Dave looked at Carl, smiled, and gave a thumbs-up sign. “That’s terrific, Charley. You’re a good friend. And, yes, I am praising the Lord that I’m alive! We’ll see you outside in about ten minutes.”

The three travelers pushed through the crowds of confused people and made their way down the concourse and to the front of the terminal. In less than ten minutes, a big, new BMW sedan pulled up, and a tanned, athletic-looking man in his sixties got out of the driver’s side. “Hop in,” he said. “You’ve been through quite an ordeal. I’m glad I could be here for you.”

Once in the car, Dave introduced everyone. On the way to his home, Charley was like a machine gun, firing questions at them about the situation in Los Angeles, the news on TV, and all the things that had been going on around them during their eventful journey.

But as soon as they were settled in at their host’s opulent adobe hacienda, built in the style of the old high-beamed ranch houses, it was Carl and Lori’s turn to start asking questions. “Charley,” Carl said, “Lori and I have just gotten out ahead of what may be the worst natural disaster in human history. I’m not a religious guy, but I’ve always been innately curious. Back at the airport Dave said he knows about the Book of Revelation, and that’s something I’d like to hear more about. Was this thing—this meteor—predicted two thousand years ago, like I’ve heard? And, most important of all, do you guys know what’s coming next?”

Charley let out a loud guffaw, then caught himself. “Carl, I’m just a sixty-five-year-old ex-coach who made some good investments a few years ago. Dave here is a pretty talented hoop jock who happens to be a committed Christian and student of the Bible. Actually, we’re both students of the Bible, but we’re not the ultimate experts in any of this. We’ll be glad to help you as much as we can, but please understand that we don’t have all the answers either.”

“Okay,” Carl said, “but surely you can help give us a better idea of what this is all about, can’t you? If what Lori has been telling me is even half right, then it’s worth talking about.”

“Of course it is,” Dave said. “But what about something to eat first? I mean, I’m ready to talk, but let’s eat while we’re doing it. Is that all right?”

“Sure. Good idea,” said Carl.

“Good idea is right,” said Charley. “Come on. Let’s go into the kitchen and make some sandwiches—then we can talk. And even better, tomorrow morning I’ll take you guys up to the mountains to meet somebody who can take you to the next level. The guy’s an old friend of mine who has spent practically his whole life studying the Bible. Pastor Jack can tell you a lot more than either of us ever dreamed of.”

Lori turned to Charley. “Before I eat, do you mind if I call my parents in Minnesota? They and my sister are going to be worried sick about Carl and me.”