Free The Called: Chosen (The Called Series Book 2) by Justin Price Page B

new comrades. Speaking of which, let me just be straightforward. If you give away their hiding place then you will be able to live.”
    John’s face became red as he leaned forward in his chair and looked at Adnan directly in the eyes. “Are you kidding me? I will never live again unless I am free. We both know that will never happen, so what’s the use? Why would I betray my friends? So I will have earned the right to sit and rot in prison for the rest of my life? You really are delusional Adnan. I can see why that psychopath wanted you as his partner in crime.”
    Adnan huffed, “We have ways of making people like you talk. You can live out the rest of your life in relative peace or be tortured until you die or speak. It’s up to you. I won’t beg or plead and I won’t bargain. That’s the deal Mr. Robertson so you can take it or leave it. At any rate, we will start that process now. Gentlemen…”
    John immediately felt metal clasp his wrists and ankles. It was a trap. One of the men came toward him with a taser and poked him directly in the chest. He could feel the current surge through his body as pain shot through his limbs. He sat there shaking as he took another shot to the chest. His heart rate became uncontrollable and he began to sweat just as he blacked out.
    “We will see if he is ready to talk when he wakes up”, said Adnan coldly as he walked out of the room.
    ―――――
    Several hundred people had camped out overnight in Jerusalem on the temple mount to see history being made. For thousands of years, the Middle East had been in turmoil. From the ongoing war between Israelis and Palestinians over the Gaza strip to the constant threat from Israel’s Muslim neighbors; peace had eluded the holy land. Somehow, the policies and international popularity of Samyaza al Assad had brought the nations to Israel to sign a declaration of peace.
    As the sun rose over the Mount of Olives early that morning, hundreds of people rose to their feet at the sound of the blowing of a shofar. Assad suddenly appeared on the large screens that had been set up on the temple mount. A spotlight illuminated him as he stood on the Mount of Olives with his arms outstretched to the crowd.
    “Are you ready for a new day?” asked Assad.
    The crowd roared with approval. Several rabbis, Jewish Priests, Muslim Sheikhs, and Catholic leaders were peppered throughout the mixed crowd that represented about every tribe and nation on earth. After basking in the glory for a few moments, Assad turned and got into a helicopter that had him on the temple mount in just a couple of minutes.
    A large table was prepared in front of the Dome of the Rock mosque for the signing of the treaty. Several leaders from the region had arrived and were taking their place at the table just as a rush of swirling wind began to blow. In a small area that had been blocked off from the public, the helicopter carrying Assad had arrived from the east.
    A few of the leaders had to chase their head wear after the wind blew it off of their heads. Many in the crowd laughed at their expense as they tried to recover and once again look dignified. Everyone took their place and another sound of shofars blowing heralded the arrival of Assad. He took a bow and walked by the crowd that stood behind a barricade and a wall of security personnel.
    He waved to the crowd as he passed by, seemingly focusing on each and every one of them for a moment. He made a sharp right turn and walked over to the table where the legally binding documents sat prepared. He took turns shaking the hand of every leader before being seated in the middle of the table, facing the crowd.
    They all sat there for a minute until the crowd noise died down. Then, Assad leaned forward to speak.
    “I cannot put into words what it means to me that those of Jewish and Muslim heritage have met here today in our presence to support that greater good of peace, mutual respect, and prosperity. For hundreds, even