Exodus: Book Two: Last Days Trilogy Read Free

The Pope.”
    “The Pope?”
    “Catholics believe he’s God’s right-hand man.”
    Devante seemed offended. “There is no such thing.”
    “You and I may know that. But...” Rev. Bailey pointed to the television. “...not these people. They listen to his counsel.” Rev. Bailey paused. “And he’s telling them... not to believe in you.”
    Devante looked at the Reverend, then back to the television, and smiled.
     

Seville, Ohio
     
    Kyle tried to filter out any religious bias when he watched the news about Devante. To Kyle, Devante was a walking, talking contradiction, an anomaly. Not to mention all the phony trappings: the grandeur of his speech, the stadiums, the all-believing crowds, the cheesy script from a dog-eared Bible. Kyle cheered the young U.S. President when, during an emergency press conference, he denounced Devante as a dangerous religious eccentric and scoffed patently at his prophesies of biblical disaster. Kyle literally applauded when the President scolded a reporter for suggesting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency evacuate Chicago.
    Then came the black rain. It was a rain with the consistency of black tar that fell thickly upon the Vatican, until it was transformed into millions of snakes, dropping from the sky as the Pope called for all believers in God to unite against Devante.
    Kyle began to reconsider.
    Later that afternoon, the tenor of the news changed drastically, and with it Kyle’s now-mercurial beliefs. Kyle’s head spun. But it didn’t spin enough for him to lose focus of what he had to do.
    “...with the plan set to be in full swing within one hour in an attempt to evacuate three million-plus people who live in Chicago and the greater vicinity before the noon-time destruction predicted by Devante.”
    Kyle looked once more to the television, then to the revolver on his lap. He checked the chamber and placed it in a knapsack.
    “The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Jack Ross is confident about the evacuation plans, and says if everyone follows the procedures posted on the emergency broadcasting station or at local municipal buildings, a safe evacuation will be complete hours before the deadline.”
    Kyle unfroze at Eliza’s words as she stood at the kitchen door. “I can’t believe you’re doing this,” she said. “Herbie got the help there.”
    “And I appreciate Herbie. But …they’re evacuating, Eliza. How long do you think they’ll keep on digging?”
    “Army transport vehicles, buses and planes are being moved into the city as I speak. Authorities are urging all those in Chicago to comply by the evacuation rules and obey martial law, which officially went into effect at midnight. Downtown Chicago is the central starting point for evacuation...”
    “See?” Kyle pointed to the television. “That’s where the Institute is located. Center of town. They’ll stop digging. You have the money right? I’ll need it if I’m to get them two out of the city... if I can find them, that is.”
    “I have it,” Eliza sighed. “You’re going straight to the Institute?”
    “Yes. They’re in there and alive. Herbie said their phone was gonna die, but they would too, unless we get them out.” Kyle set the knapsack on the floor.
    “...Joliet, Aurora, and Gary, Indiana will be the seven locations set up for camps where Chicago residents will wait until the all-clear is given.”
    Kyle grabbed his keys and rushed to the smaller bedroom, where his grandson Seth sat playing games. “Hey. I’m off.”
    “You’re gonna go get mom?” Seth asked.
    “I’m going to try,” Kyle said, and then walked over to say goodbye. “Now, Eliza will stay here with you. I’ll only be gone a day or so, so you be good.” Running his hand over Seth’s head, Kyle bent down and kissed him.
    Back in the living room, Kyle listened to the latest on his blaring TV.
    “...ninety-four, two-ninety four, eighty, seventy-six, fifty-seven, fifty-five. Once again, these are the