CHAPTER EIGHTY
John stepped into The Alibi and took his usual seat at the bar. Red waved, grabbed a Brooklyn Ale, walked over and set it down in front of John. "Thanks," John said.
"How was the wedding?"
"It went well. They are in Hawaii as we speak."
"That’s great. I'm glad it went well. How was your toast?"
"I did alright. They were happy so that's all that matters. Right?"
"Absolutely," Red replied. "Hey, I heard you found that nut who was eating kids. Congrats."
"Well, we didn't catch him, but he is no longer a threat to society. What's the difference? Right?" John asked.
"There is none. The world is now a safer place and frankly, I am glad he is dead rather than locked up, where there is always a chance of him becoming free again and continuing his evil ways." Red said.
"Me too, Red, me too."
"Any idea what happened? Who got to him?"
"Nothing yet. We are investigating. Most likely a relative or friend of a victim," John said.
"Good for them. I back them one hundred percent. Some are just too evil to let live," Red said.
"Do you believe in pure evil, Red? I mean, pure evil. An evil that is embedded in their DNA? Or do you think that it is more of a psychological trait?"
"I don't know. Just as I have no idea if pure good exists. I think we should just judge on what our actions state. Nothing is absolute. There is always a sliver of evil in the good and a sliver of good in the evil. But some things, some acts, cannot be forgiven and those who perform them need to be exterminated."
"So does that mean that you are a proponent of capital punishment?" John asked.
"I am. In certain cases," he said.
"But that, my friend is the problem. There is an abundance of grey area in many cases. How can we trust a court of law to make those decisions with all of the red tape it has to tiptoe around. Money plays a part. Lawyers play a part. In many cases in court, there is a thin line between innocent or guilty, freedom or incarceration, life or death," said John.
"Maybe, but to me evil is recognizable. Certain crimes and criminals stand out. It's black and white."
"Maybe to you it is," John said. "But to many others, it is a whole spectrum of gray."
CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE
The bright, full moon shone down, its reflection stretched out across the Pacific Ocean as the waves rolled in one after another. It was an unseasonably warm night with a calm, yet steady Pacific breeze coming off the ocean. Todd had returned from their bungalow with a non-alcoholic margarita he had made for Jacqueline and a scotch on the rocks for himself. They were staying at the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort in a secluded bungalow right on the beach, on the west coast of Hawaii Island. "Thank you," Jacqueline said as he handed her the drink and sat down in the sand, next to her. "Todd, it is so beautiful," she said as she looked out across the ocean.
"It is. Even more so because you are here."
"Aw... Thank you, sweetheart."
"Some say the Pacific has no memory. You can look out across it, breathe in the salty air and forget everything, your mistakes, your sins, your imperfections."
Todd put down his drink, took Jacqueline's face in his hands, looked directly into her eyes and said... "This has been the happiest week of my life. I look forward to continued pleasure and contentment with you and our children throughout our existence together."
"Our children?" Jacqueline said. "Do you have more planned?"
"I do. It is out of our hands anyway babe. Your eggs possess no defenses from my sperm," Todd said. Jacqueline rolled her eyes and let out a loud, steady laugh. "I didn't realize I was marrying a comedian as well as all of your other talents. You are quite the jack of all trades."
“I am. This being my strongest," Todd said as he kissed her passionately. They then made love in the cool Hawaiian sand with a warm, pure Pacific breeze blowing against their bodies, under a bright, full, brilliant moon.
CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO
Julie walked into the bedroom after putting Gianna and Ryann to bed. "Your daughter wants you," she said to her husband. John put on a shirt and headed for Gianna's room. He walked in and sat down beside her bed.
"Hi Daddy, Mommy is upset with me because I told her that I can't sleep."
"Why can't you sleep?" John asked his daughter.
"Sometimes I don't like being alone. I get lonely and scared."
"Okay, I'll tell you what. I will sit here until you fall asleep."
"But what if I wake up and you aren't here?" John smiled and
said, "I will be, until you are comfortable being alone. I will always be here for you."
Gianna jumped up and hugged her father and said, "Thank you Daddy, I love you."
"I love you too, baby girl."
He got up and put her back in bed, tucked her in and kissed her on her forehead. "Now sweetheart, get to sleep. I will be right here looking over you."
"Okay, Goodnight, Daddy."
"Goodnight sweetie." John watched his daughter fall asleep. He didn't go to bed. He stayed in the chair all night just like he promised.
At approximately three o'clock Julie came in and said, "John, what are you doing? Come to bed. Stop spoiling her."
"I promised. I never break a promise." Julie shook her head and went back to bed. An hour later, Gianna woke and her head shot up to see if her father had kept his promise and was still there. The sleepy, startled look on her face was instantly replaced with a bright smile. A smile because her daddy was still looking over her, protecting her. A smile because her father didn't break his promise.
CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREE
Todd walked into the station on the first Monday after his return from Hawaii and sat down at his desk across from John. "Good morning, partner," Todd said.
"Here he is. The newlywed. Well, how was Hawaii?" John asked. "Perfect. Beautiful. It was a wonderful week."
"I'm happy for you. It was a fabulous wedding."
"Jacqueline and I received an email from our doctor. The baby is
due December 20th," Todd said.
"That's great. What a Christmas present," John said.
"It is. Any advice? Fatherhood is kind of scary."
"Being a father will change you forever. But I can't explain it to you. You cannot understand what it means until you experience it for yourself. Until you see your own eyes look back at you and see them smile at you that first time, it’s just talk. You may think that you understand how you will feel and how it will affect you but, trust me, you don't," John said.
"I look forward to experiencing it," Todd said.
"You will never experience love like you will feel for your own child. If, when I am on my death bed, I can look back at my life and have no regrets about how I brought up my children and the life that I gave them, I can die a happy man. If I fuck that up, I could never truly be happy. I'm sure that you will feel the same."
"What the hell pops, you are really putting the pressure on me," Todd said.
"Relax. Just love them to the best of your abilities and follow your instincts."
"What if I don't have instincts?"
"Then pray that Jacqueline has enough for both of you."
CHAPTER EIGHTY-FOUR
Jacqueline stood in front of the mirror in the bedroom inspecting her midsection and the small, round, protruding bulge of her belly. Her hands moved around the soft skin and traced the outline of her baby. How amazing she thought. My baby, living inside of me. I never actually thought about what that truly means. At that moment the baby kicked. She put her hand to the spot and the baby kicked again. She felt the little foot protrude through her skin. A peaceful, loving smile came over her lips. As the baby kicked once more, the doorbell rang. A bit startled, she scrambled to get dressed and headed for the foyer. As she approached the door, she peered out of the window to see who it was. A dark haired handsome man in his thirties stood the
re waiting. She kept the chain on the door and opened it a few inches and said, "Can I help you?"
"Hi, ma'am. I am looking for Todd McGrath. He came to my lab today to discuss a case report. Here it is." The man held up a file for Jacqueline to see. "Oh. My badge ma'am," he said as he raised his badge up for her to see. Jacqueline took the file and opened it up and noticed the official form used for police reports. "Todd instructed me to meet him here at this time."
"He should be home shortly. Come in," Jacqueline said as she undid the chain and opened the door.
"Thank you. I hope that I am not intruding…Mrs. McGrath?"
"No, not intruding at all. Yes, it’s Mrs. McGrath. We were just married ten days ago."
"Oh, how wonderful. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Jacqueline said. "Can I get you anything? Coffee? Water?"
"Coffee would be fabulous, black, thank you," the man said.
"Okay, I'll be right back. Have a seat...Mr.?"
"Alvah. Silas Alvah."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Alvah," Jacqueline said as she headed to the kitchen. As Silas' coffee was brewing, Jacqueline sent a text to Todd informing him that a Silas Alvah was there to go over a case report with him. When the coffee was done, she returned to the living room and placed it down in front of Silas. "Here you are. Enjoy."
"Smells wonderful. Thank you, Jacqueline."
Silas then took out a pair of gloves and slipped them on. A chilling feeling went through her heart as she looked at Silas and said, "How did you know my name?"
Silas just took a slow sip of coffee, looked into her eyes with a cold, hard stare, while an evil faint smile formed on his lips.
CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE
Todd was walking through an aisle at the local supermarket. He was planning to cook dinner for his wife tonight and was searching for the perfect combination of foods. He had settled on a salad, then chicken Marsala over pasta. He knew Jacqueline needed her carbs. As he reached for a box of ziti, he heard his text tone go off. When he stopped to get gas he read it.
Silas Alvah is here. He said that you wanted to go over a case file with him.
Todd reread the message and a perplexed look came over his face. Wasn't Mr. Alvah the technician from the lab? He hadn't talked to him in weeks. What did he want to go over? Todd finished fueling up and got in his car to head home. On the way, he decided to give Jacqueline a call to get a few specifics on what case Silas was referring to, but there was no answer. Todd dropped his phone on the passenger seat and continued to drive home. He finally turned onto his street and up his driveway, parked his car and headed to the front door, groceries in hand. When he reached the entrance he placed the bags down, turned the knob and opened...
CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX
Todd opened the door, picked the bags up, turned back and walked into the house. He then saw a vision that made him drop the groceries on the floor. Ahead, in the dining room, Jacqueline was tied up and gagged, sitting in a chair at the table with a knife to her neck being held by Silas Alvah. "What the...?! Let her go!" were the first words out of Todd's mouth.
"Hello Mr. McGrath, It's been a while. Too long. We were due for an acquaintance. Calm down and do as I say and the pretty wife will be fine."
Todd just stood there, a look of horror and panic on his face. "What do you want!?" he asked.
"Well, firstly my friend, I want you to calm down. Once you have that accomplished, walk over here and sit on the other side of the table from myself and your lovely wife."
Todd took a few deep breaths to calm himself and did as Silas asked. "Good boy. I have placed a sedative and a glass of water in front of you. Take the pill now. It won’t knock you out, just make you feel woozy and calm. Just what we need for you to be a good, obedient boy." Todd looked at Jacqueline and their eyes met. He could see the lines from the tears that had fallen from her eyes down her cheeks. At that point, he made a move to get up and Silas poked Jacqueline in the neck with the tip of his knife. She let out a muffled scream and a small drop of blood rolled down her neck and fell to the floor. "Easy big guy. Next time it goes all the way in and your family will be dead. Do as you are told."
Todd sat back down. "What do you want!?"
Silas smiled and pointed the tip of the knife at the pill. Todd picked it up, put it in his mouth and swallowed.
CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVEN
Todd awoke with his arms and legs tied to the chair just as Jacqueline was. The last thing Todd remembered was taking the pill, drinking the water and watching Silas walk to pick up the groceries and take them into the kitchen. Then, strangely, Silas started cooking. He faded out to the sound and scent of chicken sautéing in a pan. Todd was very groggy coming to and his first thought was to locate Jacqueline and make sure she was fine, but she was still there, across the table from him. Silas walked into the dining room and placed a plate of chicken Marsala in front of Jacqueline and another in front of Todd. "He's awake! How are you, my friend? I'm sorry, I must have misjudged the effect that the pill would have on you, but you are awake now so all's well that ends well."
"What-do-you-want-from-me," Todd snapped, more like a statement than a question.
Silas looked at him and said, "First, dinner. We all eat together. Have some nice conversation, then after I will answer any questions that you may have." He then walked back into the kitchen to get his plate, returned and sat at the head of the table. "Now, my friends, I will graciously untie one hand on each of you so that you can eat this delicious meal. If I see anything funny going on the little lady gets the blade. Understood?" Todd just sat there staring at Silas. "Understood?" he repeated.
"Yes," Todd said. Silas got up and untied Todd's right hand and then did the same to Jacqueline. Then he took the gag out of Jacqueline's mouth. "Oh, Todd! I should have warned you. He took my phone..."
"Enough!! I don't want to hear any of that lovey-dovey bull shit talk or I will shove that back into your mouth and you won't be able to enjoy this lovely food that I prepared for us."
Silas sat back down. "Who's going to say grace?" They both just stared at him with a blank, hateful look in their eyes. "Okay, I will. Thank you, Lord for this meal we are about to consume. Thank you for giving me the ability to cook it and most of all, Lord, thank you for giving me the strength and power to do your work. The power to set these three lost souls free, free to go back to you, Lord, where they belong."
CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT
Silas dug into his food as Todd and Jacqueline sat looking at him with terror and panic in their eyes. "Well...eat up my friends. The quicker we get through dinner the quicker you get to find out your fate." Jacqueline picked up the fork and slowly put a small piece of food in her mouth. Todd continued to stare at Silas. "Todd. Seriously. Eat. Now." Todd finally gave in and took a bite. "Oh, I am so happy. We are like one big family having dinner. Conversing. The lovely newlyweds, the unborn baby, and Uncle Silas. What an exciting evening!" Silas said, and then continued eating. When finished, Silas cleared the table and cleaned everything up. "You two didn't eat much. Tsk tsk. An expecting mother needs her nourishment." Silas then tied up their free hands once again and sat back down in his seat. "Now. Any questions?"
"What do you want?" Todd asked.
"I don't want anything. I am here for you. To free both of you from the ties that bind you. This life. What were you two thinking to bring a child into this world? Do you not understand the amount of evil that lurks here?" Having listened to what Silas had said and understanding what her fate held for her and her family, Jacqueline started sobbing. "My dear, crying won't do any good. All three of you are going to die tonight and begin the next chapter of your soul's existence. Having recently been reunited with my brother, I know how important kin is. I am sending you back to your maker where you belong, together, as a family. You really should thank me." With that being said, Silas got up and put both his hands around Todd's neck. Jacqueline shrieked and flipped the chair over, trying to break
free. She landed with a loud thump on the floor. Silas continued to strangle Todd as he looked deeply into his eyes. As the life drained out of Todd, Silas felt his spirit leave his body and travel through his, free, free to go home. When Silas let go, Todd's limp body fell over, his face white and his eyes lifeless. Silas then walked over to Jacqueline who was groggy from the fall with a small puddle of blood pooling under her head. He wrapped his hands around her throat and watched as she turned white and lifeless. He now turned his attention to her belly and the baby slowly dying inside. He lifted up her shirt and placed both hands on the bare skin, pressing in so he could feel what was about to happen. He could feel the baby kick, squirm and struggle for the air that his dead mother no longer provided. This was something that Silas had never experienced before. After a ten minute struggle, the baby ceased to move and Silas felt the electricity of that innocent soul escape the body and travel through Silas. He breathed deeply, feeling exuberant, glorious. His job now complete, he got up and headed for the door. As Silas walked out of the McGrath's home and headed on his way, he was humming ‘Happy Together’ by the Turtles. Silas always loved that song. He left in his wake the broken dreams of a family. A perfect family, taken before their time, before the dreams of their perfect life together were able to come true.
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