Secret Shepherd

by James Osborne

  “I’m sure I hit him,” Semaka said.

  “That’s all?” Rajavi shouted. “That’s all? You prick! You just hit him! You were gonna show me how it’s done, right? Bullshit! Fucking loser!”

  “Fuck you!” Semaka shot back. “I shot two assholes in the lobby. They were in my way.” He realized how pathetically stupid that sounded. “What the fuck, we both screwed up,” he said. “So let’s get the hell outta here and find some place to hide out until this blows over.”

  Rajavi drove the car onto Highway 11 West. His plan was to take the lesser-patrolled highway and join I-40 just before Knoxville. After that he would make a quick stop at their motel, pick up their bags and head for the countryside.

  ***

  Paul raced back to their suite.

  He knocked on the door with its smashed lock.

  “It’s Paul, my love,” he said.

  The door opened slightly. What he saw both impressed and amused him.

  Anne stepped back and opened the door fully. Doug was standing in the middle of the room holding a lamp, minus the shade, ready for battle. Catherine was tucked behind Anne’s left hand. In Anne’s right was the handgun.

  She wouldn’t hesitate to use that gun again to defend her offspring, Paul thought, mildly amused but proud.

  “I’m going after those buggers!” Paul said quickly. “They’ve got a big head start, so I’d better get going. I’ll take my cell and give the cops an update if I spot them.”

  “Please be careful,” Anne said as they kissed, knowing she couldn’t stop him.

  ***

  I-40

  Entering Knoxville

  “Don’t stop!” Semaka shouted, looking over his shoulder out the back window. “Hit it, man! We gotta get moving! If they stop us, we’re screwed.”

  A police car was close behind Rajavi’s cheap rental. The siren and flashing lights had just come on.

  Rajavi stepped on the accelerator, knowing the car’s tiny motor was no match for the police cruiser’s powerful engine.

  Their best chance, Rajavi reasoned, was a shootout using the powerful elephant gun... shooting the cop, and making a run for it in his patrol car.

  “Where the hell y’all goin’?” Semaka shouted as Rajavi drove the car over the shoulder off I-40.

  “We gotta take a stand!” Rajavi said. The car jumped and bucked down the grade toward a huge cement pylon. “We can’t outrun them in this piece of shit. We’re gonna take out the cop and jack his car, and then get the fuck outta here. Gimme that spare Ruger and some ammo.”

  “I left it in the room,” Semaka said. “Reckoned y’all didn’t want it.”

  “Fuckin’ stupid!” Rajavi shouted.

  He swerved at the last minute around in front of a pylon and jumped from the car. A cement barrier linking several pylons prevented him from driving behind the pylon for cover, as he had intended.

  Damn it! No fucking cover, he thought.

  “Grab that big fuckin’ blunderbuss and some ammo!” Rajavi shouted. “Hurry up!”

  Semaka scrambled to pull the huge weapon from the back seat. In his haste, it became tangled in the seatbelts.

  He grabbed the Ruger from his belt and fired at the headlights that had followed them down the embankment. The police car’s multi-colored emergency lights flashed above it.

  “Drop your weapons!” came a command from a loudspeaker on the police vehicle. “Drop your weapons… put your hands behind your heads and get face down! Do it now!”

  “Fire!” Rajavi shouted as he managed to pull the elephant gun out from the rear seat on the driver’s side. A box of the huge bullets had spilled on the back seat and the floor. He grabbed a handful and quickly loaded one in the breech and two in the magazine. “Fire at them,” Rajavi shouted again. Semaka was crouched behind the rear passenger side door. Semaka raised the Ruger and fired twice.

  Rajavi steadied the large rifle across the trunk of the car, took aim and fired through the blinding lights at what he guessed would be the windshield on the driver’s side of the patrol car. The recoil from the weapon almost knocked him over on his back. He’d forgotten how strong the recoil was when he’d fired at Paul through the window of the Hale Springs Inn. It had thrown his aim off then, too.

  Rajavi lowered his head to work the unfamiliar bolt-action rifle and then looked up. Another police vehicle had joined the first. He could see the lights of two or three more on the freeway and another coming down the embankment.

  We’re fucked, he thought amid the gunfire. Semaka cried out and fell backward onto the car seat. His eyes were open and unseeing.

  Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Rajavi thought as he raised the big rifle again. He fired a split second after seeing the flashes from a staccato of rifle shots. Powerful forces hit his chest and right shoulder, driving him backwards.

  ***

  Paul had accelerated their rented Ford out of the hotel parking lot. He guessed the shooters would head for a larger center like Kingsport or Knoxville, but assumed they’d choose the larger Knoxville to hide out. His first instinct was to head south to the interstate, but thought the state troopers would be vigorously patrolling major routes. He opted for Highway 11 West.

  In the dark, Paul saw multi-colored flashes reflecting off the clouds before he spotted the scattered tangle of city and state police cars stopped just before the I-640 overpass.

  A state trooper waved him to the side of the road. Given the early morning, Paul was surprised at the number of civilian vehicles stopped.

  “Y’all have to wait here, sir,” the trooper said. “There’s an incident up ahead. We’ll get y’all going again as soon as we can, or y’all can do a U-turn here. Just follow that trooper’s instructions.”

  Paul decided on the U-turn. It had been a long night, and it was going to get even longer back in Rogersville. By now, police would be at the inn interviewing Anne and asking about him. He wanted to be with her and the children.

  Chapter Seventy-Five

  Children’s Hospital

  Pendembu, Sierra Leone

  Paul and Anne smiled fondly as Dr. Anthea Rucker cuddled Catherine on her lap. They were in the elderly physician’s spartan office. The toddler had warmed up to Dr. Rucker as if she’d known the kindly doctor forever.

  “We never had children of our own,” Anthea said.

  Paul noticed a wistful look in her eyes.

  “So many children here needed care, having our own seemed frivolous. But they grow up so fast and leave, you know. I would have liked to be a grandmother.”

  “It looks like Catherine has adopted you, Anthea,” Anne said.

  Anthea smiled down lovingly at Catherine.

  “Would you like to go for a walk with me?” she said to Catherine as she stood with the toddler in her arms. Catherine squirmed to be put down. Once on the floor, she reached up and grabbed Anthea’s hand.

  “She’s not talking very much yet,” Anne said. “She’s telling you she wants to go see the other children.”

  The toddler pulled Anthea’s hand toward the door, leading from the office into the hospital.

  “Please come along,” Anthea said. “I have so many exciting things to show you. Much has changed since you were here last, Paul. I’m still trying to believe it all.”

  “Mom... Dad?” Doug called out. He stuck his head through the open doorway. “Can I go play with these guys?”

  Paul and Anne looked outside. A group of boys had gathered and were kicking around a football. They’d invited Doug to join them.

  “That’s fine,” Anne said. “Don’t wander away, okay?”

  “Sure Mom,” he said, impatient at the familiar maternal protective admonition.

  Catherine held Anthea’s index finger as they headed off.

  Paul was startled by all the changes.

  Wow! Quite a transformation! he thought as they entered the children’s hospital. He was pleasantly surprised to see that all of the beds and bedding had been replaced since his previous v
isits. The smell of fresh paint lingered in the air and bright new vinyl flooring sparkled in the sun beaming through clean, newly installed windows.

  “Can you believe it?” Anthea said. “Somebody did all of this for us... must have cost a huge amount... a small fortune! I’m still in shock! All of this and good food and medicines and medical equipment... it all arrived after your visits, Paul. Do you know anything about this?”

  Anne glanced quickly up at him.

  Paul looked around.

  “I’m very impressed,” he said evasively. “I must say I’m sorry that I missed all of the excitement. You must be happy to see what you and Elijah had dreamed about for so many years is finally happening.”

  “Yes, all of our dreams... well, all our dreams, but one... one of mine,” Anthea said.

  “What’s that,” Paul asked, surprised.

  “I wish Elijah could have been here to see this... to see his dreams come true.” She patted a tissue to her glistening eyes.

  “Yes,” Paul said quietly.

  We dodged that bullet! Paul thought. Hope she doesn’t push the point. I don’t want to lie to her.

  “I want you to see the new treatment rooms,” Anthea said. “First I have to tell you something... we now have a young couple here... both physicians. He’s an obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Melling, and his wife, Dr. Peterson, is a pediatrician. Isn’t that wonderful? I’m really disappointed you’re going to miss meeting them. They’re away just now. They go out for a couple of days every so often to treat people in the country who can’t get here. They’re so wonderful!”

  More tears welled up in her eyes. One escaped down her left cheek. She made no attempt to stop it.

  “They told me they’re on some kind of fellowship,” Anthea said. Her voice was choked. “I really don’t understand, to tell you the truth. They said they plan to be here for five years, maybe even longer. Can you believe that?”

  “That’s terrific news!” Anne said, giving her a warm hug.

  “Are you sure you can’t stay a few more days?” Anthea said.

  “We really need to get back,” Paul replied.

  “Guess what?” Anthea asked, and then went on without waiting for a response. “They’re black. It’s amazing... you know, many adults here are leery of whites, even after all these years since British colonial days ended. No offence, but I’m sure more people in need of medical help will feel better about being treated by physicians of their own color. What a bonus! Folks around here thought Elijah and I were oddities... thought no one else could be like us... by being black like them. Dr. Melling and Dr. Peterson will be wonderful role models and proof that a black person can become anything they want to be!”

  “Yeah, I sure do wish Elijah could have been here to see all of this happening!” Anthea said, her eyes glistening again. “I like to think he knows.”

  “Me too,” Paul said. He leaned over and gently put his arm around her tiny shoulders, surprised at the strength of the energy he felt emanating from her.

  “There’s more news,” Anthea said.

  “What’s that?” Anne and Paul said together.

  “We have a third physician I haven’t had a chance to tell you about yet,” Anthea said. “She’s a surgeon! Isn’t that interesting? Her name is Dr. Michelle Hunter. She’s in Freetown right now. Dr. Hunter’s meeting with other surgeons there and checking out the surgical facilities. She’s a specialist in pediatric surgery; she hopes to set up a reciprocal arrangement with the surgeons in Freetown.

  “When is she due back?” Paul asked.

  “Next week, I expect,” Anthea said. “I’m sorry you’re going to miss her too!”

  Paul glanced at Anne.

  Well that works out just fine! Paul thought. Now I won’t need to sneak in a private talk with any of them before Anthea introduces us.

  “Dr. Hunter’s also here on some kind of fellowship like the others,” Anthea continued. “I really must look into those things, you know Paul. Maybe Benjamin could get one to go to medical school. He’d make a wonderful physician. You’ve seen how good he is, Paul.”

  “He has a natural talent,” Paul said. “I expect he could learn a great deal from the other physicians. After that, well you just never know.”

  He glanced at Anne. She nodded back.

  They watched with affection as Catherine toddled down the aisle between rows of the new hospital cots, unaware of the curious looks from recovering children in the beds, sitting up or leaning over to watch a strange little white girl make her way to the end of the long ward.

  The toddler turned and started back toward her parents. This time, she noticed all the children looking at her, curious and smiling. She smiled back, glowing from all the attention.

  A tiny hand gripped Paul’s right index finger.

  He looked down. There was Tommy, the little boy from his previous visit. Paul knelt down and returned Tommy’s warm, welcoming hug. Catherine toddled up to her father. Tommy saw her. He went over to Catherine, his face alight with an ear-to-ear smile, and gave her a big warm ‘big brother’ hug.

  The head nurse, Helen, rushed over.

  “Welcome back, Paul!” Helen said. “We missed you... the children missed your stories.”

  Paul introduced Anne and asked, “Where’s Matthew?”

  “Adopted,” Helen said, her face glowing. “Wonderful family. The couple couldn’t have children on their own.” Helen paused and cleared her throat. Her voice faltered as she continued, “They’re such a happy family. He’s starting to talk now too, you know. Their love has worked miracles for him. We miss him, though... and the little ones miss his love too.”

  “That’s terrific!” Paul said. “How great for Matthew and his new parents. I’m so pleased.”

  Anne smiled at the shared happiness that radiated from Paul and Helen.

  “Where’s Emma?” he asked.

  “She’s in Freetown with a couple who’ve been approved to adopt her,” Helen said with a big smile. “She’s being fitted for a prosthesis... for an artificial arm and hand that she will actually be able to use much like the hand she lost! It’s the latest technology. Someone came all the way from Germany to fit her and to teach her how to use it. Can you imagine that? Dr. Hunter’s helping her. Have you met Dr. Hunter? What an exceptional woman!”

  “Not yet,” Anne said, speaking for both of them.

  Paul suspected Helen was as excited about Emma’s good fortune as Emma would be when she learned what her new prosthesis could do.

  “Somebody must have heard about Emma,” Helen said. “They arranged to help her. Isn’t that awesome? I asked Dr. Rucker and Dr. Hunter about it but they don’t know who the donor is. No one else seems to know either.”

  “Imagine that!” Paul said, squeezing Anne’s hand. She’d slipped her hand into his while Helen was telling them Emma’s story.

  ***

  “Oh there you are!” Dr. Rucker called out. “I’m taking a little break from the clinic. I want to show you something else. Please come.”

  Paul and Anne walked alongside Anthea. Catherine was in Paul’s arms barely awake, with her tiny head snuggled up against his neck. It was naptime.

  “Those contractors came out of nowhere, literally,” Anthea said. “Look! The school can be turned into a fortress in seconds! See, we have sturdy doors now, with double locks and bolts. And we have windows. Bulletproof, they say. I hope we’ll never have to find out.”

  She chuckled. “The contractors did the same for the hospital, for the dining hall, and for all of the residences. And you should see our new kitchen. My word, I’ve not seen so much stainless steel in all my life! Can you believe that? Everything runs on a huge generator. And it has a backup, too. Must have cost a fortune. We’re ever so grateful. Best of all, our children and staff are much safer now. Oh, and speaking of that, we have a security system including a warning siren if we’re attacked again, and somebody is paying for a twenty-four-hour security force. The head of it
is a retired Sierra Leone army colonel. Can you believe that? I have no idea where all of this is coming from, but I’m certainly not going to argue about it.”

  She smiled. “We’ve been blessed. Even our phones are working again. They haven’t been in service for over two years. Frankly, we just couldn’t afford it. When we had emergencies, we had to ask a neighbor to use their phone. You’ll notice, I did say phones... we have more than one now. My, oh my,” she added, and then paused to compose herself. “This is just so wonderful for all of our lovely children.”

  ***

  Paloma Guest House

  Kenema, Sierra Leone

  “Where do they stay?” Anne asked.

  “Pardon me?” Paul said.

  “The parents... where do they stay?” she repeated. “Where do the parents of children who are recovering in the hospital stay so they can visit their children?”

  “I don’t know,” Paul said.

  “I asked Anthea while you were playing with the children,” Anne said. “They have no place to stay... some families have to camp out under the trees. The children’s hospital needs a place like a Ronald McDonald House.”

  “You’re right, my love,” Paul said. “Good for you for noticing!”

  “I sure would like to help those families,” Anne said. “We should do something about that as soon as we get home.”

  Paul thought for a moment.

  “You know, why don’t we call Malcolm right now and get the ball rolling?”

  Source Credits:

  Chapter 35, the quote, “If it ever comes down to it, I want to die with you rather than have to live without you,” is paraphrased from remarks attributed to Jacqueline Kennedy, speaking to her husband, US president John F. Kennedy, a few months before his assassination.

  Chapter 67, the phrase, “Hope is oxygen for the human spirit,” is an excerpt from a speech by The Rt. Hon. Dr. David Johnston, former Governor-General of Canada, on April 9, 2017, at a ceremony in France commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge during the First World War.