Tower of Dawn Chapter 77 Sept.1, 2014 Latrice spends her first day in Rome alone, but she has grown accustomed to Johns’ absence. She doesn’t like it, but has adjusted. Sometime his exposure in international media make her both proud and jealous; proud of his achievements, but jealous of his new attention……Bashans’ politics! One side note…she has become quite comfortable during his time away, and rather fond of these times of independence. Latrice exits their posh hotel and hails a cab; she will tour Rome solo. A small taxi slowly stops at the curb. “Saint Peters Square,” she says in her most demanding voice. “Yes, yes, certainly; in 30 minutes.” Latrice sits back and watches ancient Rome slide past her window. XXXXXX Later that evening John arrives at their hotel room first. Latrice bursts in the door an hour later, out of breath and giddy about her solo tour. “Honey, we don’t have any time to spare. There is so much history to see! Every column, every missing roof over stone has a story to tell; it’s like the whole world exists in Rome!” John grabs his wife into a full bear hug. “Hey you, just wait a minute! Let’s have that hello honey kiss first.” The two embrace and kiss as though they were new lovers; passionate and only mindful of the present. John pops the cork from a bottle of wine. “Honey, I really hated to leave you, but Bashan and I had to hammer out some details.” Latrice holds out two glasses as John fills each halfway with chardonnay. “I missed you dear, but there is still plenty to see. I went on a little tour to Saint Peters Square.” John raises an eyebrow. “You went to the Vatican?” “Yes, I did.” “Did you see the Pope?” “No, I didn’t’ even see a Cardinal.” The both click, giggle, and clink their glasses together in a toast. Latrice gains a more serious tone. “John, did you finish your work today? Can I have you to myself tomorrow?” John gulps down the remainder of his glass of chardonnay. “Yes dear; I am yours tomorrow.” XXXXXX The next morning breaks bright and clear. After breakfast Latrice leads the way onto the busy sidewalk and quickly hails a taxi. She whispers in the driver’s ear……. “It is our secret, my husband will be surprised.” After nearly 30 minutes the taxi enters a street below a large elaborate sign. “The Vatican; we are at the Vatican!” “Yes dear, it was so grand I could not take it all in yesterday. I wanted you to join me for a tour; it is so magnificent! Just look at the steeples and walls! Come; let’s take a walk across the square.” Suddenly the sound of trumpets resound across and around the courtyard. Masses of people suddenly stand still. “What is happening? Where is the sound coming from?” A single person, then four, then a crowd point to the Balcony of Center Sight…..the Popes balcony! “Look, it’s the Pope!” Pope Linus ll steps out onto the balcony flanked by several Cardinals. John and Latrice are close enough to see the squint of his eyes against the late morning sun. “I have heard the proclamation given by a Roman city citizen this morning. Bashan has given an ultimatum to the Nations of the World. They must lay down all arms of nuclear destruction! This morning he has announced that every nation, will surrender to him, all nuclear missiles and warheads or face exclusion from the global electrical grid. Any nation that does not surrender will face economic suicide.” Latrice watches as John scans the crowd; his eyes search every person. He smiles then turns toward her. She asks, “What are you looking for.” John smiles, “Red Beads, look around you.” Latrice turns to face the crowd…..everywhere, everywhere….Red Beads hang from the neck of nearly all in St. Peters Square. Pope Linus ll continues….. ‘There is one, and maybe even some, who would deceive by a word of peace and safety. But I would say to all who wear the Red Beads…..”Beware of this man who refuses to meet the Holy See, this man who makes himself unreachable.” Latrice turns toward John with eyes furrowed. “What has happened?” John takes a deep breath….”Our meeting yesterday has been announced! We have achieved the impossible! We are on the brink of world peace.” Latrice points toward the balcony, “But he says we should beware!” “It’s because we did something he could never do. Bashan has done the impossible!” “But, John, maybe you could convince Bashan to meet with the Pope; there is more to peace than world peace.” “Why should he? Look around us.” John dramatically points in every direction of the crowd. The two stand and scan the growing crowd. All stand with Red Beads around their necks. DIVIDING LINE
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 01:21:26 +0000
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