Another intersection loomed just ahead. Joshua consulted his directions once more. Today’s rendezvous was a puzzle. The spymaster didn’t like puzzles. He liked knowing the answers. He especially liked being the only one knowing the answers, but that was unlikely to happen until the day his father ascended into the celestial kingdoms. If all went as he planned, Joshua would supplant Daniel as scion and succeed to the title of diviner of the Nephilim. He prayed that the happy event might occur soon.
He braked at a four-way stop sign. There was no traffic from any direction. In fact, there was nothing here at all but grain fields protected by barbed wire fencing. Across the intersection, he saw a dusty patch of earth which must have been used as a turnabout for farm equipment. His father’s limousine was parked there, its engine idling. He drove across the intersection and pulled his car up next to the parked limo.
Abraham Metcalf, diviner of the Blessed Nephilim, emerged to greet his son. “I see you didn’t get lost,” the old man said tartly.
Joshua gave a bland smile. “No, sir. Your instructions were very clear.” He noted that his father looked more frail every time he saw him though the old man attempted to compensate for the infirmities of age by exhibiting increasingly irascible displays of temperament. Joshua silently repeated his prayer for a speedy deliverance from the pleasure of his father’s company.
“Wait here,” his father instructed the limo driver who then closed his window so as not to overhear the diviner’s conversation.
Taking Joshua by the elbow, Abraham steered him out of earshot just to be safe. They walked along the shoulder of the road for several yards before the old man came to a standstill. He fixed his son with an inquisitive stare. “How is your work progressing?”
“Very well, sir,” Joshua answered readily. “My men have been deployed at all the American compounds. I’ve also set up similar units at the European compounds, and our lines of communication are operating smoothly on all fronts.”
Abraham gave a curt nod. “That’s acceptable. Now tell me, have you been able to identify any individuals who are particularly troublesome to the community at large? I mean men or women who openly criticize the brotherhood or my leadership. Also, I’m interested to learn of individuals who have strayed from the teachings of our founder by showing an undue interest in the ways of the Fallen—in such things as the internet or the lewd customs of the worldly folk.”
Joshua considered the question. “Yes, there are several troublesome cases. Not at the main compound, of course, because of the strength of your leadership. But the satellite compounds are more inclined to display conduct which doesn’t strictly conform to our tenets.”
“That’s very good,” Abraham said approvingly.
Joshua had to stifle a reaction of surprise. He was prepared for his father to launch into some bitter invective at the laxity of the archwardens at the satellite compounds. The last thing he expected was approval at the mention of godless behavior.
“Have you been able to pinpoint specific individuals who are the worst offenders?”
Warily Joshua replied, “Yes, sir. I have a list of their names.”
“Good. That’s very good. I want you to select the six most unrepentant sinners of the lot. After that, I want you to bring these people to the main compound.”
“Father, they are at far-flung locations around the country.”
“No matter. Instruct the agents you have deployed at those compounds to escort them here. Tell these selected miscreants that they are being summoned for an interview with the diviner. Do not allow them to suspect they have been singled out for chastisement. We will prepare guest quarters for them.”
“Just as you wish, sir.”
Abraham continued, barely hearing him. “They are to be kept separate from one another. At the appropriate time, I will single out one from among their number for you to transport. You will follow the same procedure for the other five when their turn arises.”
“And where am I to take them, sir?” The spymaster was becoming increasingly confused.
“You will drive each one here. Why else do you think I would bring you out to this forlorn spot?”
“I... uh... I had no idea. What am I to do with them once we arrive here?”
“You are to wait. There.” Abraham raised his arm and gestured to the spot where the two vehicles were parked. “Another vehicle will arrive. You will load each of your passengers into that car.”
“Do you want me to accompany these people to their destination?”
Abraham’s demeanor grew fierce. “Absolutely not! Your responsibility in the matter ends once they enter the second vehicle.”
Joshua hid his considerable curiosity. Never in his life, had he known his father to exhibit such odd behavior. He asked mildly, “What am I to tell them if they should ask about their ultimate destination? I believe they will be easier to control if we give them a reason to cooperate.”
The diviner nodded in agreement. “You are right about that.” He paused to consider the question, then gave a grim smile. “Tell them they have been specially chosen to help fulfill God’s plan for the Blessed Nephilim.”
Joshua was burning to know what that plan might be, but the set of his father’s jaw told him he was unlikely to receive any enlightenment. For the third time that day, he found himself praying for his father’s speedy demise.
Chapter 5—Toasted Breadcrumbs
Faye rested at the top of the steps to the old schoolhouse in the clearing. She needed to catch her breath. It was a lovely Indian Summer afternoon. She noted that there were a few cars parked in the glade rather than in the underground garage, but nobody was stirring about outside. She advanced to the
