Read Online Assassins: Assignment: Jerusalem, Target: Antichrist by Tim Lahaye, Jerry B. Jenkins - Free Book Online Page B

I could have reported Dr. Charles when he incinerated the remains rather than follow legal procedure. I could have tipped off the authorities when your son-in-law got me to release Ritz with a gaping head wound. You think I didn’t know who you people were and why no one could know where you lived?”
    “Miss Rose―”
    “It’s Mrs. Rose, and frankly the reason I assumed Ritz lived here was because I knew the airport had been virtually demolished. And, in case you don’t remember, he was with you when you brought Hattie in. Was I to assume you came from your hiding place and he rendezvoused with you from somewhere else?”
    “You’re right. I’m just―”
    “There’ll be infiltrators, Mr. Steele. I don’t know how they’ll do it, but I wouldn’t put anything past the GC. But until they perfect some sort of a foolproof replica of the sign we can see only on each other, I can’t imagine a spy foolish enough to waltz in here. Run me through any grill you want, but I’ll thank you to never again admit you’re suspicious of me just because I assumed a man lived with you whose first name I don’t even remember.”
    Rayford looked pleadingly at her. “Would a tough day be an excuse?”
    “I’ve had one too,” she said. “Tell me you’re not afraid of me before I turn in.”
    “I’m not. I’m sorry.”
    “I am too. Forgive me if I overreacted.”
    So much for bonding, Rayford thought. “Don’t give it another thought.”
    “You trust me then.”
    “Yes! Now go to bed and let us do the same. Feel free to use the bathroom before the rest of us.”
    “You’re telling me you trust me.”
    Rayford could tell even Chloe was losing patience with Leah. “I’m tired, Mrs. Rose. I apologized. I’m convinced. OK?”
    “No.”
    “No?” Chloe said. “I have to get to bed.”
    “You think I’m blind or stupid or what?” Leah said.
    “Excuse me?” Chloe said.
    “Where’s the shelter?”
    Rayford flinched. “You don’t want me to be suspicious and now you ask about a shelter?”
    “You don’t have one?”
    “Tell me how you would know to ask.”
    Leah shook her head. “This is worse than your thinking me subversive. You think I’m daft.”
    “Not anymore I don’t,” Chloe said. “Tell me how you know there’s more here, and I’ll show it to you.”
    “Thank you. If I hid out in a safe house, I’d assume its security would one day be compromised. Either you have a place to run to on a moment’s notice, or this place turns upside-down. Plus, and this is so obvious it offends me to have to raise it, am I to assume Hattie sleeps outside?”
    “Hattie?” Rayford said.
    “Yeah. Remember her? No seal on her forehead, but fairly visible here until you all get spiritual? Where does she sleep?”
    Chloe sighed. “Go to bed, Dad. I’ll show her.”
    “Thank you!”
    They turned to head down the stairs.
    Rayford couldn’t resist. “You can be obnoxious, Mrs. Rose, you know that?”
    “Daddy!” Chloe said, her back still to him. “We deserved that and you know it.”
    Leah stopped and turned to face him. “I respect everyone here,” she said. “But that was sexist. You’ll call me a feminist, but you would not tell a man, insulted like I was, that his response was obnoxious.”
    “I probably would,” Rayford said. “But the point is taken.”
    “Thanks for making me feel like a creep,” Leah said. “I spoke to your son-in-law earlier in a way I have rarely spoken to anyone. And now I’ve done it again. I don’t know what’s happening to me.”
    Rayford felt exactly the same but didn’t care to admit it. “Promise me tomorrow we can discuss a truce,” he said.
    “That’s a deal.”
    The women descended, and Rayford was finally able to get to bed. He hung his robe and lay back on the cool sheets, feeling morning-after soreness from his work in the cellar and the backyard, and it wasn’t even morning yet. He locked his fingers behind his head and within minutes felt