Sheena, I've been through hell. I've been abused. I've been
neglected and molested. I've lived on the streets, and I've been
a thief. I never knew what real love was until I came to this
house. These people love me unconditionally, and I love them.
Because of them, I know what love is. I learned it from their
example. Ray never questioned my motives. He accepted me as
his son. He was willing to die for me."
"You almost did die for him," Sheena interrupted. "I love him, Sheena. And Larkin—she brought me into her
home and was willing to love me even if I had been Robert
LaFontaine's child. When my mom said she had Larkin, I
would've done anything to keep her safe. She loves me, and I
love her so much. Christopher and Courtney have treated me
like their brother from the moment I met them. My
grandparents, my aunt, my cousins. My God! Uncle Raif!
Sheena, the man gave me a kidney. What depth of love does
that show?" Parker picked at the piping on the sofa cushion.
His heart raced as he thought about the love he had found—the
command from a voice he could never share with anyone, not
even Sheena, to go back and return the unconditional love. "None of them have ever asked anything of me," he went
on. "They just love me. I want to be like my family. So? Am I
too young to know I love you? No. I'm old far beyond my
years. I love you, and I'll wait for you my whole life if I must.
You're worth far more than those diamond earrings." Sheena put her hand on Parker's cheek. "Stop talking. I love
you, Parker. You're stuck with me. I don't know how long we'll
wait. Keep those things handy, just in case. For now, kiss me
and hold me. Don't ever let me go. You are my true love." Parker kissed Sheena again. All the love of a lifetime
flowed between them, a love that was unconditional.
19 Diminished Capacity
On the drive to the hearing for Mia, Ray broached a subject he was afraid would upset Parker. "I need to talk to you." "Did I do something wrong? Are you mad I want to be at Mom's hearing?"
"No. Nothing like that. You've got to stop automatically
thinking you're to blame for things, but that's a talk for another
day. No, you need to know that Mia's parents will be at the
hearing. I think you should meet them."
"Oh. More grandparents."
"They're good people, Parker."
"Okay, Daddy."
Ray cleared his throat. "That's another thing. I like being
called 'Daddy,' but you don't have to call me that. If you'd be
more comfortable with, 'Dad,' I'll understand."
Parker was quiet for a long moment. "No. I want to call you
'Daddy,' if you're okay with it. I don't care if some folks might
see it as childish. I've never had a daddy, and I finally do. It
means something to me."
Glancing at his son, Ray clasped Parker's shoulder with
affection. "Then we're both happy."
♥♥♥ The local prosecutor, a state prosecutor, and a federal prosecutor attended the hearing for Mia Godchaux. Also present were three different psychiatrists: one for the prosecution, a psychiatrist for the defense, and a non-partisan psychiatrist appointed by the judge. Ray shook his head since the makeup reminded him so much of Latrice Descartes's bench trial. Still, he'd hired Mia a high-powered attorney. Four other people besides the judge and the court reporter were present: Ray, Parker, and two older people Parker assumed were his grandparents.
Before the hearing began, Ray took his son to the couple. "Parker, you need to meet these people," he said. Ray put his hand on his son's shoulder. "These are you grandparents, Vivian and Lester Godchaux."
Parker inhaled sharply. The older bald man with pale brown eyes extended his hand. "Hello, Parker. It's nice to meet you. Your mother hasn't been in contact with us for over eighteen years. I'm sorry I never knew about you until Ray came and told us. He thought it best to wait until you were out of the hospital to meet you."
Parker shook the man's hand. "Hello, sir." Parker turned to the woman. "Ma'am."
The older woman who looked a great deal like her daughter reached out and caressed Parker's cheek. She whispered, "You're a very handsome young man. Mia must've been absolutely insane to keep you a secret. You're our only grandson. Mia's brother, Sheldon, has three girls. They live in Texas. We don't see them much. I would like the chance to see you often if you'll give it to us."
Parker looked at Ray for assurance. Ray nodded.
Parker said, "I'd like that, but would you mind at first visiting me at Daddy's house?"
"No," said Lester, "that would be appropriate."
"What would you like me to call you?"
"You decide," Lester said, "but Sheldon's girls call us 'Gran' and 'Pop.'"
"That'll be fine," said Parker. "May I ask why you're in court?"
"As Mia's parents, we'll need to sign the commitment order. You're not old enough," his grandfather explained. "It's the best thing for her. Mia was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder when she was thirteen, very young for such a diagnosis, but she was having severe mood swings and some violent outbursts. We took her to a doctor. I think she's had a complete psychotic break."
"Lester, she never told me she had a problem," Ray said.
"I'm sure she didn't." Lester gave a sad smile. "She stayed in a state of denial. We had a hard time keeping her on her medication. The reason she only brought you to visit us a couple of times while you two were dating was probably because she was afraid we would've told you about her condition."
Ray nodded. "I wish I had known."
All heads turned as chains rattling grabbed their attention. Two guards escorted Mia into the courtroom. She wore the garish orange prison-issue jumpsuit and her hands were cuffed to a chain around her waist, which in turn connected to another chain joined to shackles on her feet. Parker tensed all over at the sight. He shivered as the air grew colder. Ray steered him to a seat, rubbing his arm for heat.
Judge Poulan entered the courtroom. He announced himself. "Everybody come to order. This hearing is very informal, but let's get down to business.
"Mr. Saxon, you cost a pretty penny. Who hired you on Miss Godchaux's behalf?"
"An anonymous benefactor, Your Honor."
"Liar, but let's move on." He pointed at the bailiff. "Turn up the thermostat. It's like an iceberg in here." He turned back to the attorney. "You're pleading diminished capacity, correct?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"We'll see."
The aging jurist's crustiness made Parker squirm. Ray patted his son on the thigh. He whispered, "He's all talk. He's actually a very nice man and very fair. Don't be afraid."
"Shrinks, let's talk," the judge droned on. "I've read your reports. It seems you're in agreement. You all think Miss Godchaux is completely out of touch with reality and has been so for quite some time. Am I right? If not, say so now."
None of the psychiatrists dissented, so Judge Poulan moved forward. "Prosecutors, this woman has apparently murdered seven people, kidnapped two, and almost killed one of them. One of the dead people was a United States Senator, and another was a judge. Yet, all of you have agreed to have her committed to a mental institution. Why? Somebody talk to me." He plopped the folder he held on the wood with a loud slapping sound.
The federal prosecutor, Chandler Slesinger, spoke for the prosecutors. "Your Honor, this woman isn't a sociopath, a psychopath, yes."
"Explain the difference for the record," said Poulan.
"A sociopath has no conscience." The prosecutor looked toward Mia. "Unlike Miss Godchaux who has shown remorse, albeit convoluted. She has had a total psychotic break after several minor breaks in the past. The Unit
ed States Constitution does not allow the execution of the mentally ill. Miss Godchaux is mentally ill. Therefore, the best place for her is a facility for the criminally insane."
"Hmm," mused the judge. "Lester Godchaux, you're the defendant's father, are you not?"
"Yes, Your Honor." Lester started forward.
"Talk to me from there." He waved his hand in a shooing motion as if raking something from an invisible shelf. "This is informal. No need to take the stand, but still be truthful. Tell me about your daughter."
"Mia was diagnosed as bi-polar when she was thirteen."
"Thirteen?" Poulan fairly shouted.
"Yes, sir," Lester went on. "We were told it was young for onset, but not impossible. I think she has been in a down-hill spiral ever since. She basically vanished, Your Honor, for eighteen years. We haven't seen her or heard from her in that length of time. She had a child and never told anybody about him." The grandfather caught his grandson's eye. "She has been using heroin for God knows how long. The other things—I don't know any other way to describe her except insane."
"So, you're willing to sign this commitment order?"
"Yes, sir."
"Hmm. Mother, too?"
"Yes, sir," Vivian said.
Poulan nodded. "Three signatures are usually required. Can you get a third?"
Slesinger offered a document. "I have here a signed and notarized affidavit from Miss Godchaux's brother in Texas."
The judge held out his hand, and the prosecutor handed over the document. The jurist scanned it and nodded before he spoke again. "Chief Reynolds."
"Yes, Your Honor?"
"Ray, what the hell?" Poulan held up a piece of paper. "You've recommended the nuthouse, too. Why?"
"Your Honor, Mia Godchaux is my former fiancée and the mother of my son." He placed a protective hand on Parker's head. "I can't be impartial in this case. I'd like to strangle her myself, but in trying to be unbiased, I think the best thing for Miss Godchaux is a mental facility where she can get the help she needs. I'm not ready to give up hope that she can one day be complete."
"Hmm. Yes, your son. Parker?"
"Yes, sir?" replied Parker, eyes wide and voice shaky. His experience with judges had never been good.
"Relax, son." The older man's voice softened considerably when addressing the minor. "Why are you here? This woman almost killed you."
"She's still my mother, sir. I love her." At those words, a muted th…thump, th…thump, th…thump sound as large wings made everyone look around.
The judge knitted his brow but continued to question Parker. "What would you like me to do?"
"Send her somewhere so she can get well. She can't get well in a normal prison, sir. That would just make her worse. She would be dead in weeks." He looked toward Mia. "Putting her in prison would be the same as signing her death warrant. I think I heard the prosecutor say that The United States Constitution prohibits the execution of the insane. Is my mother insane? Yes. She thinks I'm dead. She thinks she killed me. I guess that was the final straw."
"Hmm," sighed Judge Poulan. "I only have one more person to question. Miss Godchaux, what should I do with you?"
Mia stared into space. Her attorney said, "Your Honor, Miss Godchaux hasn't spoken since she shot her son."
"Really?" Skepticism dripped from the judge's tongue. "That's not quite true," said Parker.
"Parker, do you have something else to say?" asked the judge.
"She'll talk to me, but she thinks I'm an angel in Heaven."
"I see." The official quirked one eyebrow up. "Try to get her to talk to you for me, son."
Parker went to his mother and squatted beside her. He grimaced as his incision hurt. He said gently, "Mom."
Mia turned toward Parker. "Parker. My beautiful baby." She started to cry. "Did God let you come see me again?"
"Mom, do you know where you are?"
Mia looked around. "I'm going to Hell, Parker. How could God ever forgive me for killing my baby?"
"Mom, where's Ray?"
"Ray? I love Ray. I'm gonna marry Ray. Do you know Ray? His eyes are just like yours."
"Mom."
"Parker? My beautiful baby. I'm sorry. I love you. I'm sorry, baby. I killed you."
"It's all right, Mom. I'm all right."
"You're in Heaven. My beautiful baby. Did God let you come to see me?"
"Yes, Mom, and He told me I can come to see you any time I want to."
The judge said, "Parker, that's enough."
"I have to go now, Mom. I'll see you soon."
"My beautiful baby. I love you."
"I love you, too."
The temperature in the room moderated.
Parker sat down beside Ray and put his face in his father's chest and wept. Ray held him tightly and let him cry as he shed tears of his own.
The judge's next words were choked. "Mr. Saxon, diminished capacity does not describe your client. I'm signing this order to have her committed to the state facility for the criminally insane. I want her transported immediately from this room. I want her in shackles and tied to the seat if possible. I believe she has completely lost touch with reality. However, I want every precaution taken just in case this is an act worthy of an Academy Award. I do not want a repeat of the escape of Latrice Descartes.
"Mr. and Mrs. Godchaux, come and sign this form." He slid a document forward. Lester and Vivian shambled toward the front of the courtroom.
"Ray, get your son out of here. That child has been through too much to see his mother taken away in shackles. Seeing her brought in here was bad enough." Poulan huffed.
"Parker, you put every adult in this room to shame. Your capacity for love and forgiveness is extraordinary. Go from this place and become the man God has intended for you to be. I agree with your mother. This day I have looked into the face of an angel. I would've ruled Miss Godchaux, not diminished capacity, but stark raving mad for keeping you a secret and not shouting proudly to the world, 'This is my son!'" He banged his gavel.
"This hearing is adjourned."
20 A New Life
Mia Godchaux did not escape. She did not even attempt to escape, but just put her head back on the seat and went to sleep. Parker Reynolds visited his mother the first Saturday of every month for the rest of her life. Mia did become lucid and aware of the things she had done, but she never left the mental health facility except on four occasions under heavy guard: Parker's three graduations and Parker's wedding.
Parker Reynolds began a new life the day he left the courthouse. For the first time, he felt free to really live. On the drive home, Ray could only wonder why God had seen fit to bless him with two angels—his wife and his eldest child. Parker and Ray entered the house to questioning faces.
"Well?" demanded Larkin. "She's already on her way," informed Ray. Then, he told the family all that had transpired.
Larkin put her hand on Parker's head. "Are you all right, honey?"
"Yes, Momma, I'm all right."
"What did you say?"
"Yes, Momma, I'm all right."
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
"Absolutely, if you don't mind."
"Oh, I would love to be your momma." She stifled her tears and hugged him close.
"Well, I think we should celebrate," announced Ray. "Let's go out to dinner. Parker, call your appendage and tell her we'll pick her up at six."
♥♥♥ The Reynolds family plus one dined at an exclusive Italian restaurant, Mama Rosa's Italian Eatery where Ray and Larkin had tried to celebrate their anniversary. Once again, Parker experienced a first as Ray poured every member of the dinner party a glass of champagne. The children and Larkin's, because she was pregnant, was about two swallows, but the fact that Ray thought a champagne toast by everyone was appropriate surprised Parker. Ray explained to him later that he believed making a sip of wine or beer or even a taste of a mixed drink completely taboo to kids only increased their desire to experiment. On the other hand, if kids saw
alcohol used appropriately, even an occasional buzz in celebration, then, they learned to use it appropriately. Ray did stress that never ever should a person drink and drive. That is why he only had the single glass of champagne to toast a new life for Parker Greg Reynolds.
♥♥♥ The New Year brought school back. Parker had a lot to make up to be able to graduate in May. Additional time in the afternoon at school and extra time with his mentor became a daily arrangement.
Parker applied himself and showed that he could have been an honor graduate if he'd had opportunity before his senior year.
Spring break gave Parker his first trip to Biloxi and a week with Albert and Dorothy. Ray's parents took all their grandchildren—Parker, Christopher, Courtney, Patrick, and Trista, and they invited Sheena—deep sea fishing. His first three days on the ocean in the charter boat, Parker turned green and nauseated. A retired nurse, Meemaw took care of him. Ginger and ultimately Dramamine alleviated his seasickness and he was able to enjoy the last two days. Parker caught several sea bass and a couple of grouper. His first day of actually fishing provided dinner for the evening. The grandchildren returned to finish the school year invigorated and sporting tans.
After spring break, the only divergence from the normal routine was prom week in April. Parker, who had grown three inches and gained twenty pounds since Christmas, and Sheena Johnson made a picture perfect couple with Sheena in a jadegreen, strapless, satin formal that hugged her curves but had a slit up the back to make walking easy and Parker in a black tuxedo with a jade-green cummerbund and bow tie. Parker complained that the bow tie was nerdy until Sheena said he was the most handsome man ever, especially since he had gotten a haircut and style.
At prom Parker was annoyed that several guys asked Sheena to dance. Her friend, Dana, grabbed Parker's hand. "Oh, quit sulking and dance with me."
"I'm not a very good dancer."
"Just move. Look at these people. Nobody is very good." Parker laughed and danced with Sheena's friend. Dana
pouted and pointed. "She's the best dancer here. Dare you to dance with her."
"Dr. Fairchild?"
The girl nodded and had a mischievous grin on her face.
She's trying to embarrass me, Parker thought.
Heartless (The Raiford Chronicles) Page 17