He dried himself and stopped at the mirror again, seeing Johnny in his arms. So real. He reached out and touched Johnny’s reflection on the glass and watched as Johnny’s lips turned gently upward. What was going on?

He put on brown cargo shorts and retrieved a navy-blue polo top from a hanger. The plan was to meet Erica for lunch then go for a stroll along the river, so he dug out his favourite walking shoes which also passed as casual dress shoes. He’d left it to Cath to organise the interview with Wiley for later in the day.

The smell of coffee rising from his cup calmed his nerves and he hesitated about turning on the TV because it had the opposite effect, but he did anyway.

The news channel was claiming the asteroid had stopped moving, but those claims were being disputed. Amateur astronomers were calling news stations and posting claims and counter-claims on social media. News was becoming harder to control. Stopped moving? What in the world could that mean?

Panic was well and truly setting in around the world. Some countries were already reporting food shortages as people stockpiled goods. Jack wondered if this was going to lead to war. He hoped not, but if it did, he hoped Adventus was God related.

Strange happenings were being reported in Jerusalem, including talk of a prophet named Elijah. There was something strange about that name. He knew some names triggered responses and emotions, but he didn’t know any Elijahs.

There was also talk of the decrease of crime-related deaths, but the story was brief, smothered by other headline-grabbing news—probably because it was good news. People seemed to prefer bad news. Jack had heard negative news got the emotions going—gave energy to the fight-or-flight reaction.

The news items swirled around in his head as he drove to work. He parked his car at police headquarters and headed down to Adelaide Street to meet Erica. He walked past the art kangaroo and gave him a wink. It was only five days since he’d spotted the Orange Man here, and it had all been hectic since. He thought of Sally and wondered how she was going.

He approached an intersection and waited for the green man. His phone vibrated in his pocket.

“Hello, Cath. Good to know you’re out of bed.”

A car shot through an amber light and nearly collected a pedestrian who had ignored the red pedestrian signal. Who cared about laws?

“Funny man. It’s after eleven. But I am the bearer of good news. Sally-Anne has come out of intensive care and is on her way to recovery.”

Jack looked up. Where are you my friend? Thank you.

“You there, Jack?”

Beep. Beep. Green man.

“Yep. Sorry, That’s good news. I was just thinking of her.”

“Sort of good news for Wiley, too.”

“It is. I’m still curious about his past.”

“Yeah. I’ve booked an interview room for 1700.”

“All good. See you then or just before.”

“Enjoy your lunch.”

“Will do.”

He walked through King George Square and stared over at the big screen perched high above one of the popular cafes. Crowds were gathering around the screen to get a better view. Something was going on. He wandered over.

The screen was busy with people, and their clothing suggested the Middle East. The image zoomed in on two bearded men facing a hostile crowd. Subtitles scrolled across the screen. Breaking news: prophets appear in Jerusalem. Jack moved on.

He walked past an excited couple.

“They’re the two witnesses.” The speaker sounded excited.

Two witnesses to what?

32 - Two witnesses?

Sarge had to put up with another trip with the flippant man when the Great Leader called them to an urgent meeting. Sarge’s frustration smoothed away as he stretched along the leather couch, but he was curious why the urgency.

The Great Leader stood behind his desk, leaned forward and placed the palms of his hand on the desk. “Wiley has given himself up?”

This didn’t surprise Sarge. If only they’d listened.

“Through some alignment of the planets he came across his father,” Lee said. “For whatever reason, gave himself up. Can you believe that?”

“His father must have had some influence over him.” Trust Bruce to come up with the duh remark.

“Not all fathers have influence.” Lee’s tone was terse. “Mine was a pig, and I’m glad he’s no longer with us.”

Some lingering wounds. Sarge’s own dad wasn’t much better, but he would let him rest in his grave. He was over it.

Brett came in with refreshments, and Ms Jones followed.

“Sorry I’m a wee bit late.”

“That’s okay, Estelle. We’re just talking about the influence of fathers.”

Estelle nodded, lips tight. Some damage there also.

“But we’re here to work out what to do about Wiley. He’s given himself up.”

Estelle raised her eyebrows giving Sarge a glimpse of a lovely pair of eyes.

“He can identify a number of us,” Bruce said.

“That’s not a problem,” Sarge said. “We haven’t committed any crimes.”

“True. And many people out there—in fact, most people—who agree with our attitude toward those bigoted right-wing Christians. Maybe we just need to keep low?” Bruce said.

“Business as usual as far as I’m concerned,” Lee said. “But that drone activity we’re looking at may need to be thrown out, as I’m sure Wiley will mention it. Mr Bruce, you need to get your church friends back on side and find us another strategy.”

Bruce was frowning. Thinking too hard.

“I have some interesting and challenging news on the asteroid. Or should I say, the alien craft.” Estelle picked up a glass from the drink trolley. “There are reports it is now stationary. NASA are at their wits’ end trying to work out what’s going on. They’ve almost declared that it is an alien craft.”

Bruce scoffed.

Estelle gave Bruce a quick ‘you’re an idiot’ glance. “But I think we may need to align to their thoughts, as there’s something going on in Jerusalem that’s causing concern.”

“There is always something going on over there. The Middle East … a place of bearded fanatics living in run-down bullet-riddled buildings,” Lee said. He stood and headed towards the drink trolley. “I know that’s a bit harsh.”