean.

He looked down at the scrawled passage. It’s from the book of Exodus.

What does it mean?

Gabriel took a deep breath, It refers to the building of the Ark of the Covenant.

Her eyes sparkled with interest. There was a reference to an Ark in the Koran passage, too.

Yes.

What about this? she asked, turning the page to the relevant note.

Which is greater, Gabriel read, the flame or the lighter?

What does that mean?

 I don’t know. His face contorted as he continued to search through the miniscule notes.

This concerns you?

Yes, he repeated with a distracted air.

Not going to tell me though, are you?

Nope.

That’s really annoying.

Get used to it, he shot back. Can I keep this?

Jasmine shrugged. I really only loved the pictures in it, and I have those.

Thank you. You should try to get some sleep.

Her eyes stayed glued to him as he carefully tucked the book into his pack. She considered questioning him about how secretive he looked but sighed heavily as she figured she just didn’t have the energy to fight that battle. She’d get some sleep instead.

It seemed only minutes had passed when she opened her eyes and saw a cup of coffee waiting for her. She felt a burst of appreciation. Did you do this?

He smiled at the eagerness in her voice. It was actually Cindy, our obliging flight attendant, who made it, but I knew you would need some caffeine when you woke. I had no intention of suffering from your crabbiness all day.

Insulted, Jasmine considered throwing the coffee into Gabriel’s lap. The aroma was calling to her, though. She ignored his remarks and said, You don’t know everything about me, Butler Gabriel Chase. I will surprise you one day.

You surprise me every minute of the day, Jasmine. Never doubt that.

The two lapsed into companionable silence as they stood with the other passengers and deplaned. Their luggage was waiting by the door as they exited. Gabriel picked up both bags and trailed her down the gangway. Jasmine followed the rest of the passengers through the corridors of the airport. She enjoyed the comfort of Gabriel being behind her. Her eyes caught a man in a white sweater and red pants staring at her. Jasmine realized she had noticed him on the plane from Harrisburg when she had used the bathroom before they landed.

She noticed a different man ahead of them in a dark suit, keenly examining each of the passengers who passed. He came forward and offered a gracious smile. You were described well to me, Mr. Barnes. If you and your companion will accompany my humble self, all has been arranged to your specifications.

Gabriel returned the man’s smile and handed one of the bags to Jasmine so he could shake the stranger’s hand. I’m pleased Destiny could respond so swiftly. I give you thanks for the aid.

Come, we shall go out this way. The man gestured to a nearby exit door, and they left the rest of the crowd. Jasmine was surprised Gabriel made no introductions or explanations. She remembered her vow, however, so she held her tongue.

The man took them into the depths of the airport, using service stairways and safety doors as if he had been raised in the place. He was obviously someone important with security or the country’s intelligence unit, for he seemed to have an endless supply of access codes at his disposal.

They finally reached a parking lot that appeared to be used exclusively by employees. The man took them to a beat-up old station wagon, which had several boxes of camping gear, food, and sleeping bags in the back. Jasmine was further surprised to see two gas cans peeking out from under a tarp.

The man helped Gabriel load their stuff, and then Gabriel helped her into the back seat. She turned around and watched as the man showed Gabriel another case he opened so only they could see within it. The automatic is underneath the front seat, fully loaded. Destiny assured me these would also meet with your approval.

He got into the car and navigated out of the airport and into the busy traffic. When they reached the center of the city, he pulled the vehicle over and turned it off. Jasmine leaned forward slightly so she could watch as he handed Gabriel several envelopes. I believe this is all the paperwork you requested. I took the liberty of having your new passports stamped and your visas prepared. Destiny instructed me to include additional cash for you in enough currencies to cover anywhere you might need to go. There is also the map you’ll need, with the pit stops indicated in the usual way.

Gabriel accepted the papers and again shook the man’s hand. Thank you, friend. Let Destiny know how much I appreciate it all.

I was to tell you that should you need anything else, you have but to ask. Destiny told me that much is still owed. This cannot repay what you have done. The man nodded once and then exited the car. Leaning into the open window, he quickly added, Traffic between here and Jerusalem should be smooth sailing. You’ll be able to make it in under an hour.

Gabriel got out of the car and moved to the driver’s side.

Before he entered, a classic Bentley limousine with opaque windows pulled up in front of them and stopped. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the vehicle. Stay here, he barked at Jasmine before sauntering over to the waiting newcomer.

* * *

The door closed behind him as he slid into the cooled leather-clad interior. His breath hitched as he gazed into the eyes of the siren that was inside. Her amber silk gown caressed every curve of her lush body. As beautiful as ever.

You would expect no less.

What are you doing here?

I wished to check on an old friend.

Gabriel shook his head. We were more than that.

Which is why I’m here, she said demurely.

He wasn’t so sure about that. Everything’s fine.

I wondered at your reason to return to a place you swore never to step foot in again.

He chuckled harshly. Some destinies are impossible to escape.

All destiny is impossible to escape, she corrected. I know that better than any other.

He gave her a sharp glance. What do you want?

Reassurance.

Of what?

That you remember where your loyalty lies, she purred, and with whom.

I remember, he answered tightly.

Forgetting the past can be very painful here.

Forgetting the past anywhere is painful, he responded.

Neither said another word as Gabriel left the car and returned to his own automobile.

* * *

Jasmine took this as a sign that she herself could move, so she switched to the front passenger seat. Closing the doors at the same time, she looked at Gabriel with expectation as he pulled onto the road. Who was the woman in the car? Who was the man who met us? Who is Destiny? Why are they helping us? What did he give you? Why didn’t we go through customs? Won’t we get in trouble for that? Jasmine noticed Gabriel seemed to know exactly where he was driving without looking at a map. Where are we going?

 I’ll give you this, he said dryly. If you had that many questions building up inside you, you truly do know how to hold your tongue.

 I know how to do a lot of things with my tongue, Jasmine shot back at him. Gabriel turned to her, one eyebrow raised with an interested expression on his face. She said, I’m willing to wait for the right time to resolve my curiosity, but it had better be soon, Gabriel. Why did that man call you Mr. Barnes?

 Where we’re going I’m known by many names. You’ll have to grow accustomed to that. He returned his attention to the road in front of him. Now to answer your question—well, one of your questions—we’re driving directly to Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

We aren’t checking into a hotel?

Gabriel laughed, realizing for the first time how little Jasmine must know about the area around them. I find it best to avoid hotels. Hotel owners ask questions, questions I have no desire to answer. Questions, more specifically, you cannot answer. There are several people I’d like to avoid. We’ll be doing this under the radar, as much as possible, until you have Keda in your arms.

So you thought there was something important in Stew’s Bible.

Let’s not discuss that.

If there are clues, shouldn’t we follow them?

I’ll decide which clues are important to recover the girl, he barked.

She didn’t like his tone of voice but recognized she wasn’t going to change his stance. Not at this moment. I’ll accept that for now.

Good. To answer another of your questions, in the envelopes the man gave me are your new passport, as well as my own. We’re officially Canadian. It was the best I could do on such short notice.

Jasmine opened the portfolios, and rummaging through the papers, she found the two passports. Looking inside her own she was surprised to see a current picture and her correct vital statistics. How’d you do this?

I took the liberty of going through your purse. He softened the breach of boundaries with a quick smile.

Shrugging about the violation of her privacy, she started to put the passport into her purse. She was handing Gabriel his when she noticed the map on the seat.

It disappeared inside his coat pocket. Gabriel stored the rest of the documents in varied places on his person until everything was put away. If anything happens and we get separated, I want your promise you’ll go to the nearest priest or rabbi and ask him to help you find your way to the American or Canadian embassy. Keep your passport on your person at all times.

Jasmine shifted the passport from her purse to her own jacket pocket.

Gabriel shared a conversation he’d had with Stew shortly after leaving the CIA. "Your brother told me he liked to return to Saint Catherine’s each year to visit the burning bush. I told you, it’s believed the plant there is the remnant