Josey nodded.
“Has he taken Carpathia's mark?”
Josey sighed. “The Global Community came in and took over. If he was going to stay in law enforcement, he had to go with them.”
Vicki put a hand on her arm. “I need to know if he's taken the mark.”
Josey hung her head and sighed. “Not yet. But with all that's going on around the country, this new commander, Fulcire, is pressuring employees to take it quickly.”
Vicki took the woman by the shoulders. “You have to convince him not to take it.”
“He'd have to leave the GC.”
“Exactly.”
“He's not going to do that.”
Vicki asked more questions, but the woman broke down. When she stopped crying, Vicki asked what had happened after they last saw each other.
“Tom went back to work and pushed God aside. I started reading the Bible and studying, trying to understand what would happen next. I didn't want to beat Tom over the head with my beliefs, so I was careful to not come on too strong. But at times, I couldn't help it. I'd find a passage that really helped, and I'd want to share it.”
“Did it drive him away?”
“At first he thought it was just a phase I was going through,” Josey said. “I'd been into crystals, channeling, astrology, and angels. You name it, I'd tried it. I'd hop from one to another as fast as some people switch channels on their TV. I think he figured my belief in Jesus would change sooner or later too.”
“But it didn't?”
For the first time since Vicki walked in, Josey showed a hint of a smile. “I can't say that I've been perfect in following him, but I still believe in God. It's just that I've had no one to talk with. The first time I saw someone with the mark of the believer, I nearly fainted.”
“We're going to have to get you plugged into an online group.”
“I didn't want to offend Tom, and I know how much the GC hate underground groups, so I backed off. Then the earthquake came and we moved here and I've been sort of stagnant.”
“What happened when the locusts came?”
“Tom was stung the first day and suffered for months. He couldn't believe they didn't sting me, and I told him it was because I was protected by God. He wouldn't listen.”
“So you've seen no change in him?”
“At times he seems open. I even saw him cry once when I started talking about my boys, but most of the time he just seems mad at God.”
“And you've been alone, so it's been hard to grow.”
Josey nodded. “I've read your Web site, and Tsion's of course, but I've been so worried about Tom that I'm afraid I haven't been much good to the cause.”
“Don't say that,” Vicki said. “God gives everybody a gift andâ”
“That's why I feel so guilty. I could be doing something, using my hospitality to have people in and tell them the truth, but here I sit, paralyzed with fear that my husband is going to come home with the mark of Carpathia on his forehead and ask me to do the same. That's who I thought you were on the phone, the GC coming to take me away.”
“You don't have to worry about taking the mark,” Vicki said. “God will give you the strength to resist it.”
Josey wiped her eyes. Vicki didn't want to bring up Cheryl's situation until the time was right.
“Do you think there's still hope for Tom?” Josey said.
“I have to admit, if he's known the truth this long and has still waitedâ”
“He sees through Carpathia,” Josey interrupted. “He knows the guy isn't what he seems.”
“Then why is he working for the GC?”
Josey shook her head.
“Does he know that you won't take the mark?”
“We've talked about it. He says he'll keep my secret, and no one needs to know, but I'm scared.”
“You should be.” Vicki looked at her watch and keyed the microphone on the walkie-talkie. “Mark, where are you?”
“End of the street. You want us to come?”
Someone moved behind Vicki, and Josey put a hand to her mouth and gasped. Vicki turned and saw Tom Fogarty staring at her.
“How long have you been here, hon?” Josey said.
“Vicki, you want us to come over there?” Mark said.
“No, stay where you are,” Vicki said, returning Fogarty's stare.
“So, Vicki Byrne, Vicki B., Jackie Browne, or whoever you're calling yourself these days,” Tom said, “I've been following your little rebellion against the Global Community.”
“Tom, Vicki was one of the kids who helped youâ”
“I know what she did, and I know her friends on the other end of that radio are probably the ones wanted in Iowa. Am I right?”
Vicki stared at the man and stayed silent. She had wanted to help Cheryl so much that she hadn't counted on this. Now she was trapped.
“You just going to sit there, or are you going to try and save my soul too?” Tom said.
“Vicki, is something wrong in there?” Mark said on the walkie-talkie. “Conrad said he thought he saw someone walk through the backyard a moment ago.”
Vicki keyed the microphone. “Just stay where you are. I'm okay for now.”
“Why don't you tell your friends I can have ten squad cars and a couple of choppers here in five minutes?” Tom said.
“Tom, you won't,” Josey said.
“You don't know what this girl and her friends have been up to. Stealing satellite trucks. Breaking into international video hookups. I was there at that schoolhouse after you kids left.”
“Did you burn it down?” Vicki said coolly.
“Whatever she's done, it's been for a good reason,” Josey said.
“Ends justify the means, huh? I thought Jesus followers were supposed to be good, law-abiding citizens. Instead, you break people out of jail and defy every rule the Global Community has made.”
As she listened, Vicki thought about the others in the van. Fogarty could have already called in a team of GC officers before he walked into the room. She stood and faced him. “You used to be a cop, and a good one from what Judd told me. You shot straight with people, even perps, and they respected you.”
Fogarty pursed his lips and lifted his hands. “What's your point?”
“Well, I'll shoot straight with you. I assume since you're telling me all this that you haven't talked about me and my friends to your superiors. You've been following us on your own, wondering when we'd make a mistake.”
“Keep going.”
“And if you're willing to keep quiet about us, there must be some reason. You must agree with what we're doing, or at least are willing to look the other way.”
“I feel sorry for people who are misguided, that's all.”
“Well, here's the story. I met this girl in Iowa. She's pregnant. Two, maybe three months along. She's had a hard life and the baby will have an even harder time if I don't do something about it.”
Vicki looked at Josey. “I was thinking about her situation, and for some reason the names of your two boys popped into my head. I don't know why.”
Josey put a hand over her mouth and shook. Tom's mouth dropped as he sat on the edge of a chair.
“She's not prepared to care for a child, and I asked how she would feel if we found someone to adopt it. Maybe take care of her while she was having it. Someone with experience.”
“What did she say?” Josey said, her eyes wide and filled with tears.
“She wants the baby to have the right family. That's why I'm here.”
“Praise God,” Josey said, and she broke down. Tom fell back onto the chair and stared at the ceiling.
Vicki knew something was going on with Tom and Josey, but she didn't know what.
Finally, Josey spoke. “I didn't tell you this, Vicki, but the doctors told me I would never have children again. A few weeks ago Tom and I were talking and I was trying to tell him how good God is, that he wants to help us. Tom brought up Ben and Bradâhe always loved them even though they didn't live with usâand said God was selfish and mean to take them.”
Josey fought the tears. “I asked what it would take to get him to believe God was there and wanted a relationship.”
Vicki looked at Tom. “What did you say?”
Tom Fogarty, former Chicago policeman and now Global Community tough guy, shook in his chair, overcome with emotion. When he could finally speak he said, “I told her ⦠I would believe in God ⦠when he gave us a baby.”
VICKI
didn't know what to say or do, other than put an arm around Josey and hug her.
Tom had moved to the window and stared out at the street. “Your friends out there?”
Vicki nodded. “What are you going to do?”
“I'd be the GC hero of the day if I brought you guys in.”
“But you're not going to?”
Tom turned. “In the morning everyone will be talking about Carpathia and what a great god he is.”
“And you?”
Tom shook his head.
Josey reached for him and said, “This is a perfect time to give your life to the true God. You know everything I've been telling you is true. And our prayers have been answered.”
Tom looked at Vicki. “You think this girl would let us care for the baby if I'm working for the GC?”
“I think that puts her and Josey in too much danger,” Vicki said.
“So you think I'm going to just give in and get religion?”
Josey said, “It's not religionâ”
“I know, it's a relationship. I've heard that about a million times.” Tom paced in front of the window, gesturing wildly. “I've lived my entire life without God. I've never tried to use religion as a crutchâ”
“And you think that's what
we're
doing?” Josey said.
“I didn't say thatâ”
“It takes a lot bigger man to admit he needs help than one who says he can do it himself,” Josey said. “You've arrested enough people in your career who have done it their own way and paid the price.”
“I'm not going to say I believe this just to make you guys happy, or to make sure we get that baby.”
“I'm glad,” Josey said, “because we'd know you were faking it.”
Tom rolled his eyes. “Oh yeah, the thing on the forehead.”
Vicki stepped forward. “Mr. Fogarty, the Bible talks about people being blinded to the truth at this time of history. I don't know how it works, but it's clear there's something supernatural going on that keeps people from believing what's obvious.”
“So I've been blinded by little demons running around? Or maybe by Satan himself? You expect me to buy that?”
Vicki put out her hand to stop him from pacing. “I'm not asking that you buy anything. Just stop and ask God to take the blinders off. If he's real, he'll help you understand the truth. Are you willing?”
Tom stopped and folded his arms. “All right, but I feel stupid.”
“It's okay,” Vicki said. “You want me to pray with you?”
“No, I can handle it.” Tom cleared his throat and took a deep breath. “God, I know that my wife and this girl care about me, and they've said if I pray, you'll open my eyes. So if you're there, I pray you'd show me where I'm wrong and what I need to do about it. Amen.”
The radio crackled with Mark's voice. “Vicki, we need some direction here. There's a car pulling up to the house.”
Tom pulled the curtain back, looked out the window, and cursed. “It's my partner. Tell your guys to get out of the neighborhood. Vicki, you go upstairs with Josey.”
“Is this a trap?” Vicki said.
Tom scowled. “Just go upstairs. He's coming up the sidewalk.”
As she followed Josey upstairs, Vicki told Mark she needed more time. “We've got GC company, so move the van out of sight and maintain silence until I get back to you.”
Josey left the door open a crack as Tom's partner knocked downstairs. Vicki strained to hear as the men laughed and walked into the kitchen.
“His partner's name is Cal Trachsel. They've been together since we moved here.”
“Is Cal 100 percent GC?”
Josey shook her head and closed the door. “I think he knows there are problems just like Tom. He's pretty levelheaded.”
“Have you ever talked to him about God?”
“No. I've only met him face-to-face twice. He calls for Tom a lot and we chat, but that's about it.”
The front door closed and Josey walked to the stairs. “Tom?”
When he didn't answer, Josey went to the window and made sure Cal was leaving. Vicki followed the woman downstairs to the kitchen and found Tom sitting at the table, his head in his hands.
“What's the matter?” Josey said.
“That's the first time I've ever lied to my partner. A relationship like that is built on trust. Now I've violated it.”
“What did he want?” Josey said.
“He wanted to make sure I was okay, and that I understood what would happen if I didn't comply.”
“Comply with what?”
“His new tattoo. He got it on the back of his hand.”
“Oh no,” Vicki said.
“Memo came down saying we had to take the mark this afternoon.”
“Is that why you came here?”
“I felt a little conflicted, yes. My wife tells me I'll be selling my soul and flushing my eternal existence if I do this, and the Global Community tells me they'll chop my head off if I don't comply.”
“What did you tell Cal?”
Vicki felt like an intruder on the conversation, but she stood in the background and listened.
Tom's face twisted and turned red the more he talked about his situation. “I told him you haven't been feeling well and I wanted to make sure you were all right.”
“Why did you lie?”
Tom stood and pushed his chair back. “Maybe I was scared of losing you. Maybe I was scared of losing myself, and I came back here to ⦔