The Mark: The Beast Rules The World Read Online Free

glance, and I hadn’t even contacted the tower.”
    “That’s because you’re with me and a civilian.”
    “You convinced ‘em, eh?”
    “Totally. But I have to hand it to your friend. Not only does he have me on the international GC database with name, rank, and serial number, but he also has me assigned to this part of the United North American States. I’m here because I’m supposed to be here. I check out better than most of the legitimate GC personnel.”
    “David’s good,” Rayford said.
    “The best. I blustered and acted impatient and pretended they would get in trouble if they detained me too long. But they were unmoved-until the second checkpoint ran me through the computer and reached David’s
    database. Someday he’ll have to tell me how he does that. He entered all of my information, and when my papers matched with what they saw on the screen, I was gold. Then I began barking orders, telling them to pave the way for you, that we had urgent business and must be on our way.”
    Rayford told Albie it would be impossible to return to the safe house until dark and that he might as well carry him back to Palwaukee so he could move the Gulfstream to Kankakee.
    “Would you rather have some fun?” Albie said. “You want to see if GC has torched your old safe house yet and do it for them if not?”
    “Not a bad idea,” Rayford said. “If they just burned it, fine, but if they start combing it for evidence, I worry what we might have left.”
    “They don’t have the personnel for that,” Albie said, moving toward the helicopter. “Fueled up?” Rayford nodded.
    “The fighter is too, ready whenever we need it.” Albie slung his bag over his shoulder, dug in it for Rayford’s phone, and tossed it to him.
    “Three unanswered calls,” Rayford muttered as they boarded the chopper. “Hope everything’s all right in Chicago. When did the calls come?”
    “All three about half an hour ago, one right after the other. None showed phone numbers, so I didn’t think I should answer for you.”
    They were strapped in now, but Rayford said, “I’d better check with the safe house.”
    Tsion answered groggily.
    “I’m sorry to wake you, Doctor,” Rayford began.
    “Oh, Captain Steele, it’s no trouble. I only just fell asleep. Chloe’s phone, it was ringing and ringing, and she was sound asleep. No one roused; they are so exhausted. I was not able to get to it in time, but when it rang again, this time I hurried and carried it to a quiet place. Rayford, it was Miss Durham!”
    “You’re sure?”
    “Yes, and she sounded desperate. I pleaded with her to tell me where she was and reminded her that we all love her and care about her and are praying for her, but she wanted only to talk to you. She said she had tried your phone, and I told her I would try too. I tried twice to no avail. Anyway, you have her number.”
    “I’ll call her.”
    “And you’ll let me know.”
    “Tsion, get some rest. You have so much to do, setting up your computer area, teaching Chaim-”
    “Oh, Rayford, I am so excited about that that I can barely contain myself. And I have so much to communicate to my audience on the computer. But you must call Miss Durham, and yes, you’re right. Unless there is a compelling reason why we should know, you can tell us when you return. Frankly, I expected you by now.”
    “I miscalculated, Tsion. I can’t return until the sky is black. But I am available by phone now.”
    “And you have connected with your Middle Eastern friend.”
    20
    “I have.”
    “And is he all right, Rayford? Forgive me, but he seemed preoccupied.”
    “Everything’s fine here, Doctor.”
    “He is a new believer too, correct?”
    “Yes.”
    “And he will be staying with us?”
    “That’s likely.”
    “Then I will look forward to training him as well.”
    David was aghast at Medical Services. He had visited their indoor facility many times, which, despite their thinning ranks, was pristine and