by D A Walmsley
As Peter is making his fifth cup of coffee since he arrived, John slips in through the back door.
“You’re not exactly hard to find?” he says, surprising Peter.
Peter tries to smile, but he can’t. John gives him a pat on his shoulder.
“We need to prepare for the worst,” he says going into the living room and beckoning Peter to follow.
Mary, Mark’s mother spots him first and gives him a half smile, “it’s not over yet, he can still win.”
John shakes his head, “no, he can’t.”
She bursts into tears and has to be comforted by a friend, who glares at John for being so insensitive. Peter stands in the doorway as John goes over to Jesus’ mother. She puts her arms out and he hugs her. Peter can’t hear what John says to her, but does hear her response, “it’s all Gods’ plan, my boy won’t disappoint you,” tears pour down her face.
Peter has to turn away, he can’t bear to look her in the eye.
John is just about to speak when Thaddy turns up the TV.
“Shhh, everybody, the results are about to be announced.”
The ticker is now showing polls have closed, the results are being counted.
A hush fills the house as all of them are glued to every TV, even the one in the kitchen. John squeezes past Peter and goes to put the kettle on. Peter agrees with John and Thomas that the result is a forgone conclusion, though he dare not say so. There is a part of him that still hopes Jesus will win.
“We now go live to the steps of the Governor’s House at the Union barracks,” says the TV anchor.
Standing on the steps are Pilate, three chief priests and several soldiers. The parade ground is full, with TV crews, Press and over a thousand people. A camera pans the crowd; in the background soldiers can be seen guarding its perimeter.
Pilate steps towards a microphone and is handed a white envelope.
“The result of the people’s vote is as follows.” He opens the envelope, shaking his head when he sees the result for himself.
“Jesus of Nazareth…33%. Jesus Barabbas 67%, I declare the winner is…Barabbas.”
The crowd cheers. Streamers shoot into the air. The camera cuts to Annas and Caiaphas at the palace. Annas, aware that the cameras are on him, looks gracious and merely claps.
Pilate announces: “By the power vested in me by the Union of Nations, I declare that Jesus Barabbas is a free man. And to you, people of Israel, I hand over the King of the Jews, whom I believe to be innocent, to do with as you wish.”
The crowd cheer. Pilate heads back inside shaking his head, clearly unhappy. The Priests shake hands, congratulating each other.
“No.”
“It was fixed.”
“Shit, shit, shit.”
The hush now descends into cries of despair. John makes himself a coffee. Jesus’ mother cries, sobbing on the shoulders of her friends.
The TV company, knowing that the crucifixions take place in only a few hours, are already showing adverts moments after the result. Pictures of Jesus, dressed as the King are shown, with a deep voice saying…
“Live crucifixions, the nastiest death ever invented. Watch the self-proclaimed Son of God die.
He saved others, can he save himself? Tickets are still available.”
“Someone turn that off,” shouts Peter.
John starts to speak, but hesitates, “What is it John? What’s wrong?” asks Andrew.
“It’s about Jude.”
“Oh, is that all? Thought it was important,” says Simon, turning away.
“Don’t speak to me about him,” says Thaddy.
Peter stays quiet, thinking about his own failings.
“He can go and jump off the city wall as far as I’m concerned,” says James.
“He might have done!” says John.
“Good,” says Thomas.
“Look, he is still one of us, at least we should see where he is, for his parents’ sake at least,” says John.
“How do you know this?” asks Matthew.
“Nicodemus told me. When Jesus was taken to Pilate, you know, when the authorities were trying to get Pilate to sentence him. Jude went into the Temple and threw down the money they’d given him.”
“Bastard.”
“Traitor.”
“Tosser.”
“Why should we do anything? He’s not our problem now,” says Simon.
“I’d rather go looking for him, than sit cooped up here, maybe give him some of our justice, if you know what I mean,” says Matthew.
“I agree,” says Alphie.
“Me too, I need to get out, do something, anything, take my frustration out on that traitor,” says Thaddy.
“At least if we find him we can tell him how we feel,” says Philip.
Andrew doesn’t look convinced.
“We’re not going to kill him, just hurt him a little,” says James, all for the idea.
“And who’s next, me maybe.”
“Come on Pete, that’s different?” says Nathaniel.
“How, aren’t I a traitor as much as Jude?”
They all try to assure him that what he did was different. Peter isn’t convinced, the guilt he feels is too strong.
In the end all the lads agree to go and after some persuasion even young Mark is allowed to join them. They all pile into the minibus.
“Nicodemus told me Jude was seen heading south of the city and a policeman later reported someone tall and broad shouldered, wearing a blue top was seen acting strangely,” says John.
“That could be anyone?” Philip stares at John.
John shrugs. “It fits Jude’s description and he was wearing blue, I think.”
Andrew drives into the Hinnom Valley. The area is a small business enterprise district and quiet during festival time. He drives up and down and they all look out for Jude.
“This is stupid,” says Philip, “why would he be round here?”
They all agree, so Andrew drives further out of the city, pulls up and they all pile out of the minibus and search on foot. After a fruitless search they are just about to give up and go back…
“Try him,” says Alphie, pointing to a man walking by on the other side of the road.
“Really?” asks John.
“Yeah, he crossed over when he saw us.”
“I’m not surprised, look at us!” Simon points out.
“Excuse me,” Nathaniel runs over, “Have you seen this man?” Nathaniel shows him a picture of Jude from his phone. The man shakes his head and continues walking. Nathaniel shrugs.
“You were too nice,” shouts Alphie. Turning to the others he says, “the man clearly knows something, he looks scared. Matt would have gotten to know everything, from what he had for breakfast, his greatest failing and even his bank PIN number.”
They all look at Matthew, who doesn’t seem too thrilled at Alphie for pointing that out.
“Well,” says Simon.
“Well what?” answers Matthew.
“Well go on, we need to know if he’s seen Jude!” says an impatient James.
Matthew strolls across the road. This should be interesting, thinks Peter following. Everyone has the same idea, they all join him.
“Old man,” says Matthew,“I don’t want to be messed about with, you gonna tell me what you know?”
Matthew puts his hand around the back of the man’s neck, forcing him to look at his gun.
“I don’t need to use this do I?”
The man shakes his head.
“Good, now take a look at the picture again.” Nathaniel holds up his camera.
Matthew stares into the man’s eyes.
“Yeah, he’s seen him.”
Trembling the man points towards the end of the road.
“It could be the man I saw earlier, sat on a wall, down by the fields.”
“Wasn’t so hard was it grandad?” Matthew pats him on the side of his face.
They all pile back into the minibus and head down to
wards the fields.
“He’ll have long gone by now, this is pointless,” moans Thomas.
As Andrew approaches the fields Peter is the first to spot a police car.
“Oh great, please tell me that man hasn’t set us up,” says Thaddy.
“Should I keep driving?”
“Look at that van, it’s a crime scene van,” says young Mark.
“Well spotted,” says Thaddy, ruffling the young lad’s hair.
Andrew stops and they all get out and slowly walk over. The solitary police officer puts his hand up to stop them coming near. He has taped off the area where a crime scene officer is taking photos of a body hung from a tree.
“Jude!”
“It can’t be?” says Thaddy.
“It looks like him,” says Simon.
Andrew covers his mouth and turns away. He also tries in vain to stop young Mark from seeing the body.
“Come on lads, this is a crime scene, please don’t come any closer,” says the officer.
“We are looking for somebody, do you know who that is yet?” asks Matthew.
“It’s Jude, I can tell,” says Philip.
“It is.”
“Oh no,” says John.
The crime scene officer overhears and comes over.
“You say you recognise the body, who do you think it is?”
“Jude Iscariot,” says Simon.
“And how do you know the victim.”
“He was in our team,” says James.
“Oh, right, I recognise you lot, shouldn’t you be watching your boss die?”
Simon goes for his gun only for John to stop him.
“It’s OK,” says John to Simon and the officers.
“You gonna cut him down, or just leave him hanging?” asks Nathaniel.
The crime scene officer goes back to Jude’s body. The police officer takes out his notepad, and asks for details of Jude’s last known whereabouts and any information as to how this might have happened.
“Maybe you should try asking at the Temple and charge them with assisting his death,” James suggests.
“Have you informed his family yet?” asks Nathaniel.
“How do you tell them something like this?” James says looking at Matthew.
“The police have people trained for it.”
On the way back to Mary’s, the lads question whether they should grieve for Jude. He was their friend, but in betraying Jesus he had betrayed them also.
“It’s a selfish way to go. What about his family?” says James.
“Maybe he realised what he did was wrong,” says Andrew.
“I bet he thought that the boss would do something! I know I did. If the boss wanted to, he could have easily stopped them,” says Alphie.
“Then why didn’t he?” asks Simon.
No one has an answer.
Chapter 39
The Rolls Royce Phantom slowly makes its way through the expectant crowd and pulls up at the players and VIPs entrance of Calvary Stadium, home to Jerusalem FC. Temple guards including Theo and Benjamin jump out of accompanying cars and form a protective barrier for Annas and Jonathan.
“Morning sir, Looks like its gonna be a big crowd today,” says a steward.
Annas has no time for chit chat, though he does hear Jonathan behind him mention something about football attendance.
“Sorry sir, but the lift isn’t working, we’ll have to take the stairs,” says Theo.
“It’s time they tore this place down,” says Annas.
“Maybe Jesus could rebuild it in three days,” says Benjamin.
The VIP entrance to the executive boxes is neglected with worn carpets and peeling paint. Pictures of former players are on the walls, some in black and white. Annas doesn’t recognise any of them, he doesn’t care for football or any sport come to think of it - it’s a waste of passion. If everybody spent as much time and effort visiting the Temple, they would be a lot happier and he a lot richer.
At the top of the stairs another steward eagerly awaits. He smiles and bows as Annas approaches.
“Good morning sir, your presence is a great honour.”
Annas nods his head.
“Please allow me to show you to your box, we have provided a fine selection of food and drink for your enjoyment.”
“I thought this place was going to be knocked down,” remarks Theo.
“There are plans for a new sixty thousand seat stadium.”
“I’ve heard that before,” says Benjamin.
They are shown into their box where some priests are already waiting.
“Sir,” they bow.
“A great day, gentleman.”
The stadium, on Calvary Hill, is horseshoe shaped, with the open end overlooking the new city below. A stage has been erected and technicians are at work lighting three steel poles used for the crucifixions. Annas looks down on the field, covered in rows of seats. The smell of hot dogs and onions permeates the box. It seems the old stadium has a new purpose; instead of celebrating goals it now celebrates death.
To one side of the stage a large screen has been erected and camera crews hurriedly set up. Music plays from the stadium loudspeakers and drowns out a TV presenter doing a piece to camera. Annoyed he stops, looks around, then composes himself ready for another take. The seats are starting to fill up, whole families are here for the day out. A sign with Barabbas’ name on is being taken down.
Annas smiles to himself, this excitement, this anticipation must be how others feel when their team is playing on cup final day. Only he knows in advance what the result will be.
“Sir,” says Jonathan, “would you care for champagne?”
“Of course,” he turns to the priests, “to our success.”
While they wait for the start, priests from other boxes come and make their presence known. All are in a joyful mood.
“May I ask when the High Priest will join us this glorious morning?” says one.
“Caiaphas has duties to attend, but I’m assured he will find time to watch a little on TV.”
Annas sips his champagne and tastes some exquisite caviar. He notices the priest and council member Joseph Arimathea passing by along the corridor between boxes. He is surprised Joseph is in attendance, being such a keen fan of the Nazarene.
“Jonathan, wasn’t that council member Arimathea, I saw pass.”
“Yes sir.”
“He wouldn’t insult me by not stopping to offer congratulations this morning would he?”
“No sir, an oversight, surely.”
Jonathan disappears and returns with Joseph.
“Council member Arimathea, welcome.”
“Annas.”
The usual smile and cheerful persona of Joseph is lacking this morning, he looks subdued and thoughtful. He quite clearly wants no part of this, yet here he is. Maybe expecting a miracle from his man.
“Please watch with me. Jonathan, champagne for our guest.”
Joseph waves the champagne away but does stay in the box, at the back. Annas leaves him be, as his attention is taken by a presenter appearing on stage.
“I think it’s about to begin,” says a priest excitedly.
A hush descends on the now full stadium. Children in the crowd cheer him and he waves back at them. He has a hand held microphone and addresses the crowd.
“Welcome everybody.”
There is loud applause; he smiles and moves around the stage waiting for silence.
“We go live to the nation in five minutes, so when we do, I want you to make as much noise as possible.”
Everyone claps and cheers, and he gives a thumbs up. There is some last minute scurrying around by stage hands as the time counts down to nine o’clock. The presenter fidgets a little, waiting for his cue.
5,4,3,2,1…
“Welcome to the crucifixion special, live from Cal..va..ry Stadium, Jerusalem.”
On cue the crowd bursts into cheering and clapping.
“What a line up we ha
ve for you this Passover. We have music from the sensational Elizabeth, runner-up on Israeli pop factor and a juggling act that is truly amazing. But I know most of you are here today for one reason only…” he pauses, looking down away from the camera, before turning back with a smile on his face. “He saved others, can he save himself? Yes, today watch the crucifixion of Je…sus, of Nazareth.”
Music starts, the presenter moves off stage, and the first act appears. Five performers, who juggle, do acrobatics and their show-stopping finale, juggling burning crosses.
When they finish and have received generous applause the presenter reappears.
“Wasn’t that amazing, what a dangerous finale, wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt though.”
“Come on, we aren’t here to see this,” says Theo from the back of the room.
“Patience my guard, patience, why don’t you listen to the lovely Elizabeth.”
“Yeah, I know you have all her albums,” says Benjamin.
Elizabeth belts out a medley of sentimental love songs. including stand by your man, angels and love changes everything. When she has finished the crowd gives her a sympathetic round of applause and the presenter comes back on stage. He stands by, waiting for his cue.
Annas takes a deep breath. He turns to Joseph. “Please, join us for a better view.”
Joseph hesitantly comes forward as the presenter walks back on stage.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, are you ready for the main event?” he says over lots of shouting and clapping.
Next to the stage are a few rows of reserved seats. These are for family and friends of the criminals.
“First we have two of the most violent men in the country, so dangerous it took the whole of the Union army to catch them.” Boos ring out at the mention of the Union.
The family and friends of the two men are shown to their seats.
“Please welcome on stage David Sychar and Samuel Ben Ammi.”
Music starts playing and the crowd cheers as the men are led out by soldiers of the 31st. They are carrying their own cross beams and struggle with the weight, dropping them once on stage. A soldier pushes first Sychar and then Ben Ammi to the floor. The whole stadium falls silent. Another soldier aligns them into position and then nails their hands to the wooden cross beams, using a heavy duty nail gun. The sound echo’s around the stadium. Sychar cries out in pain and the crowd wince. Then they are put into a crane, which rises high, stopping near the top of each steel pole. The wooden beams are then fixed to the poles. The last thing is their feet. They are perched on a detachable piece of wood, which is itself fixed onto the poles. The feet are then nailed to the wood. Both men cry out in pain.
