King Solomon's Journey (The Dominguez Adventures) (44 page)

            Antonio immediately became worried. The implications were huge. Amanda had feared this would be the case.

            Pop declared. “Guys, we’re wasting our time deciding on King Solomon’s credibility. Obviously, the government, or some part of it, definitely believes in the Scrolls.”

            José continued, “Antonio and Amanda are targets.”

            Marc inserted. “Damn, Pop…  This is huge.”

            Pop responded. “There’s no doubt about it.”

            “Antonio has explained some of the important content, and implications contained within the message of the Scrolls.” José instructed.

            “There are a lot of things, but we didn’t bring all the information. Amanda and I never expected to involve all of you like this. Know that Amanda understands all of this, much better than I do.” He paused to collect his thoughts.

            “The 2012 cataclysms are coming, some will arrive very soon. Some are already here, and 2012 could just be the harbinger of the worst. In fact, we should emphasize, the single date itself is misleading.

            The beginning of the greatest solar maximum is starting now. Scientists know it promises to be catastrophic. The pole shift, or switch, is incredibly probable. Some of the other planets in our solar system have already undergone these monumental changes.

            The Venus cycle ends soon, including its huge implications. You’ve all heard rumors of the December 21, 2012, Galactic Alignment. The truth is - we don’t know exactly what that will trigger.

            These are a few of the possible and probable catastrophes. Now, keep this in mind, the Earth’s vulnerability combined with King Solomon’s knowledge offers us the only opportunity to save Earth, and a great number of people.

            There are several key points we must understand and put to use.

            The Divine Weave connects and influences everything. The Monatomic State, as individuals and within science, is the Vacuum Fluctuation Point, or Zero Point. The transmutations of metals are also of monumental importance.

            I stress, all of these are important to both, people and science, for the survival of our planet. These concepts are the base ingredients, essential to any type of progress.

King Solomon left us a great deal of useful knowledge. For now, we are responsible for it. The vital information we hold could make us targets of men and groups who want the world in chaos, but not limited to them alone.

            Quite simply, we must create a synergy. It’s a myriad of information based on physical, mental, and spiritual elements within us all. There are also structures needed to protect the Earth from the imminent war brewing in the Cosmos.

            Remember, science supports these events. We can back it all up with science.

            Guys, that’s an extremely brief summary of our job ahead. We have to solve it, lay it out, find, convince, and educate those who can make King Solomon’s ‘13’ happen- fast.”

            Pop emerged as the first to speak. “I will paraphrase a conversation we had earlier. Antonio explained his skepticism about the associated risks. He has Amanda now, and at one point, he claimed to consider ditching the idea and selling the Scrolls for a colossal amount of money.

            Instead, he had a change of heart, inspired by an eye opening experience with Amanda’s son, then another with our little Rosie. Even without being a father, he felt the children were worth the gigantic risks.

            If only there were a chance King Solomon was correct, he had to see it through for the children. In the meantime, just in case of a negative outcome, he intended to make love with Amanda any, and every chance he got. We can all see our Antonio’s a man of his word.” His father joked, but the message remained poignant.

            “Thank you, Pop.” Antonio made eye contact with him, he nodded in return.

            “We have arranged some very good protection for them both.” José added, hoping to ease everyone’s concern.

            “Everyone needs to go home. Talk to your wives, if you are in this with the family, you need to be back here at 5:30PM tomorrow. Mama will love it, everyone here together two nights in a row, for dinner.” He paused, and then reasoned.

            “You have to make your own decisions this time. I won’t assist anyone with his or her conclusion. I love all my children, and I’m a very lucky man. You’ve all made me proud, that’s why this is your own choice. However, understand - if you’re in, you’re in, and you must stay in once you get there. Antonio, do you have anything to add?”

            “Pop, you said it best. I would like to say, Amanda and I didn’t come here to recruit your help. I felt it was necessary to secure proof of the Scrolls’ existence, that’s the only reason José knew about it.

            I asked him to lock-up a set of copies in case anything happened, so he would have evidence. Beyond that, I love you all. Coming home has been incredible. Like Pop said, it’s your decision. Your choice will have no bearing on how I feel about you. I have struggled with all of this myself.”

            “Anybody else?” Pop gave them the opportunity.

            They shook their heads. There was a lot they had to consider.

            The room cleared, and everyone began collecting their families to leave. Antonio approached his father. “Pop, I don’t know how to thank you.”

            His father looked up at his son with sincere eyes. “You have son, you’re everything I knew you would be, and I’ve been selfish. I want to help. You aren’t like the others. I know you didn’t need my help.

            Now, look, you are theoretically, the holder of our fate. I find it hard to express my amazement at the admirable way you have managed this task. You’re a dignified man. Go find your Amanda, son. It’s been a long weekend.” Antonio smiled and went to find her.

Chapter 50

"Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future."
Audrey Hepburn

            He found Amanda looking a little pale, sitting and talking with his mother. He saw that she was wilting, but not wanting to bow out of the day.

            "Hey Mama, would you mind showing us to our room, Amanda has been ill, and I believe a rest is needed."

            His mother glanced at Amanda with concern, and immediately noticed the paleness of her skin beneath her make-up. “Mama, she’s sick. I thought you knew about the tumor. José and Pop are trying to help me find a surgeon.” He could see his mother didn’t know, and the news horrified her.

            Standing quickly she took Amanda's arm and gently led her into the hallway.

            "For now, she can lie down in your old room. Stay with her, and I will fix a nice cup of tea, and bring it up to her." She moved back to the kitchen, and Antonio directed Amanda up the stairs to his boyhood room.

            Antonio opened the door to his old room with a chuckle. His mother never changed his bedroom. “Here Amanda, relax on the bed.” He was concerned that she looked tired.

            “I am fine.” Yet, Amanda felt like she was coming down with something. Perhaps this morning had not been a hangover after all.

            He laughed, “I am not. I want to rest with you for a while.”

            “Since you put it that way…” She smiled and cuddled next to him.

            “Thanks, this entire emotional trauma is exhausting.”

            Looking out over his room, she saw the trophies and clippings from his years playing baseball. There were photographs of him and his brothers and sisters, a few with a large golden dog, and there was the proof that Ruger had been in his life for years. Her heart slowed, and she accepted the fact that she really did need to rest.

***

            He heard his mother whisper softly from the doorway, “Antonio is Amanda okay? Do you want me to do anything for her?”

            “No Mama, she is fine. Really, she isn’t in pain or anything, just needs to rest.”

            “Okay, son.”

            “Mama, if she needs anything- or gets sick, I’ll take care of her. I don’t want you to have to take care of her. I want to do it myself.” He just felt he needed to say that. His mother softly kissed her son.

            Two hours later, Amanda awakened feeling much better. She rose and sought out the bath, and fixed her face and hair. Returning to the room, she found Antonio awake and putting back on the shoes he had slipped off while sleeping.

            "Feeling better?"

            "Oh yes, I did need that nap."

            "I think it's time we headed back to the hotel."

            "Antonio, I wanted to thank you for sharing your family with me. While my life has not been all hard, I missed the joy of a large family. Seeing them all today…I treasure the thought that it is here in this house, surrounded by these people that have made you the man you are, the man I care about deeply."

            Antonio kissed her cheek softly, held her close for a few minutes, just enjoying the sensation. Then he released her and went in search of José. He asked his father if he had seen him.

            “Where is José?”

            José heard him. “I’m here, Antonio, ready to take you two back to the hotel.”

            Amanda came downstairs and thanked Ileana and Maurice for a lovely day. She told them both she was looking forward to seeing them again soon, and they were equally positive in their farewells.

            They got into José’s car. They came over from the hotel late that morning, but now it felt like a couple of days ago as they made the trip back.

            “Antonio, how did it go with your dad and brothers?”

            “There were some unexpected turns, but Pop and my brothers were incredible.”

            “Good, I am glad.”

            He smiled at her and squeezed her hand. “José, are you shot?” He asked his brother.

            “Pretty much, it’s been a long weekend.”

            José walked them into their suite, explained they had guards on duty, and said he’d call them in the morning.

            “José, thanks for everything.”

            “I do what I want to, little brother.”

Chapter 51

"Life is a story of many chapters. Good times overflow and run together. Bad things happen in every story, including yours. Yet, the bad things only fill a few pages, and even you can survive a few pages."

Sarah Helen Whitman

            The large, free-form pool sat against the backdrop of the ocean and made a magnificent impression. Palm trees danced in the breeze. Amanda soaked it all in, she loved being in the water.

            Antonio walked her to the pool. He planned to take his routine morning run for a change. José's hired security was watching their backs, and he felt confident leaving Amanda alone. Amanda eyed one of the guards staked out as a tourist reading the newspaper, and was doubly reassured.

            She threw her towel on one of the poolside lounge chairs. Antonio put his hand on her waist and kissed her.            “Antonio, I’m fine. Look, he is watching and appears plenty capable.”

            “Yeah, José should have let me brief them.”

            “I agree, but we have to live. There is great deal for us to focus on, and we must get our relief where ever we can.”

            “Right… be careful. I'll be back in less than an hour.” He gave her a quick kiss before taking off to run.

            She watched him until he disappeared from view. At the pool’s edge, her body arched over into a gentle dive. The beautiful artistic curves of the pool were not conducive to traditional laps. Even this appealed to Amanda, she hated being rigid. A break from the norm tended to leave her with a feeling of empowerment.

            Her swim lasted about half an hour. When she emerged from the pool, she noticed her towel had fallen onto the concrete. She scanned the surroundings as she dried off. The breeze had blown over a couple of chairs.

            After she secured the towel around her waist, she sauntered to an unobstructed view of the ocean. No matter how many times she gazed at the ocean, it mesmerized her. The vast abyss never failed to fascinate.

            Minutes passed before she pulled herself away. The curved sidewalk led her to the building housing their suite. Once inside, she shuffled through her clothes. Antonio failed to mention any plans for the day.

            Later, they planned to go to his parent’s house, but not until dinner time. They had the entire day to enjoy together. Without knowing their plans, it would be hard to choose appropriate clothes.

            Glancing at the clock she saw that time had flown. Antonio would be back any moment. He could clue her in on the day’s activities, and maybe they could make some plans.

***

            About a quarter-of-mile into his run, Antonio felt loose. He shook his arms and picked up his pace. The humidity had not yet set in, and the warm breeze glided in from the ocean. It felt good.

            As he increased his speed, Antonio settled into thought. South Beach was full of interesting places he could take Amanda before they needed to be at his parent’s house. She would love some of the trendy shops. Hell, he wanted to take her. With Amanda, even shopping became a field trip. She approached all excursions as adventures. He loved that about her. 

            It occurred to Antonio that he needed to pay attention to how far he ran, so he could gauge where to turn. Antonio wanted to make his way back without retracing his path.

            All of the sudden bodies plunged out from the bushes, right at him. Both grabbed an arm and threw him across the asphalt of a service drive.

            Crouched, Antonio glanced up at them before he lunged to scramble away. One of them swung a club and tripped him. He landed hard, his glasses disappeared, and his cell phone flew out of his pocket.