replacing them… with pure evil.”
CHAPTER SIX
Mark Twain National Forrest, MO
There were no more than ten of Devante’s original apostles left. A few of his inner circle, along with Lillian, were all he took with him when he headed to the hills, literally.
The changeling of souls knew no boundaries. Therefore, no one who sided with Devante was safe from being replaced with the bowels of hell unless they were in his close proximity. He had a use for those he protected. As for the rest of mankind, their work was finished, at least on Earth.
“I merely increased our chances,” Devante explained to Leonard. “No longer will we wait for the battle to come to us. You can say our army consists of nearly indestructible hunters.”
“Nearly?” Leonard asked.
“They can be destroyed, but only with holy weapons.”
“Does this mean we don’t have to send Todd and Lillian to Seville?”
“As much as I enjoy the presence of Todd and his gift, I need them in Seville, should there be a final battle.”
A slight smile graced Leonard’s face. “Are you saying this switch may give us an early victory?”
“It was your suggestion to exercise all options.”
“And you did, by bringing hell to earth. That’s a big option.”
“But not the biggest,” Devante said. “No matter how strong they are, our soldiers can still be defeated. Our best chance will be through a battle they cannot see coming. A battle for which their weapons will be useless.”
Leonard’s eyes widened. “You’re going into their minds next, aren’t you?”
Devante smiled.
Route 94 South
Northern Ohio
According to Michael, the old rule, “safety in numbers,” had been reversed to “danger in numbers.” He insisted that only he, Reggie and Buzz would make the trip to the church. Any more people could draw unwanted attention.
Reggie didn’t understand why Michael made a big deal out of a trip that would take no more than an hour. His pre-trip lectures were tiresome. It wasn’t a battle; just a retrieval. In Reggie’s mind, if it were all that dangerous, more people could combat trouble a lot better than the three of them in a big yellow school bus. She tried that on Michael, but he was adamant.
It took only ten minutes into the drive before Reggie grew antsy. She moved to the front of the bus for a better view. Holding onto the metal bar, Reggie leaned into Buzz. “How much farther?” she asked.
“Another three miles.” Buzz peered through the windshield. “Good thing the sky didn’t stay dark, or else we’d have a hard time on this road.”
Michael stood from his seat and joined Reggie up front. “How many children does this man take care of?”
“Twenty-two. They’re camping out in the old school next to the church. Place is run-down. But no one goes there.”
“Good.” Michael nodded. “We’ll get them, load them in this large vehicle and bring them with us. We should waste no time on belongings. There could be trouble, and the three of us are not a large force.”
Reggie swung a glance Michael’s way. “No shit, Sherlock,” she said. “That was your call.”
“Sherlock?” Michael questioned.
“Hold up, you two,” Buzz called. “Look ahead. Is the road gone?”
Reggie looked. “Maybe you’d better slow down.”
Buzz released the gas pedal. “I hope nothing’s happened. Nah. It’s only the light reflecting off the road. We’re seeing...” Buzz’s eyes filled with terror. “Oh my God.”
“Hit the brakes!” Reggie screamed.
“No!” Michael warned. “Keep going. Do not...”
Using both feet, Buzz slammed on the brakes. There was no screeching of tires, just a double thump and a bounce followed by a loud scream. The bus stopped.
With a heart-aching moan, Buzz dropped his head to the steering wheel. “Oh, God; I hit him.”
“Do not stop,” Michael ordered. “Keep going. Now.”
Before Buzz could react, Reggie swung open the door and raced
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