by Shaw, J. D.
“I nominate myself to save the souls of those local residents who give in to the debauchery of alcohol and lewd behavior.” A rather loud voice echoed from the back of the room.
Father William squinted from the podium. “Whom, may I ask, is addressing the podium?”
“Seamus Kilpatrick.” The voice returned. “I’m the interim Pastor at Shoreline Baptist Church here in town.”
Father William nodded. “Pastor Kilpatrick, I welcome your input at this meeting but we must follow the agenda to ensure we stay on time tonight.”
Seamus Kilpatrick walked slowly up the center aisle, between the rows of audience members. He was about six feet tall, with a full head of chestnut brown hair that was parted in a conservatively short style. Dressed casually, in a thick brown fisherman’s sweater pulled over a stiff-collared white shirt that was tucked neatly into a pair of dark brown pants. The heels of his tasseled leather loafers clopped slowly along the tiled floor as he held tight to a Bible in his hands. “The Lord’s agenda should come first always, wouldn’t you agree Father William?”
“As much as I would welcome a religious discourse, I don’t feel that now is the appropriate time to do so.” Father William tried to politely pull the meeting back on track.
“What’s going on?” Kathy nudged Joshua with concern.
“I’m not sure.” Joshua replied. “But I don’t have a good feeling about this.” He pulled out his cell phone. “I’m calling the station to send some backup just in case.”
“Good idea.” Kathy agreed as Joshua spoke softly to the Sheriff’s office dispatch officer.
Vivienne knew Pastor Kilpatrick all too well. It had been only a few months ago that she had encountered him after the incident that landed Nathaniel and Tristan in the hospital during the holidays. She remained silent, pivoting herself to get a better look as he slowly walked up the aisle toward the podium.
“You see, I had a spiritual calling to come to Cayuga Cove. At first, it was merely to visit my dear sister who had been brutally run down by a malicious driver. But as she recovered, praise God, I started to feel something else. A need to address the evil that is threatening to consume this town and all the good folk who dwell here.”
“Pastor Kilpatrick, this is not the time or place to engage in this conversation.” Father William glanced in Joshua’s direction. “We should remain on topic.”
“You said earlier that ‘the Lord works in mysterious ways’ and you are absolutely right about that, Father William.” Seamus continued. “But Satan is real, and he works in the most obvious ways possible. He is the king of deception, of making the easy way look like the right way. He preys upon our human failings to give up and follow the herd without asking ‘is this the right thing to do’. He slithers into the minds of our youth through violent television programs and movies. Through the salacious lyrics of popular music. Through the consumption of illegal drugs and alcohol, the very things this town is about to celebrate by holding a carnival in a few weeks.”
Joshua stood up from his seat. “Pastor, I am going to have to ask you to follow the rules for this meeting.”
“Ah, Deputy Arkins. How nice to see you again.” Seamus smiled. “You of all people should be keenly aware of the rise in crime that has happened in just a short span of time here in town.”
Joshua folded his arms across his chest. “Sir, again I must ask for your cooperation tonight.”
Seamus held his Bible high in the air. “The Lord Almighty compels me to speak out against this tide of evil that is sweeping into Cayuga Cove and I must do as He commands. Our town is being attacked from within. When we turn our hearts and minds away from the Lord, that’s when Satan makes his move.”
The crowd began to murmur amongst each other as Father William picked up the small gavel used for public meetings and rapped it gently. “Please, I must call for order to this meeting. We are here to setup the planning board for the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities.”
Joshua excused himself around several seated patrons in his row and stepped into the aisle facing Pastor Kilpatrick. “Sir, you are causing a public disturbance and I must ask you to vacate this meeting immediately.”
Seamus glared at him in defiance. “We have thrown God out of our schools and public places and now we are suffering the punishment for such blasphemy. Sanctioning a parade to the glorification of drinking alcohol and all the lewd behavior that goes along with it is one step too far and I will not go quietly into the night without a fight for the moral fiber of this town’s collective soul.”
Joshua stepped forward and put his arm around Pastor Kilpatrick’s shoulder. “I’m asking you to work with me here. Save us both the trouble of having this evolve into an incident.”
“You see? Deputy Arkins wants to save me the trouble of causing an incident.” Seamus addressed the startled crowd. He gazed with wild eyes at the Bible in his hands and then raised his voice up a notch in volume. “Matthew 26:41, ‘watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak’.” With a dramatic flourish, he took the Bible and placed it over his heart. “I will not abandon this town to the devil. I answer to an authority much higher than Sheriff Rigsbee.”
“You could be answering to charges of disorderly conduct if you don’t stop this immediately.” Joshua reached gently for Seamus’ arms and pulled them down to his side. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your choice.”
The bald man who had helped Harriet earlier with the microphone came to Seamus’ aid. “I hear you, preacher. I too feel a darkness around us and agree we must cast it out. I stand beside you.”
Seamus reached out and grabbed the man’s hand. “You see? The righteous will always have the upper hand in this battle. Who else will stand with us?”
“Unhand him.” The bald man shouted at Joshua. “He is free to speak his mind.”
“He’s causing a disruption to this meeting. If you don’t back away, I’ll arrest you both.” Joshua warned.
“We stand together.” The bald man remained defiant.
“Cast me out.” Seamus challenged with the crowd. “Turn your backs on the Lord and see what misfortune will befall you all.” He tried to free himself from Joshua’s grip but failed. “I have been sent as a messenger to save you all.” He stepped backward and fell into the bald man. Like a pair of bowling pins, they both tumbled to the ground, skulls smacking hard against the floor. Seamus entire body went rigid as the Bible tumbled out of his grip.
There were several gasps from the crowd as Joshua knelt down to feel for a pulse. “He’s not breathing. Someone call the paramedics.” He then began administering CPR.
A young woman in medical scrubs rushed out of the crowd and attended to the bald man who was also unresponsive. “I’m a nurse, let me through.” She pushed her way past the gawkers and placed her fingers on his neck. “He’s got a pulse.”
The reporter from the Cayuga Tribune jumped forward and began snapping several photographs of the incident in progress.
Eunice Kilpatrick suddenly leapt through the entrance doors. She surveyed the scene for a moment and then lunged at Joshua. “Get your hands off my brother.” She swung her purse and smacked Joshua against the head with it.
Vivienne and Kathy both jumped to their feet and rushed forward as the crowd began to rise from their seats in confusion as to what was happening.
“Ma’am, I need you to step away right now.” Joshua yelled loudly at her, struggling to control the situation. “Your brother may have suffered a traumatic head injury.” He felt for a pulse once more and then relief washed over his face. “He’s got a pulse.”
“How dare you treat a man of God this way, Deputy Arkins.” She yelled back. “What did you do to him?” She prepared to swing her purse at him once more.
Vivienne raced forward and grabbed Eunice’s arm before she could do so. “Stop this right now. Deputy Arkins just saved his life.”
Eunice whirled around
angrily. “Get your hands off me, Vivienne Finch.” She burst into tears. “My baby brother needs me.”
Harriet Nettles raced over from the front desk of the library as the patrons spilled out of the meeting room. “I’ve called the police.” She tried to yell over the commotion.
The front doors to the library were yanked open as two police officers rushed inside.
“Thank God you’re here.” Harriet pointed to where Joshua was attending to Seamus on the floor. “There’s been some sort of medical emergency.”
The officers raced into the room, pushing their way through the crowd that had encircled Joshua, Seamus, and the bald man.
Seamus eyes fluttered and he bolted upright with a frenzied gasp for air. “I am your servant.” He cried out. “I will do as you ask.”
“Are you okay?” Eunice broke free from Vivienne’s grip and rushed over to her brother. “Did he hurt you?”
Seamus took another deep breath before answering her. “I have been healed.”
Joshua remained in his professional responder mode. “Are you in any pain?”
Seamus shook his head. “No. I was just healed by God himself.”
“This man is unconscious, but breathing.” The young woman in scrubs spoke quietly.
Seamus looked over at the bald man. “My brother, you have fought the good fight and will be rewarded.”
There was more commotion as the paramedics arrived on the scene. They pushed their way through the crowd with a gurney in tow. “Please back away and give us room to work.” They ordered.
The two officers began to push the crowd back so the paramedics could render aid.
The taller of the two paramedics, a stocky man with blue eyes, approached Seamus. “Are you feeling light headed or dizzy?”
Seamus shook his head. “No. I am completely healed now.” He jumped to his feet as some members of the crowd gasped.
The shorter paramedic took over for the young woman in scrubs. “I’ve got it from here.”
“Thank you.” She replied meekly.
The taller paramedic rushed over to Seamus with concern. “Sir, you shouldn’t make any sudden movements like that until you have been checked by a physician.”
“I am fine, gentlemen. Better than fine. Wonderful, actually.” Seamus smiled.
Joshua got up from the floor. “He didn’t have a pulse and I administered CPR.”
The taller paramedic nodded back. “Are you absolutely certain there was no pulse?”
“Yes.” Joshua responded. “There’s no way I missed it.”
The shorter paramedic, a young man who looked to be all of twenty-one years old, approached Seamus. “The other man is non-responsive, but breathing on his own. We should get them both to Cayuga Memorial right away.”
“Do what you must.” Seamus replied calmly. “But you are not strapping me down on that gurney. I will walk.” He frantically scanned the floor. “Where is my Bible?”
“That’s fine.” The taller paramedic agreed and helped his partner load the bald man onto a gurney. They wheeled him out of the library meeting room.
“I found it, brother.” Eunice pointed to a folding chair where the Bible had slid underneath.
Seamus was escorted by the two officers out of the meeting hall. Eunice Kilpatrick, who grabbed her brother’s Bible off the floor, left without saying another word to anyone. They disappeared through the main library doors, where the flashing blue and red emergency lights lit up the chilly evening.
“What the hell was that?” Kathy asked Vivienne.
“I wish I knew.” Vivienne replied as she walked over to Joshua. “Are you hurt?”
He shook his head. “Man, she must have fifty pounds of junk in that purse of hers.”
“It’s probably loose change she’s pilfered from the bank.” Kathy mused. “Are you going to charge her with assaulting an officer of the law?”
“No.” Joshua grimaced. “She was caught up in the craziness of the moment. People react in strange ways to sudden shock.”
“That’s more kindness than she deserves.” Kathy added.
Vivienne reached up and fixed a few stray locks of hair that had fallen across Joshua’s face during the scuffle. “Aren’t you glad you came tonight?”
He gave her a little smile. “I need to go down to the station and give them the full story of what just happened here.”
“I know.” Vivienne nodded back. “Do you need us to come with you as witnesses?”
“No, I’ll be fine.” Joshua replied.
Father William had made his way over to them and patted Joshua on the back. “Deputy Arkins, I am so thankful that you were here tonight.”
“No need to thank me, Father William. I’m just preserving the peace.”
“I have never seen such a thing before.” He marveled. “I’m just speechless.”
“Public disorder often has violent consequences.” Joshua replied. “I hope it didn’t cost a man his life tonight.”
“I will be saying prayers for that poor man.” Father William confessed.
“I’m sure he could use all the prayers he can get.” Joshua pressed. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get down to the Sheriff’s office.”
“Of course.” Father William smiled back.
“Father William.” The reporter who had taken a series of photographs during the incident stepped forward. “Scott Jenkins, I work for the Cayuga Tribune. I have some information you might find interesting regarding Seamus Kilpatrick.”
The reporter stepped aside with Father William as Vivienne and Kathy followed Joshua toward the exit. “So much for planning the Luck of the Irish carnival.” Vivienne commented.
“Well, we can still go to the store and plan my party.” Kathy offered.
“Yes, we may as well.” Vivienne looked back at the crowd of meeting attendees that were milling about the library. “Nothing is going to happen here tonight, that’s for sure.”
“Great.” Kathy replied enthusiastically and stepped on something that sounded like broken glass. She looked down at the remnants of a small pendant on the floor, a simple golden chain that once held some sort of fragile item, now smashed into bits during the ruckus of the meeting. “Well, this certainly wasn’t one of my pieces.”
Vivienne glanced down. “Should we give it to Harriet to put in the lost and found?”
“Vivienne.” Kathy smirked. “It probably was picked up inside a claw machine. It’s garbage.”
“Well, if it fell out of a purse some little kid is going to be upset tonight.”
“So the kid’s mom can fish another quarter out of her purse at the Monarch Grocery and replace it.” Kathy grabbed Vivienne by the arm. “Let’s get out of here.” She reached into her purse and pulled out her car keys.
Vivienne reached down and picked it up from the floor. “I’m going to give it to Harriet.”
“Fine.” Kathy grimaced.
On their way out the door, Vivienne gave the broken necklace to Harriet to place in the lost and found bin. It was the right thing to do, even if it was garbage like Kathy said.
Kathy pressed the unlock button on her key fob as they approached her car. “Well, I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised when you see the generous amount I’m going to offer you to bake some authentic New Orleans king cakes for the jewelry party.”
“Good.” Vivienne replied as she opened the passenger door to Kathy’s car. “I could definitely use a good surprise about now.”
CHAPTER FOUR
“Sure, that won’t be a problem. I’ll have the order ready about noon. Thank you again.” Vivienne hung up the phone and finished writing the new order down. “Stephanie, I’ve just got an order for a dozen loaves of Irish soda bread for this Friday. Will you be able to come in about an hour early that day to help me get a head start?”
Stephanie Bridgeman, Vivienne’s right hand at the Sweet Dreams Bakery, pulled out her smartphone and entered a reminder for herself. “Not a problem.”
>
“Thanks.” Vivienne scooted over to the countertop computer and entered the order. Using the new inventory tracking software she had installed after New Year’s, the software generated a message that she would need to re-order flour in order to keep it at her safety level. The software was a blessing, as it freed her to not worry so much about daily inventory and kept shortages of supplies to a minimum. “I don’t know how we got along without this.” She patted the top of the computer.
Stephanie was using a batch of royal icing to frost two trays of butter cookies in the shape of spring flowers. “I know what you mean. I used to think my friends who had their phones attached to their hands were crazy but now I have a little panic attack if I leave the house without it.”
“I suppose you could say we’re more connected than ever, but it doesn’t feel that way.” Vivienne finished with the computer and placed the Irish soda bread order for Dowling Tax & Payroll on the magnetic board under the ‘New Orders’ section. Patricia Dowling, one of the accountants and owners of the business, was always a generous contributor to the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. She and the other family members always paid for the scores of green beads and small trinkets that the float riders tossed to the crowds lining Main Street during the parade. Vivienne had kept some of the little trinkets and beads she had caught over the years in a box that she guessed was stored away somewhere in her mother’s attic. She made a mental note to go try to find it after work, as filling her display window with the captured vintage treasures would add a whimsical note to all the cookies and cakes on display.
Stephanie grabbed a tray of tulip-shaped cookies she had outlined with a thin frosting edge earlier in the day. “Tell me about it.” She hovered over the tray and prepared to flood the cookies with a liquid royal icing that would dry to a nice enamel-like finish. “A sociology professor at college gave a lecture a few weeks ago about how technology is actually isolating us more from each other to the point where actual human contact is almost considered taboo.”