“Their obsession with rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem is because it would pave the way for reclaiming the biblical lands of Judea and Samaria on the West Bank—and they insist this is part of God’s unalterable covenant with the people of Israel, according to the Old Testament. Their Revelation prophecy assures them that a reconciled whole nation of Israel is a necessary precursor to the Second Coming of Christ. And, once they have their Temple”—he glimpsed Alex’s staring eyes in his mirror—“once this is achieved, then the Second Coming will, apparently, begin. When the last block of stone is in position—or maybe even once the first is set in place—the Rapture follows. Now, we all know that bringing democracy to the Middle East is a laudable goal, but in this case the agenda is not to enhance the lives of anyone living in any of these countries. Rather, it’s to place these worthies in a position to effect the rebuilding of the Temple. They’ve been preparing for this ever since Israel was designated a self-governing country in 1948. The Temple is their prime inspiration.”

Alex looked at Simon’s reflected eyes skeptically. “You’re trying to tell me that my newfound cousin and his mentor, the self-styled descendant of a Templar knight with his skin-deep courtly manners, genuinely believe this? And that they think the papers that were preserved by Dee four centuries ago will miraculously clinch their wooly thesis?”

Simon moved into the slow lane, getting ready to turn off from the fast-moving A-road onto the exit ramp toward Alex’s village. The reduced speed and road noise was a relief to all, who had felt an assault of their senses from the stark lights, the pace of the traffic, and the fast flow of information.