Transcending Queen

by SK Thomas

  Father Clayton high tailed it back to Melissa before Jack could get to her. He went on a hunt to track her down when she was sitting in a pew at his church the whole time right under his nose. He made a seat for himself beside her. She glanced to immediately notice his chin red and swollen.

  “What happened?”

  “Can we go into the confessional? I need to talk to you in private.” He said under his breath and glanced back at the doors secretly waiting for Jack to bust through.

  “Yes, of course.”

  We made our way into the confessional and took seats in front of each other knees touching, “I’m the bearer of bad news, Jack did this to me.”

  “Wait…what? Jack? Where’d you even find him?”

  “At the coffee shop, he found out we’re together. He punched me.”

  “What? Why? Hold on, this doesn’t make any sense.”

  “I know and I’m just as shocked as you. But I must tell you, he doesn’t look good.”

  “Did you hit him back?”

  “No, of course not, people were shocked and confused. They banned him from that place.”

  I put my thumb to my mouth as I started anxiously chewing on the nail. I needed time to think about this new turn of events. I hadn’t seen Jack in weeks myself and then to hear this story. It didn’t make any sense and the fact that there were witnesses made it even worse.

  “Come here”, he said reaching out. I gave in not knowing right from left as my mind spun out. “You’re shaking like a leaf.” He took off his jacket, removed his clerical collar and undone a couple of buttons down his shirt before placing his jacket over my shoulders to help stop the shaking. It didn’t working because I wasn’t cold. He threw his jacket on the ground and rubbed my arms, but that didn’t help either. He leaned in for a kiss as I yanked away. “Don’t pull away from me again.”

  “Please stop, I need some time.”

  “Time for what, you don’t believe me?”

  “That’s not what I said.” I assured starting to reverse my direction away from him.

  “You’re scared of me.” He didn’t waste any movement before shoving me up against the confessional gripping my throat. “Don’t you trust me?” he questioned quietly as my eyes started to bulge and my face turned red. “I should be the one you have faith in, not Jack.” He whispered knowing he had my life in his hands and in complete control of what would happen next. I felt like a helpless, defenseless animal in his clutches, not knowing whether he’d snap my weak neck or what he had in store for me next. He released his grip from around my throat and shoved his hand over my mouth to keep me silent. “I’m going to ask you again, do you trust me?” he questioned taking his hand slowly off my mouth waiting for a response.

  “Yes, I do.” I said in a calming tone although my voice sounded shaky.

  “I feel as if I need to bring a lawsuit against Jack.” He said with a stone cold stare insistent on crowding my personal space.

  I kept an eye on him expecting to hear more, but there was nothing. “I don’t know if that’s necessary?”

  “He shouldn’t go around hitting people, especially someone like me.”

  Confused, I rubbed my forehead in a stall tactic trying to pick an answer out of thin air. “I think he’s learned his lesson.”

  “You’re taking his side?”

  “No, I mean, I know Jack and he’s not one to start a mess without provocation.” That bold statement flew out of my mouth and I regretted it immensely.

  He didn’t answer back. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but held still not sure what terror would reign next. I had to try and talk him out of pursuing Jack, that’s the last thing any of us needed right now.

  “People are coming soon for a class.” He mumbled while motioning for me to move.

  “I believe you, but taking Jack to court is not the answer.”

  “Just leave, you’re not supporting me. Whose side are you on anyway?”

  “I could ask the same of you. Can you leave everyone behind if you retire? The adoring congregation and the people who look up to you, it’s a drink you’ve been sipping on for a good, long while.”

  He listened and then asked, “Are you done?”

  “Is your ego?” I asked afraid.

  He silently walked away letting me go as I secretly expelled a cleansing breath, although it didn’t cleanse anything.

  Chapter 17 – Roses Have Thorns

  Jack made a break in the case when he overheard the woman he’d been forced to hang out with proclaim to another that Clayton was involved and a part of this prostitution ring. Now, he just had to find a way to prove it. The last couple of weeks have been more than a little chaotic while being involved within this inner circle, but not a lot of information came forth. It did allow for him to blow off some steam, but even in the throes of passion they weren’t about to cross their meal ticket. He hurried to the office hoping for some more information from someone outside the loop.

  “Hey Jack, long time, where have you been?” Luann asked enthusiastically.

  “Hi Luann, I need your help.”

  “Why is this constantly happening these days?”

  “Sorry, I really do apologize, but we trust you.”

  “What’s the question.” She said begrudgingly.

  “Father Clayton, what trouble does he have himself in?”

  “Again with this question, aren’t you supposed to be finding this stuff out during this thorough investigation of yours?”

  “I’ve run across a prostitution ring. I’ve been there and I need to know who’s running it, I think Clayton’s involved.”

  “I’ve only heard rumors, probably for the best. Ignorance as they say…”

  “Right, I got it. You know more than you’re letting on. Please, you’ve lived here your whole life. You have to know, help me take the bastard down.”

  “I can lead you to a guy who will be more helpful. You’ve met him before, it’s Tony. The bar attracts some ladies on special nights. That’s all the information I have. I don’t know if they’re part of a prostitution ring or not, but you can ask him.”

  “Thanks Luann, if I wasn’t such a gentleman I’d kiss you!”

  “By all means, but don’t thank me yet until you talk to Tony.”

  Father Clayton a couple of blocks away brought Joseph in to reveal his plans, “Nice to see you again.”

  “So, what’s this meeting about?”

  “I’m retiring, leaving town.” He announced not sure how Joseph would react.

  “What are you saying?”

  “Melissa and I are leaving.”

  “This is awkward. I could’ve sworn you said this wouldn’t happen and I begged you not to let her get under your skin.”

  “I can’t explain it. I just want a normal life.”

  “Have you told her this? I mean, just the other day you said you could only love yourself.”

  “We’ve discussed leaving so both of us can get a fresh start.”

  “She’s a kid, Colin. She deserves better.” Joseph insisted knowing full well what was really on his mind.

  “She’s a grown woman and will help me become a better man. I’m determined to do this.” He declared with such passion he surprised himself.

  “She’s nineteen years old and can’t possibly know what she wants yet. You’re taking advantage of her vulnerability, she’s weak right now.”

  “She knows what she’s doing.”

  “If she really knew the truth, would she still want to go with you?”

  “What are you saying?”

  “I was there that night and saw with my own two eyes. If you remember correctly, you were the one who told me to keep an eye on her. Your nothing but an animal, you raped her!” He yelled. Holding such a secret was tearing him apart internally as he was forced to cover the lies of such a monster.

  Clayton watched Joseph breakdown while he restrained himself to calmly respond to his accusations, “We go way back Joseph, I
trust you will keep that between us. I won’t let it happen again, she can trust me. You need to zip your mouth shut on this one.”

  “Oh yes, without a doubt. If she truly loves you as much as it’s built up in your head, then you should be able to tell her.”

  “Let’s be realistic, please.” Clayton insisted.

  “Hell, if you were half the man you pretend to be you wouldn’t have any reasons to harbor these dreaded secrets.” Joseph ranted.

  He held tight as his temper rose, he wanted Joseph to shut up and regain his composure before he blurted it to the entire community.

  “You sick son of a bitch!” Joseph rambled on.

  His final statement was the last straw as Clayton lunged forward brutally throwing him up against the wall, “You need to shut this down. We both have too much to lose.”

  Joseph struggled to get out of his grip but Clayton’s power thrashed upon him like a raging bull. He understood the fact that this battle is a definite loss. He raised his hand as a sign of giving in when Clayton released his pressure grip. “I’ll keep my mouth shut, but this is her life you’re fucking with. Think about that.”

  “As long as I can trust you, that’s all I ask.” Father Clayton acknowledged refusing to look in his direction.

  “At least try to look at me when you say that.”

  He had glanced out the window but stopped and peered back at Joseph to prove a point.

  “You’ll buy my silence, I want a severance package.” Joseph demanded.

  Father Clayton hesitated, “I’ll come up with something.”

  “That something better be good.”

  Jack stood in Tony’s face, well almost, a bar separated them. “You don’t have any other employees?”

  “Who in their right mind would work here?”

  “I dunno…someone needing a job?”

  “No one needs a job that bad.”

  “Alright so you’re the only employee, got it.” Jack ribbed.

  “What’ll you have?” Tony asked.

  “The truth would be a good start.”

  “Get to the point, as opposed to what?”

  “Not the truth.” Jack happily clarified.

  “Get to the point, Jack.” Tony insisted.

  “Prostitutes, what gives?” Jack asked.

  His eyes quickly darted around to make sure no one else was paying attention. “What do you know?”

  “Enough, now it’s your turn, get to the point.” Jack said.

  “It’s a small town and some men don’t have a wife at home, that’s when people take advantage to pad their pockets.”

  “Why do people want to make more money? It’s cheap living, hard living but cheap.”

  “People get greedy, maybe some get bored. Some just want a way out of here.” Tony stated.

  “So, why do you personally want to make more money?” Jack asked raising his eyebrows.

  “No interest in answering that, sorry you’re barking up the wrong guy.”

  “I don’t think I am.” Jack admitted. “I heard the girls have been around this establishment a time or two.”

  “Look, it’s not a regular thing. Once in a while they stop by, let a few of the men pop off and that’s it.” Tony admitted.

  “But you get some extra dough from it, otherwise, why bother?”

  “Yeah, I get a little reward. It helps keep me afloat. I work a lot of hours and deserve a little extra boost to my business.”

  “Who’s the mastermind behind the scenes, the one raking in the most to lose?”

  “I can’t say, I don’t know.”

  “Which is it?” Jack asked tiring easily of this.

  “Both.” Tony stated demanding Jack to stop.

  “I won’t quit, this is what I was sent here to do. If you talk I keep you out of the loop, but otherwise you’ll go down with the rest of them. It’s only a matter of time.” Jack confided.

  “Talk to Joseph. That’s the guy you want.”

  “He’s the mastermind?” Jack questioned.

  “No, but he can get you answers.” Tony assured.

  “I followed that son of a bitch for days and where there’s Clayton, there’s always Joseph not far behind lurking.”

  “He’s the one and only. Go to him, I’ll be screwed if I tell you myself. I gave you enough information, you need to leave.” Tony insisted.

  I sprawled out with ear buds in, listening to music blocking out the world. Everyone could duke it out while I lay waiting for all the drama to clear. Like a storm passing through if you wait long enough eventually the sun comes out again and a fresh new day appears, clean and renewed. I’d come to terms with John being gone, I guess. A death is something you never really get over but eventually move past. While Barrington felt like a lifetime ago, I still wasn’t ready to face what awaited me there.

  “Joseph, wait up!” Jack shouted.

  He halted with a frown on his face not wanting to turn around.

  “Hey man, didn’t you hear me?” Jack asked.

  “I wasn’t sure I heard right. I figured you’d call my name again.”

  “I need to talk to you. Is there someplace we can go?”

  “No, right here is fine.” Joseph stated.

  “We’re on the street. Don’t you want some privacy?”

  “No, plain sight is good.”

  “Ok, suit yourself. Talk to me about the prostitution business.”

  “What?” Joseph questioned.

  “C’mon, don’t play dumb. Tell me who the leader is.” Jack insisted.

  Joseph glanced around, “Where did you say you want to go?”

  “Yep, that’s what I thought.” Jack said nonchalant.

  “We can take my truck?” Joseph asked.

  “No, my car is right over here.” Jack insisted.

  After they got settled with the doors closed, windows up and parked just outside of town Jack started questioning him again.

  “I don’t want any trouble, Jack.” He said.

  “No trouble, I just want answers.”

  “Tony, he’s the leader.” Joseph confessed.

  “Bullshit!”

  “Why?”

  “You stupid asshole”, Jack yelled as he hauled off and hit him in the nose with his elbow.

  “You shit!” Joseph called out.

  “Tell me or I’ll keep going.”

  “I don’t know!”

  “Just a minute ago you said it was Tony!” he yelled as he delivered another blow.

  “Stop for a moment, Jesus, I need to think!”

  “No more time! Your Clayton’s right hand, tell me!”

  “I don’t know!” Joseph yelled back.

  Jack got out of the car to create space from this jackass and paced around before he got carried away and did a regrettable act. Joseph followed and circled around the other side.

  “You know why I’m here.” Jack said.

  Joseph said nothing.

  “Clayton told me he knows why I’m here, so why are you acting like you don’t know.”

  “Yeah, I guess.”

  “So, then tell me.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Why?” Jack asked.

  “I have to answer to people, people who could make my life a living hell.”

  Jack took another breather letting that statement soak in, “Who the hell is behind this?”

  “People…men who are truly evil.”

  “People or just one person?”

  Joseph didn’t respond.

  “Clayton.” Jack stated, waiting to see if Joseph would lie to him. He observed Joseph wince and flinch as though he didn’t feel safe any longer. “Clayton!” Jack yelled in his face finding it necessary to hear the confirmation come out of his mouth.

  “Yeah, there’s more. Melissa, he’s planning to take her away.” Joseph admitted.

  “Did I hear you right?”

  “He says he loves her but I think he’s trying to break her emotionally, teach both of you a less
on.”

  I felt exhausted when I heard a knock on my door at the motel. My first thought, either Luann or Jack. Hesitation set in when the knock came again louder vibrating the door.

  “I want in.” I heard from outside my room.

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  “Open the door.” The voice insisted.

  I released the latch as he pushed it open gently, “Can I come in and talk to you? I brought flowers from my garden, a peace offering.” Colin stated.

  “This isn’t right.”

  “I know, that’s why I’m here. Can I come in?”

  “You can, but no promises.” I said.

  “That’s all I ask.” He acknowledged.

  I stood to the side as he entered calm, collected and ready to talk. He found a glass, filled it with cool tap water and put the flowers in it setting them on my nightstand.

  “You look at me now as if you see a monster.”

  “I’m not sure why you’re doing this. I mustn’t be rescued and you shouldn’t feel obligated. I deserve the truth, Colin.”

  “I’m here in the middle of the day for everyone to see. Exposed, amid rumors but no longer caring what others think, no longer wanting to hide. That’s the truth in all its glory or shame.”

  “I don’t know if this is what I want. You might be a distraction, but I’ll eventually have to get my life back in order.”

  “I don’t believe that, not for a second.”

  “Right now we’re both desperate and searching for the idea of what we think we want, that’s all this is.”

  “Quit talking yourself out of this.” He demanded.

  “What then?” I stated finding it hard to catch my next breath.

  “We belong together in the shadows or beyond in a new life, we belong together.”

  “Once we move on, you’re a regular guy and I’m just me…the taboo will be gone, the excitement will be no longer and in the middle of our relationship the adventure will fade. This right now is not reality!” I insisted.

  “This is us, together as one. I can’t ignore what we’ve shared. Regardless of what anyone says, this is worth fighting for!”

  “What if you don’t retire? I can’t stay here, I won’t. I can’t be your mistress aside from the church and your congregation. I demand a regular relationship and a typical life.”