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Knightfall: Lance Rock's Spiritual Journey Book 4
Azioni libro
Inizia a leggereLunghezza: 312 pagine4 ore
- Editore:
- Robert L. Beck
- Pubblicato:
- Apr 1, 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780463028681
- Formato:
- Libro
Descrizione
With the information supplied by Reina and while using all the knowledge and skills that Scott taught him, a bitter but determined Lance travels to Japan to seek his revenge. Once there he single-handedly pits himself against the yakuza and is pushed to his physical, emotional, and moral breaking points until God sovereignly intervenes in his life and leads him to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Informazioni sul libro
Knightfall: Lance Rock's Spiritual Journey Book 4
Lunghezza: 312 pagine4 ore
Descrizione
With the information supplied by Reina and while using all the knowledge and skills that Scott taught him, a bitter but determined Lance travels to Japan to seek his revenge. Once there he single-handedly pits himself against the yakuza and is pushed to his physical, emotional, and moral breaking points until God sovereignly intervenes in his life and leads him to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Editore:
- Robert L. Beck
- Pubblicato:
- Apr 1, 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780463028681
- Formato:
- Libro
Informazioni sull'autore
I’m a huge fan of cool, operative/secret agent type characters having grown up watching James Bond, Derek Flint, The Wild, Wild West, The Avengers, The Man from Uncle, and more recently, Jason Bourne and Alex Rider. When I was younger, I had read a 1960’s young adult teen spy series titled, “Chris Cool/Teen Agent,” by Jack Lancer, and I loved it. That series only lasted six books and I decided that if I would ever write a book/series it would involve an “operative” type teenage character. Since I’m originally from Canada, I made the protagonist Canadian as well. Being a romantic at heart, I also knew I wanted the book to contain a romantic element as a major part of the story-line. And finally, since I myself am a Christian, I also wanted to put Lance on a spiritual journey where he eventually comes to know God and have his sins forgiven in book 4.
Correlati a Knightfall
Anteprima del libro
Knightfall - Robert L. Beck
Knightfall
Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 4
By
Robert L. Beck
Copyright © 2020 Robert L. Beck
Other and future books in the series.
Dawn of the Knight: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 1
A Knight's Honor: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 2
A Knight’s Promise: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 3
A Knight in the Jungle: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 5
Day of the Knight: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 6
Dragon Slayers: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 7
Joust: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 8
Plague: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 9
Mindbender: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 10
Blackest Knight: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 11
Mindbender 2: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 12
Mindbender 3: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 13
Mindbender 4: Lance Rock’s Spiritual Journey Book 14
~~~
For Melissa Joyce and Amber Schaefer
Every spiritual journey begins with one step of faith.
Contents
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 1
I dipped the q-tip into the bottle of spirit gum and carefully dabbed the glue on to the back of the tiny piece of flesh-colored latex. Then I grasped the latex with some tweezers and while concentrating on my face in the bathroom mirror, I delicately fastened it to the inside of my right eye socket over my eyelid. I did the same for a second piece of latex and fastened it to the inside of my left eye socket. While continuing to gaze into the mirror, I turned my head from side to side. The color of the latex pieces exactly matched my complexion and but for my blue eyes, they gave me the distinct look of a Japanese teen. Next, I picked up the dark brown colored contact lenses and inserted them into my eyes. Once again I looked at the mirror and as I did, I suddenly saw the face of my own mother staring back at me!
A powerful feeling of grief and anguish overwhelmed me and I stared down at the sink—now emotionally overcome. I remembered her pretty brown eyes and the delicate features of her beautiful face that had been slowly blemished over the years by alcohol abuse. Because of Reina’s brother Daitaro, all I now had left of her were memories. I would, however, get my revenge against him for murdering her in spite of the objections of many—including one of the girls who I cherished most.
Her name was Shannon Muller and she was a drop-dead gorgeous, eighteen year old American blue-eyed blonde whom I had first become infatuated with and whom I had fallen in love with. I still deeply loved her as she loved me. I shared a unique emotional bond with her that neither time, distance, or even conflict between us could sever. I recalled her continual pleading with me after having shortly returned to the United States from Guam, I informed the Santa Barbara Area Senior High School Officials of my intention to drop out of school before graduation.
Please Lance,
she had once again pleaded as we stood in her bedroom while waiting for my ride to the airport. Don’t go to Japan. Stay here so you can graduate. You know the school is allowing us to make up what we missed through an accelerated summer program.
I don’t care about school right now. All I care about is him.
You’re going to travel all the way over there just so you can… murder him? Do you think God will be pleased by that? Do you think my mother and AJ will be, or Scott would be?
He brutally murdered my mother!
I angrily replied while clenching my fists. "He’s going to kill Reina as soon as he gets the chance. His men murdered one of the flight attendants on Keith’s plane as well as the pilot, co-pilot and engineer. They tried to kidnap all of us which resulted in us being stranded on that hell-hole of an island for four months where most of the rest of us on that trip died. He also murdered a man who was like an older brother to Keith as well as another one of his security guards. Don’t accuse me of wanting to be a murderer, Shannon. He’s the murderer and if anyone deserves to die, it’s him. God, your family, or Scott has nothing to do with it. He also challenged, no taunted me, to try to come after him. He’s a despicable maggot and I’m going to take him out once and for all."
She softly grasped my wrists while anxiously staring into my eyes.
I’m… sorry,
she remarked. I… I didn’t mean to upset you like this. It’s just that you’re a good person, Lance; a good and kind person. You’ve been so compassionate toward me and my family. I just don’t want to see you turn into a…
"A what? A cold-blooded killer? Is that what you think I’m going to become?"
She said nothing as her eyes dropped to the floor.
I took a deep breath and relaxed my hands. She looked up and then gently held my face while I exhaled and calmed down.
Ever since we’ve left Guam you’ve been so on edge,
she remarked with concern. Like an over inflated balloon ready to pop. This stress is going to catch up with you. I’m worried. Can I… at least give you a relaxing massage?
I shook my head no.
I want to be able to help you. I want to be here for you. What can I do for you? Anything? Please, Lance, tell me.
I shrugged my shoulders and shook my head no.
She held me tight.
At length she gently asked, Can’t… can’t you at least let the police handle it?
"Again, Shannon? I asked with annoyance.
We’ve already been through this. Like I’ve already told you, AJ, and your mom, I would be stonewalled by red tape and the flimsy evidence if I tried to involve the RCMP, Interpol, or anyone else in bringing him to justice."
But what about the Japanese—
He’s yakuza, Shannon. The Japanese police won’t get involved. I don’t have time to explain to you why.
But… what about me? About… us? I don’t understand why you can’t finish school first and then travel over there.
Because timing is critical, that’s why. I need to take him out before Reina’s student visa expires and she has to return to Japan where he’ll be waiting for her. I need to go over there now and plan. This kind of operation takes time, preparation, and effort. Fortunately, thanks to Keith’s generous financial support, as well as my own resources, I have more than enough money to obtain the information and materials that I need to complete the job.
I… want to share something with you, Lance, something… personal that happened to me on the island. I… Courtney…
Courtney Stangler? What about her?
She’s a close friend.
I know that.
She’s also… a Christian. Her father is a pastor of a church here in Santa Barbara."
You had told me she’s a Christian but I didn’t know her father is a pastor.
Through the years that I’ve known her, she has shared her beliefs with me; her faith in God and other things about the Bible.
Yeah, I remember you telling me that on the flight to Hawaii.
"I couldn’t remember exactly what I had told you. She’s repeatedly shared the gospel message with me and has continually prayed that I would believe it. On the island when we were captured… when I didn’t think I was going to escape… when I finally realized I had no one else to turn to and that I did need God in my life, Courtney prayed with me and I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and come into my heart and so… I became a Christian… I became saved like her."
I said nothing but simply looked at her.
We continually prayed together that God would rescue us and one day He gave us peace in our hearts that…
That what?
I asked.
"That you would be the instrument of our deliverance. That He would use you to rescue us. That’s how I knew you were still on the island."
I stared at her while remembering that both Keith and Courtney had shared that same revelation with me.
Aren’t you going to say something?
she finally asked.
What do you want me to say? What does it mean for… you know… us?
It means that my sins are forgiven and I know I’m going to heaven when I die. It means I now have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Lance, I want you to have what I now have. I want you to become a Christian too.
What do your mother and AJ think of your new found faith?
I’m not sure what they think, exactly. I mean they’re not judgmental or anything but they’re also not willing to accept Him into their own hearts just yet.
And you’re sharing this with me now… why?
Ever since we got off the island, I’ve been praying that God would give me the right opportunity to share this with you. Since you’re leaving shortly, I feel this is as good a time as any.
So… you’re now trying to convert me?
No, it’s not that. I love you, Lance, and I want you to go to Heaven with me. I want you to be saved, too. I want you to have the peace that I now have. To have God on your side and in control of your life if you’re going to continually be doing all these dangerous things that put your life at risk; to have His protection. Do you know what the good news of the gospel is? Has anyone ever shared it with you?
"I think I know a little bit about it. I told you that I’ve met other Christians before. The Christian doctor that I previously mentioned was even used by God to save my life once. I told you that I believe my father is a Christian and that he visited me up in Canada and asked me to forgive him for the way he had treated me. He also wanted me to have what he had—the same thing that you’re asking me now—to have my sins forgiven."
I believe God has been trying to reach out to you through these people, Lance. We can pray together right now if you want.
"No, no! I don’t need… I’m not… I’m not ready for… that. I have to stay focused on my mission. I don’t need religion or anything else in my life right now interfering with what I need to do. We can talk about it some other time when I get back to the States after—"
After you’ve had your revenge.
"You’re not going to dissuade me, Shannon. If it was your mother—"
"I didn’t mean to come off sounding insensitive. I am sorry that your mother was killed. I wish I would have had a chance to meet her."
Let’s change the subject.
Alright,
she replied with resignation in her voice while also sounding disappointed. So when are you… going to break up with Reina?
she gently asked.
I, ah… kind of already did,
I replied.
How did she take it?
How do you think she took it? She’s in love with me and she has been from day one. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I feel so… awful. I just hope she’ll be alright and be able to get over it.
You once told me you would never fall in love with her so why… why did you even ask her out? Why did you get her hopes up?
"Why? Because she isn’t the same girl I met when I first came down here and I honestly thought you had dumped me on that island. Plus, she caught me on the rebound and… I got caught up in the moment. The truth is I actually still do love her. But in a different way than how I love you. I want to marry you, but Reina is one of my closest friends. She and I have been through so much together and we’re basically cut from the same mold. I owe her my life, too. I… I truly love you both. But right now I don’t have the time to dwell on relationships, either. I have to stay focused. I just want her to be able to return safely to Japan so she can live there in peace and security."
I will never take your engagement ring off ever again,
Shannon solemnly remarked while fingering it. "I’ll always wear it forever. As far as I’m concerned, we are engaged and we will be married someday."
I silently nodded my head in agreement as we stood there holding each other while I gently caressed her back.
I heard a car horn honking from outside.
Lance, Lori and Reina are here to take you to the airport,
called Stacy from downstairs a moment later.
I have to go now,
I remarked.
Lance…
she softly replied.
If it means anything to you, Shannon, I want you to know that I’ve once again decided to protect you; to be your bodyguard just like before; always and… forever.
Thank you,
she softly replied again.
I’ll see you in a month or so,
I reassured her.
She silently nodded okay and then we lovingly kissed goodbye.
My thoughts now switched to Reina—the other young woman in my life. She was a strikingly beautiful, eighteen year old, Japanese.. I now recalled how within a week of having arrived back in the States from Guam, I had met with her. We had taken a walk down to the park that was located a short distance from the Cheponis’ house.
I need you to tell me everything you know about the yakuza in general and about your brother specifically,
I remarked once we arrived there.
I know you want to stop my brother, Lance,
she replied. He has turned into a ruthless monster and he murdered your mother. I will help you, but you must promise me one thing; that you will not become like him. That you will never go down the same path he has.
I promise you I won’t.
She nodded her head okay
I have often spoken to you about the yakuza. Now I will tell you everything you want to know; all about them.
And so for the next hour or two she shared all her knowledge.
She started off by saying that the information she was going to give me was not easily available to just anyone, especially to a gaijin or foreigner. To the Japanese, as I already knew from my cultural studies on them, avoiding shame or saving face was of prime importance; so much so that Japanese would often resort to suicide over the emotional pain of public embarrassment or failure. To bring up the subject of the yakuza to the average citizen was considered a social taboo and I would be ignored, shunned, and detested if I tried to broach the topic with anyone on the street.
Since being in the United States and becoming acclimated to its culture, Reina had become at ease in talking about them. She first explained that the yakuza are a transnational crime syndicate originating in Japan, and that they had evolved over the last 400 years of that country’s history. But unlike other organized crime syndicates, such as the Italian, American, Mexican, or Russian mafias, the yakuza are considered by the Japanese to be a fraternal organization much like the American Rotary Club. They are recognized as a legal entity in Japan and they have the same rights as any corporate entity and ordinary citizens. Members wear lapel pins identifying their gangs and many of them have gang symbols hanging as plaques on the walls of their headquarters. They are accepted as a part of Japanese society and culture and they even have fan magazines, comic books, video games, and movies made about them. The yakuza are a major influence in Japanese politics and politicians have often been seen dining with them. They are largely left alone by Japanese law enforcement as long as they do not disrupt the public peace. The police are actually afraid to try to contain them and are often known to be working with them.
But make no mistake, Lance,
she continued, "The yakuza are a criminal organization. There is not a single type of business that they do not have their hands in. From real estate and construction to finance, entertainment, restaurants, and bars, the yakuza are involved in each and every one. Extortion, fraud, racketeering, narcotics, smuggling, theft, prostitution, trafficking, bribery, and even murder are their sources of income. If there is any money to be made, the yakuza will be there to get their share."
She went on to say that there were over 40,000 yakuza members in Japan with half of them being of Korean/Japanese decent. These members were divided up into approximately 2500 federations known as families, clans, or kumi or gumi, meaning groups. Each clan was organized with an oyabun or head, with men under him like an underboss, officers, enlisted men and apprentices. Many of the smaller yakuza families were part of a larger clan and paid monthly dues to the parent family for the right to operate in a given territory.
Reina continued, "As you know, Lance, Japan is subdivided into 47 districts called prefectures. These prefectures form the first level of jurisdiction and administration of my country. Metropolitan Tokyo is one of the prefectures and is also subdivided into 23 wards. My father’s clan originally controlled Metropolitan Tokyo—all 23 wards. It made him very wealthy. But after he was murdered, the Yukimura and the Fujimoto families moved in, assimilated his clan members, and took it over—dividing the wards amongst themselves. They have controlled them ever since. When Daitaro re-established my father’s clan a couple of years ago, he approached the oyabuns of both the Yukimura and Fujimoto families and asked them to have control of the wards back. They refused his request. What they did, however, out of respect for my father, was to allow Daitaro to have control over three of the wards, Chiyoda, Chito, and Minato, on the condition that he pay a monthly tribute out of his profits.
My brother reluctantly agreed to this arrangement but he has personally resented the fact that they would not give back to him all 23 wards. He has always been angry about it."
She then went on to relay personal facts about the Kobayashi clan; how the organization was run as well as information about Daitaro himself including key contacts and businesses that he was overseeing as well as his daily schedule and routines. She told me not only about the various businesses he managed in the three wards, but also about the nightclub he owned in the Roppongi district of Minato called Dreamscape.
You killed two of his shinobi bodyguards but do not forget that there are more like them that he has trained in his school,
she also went on to say.
I’ll keep that in mind.
Lance… I have… a personal question to ask you.
Sure.
Since we have returned from Guam you have not shown any physical affection toward me. You have also spent most of your time over at the Muller’s. I… Shannon… is still dead to you? You are still… in love with me?
she asked with her voice breaking. You still consider us to be… girlfriend and… boyfriend?
I… I’m focused on my mission right now, Reina. I don’t have time for any romance in my life.
You have not answered my questions.
I stared at her for a moment and then gently held her face in between my hands. I took a deep breath. "In truth, Shannon is not dead to me, Reina. I still deeply love her as she does me. I’ve come to realize that as you yourself have repeatedly said, it’s our destiny to be together and nothing can keep us apart. We plan on marrying each other just like before. I’m… so sorry, Reina. I… I never, ever intentionally meant to hurt you."
But I am still in love with you!
she exclaimed as her eyes became red and moist.
I embraced her as she began to cry and her body shook.
I am in love with you, Lance,
she sobbed.
I know you are,
I softly replied as I caressed her back. But someday, Reina, you will meet a guy who will love, care for, and possibly even marry you. I just know it. I’m not that guy, however. I never truly was. Listen to me,
I continued as I stared into her eyes. You and I are like this,
I said as I held up the intertwined index and middle fingers of my right hand. "I will always be your close friend and always love you as a friend; always. Never forget that. Thanks… for your help, kunoichi."
She simply continued to softly cry without saying a word.
My thoughts now turned to the trip to the airport. I was riding in the back seat of the Cheponis’ Buick. Lori was driving and Reina silently sat beside me with her head leaning on my shoulder and with a blank expression on her face. I felt bad, but I had to put those feelings aside. I had a mission to fulfill and I needed to stay focused on it. Shannon texted me; telling me that she loved me and would daily pray for me as well as reminding me that she would see me in a month or so. The car pulled up to the terminal’s curb. Reina and I exited it. I retrieved my luggage from the trunk and thanked Lori for the ride. I turned to face Reina.
Is there still no chance for you to be in love with me?
she sadly asked while staring up at my face with her eyes red and moist.
Reina… please.
You do not have to say any more, Lance, and I will not bring it up again. I know when I am defeated and I will accept my fate.
Once again she stared down at the ground and once again I lifted her chin.
I’ll see you again in June,
I said.
She silently nodded yes while wiping the tears away from her eyes. I kissed her on the forehead and then made my way into the airport.
I continued to stare into the bathroom mirror as my thoughts returned to the present. I picked up a container of mousse, poured some onto my hands, and then rubbed it into my hair which had previously been dyed jet black. Next, I combed my hair—slicking it back. I then fastened a gold earring to my right ear lobe. I studied my reflection. Now satisfied with my facial appearance, I walked over to the bed, picked up the two gun holsters that each contained silenced Glock Model 19 pistols, and then attached them around my shoulders and chest. Finally, I put on black leather pants, matching leather jacket, black leather gloves, aviator style sunglasses, and stuck a toothpick in my mouth as well. After one last look in the mirror to satisfy myself, I made my way out of the hotel room and onto the elevator that would take me to the ground floor.
Chapter 2
I entered the hotel lobby from the elevator now disguised as a chinpira—a
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