Read Online Blaze by Andrew Thorp King - Free Book Online

order fear? I’m not buying it.” Bernie stuffed a large bite of eggs benedict in his mouth and jammed in some toast as well. He continued his refutation while still chewing. “Look, I believe in God just like anyone else. I know many arrogant Protestants don’t think Catholics are really Christian, but I’ll have you know that we are.”
    Blaze threw his hands in the air in a defensive posture and interrupted, “Bro, I got love for the Catholics as much as anyone else. I dunno what you’re talking about.”
    Bernie ignored the comment. “Anyway, I know that you got that drunken preacher friend of yours feeding you all of this apocalyptic hogwash. I know how that plays into your vulnerability to believe the worst about the future.”
    â€œYou’re right about Pastor McCardle, Bernie. He does strongly believe that we’re in the end of days and the Holy Spirit is not the only spirit he has a weakness for. I ain’t buying all of it yet either, but I do respect him, and I reserve the right to change my mind.”
    â€œBlaze, you need to understand that every time in history when war strikes, or hard economic times emerge, religious people of certain ilk come forth with panic-induced apocalyptic warnings. I just ain’t buying it.”
    â€œDude, stop yelling and eating at the same time. It’s frickin’ disgusting.”
    Bernie’s beat went on. “Whatever, I’m gonna keep investing, keep working, and keep living. I ain’t gonna take seriously all these fringe conspiracy theories that every superstitious whack job with a blog, a pulpit or a microphone puts forth.” Bernie never minced words with his opinions and he was on a roll with his refutation of Frank’s mindset.
    Blaze smiled and lowered his voice, in an attempt to lower the temperature of the conversation, as he responded, “I only know so much, and most of that is probably bullshit, but...”
    â€œNow you’re being honest.”
    â€œShut up you wise ass. Look, you ought to adopt a more humble attitude yourself. None of us truly know how the future will unfold. Maybe you should stop focusing so much on money and wealth and get in touch more with your spiritual side. Life is like a blink of the eye when compared to eternity, pally. I learned that well in the Marines and the CIA. I’ll never take a day for granted again. Every day is a gift.”
    Bernie looked at Blaze as if he was from outer space.
    â€œYou gonna finish that frickin’ toast or you gonna continue to get sappy with me like the Jesus freak that you are?”
    â€œJeez, you German bastard. I thought you were a good Catholic? Believing in JC don’t make no one freaky.”
    â€œJust give me the toast you ballbreaker. We’ve got to get back to the office and make some money. The world ain’t coming to an end today.”

CHAPTER TEN
    CHINA (MEMORIES)
    S he could smell the air—pollution and all—like it was yesterday; the ancient feel of the cities and thunderous awe of the countryside. She had not grown up there, but Diem had felt as if she had. Her multiple visits to China were ever-present in her soul and ubiquitous in the deep enclaves of her heart.
    She recalled all the times her grandfather told her stories in Mandarin as he sat rocking back and forth in his chair. She received those stories from him in her youth. Now as an adult, the roaring waves of her imagination had washed those old memories ashore. Visceral, beautiful memories. Now, just the slightest smell of second hand cigarette smoke would take her mind instantly to those story-telling sessions her grandfather weaved so effortlessly while chain smoking in his favorite chair.
    As Diem grew up, she knew that her family always held an obvious affinity for many things of the old country. Yet their decision to ultimately come to America was not one that wrought any regret. Instead, they regretted the fact