Go Directly to Midnight Dancer's First Chapter

A Romantic Thriller set in the Last Days

God's Apocalypse

Chapter 1

Inside the Oval Office, the President, Jeff Christensen, sat at his desk shuffling through a stack of papers.  He had to plan his next move.  The last thing he needed was another problem to alter his strategy.

      Jack Smitty didn’t seem too bothered.  He relaxed in his leather chair reading a book.

      As Jeff scrutinized a document, the lamp on his desk burned out.  The President slapped the lighting fixture to the floor, breaking it into several pieces.  “Stinking lamp, I paid two hundred dollars for it and it didn’t last a week.  It’s a piece of cheap ass crap!”

      Smitty glanced from his book.  “I told you that lamp was no good.  I bought the same one last year and it broke on me within a month.”

      “Those sorry bastards charged me two hundred dollars.”  Jeff commanded Smitty, “I want you to find out who makes these and shut them down!  Do you hear me?”

      “Yeah, I hear you.  I’ll do what I can,” Smitty agreed just to calm him down.

      The President’s door was opened slightly.  An assistant knocked.  “Mr. President, do you have a minute?”

      Jeff looked from his papers.  “What do you want?”

      The assistant spoke dramatically, “Sir, you will not believe what happened.  It’s something straight out of a science fiction movie.”

      “Look, boy.  I don’t have time for your games.  What are you talking about?”

      The assistant bowed his head.  “Yes, sir.  I am sorry.”  He stated more calmly, “We have received disturbing reports from China.  Millions of people have been burnt to death.”

      “Oh, no,” Smitty uttered.

      Jeff responded aggressively, “When did this happen?”

      “Approximately twenty minutes ago, sir,” the assistant answered.

      “You stay on top of this and find out how many were killed.  Do you hear me?”

      “Yes, sir.  It’s as good as done.  Thank you, sir.”  The assistant scurried away.

      Jeff slammed his fist on the desk.  “What the hell’s next?”

      Smitty’s concern was obvious.  “This isn’t good, Jeff.  Half of our army is located there.”

      The President blew up at the comment.  “Don’t you think I know that, you stupid ass fool!”  Jeff Christensen jumped to his feet and screamed at Smitty, “This is it.  This is fucking it!  I want every one of those sorry rats that refuse my mark to be killed.  And I want them killed right now!”

#    #    #

A few months earlier, Jonathan Summers felt the sun’s warmth on his face as he strolled down the sidewalk to work. He entered the lobby of the Casey Insurance Company and greeted the receptionist.  “Good morning, Sandra.”

      Sandra glanced up, happy to see him.  “Hello, Jonathan.  You better watch out, I hear the boss man is looking for you.  But I don’t think you’re in any trouble this time.”

      “What do you mean, ‘this time,’ I never get into trouble.”

      She looked down her nose.  “Hey, you’re talking to me.  I’ve known you for too long, so don’t try that sweet little boy act.  It doesn’t work around here.”

      Jonathan grinned.  “You’re right, I’m just a bad boy.  I guess I better go to my office before I do get into trouble.”  They shared a laugh while he headed down the hallway.

      Entering his office, Jonathan evaluated his professional accomplishments.  Though he hated to admit, it was nothing to write home about.  He immediately noticed a bright red envelope on his desk.  After ripping it open, he found the commission check from a large policy he’d recently written along with a note.  “Great job, Jonathan!  Keep up the good work.”

      Relief!  Jonathan perked right up.  Sometimes a red envelope could mean bad news, but not in this case.  He had to share his good fortune with his best friend and coworker, Matt, and hurried to his office.

      Even though Matt’s door was closed, he rushed in without knocking.

      Matt barely glanced up.  He was too consumed in a sheet of the lamest business leads he had ever encountered.  “What do you want?”

      “What do you mean, what do I want?  I want you to guess what this is,” Jonathan replied, fanning the envelope in the air.

      Matt didn’t show any interest.  “I don’t know what it is, but I hope it’s your termination papers for barging into my office like that.”

      “No way, my man.  This magic envelope contains the commission from the million dollar policy I wrote.”

      “You got lucky.  I don’t know how you got a thing off these sorry leads.”

      “It may have been luck but I see it as party time tonight!”

      “Then drink a cold beer for me.  I could use one right now if you know what I mean.”

      “Then I’ll drink two.  And don’t sweat it, you’ll nab a big deal soon.  But I have to call Lisa, see you soon.”

      Jonathan went back to his office and dialed a familiar number.

      “Hello, this is Lisa.”

      “Hi, pretty lady.  How are you?”

      “I’m okay.  What are you doing?”

      “I’m hanging at the office.  Thought I’d call to give you some good news.  Guess what happened.”

      Lisa heard the tone in his voice.  “There’s no telling with you, so tell me.”

      His delivery was smooth.  “I got a fat paycheck today so let’s play hooky and get naked.”

      “I can’t do that.”

      “Why not?” he pleaded.

      “Because I have to work.”

      “That’s no fun, so here’s my backup plan.  Why don’t we be adventurous and visit the shopping center tonight?”

      “That’s a wonderful idea!  And since it’s so pretty outside, we should go to the Santa Monica Mall.  We can even take a walk on the boardwalk.  We haven’t done that in a long time.”

      “Sounds good to me.  Get ready to have fun and I’ll meet you at home after work.  Love ya.”

#    #    #

Seagulls drifted in the cloudless sky on this warm evening.  Hundreds of people crowded the sidewalks as Jonathan and Lisa drove down Main Street.  Lisa stared at the blue sky.  “This is such a pretty evening for the beach.”

      “That’s why I’m taking you. I only wish it was a little earlier.  Then you could’ve worn your new bathing suit.”

      “You’re funny.”

      “I don’t think seeing you in a sexy bikini is funny.”  He smiled and turned up the radio.  The newscaster was announcing, “In the evening’s news, terrorists explosions have erupted simultaneously in Baghdad, Saudi Arabia, and Jerusalem, turning all three areas into a blood bath.  The dead have reached 347, with 968 wounded.  Al-Qaida has claimed responsibility for the bombings.  Now to our local news.  Two drive-by shootings have claimed four lives in...”

      “What’s happening nowadays?  This world is getting crazier every day,” Jonathan stated while turning off the radio.

      “That’s so true.  A lady from my office was robbed in front of a restaurant yesterday.  Some man jumped out from nowhere, stuck a butcher knife to her stomach and took all her money.”

      “That’s terrible!  Did she get hurt?”

      “No, she was lucky.  Some people left the restaurant and it scared the guy away.”

      “Wow, that was lucky.  It’s becoming a full time job to be safe anymore, and you never know when your number is up.”

      “That’s so true.  I wish I had an answer,” she stated caringly.

      Jonathan was thankful he had Lisa.  She gave him direction and made him feel good about himself.  “There’s one thing I know for sure.  At least we have each other.”

      Lisa adored the remark.  “What am I going to do with you?”

      “You’d be rich if you knew that answer.”

      “Being rich might be fun but what will I spend all the money on?”

      “That answer is simple, whatever your heart desires.  And you better hold on because the beach is only a couple blocks away.”  Lisa grabbed the side door handle as Jonathan punched the gas.

#    #    #

Lisa and Jonathan were walking down the boardwalk, watching waves splash on the sand.  They held hands, enjoying the others company.  Lisa breathed deeply.  The freshness of beach air was fabulous, especially after breathing office air for hours everyday.

      Jonathan nudged her gently.  “Here comes the sand.”  Once they stepped on the beach, he kicked off his shoes and dug his toes downward.  “Oh, this feels marvelous!  Take off your shoes.”

      Lisa followed suit by digging her toes into the velvety sand.  “This does feel good.”

      “Of course, it does.  I’ll never steer you wrong.  Now how about a walk by the water and then we’ll hit the mall?”

      Lisa nodded her head joyfully.  They moseyed down the beach.  The glistening waves captivated her, but her attention was pulled to a major storm brewing miles away over the ocean.  “Look at that storm.  Those clouds are so red they look like they’re burning on fire.”

      “Where did that come from?  It was a beautiful blue sky just seconds ago.”  He bumped his hip against hers.  “Well, that’s out there and we’re right here, so let’s enjoy this fine evening.”

      They continued their walk, but Lisa kept staring at the menacing clouds.  The sight gave her an eerie feeling.

#    #    #

A full moon illuminated the evening sky.  Driving into the shopping center’s parking lot, it fortunately didn’t take long for Jonathan and Lisa to find a space.  They found one near the front and parked.

      Jonathan patted her on the leg.  “Here we are at the mall, or should I say the ladies playground.”  They laughed while getting out of the vehicle.  “What would you like to do first?  Go eat at your favorite Chinese place or do a little shopping?”

      She snuggled beside him.  “I want to go shopping.”

     “I think that can be arranged.”  Once they arrived at the department store, Jonathan reached out to open the large glass door.  “Let me open the door for the lady.”

      Lisa rubbed her body seductively against his as she stepped past him.  “You are being sweet.  There may be some sugar in store for you later on.”

      “There better be because big daddy is getting hungry.”  They entered the store, radiating joy.

      After shopping for a short period, Jonathan picked out a couple shirts.  Lisa chose a bottle of eloquent smelling perfume and they set their things on the sales desk near the front entrance of the store.

      Beside their items was a glass display case that contained several strikingly attractive crystal pieces.  Lisa immediately fell in love with one piece in particular.  She opened the case to take out a perfectly carved crystal angel.  “Look, honey.  Isn’t this pretty?”

      The moment Jonathan glanced over, a bright flash from a ceiling lamp shined on the glass object, giving it a radiant sparkle.  “That is nice.”

      “Can I have it?”

      He pointed a finger at his cheek.  “Plant one right here and it’s yours.”

      She kissed him gladly.

      “You want it, you got it,” he beamed.

      Lisa stared at the angel.  “This can be our guardian angel.”

      “If that’s what you want it to be.”

      A loud commotion suddenly broke out at the back of the store.  A sales person screamed, “Help!  Stop those thieves.”

      Jonathan looked up.  Danger was approaching.  “What the ..!”

      Twenty young hoodlums were running towards them, each carrying armfuls of merchandise.  It was a smash and grab free for all.

      As the thieves ran to the front door, one bumped forcibly into Jonathan that knocked him off balance.

      Jonathan staggered slightly but regained his footing, then made a vain attempt to stop the kids.  “Stop, you punks!”

      Another kid was running directly at him.

      Jonathan saw it coming and lowered his shoulder, ramming full force into the thief’s chest.  But the blow inadvertently threw the assailant straight into Lisa.

      The contact hurled Lisa backwards, flinging the crystal angel high into the air.  It spun upward and then plummeted to the tiled floor, smashing into a thousand slivers.

#    #    #

Outside, a change exploded in the atmosphere.  Almost instantly, bolts of lightning pierced the evening sky as thunder quivered in the darkness.  A flood of clouds rolled in.  Twisting and tumbling over the horizon like a tornado, the clouds suffocated the stars and full moon.

      Street lamps everywhere were swallowed in the gathering haze, stealing the light of the world. In a flash, darkness reigned supreme.

      God's Apocalypse had begun.

The Life and Times of a Male  Stripper

Midnight Dancer

Chapter 1

As a breeze blew over a sea of cars, James Knight was stuck in the downtown traffic of Los Angeles.  But he didn’t care.  He was enjoying the robust flavor of his morning cup of coffee and it tasted great.  Then an automobile swerved in front of his car barely missing his bumper.  James slammed the brake pedal to the floor to avoid an accident, which splashed hot coffee on his lap.

“Damn!” he yelled.  Coffee was burning into his crotch so he quickly put the cup on the consol and a grabbed a napkin to cool the area.  After doing his best to clean his pants, he glanced in the rearview mirror.  The San Bernardino Mountains were towering in the background.  Fresh snow covered their peaks, making it a gorgeous sight.

James thought about grabbing his skis and heading to the slopes.  A vacation sounded wonderful, even a day off would be terrific.  He hadn’t taken one in such a long time.

Unfortunately he was brought back to his current predicament.  The car beside his began to blow its horn aggressively.  “Like that’s going to help,” James stated matter-of-factly.  Since there was no escape from the freeway, he turned on the radio.  The sweet sounds of rock soothed his soul until he arrived at his exit.

He zipped off the freeway, drove into the parking garage of a large office building and greeted the attendant, “Good morning, Pete.  How are things?”

“Pretty good, James.  Thanks for asking.”  Pete opened the gate while James replied, “Take care.”  After parking, he took the elevator to the seventeenth floor and stepped down a hallway of identical doors.

Upon reaching his doorway, he stood there for a second just staring at the nameplate: O’Malley Accounting Firm.  “Well, here comes another exciting day of accounting.”  Shaking his head, he entered the lobby and told the receptionist the same phrase as every morning.  Repetition was key for an accountant.  “Good morning, Lucy.  Hope things are well.”  She responded cheerfully, “Hello, Mr. Knight.  Have a nice day.”

James smiled at her with an infectious grin.  Since childhood, he has been blessed with the ability to make others feel comfortable.  Perhaps it was his pearly white teeth or his dimpled cheeks, but it was probably the sincerity he illuminated.

He stepped briskly to his office, sat behind his desk and before his bottom even warmed the chair, Susie, his secretary, entered.

“Good morning, James.  I hope you’re ready to get started.  I’ve already had a funny conversation with one of your favorite clients,” she giggled sarcastically.

“Oh, no!  I know that nasty laugh.  Go on and tell me, who’s being audited?”

“I can’t hide anything from you.  It’s Mr. Pollock.  He was yelling so loudly I had to hold the phone from my ear.”  Susie handed him a message.  “He said to give this to you.”

As James took the note, he knew this could turn into a headache.  Robert Pollock always liked to get his way and pitched a fit when he didn’t.  He read the message out loud, “This is the second year the IRS has messed with me!”  James sighed while dropping the note on his desk.

“I’m sure you already know he wants you to phone ASAP.”  She stepped to the door.  “What would you like this morning?  The usual?”

“I guess so.”

“It’s always the usual.  You should put some spice into your life,” she joked playfully and strolled down the hallway.

“Okay, you don’t have to rub it in.”  James enjoyed her sense of humor.  They have been working together for years with never a problem.  Susie was honest, trustworthy, punctual, and straightforward.  All the traits he admired in a person.  He felt lucky to have her on his side.

Just when he began to read some paperwork, Susie entered holding a cup of black coffee and a plain donut.  She put them on his desk.  “Have you called Mr. Pollock?”

“No, I’ve been trying to put it off.”  James smiled, but she gave him the stare.  “I know.  I’ll call him now.”  Susie left with a nod as he picked up the phone and dialed.  A receptionist answered, “Pollock and Petrie, can I help you?”

“Hello, this is James Knight for Robert Pollock.”  He was transferred to Robert who exploded.  “What are you doing to me over there?”

James knew his answer had better be satisfying.  “Don’t worry, Robert.  I’ll take care of everything.  Have I ever failed you?  And look at the bright side, they say the second time is lucky.”  James should have stopped when he was ahead.

Robert shouted into the phone, “Lucky, hell!  This is my second year of being audited.  You better do me right.”

“You know I will.  I’ll keep you informed.”  James hung up, relieved the conversation was over.  The intercom buzzed.  “Yes, Susie.”

“It’s Johnny on line one.”

James smiled; finally there was someone to help save the day.  There was no telling what type of story that crazy friend of his would have.  “Hey, buddy.  What’s happening?”

#    #    #

Standing in front of a full-length mirror wearing only a tight red and black striped g-string, Johnny was admiring his tan physique.  He was practicing exotic dance steps, swaying his lower body with the ease of a pendulum.  This man was completely uninhibited.

Johnny knew how to drive his body, pulsating his hips toward the mirror with moves that could bring the most reserved female to lusty titillation.  This man was good at what he did and made the money that proved his talent.  His right hand gripped a cold beer and his left held the phone.  “I’m well, but I need a favor and you were the first cat that came to mind.  My car is in the shop and I need a ride to work.”

“A ride to work!  What are you talking about?  It’s about time to sell that car.”

“Hey, be easy.  She just needs a little repair.  That’s what I get for shining her up too pretty and riding her too hard.”

“It’s funny how you always compare everything sexually.”

“What else would you expect from me,” Johnny shot back.

The light on James’ phone blinked.  “I have another call coming in, so what time are you talking about?”

“Make it around six.  That’ll give us enough time for a beer.  Can you handle a cold one after work?”

“I think I can manage that.  And I’m curious how many beers you need to do your job, Mr. Shake Your Moneymaker?”  James chuckled, but Johnny countered, “I have it better at the Sugar Shack than you’ll ever imagine.  See you at six.”

“You got it.”  James hung up as a smile crossed his face.  Johnny and him went back so many years.  They were partners in crime in elementary school and never stopped.  The intercom buzzed again.  “I’m almost afraid to ask who’s calling.”

“You don’t have to worry about this one.  It’s Melissa on line two.”

“Oh, good.”  James pushed the button.  “Hello, pretty lady.  How has your day been?”

Melissa sat in her apartment studying her freshly polished fingernails.  “No complaints.  I did some early morning shopping with my girlfriends and bought a few things.”

Her voice had a different tone but he dismissed it.  “That’s nice.  Did you get a new outfit for this evening?  You know how fine you look in a tight little number.”

“No, I didn’t get an outfit.  And about tonight, I can’t make it.  Something else came up,” Melissa retorted nonchalantly.

James tried to curb his irritation.  “What do you mean something else came up?  Do you know how long it took me to get reservations at this restaurant?”

“I’m sorry, James, but I can’t make it.  My friends want to go out and that’s what I want to do,” Melissa stated flatly.

James was somewhat surprised, but more pissed.  What game was she playing this time?  “Your friends want to go out and that’s what you want to do!  Look Melissa, you’ve pulled this kind of crap before.  This is supposed to be a relationship, not an escort service that you use whenever you feel the need.”

“I’ve already said I’m sorry.  Maybe we can visit the restaurant next week.  I’m sure they’ll still be open.”

“Next week!  Still be open!  What the hell are you talking about?”  James knew what had to be done.  His sanity was worth far more than this.  The aggravation she brought easily overshadowed the joy she delivered.  “Every time we talk there’s a problem and I’m sick of playing your games.  Look, this is it.  Don’t call me anymore.”  James slammed down the phone.  A slight twinge of regret suddenly attacked him, but it quickly changed into a sense of relief.

He actually felt free of a heavy burden, like a black cloud of negativity was blowing away.

Melissa had been draining his soul like a leech sucking his blood.

This was it.  Her negativity just lost.

Past relationships have taught James that when it reached this point, it was best to back away and start over.  He inhaled deeply, thankful he saw her true colors now before wasting any more time.

James also realized it was okay that Melissa wasn’t the right person for him, because one day he would meet the lady of his dreams.  One that could steal his breath away.  And hanging out with Johnny could certainly bring him into contact with a lot of them.  Johnny was always bragging about the women he met at the Sugar Shack.

James laughed.  He could only imagine what type of trouble Johnny would try to drag him into tonight.

Copyright © 2012, Derek Savage.  God's Apocalypse and Midnight Dancer are Trademarks of Derek Savage. 
All Rights Reserved.