Inside the Pages: COUNT THEIR GRAVES by Jennifer Chase #insidethepages

 

 
A wind chime sways a sweet melody above several pairs of shoes neatly laid out on the welcome the mat: two large pairs, and three small. On the door frame, a perfect crimson handprint, the color of blood…


By Jennifer Chase

Title: Count Their Graves
Author: Jennifer Chase
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 362
Genre: Crime Thriller

BOOK BLURB:

A wind chime sways a sweet melody above several pairs of shoes neatly laid out on the welcome the mat: two large pairs, and three small. On the door frame, a perfect crimson handprint, the color of blood…

Out on her morning run, Detective Katie Scott is stopped in her tracks when her service dog, Cisco, alerts her to something. Weaving through the towering pine trees, Katie is horrified to find a little girl alone in the woods, dressed in a white nightgown. The child sobs into Katie’s arms. She’s unharmed, but clearly traumatized. Scooping her up, Katie follows the trail to a large farmhouse. But what she finds there rips the air from her lungs: one, two, three, four bodies laid out side by side, all in matching pajamas.

The Banks family were attacked in their sleep, but how had the little girl trembling in Katie’s arms escape with her life? What twisted monster would do such a thing, and why leave no trace but a single bloody handprint on the doorframe? Katie vows to find answers for this sweet child who has lost everything and everyone.

Working night and day to piece together why this innocent family were targeted, Katie thinks she has her first lead when she discovers the family were under witness protection. Had they seen something they shouldn’t? Was the aim to silence them forever? Questions are still spinning in Katie’s mind when another family is discovered dead in their beds on the other side of Pine Valley.

With the entire department stretched to breaking point with an unprecedented body count and trace evidence stacking up, it’s going to take everything Katie has to track this twisted killer down. But as she closes in on her target, it’s clear someone close to Katie is keeping a deadly secret. How many more innocent lives will be lost before she can bring them to justice?

PRAISE:

5.0 out of 5 stars: A definite must read book and series!

“One of the things that I love about this author’s books is that she doesn’t shy away from the hard or difficult topics. Another is how she creates a realistic quality for the characters and their lives. There are no “perfect” characters or “make believe/fantasy” lives in these books. (That is one of the best things~in my opinion!) Because of these things, as well as many more, her stories are unique, passionate, creative, and intriguing. I have loved all of the stories that I’ve read, and can’t wait to read more.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.” 

“Another great book in the series starring Katie and her dog Cisco. When one family are found all dead in their house apart from one of their little girls who they believed her mummy had helped her escape Katie and her team soon get to work. Someone is hiding who they really are and until Katie finds out who it is no one is safe not even her.
I really enjoyed this book like all of the others in the series that I have read. Looking forward to the next book.”  NetGalley

Release Date: October 30, 2024

Publisher: Bookouture

Soft Cover:‎ 978-1835256367; 362 pages; $11.99; eBook $3.99; Free with Kindle Unlimited; also available in audiobook .99

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Count-Their-Graves-completely-unputdownable/dp/1835256368








Katie stumbled forward onto her knees only to discover a little blonde girl with curly locks, dressed in an oversized white nightgown. The lace sleeves were longer than her tiny arms. Katie also noticed red spots splashed across the front and down the sleeves: blood.

“Good boy, Cisco,” she said, petting the dog, concerned by their discovery.

Turning her full attention to the little girl, she said, “What are you doing all the way out here, sweetheart?” She looked around to see if there was someone else, but it was deserted. There was nothing to indicate why the girl was outside. No footprints. No toys or pieces of clothing. It was as if she had been dropped here.

The sleepy-eyed girl appeared to be about four years old. “I’m cold,” she barely whispered as she shivered.

“Are you hurt?” said Katie as she looked for any injuries. The girl’s skin was icy, as if she had been out in the elements for a while—possibly a few hours. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“Em… Emily,” she said.

“How did you get here?”

“Mommy brought me…”

A chill ran down Katie’s spine.

“Okay, Emily. Stay here with Cisco and I’ll be right back. Can you do that for me?” Katie wanted to pick the girl up, hug her, and take her to safety, but she needed to assess the area first. Security was her priority and then getting the little girl to safety.

The little girl nodded. Her blue eyes stared at Katie as she pet the dog. It was a look that Katie wouldn’t soon forget. The pure innocence struck her soul.

Katie stood up and unzipped her hoodie and then wrapped it around the little girl. The cool morning air hit her as she was now dressed in just a tank top. She pulled her weapon, still scanning the area. There was a farmhouse and barn down below the ridge and she assumed that was where Emily lived. There weren’t any other homes within view and most were likely several acres away.

Had the little girl ventured out without anyone knowing? Did the mother really leave her here? Or was there something terribly wrong?

Katie didn’t want to move Emily yet until she knew for sure that everything was safe on the property.

“Cisco, you stay.”

The dog instinctively downed next to the little girl. Emily’s small arms wrapped around the dog’s neck as she snuggled up against him for warmth.

Katie looked around and felt that, secluded in between trees, they would be safe until she could quickly search the area. Reaching into her pocket, she made sure her cell phone had a strong signal—which it did.

“Good boy, Cisco. Bleib… Wache…” She told Cisco to stay and guard the little girl. Her dog’s training words were in German, meaning stay and watch. Katie didn’t need to repeat herself because the dog knew what to do, but somehow it made her feel better. She hated leaving them alone, but it was the best way to proceed under the circumstances. By the time help arrived, it might be too late. She needed to report to dispatch exactly what was going on so that backup wasn’t blindly going into a potentially dangerous situation.

After taking one last look at Emily huddled with Cisco, Katie moved to the edge of the trail and began slowly making her way toward the backside of the house. She wondered how Emily got up the hill; there wasn’t dirt or mud on her gown.

Watching for any movement, Katie carefully stepped down the incline until she was on a walkway leading to the front of a modern farmhouse. There were unusual scrolled architectural details along the rooflines and windows that made it seem to be a custom build. Katie stopped and listened. The wind had died down and she felt the temperature had risen a few degrees from when she first began her run. Even though it was still cool, her skin was warm and clammy. Adrenalin was pumping, making her arms and legs strangely prickly and a bit shaky. She maintained her focus and continued to press forward. With her gun directed out in front of her, she kept moving, expecting anything.

There was a pickup truck and a minivan parked in the semicircle driveway, giving the impression that someone was home. The front of the farmhouse had a large porch with white wicker chairs and colorful pillows. There was a porch swing on one end and potted plants lined up side by side at the other. A cheerful welcome mat said, “Home Sweet Home.” A wind chime hung on the left side of the door and gently swayed a melody. There were several pairs of shoes carefully placed to the right side of the mat. By Katie’s quick assessment, there were two adults and three children that resided in the home.

The front door was wide open. Droplets of red spattered the porch and the entrance inside. Concentrated smudges were around the doorframe as if someone had tried to steady themselves.

“Hello?” she called out, watching her surroundings.

Nothing moved. No sound came from indoors. Katie’s senses were on hyper-alert. Everything seemed more vivid and louder than usual.

She cautiously stepped over the threshold and peered inside. The large open plan made it easy to see the living room, dining room, and kitchen in a quick scan. There were several photographs of the family—and she saw tiny Emily with an older boy and girl. Everything looked neat and orderly. That’s what made the bloody hammer lying in the middle of the floor so horrifying.

Katie stood surveying the room for a moment, taking a deep breath. It seemed that the bloody hammer had been dropped there. There were droplets of blood marking a path to the front door. There were no obvious signs of a struggle—no broken items, chairs overturned, or shelves spilled.

Katie turned and could see that the two main doors of the barn just across the open area were standing wide open. She wasn’t sure if it was instinct or fear that drove her, but she backed out of the house, careful not to disturb anything, and watchfully headed for the barn. Everything remained still and eerily quiet.

Katie kept to the sides of the barn and inched her way slowly to the opening. Her ears pounded. Her breathing shrank to shallow gasps. Staying low, she entered the building. It wasn’t a livestock barn, but rather a type of workshop and storage facility. Katie scanned the interior, taking everything in. Slowly lowering her weapon, she dropped to her knees in misery, only inches from the stagnant pools of blood on the ground in front of her. Barely registering what she saw, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the four bodies of a man, a woman, and a young boy and girl neatly lined up next to each other, still dressed in their pajamas.

– Excerpted from Count Their Graves by Jennifer Chase, Bookouture, 2024. Reprinted with permission.













Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today Best Selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.  

She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers. 

Her latest book is Count Their Graves.

Website – https://authorjenniferchase.com/ 

Twitter – https://twitter.com/jchasenovelist 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferChase 

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jenchaseauthor/ 

Goodreads- www.goodreads.com/author/show/2780337.Jennifer_Chase





❤Inside the Pages: A Heart's Journey to Forgiveness #bookspotlight #insidethepages

For Terese Luikens, a picture-perfect childhood it was not. Frequent cross country moves, an emotionally absent mother and an alcoholic father who ends his life by suicide when Terese is just thirteen years old. 

The sixth of seven children, Terese grew up in an unstable and chaotic household–invisible to her mom yet cherished by her father. 

This heartfelt memoir documents the chain reaction of a tumultuous family history. From her stormy childhood to the far-reaching effects of her father’s suicide, Terese shares her inspiring journey to escape the shame of her past, find healing and live, learn to trust, and discover faith in a real and personal God.  

A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness is available at Amazon.

 

Book Excerpt

In my mind, these warm childhood memories include only my dad, never my mom. One photo from that era, snapped by an older sibling using Mom’s Instamatic camera, seems to capture our family dynamic. We are in the living room of the house that had the front-porch swing. I might be around four years old. My hair is cut short, pixie style, and I am wearing a long-sleeved, cotton-ribbed bathrobe. Dad, kneeling, wears a suit coat and a bowler hat. His hands are clasped behind my back and mine are hooked around his neck. Smiling, cheek-to-cheek, we face the camera.

Dad and I are in the center of the photo while Mom is in the lower left hand corner. She is sitting in a chair, and wears a plaid skirt and a turtleneck sweater. Her passive face is turned toward the camera.

That snapshot captures my life: Dad at the center and Mom on the perimeter.

About the Author


Terese Luikens has been married for forty-four years to the same man, although she is on her third wedding ring, having lost one and worn out another. She lives in Sandpoint, Idaho, enjoys being mother to three grown sons and grandmother to her much-loved grandchildren. She is the author of A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness, a Memoir of her inspiring journey of emotional healing from her father’s suicide. She facilitates retreats and workshops focusing on forgiveness, and publishes her own blog, Why Bother? 

You can visit her website at www.tereseluikens.com.

 

❤Inside the Pages: An Exploratory Study of GPT-4o Poetry 2024 by Deborah Levin #bookspotlight #insidethepages

 

Discover the creative abilities and constraints of artificial intelligence with "An Exploratory Study of GPT-4o Poetry 2024." This groundbreaking study examines the creative capabilities and limitations of GPT-4o, an advanced AI model that mirrors human expressiveness. Drawing on the insights of the latest research, this book explores whether AI can truly replicate the depth and nuance of human creativity in poetry.

From structured sonnets to open-ended free verse, poetry is a profound literary form that captures the essence of human emotions and experiences. But can an AI model like GPT-4o generate verses with human authenticity? Through a qualitative exploration of AI behavior in creative contexts, this study examines the model's ability to create original, non-plagiarized work and its tendency to rely on specific terminology or phrases.

Key Questions Explored:

  • Can GPT-4o produce poetic expressions equivalent to human creativity?
  • What refinements in capability does GPT-4o encompass beyond its older counterparts?
  • Does GPT-4o exhibit over-reliance on specific terminology or phrases?
  • Are the poetic outputs from GPT-4o indistinguishable from human-created poetry?
  • How does GPT-4o handle the complexities of creative context generation?

In this study, you will also find:

  • Examples of AI-generated poetry that showcase GPT-4o's creative potential.
  • Insights into the model's unique approach to literary expression.
  • Evaluation of plagiarized content and poetry generation speed.

An Exploratory Study of GPT-4o Poetry 2024 is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of AI and its role in human culture. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast, a tech aficionado, or simply curious about the capabilities of modern AI, this book offers unique insights and thought-provoking analyses. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the cutting-edge of AI-driven creativity—get your copy today!

An Exploratory Study of GPT-4o Poetry 2024 is available at Amazon.

 

Book Excerpt


This independent exploratory study aims to understand GPT-4o's capabilities and limitations related to creative poetic expression. Poetry encompasses creative literary representations in structured and open-ended formats. Expressions of feeling are arranged in verses or comparable language patterns (Oxford, 2024). Can GPT-4o produce poetic expressions equivalent to human creativity?

GPT stands for generative pre-trained transformer. The number four in the model's name represents the fourth generation of this model, created by OpenAI. The "o" is short for "omni," which is defined as "combining all." 

GPT-4o is a multi-modal large language model (LLM) based on artificial intelligence (AI). AI uses data and algorithms through machine learning to imitate how humans learn. A subset of machine learning, known as Deep Learning, uses multi-layered deep neural networks to simulate the decision-making complexities of the human brain. This learning enables the model to increase the accuracy or predictions over time. Examples of AI-based technology include digital assistants, global positioning systems, and self-driving vehicles. Companies use AI strategies to automate tasks of lower complexity and bolster predictive modeling performance. (IBM, 2024)

Critics of AI believe it cannot replicate human creativity. The development of quality literary contribution requires personal collaboration. AI cannot critically analyze its outputs and cannot produce engaging content. Although technically accurate, the absence of emotional intelligence and empathy makes AI-generated creative content lackluster. Additionally, AI struggles with context and tone. (Burn, 2023)

Additional criticisms of AI, beyond an absence of creativity and emotion, include limitations due to data dependency and bias. Machine learning algorithms pull data from information across digital technologies. The quality of data inputs, including biased information, directly affects the outputs generated by AI. There may be over-reliance on source information if machine learning deems other sources less relevant. In some instances, AI can magnify biases, resulting in discriminatory content. Data inputs of misinformation or propaganda further exacerbate bias by developing aggregated content perceived as accurate and relevant. (AIContenfy, 2023)

Ethical concerns, including copyright infringement and plagiarism, present significant implications for authors, students and educators. The evolution of AI enables this LLM to mimic human conversations and create human-like content. The United States Copyright Office does not currently offer protection to literary work unless it is made or heavily edited by humans. This human-created requirement also encompasses protection for art and other media. Information contributors extend ethical concerns as AI may or may not ask contributors for permission before including their content in machine learning models. (Lane 2024) 

Regardless of copyright protection, AI-generated content encourages human laziness through over-reliance on technology tools to produce content. The challenge of generating original creative thought is relegated to merely creating the right prompt to tell AI the type of output desired. This presents a significant challenge to educators as they strive to develop student intellect, encourage critical thinking, and realize the full human experience. 

The GPT-4o model was trained using an extensive dataset, including internet text, books, articles, websites, and other electronic information. This data included information created up to September 2021. However, refinements enabled the model to include some knowledge as recent as early 2023. Therefore, new outputs created are based on relevant data from 1-2 years ago. This model began its rollout for general use in 2024 with enhanced voice, vision and text modality. (OpenAI, 2024)

Criticisms of AI were based on previous models. What refinements in capability does GPT-4o encompass beyond its older counterparts? Qualitatively exploring AI behavior's complexities relative to creative context generation will reveal its capabilities. Is this new model capable of creating original, non-plagiarized work? Does the model exhibit over-reliance on specific terminology or phrases? Do poetic outputs from this model seem human?

About the Author

Dr. Deborah Levin is a woman of many talents. She holds degrees in Design, Business Administration, and Leadership. She has multiple technical certifications, ranging from project management to artificial intelligence natural language processing. She has a strong background in project management and continuous improvement. She used her unique combination of creative and analytical skills throughout her decades of experience in corporate manufacturing and transactional environments, in addition to facilitating courses for adult learners and community service leadership. Dr. Levin is passionate about lifelong learning and is a strong supporter of formal education. She believes sharing her learning and experiences with others helps them gain perspective to become better versions of themselves.  She expresses this passion through a down-to-earth, personable writing style often seen in her written work.

Her book, An Exploratory Study of GPT-4o Poetry 2024 is available at Amazon.

Visit her website at www.allenjopublishing.com.

❤Inside the Pages: Blazing Upheaval by Karen Charles #bookspotlight #insidethepages

 


A teacher and her family struggle to survive tumultuous riots, escalating violence, and civil unrest in this thrilling release from Karen Charles, and as their loyalties are put to the ultimate test, horrifying revelations and the cataclysmic Northridge earthquake irrevocably change their lives forever…

Title: Blazing Upheaval

Author: Karen Charles

Publication Date: July 25, 2024

Pages: 172

Genre: Thriller

In the heart of the tumultuous Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, a dedicated teacher finds herself thrust into a hazardous situation. Struggling to navigate the chaos and reach safety on the freeway, she faces dangerous obstacles that jeopardize her life. An unexpected rescue during a brutal attack plunges her, her family, and two other families into a chilling series of enigmatic events and escalating violence.

As the city grapples with unrest, they are entangled in a web of mysteries swiftly building in intensity. In the turmoil, their bonds of family, loyalty, and love are put to the ultimate test. The tension mounts relentlessly until an unforeseen revelation, coinciding with the cataclysmic Northridge earthquake, irrevocably changes their lives forever.

This gripping true-story thriller delivers suspenseful twists and heart-pounding moments, weaving a narrative of family resilience, solidarity, and enduring love in the face of daunting circumstances. It is a tale that illuminates the strength found within the human spirit when confronted with extraordinary challenges.

Blazing Upheaval is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMM6BXLG

 


With renewed focus, her heart pounding against her ribcage, Tiffany emerged from the fray. She realized she was only a few blocks from the I-5 freeway, her haven of safety. She pressed the gas pedal, her car surging ahead with newfound urgency.

Tiffany came to an abrupt stop at the red light at the intersection where she would make a left turn onto the freeway entrance. Loud yelling frightened her. Three men surrounded her car. They bounced it up and down. Alarm gripped her racing heart as she understood the hatred in their eyes. They pulled on the locked doors. They pounded on the windows. She felt shock and disbelief as she realized the rioters wanted to harm her! She was helpless! She was trapped!

 

About the Author

Karen Charles transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. An educator by profession, she is renowned for her thriller “Fateful Connections,” which unfolds against the backdrop of 9/11. “Blazing Upheaval” promises to deliver another chilling, heart-pounding experience. Karen and her husband reside on the serene shores of a beautiful bay in Washington, where she draws inspiration for her compelling narratives. Explore her insights and musings on the writer’s life through her blogs on “My Life As A Writer” at www.weaveofsuspense.com.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ http://weaveofsuspense.com 

Twitter ➜ http://www.twitter.com/karenra24229683 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/karen.rabe.7/




Sponsored By:

❤Inside the Pages: Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by Randy C. Dockens #bookspotlight #insidethepages

 


 

The earthly and the divine come together in a futuristic harmony we can only imagine...


Stele Prophecy Pentalogy Series Description

A series of five stories run the gamut of emotional themes: struggling with anger, the desire to belong, one seeking destiny, complicated love, and being blinded by pride. Each cleverly crafted story demonstrates unbelievable technology where the earthly and divine merge into an amazing and unforgettable future.

Kalem lives through the death of his brother by the hand of the King which occurred when he was very young. Now that he is older and can act, he is emotionally torn between his anger over his brother’s death and the love he is finding in someone who supports the King. Two prophecies stand before him. The one he wholeheartedly believes in places his life in danger just as it had for his brother. The other is safer but requires him to live a lie. How can he choose which direction to take? Yet he must choose before his fate is sealed.

Edvin experiences heartbreak during troubled times as his sister-in-law loses her unborn baby and his girlfriend dies from plane crash injuries. Yet he is not the only one. Thousands around the globe experience the same events happening in their lives and to their loved ones. How can he make sense of the apocalyptic world in which he now lives? Yet an unexpected destiny awaits him.

Ya’akov gets approved for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but he gets caught in a nightmare of manipulation and deceit, which ultimately leaves him abandoned at sea not remembering who he is or how he got there. Despite such a start, he finds a destiny greater than anything he had ever dreamed possible.

Princess Me’ira breaks protocol and falls in love with someone not vetted by prescribed law. Her decision will yield unpreventable heartache to either herself or to those closest to her. While unknown to her, the decision she makes sets a future in motion she could never have anticipated.

Janet discovers how to increase teleporter efficiency to an all-time high, but her work is rejected by the King. Her selfish pride sets in motion a plan of revenge that has devastating consequences far greater than she ever imagined.

Each story is stand-alone, yet they all intertwine into a unique whole that paints a picture of a future time in which we may all find ourselves one day.

The Stele Prophecy Pentalogy Series is available at Amazon.

Title: Mercy of the Iron Scepter (Book 1)
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: 01-Feb-2019
Pages: 450
Genre: Christian Fiction

After Kalem lives through the death of his brother by the hand of the King which occurred over a decade ago, he is now torn. Two prophecies stand before him. The one he wholeheartedly believes in places his life in danger just as it had for his brother. The other is safer but requires him to live a lie.
Kalem, an archaeologist, has unearthed steles which tell of a prophecy about a coming Overtaker who will oust the current king and bring everyone total freedom avoiding a coming apocalypse. He becomes close to Angela, the woman supposedly the key to fulfilling this stele prophecy, desires a romantic relationship with her, but is hesitant to act on his feelings. Her belief in the current king takes Kalem down an alternative view of the prophecy where the current king will bring everyone into an even better future home after saving all from annihilation. Can Kalem exonerate his brother and bring the justice he had always dreamed of? Or will he find his life is being manipulated to prevent the true prophecy from being fulfilled? Unfortunately, he finds deception in places he never would have suspected.
Mercy of the Iron Scepter is the first book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction novel about biblical end times prophecy as it combines bible prophecy with futuristic advances in science to describe a future home that is agrarian but also technologically advanced, like citizens using a teleporter. Plus, it provides a romantic read with a little tension added in to make it interesting.  

Mercy of the Iron Scepter is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 20: 

 After dessert, Melana excused herself, and Peter offered to escort her home. Shortly after, Ilana and Robert left together. Kalem and Angela stayed a little longer, but after a short time, Angela said she had to return home; Kalem offered to walk her. They said their goodbyes.
Kalem and Angela walked in silence. Kalem could tell something was on her mind, but didn’t know what or how to ask.
“Kalem, can we go somewhere and talk?”
“We can talk as we walk, can’t we?”
“Yes, but I have a feeling this may take a while. Ilana and Robert may be at the apartment. Why don’t we go to the Overlook?”
Kalem looked at her with furrowed brow. “OK.” They turned at the next block, toward the temple complex, and then turned south toward the Overlook. “Is something wrong, Angela?”
“No. But I feel we dance around our feelings for each other, and I would like to clear the air.”

Kalem swallowed—hard. He hoped this wouldn’t mean an end to their relationship. His palms became clammy.
“I’m sorry, Kalem. If I sound like I’m defensive or hurt, I’m not. We see each other so infrequently. When we do, it seems we start to make a connection and, once again, you’re off on another adventure. We don’t communicate beyond surface stuff until we see each other again, and then it all starts over. I would like to know how you feel and where we stand. I don’t have any expectations. Your friendship is important to me.”
They turned the corner and arrived at the Overlook. Kalem motioned for Angela to sit next to him. He gazed at her. My, she is so beautiful. Why can’t I commit? After a while, she said, in a soft tone, “What?”
“The night lights make your hair glisten—and you look almost angelic.”
Angela smiled. “Well, that’s a nice start.”
Kalem smiled back and cleared his throat. “Angela, to be honest, I’ve been attracted to you from day one. I felt guilty, you being younger. Also, you’re so tight with Peter, who’s my nephew. It all felt . . . a little uncomfortable.”
“Well, I can understand that. But I’m only four years younger. Yes, it made a difference when we first met, but I’m now twenty, which makes both of us in our twenties. Is that too far apart? I don’t think Mom and Mik’kel would complain over our age difference when their ages are so, so . . . so much wider.”
Kalem laughed. “In comparison to Raina and Mik’kel, our birthdays are identical.” Kalem paused and became more serious. “I get that, but you’re part of the family—”
“Kalem, I’m not part of the family. Yes, I love them . . . desperately. Raina is the only mom I remember. From an emotional standpoint, we are family, but not by blood. There’s nothing taboo about us having feelings for each other, if that’s where you’re going.”
“But the perception is there.”
“Don’t confuse perception with reality. I don’t think anyone, or anyone who matters, would care if we became serious. But there’s another issue we need to discuss.”
“Oh?” Kalem’s voice got softer. “There’s something else I need to overcome?”
“No.” Angela matched his softer tone. “It’s something I have to decide how to deal with. Kalem, I really, really like you. I know that makes you uncomfortable, but I want to put it all on the line here. There’s a bigger issue than feeling you’re falling for your nephew’s sister.”

Kalem looked at Angela. She didn’t hold his gaze. He could now feel every thud of his heartbeat—knowing he was about to hear something he didn’t want to hear.
“Kalem, I’ve accepted our King as both my Lord and my future hope. You may have accepted him as your Lord, but not as the one to secure your future. That’s a big deal to me.”
She looked back into his eyes; he continued to stare into hers.
“Kalem, please say something.”
She reached out and put her hand on his. He didn’t move—couldn’t move. He finally took a deep breath, took Angela’s hand, and spoke while running his fingers over hers. “Angela, I don’t know what to say. I also really, really like you.”
He looked up and gave a weak smile. “I admit I did feel weird about that. So many things have proven strange for me. When I met the King, he turned out to be totally different from what I expected. Actually . . . ” Kalem gave a short laugh. “Very different from what I expected. I’ve been involved with the steles for so long, maybe it’s all scrambled my brain. I don’t know.”
He gave a short shrug. “I’ve thought many times about why I can’t accept the King as the hope for my future. But there’s something there. I can’t explain it or put my finger on it.”
Kalem forced another smile. “Robert told me once how I have to know the outcome before I’m willing to commit to something. Robert said I can never know what it’s like being connected to the King in the special way he’s connected to those who accept him, until I put my trust in him. I want to commit to him and to you, but I can’t—not yet, anyway.”
Angela’s eyes grew wet with tears.
Kalem felt so guilty, but at the same time, he needed to be honest. “Angela, I’m so sorry. I don’t want to hurt you.”
He let go of her hand, and didn’t know what to do next.
“Sorry, Kalem. I didn’t mean to cry. I don’t understand.” Angela choked up again.
“I don’t know how to explain it, Angela. I hope I can, one day. I have to know about the prophecy on these steles first. Once I know their message, I think I can understand . . . things.”
Angela became teary again. “And what if you never understand?”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to lose you as a friend, though.”
Tears trickled down Angela’s cheeks. “You only want to be friends?”
“No. No, that’s not what I meant.” 
Kalem looked at her, his heart almost breaking, knowing he was causing her pain. He took her hands in his again and rubbed his fingers over hers. His voice became low and hushed. “Angela, you said accepting the King as my future hope is important to you. I understand that, but I can’t make such a step—yet. I can’t disrespect you and pretend so we can be together. That wouldn’t be fair.”
Angela nodded, but the tears kept flowing. “Can I at least have a hug?”
“Oh, Angela, yes. Yes, of course.” Kalem held her in his arms; she sobbed and his eyes watered. “I’m sorry, Angela. I’m so sorry.”
He hoped she felt his love for her in his embrace. He knew she wouldn’t give in, and he wouldn’t want her to, but neither could he. Not yet. After several minutes, she stopped sobbing and pulled away from his shoulder.
“I think I’m better now.” She gave a weak smile and sniffled between words. “Can you walk me home?”
Kalem helped her up and held her close. This was odd. They had essentially broken up—or had they, if they were never officially together? At the same time, he felt closer to her than ever. He continued to hold her close to him as they walked to her apartment.
Along the way, he said, “Angela, I do care for you.”
“I know,” was all Angela whispered in return.

 

Title: Promised Kingdom
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: March 19, 2019
Pages: 379
Genre: Christian Fiction

As Edvin discovers his sister-in-law losing her unborn baby and his girlfriend dying from plane crash injuries, he learns the exact same experience is happening to others around the globe. 

Edvin’s deepest desires crumble before him: wanting to get into Swedish Special Forces and marry the girl of his dreams. All that seems hopeless now amid all the Revelation times chaos happening around him. A new type of leader emerges who has great personal skills and ideas in how to bring the world together again, better than ever. Edvin's future begins to look up as he is recruited into the new elite world forces unit under this leader and becomes his trusted ally. Edvin even has a romantic encounter again, which turns serious but must remain hidden as he finds she is part of a targeted group of people this new leader turns against. Edvin finds his new leader darker in personality than he realized and soon finds himself on this leader's enemy list. Can Edvin, his family, and friends survive through all the continuing chaos happening around them and against this leader he once called a friend? Or will heartache find him once again?

Promised Kingdom, the first prequel to Mercy of the Iron Scepter, is the second book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction novel about Christian end times fiction as described in Revelation depicting a future home as it also combines other Bible prophecies presenting a cohesive chronological view of biblical prophecy that feels realistic in its presentation. Plus, it presents a romantic read showing how love gives strength to persevere through chaotic times.

Promised Kingdom is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 24:

Edvin looked around. He saw the Ziggurat of Knowledge in the distance. How did I get here? He walked toward the ziggurat but came to a pit with smoke coming out of it. He peeked over the edge but could see no bottom. More and more smoke came from the pit and rose into the sky. He heard a noise coming from the pit which grew louder and louder, sounding like an advancing army. Edvin saw a swarm of something rising. As they exited the pit, Edvin stumbled and fell backwards. Lopions—thousands of them—flew from the pit into the sky. He heard a voice coming from somewhere, but nowhere. Go. Possess your counterpart. Target those without my seal. Harm not the earth—only those who refuse the truth.
Edvin stared in amazement as so many exited the pit. One flew out of the pit, turned, and headed straight toward him. He stood back up and walked backwards. The lopion kept coming towards him. He turned and ran. He could hear the lopion gaining ground on him. Edvin knew the pain which awaited him. His heart raced with the adrenaline surge, and sweat from the anxiety bled through his shirt. He glanced back. It was almost on him. He ran with all his might. He glanced back again. It was landing on his shoulder. He waved his hand over his shoulder frantically trying to prevent it from landing. When he looked ahead, he came to an abrupt stop. The lopion touched him and vanished.
Before him stood one of the most hideous creatures he had ever seen. It appeared black as midnight with highlights of deep purple. The body looked like a horse but had a lion’s head breathing out dark smoke. Its tail seemed to have a mind of its own. It moved more like a snake rather than the tail of a horse. The smell of sulfur coming from the creature was pungent and thick. It became difficult to breathe. Is this what Ranata had seen?

 The veins in Edvin’s neck were throbbing with the beat of his heart. He wanted to run, but his body seemed to be transfixed in place. The creature slowly turned towards him. Its deep black eyes locked with his and it slowly advanced toward him. Although his feet felt like stone, he backed away from the advancing creature. He heard the voice again. Go. Kill. Target those who refuse the truth.
The creature kept advancing toward Edvin more and more quickly. Edvin didn’t know what to do except try and run even though he knew escape was impossible. He turned, but again stopped short. There stood Ranata. Her pale complexion, expressionless face, and empty stare made Edvin shudder. The index finger of her outstretch hand pointed directly at him.
“You, Edvin. You knew the truth and didn’t tell me. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Edvin’s voice caught in his throat; regret sinking into his soul. “I . . . uh . . . Ranata. I’m . . . I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Tears formed and trickled down his cheeks. He reached out to her, but she remained resolute in her hard stare and pointing finger.
“You killed me, Edvin.”

Edvin shook his head; his vision blurred with tears. “No, Ranata. No.”
“You knew the truth but didn’t tell me. You. It was you who killed me.”
Edvin’s heart sank and he felt as heavy as concrete. Is she right? Is it my fault?
“Edvin. Edvin.”

 The voice was not coming from Ranata. It also wasn’t the looming voice from before. It seemed to be from far away. He felt his body being shaken.

“Edvin. Wake up. You’re dreaming. Can you hear me?”
Edvin opened his eyes. Slowly the form of Elsbeth came into focus. He grabbed her and hugged her tightly.
“Edvin, are you OK?”
Edvin released his grip. “I’ve never had such a horrible nightmare.”


Title: Hope Renewed
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: September 17, 2019
Pages: 265
Genre: Christian Fiction

After Ya’akov gets approval for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, he gets caught in a nightmare of manipulation and deceit, ultimately leaving him abandoned at sea not remembering who he is or how he got there.
Ya'akov has forgotten he is the first person born into this once future home, now called the King’s Promised Kingdom, and is destined to become the first priest of the kingdom. His dissatisfaction and disillusionment with his prescribed destiny are what puts him on this adventure encouraged by the King for him to gain perspective. He is rescued by a family who takes care of him while he recovers. As he rediscovers himself, he gains a new perspective on his life and on what true love means. Yet, if his memory returns, will he remember his bitter outlook on life, or keep his renewed perspective and the hope he has gained? Will he now embrace his destiny or abandon it all together?
Hope Renewed, the second prequel to Mercy of the Iron Scepter, is the third book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction in a biblical end times novel as it combines prophecy of biblical future worship practices with advances in science to describe a future home that is technologically advanced providing a science fiction feel to the story. Plus, it presents a romantic read as it shows how love needs truth to make it grow and have purpose.
Hope Renewed is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 18:

As they walked on, they passed Kowhai trees with their beautiful golden yellow flowers as well as rata trees with their flowers showing off a brilliant crimson. They also passed meadows sprinkled with a variety of colorful wildflowers, such as verbena, which in some places were a sea of purple amid green grass. Other colors were the vibrant orange of Indian cress, the soft blue of periwinkle, and the sparkling white of white clover. Hadassah picked several flowers along the way. Each had an exotic fragrance, especially when mixed in a bouquet.
After a while, Hadassah left the narrow path and headed across a meadow, through some lemonwood, and settled next to a stream. Before them in the valley below was the city of New Auckland. It was a lovely spot for a picnic, but Ya’akov would have considered anywhere a lovely spot as long as Hadassah was present.
Hadassah spread a red ocher blanket with specs of blue and green throughout on the grass and sat facing the city below. Ya’akov sat next to her. She pulled some glasses and sparkling cider from her basket and poured them each a glass. Next she took out some bread, cheese, pears, and kiwifruit. They ate casually while they talked and took in the scenery.
“You mentioned Jerusalem,” Ya’akov said. “Do you go there often?”
Hadassah nodded and took a sip of cider. “My dad operates out of the Jerusalem Science Center and assists various Shepherds in their teaching, helping keep them up to date on new technology and how to teach people more effectively. I assist him and the Shepherds—mainly teaching children.” She smiled. “They’re so adorable.” She pointed to the city below. “My uncle is a Shepherd here in New Auckland, but he travels throughout New Zealand.”
“Is everything here preceded by the word new?” Ya’akov asked with a smile.
Hadassah almost choked on a piece of bread as she laughed at the same time.
Ya’akov patted her on her back as she recovered from coughing. He bent over to get her attention with his eyes. “Are you all right? Sorry. I guess that was bad timing on my part.”
Hadassah waved her hands. “No, no. I’m fine. It just struck me as funny.” She pointed back to the city. “From the way it’s been explained to me, this part of New Zealand, the North Island, was shaped somewhat like a boot. Auckland was on the toe of that boot. But during the pre-Refreshing time of geologic upheaval, the rise in ocean levels and the activity of the volcanoes here buried the city. After the King initiated the Refreshing, people here built this city again and named it New Auckland.”
Ya’akov nodded.
“But to fully answer your question . . . ” She smiled. “No, not all cities begin with the word new.”
Ya’akov leaned back on his elbows and sighed.
“What’s wrong?”
Ya’akov looked at her and then toward the city. “You know so much about everything. I know nothing about anything. I feel like I’m a blank-page journal sitting next to an encyclopedia.”
Hadassah laughed but then quickly put her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”
Ya’akov chuckled. “I wasn’t offended. In a sad way, it is kind of funny.”
“So, no memories at all have come back?” She passed him more cheese.
Ya’akov shook his head as he took a bite. He looked at Hadassah and smiled. “I’ve greatly enjoyed the company, though.”
Hadassah’s gaze met his. “So have I.”
Ya’akov grinned. “So you like blank pages, do you?”
“Of course. You can turn them into anything you want.”
Ya’akov gave a look of mock shock with mouth open. Hadassah laughed again.
“You think I’m going to let you get away with that?” he asked.
Hadassah looked at him sternly. “I do.” She couldn’t keep a straight face, and it quickly turned into a smile.
Ya’akov reached for her, but she quickly rolled away from him and jumped to her feet. Ya’akov reacted and also bounded to his feet. She was already several meters ahead, running toward the stream, giggling the whole way.
Ya’akov gained on her, but before he could reach her, she leapt across a few stones, turned, bent down, and splashed Ya’akov with water as he arrived at the stream’s edge.
He yelped in a bit of shock. The water was cold, and it took him off guard, forcing him to stop dead in his tracks, arms outstretched.
Hadassah laughed. Ya’akov got a wicked grin on his face. He bent down and splashed her back. She gave a little squeal, laughed, and ran away. Ya’akov stood to run after her. He attempted to leap across the same stones as Hadassah had, but his foot slipped, and he fell headlong into the stream at the same moment he saw Hadassah turn.
Ya’akov stood up sputtering, spraying water out of his mouth, and slinging his hands. Hadassah fell on the grass laughing. Ya’akov looked at her and also laughed. He waded from the water and plopped down next to her. “You win.”
She laughed even more. She took her sleeve and wiped his forehead and cheeks. “That will teach you.” Her eyes met his and they both froze. He leaned in. She didn’t move. His lips touched hers, and he tasted kiwi. He leaned in further and she kissed him back. He made the kiss last longer and then pulled his lips from hers. Her gaze darted between his eyes and over his face. He pulled back a bit and whispered. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
She ran her hands over his temples. “I wasn’t exactly resisting.”
Ya’akov smiled, put his hands on hers, and pulled them down. He stood and reached for her hand. He helped her up.
“Hadassah, I don’t know anything about myself. It’s unfair to you.” He flailed his arms. “I could be anything. I could even be a bad person who—”
“No.” Hadassah cut him off sternly and put her hand on his chest. Her voice softened. “You could be anything but that.”
Ya’akov looked down and then back into her eyes. “How do you know that?”
She didn’t remove her hand from its position just over his heart. “Because of what’s in here. You may not know who you are, but I know what you are.”
“And what is that?”
“A gentle soul. Someone the King loves and has saved. That’s good enough for me.”
Ya’akov felt a blush coming on. He took her hand that was on his chest. “That’s sweet of you, Hadassah. I’m not sure your father would say the same.” Hadassah smiled. “You’re probably right.”
Ya’akov looked at her and they both broke into laughter.
“Come on. Let me help you get your basket packed.”
They walked back across the stream holding hands. He didn’t want to impose himself on her, but he definitely wanted to keep the possibility there once he—if he—rediscovered himself.
He helped her get everything in the basket, and they walked back to the house. He wanted to continue to hold her hand but didn’t want to rush anything. There was something about being with her. He felt alive, refreshed. For some reason, he didn’t care if he ever got his memory back—as long as she was part of his new existence.


Title: Darkness in the Light
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Pages: 272
Genre: Christian Fiction

After Princess Me’ira breaks protocol and falls in love with someone not vetted by prescribed law, heartache seems unpreventable for either herself or someone she loves. 

Me’ira discovers the man for whom she has romantic feelings is tied to a prophecy that may put her father, the Prince who leads the world in worship of the King, in grave danger. Her father forbids her to marry the man of her dreams. Me'ira tries to circumvent the demand by devising a plan of her own to both protect her father as well as preserve her happiness. Yet, she finds her plan becomes harder to implement than she envisioned. Will it accomplish what she wants for both herself and her father, or will it just enhance the fulfillment of the prophecy she is trying so desperately to prevent? And can heartache be avoided, or will it consume them all? 

Darkness in the Light, the third prequel to Mercy of the Iron Scepter, is the fourth book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction in a biblical end times novel as, above all, it is a love story. This unique speculative fiction story combines biblical end times events of prophetic worship under the leadership of one called the Prince with advances in science to produce a future home that is technologically advanced while at the same time yielding a romantic read unlike any other Christian romance story you may have read. This book links many story threads together for that special aha moment.    

Darkness in the Light is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 7:

Jeremiah’s office door opened, and he stepped outside to ask everyone in. This time, Elsbeth and Liam were in the office as well. Adelina stood to one side.
Jeremiah gestured for Me’ira and Galen to have a seat. They found the two empty chairs in front of the floor to ceiling bookcases. Me’ira felt like this was an inquisition; everyone else took seats to face them.

Galen had a worried look on his face. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and Me’ira felt his hands getting clammy. She patted his forearm to give him assurance, as if to say she was on his side.
“Dad, what’s going on? Are we in trouble or something?”
“No, Me’ira. We just have some questions to clear up.”
Galen glanced from Me’ira to each of the others. “What type of questions? What did I do?”
Elsbeth responded. “Galen, I don’t know that you did anything, but . . . ”
“But what?”
Elsbeth crossed her legs, placing her hands on her knee. “Let me explain some things about the teleporter.”
Me’ira felt Galen’s hand start to tremble just a bit. She rubbed it to help him remain calm.
“The teleporter reads your genetic makeup as it dematerializes you and then rematerializes you. It needs to do that to ensure the machine does its job correctly on the other end. That gives a type of blueprint of the person traveling through it. Now, the teleportation department does several things with all of those data.”
“Aunt Elsbeth, surely you don’t use that information against people?” Me’ira asked.
Elsbeth shook her head. “Quite the contrary, I assure you. We compare each blueprint over time to ensure there is no tissue or genetic damage.” She smiled. “I can assure you, I have never seen a single case where harm came to anyone using a teleporter.”
Me’ira heard a small sigh come from Galen. She whispered in his direction, “See, I told you.”
Elsbeth turned to face Galen directly. “Because you and Me’ira used the teleporter several times today, we were able to verify your genetic patterns and compare them to the only other time you had ever been in the teleporter.”
Galen’s head jerked back slightly. He looked at Me’ira and back to Elsbeth. “But . . . I’ve never used the teleporter before yesterday.”
Elsbeth smiled. “Yes, I know. But your mother did before you were born—likely before she even knew she was pregnant.”
“I guess that makes sense.” He shook his head. “But I don’t understand. What’s the issue?”
Elsbeth looked at Jeremiah and Adelina and then back to Galen. “Galen, the genetic pattern produced by the fetus your mother carried . . . was not you.”
Galen sat stonelike for several seconds. Me’ira couldn’t tell if he was even breathing.
“What?” he said in a hushed tone, shaking his head. “That’s . . . that’s impossible. What are you implying? Are you trying to say I’m . . . I’m . . . ” He choked up. His eyes began to tear. “So, what are you really saying?”
Me’ira interlocked her fingers in his and held tight.
Elsbeth continued. “Galen, I know this doesn’t make sense. We’re still trying to understand it ourselves. But it seems the truth of the matter is, you are not your parents’ biological son. As crazy as that sounds, that is what the evidence suggests.”
Galen wiped his free hand down across his face in shock.
“Aunt Elsbeth, has this ever happened before?” Me’ira asked.
Elsbeth shook her head. “No. Never.”
Me’ira let go of Galen’s hand and quickly held it with her other; she rubbed his back gently with her just-freed hand. She turned to face him directly. “Do you have any siblings?”
Galen shook his head as his eyes glistened. “Me’ira, I’m an only child.” He looked at Elsbeth. “My parents love me.” Galen sat up straighter and wiped a few tears away. “They do,” he said, nodding as if to convince himself.
Elsbeth put her hand on his knee. “Galen, we’re not implying they don’t. I’m sure they do. But there is a mystery here that seems . . . unexplainable at the moment.”
Liam walked over and knelt next to Galen. “Hey, buddy, do you mind staying with us a few more days?”
Galen looked up, puzzled.
“I have some friends looking for your mom and dad,” Liam said. “We want to bring them here so we can get all of this straightened out. OK? There’s probably some logical explanation, and if anyone can explain it, it would be your mom and dad. Don’t you agree?”
Galen nodded slightly. “Yeah, I guess.” He began to fidget. “Uh, I really need to get some air. I feel . . . kind of sick. Even worse than the first teleporter ride.”
Me’ira rubbed his back. “Come on, Galen. I’ll take you out to the gardens.”
They stood. Adelina held out her hand. “Me’ira, here, let me take him.”
She looked at her dad, who nodded. “OK. I’ll be right out. OK, Galen?”
He nodded but didn’t really seem to comprehend. He and Adelina left the office.
Me’ira sat with a thud. Liam sat next to her. He put his arm around her shoulders and rubbed her back.
She looked at all three of them. “Can someone tell me what’s going on?” She stood and paced the length of the office. “None of this is making any sense.”
“Sis, it’s not making any sense to us either. We won’t know anything until we find his parents. Maybe they can shed some light on this.”
“Me’ira, please sit, sweetie,” her dad said, speaking for the first time in several minutes. “Your pacing is giving me motion sickness.”
She returned a weak smile knowing her dad was trying to add a little levity to the situation. She returned to sit next to Liam.
Her eyes were wet. “I just want everyone to like him,” she said softly.
“We do, sis. We do,” Liam said.
Elsbeth gave Me’ira a handkerchief. She wiped her eyes.
She leaned back, sighed, and looked at her father. “Are there any protocols for this?”


Title: Iron in the Scepter
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: April 12, 2020
Pages: 260
Genre: Christian Fiction

After Janet’s proposal for increasing teleporter efficiency to an all-time high is rejected by the King, she sets in motion a plan of revenge that has devastating consequences far greater than she ever imagined.
A co-worker puts Janet on the path to a prophecy that supposedly states the King will one day be deposed by a coming Overtaker who will bring true freedom to everyone. She puts her efforts, and those of her family, into the fulfillment of this prophecy. She marries a romantic who cherishes her for who she is, not wishing to change her, but doesn’t realize Janet also sees having children as a means to a greater end. Will she allow her animosity for the King and her pride to put herself, and her whole family, in harm’s way to fulfill her desire to see the King deposed? Her coercive efforts propel her into the fulfillment of a prophecy she could never have envisioned.

Iron in the Scepter, the fourth prequel to Mercy of the Iron Scepter, is the fifth and final book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction novel as it combines prophecy of biblical end times events with advances in science to describe a future home that is technologically advanced to produce a unique science fiction feel to this story. Plus, it provides a romantic read with a twist to the typical love story because pride gets in the way of true joy. 

Iron in the Scepter is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 4:

“Administrator Billingsley sat right there in the chair you’re sitting in and said not to get discouraged because my idea was rejected.”
“So, your boss talked to her without you being present to give a rebuttal?”
Janet shook her head.
“Your boss didn’t talk to her?”
“According to him.”
“So, the administrator received a message from the King through his Spirit, Ruach HaKadosh?”
Janet’s eyes narrowed. “Do you believe in that myth?”
Bruce raised an eyebrow. “According to Shepherd Morgan, it happens all the time. He says Scripture supports the idea.”
Have I gone too far?, Janet wondered. Well, there was only one way to find out. “Is that what you believe?” she asked.
Bruce shrugged. “I try not to get involved in debates. But . . . ” He let the sentence hang.
“But what?”
“Well, from how Shepherd Morgan explained it in one of his lessons some time ago, it explains why Administrators have glorified bodies and appear to glow somehow—because they died before the Refreshing and came back with the King when he returned.”
Janet pointed. “There. Did you hear what you just said?”
Bruce shook his head slightly. “What? What did I say?”
“Death. I just don’t get that. Have you ever heard of anyone dying?”
Bruce shook his head. “Except—”
Janet waved a hand quickly. “Yes, yes, I know. Not since the Refreshing.” She looked at Bruce with lips pursed. “And who controls all those records explaining how death used to happen? The King and his Administrators. That’s who.” Janet became even more emphatic. “We both have relatives who are centuries old. How do we know the Refreshing, where ‘all was made new,’ is an actual event, or one that was made up to explain the King’s legitimacy?” Bruce laughed. “I’m sorry, Janet. I see this topic gets you worked up.”
“Well, I choose to look at reality and use my senses. My senses tell me death is a myth.”
Bruce smiled. He pantomimed taking off a hat. “To each his own.”
That made Janet chuckle. “Sorry. I guess I get a little passionate sometimes.” She pointed to the monitor. “So, what about my proposal?”
Bruce sat back. “Oh, I think you have a remarkable brain.” He smiled. “Among other things.”
Janet felt her cheeks warm once more. She smiled and placed a stray hair behind her ear. “But . . . did I miss anything? In my proposal?”
“Well, I can understand why people wouldn’t want to go on a safari and see people farming when they would see that at most places around the world.”
Janet’s shoulders drooped. She had hoped Bruce would be more supportive.
“Yet there is one other variable that might need considering.”
Janet sat up. “Oh. What’s that?”
“Farm equipment.”
Janet froze for a second while trying to process the statement. She let out a sigh, shaking her head. “Farm equipment. Why didn’t I think of that? If I put farm equipment in my model, the soil can be repurposed better without necessarily having to go elsewhere for a different crop.” She stood and walked to the side of her desk. “I’m impressed.”
Bruce grinned and stood. “I said I was simple. Not a simpleton.”
She slapped his shoulder lightly and stood eye to eye with him. “I never implied that.”
Bruce smiled. “No. No, you didn’t.” Their eyes locked. Janet remained motionless. Bruce wrapped his arms around her as he leaned in for a kiss. Their lips touched and her body went weak. His strong arms held her steady, however, and this caused her to go even weaker. No man had ever affected her like this. After a few seconds, their lips parted.
Bruce whispered. “Janet, I’ve known you only a short time, but I think I’m falling for you.”
“But how can we make this work?”
Bruce gave a small grin. “Teleporters make a lot of things possible.”
“Maybe.” Janet asked herself why she was so hesitant about this. What’s holding me back?
“Well, just think about it this week. Can I come back and see you next weekend?”
Janet nodded. “I’ll meet you in the hotel lobby. Say, for brunch around ten thirty?”
Bruce turned up an eyebrow. “I thought you were going back home.”
“Oh, I am. But this gives me another reason to come back to the city.”
Bruce laughed and shook his head. “You’re definitely a city girl.” He suddenly stopped as though a realization had hit him, let his arms fall to his side, and let his shoulders droop. “Oh, I see.”
“See what?”
“Why you hesitated. You can’t see a relationship developing.”
“I . . . uh . . . don’t know.” She turned and took a couple of steps toward her desk and turned back, making circles on the desk with her index finger. “I just don’t want to get my hopes up.”
Bruce walked back to Janet and took her hands in his. “You take your time and leave the rest to me.” He kissed her forehead.
She gave him a hug. This should be an easy decision. Why am I making it so hard? Maybe he’s right. Time. That’s what she needed.
“Just be cautious, Janet.”
“What do you mean?”
“Not everyone will accept negative comments about the King.” Bruce paused. “Some . . . some have been taken.”
“Taken?” She shook her head slightly. “I don’t understand.”
 “Shepherd Morgan tells us that is part of the King’s iron scepter. Rebellion will be dealt with swiftly. I’ve heard of some being called rebellious and just disappearing. No one has seen them since.”
Janet’s eyes widened. “What? They were taken for just having a different opinion?”
“For various reasons, I’ve heard.” He paused. “Just be careful.”
Janet turned and paced. “That’s what makes me so upset with the King. Why is he allowed to be the one who defines what anyone can do?” Bruce grabbed her and stopped her from pacing. He rubbed her shoulders. “Calm down, Janet. If I knew you would get so upset, I wouldn’t have said anything. But I care about you and don’t want anything to happen to you.”
Janet gave a weak smile. “I’m sorry. I guess I get a little too independent sometimes.”
He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “I don’t mind a spirit of independence.” He smiled. “Of course, not everyone is like me.”
He had a point there. Not many men she had met was anything like him.
“I have to leave, Janet. You think about us this week, and we’ll pick up where we left off next weekend. OK?”
She nodded. He kissed her on the cheek and walked from her office.
She sat at her desk and watched him leave. Uh-oh. She knew she was in trouble.
He wasn’t even at the elevator and she missed him already.

About the Author

Dr. Randy C. Dockens has a fascination with science and with the Bible, holds Ph.D. degrees in both areas, and is a man not only of faith and science, but also of creativity. He believes that faith and science go hand in hand without being enemies of each other.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Auburn University he went on to graduate school at Auburn and completed his first doctorate degree in Pharmaceutics. He began his scientific career as a pharmacokinetic reviewer for the Food and Drug Administration and later joined a leading pharmaceutical company as a pharmacokineticist, which is a scientist who analyzes how the human body affects drugs after they have been administered (i.e, absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted).

Through the years, he has worked on potential medicines within several disease areas, including cardiovascular, fibrosis, and immunoscience to seek and develop new and novel medicines in these therapy areas.

He has also had his attention on the academic study of the Bible. He earned a second doctorate in Biblical Prophecy from Louisiana Baptist University after receiving a master’s degree in Jewish Studies from the Internet Bible Institute under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Congdon.

Randy has recently retired from his pharmaceutical career and is spending even more time on his writing efforts. He has written several books that span dystopian (The Coded Message Trilogy), end-time prophecy (Stele Prophecy Pentalogy), science fiction (Erabon Prophecy Trilogy), and uniquely told Bible stories (The Adversary Chronicles). All his books, while fun to read, are futuristic, filled with science to give them an authentic feel, have a science fiction feel to them, and allows one to learn some aspect of Biblical truth one may not have thought about before. This is all done in a fast-paced action format that is both entertaining and provides a fun read for his readers.

He has also written some nonfiction books as well. One is to show how all humans are connected from God’s viewpoint by looking at biblical prophecy (Why is a Gentile World Tied to a Jewish Timeline?: The Question Everyone Should Ask). This book shows how all scripture is connected and inclusive of everyone. In addition, he and his editor have written two books about writing. The first is on writing techniques themselves and is entitled Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Writing: Creating Vivid and Colorful Stories that Readers Want to Read. This book not only addresses the techniques of writing, but what makes writing unique to each author. It conveys not only how to better hone one’s craft of writing but also the brand an author wants to portray. This helps an author make their writing unique as well as captivating for his/her audience. The second is a companion book to this one entitled Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Self-Editing: Framing Your Colorful Masterpiece to Keep Readers Engaged in Your Story. This is best used in conjunction with the first one. Yet, self-editing, though intricately connected to writing, is a distinct event. The better the quality of a writer’s draft manuscript when it is delivered to one’s editor, the higher the final quality of the manuscript will be for readers, and that is extremely important.

Dr Dockens is still not done. He has other creative ideas he is bringing forward as he is currently working on two new futuristic series. So, stay turned!

Website https://www.randydockens.com/   
X https://x.com/RandyCDockens 
Facebook  www.facebook.com/Randy.C.Dockens
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/randydockens 
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16453941




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