Northeast Washington DC, March, 2078, Tuesday…

They were in a waiting mode. Juan Pablo hated it. The meeting with the cell leaders had taken place. Sanford's telephone call was all that was needed to reduce three Washington landmarks to rubble.

The damage to landmarks didn't worry Juan Pablo as much as the possibility that, even at night, someone might be in them. It was imperative to make sure none of it happened.

He was in Sanford's loft going over his logistics yet again. Rudolfo Vazquez was working on yet another explosive device at the work bench. The priest didn't hear him get up until he was standing behind Juan Pablo.

"Always planning, huh?"

"Somebody's got to. Paul's got the action planned but I need review the logistics. It's not easy coordinating everything; I want to make sure I've made no mistakes."

"I know, I know. Kind of late to be screwing around with any more details, though. We already got our marching orders." Rudolfo started massaging Juan Pablo's shoulders. "But you gotta relax, padre. Hey, it's just you and me. Want to play like I'm a choir boy?"

Juan Pablo stood up angrily and Rudolfo backed away.

"Is that what you think priests do?"

"My priest did it." Rudolfo shrugged. "I kind of liked it. You know, kind of a thrill for a kid. All secret and sinful."

"I saw you and Sharon making out. I didn't think you liked men."

"I swing both ways, padrecito. Right now, you're the fresh meat around here." He came up to Juan Pablo, smothering him in a bear hug. "And I'm gonna get some, whether you want to play with me or not."

My lord, he's going to rape me. Juan Pablo struggled, trying to break the big man's hold. He was wiry and probably more in shape but Vasquez had the weight advantage. He wrestled Juan Pablo to the floor and started pulling off his pants. At that moment the priest partially broke free and got to his feet. But then he tripped and stumbled on his own belt. The explosives expert was on him again, burying his face into Juan Pablo's neck. They rolled and Juan Pablo pushed the slobbering mouth away from him. Rudolfo's hands fastened around Juan Pablo's throat.

"One way or another, padrecito. You might as well make it easy on your self."