Excerpts

Aaron had heard that Chicago was called the Windy City, and today’s weather brought new meaning to the word cold. The biting chill stung him to the bone, and Aaron was determined to get to a warm place as soon as possible. He slipped down an alleyway, a shortcut to his training, and a place to thaw out—the local Jewish temple. Aaron generally avoided dark alleys. As he had learned long ago, being confined in a narrow passageway was not smart. One of the reasons his father had moved him and his mother to Chicago was because some of his anti-Semitic classmates in New York City liked to use him as a punching bag. His father wanted him to be safe and to enter high school with a fresh start.

Aaron was of slight build and stood five-foot-five. Dark brown hair capped his dome and covered much of his high forehead. His facial features were pleasant—eyes that expressed intelligence and a face accentuated with a great smile. He had inherited his dad’s hooked nose, which bothered him at times. He was well spoken and had an outgoing personality.

As he proceeded down the alley, he was thinking about the two classmates that sat behind him in math class that morning and how they’d offered him money to lean to the left or right during the upcoming geometry test. Aaron was proud that he was skilled at math, especially since he was a freshman and had been allowed to skip the first two years of algebra. But the pride he felt changed to shame as he realized that he was being dishonest in helping them, so he tried to justify his behavior.

Aaron walked at a brisk pace as he thought about it. I’m no cheater, but what could I do? They’re a lot bigger than me and could beat me to a pulp if I challenge them. I can’t control what they do if I happen to lean one way or the other. Maybe I can make some new friends if I offer them free tutoring classes. I can’t help it if God graced me with common sense and an excellent brain. I like helping people, and they just may accept me. Aaron tried desperately to convince himself that he was not corrupt.

“Oh, crud, I’d better get to studying, or Rabbi Cohen will kill me,” he said out loud to no one in particular as he strode through the alley.

Aaron pulled his yarmulke out of his back pocket and pinned it to the crown of his head. He began to think of the verses he had to memorize from the Torah. He’d had his bar mitzvah eight months earlier, and being introduced into adulthood had been electrifying. Being a rabbi like his father didn’t interest him, but he also had no intention of bringing the wrath of his papa down on his head either. His dad insisted that he needed to have a good command of the Holy Book.

It is what it is. Besides, Cohen will be angry if I’m not ready today, Aaron thought with a sense of urgency. He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out his memory verses. As he held them up, he turned and saw something out of the corner of his eye. It was Billy Lasco, the meanest bully in school, and he was entering the alley behind him. Aaron put the memory cards back into his pocket and started walking faster, but he didn’t dare run. He recalled that in his outdoor nature class, the teacher had said, “A certain way to get a bear or lion to attack is to run.”

†

That morning breakfast had been a glass of milk and a piece of toast. Billy’s dad fixed eggs some mornings, but this morning hadn’t been one of them. His dad was still passed out on the couch from last night’s binge on dope and good whiskey, so Billy’s mood was set for the day. Just as Avarice had planned.

Avarice was eager to please. He was tired of level six and excited to take part in a new earthly assignment. When he joined the rebellion in heaven, he was a beautiful angel, but his extended stay in level six had caused his body to morph into a hideous imp. The only way to move up in rank and power was to do the bidding of Abaddon and to keep the rest of his superiors happy. He was terrified of General Raze but could tolerate Colonel Odium. When he was seldom in the presence of Abaddon, he could barely utter a word out of fear.

Avarice was excited about his task. He bounced around the room, observing Billy all morning. His demonic friends had done a great number on Billy’s dad last night, and he knew that it would help set the stage to easily fulfill Avarice’s mission. The colonel had taught Avarice that hate is always intensified when a child has to deal with a neglectful and abusive parent. Avarice smiled as he, Colonel Odium, and General Raze easily pushed their way into Billy’s essence. The young bully was already possessed with a small army of demons who recognized the power of their three new companions and fled.

Following Aaron into the alley, Billy felt a shiver up his spine. He ignored it. 

Abaddon strolled into level seven with his usual air of pride and ownership. He wrinkled his nose at the same old environment: perfect weather and lush greenery. It was so boring to him. He pulled his hood as far forward as possible—the infernal light was most perplexing. Ever since he had been given levels three and six as his primary domains, he had learned to enjoy the darkness much more. Abaddon licked his lips, raised himself up on his toes, and strutted forward at a fast pace.

Archangels Michael and Gabriel leaned against the corral fence that housed the stallions. “Welcome back, Abaddon,” Michael said with a smirk. Archangel Gabriel turned to look at the visitor.

“Michael, you’re the most annoying being I’ve ever known—stupid as well, passing up an opportunity to be part of my plan. Both of you can wipe those phony smiles off your faces. I’ve come to retrieve what is rightfully mine.”

“You have come because the Lord has summoned you,” Michael said, smirking.

Abaddon gritted his teeth. It irritated him when anyone saw through his lies and deceits. “You’re quite full of yourself, Michael. Before I return to my kingdom, I want to speak with the carpenter.” Abaddon emphasized the word carpenter.

Jesus appeared out of thin air behind the serpent of old. “What do you want?”

The evil one spun around and looked at Jesus. He noticed Jesus had brought two guests, Chris and Michelle O’Malley. Abaddon ignored Chris and Michelle and looked back into Jesus’s face. He sneered. “Do you know what pathetic creatures the Almighty created on level three? The worst are those new believers who fell for your stupid rapture trick of bringing some of their friends or family here to level seven. That little act caused some to panic and claim they have accepted you as their Messiah. They’re still a bunch of fakes. When push comes to shove, they’ll deny you and follow me.” Abaddon displayed no signs of intimidation when Jesus looked sternly at him.

“Abaddon, I’ve had enough of your accusations. Your time of freedom to enter my realm and cast disparaging remarks about my followers in level three is soon coming to an end.”

Abaddon’s nostrils flared. He held his breath for a moment and let it out slowly. He responded with a superior tone. “You never can keep me from heaven whenever I want to enter it. The Almighty understands my potential and has given me full access to this place you call your realm. I may have been ordered to go to earth and rule it, but he knows that I’ll ultimately be in charge here as well; so it won’t be your realm for long.”

Jesus ignored Abaddon’s arrogance and changed the subject. “I believe you have come for the big red?”

“Yes, I have, and you can’t stop me!”

“I don’t want to stop you, Michael.” Jesus looked over at his archangel. “Please go and retrieve the stallion for our guest,” he said in a friendly tone. Michael turned and opened the corral gate.

Abaddon’s eyes widened as Michael entered the corral. The archangel went into the horse shed and took the lead rope of the red stallion. Michael whispered in the horse’s ear, “You and the evil one will become one again. Maybe you’ll return to us. Maybe not. That is our Lord’s decision. Do what you must to fulfill your destiny.” Michael walked out of the stable and stood still, holding the reins to the most beautiful red bay stallion ever created.

Abaddon’s stomach churned with excitement, and he released a sigh of appreciation. His eyes narrowed, and he visualized what he would accomplish with the big red. Together they had almost reached completion before, and this time he knew the outcome would be in his favor.

Jesus looked at his nemesis, having heard his thoughts, and said, “It’s saddled and ready for you to mount.”

Abaddon brushed past Jesus and nudged Michael out of his way. Grabbing the reins, he slid onto the back of the fiery red and reached inside his robe, revealing the bow of war he had been given when he rode the white stallion of peace. He reached inside his garment, and a sword appeared in his right hand. He looked down at Jesus. “With this sword, I’ll cause war and destruction such as the earth has never imagined, and they’ll all bow down to me when I rescue them.” Abaddon kicked the big red’s flanks. Its muscles grew taut, and its nostrils flared as the head rose and fell with anticipation, like a racehorse in the gate ready to take on all rivals. As they galloped out of the corral, Abaddon’s voice rang out, “Now, my red, let level three feel our coming!”

“Uncle Aaron, it’s so wonderful to see you.”  CJ said, with a wide smile.  He enjoyed the look of shock on his Dad’s friend’s face as he stepped through the door and gave Aaron a hug.

CJ moved back and Aaron still had not said anything.  “Where are the kids?”           

Aaron stood with his mouth agape at the door looking into CJ’s face. “CJ, you look great!  What do you mean, ‘kids’?  They aren’t much younger than you.  Come in, come in, my son.”  Aaron yelled toward the kitchen, “Ruth, we have an unexpected guest.  CJ O’Malley has come calling.” 

As CJ walked into Aaron’s house he said, “Dad always referred to them as ‘the kids.’  Anyway, I just happen to be passing through and thought I would drop by.”

“Just passing through. Very funny.  With all that has been going on in the Middle East and Europe, not to mention the horrible stinging sensation and poisoned waterways, I am shocked you would leave the United States.”        

“We have the same problem there.  Some of us were able to avoid the stinging pain and contaminated water, though.”         

Aaron tilted his head and sighed.  “You needn’t be coy with me, son.  I know you must be a Christian.  I listened to your dad for most of my life speaking about his Lord, and during the later years he was obsessed with a book called Revelations.” 

CJ said timidly, “The book is called Revelation, not Revelations; but, yes, that was his passion, and I have picked up the baton, so to speak.” 

“Well, I am a Jewish rabbi, so don’t waste your time on me.  After all, I had the greatest, your dad, taking his best shots at me for years, although I must admit that your pop and I had some prodigious debates. He did have an uncanny understanding of the Jewish faith.  We believe in the same God, which some are calling the “supreme being,” but your dad and I totally disagreed about the Messiah.” 

 Aaron showed CJ over to the sofa.  CJ took a deep breath as he leaned back into the soft cushion.  “Perhaps you should think about all that Dad shared with you and just look around.  I’ll bet you would see a lot of the prophecies he spoke about coming to fruition.” 

CJ felt at home.  He took note that the living room was sparse yet very comfortable.  The sofa was old, but it felt like a soft cloud.  He snuggled in and glanced at the Star of David on the wall and the menorah on the table in front of the picture window.  The carpet was relatively new and very supple.  He had removed his shoes at the door and enjoyed the soothing feel of the fibers.