Gunning For Evil, Jo Gunning Thrillers: Book 5

Sample Chapter

CHAPTER ONE

He stood at the podium and stared out at his small congregation. It was a mixed group: some younger, some older, a few couples, a lot of people on their own. They had come from all over the country and from all walks of life. And after singing several jubilant songs, they were ready to hear his message.

Sunlight seeped through a few of the old church’s windows, helping to keep the building warm on this November day. Brother Justice ran a hand through thick, dark hair as he thought about what he would say. Then he drew in a deep breath, rested his hands on the sides of the podium, and began.

“My brothers and sisters,” he began, his voice soft, tinged with sadness. “I look out at all your faces, how you eagerly await the words I have received from the spirit.”

A few nodding heads, some murmuring of encouragement. Someone called out, “Preach, Brother.” A couple raised their hands. Brother Justice gazed over the crowd, and his eyes narrowed.

“We worked hard this summer, and we have supplies for the coming months.” More nodding heads, more pleased sounds. His eyes became slits. “But as I look at all of you, I wonder if we have failed?”

He tipped his head down, and his grip on the podium made his knuckles go white. The murmuring stopped, replaced by a few uncomfortable coughs. The brother let his cold gaze rest on each individual, and many had to look away. He suppressed a smile. Good. Let them be fearful.

“Our mission is not just a return to the earth, a return to the old ways that protect our natural resources. Not only a just society for all, where prosperity reigns, free of evil, full of peace. Our mission is also to bring others to this understanding.” His voice grew louder as he moved away from the podium. He was a charismatic man, and he used that to full effect.

Then he stopped and pointed. “And there is our failing.” His voice grew steely. “Where are all the new people? I see far too many empty seats here.” He moved to the edge of the stage. “Brother Marcus and Brother Edward have gone with you into the cities, but they report laziness and apathy.”

As his voice echoed in the large room, two men standing at the back doors shifted on their feet. A few in the congregation glanced over their shoulders, but no one said anything. Brother Justice began to pace, thundering as he railed on. When he finally stopped again, a dreadful silence fell over the room. He wiped sweat off his brow and looked to a young woman in the front row. She wore jeans and a low-cut sweater, her long, blond hair cascading around her shoulders. Her long eyelashes almost glinted as she blinked—no need for any makeup.

He spoke again.

“You need more than idealism.”

“Yes,” someone said.

The woman nodded and repeated, “Yes.”

Brother Justice kept his gaze on her. “When we leave our sacred area, it is not for pleasure. We have a much higher calling, one which we must respect. Do not be distracted by the ways of the world, whether it be your family, your friends, or something else. We”—he held his arms wide—“will uplift you. We will be your family, your friends. Do you understand this?”

The blond-haired girl nodded along with the others, and everyone murmured appreciatively. Brother Justice stared at them, disappointed.

“Do you understand?” His voice boomed louder.

“I do,” the girl said, along with others.

“We as individuals must make an impact. We cannot rely on the government to do anything for us. For they will only stand in the way.” Justice smiled. “The Bible teaches so many things that we must heed. We’ve learned to farm in the old way, a biblical way that will bless us, even on this barren land. We’re ridding ourselves of reliance on modern technology, on conveniences, on things that will lead to evil. Understand that.”

Heads nodded, and a few called out, “Amen.”

He walked back to the podium, clasping his hands together as he looked out over everyone.

“As you go about your day, think how you can make an impact. There is still much to do, and we must know our enemy, know how to fight against him.” A dramatic pause. “What can you do to help us prepare for the future? For we must be prepared. It is truly a matter of life and death.”

Finished, he darted over to a chair near the wall, and a woman at the front of the congregation stepped up to the podium. The congregation stood, and she led everyone in a final hymn. When they were done singing, the congregation hastened out the back of the church, voices muted, like chastised children afraid to make too much noise. They filed past Brothers Marcus and Edward, still standing on either side of the doors. Once the last congregant left the church, the two men at the back walked down the center aisle. Justice looked at Marcus, taking in the baldheaded man with fiery dark eyes.

“That was quite a sermon,” Marcus said.

Justice nodded. “I cannot lie to them.”

Brother Edward stepped onto the stage and began to pace. He was a small man, barely five-foot-six, but he carried himself as someone who wielded power. And he did wield it, to a certain extent.

“We’ll work with them this week,” Edward said in a deep voice. “I assure you, we will bring in more followers, people who will understand.”

Justice shook his head sadly. “I didn’t share all of the message.” The other two gave him a curious look, tilting their heads in unison. Justice gnawed his lip for a moment, then spoke again. “I’m afraid it may be too late.”

Edward stopped pacing. “What does that mean?”

Justice gestured at Marcus. “Come, join us.”

The other man stepped onto the stage, and the three sat together. Then Justice told them what they, as leaders, would need to do next.

 

Jo Gunning runs into many hurdles during her mission, but with considerable effort, she mostly prevails. The ending of her mission is unexpected &…. You need to read this well-written book to find out! ~Reader review