“Quite honestly, this is only the tip of the iceberg, Dan,” said Fred. “There are literally thousands of young people—mostly girls—that get abducted every day around the world. But follow up on your Intel, and let me know the outcome. Perhaps we can ‘get a foot in the door’ and find clues to more of the brothels and nightclubs where these poor girls work.”
“On it, Fred.” He got up and headed towards the door, stopped, and turned around. “By the way, the guys in Cybercrimes are researching the Dark Web for possible criminal activity.”
“Just about anything on the Dark Web is criminal activity,” Fred said.
“Yup.” Then he headed back to his office to set up a meeting with Samantha Boyle’s parents, hoping perhaps, to get a lead.
Five
Monday, July 7th
The darkness of the second heavens pervaded all that was there. Creatures roamed about, discussing ways to deceive and torment human flesh. VD, still reeling from her partner leaving her, walked into Politically Correct’s office. “This is a total travesty!” VD slammed her fist on the conference table, and kicked a chair across the room. “Why has my partner left me behind and taken on human form as a daughter of Eve?” She stormed over to Politically Correct. “Did you suggest this ridiculous idea to her? Who in the name of all that is immoral would suggest such an enormously stupid thing?”
Politically Correct sighed. “Look VD; I didn’t tell her to do anything: she did it all of her own accord. Moreover, Lord Yehovah seems to be involved in this, so like it or not, there’s nothing we can do about it. You’ll have to take this up with the Trinity. Now leave me be!”
Fury made her impervious to safety and better judgment. She headed straight for The Throne Room in the Third Heavens, ignored the surprised stares of the angels, and marched right up to the Lamb, eyes cold and focused. “Lamb of God, I must speak with you!”
The Lamb of God gestured her to approach. “Speak your mind.”
The realization hit her that she stood in front of a Holy One; the edge left her fury and she trembled. Nevertheless, having gone this far, she determined to see it through.
“I don’t know why you let my sister in evil become human, but I’d like a chance to talk with her. I know no demons may approach her, but I don’t want to torment her, or suggest any mischief to her; I just want to talk with her. Besides, she’d recognize whatever I tried. I want to be there for her while she is adjusting to …to indwelling a human body.” Her heart ached inside her: she missed her old partner.
“You may visit her any time you like, any way you like, if you, as you said, do not encourage her to do evil. If you ever do try such a thing, I will banish you from her presence permanently and you will meet your final reward: eternal fire. Am I understood?”
“Yes!” VD squealed with delight, then immediately stood still and affected a serious look, not wanting to appear undignified, especially before the Holy ones. “Yes, Lamb of God. I understand.” Saying no more, nor waiting for The Lamb to respond, she turned abruptly, and left.
* * *
At a magnificently decorated desk in the middle of the Second Heavens, Lucifer, known as the great Satan, or Adversary of those in The Light, pored over the reports of the status quo. Lucifer moaned with exasperation. “First she goes to earth and completely breaks protocol. Then, to make matters worse, the Light surrounds her. And Lord Yehovah makes sure of it.” His hands pounded on the desk at which he sat. “I tell you, if she was alone, she would learn of what I do to insubordination.” A sigh pushed from his lungs. “I really hate being put in my place as though I was a child. I rule one third of Heavens former angels, but it is to no avail.” His dark eyes glared at Washington, D.C. as his fury grew. Finally, he could only sigh from pure frustration. “We’ll just see how this turns out. They may surround her with creatures of the Light, but that doesn’t stop my subordinates from inflicting damage on her human body.” A wicked smile curled his lips, and he re-focused his attention on the work before him.
* * *
Dan walked to the garage from his office, and climbed into the company car. He had called the Boyles late Sunday afternoon, and had made arrangements to see them at their home this morning. He pulled up to their residence, parked the car, walked up to their front door and knocked.
Mrs. Boyle opened the door and looked him over, assessing him. Her countenance remained apprehensive and timid; she continued to watch him with wary eyes.
To put her at ease, he said, “Hi, Mrs. Boyle. I’m Dan Hightower from the FBI.”
“Oh yes,” she answered. “Please. Come on in.”
As he walked towards the family room behind Mrs. Boyle, a man in his early forties greeted him. “Hello,” he said, reaching for Dan’s hand. “I’m Steve Boyle, and you’ve met my wife, Sarah.”
He shook his hands. “Yes, thank you. Good to meet you. Now I suggest we get down to business. When was the last time you saw Samantha?”
Steve reflected for a moment. “It was that Saturday morning. She said she needed some space, and left the house with no explanation. She
