The Journal: A Prophecy, A President & Death

by Parker, W. Leland

  With James heart pounding at his chest, he says, “God, forgive me; I’ve been kidding myself. Lauren, I love you! I’m in-love with you! You’re the first woman I’ve ever said that to, and if I had it my way, you would be the only one I’d ever say it to!”

  Lauren is blown away by his declaration and pulls the car to a dead stop on the side of the road. “James,” she tries to say more, but he continues:

  “Every relationship needs God. So, when our lives are on the line, that just means we need him more! And as for waiting–”

  “James! If you don’t kiss me, I think I’m gonna scream!”

  “As for waiting,” he calmly continues, pulling her closer to him on the seat, “In Genesis twenty-nine, Jacob waited seven years to have Rachel, but he knew she was the one from their very first kiss.”

  Lauren swallows again, and with her heart racing, and her moist lips only inches from his, whispers, “Really, do you believe that’s possible?”

  He moistens his lips and says, “Well, it’s only the most passionate kiss in all of recorded history.”

  Lauren voice flutters as she says, “Is it?”

  James smiles a little and says, “Up until now.” And, WHAM! He kisses her, with the softest, most tender, yet passionate of kisses.

  Any lack of experience performing the expression is more than compensated by the purity and earnest devotion that is only possible from a heart so innocent and completely in love. His lips fall perfectly on hers, his heartbeat in perfect sync with hers. It doesn’t linger, but rather swirls and flows in a perfect balanced desire and modesty. It is in point of fact, the most perfect first kiss that has ever been.

  He breaks free and through tear-filled eyes, sees her mesmerized, almost floating back away from the kiss. When she at last opens her eyes, he blinks back his tears and looks deep into hers, and Lauren is completely taken by the powerful sincerity of his gaze. He is at once completely innocent and forcefully sincere. It is not a feeling that Lauren has ever felt; a protection from hurt and harm that nothing else has ever approached. At that moment she has not a care in the world, she feels all the love she’s ever needed; all that God has meant for her to have. All this, in the embrace of a man she knows will someday be her husband. That stunning realization causes her to pull back a little.

  James, “What is it?”

  She smiles and says, “I just needed to look at you.”

  He then smiles and says, “Why?”

  Lauren blushes and says, “I just– I needed to.”

  “Lauren, will you do me a big favor.”

  “Anything.”

  “Will you pray with me?”

  Not even surprised, Lauren says, “Bring it.”

  James then prays a simple short prayer, “Dear God, thank you for all that you’ve done for us, for all you’ve done for our entire family this weekend. Thank you for what it appears you have begun tonight between Lauren and me. We seek your guidance on what we might have in each other; and we ask that you please watch over us and keep us safe.”

  Back On The Right Track

  Back at the hospital, Robert Market is in an examining room, and Dr. Holman who was part of the debate at the diner, is evaluating him. He tells both Robert, who is on the table, and Commander Watson, seated by the door, that it’s very likely a stress-related blood vessel failure, and nothing with long-term implications; but that he will order an MRI, and they will want to keep him overnight to be sure. Holman would have to repeat the diagnosis a number of times before the evening was out. The first time would be to Joanna and Joseph who at that moment come rushing into the room.

  Joanna runs directly to Robert who receives her tight embrace. As she looks deep into his eyes, he smiles and says, “I’m fine.”

  With tears already rolling down her cheeks she just looks and shakes her head. Her look says it all. A loose translation would be, “You better be fine—I LOVE YOU!”

  Batting back tears, she turns and looks at the doctor, and gives a smile seemingly contingent upon what the Dr. might say. Holman knows that look, all too well, and gives her a comforting smile, saying, “It’s very likely a stress related blood vessel failure that caused him to black out. His ankle is badly sprained, but after a few weeks it’ll be fine.”

  She turns back to her husband with concern and says, “Robert, what happened?”

  Robert gives Joseph a hug, then, sliding himself back to use the wall as a backrest, he says, “I really can’t explain it, other than to say it’s a miracle.”

  Watson, feeling that this is a family discussion offers them a little privacy, “Perhaps I should … you know.”

  “Noooo,” says Robert, “You were there, I’d even welcome your input.” Hinton steps into the doorway, along with Agent Reese. Robert continues, “I walked out, got into the car. Moments later, Agent Levy got in.”

  Hinton asks, “Did you see his face?”

  Robert, “You know, I never realized how you don’t tend to look at someone as they get into your car, I mean, from a timing standpoint. I just assumed that it was him; so, no, I did not look at him at that moment. I was looking back at the house—at Joanna.”

  Hinton says to Joanna, “And you’re still not sure who you saw getting into the car?”

  “I’m really not,” says Joanna, “I mean, gosh, I thought it was Levy—I mean, I wasn’t really looking at him.”

  Hinton, “Hmm.”

  Robert, “Well, at any rate, I was feeling so guilty about leaving you all.”

  “Oh, Robert, it’s okay,” says Joanna. Joseph just rubs his dad’s shoulder.

  Robert, “What I mean to say is, I couldn’t face anyone at that moment, so I enjoyed avoiding looking him in the eye ’cause I was kind of bearing my soul, explaining why I felt obliged to go to the office … and like a failure leaving my family.”

  Joanna, “Sweetheart.”

  He looks at her, and with tears in his eyes says, “Well, I did.” He pauses a moment and then says, “then he said something; and I noticed that his voice sounded different.”

  Hinton, “So someone else did drive away with you from the residence.”

  Robert, “Uh … yes, sir.”

  “Did you recognize who it was?”

  “Uh, yes.”

  “Mr. Market, I’ll need his full name.”

  “Uhhhh. Hmm. Well, I didn’t, um, actually see his face.”

  “Mr. Market, please, tell me what you know. This is a serious matter. Whoever this is, they’ve interfered with an official federal investigation.”

  “Like I said, I didn’t really see his face, but it sounded like … well, from what I could see, um.” Robert looks around and then says to Dr. Holman, “Doctor, can I be alone with Mr. Hinton, Mr. Watson, and my family for a moment?”

  “Certainly. A nurse will be by in a few minutes to prep you for the MRI.”

  Joanna, “MRI?”

  Dr. Holman, “Yes, but it’s just a precaution.”

  The doctor leaves the room, and Agent Reese, though now the lead on the case, motions to Hinton to get the details while he accompanies the doctor back to his office.

  In the room with Joanna, Joseph, Hinton, and Watson, Robert looks at them all and says, “Listen, this is going to sound crazy, but you’ve all been here all weekend, and you’ve seen some incredible things already. And you, Bruce, got to the ranger station, and you saw what went on there. After driving up the road about five minutes, I realized that it wasn’t Agent Levy driving the car. It was … it was an angelic being.”

  “I beg your pardon?” asks Hinton.

  “Sir, I don’t know what else to tell you!”

  Joanna, “Robert, what did it look like?”

  Hinton, “Please Mrs. Market, if you don’t mind.” He then turns to Robert and sheepishly asks, “What did this angelic being, look like?”

  “I’ll answer that after I ask Bruce something.”

  “Me? What did I do?”

  “When you got to the ranger statio
n what did you see?”

  Watson, “What do you mean?”

  “Did you see anything out of the ordinary?”

  “I don’t know. What do you mean, out of the ordinary?”

  “Bruce, what do you think I mean?”

  Hinton, typically out of patience, “Commander, please, what did you see!”

  “Well, when I pulled up, James had just opened the gate. I was in full rescue mode, so I didn’t really, you know, take in my surroundings or nothin’, I was singularly focused on getting to the patient.” He pauses a moment, and then says, “See, it was kinda out of the ordinary from the moment I got there, I mean back on the highway, when I saw the agent, um, Cohen.”

  “Coles,” interjects Joanna.

  “Coles, yeah, and your son. Something just seemed familiar.” Robert, Joanna, and Hinton look at one another. He continues, “I just had this sense that I should stay right where I was. It was … well, peaceful.” Again, they all look at each other. “Okay, that’s the second time you’ve all done that! What am I missing?”

  Hinton, “It’s nothing. Please, commander, it’s important you continue.”

  “Like I said, it was all kind of quiet; the snow was falling, Agent Coles and James’ car disappeared around the bend. I thought I was almost dreaming. I turned on my lights just to kind of see if everything was real—my flashing lights, I mean. Everything was so quiet.”

  “Then what, commander?” says Hinton.

  “Well, the next few moments are kind of dream-like. I just put the car in gear and began driving. I’m not even sure why. As I drive I hear a voice I don’t recognize come in over the radio. I later found out it was your kid, James. I hear him say that they’ve got an emergency at the old ranger station. Which is weird for two reasons, first, ’cause you know that place has been all but abandoned, right? But equally strange is the fact that it’s exactly where I’m already headed! That’s why I got there so quickly. I was less than three minutes away and closing! When I get there I’m like I said, rescue mode. I had picked up James in the lower parking pad, and went storming for the station. He tells me his dad needs my help. I ask him what’s his status, is he breathing, does he have a pulse and the kid says, I don’t know! I mean, that struck me as … you know, out of the ordinary. How did he know his dad needed help? What kind of help? But like I’m tellin’ you, I’m in rescue mode so I let it go. So I’m through the door and I do my thing. I get him on the ventilator and he’s breathing, right? Then I notice how dark the room is. This brings a bunch of other questions to mind. Only everybody is so happy and celebrating and all, I don’t ask ’em. But how did I find them in that pitch-black room? I didn’t even have my flashlight on! When I pulled up the to ranger station, it had a luminance like flood lights were on it. But that’s the catch; that place hasn’t had the generator on in months, maybe a year. And when Myers got there, it was hand-in-front-of-your-face dark! Also, only a park ranger could have turned on the generator—which also brings up, how did you all get in there in the first place? The station is always locked tight unless a ranger is there!”

  Robert, “Thank you Bruce, I was hoping you’d bring that up. I know that station well. Carl and I—Mr. Phelps and I—would hike there from the house when the boys were just tikes. I’ve never seen it open without a ranger there. Also, did you see how my car is wedged into those trees? How could I have gotten out there—gotten up there with my ankle like this?”

  Hinton interjects, “Mr. Market, if you would, I believe you were going to describe the angelic being.”

  “Well, that’s why I needed Bruce to tell what he saw. A lot of this I just don’t know how to put into words. But as best I can tell, somehow, God protected me; orchestrated this.”

  Hinton, “Forgive me, sir, but what advantage was there to you being left for dead in the woods?”

  “But I wasn’t left for dead, this angelic being was with me the whole time. He helped me to the ranger station. I can’t tell you how we got inside, but he talked with me the entire time.”

  Joanna asks quietly, “Sweetheart, what did you talk about?”

  He turns and looks her in the eyes and on the brink of tears says, “We talked about my life, and my role as your husband. About what’s important, and especially what’s not.”

  Hearing those words, Joanna’s heart is warmed to overflowing. She develops a smile that has no sign of fading.

  “But more important than what he said, is what I felt! It was such affirmation; such deep, deep acceptance; such … love. I don’t know how he got me from the car to the station, but once inside– ”

  Hinton, “Sir, I’ll reserve comment on the how for a moment; please tell me the what of everything you can remember from the last moment we spoke.”

  “There’s just not much to tell. I drove off with a person I thought was Agent Levy. About five, six miles, something happened. I recognized my escort, not as one from here to the City, but rather someone who was willing to escort me considerably farther. I, or we, appeared to have an accident and he helped me to the ranger’s cabin. I don’t know how. We spoke about my life, past, present and even a little about the future. I prayed for a chance, another chance to fulfill my role as head of this household, and woke up looking at Watson’s smiling face.”

  “This escort, you say you recognized him.”

  “I did.”

  “Who was it?”

  “Well, the being that spoke with me looked like my father.”

  Joanna, “Lawrence?”

  “Yes sweetheart. I have so much more to tell you about what he said.”

  “Mr. Market!” says Hinton; “I’m standing right here with ears on both sides of my head!”

  At that moment, Agent Levy comes to the door. He surveys the room and then moves over to the far corner. Agent Reese takes up a position just outside the door as Deputy Director Harold Danning, and FBI Field Agent Manger William Ramirez enter the room.

  “Good evening everyone, excuse the interruption.” says Danning.

  Agent Levy, “Mr. & Mrs. Market, this is my boss, Deputy Director of the US Secret Service, Harold Danning.”

  “Good evening,” says Danning, followed by, “and this is William Ramirez, Field Agent Manger for the FBI”

  Joseph let’s slip, “Wow!”

  They shake hands and make general acquaintances for a moment; then Danning says, “I’m sorry we don’t have much time, I just wanted to meet you all, and especially Joseph Market, who’s kept my office so singularly focused over the last few days.”

  Joseph steps forward and says, “Hi, pleased to meet you.”

  Danning replies, “It appears that you have an incredible gift young man, and you’ve given us more documented proof of interaction with the supernatural than I think we’ve ever had.”

  Hinton kind of coughs out, “Whhanna bet?”

  Ramirez looks at him and says, “Okay Al, where are we?”

  “Well, sir, frankly put, it appears that for the last hour, Mr. Market was abducted, so to speak, directly from under three Service Agents and myself!”

  Danning who is shaking Joseph’s hand has the smile wiped right off his face. He turns in Hinton’s direction, and Ramirez, who looks as if he just took a bite of bitter lemon, and says, “You care to elaborate?”

  “I was just getting to that. I had just asked Mr. Market, the abductee as it were, if he wouldn’t mind giving us a description of the, uh, um.”

  “Suspect?” says Joseph, who is distracted by something out the window.

  “Yes. Thank you, Joey. Only to find that, according to public record, this particular individual has the iron clad alibi.”

  Ramirez, “Don’t tell me.”

  “Oh, yeah. He’s dead.”

  Harold Danning, “O-kaay! Let’s not get bunched up over this. Clearly this is a case with unexplainable phenomenon; in fact, that’s the one thing of which we may be assured.” Cleaning his glasses, as he does when he’s thinking, Danning puts them on and focuse
s in on Robert, “Mr. Market, I’m going to guess that this … How would you like me to refer to him?”

  “Angelic being.”

  “This angelic being, who abducted you, was at the wheel of your car.”

  “Yes, how did you know that?”

  “Sir you have automobile air-bag powder in your hair, on your clothes, where as the message I just got from Officer Anderson and Agent Pratt says that it’s the passenger side airbag that had deployed, not the driver’s. Even more unusual is the fact that there’s no damage to indicate that anyone was at the wheel of your car at the time of the accident. Anyone corporeal.”

  Everyone gets quiet, wondering how can a being drive a car; but Danning continues, “Now, if we want to explain it all away, as we prefer to do in these matters, we can all assume that you drove yourself to a certain spot, slipped out of the drivers seat over to the passenger seat, buckled yourself in, reached your foot over to press on the gas, and orchestrated all of this as a part of some elaborate hoax.” He looks towards Levy and Hinton and says, “And for the hardened skeptics you are free to do so. But I for one, believe there’s a God and forces at work in our world we cannot explain, and I don’t intend to use another penny of the tax payer’s money—or waste another moment of your time—trying. You’ve got a family to love and a life to live, and that closes this case for the United States Secret Service.”

  “But you do admit, if I may, sir,” interjects Levy, “you can explain all of this if you wanted to. He could have staged the car accident, it could be a coincidence that the kid dreamt what he dreamt. No offence to anyone, but these circumstances could be defined as mere coincidence, hallucination, tremendously lucky guesses …”

  Seeing his need to grapple with this in his own way, Danning doesn’t challenge his agent, but merely says, “Well, we all have something in which we believe, that’s hard to explain. You can believe that, Levy, if it gives you peace.”

  Having seen a car pull up, Joseph moves towards the door. He whispers to Agent Hinton, “Jimbo’s here,” and with an approving nod from him, Joseph slips out of the room and goes to meet his brother.