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Chapter 23

   The Kealers were driven to the airport where a large plane waited for them. They didn't have to go through security. The vice president got them straight onto the plane.

   The vice president now sat up at the bar, typing something up on a tablet. The government cops sat around the whole room, not moving. They didn't even take off their helmets. But Zane knew they were watching them.

   Mom sat next to Lindsay near a window. She kept a hand under her chin, moving her leg up and down nervously. Dad sat across from her, next to Zane. He was looking through a Sports Illustrate magazine. Zane could tell he was just trying to distract himself from the situation. He couldn't blame him.

   Zane wanted to read the Holy Bible, but thought against it. He still couldn't tell if it was safe to even pull it out. I can't risk it. Not yet.

   The plane landed at 9:00 a.m the next day- thanks to a slight delay due to the weather- where a long, black limo waited for them. "This really isn't necessary", Mom said, her voice a mix of nervousness and flattery.

   "President Ben-Judah only wanted the best for you and your family", the vice president said quickly. "Climb in quickly, now. We can't keep the president waiting."

   The drive was just as awkward as the flight to Washington. Mom stared out the window, bouncing Lindsay on one knee. Zane sat between Mom and Dad, so that he was directly across from the vice president, who was focused on his tablet. He kept glancing up at the Kealers before quickly returning his focus back to his screen. More than once did he look directly at Zane, but it was only for a second. He definitely knows, Zane shuddered, pushing himself deeper into the leather seats as best as he could. So is he against us, or really with us?

   In no time, the limo stopped, right in front of the White House. The cops opened the left door for them, letting them out right in front of the large steps. Everyone slid out, Mom and Lindsay first, followed by Zane, then Dad, and finally the vice president.

   President Ben-Judah stood at the bottom of the steps, two government cops at his side. His gentle smile grew a bit bigger, showing his white teeth, as he stepped forward with his arms open. "James, Annie", he greeted, giving Mom a big hug. "It's so good to see you again. It has been too long, yes?"

   "Um, yes", Dad answered, trying to smile as the president gave him a hug.

   One look at him, and you wouldn't think he was the antichrist, Zane thought to himself, but maybe that's what we're supposed to think. "You must be Zane", the president said, pulling Zane out of his thoughts. The president took his hand and shook it gently. "You're parents have told me so much about you. I feel as if I already know you."

   Zane had to mentally kick himself before he answered. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, sir", he managed to say. "My parents have told me a lot about you too."

   "Good things, I hope", the president said, smiling down at Zane. He turned and looked at Mom again. "And this must be little Lindsay." He walked over to where Mom and Lindsay stood. "She's a beauty", he commented, holding out his finger for Lindsay to grab. "You are so adorable", he said to Lindsay when she accepted the finger. "You look just like your mommy."

   This guy cannot be the antichrist, Zane decided. President Ben-Judah loves little kids. Like, actually loves them. The antichrist is supposed to be Satan's vessel; all death and destruction and fire and pitchforks. Zane glanced at the vice president. His lips were pursed into a thin line as he watched President Ben-Judah coo and play with a giggling Lindsay. If it's going to be anybody, it has to be him.

   "You didn't have to do this for us", Mom said, putting on her friendliest smile. "A card would have been just fine."

   The president shook his head. "No, no, Annie. You and James deserve this. You are my friends. You are just like family to me. I wish to reward your kindness and friendship with kindness as well."

   "That's very nice of you", Dad said, nodding politely.

   "It is my honor to help those who have welcomed and accepted me", the president said his gentle eyes looking over the Kealer family, "and you have already done so much for me. I cannot help but want to do something for you."

   Zane quietly sighed with relief. Yep. He's definitely not the antichrist.

   "I hate to break up this love fest", the vice president said, stepping around Zane and Dad, "but we must get to the brunch. Everyone else is waiting."

   Everyone? Who's everyone?

   "Oh yes!", the president exclaimed. "I'd nearly forgotten about the brunch. Everyone follow me inside. The rest of the crew are waiting."

   "The crew?", Dad questioned as they walked up the steps.

   "Yes", the vice president answered as they turned and walked down a hallway. "President Ben-Judah invited everyone involved in the making of the statue and the World Peace Picnic."

   "Wow!", Mom said in awe. "This whole place must be packed then."

   "Of course", the president answered, stopping at a set of big doors. "I only want the best for my people."

   The doors opened, revealing a very large room, filled with tables and people. Everyone in the room were either eating or getting food from a big table across the room, full of breakfast food. "Please", the president said, gesturing to the room, "eat up. I will join you in a moment. My wife needs my assistance." He gave small bow before quickly leaving.

   The Kealers just stood there, gazing in awe at the big room. "You heard the president", the vice president said, almost in annoyance. "Go eat."

   Mom was the first to act. "I'll get us a table", she said. "You guys go get your food."

   Both Zane and Dad nodded and made their way to the spread.

   I've got to read the rest of Revelation, Zane told himself. I've got to finish it before the World Peace Picnic. I'll know everything by then. I'm sure of it.

   "Zane?"

   Zane turned around, thinking he would find Dad right behind him. But it wasn't Dad who had called him. Dad was behind this person.

   Zane blinked in surprise as he stared up into the face of Josh.