Brother Paul nodded. “Very well.”
*******
As I took my seat, the presence of John’s casket weighed heavy within me. It was impossible to ignore that I was here to deliver news that was too late for the man in the coffin, and it was my fault. Still, it would be good to reveal Douglas was dead to all, except, of course, one individual who’s known for several hours.
The Council filed into the chamber, dark, sullen looks masking their thoughts, and I noticed each member took a furtive glance at the memorial set up in the hall.
When all the chairs were occupied, except for John’s, Brother Paul nodded at me. I stood.
“Brother Paul and Council members, it is with deep satisfaction that I can deliver you this news. The Serpent is gone.” I ignored the rumble that arose and kept going. “Richard Douglas was successfully crossed over just after sunrise this morning.”
Brother Timothy stood. “This is great news, which lifts our spirits on this dark day. Were you injured in the conflict?”
“No Brother, thankfully I was not. My dog did suffer as a consequence of the battle, but she will live.”
Timothy nodded. “We will extend our prayers for her healing.”
“Thank you.”
After Timothy had retaken his chair, Paul stood. “Do you have any news about whether the Runner had help?”
At this, I walked around my little table, and approached the marble stage. “There is no doubt that someone helped Douglas, but I was unable to secure the name of this Judas.”
I reached into my jacket pocket and pushed a button. I could see Rachel standing to the side, a curious look on her face, and I watched as her eyes darted to the stage when a phone began to ring in the chamber.
The ringing came from the man sitting to left of Brother Paul, and he quickly turned off his phone. “My apologies, Brothers.” It was Matthew.
Paul scolded his brother with an annoyed look, then turned back to me. “You were saying, Chaser Carter.”
I removed the phone from my pocket and laid it on the table in front of Paul. “I was saying that I had confirmed the fact someone was helping the Runner from inside this Council, and that until now, I didn’t know who it was.”
“Do you know now?”
“I do. Brother Matthew.”
A roar came up from the table, and Paul turned to look at Matthew. Appearing shocked, Matthew glared at me. “That’s ridiculous! How dare you make such a charge!”
Paul managed to settle the room down as I retreated to the relative safety of my little table. He was still standing when I turned back to face the stage.
“That is a very serious charge, Chaser Carter. What evidence do you have to support it?”
“The phone I laid in front of you, Brother Paul, is all the evidence the Council will need. It belonged to the Serpent.”
Matthew went to grab the phone, but Paul saw what he was doing, and beat him to it. “I’ll hold this for now. Please continue, Jack.”
He called me Jack. He believes me.
“The call history on that phone shows multiple calls to one number in particular. Of special interest, was a single call made after my briefing yesterday from that same number. The Serpent showed up at the location of my meeting with the supposed informant. The meeting was a ruse, but there was only one way for Douglas to know where I would be, and when.”
I walked back toward the stage, eyeing Matthew.
I’m Perry Mason mixed with James Bond, shaken not stirred.
Quite being a drama major, Jack, and get on with it.
“A few moments ago, I dialed that number, and waited for it to ring. You all heard the result.”
Paul turned on Matthew, this time rage disfiguring his face.
“You!” He raised both hands, pointing toward the doors at either end of the stage. “Guards!”
The doors burst open, two guards coming through each, as Matthew stood to run. Paul pointed at the disgraced Councilman. “Arrest him!”
Matthew made it less than ten feet before he was engulfed by the Council guards and dragged from the chamber. “Brothers, let me explain!”
His protests fell on deaf ears.
*******
An hour later, I was standing next to Brother John’s casket, and I’d spent most of the time since the briefing ended asking for his forgiveness. I still felt responsible for the death of a fellow spiritual warrior, and crossing Douglas over had not taken that away. Not even exposing Matthew seemed to ease the sadness I felt.
I tried to imagine how the disciples felt when Christ was hung on the cross, especially Peter, who had denied his savior. What I’d done was similar, though not the same. I’d failed someone I’d sworn to serve. I brushed back tears as Rachel came up.
“You okay, Jack?”
I gave her a small smile. “I will be. I was just saying a few words to Brother John.”
She laid her hand on my shoulder. “I can come back.”
“No, it’s okay. I was done anyway.”
“Brother Paul would like to speak with you in his chamber.”
“Of course.”
I followed her to the door, which she opened before leading me in. Paul was on his knees, his eyes closed. Rachel spoke softly, touching the man’s shoulder, bringing him out of his deep prayer. “You said to let you know when he was here.”
Paul’s eyes fluttered open, and then with great effort, he lifted himself from the floor. When he turned, the peace in his soul was apparent on his face. He smiled warmly at me and took my arm, guiding me to the same chairs we sat in less than two hours ago.
“Jack, the Council owes you a great debt.”
Aw, shucks, it was nothing. All in a day’s work for Bond, James Bond.
“It was my privilege to serve the Council, Brother.”
“I have been praying for our Brother Matthew, giving him over to the Lord. His punishment is something that I’ll have to study up on. We’ve never had a Judas in our midst before, and his crime has led to the murder of a Councilman, another thing we’ve never faced before. I’m not sure what the sentence is for such a crime.”
I nodded, unable to conceive the burden he must feel.
“I wish to return home, if the Council will permit it.”
“Of course, Jack. You are released immediately, with the gratitude of the entire Council, as well as all those who serve our Savior in this ministry.”
“I do have one question, if you will permit me.”
“Please.”
“What was the motivation for Matthew’s actions?”
“Matthew allowed the desire for power to overtake him. He wanted to move up in the Council by taking John’s Apostleship.”
“Aren’t all the Council positions equal, except yours?”
“No. Just as there were leaders in the early church, there are leaders within the current Chaser Council. The office John held is second only to mine in authority.”
I shook my head, saddened by the events. Paul stood and laid his hand on my shoulder.
“Don’t concern yourself with these things, Jack. Go home and be with the ones that love you.”
My thoughts suddenly raced to Mandy, and my excitement grew as I realized I was only hours from seeing her. “I will, and thank you.”
“Rachel has spoken with the veterinarian and the bill has been settled. You can pick Bear up first thing in the morning. Please stay with us this night, and leave tomorrow with our prayers.”
I rose as Rachel opened the door. “Thank you again, Paul. God Bless.”
“The same to you, Jack.”
At the door, Rachel paused while I left and said something to Paul. When she finally came out, she gave me a warm smile. “I stopped to ask if you were expected at the funeral tomorrow, Jack.”
“Oh, I hadn’t planned...”
She laughed. “Don’t worry. He said you were welcome to come, but then he said to leave you alone and let you go home!”
“He’s a wise man.
That’s exactly what I intend to do.”
Chapter 11
Back outside the Great Hall, the sun was warm, and I found myself walking slowly through the nearby woods. Try as I might, I couldn’t get my emotions under control.
Grief and guilt over the death of Brother John, satisfaction at having crossed the Serpent, longing to see Mandy and worry about her condition, concern for Bear, and thoughts of what the future held were all circling through my head. But one was more important right now than all the others.
I took out my phone and called. A familiar but groggy voice answered.
“Hello?”
“Mandy?”
“Yeah, Jack?”
“It’s me, babe. How are you doin’?”
“I’m okay. Doc says I can go home tomorrow.”
“That’s great because the Council said I could go home tomorrow too.”
I could almost hear her smile through the phone. “I miss you so much.”
“I miss you, too.”
There was a pause and I thought maybe she’d fallen asleep. “Mandy?”
“I’m here. Did you finish the mission?”
“I did.”
“Good. Buddy and Sarah have been here every day, and we’ll all been praying for you.”
“They’re the best aren’t they?”
“Yes, hold on…” I heard the phone be covered, then uncovered. “Jack?”
“Mom?”
“Yes, and don’t sound so surprised. Just because you had to be off running around didn’t mean this beautiful girl had to be alone.”
“I’m glad you’re there, Mom.”
“I don’t know what was so important that you couldn’t come to the hospital every day, but Amanda keeps telling me not to get mad at you, and that she told you to go.”
“She’s a special woman, that’s for sure.”
“When will you be back in town?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Perfect. I’ve already told Amanda that she’ll be staying with me while she heals up, and you can drive her to my house tomorrow.”
I laughed. “You told her?”
“Darn right, and she didn’t give me any argument, either.”
“That I don’t believe!”
“Okay, well, not much of an argument.”
“Thanks, Mom. It means a lot that you’ll be taking care of her.”
“Hey, what are mother-in-laws for?”
“Whoa, now. Do you know something I don’t?”
“Oh, calm down. I was just trying it on for size!”
She passed the phone to Mandy while laughing. “I think he might have fainted.”
“Jack?”
“I’m here, babe.”
“You’ll be here in the morning?”
“Yes, bye.”
I listened to the call disconnect in my ear before closing my phone.
You must be doing something right, Jack ol’ boy, to have a girl like that fall for you. Then again, maybe God just feels sorry for you!
*******
The next morning, I woke to the sound of someone pounding on the door.
“Jack?”
“Yeah…hold on!”
I dragged myself out of bed, catching a glimpse of the clock on my way to the door. Can that be right? Nine-thirty.
When I opened the door, Rachel stood looking at me, a grin on her face. “Superman? I wouldn’t have guessed.”
At first I was annoyed, then looked down, and realized what she was grinning at. I’d slept in my boxers. I gave her a sheepish grin and went to put on pants.
“A Christmas gift from my mother; she thought they were a funny.”
She followed me into the small apartment, but kept her back turned. When I was decent, she faced me again. “I got a call from the vet asking when you would be there for Bear.”
I started a pot of coffee, and got myself a bowl of cereal.
“I must have been more tired than I realized. I’ll leave in a few minutes to get her.”
“You’ll be going back to St. Louis from there?”
“Yes.”
An uncomfortable silence filled the room, the only noise coming from my spoon clinking against the bowl, until she moved toward the door. “I’ll see you when I see you, I guess.”
I nodded.
“Bye, Jack. Call me if you need anything from the Council…or me.”
“Bye, Rachel. Thanks for everything, and tell Brother Paul thank you as well.”
“I will.”
She closed the door behind her and I became aware of a certain sense of relief that she was gone. I knew the feelings she had for me, as well as those I’d had for her, but mine were gone now. I finished my cereal, poured a cup of coffee, and set about getting home to Mandy.
*******
I was at the vet by ten thirty. The steel double doors opened and a very happy Mountain Dog came bounding out, trailing a leash behind her. Obviously, the loss of her tail had done nothing to reduce her energy level. She’d probably sensed me coming while I was still down the road, and took off like she was shot from a cannon.
She came up to me and slathered kisses on my hands and face. Not far behind was the vet tech, looking forlorn for letting the dog get away.
“I’m sorry. She burst past me when I opened the door.”
I held up my hand. “Don’t think a thing about it. When she wants to go, she goes.”
I grabbed the leash, listened to the instructions about wound care, and took the cone that was handed to me.
“She has to wear that whenever you not around to supervise her. It’ll keep her from opening the wound back up.”
It looked like a clear lampshade. She looked up at me with pleading eyes and I could almost hear her saying ‘Don’t make me wear that thing.’
We headed for the Ranchero. I was going to put Bear in the bed of the vehicle but she wasn’t having it. She wanted to be up front with me. What could I do? I opened the passenger door and let her in.
I got in the driver’s side, and scratched her chin. “Ready to go home, girl?”
Her tail couldn’t bang the door anymore, but I got the impression she wanted to leave by the panting of dog breath.
“Yeah, me too. By the way, even though you can’t understand me, thanks for saving my life.”
She cocked her head sideways, her big brown eyes looking into mine. Suddenly, I received a large lick on the side of my face. I wiped the slobber off with my sleeve.
Okay, maybe you can understand.
*******
I pulled into my driveway at one thirty. I’d already called Mandy and told her I’d be there before three.
“That’s fine, Jack. They’re waiting for some paperwork to be signed by the doctor, so it’ll probably be three before I’m even ready.”
“Okay, see you then.”
I let Bear out of the car, opened the door for both of us, and went inside. The house smelled musty from being closed up, but everything was as I’d left it.
The bandage on Bear’s hindquarters had started to turn crimson, and I decided to change it before going to the hospital. After finishing, I put the cone on her head, which caused me to laugh out loud. She slinked off into the corner of the living room, refusing to look at me.
I felt a twinge of guilt for laughing.
“I’m going to get Mandy now. I’ll see you later.”
No response. I shrugged and headed back out to the car.
*******
It was almost three thirty when I finally arrived at Mandy’s room. She was dressed, apparently Mom had brought her some clothes, and she stood as soon as I came in.
Throwing her arms around my neck, and wincing as she did, she kissed me. I heard a mumble from somewhere inside the kiss. “I…mis…ou.”
I extracted myself. “What was that?”
Her green eyes were luminescent as they stared into mine.
“I said…I missed you!”
I leaned in and kissed her aga
in. “I…mi…yo…too.”
We both broke into laughter. Everything was right with the world when I was with her. “Are you ready to leave?”
“Am I ever! The paperwork’s done, and I’m free to go. The nurse said to let her know when we were ready so she could take me down in a wheelchair.”
“Do you want a wheelchair?”
“Not really, but I don’t want to take the stairs either.”
“Then, let’s go. We’ll see if we can sneak past the nurse’s station.”
I picked up her bag and led the way down the hall. She was still sore, and took her time, but we did manage to get onto the elevator without being seen.
The elevator doors closed, and she winced slightly as we started down. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
She smiled. “I’m fine.”
I started to second guess passing on the wheelchair, but when we got to the ground floor, she was first out of the elevator.
“Come on, pokey! I want to go home!”
I laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”
*******
An hour later, Mandy was lying back on the couch in my mother’s living room, nursing a warm cup of tea. She was trying not to look uncomfortable, and mostly succeeding.
“It’s very kind of you to look after me, Annie.”
My mom dismissed the sentiment with a wave of her hand. “Nonsense. I’m glad to do it.”
I was sitting in a chair by Mandy’s feet. “She’s right, Mom. We both appreciate you taking care of her.”
“Well, you’re both welcome. Now, who’s hungry?”
Mandy raised her hand. “Me!”
I laughed. “I guess I could eat.”
My mom grunted. “That’s no shock! Since when can’t you eat?”
Mandy laughed, then grabbed her side. An “Ouch!” escaped her lips, then she started laughing again. This was followed by another “Ouch!” then more laughter. She went back and forth like this for five minutes until we all dissolved into tears.
Chapter 12
Mom had made lasagna, Mandy’s favorite, for dinner, and Mandy’s appetite had been unaffected by her ordeal. After dinner, I left the two ladies alone and returned home to check on Bear.
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