Free The Tears of Nero (The Halo Group Book 1) by Jason Brannon

ancient Rome, it’s not inconceivable that our captor is delusional enough to think that he might be the reincarnation of such a person.”
    “So you think this Nero might truly believe he is an ancient Roman emperor?” Sadie asked.
    “It wouldn’t be the first time such a thing has happened.  The mystic, Aleister Crowley, proclaimed himself to be the Antichrist too.  Maybe our captor took that one step further and named himself after a person from history who some believe was the physical representation of the number of the beast.”
    “This is all too much to swallow,” Franklin said.  “I need a drink…or a cigarette…or a drink and a cigarette.” 
    “We’re just talking,” Henry assured him.  “Right now, these are just ideas.”
    “Maybe we should hurry up and find that place on the map where we believe the next chest is buried,” Edward suggested. 
    “I’m pretty sure that’s the right idea,” Kelly said.
    “Of course,” Franklin said.  “I’m sure you sense it.”
    Kelly smiled and winked.  “Of course.” 
    The roar of the ocean sounded like white noise coming from the biggest TV in the world.  The group walked along the beach, leaving tracks in the wet sand.  The ocean, like a dutiful maid, came in behind them and swept up the footprints they’d left behind, leaving only miles and miles of smooth, unblemished beach.  
    “Why us?” Sadie wondered as swirling water tickled their toes.  “What’s so special about us?”
    “What do we really know about each other?” Franklin asked.
    “We know that Kelly has some special intuitive gifts,” Henry said.
    “Correction,” Franklin interjected.  “We know Kelly says she has some intuitive gifts.  I still think she’s in cahoots with Nero.”
    “Let‘s not go there again,” Henry said, dismissing Franklin with a wave of his hand.
    “We also know that Henry used to be a teacher,” Kelly said.  “What about you, Franklin?  What‘s special about you?”  
    Franklin adjusted his Prada glasses and smoothed his hair.  He looked like a younger, heavier version of Bill Gates.  “I own a company that develops GPS tracking systems for the military.”
    “Interesting,” Henry remarked.  “So we’ve got a seer, a teacher of math and science, and an entrepreneur with ties to the government.  Edward, what‘s your story?”
    Edward kicked the sand with his loafer and shoved both hands in his pockets.  “I‘m pretty ordinary,” he sighed.  “Like I said before, I was a minister at one point, but I got off track spiritually after losing my family.  Nothing else about me is really remarkable.”
    “A minister?” Henry said, raising his eyebrows.  “I forgot you mentioned that.  Now that’s interesting.  We keep coming back to the religious angle.  So we’re stuck on an island that may or may not be Patmos.  Nero has assembled a team consisting of a man who is an expert on GPS technology and directional equipment, a man who made his living teaching logic and reason, a man of God who might be a compass for the rest of us, and a psychic.  Sadie, love, that leaves only you.  Where do you fit in?”
    “I’m not really all that special,” Sadie admitted.  “I’m an accountant by day and an aspiring novelist by night.  And you already know I‘m a history buff.”             
    “I’m not sure how any of those things might fit into Nero’s master plan.  Is there anything special or unusual about you?”
    “I have a photographic memory,” Sadie said.  “It’s how I remember so much about everything.”
    The revelation was enough to stop Henry in his tracks.  “This keeps getting better and better.  Is that how you were able to tell us so much about Nero?”
    Sadie nodded. 
    “I don‘t doubt you a bit, darling, but would you mind proving your gift to the group?” Henry asked. 
    “What’s your favorite candy bar?” she asked.
    “Snickers.” 
    “Milk chocolate, sugar,