Transcending Queen

by SK Thomas

  Father Clayton arrived in the neighboring town heading straight for the only warehouse in the area. There was no seedy neighborhood to drive through, just a regular building townspeople thought he used for storage. He parked his car and sat for a period thinking, “How could I ever be with Melissa knowing who I truly am?” He shook it off urging himself to stay focused on the task at hand.

  “Father Clayton, good to see you today.” The man said.

  “Enough with the small talk, what do you have for me?”

  “Here’s everything you requested, the money and paperwork. Sister Margaret is asking to see you.”

  “No, tell her I’m too busy right now. And while you’re at it let her know there’s someone else.”

  “C’mon, why do I have to deliver the bad news? She might stop her business to spite us.”

  “Not her, she wouldn’t dare. Even though they’re nuns, she likes the money flow like everyone else. Greed is a natural part of human nature. You tell her she doesn’t have a choice and better do her job like the others. There’s a price she has to pay. You tell her that!”

  “I don’t like this, but I’ll do what I can.”

  Father Clayton had grown tired of his piss poor attitude, his frustration mounted until he clocked him upside the head. “I think everyone is forgetting I started this underground operation not only for my retirement but everyone else as well, including your families. No one is allowed to pick and choose their outcome. Once you sign on, you’re my property. My existence is a god damn favor to all of you. How else would these nuns make any money choosing their vocation? It’s your time to get the fucking job done! Be a man and grow a fucking pair, that’s what I hired you to do!”

  “I said I’d do my best.”

  “Go beyond your best.” He scanned the area as his soapbox preaching continued, “And as far as Melissa goes, everyone better keep their hands off her! She’s mine and only mine if you get my drift, not to be passed around like those filthy nuns.”

  “Yeah boss, we’ve seen her and it’s obvious why you want to keep her to yourself.” The man stated with a chuckle.

  He stared down this yahoo making light of a serious issue, his temper rose to its breaking point as he searched around until he grabbed a two by four lying within arm’s length as his beast exploded out of the darkness. Flipping halfway around and without warning Father Clayton slammed it again and again into his face as he heard bones break. There was a price for everyone to pay, no matter how heinous. No thoughts entered into his reality as he kept swinging long after blood spewed forth and until the other men jumped into stop him.

  “Father Clayton, get off him!” Angus yelled.

  “You’re going to kill him!” Rich screamed.

  It took several men trying to pry him off leaving Angus no choice but to deliver a kidney punch causing him to double over and relinquish the board that now had blood coating it. He had seen this too many times before and knew exactly what to do before the situation spiraled too far out of their control.

  “C’mon Father, you’re done.” Rich insisted but couldn’t budge him. “You did what you had to do, but now it’s over.”

  Father Clayton came back to consciousness as he heard the voice of Rich citing instructions while he stood gasping for air. He looked over to see a man lying on the floor out cold, “He’s going to be alright?”

  “He’s just unconscious, nothing that can’t be fixed.” Rich said treating him with kid gloves directing him to the exit of the warehouse.

  “Not a word of this to anyone.”

  “That’s why we’re here and you have our word, not a peep.” Rich assured.

  “Once he wakes up, fire him immediately. I don’t ever want to see his disgusting face again.”

  Rich nodded, “Status quo, we’ll be ready for you next week.”

  Father Clayton drove his way out of town and back to Melissa staring at the blood on his hands. He jerked the car over and stopped on the side of the road desperate to get it off. He dug in his back pocket for his handkerchief to wipe as much evidence away as he could but most of it had already dried. There wasn’t any water to clean it off and even he cringed at the thought of using his own saliva. Back on the road he couldn’t get home fast enough as he pulled into the garage, marched through his backyard and stopped at an outside faucet to promptly wash away what blood remained before heading into the house. He appreciated gardening as a past time to take his mind off things, that faucet has come in handy more than once.

  “You’re back.” I said when he meandered his way through to the front of the house.

  He halted when he heard my voice, “Good, you’re still here. We can have a quick session.”

  “Did the trip go as expected?”

  “You know I can’t discuss that, confidentiality and such. People trust me with their deepest, darkest secrets.”

  “Of course, I meant in general.”

  “Have a seat and talk to me. Tell me about your husband, your life before. What happened?”

  I was caught off guard much like a fish trapped in a net not able to find my way out, yanked from the water gasping to breathe. He seemed to be in a rush to change the subject and extremely distant. “I want to forget it and I’m tired of reliving something that isn’t any longer.”

  “I understand, but would you like to expand on that thought?”

  I hesitated not knowing how I could possibly explain my life before him. I felt as if he wouldn’t approve, he is a priest after all. How could he possibly relate? Even if Jack was right about him, I still didn’t know what he was capable of or if the rumors were only rumors. “No, I have no interest to expand on that thought.”

  “Well Melissa, you have to let me in. I can’t read your mind.” He reprimanded.

  I didn’t have a comeback.

  “You’re telling me that I let you in my house and clean up after you’ve had a crazy night out and you still can’t confide in me?”

  Silence burdened us as my ears rang unrelentingly and became a distraction from his stare.

  “It’s been an exhausting day. We can pick this up again later.” He stated at the end of his rope.

  He followed behind as I made my way to the front door before turning to ask him a question, “What if I don’t want to go?”

  He hesitated before asking, “What are you implying?”

  “The other day when Jack interrupted, you tried to block me from leaving. What did you want from me?”

  He looked as if the air had been cleared from the room and started to turn pale. “Melissa, it’s not good timing or something I want to discuss…”

  I cut him off tired from these games, “I feel it too, the chemistry and tension between us.” But before he could comment, I saw blood on his shirt. “What’s this?”

  “Gardening accident…cut my hand. My mind was elsewhere.”

  “Must’ve been one hell of a cut?”

  He shrugged his shoulders checking the time on his watch assuring he’d forgotten another appointment at the last minute, not to mention he would now have to change his shirt.

  Chapter 10 -- Lost

  “Luann?” I hesitated.

  “Yes, what is it this time?” she asked fatigued and with a sigh.

  “Look, I want to apologize about before. I’m just drained from people assuming things without even asking or including me in their decision.”

  She shot a look and a grin letting me know she’d accept the apology, “Well, I probably deserved it. This place gets to all of us at times.”

  “So, I need your help.”

  “Alright, well, spit it out.”

  “What do you really know about Father Clayton? I want to know the truth, no more smoke and mirrors.”

  “I know enough to stay away.”

  “I hear you, more details and make sure to only give me the facts.”

  “He’s nice enough and very private, tends to several churches and stays busy with congregation members. I’ll tell
you, if you don’t heed his way then it’s the wrong way.”

  “His personality, have you noticed unusual quirks?” I asked.

  “He can seem very charismatic, empathetic and loving but a smart chameleon when he needs to be. He plants ideas into their heads so people believe exactly what he needs them to. Nobody can pull off being everything to everyone if you’re truly being yourself, except for him.”

  I stayed quiet soaking in all she was willing to part with, not interrupting her train of thought.

  “I’ve seen sides to him that most people overlook. It’s hard to explain and he’d deny it in a heartbeat.”

  My ears perked up as she stated those words, “Like what? Tell me what you saw.”

  “I had sessions with him after my father died. One session, a man I had never seen before came to ring the bell when Clayton told him to get lost.” She lost herself deeper in thought as her eyes glazed over before continuing the story. “A little later the man came back and when they exchanged heated words, Father Clayton eventually raised his voice and the discussion didn’t end there.” She stopped momentarily.

  “What happened next?” I asked with shallow breath.

  “He punched the guy.”

  I eagerly waited for more, “And then?”

  “They stood under this tree with a good size branch hanging low from the storm that took place days before. He grabbed the branch, swung it as hard as he could and knocked the man unconscious. It was like he had the power of several men in one blow.” She admitted as if she still relives it over and over again in her head. “This man, I still don’t know who he is, but he lay on the ground bleeding while Father Clayton walked away. It’s not exactly what you’d see from a typical priest.”

  I squinted at her wondering if that’s all she saw. I’ve personally have never seen a priest hit anyone. However, a punch is a punch and it’s not likely he pulled a gun or beat the man to a bloody pulp. “Is there anything else you can give me?”

  “Nope, that’s enough.” She said as she went back to finishing her desk duties.

  “You don’t attend church these days?”

  “No…not now.” She said.

  I lingered in disbelief wondering if there was more she’s hiding or maybe I’ve seen too much to think it was a big deal, “I got to go, but thanks for your help.”

  She shook her head and forced a smile releasing me from the awkwardness of this situation.

  Father Clayton strolled into the steak restaurant to find Joseph sitting in a booth by the window.

  “So, what do we got?” He asked as he sat down thoroughly ready to enjoy a tender, juicy steak and some nice wine perhaps.

  “Melissa’s on her own, Jack has cut the cord.” Joseph informed.

  “So, this is all about little old me?”

  “I think we already know that answer.”

  “Keep tabs on Jack and make sure he stays away from Melissa. I want my time alone with her, weak and unprotected.”

  “I think you’ve already done enough. I thought you said you loved her?”

  “Knowing me, do you really think I’m capable of loving anyone besides myself?”

  “Point taken, I’m just saying, it’s getting confusing. I’ve never seen you mix personal affairs and business together. You seem torn trying to be this guy you’re not and that’s a weakness.”

  “If there was anyone that could make me love them, it would be her. But they came with one agenda on their minds, to ruin me and I won’t be taken down especially not by a young girl.”

  “This whole game they’re playing now could be a trap within itself. Why don’t you forget about her altogether and let it go.”

  “Do you think they can outsmart us? Don’t you worry, I’ll get everyone where we need them to be and make her wish she’d never come across me. We have to teach everyone a lesson.”

  “I understand your obsession with Jack, but she’s just a child. You should let her out of it before it spirals too far out of control.”

  “Well now Joseph, I believe I can have my cake and eat it too. You just watch me.”

  Deconstructing my conversation with Luann, I was convinced there was more she’s not telling me. I would have to spend some extra time with her in the hopes she’ll tell soon enough. But the real question is still unanswered, “Where the hell is Jack?” My thoughts then reverted back to several nights ago when I ran down to get a soda out of the vending machine and spotted him in the parking lot. I was about to call out when a woman entered the picture, a woman I’d never seen before. So when I saw her lean over to give him a kiss I was shocked. I watched perplexed not really sure what I should do next. When he glanced back my way, I crouched down a little out of reflex and scooted back to my room before he noticed. I couldn’t connect his plan behind it.

  After making my way back down to the lobby I asked Luann, “What’s with Jack and that woman?”

  “She showed up probably a couple nights ago, they’ve been tight ever since.”

  “Who is she?” I insisted to know.

  “Your guess is as good as mine. I don’t recognize her.”

  “Oh c’mon, these are small communities around here. You’ve never seen her before?”

  “I don’t know everyone. There are plenty of people in neighboring areas. She could be from a city several hours away!”

  I bit my tongue and when that hurt too much I clenched my jaw gritting my teeth having a hard time understanding why Luann wouldn’t have any clue about this chick. “What time is it?”

  “Um, looks like 6:30 pm, why?”

  “I got another session, that’s all.”

  This bad plan was progressively getting worse. At church, service took place at 7pm. While I found an open pew in the middle aisle, Father Clayton gave me an evil eye for showing up late until I blended in. Other townspeople of all ages were seated, pretty low number tonight but his big day seemed to be on Sunday. These nights were for people with odd work schedules, a crisis that couldn’t wait or some elderly who came more than once a week. I suppose coming here beat sitting at home watching television alone. I did, however, like the lesser crowd and the more informal service even though it still had plenty of pomp and circumstance to go around. As the hour wore on, Father Clayton preached not taking his eyes off me or at least in my constant direction. I sat stunned and afraid of imagining these things, wondering why he would be doing something like this. “What was he trying to convey?” When he turned his back to the congregation I glanced around trying not to make too much movement and scanned around to judge if anyone else noticed. The others were minding their own business, set in prayer and heads bowed. He repeated this conduct throughout the service leaving me unquestionably at a loss. Then, I got another chance to check behind me nonchalant like maybe a wayward soul sauntered their way into service and I just happened to be in their field of vision caught in the middle. Not one soul even close to my proximity behind me. I stayed put as uncomfortable as it became until finally service concluded. No more kneeling, genuflecting, signing of the cross or singing. Each person ended with a last amen and headed back out into the real world to test their knowledge and morals against all odds struggling to find their strength. I, on the other hand, lingered.

  When he came out from the back, I felt the show for the townspeople was over. He had slipped out of his robe-like garb and now seemingly more relaxed in just his clergy uniform. He smiled as he came closer taking a seat extending his arm behind me on the pew grasping my shoulder lightly.

  “I’m glad you’re still here. I want to explain the other night.”

  “I was hoping we could clear the air.” I admitted.

  “Good, we’re on the same page then.” He acknowledged.

  “I didn’t want there to be any miscommunication.”

  “Me neither. The confessional, how many years has it been?”

  “Too many to count”, I uttered those words in frustration understanding the tables had just turned again. I canno
t get any information from him when the spotlight is constantly thrown in my direction. He has no problem putting me in a box of discomfort watching me try to wiggle my way out as I’m being worn down over time. I begrudgingly agreed to the hot box in that very uncomfortable fiery seat.

  Both of us sat face to face, it’s almost as if he couldn’t wait to know my secrets. “Ok now, let’s start. I’ll ask questions guiding you along as you confess not to me, but only to God. I am just the middle man to get this accomplished in human form.” He looked at me waiting for some sort of acknowledgement and in return he got nothing but silence. “Do you understand?

  “Yes.”

  “Are you ready?”

  “Yes.”

  It became embarrassing how much silence filled the air as he watched and waited for me to speak up. I shifted in my seat more than once.

  “Alright then, let me give you an example of this process.” He droned on during which my thoughts persisted of how I was going to get him to stop being a priest for even just a short period. “Now, are we ready?”

  Snapping back into my current interrogation I said, “Yes, forgive me father for I have sinned,” as my list went on I got lost in the monotony while I pictured him listening to hundreds if not thousands of these a year. “That about covers it.”

  “Good for your first time back, nothing too horrible.”

  “Colin…” he immediately cut me off.

  “Father Clayton while in the church.” He insisted.

  I paused while studying his demeanor as I questioned if that was really necessary, “Father Clayton, about the other night.” As I was thinking how to phrase the rest of it, he shut me down again.

  “It’s fine, we were both tired. No need to explain.”

  “What did you think I would need to explain?”

  “I think we both misunderstood each other.” He said brushing the issues under the rug as he brought us into a standing position. The confessional was quite small and confined causing us to bump into one another with little room to spare. Upon losing his balance he accidentally pinned me in a corner when our eyes met as we lingered in that instant, he could finally say what we had both hungered for. It would be easy to acknowledge any one of his feelings without it being unnatural. He raised an eyebrow before admitting, “We should make our way out of here.”