Enza

by Kristy K. James

  “It would be easy to misinterpret these passages to apply to what we read in the newspapers every day. The war to end all wars. A war that involves many countries. A war that is causing the death of untold thousands, and the suffering of thousands more who aren’t involved in the fighting,” Reverend Thornton was saying.

  But then he started talking about getting saved, and all the regular stuff. Stuff he preached about every Sunday morning. The boring stuff.

  Jonathon started swinging one of his feet. A little too hard, he realized, when the toe of his shoe connected with the pew in front of him. One look from his parents, and an elbow to his arm from his brother, and he stilled the foot.

  And the reverend droned on.

  How, he wondered, could the man be so interesting to talk to anywhere else, but here all he did was make Jonathon want to fall asleep? Every week.

  Discreetly, he reached a hand into his jacket pocket and withdrew two tiny soldiers, intending to engage them in a silent fight when another well placed elbow from Richard, this time in the side, ended that plan. So he slipped the toys back into his pocket and counted the different colors in each of the stained glass windows instead.

  ~~~

  “Though I don’t usually preach hellfire and brimstone or gloom and doom, I’m going to do exactly that this morning,” Colby began, noticing from his position behind the pulpit several people beginning to squirm. He hid a smile because, like most congregations, they preferred to hear all of the good things – the blessings – from the Bible. And so he usually tried to work the less than pleasant parts into more optimistic messages.

  “Earlier this week someone came to me with some concerns over the war, which is not an unusual occurrence these days. However, this person had been reading out of Revelation and was troubled by one passage in particular.

  “Please open your Bibles to Revelation chapter six, verses seven and eight.”

  He waited for half a minute, the silence broken only by the sounds of pages being carefully but quickly turned. As soon as it seemed most had found it, he began to read,

  ‘And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

  ‘And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.’ He paused a moment to let the words sink in before continuing.

  “These verses are prophecy telling us what will happen during the seven year tribulation, which we know to be the reign of the anti–Christ, following Christ’s second coming.

  “This will be a truly terrible time for those who did not accept Christ as their Savior prior to that event.

  “It could be easy to misinterpret these passages to apply to what we read in the newspapers every day. The war to end all wars. A war that involves many countries. A war that is causing the deaths of untold thousands and the suffering of thousands more who aren’t involved in the fighting.

  “But these verses do not apply to us, church. The end of the world is not upon us. In fact, even where it tells of wars and rumors of wars as a sign of the times does not apply to our world today. One war does not the end times make.

  “But make no mistake. Someday that time will come upon us, like a thief in the night. No one knows the day nor the hour. Only God knows and, in his mercy, gives us clues to discern when it’s coming close.

  “We have nothing to fear. And it’s my humble opinion that it will be many generations to come before these things begin to occur.

  “I could, however, be wrong. God tells us in his word that, to him, a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day. So we need to be ready for Christ’s return, church.

  “Because the events foretold in Revelation are real, and they are terrifying. Wars, earthquakes, great plagues that kill vast numbers of people. If the Lord were to come back today, those of you who are not ready would be facing these horrors over the course of the next seven years.

  “If you believe that Christ died on the cross for your sins then accept Christ as your Savior and, if that time comes soon, you’ll be taken up to heaven and not have to worry about the judgment that will befall the rest of the world.”

  ~~~

  “Jonathon!” Margaret whispered fiercely, as Jonathon slipped out of the pew and disappeared out the door before most everyone else had even gotten to their feet. Elliot hid a grin as he leaned down to help Charles to the floor. Not that he needed help, but if Meg saw him grin, she wouldn’t be very happy. “That boy!”

  “The sermon was long,” Kathleen said softly, as though she knew that her brother needed to burn off some energy after sitting still for nearly an hour and a half.

  “It did seem that way, didn’t it?” Elliot said quickly, sensing that his wife was about to chastise their daughter. “I guess Jonathon needed to stretch his legs even more than I do.”

  “Elliot-”

  “I know, I know. But it was a long sermon, and you know he always gets antsy when Colby preaches hellfire and brimstone.”

  “I know,” Margaret sighed, taking Kathleen’s hand as they joined the line to shake the reverend’s hand on their way out.

  Elliot couldn’t help but overhear a conversation going on behind them, though the participants kept their voices low. Apparently the sermon hadn’t bothered them much as they discussed the upcoming social, what they intended to bring, what they hoped others would bring.

  His mouth began to water because he knew what Meg would be making. And he would gladly pitch in to lend a hand to help peel and slice enough potatoes to fill their roasting pan. She would add to that bits of pork and butter, some onion and flour, and salt and pepper. Finally a pan of scalding hot milk would be poured over the lot, and it would be put in the oven for a couple of hours, until it was baked to perfection.

  It was, without a doubt, one of his favorite meals, and he hoped the coming week would pass quickly.

  ~~~

  As was the case with most of the congregation, Daniel and Nina filed out of the church almost silently, shaking hands with Colby at the door.

  “It’s really okay,” he told them with a smile. “You don’t have anything to worry about.” They smiled back, accepted a dinner invitation at one of the restaurants downtown on Wednesday, and decided to take a stroll before returning to the boarding house where Nina lived.

  As they turned a corner that would take them toward town, Jonathon Owens sped past them as fast as his legs could carry him. Daniel recalled being that age and how it seemed like the end of the world if he couldn’t run like the wind after sitting through a sermon. Especially one as frightening as the one this morning.

  “You’re awfully quiet,” he observed after another few minutes of silence.

  “So are you,” she countered with a smile. “I guess I was just thinking about the things Reverend Thornton said.”

  “Me, too. I guess if somebody wasn’t saved already, hearing that would change their mind in a hurry.”

  “I wonder who asked him about the end of the world?”

  “It could have been anyone. I’ve heard talk around town. Some people worry that the war could spread to America.” Nina gasped, stopping and clutching his arm tighter.

  “You don’t think it could!” Her wide eyes stared at up at him and he sought to reassure her.

  “No. Of course not, Nina. The enemy can’t have near enough people to fight the war over there and have any to spare to send here. I promise you, we’re safe.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “I’m sure. I wouldn’t let anything or anybody hurt you.” He stroked her cheek softly. “I promise.”

  To his utter astonishment, Nina quickly kissed the palm of his hand, her face flushed a becoming shade of pink. Daniel felt the sting of tears in his eyes as he placed his lips gently against her hair.

  “Would you like to s
top at Zourdos and Spires for some ice cream?” he asked, reluctantly stepping back from her a bit. Not too far, because he didn’t think he could. But neither could he stand as close as he’d like to in the sight of God and the rest of the world. When he married her, he would be taking her to the first home she would ever know. That meant he would have to be careful to protect her reputation, because he would never do a thing that might sully it.

  “I’m glad you had that accident, Daniel,” she whispered.

  “What?” he asked, sure he’d heard her wrong. She squeezed his arm and rested her head against his shoulder as they continued their walk.

  “I said I’m glad you were in the accident. Not that you got hurt, but because we might never have met if it hadn’t happened.” Nina hastened to reassure him. “And if it hadn’t happened, you’d be in France, fighting in the war, and I’m so glad you’re not.”

  Daniel wanted to kiss her again but managed, with great effort, to restrain himself.

  “I’m glad, too, Nina. That I met you. That I’m here with you. And I’m going to be glad you want ice cream, too, because I’m starving!”

  She was laughing when she looked up at him, and knew he would love her – with all of his heart – for the rest of his life.

  ~~~

  In all of the years since Marcus had begun attending Colby’s church, this was the only Sunday that he hadn’t been the first to leave. In fact, after the last of the surprisingly quiet congregation had gone, he was still sitting in the last pew. Colby closed the door and came to sit beside him. For quite a while neither man said a word, then Colby asked,

  “Is something bothering you, Marcus?”

  “I was just thinking about your sermon.”

  “I imagine you’re not the only one.”

  “You believe all of that?”

  “Don’t you?”

  “Well, sure,” Marcus said firmly. “If it’s in the Bible it has to be true. But do you really think that the part in Revelation is for some other time?”

  “If it isn’t, Marcus, then we’re all in trouble.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “If what’s going on in the world today is directly related to those particular passages, that means Christ has already returned and not a soul on earth – or in the earth – was taken to heaven with him. And I don’t believe that could happen.” Marcus pondered that for a moment then said slowly,

  “I guess you have a point. I just hadn’t ever thought about the war making people think this was the end of the world.”

  “War makes people think about a lot of frightening things. Because war, in itself, is a frightening thing. I just wanted to reassure everyone that, while it might be awful, the world isn’t on the verge of ending.”

  “You did a good job of that. But it still makes me think about it.”

  “That’s good, Marcus. I’d hate to think that the moment my sermon was over, people forgot what I said,” Colby said with a chuckle. “Some weeks they probably do, but I hope they remember more often than not.”

  “I always remember,” Marcus said quickly. Colby knew, from the expression on his face, that he was telling the truth. “Last week you talked about faith and answered prayer. The week before, you preached about doing unto others.”

  “I’m impressed. And I appreciate the fact that you actually listen to what I’m trying to teach you.”

  “If you’re not going to listen, there isn’t a whole lot of point in coming to church, is there?” Colby laughed heartily upon hearing those words.

  “That’s my opinion. Unfortunately there are those who come because they think they should, not because they want to, and not because they want to learn anything. Some even come because they think it raises their social standing, though I have to say that most of them won‘t find what they‘re looking for at our small church.”

  “I suppose.” He shifted uncomfortably. He’d probably said more words to Colby in the past couple of minutes than the total of all the words he’d spoken to him in the last three years. The only people he talked to more were his parents and Derek, and sometimes the families he served, but usually they just wanted a few words of comfort. And, of course, a casket. “I guess I should let you get home before the missus starts worrying, and wondering where you are.”

  “Yes. I guess we wouldn’t want Anna to worry about me, would we?” Colby shook his hand, and they headed off in different directions. Colby turned around long enough to call out, “Chess tomorrow?”

  “I’ll be there.”

  Chapter 5

  The mouthwatering scent of Mother’s apple pie had begun to fill every corner of the house, nearly distracting Jonathon from the task at hand. It was only through a determined effort that he managed to concentrate on the lines and notes before him, his fingers flying over the ivories as he played Margaret Owens’ favorite hymn.

  Not only had the wizened Mr. Holmes taught him the intricacies of proper investigative techniques – enough so that he would soon have all the evidence he needed to prove Mr. Mertz for the low down Kaiser spy he was – but he’d also taught Jonathon a deep appreciation for the fine art of music. Of course Mr. Holmes played the violin, but Mother had made it clear that since they already owned a piano Jonathon would learn on that first. If he proved that he could keep up with the lessons and practice, then they would discuss purchasing a violin. So far he thought he’d done a swell job of proving himself.

  While it was true that he’d only begun lessons a few months ago, Miss Abernathy had given him the highest praise in regard to his progress. And Jonathon couldn’t be more pleased with the quality of his performance this morning.

  It was just too bad that Mother had decided to bake today. First the cookies, now the pie. His stomach growled in anticipation and, at the moment, the question of what was to be served for supper paled in light of the wonderful treats to follow.

  A scowl turned the corners of his mouth down, certain that Sherlock would never be distracted from any task by something as trivial as apple pie. Not while detecting or playing the violin. But it was also likely that Sherlock had never had the privilege of eating something as heavenly as what his mother was baking either.

  Again he strengthened his resolve, reaching the end of the last stanza with a strong finish, and starting over for the third time. Miss Abernathy, who said practice made perfect, was sure to be pleased with his progress when she heard him Tuesday afternoon.

  “Don’t bother me,” he muttered rudely, catching a glimpse of Kathleen’s pink dress from the corner of his eye.

  “I’m just watching,” she protested softly.

  “Just make sure you be quiet.”

  He ignored her as best he could, losing himself in the music as he played the song again and again. Yes, indeed, the making of music was a most pleasant way to spend the morning. Although trench warfare was nice, too. Or baseball. Or even hide and seek. But the piano required his attention for now.

  “Jonathon Owens!” Elizabeth shouted from the head of the stairway. “Would you please stop torturing us with that racket?”

  “You just don’t appreciate good music,” he retorted loudly, banging his fingers with surprising strength against the keys beneath them.

  “I always appreciate good music.”

  “Then stop complaining. You’re making me mess up.”

  “The whole song is messed up because you can’t play the piano.”

  “That’s enough from the both of you,” Margaret said firmly from the doorway. From the second floor the sound of footsteps stomping down the hall, followed by the resounding slam of a door, signaled Elizabeth’s retreat from the argument.

  “Thank you, Mother. She was disturbing my concentration.”

  “I-” He heard her clear her throat before continuing. “You’ve been practicing for quite a while now. Don’t you think you should take a break? Get some fresh air?”

  “The window is open right here, Mother. And I’m not practicing. I’m playing
. Just for you. Don’t you like it?” He turned to glance at her, a proud smile on his face. She smiled back. Sort of. Must be she was tired from all that baking.

  “I- I’ve never heard anything quite like it. I’m – speechless.”

  Extraordinarily pleased at her praise, Jonathon felt as though he could play the rest of the day.

  ~~~

  The faded drapes in Colby Thornton’s office fluttered from time to time, as the gentle April breeze found its way through the narrow inch high opening. Any farther and Anna would have a conniption fit. While she welcomed the end of winter, it was still too early for her to enjoy the warmer air, if she truly enjoyed anything as innocent as a pleasant day. Still, Colby had long since grown weary of the stale air and decided to risk her wrath to let in some fresh.

  He could hear, in the distance, the happy shouts of children playing outside, and he looked forward to more of the same over the next several months. It was one of Colby’s greatest pleasures. Not so for Marcus. The voices seemed to agitate him, however slightly, as he concentrated on his next move.

  Colby smiled as he watched his friend bent over the old chess set, the wooden pieces faded with age, as were most of the rest of the things in this room. It was the only place in the entire house that had escaped Anna’s refurbishing efforts. But sometimes a man had to put his foot down.

  This was his study and he liked it just this way, a comfortable place where he felt free to relax and be himself. Free from her nagging and whining. Because Anna hated this room passionately, and studiously avoided it, claiming that it was an embarrassment. Outdated and dusty. Still, it suited Colby. Perhaps he was outdated, too. Maybe even dusty.

  “Checkmate,” Marcus said suddenly, triumphantly.

  “You cheat!” Colby accused, chuckling good-naturedly. He had, indeed, lost the game while his mind wandered. “Hmm.”