RICHARD AND RACHAEL HELLER THE 13th APOSTLE Among the most sacred of texts it is written: In each generation there are born thirtysix righteous souls who, by their very existence, assure the continuation of the world. According to Abraham’s Covenant, once each millennium, God shall return to earth and count among the many, those who remain righteous. Were it not for these tzaddikim, the righteous ones, who stand in God’s judgment, mankind’s fate would be in grave and certain peril. These tzaddikim have no knowledge of each other; neither have they an understanding of their own singular importance. As innocents, they remain unaware of the critical consequences of their thoughts, their faith, and their deeds. Save for one. To this tzaddik alone, is the granted knowledge of his position, for to him is entrusted the most sacred of tasks. Contents Prologue Professor Arnold Ludlow opened the ancient diary. The musty smell… 1 Chapter 1 In the dim light of the restaurant, Gil Pearson strained… 6 Chapter 2 Abdul Maluka stepped from the shower and stared at his… 10 Chapter 3 She slid into the chair next to Professor Ludlow’s, finished… 14 Chapter 4 Lucy used to say that, during the first year of… 18 Chapter 5 “Do you think we should leave him alone in there?” 24 Chapter 6 Professor Arnold Ludlow struggled up the steps, two heavy suitcases… 31 Chapter 7 CyberNet Forensics was one of the top-rated, though not… 35 Chapter 8 The top floor of CyberNet Forensics shuddered with the combined… 40 Chapter 9 Tuesday was Kids’ Day at The Shrine of the Book… 48 Chapter 10 Dr. Anton DeVris glanced down at the caller ID on… 55 Chapter 11 The cab pulled into the grand circle driveway. Beyond the… 62 Chapter 12 “Hold on.” DeVris spoke into the empty room. After a… 68 Chapter 13 “You’re late,” Sabbie said. She looked up casually, then returned… 71 Chapter 14 News of Ludlow’s death was shocking but not surprising. It... 79 Chapter 15 “It couldn’t be that simple,” Sabbie said softly. 81 Chapter 16 Gil had been hard at work since seven in the… 88 Chapter 17 Sabbie led Gil through the cave-like hall that he… 92 Chapter 18 It only took four steps to cross the tiny office. 99 Chapter 19 He had completed his Internet searches and had been waiting… 104 Chapter 20 “This information is very important to us,” McCullum said. “But… 112 Chapter 21 Sabbie closed the door behind her but held onto the… 115 Chapter 22 Gil followed the directions Sabbie had written on the back… 120 Chapter 23