End in the Beginning (The God Tools Book 3) Read online

  Table of Contents

  END IN THE BEGINNING

  COPYRIGHT

  WORKS BY GARY WILLIAMS & VICKY KNERLY

  DEDICATIONS

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF GARY WILLIAMS & VICKY KNERLY

  END IN THE BEGINNING

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  CHAPTER 23

  CHAPTER 24

  CHAPTER 25

  CHAPTER 26

  CHAPTER 27

  CHAPTER 28

  CHAPTER 29

  CHAPTER 30

  CHAPTER 31

  CHAPTER 32

  CHAPTER 33

  CHAPTER 34

  CHAPTER 35

  CHAPTER 36

  CHAPTER 37

  CHAPTER 38

  CHAPTER 39

  CHAPTER 40

  CHAPTER 41

  CHAPTER 42

  CHAPTER 43

  CHAPTER 44

  CHAPTER 45

  CHAPTER 46

  CHAPTER 47

  CHAPTER 48

  CHAPTER 49

  CHAPTER 50

  CHAPTER 51

  CHAPTER 52

  CHAPTER 53

  CHAPTER 54

  CHAPTER 55

  CHAPTER 56

  CHAPTER 57

  CHAPTER 58

  CHAPTER 59

  EPILOGUE

  ABOUT THE AUTHORS

  END IN THE BEGINNING

  THE GOD TOOLS: BOOK 3

  GARY WILLIAMS & VICKY KNERLY

  SUSPENSE PUBLISHING

  END IN THE BEGINNING

  By Gary Williams and Vicky Knerly

  DIGITAL EDITION

  * * * * *

  PUBLISHED BY:

  Suspense Publishing

  COPYRIGHT

  2015 by Gary S. Williams and Vicky W. Knerly Partnership

  Cover Design: Shannon Raab

  Cover Photographer: iStockphoto.com/loops7

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  WORKS BY

  GARY WILLIAMS & VICKY KNERLY

  Series

  Death in the Beginning (The God Tools: Book 1)

  Evil in the Beginning (The God Tools: Book 2)

  End in the Beginning (The God Tools: Book 3)

  Novels

  Indisputable Proof

  Three Keys to Murder

  Manipulation

  Short Story

  Before the Proof - A Samuel Tolen Short Story

  Please visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WilliamsKnerly

  DEDICATIONS

  To my father, Cecil Williams, who passed away during the writing of this novel. He was the greatest man I’ve ever known. He also loved the river.

  Gary

  I would also like to dedicate this novel to the “real” Link Johnsten. Mr. Johnsten won the right to have a character named for him in a fundraiser here in Melbourne, Florida, where we both live. Sadly, Mr. Johnsten also passed away during the writing of this novel, just as we were finishing the final edits. Our hearts go out to his family, and we have kept Mr. Johnsten’s character as a tribute to him and his spirit of caring and generosity, both on and off the pages of this novel.

  Vicky

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  We would like to thank our families and friends for their unending support and encouragement.

  Thanks to our team of review readers: Les Williams, Susan Parker, Janice Lake, Sonya and Chris Ashton, Mark and Mille Sorger, Tony and Margie Hawks, Barbara Wood, Deborah McGraw, Michelle Marchant, Jill Johns, and Judy Coady.

  As always, thanks to our publicist, Diane Buckner, for doing what she does so well, and for assisting outside the boundaries of her normal responsibilities. It’s been a fun ride so far, and we look forward to continuing into the future.

  A very special thanks to Shannon Raab with Suspense Publishing who added immense value to the story with her constructive criticism, opinions, and insight.

  Lastly, we would like to thank all our readers who continue to take trips into our fictional worlds. Know that we deeply appreciate each and every one of you.

  PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF

  GARY WILLIAMS & VICKY KNERLY

  “INDISPUTABLE PROOF”

  “It is indisputable proof that Williams and Knerly are a winning team. The thrills and excitement in “Indisputable Proof” will have you reading its pages faster than a Falcon Hypersonic. We demand more from this dynamic duo—and soon.”

  —Rosa St. Claire, Miami Examiner: Best Fiction Books of 2012

  “Dan Brown better look over his shoulder—Williams and Knerly are here for his crown. “Indisputable Proof” is an edge-of-the-seat thriller with great storytelling backed by brilliant research.”

  —Greig Beck, bestselling author of “This Green Hell” and “Dark Rising”

  “DEATH IN THE BEGINNING” THE GOD TOOLS: BOOK 1

  “This novel is an excellent read. Mixing scientific fact with religious history and the supernatural, it moves readers relentlessly through a suspenseful tapestry of action. Its images are vivid, the characters lively, and their control of the story line makes for a real page-turner. I’m anxious to see their next book.”

  —Lloyd H. Muller, author of “Family Tales and Letters” and “Old Ghosts”

  “Science, spirituality and the supernatural collide in this break-out debut thriller, with an action-packed storyline so tightly woven, you won’t be able to catch your breath until the very end. It’s a delicious, twisting journey unlike any I have read.”

  —CK Webb, co-author of “Cruelty to Innocents” and “Collecting Innocents”

  “THREE KEYS TO MURDER”

  “ “Three Keys to Murder” is a riveting roller coaster ride, complete with non-stop action, intriguing characters, and an amazing plot line. Up until now, I’ve always thought that “The Da Vinci Code” had the perfect flow for a murder mystery novel, sending the lead character on a quest to connect history with artifacts, but in retrospect, I think “Three Keys to Murder” might just top “The Da Vinci Code.” Thus, if you’re a lover of “The Da Vinci Code,” then Williams’ and Knerly’s novel is a must read! Five stars.”

  —Shana Benedict of A Book Vacation Reviews: Favorite Books Read in 2012

  “MANIPULATION”

  “Even veteran suspense readers will be kept guessing in Williams and Kn
erly’s gritty new thriller. With more turns than a mountain switchback, “Manipulation” plunges the reader into the blackest depths of the human soul, showing exactly how far some people are willing to go for sex, love and money.”

  —Lisa Clark O’Neill, author of “Deception”

  “Williams and Knerly have crafted a complex thriller that captures the essence of greed and manipulative conniving, in a story that has more twists and turns than a great Brian DePalma film. Realistic characters, a blistering pace, and the odd bark-out-loud funny will force you to keep turning pages. Bonus points for an engaging and interesting detective that deftly sidesteps the clichés.”

  —Kane Gilmour, bestselling author of “Ragnarok” and “The Crypt of Dracula”

  It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end.

  Ursula K. Le Guin

  There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.

  Thomas Aquinas

  END IN THE BEGINNING

  GARY WILLIAMS & VICKY KNERLY

  PROLOGUE

  Seventeen-year-old Scott Marks settled into his seat in Ms. Rivera’s Spanish II class. It was the first day of his senior year at Thomas Shaw High School, and this was the class he dreaded the most. Scott had barely squeaked by Spanish I last spring and had retained virtually none of what he had learned. He would not be taking this class, save for one very persuasive factor: Robin Freemont, who now sat immediately to his left. While they had never actually gone out, or even talked for that matter, he was captivated by her. So if he had to suffer through another year of Spanish for the chance to meet her, maybe even get a date, it would be well worth the effort.

  Ms. Rivera was a thin, cranky teacher. Barely five-feet tall, elderly, and sour, Scott was certain she had been around since the Spanish language was first brought over to North America by the Conquistadors. She had a lump of gray hair stacked into a bun on the top of her head and wore far too much makeup. She had no discernible sense of humor and seemed to loathe her job. If a smile ever creased her lips, Scott was certain her face would shatter.

  On this first day of school, Ms. Rivera skipped opening pleasantries and began class by calling roll. As she had in Spanish I, she made everyone respond with either aqui, for “here,” or presente, for “present.”

  Other teachers used the first day of the new school year to ease students into the class, review syllabi, list materials needed, and formalize expectations for the course. Ms. Rivera didn’t bother with such trivial matters. A comfortable start was not necessary. Instead, she jumped right in as she had done on the first day of Spanish I.

  “Class,” she said, pushing her oversized glasses up her nose and scanning the attendance sheet. “I’m going to call on several of you to translate simple sentences. These are the basics of what you learned in Spanish I, so consider this a refresher. I can assure you these are the easiest questions you will experience in my class this entire year.” She peered over her glasses. “Do not disappoint me.”

  The entire class seemed to shrink, cowering collectively. Scott felt a rush of anxiety. He lowered his head, breaking eye contact with the teacher as he glanced to the side briefly to admire the form of Robin Freemont. Not only was she one of the hottest girls in school, she was an honor roll student. The last thing he wanted was to have Ms. Rivera call on him and to screw up in front of Robin.

  “Let’s see,” Ms. Rivera said, scanning the class sheet for a victim, “Señor Robert Mackey, please translate, ‘Your yard is certainly beautiful.’ ”

  Scott gave a quiet sigh of relief—one bullet dodged.

  At the front of the class, Robert fidgeted in his seat then spoke in a feeble voice, “Su jardín es muy hermoso?”

  That he had answered in a questioning voice didn’t bode well.

  Ms. Rivera glared at Robert Mackey. She seemed to take great joy in belittling him with her silent admonishment. Long seconds passed before she spoke, “No, I did not ask you to translate, ‘Your yard is very beautiful.’ I asked you to translate, ‘Your yard is certainly beautiful.’ Su jardin es ciertamente hermoso.”

  The class seemed to go into shock at the woman’s aggression. She was relentless. With a drawn scowl and a huff, she perused the class attendance sheet once again with vigor.

  “Señor Scott Marks,” she called in a tone that sent a shudder of nausea through Scott. “Translate, ‘Please meet me at the department store.’ ”

  It all happened so fast. Scott felt like he was in a bad dream. His mouth went dry. Not only was Ms. Rivera staring at him, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Robin had turned his way, along with the rest of the class. Silence turned into an eternity.

  “Well?” the teacher prodded.

  He desperately thought of each word in the sentence, trying to recall the Spanish equivalent, but his brain was frozen. His only alternative was to admit he didn’t know. The pending backlash from Ms. Rivera would be epic. Robin would think he was a moron.

  As if a guardian angel spoke, Scott heard a string of Spanish words originate from a male voice behind him. They had been spoken as a whisper, and he was certain he was the only one in class who had heard them. There was no time to consider who or why someone had given him the answer. Instead, he blurted out exactly what he had heard, “Su cara está agrietada y feo.”

  He heard an audible gasp of surprise from Robin. Several members of the class attempted to suppress laughter and failed miserably.

  The expression on Ms. Rivera’s face went from consternation to surprise to enflamed anger. “Get out of my class!” she shouted, shaking an agitated finger at Scott. She spun around to the intercom, picked up the receiver, cupped her hand so that her words were obscured from the class, and then hung up. “Principal Boyster is awaiting your arrival.”

  With a sinking feeling, Scott realized he had been set up. He still had no idea what he had said, but at this point, it didn’t matter. He whipped around in his chair. Behind him, a stoic-faced boy stared at Scott as if proclaiming his innocence. Scott gazed at others sitting behind him, trying to identify the culprit, before returning his eyes to the dark-haired guy, who offered a subtle wink.

  Scott’s fury erupted. He rose from the seat, grabbing the boy by his collar. “You asshole!”

  The other boy began to fight back. The two spilled over a desk and onto the floor.

  “Break it up!” Ms. Rivera yelled. Several of the other classmates interceded, and Scott felt himself being hauled to his feet and restrained. Ms. Rivera returned to the phone and called for Principal Boyster. Less than a minute later, the man arrived. Scott and the other boy were led away to the office.

  Twenty minutes later, Scott learned the other boy’s name was Curt Lohan. Both were given in-school suspensions and were forced to patrol the grounds underneath the bleachers. The first football game of the season had taken place last week, and there was trash everywhere. The principal warned that he could see them from his office and any further aggressive behavior would result in an extended suspension or expulsion. Given that this was Scott’s senior year, he knew he had to abide or risk not graduating. Nevertheless, he boiled with hatred at how this idiot had tricked him up.

  For a while, they separated and worked in solitude. Eventually, Curt approached Scott.

  “Get out of my face, Lohan, before we both get kicked out of school,” Scott growled.

  “Do you have any idea what you said to Ms. Rivera?”

  “You mean what you told me to say?”

  “I did no such thing. I said a sentence out loud in Spanish. I didn’t force you to repeat it.” Curt had a loopy grin which was not necessarily aimed at Scott. It was the type of grin that signified he found life in general amusing.

  “Dickhead,” Scott barked.

  “I’ll educate you. You said ‘Su cara está agrietada y feo.’ Translated, it means, ‘Your face is cracked and ugly.’ ”

  “Gee, thanks a lot. What the hell did I ever do t
o you?”

  “C’mon, it was funny, and true. Ms. Rivera’s face could double as a roadmap of the city of Miami.”

  “Why did you set me up? I don’t even know who the hell you are.”

  “You do now, and it was nothing personal. I was just trying to get a laugh.”

  “You truly are a douche,” Scott said gritting his teeth. He bent over, picked up a crushed paper cup and tossed it in his bag. “If those guys in class hadn’t pulled me off you, I would’ve smashed your face. Now that’s something that would’ve amused me. How ‘bout you, funny guy?”

  “Why are you being so aggressive? If I had pulled that prank on someone else in class, I bet you would have found it funny.”

  Scott didn’t respond. It was a moot point. He had been the butt of the joke. He stared at Lohan, finding it harder and harder to hold back his anger.

  They were standing in a barren area under the bleachers obscured from sunlight. Lohan knelt to the ground and picked up something. He rubbed the object in his hand to brush the dirt off. His interest was completely focused on it. “Wow,” Lohan said.

  “What? What is it?” Scott asked; his curiosity aroused.

  Curt held the object up for Scott to see.

  It was small, yet its form distinctive. “An arrowhead,” Scott said.

  Curt added, “Most likely Timucua. Hundreds, if not a thousand years old.”

  “This area was once inhabited by a Timucua tribe,” Scott said, squatting down beside Curt.

  They examined the arrowhead in silence for a moment before Scott asked, “You interested in history?”

  Curt Lohan nodded, never breaking eye contact with the arrowhead. “Oh yeah. Immensely.”