From his crouched position, Thor watched as Canon released Teresa and pushed her behind him.
“But if that baby killer doesn’t come out soon, then I’m gonna do somethin’ I don’t wanna. I’m gonna put a bullet in her.” Canon Edwards began waving his gun. “You hear me? I’ll do it too!”
“No, please. Don’t do anything rash,” Thor shouted from his hiding place. “Teresa! Don’t be afraid. Just hang in there. We’ll get you out.”
“You try anything and you’ll be taking her out feet first!” Canon said.
Thor grabbed Lieutenant Tooley’s arm. “You’ve got to let him go. Give him the twelve hours head start he asked for. He promised he wouldn’t hurt her.”
“You can’t bargain with a murderer.”
“If you don’t let him go, he’ll kill her,” Thor said.
“If I let him go, we’ll lose him and Teresa.”
Thor popped his head above the woodpile. “Canon, what if we give you the twelve hours’ head start you asked for?”
Tooley jerked him back to the ground. “You want to get your head blown off? And who gave you the right to be making deals with the enemy?”
Thor glared at the lieutenant. “Canon, did you hear me?”
“You comin’ with me, baby killer?”
Thor watched Tooley shake his head. “Yes, I’ll be the hostage in place of my wife.”
Tooley’s fist knocked Thor to the ground. “You’ve caused enough trouble. You keep your mouth shut from here on in.” Then Tooley turned toward the cabin. “This is Lieutenant Tooley. There’ll be no twelve hours’ head start, Canon. You just lay down your weapon and come out now. The place is surrounded. Just give yourself up and make it easy on everyone.”
Teresa Emerson kept perfectly still and tried to fade into the shadow of the cabin wall. She blocked out the pain of the ropes cutting into her ankles and wrists by thinking about Thor. She could hardly believe he was here, or that he had offered to take her place. Had he come to help her or himself? She closed her eyes. Maybe a miracle had happened and he had come for her, just for her.
Teresa heard Canon’s footsteps, heard him curse under his breath. When she opened her eyes, she saw him coming toward her, a wild look in his eyes.
Canon grabbed her by the arm and dragged her across the room. He pulled her to her feet. Her ankles and wrists had begun to bleed. He shoved her between him and the window, then pressed the barrel of his gun against her temple.
“Look here, Emerson, I ain’t gonna waste any more time. If you don’t come out where I can see you by the time I count three, I’m gonna pull this trigger and then her blood will be on your hands, not mine. It’ll be all your fault. I ain’t gonna tell you again. One…two—”
“Don’t shoot her!” Thor closed his eyes, then darted from his hiding place into the clearing. “Please don’t—” He heard a whistling sound and felt a terrible pain in his shoulder and the sensation that he was being pushed backward. When Thor looked down, he was surprised to see blood beginning to soak his shirt. He heard another whistling sound, then nothing.
No one was sure who fired the first shot, but after Thor went down, rifles behind the woodpile began popping off in rapid fire. Within seconds, the cabin was riddled with holes.
14
MAGGIE LISTENED TO THE ball thumping against the building and to the laughter of children. She smiled as she watched from her window. Gray clouds blanketed the sky, and she wondered how long before the blanket ripped open and spoiled the fun.
“Is this what you do all day?”
Maggie turned to see Lieutenant Tooley standing by her desk and scanned his face. “You don’t look very friendly.”
Tooley slipped alongside her. “You won’t believe the day I’ve had.” He told her of the shootout on Hunter Mountain.
Maggie sat down. Maybe if I’d prayed harder. “I’ll try to get over to the hospital to see Teresa.”
“I didn’t know you knew her.”
“Of course you did, Tooley. You know everything.”
He chuckled and took the empty seat by the desk. “Okay, so I knew. But I didn’t think you had a friendship going.”
“How bad is she?”
“Flesh wound. They’re discharging her even as we speak.”
“And Dr. Emerson?”
“Took two bullets. One nearly got his lung, but he’s okay. He’ll be out in a few days.”
“And Canon? Did he…did he suffer much?”
Tooley shook his head. “Jake got a clean shot. He was dead before he hit the ground.”
“I never thought it would end like this.”
“You should’ve known better, Maggie. You’ve been around the law long enough to know how quickly folks can go bad.”
“You know Canon never got over his wife’s abortion or his part in it.”
“That’s hardly an excuse.”
“And he was unable to ask God’s forgiveness or to forgive himself, for that matter. Without the Lord, Tooley, tragedy can misshape anyone’s character.”
“Now, don’t you start preaching at me, Miss Smarty Pants. Canon was practically one of yours and he still couldn’t get himself together.”
“He was never one of us, Tooley. His zeal was misguided and sprang from faulty motivation.”
“Well, never mind that now. The man’s dead. But if you want to talk about misshapen character, I’ve got a good one for you.”
Maggie leaned back in her chair. “Stop looking like a cat who just swallowed the canary.”
“Course, what I tell you is official and not for publication. Got it?”
Maggie nodded.
“Dr. Emerson did some talking and said some pretty startling things.” Tooley leaned closer. “What if I were to tell you that he hired Canon?”
Maggie’s face went white. “Why would he do that?”
“He had a doctor he was trying to get rid of. But he swears he only asked Canon to scare this doctor, shake him up a bit so he’d leave town.”
Maggie shook her head, remembering Adam Bender’s accusation. It was too bizarre, all of it. What kind of a world was this that doctors could kill babies, then hire someone to hurt others? What happened to the Hippocratic oath to save life? It was like they were all marching into the concentration camps of Nazi Germany, where life was cheap, expendable, where moral absolutes had vanished and only the brute survived because he carried the gun. Was this how people wanted to live? What a distance man had come from the Garden, only to end up in a snake pit. She wanted to kneel right down on the floor and weep.
“Here’s another interesting tidbit for you.”
Maggie sighed. She wasn’t sure she could handle any more revelations.
“One of our boys got a tip that the Gazette is preparing to do a piece on Louie Pardino, who, by the way, left for a European vacation this morning. Seems one of their reporters got an anonymous letter in the mail.”
“That can’t possibly have anything to do with the Emersons.”
“You always were a quick one with the opinions. Ever hear of money laundering? Everyone’s suspected for years that the doc was connected. But I’ll be questioning Emerson some more, when he’s feeling better. I think he’ll talk. Seems to want to make a clean slate of things. I mean, he didn’t have to tell us about Canon.”
“What’s going to happen to him?”
“This is going to cost him, big time. Those Brockstons sure know how to get into a thing hip deep. You want to hear the weird thing? His wife—ex-wife—says she’ll stand by him. Told him so right in front of me! Don’t that beat all? He’s been chasing skirts for years, and she’s willing to stick with him through something like this. Figure that out.”
When Tooley rose for his chair, Maggie also rose from hers. She walked over to him and looped her arm with his. She felt that familiar tug on her heart when God called her to prayer. “It’s quitting time. Walk me to my car.”
The two walked without speaking until they reached Maggie�
��s Honda. Then Tooley kissed her on the cheek and opened her door.
“I owe you an apology,” he said, as Maggie slid behind the wheel.
“For what?”
“All this time I thought your crowd was behind the clinic massacre. I’m glad it wasn’t them. I’m glad your hands aren’t…bloody.”
Maggie blew a kiss to her friend, then hesitated and stuck her head out the window. “Come to church with me Sunday?”
Tooley shook his head. “No telling what would happen if I ever walked into a church. The roof would probably fall in.”
“What about my wedding? You plan on standing outside while I get married?”
“No, Miss Smarty Pants. I’ll make an exception for that. I plan on walking right down that aisle, proud as a peacock. And thanks for asking me, Maggie. Thanks for asking me to walk you.”
Maggie reached through the open window and squeezed Tooley’s hand. “I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have take me down the aisle. I’m sure Dad would approve.”
Tooley’s eyes misted and he pulled his hand from Maggie’s. “All I can say is that it’s about time. The way you were going, I thought you’d end up an old maid.”
“He’s great, isn’t he, Tooley? Kirt, I mean.”
“Now who else would you be talking about? And yes, he’s the salt of the earth. He’s got my approval. You two’ll be happy.” Tooley tapped the car. “Okay, on your way, and don’t forget on Sunday to say a prayer for me.”
“I always do, Tooley. I always do.”
Maggie was on her patio pruning a pot of marigolds when the phone rang.
“Good news, Maggie. 50/50’s still airing my interview tonight.”
“Well, hello to you too,” Maggie said, laughing.
“Sorry. I guess I’m just excited…and nervous.”
“And what do you mean, still? Was there any doubt?”
“No…well, sometimes people get cold feet. You never know what a TV producer will do. Think they’ll believe me?”
“Yes, Adam. Most people anyway. But there’s always those who’ll say it never happened, that Dr. Newly never killed that baby, or that baby parts aren’t being packaged and sold like merchandise in a department store.”
“But I know and you know, and maybe we can get a few more to believe and then a few more and then maybe the madness will stop.”
“Well, it’s a start, Adam. It’s a giant step in the right direction. Thank you again for coming forward. I know it was hard…scary. By the way, anything job-wise?”
“I’ve had one offer, as lab technician at Brockston hospital. Doesn’t pay like Second Chance, but at least it has nothing to do with abortions. My wife and I talked it over, and I think I’ll be heading back to school, at night. I’m thinking of becoming a physician’s assistant. I’m young enough.”
Maggie smiled. “Well good, Adam. Maybe when you graduate, you’d like to come work for us. We’re thinking of adding some medical staff to the Center, to have them on hand to help with postnatal and prenatal care. Perhaps even get a pediatrician for the babies.”
“Maybe. I’ll think about it.”
“Fair enough. And I’ll be watching 50/50 tonight. I think you’re going to make a real impact. It hasn’t been for nothing, Adam, all that you’ve gone through. God doesn’t waste anything.”
“I only hope you’re right.”
For fifteen minutes, Maggie let the ladies chatter excitedly without interruption. Every one of them had seen 50/50 the night before. Maggie had opened the clinic for the Project Rachael group only, since it was Sunday afternoon, but when she had entered, she had seen the red light blinking on her answering machine. Ten messages. The phone must have rung off its hook after the 50/50 airing.
She settled back in her chair and sipped her coffee. In a sense, the 50/50 segment had put a face and name to the horror and shame of abortion. Truth had prevailed, for one shining hour. Maybe others wouldn’t fall into the same black pit they had. Maybe others wouldn’t have to suffer what they were suffering.
Maggie opened her Bible and smiled at the nervous lady who was joining the group for the first time. She prayed silently as she watched Becky pick at her nails. She hoped her decision to let Becky bring her mother was the right one. Her mother’s need for healing was obvious by the grief that lined her face. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Who’d like to read Isaiah 61, verses 1 to 3?” Maggie said, trying to rein in the conversation and get the ladies focused.
Evelyn raised her hand, and Maggie noted, with satisfaction, that she looked less troubled this week. She watched Evelyn flip her Bible to the appropriate place and with a low, quivering voice, begin to read: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”
“I want to tell you today,” Maggie said, looking around the table at all the sad, eager faces, “that the Lord will fulfill every promise of this Scripture in your lives if you let Him.”
One woman began to cry. Maggie looked over at Becky’s mother and her heart ached.
“I’m sorry,” Mrs. Taylor said, fighting for control. “I’m sorry to disrupt the meeting. I just…I just can’t seem to stop crying these silly tears.”
Maggie was able to stretch across the table and take her hand. “Your tears are anything but silly. Don’t you know that God collects all our tears in a bottle?”
Dearest Reader,
A story about abortion makes for a harsh tale. The word abortion itself sounds abrasive, and so it is. Perhaps some wounds have been reopened by this reading. If so, please know that Jesus, our healer, is there for you. There is no sin too great or hole too deep that Jesus is not greater still, nor His love deeper. We are all sinners who need to be saved by grace, who need to experience the mercy of God. How much our Savior wants to draw us to Himself, to wipe away our tears!
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
May we all hear His voice and open the doors of our hearts.
Sylvia Bambola
P.S. If you wish to contact me about this book, please e-mail me at [email protected].
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Never in the history of the Supreme Court has a plaintiff turned around after winning a case and attacked the fundamental foundation of the very case he won. Until now—and it’s times two. Norma McCorvey, the “Jane Roe” in Roe v. Wade, and Sandra Cano-Saucedo, the “Mary Doe” in Doe v. Bolton, have both gone back to court after winning their landmark cases that legalized abortion almost three decades ago. Both women, who now staunchly oppose abortion, claim they were used and manipulated by abortion-rights advocates in their groundbreaking Supreme Court cases.
Miss McCorvey and Mrs. Cano-Saucedo are currently supporting a federal class-action lawsuit (Donna Santa Marie v. Christine Todd Whitman) and are represented by lawyers with the Texas Justice Foundation. Miss McCorvey claims she was never allowed to testify in her own case and “never invited into court.” This time, Miss McCorvey is counting on the New Jersey federal court, which will try the case, to have a trial based upon facts and real evidence. Her hope is that the true nature of abortion and abortion practices will be exposed, and that the interests of the unborn child and mother will be considered.
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
AMERICAN LIFE LEAGUE, INC.
Judie Brown
PO Box 1350
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: 540-659-4171
202-546-5550
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES
Mary Ann Boyer
901 Eastern, NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 800-Bethany or 616-459-6273
CARE NET
Mike Reid, President
109 Carpenter Dr., Suite 100
Sterling, VA 20164
Phone: 703-478-5661
HEARTBEAT INTERNATIONAL
Margaret Hartshorn, Ph.D
7870 Olentangy River Road, Suite 304
Columbus, OH 43235
Phone: 614-239-9533
INTERNATIONAL LIFE SERVICES
Paula Vandergaer
26061/2 W. 8th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Phone: 213-382-2156
LIFE DYNAMICS INCORPORATED
Mark Crutcher
PO Box 2226
Denton, Texas 76202
Phone 940-380-8800
Fax: 940-380-8700
NATIONAL LIFE CENTER
Denise Cociolone, Director
686 N. Broad Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: 800-848-5683 or 609-848-1819
NATIONAL OFFICE OF POST ABORTION
RECONCILIATION AND HEALING
Vicki Thorn, Executive Director
PO Box 07477
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Phone: 414-483-4141 (For Project Rachael Programs)
NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE COMMITTEE, INC.
Carol Tobias, PAC Director
419 7th Street NW, Suite 402
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-626-8800
PRIESTS FOR LIFE
Father Frank Pavone, National Director
PO Box 141172
Staten Island, NY 10314
PRO-LIFE ACTION LEAGUE
6160 N. Cicero Avenue, Suite 210
Chicago, IL 60646
Phone: 312-777-2900 or 312-777-2525
WEBA (women exploited by abortion)
PO Box 267
Schoolcrat, MI 49087
Tears in a Bottle Page 22