The next day he told their girl Tina to make reservations. She never said a word which would be inductive to knowing he sensed anything. He thought it better to not act out of the ordinary, so he forced himself to go through the motions of working the next two days.
Jacks was a smart man and he knew that if Sheila said the people had members of their whatever the hell they called themselves, embedded in Mississippi, then it would do no good to go to the police with the situation. Not since he had already been questioned. He would make the trip to New York and meet with Belk. He was sure he was not going to like whatever the people wanted but he could not take a chance that anyone else would suffer because of him. Judge Langley would not be dead if not for him. This he was sure of.
SEVEN
A surprised Honey agreed to meet Jacks when he called. She could not imagine why he wanted to see her, but the urgency of his voice over the phone caused her not to hesitate. He did not want to meet at the clinic so they were meeting at a small café, midway between the Reservoir and Philadelphia. She arrived there first and selected a table in the back of the room where they could talk with a minimum of distraction. He had insisted it should be where they could talk privately.
Jacks was only minutes behind her and she waved him back when she saw him.
“Miss Magill, thank you for meeting me. I was afraid after the last time you saw me, you might not want to see me again. I owe you an apology.”
She was curious, “Surely you didn’t bring me here for an apology, I thought you might have good news about Carol. You are going to leave her family alone, aren’t you?”
The waitress appeared to take their order, so they both ordered a sandwich and drink. That out of the way, Jacks picked up the conversation, “Miss Magill…”
Honey interrupted him, “Excuse me Jacks, but if you insist on being called just Jacks, It seems only fair you should call me just Honey.”
When he laughed, she got her first glimpse of his charm but he quickly reverted back to his serious countenance.
“Honey,”
It was said with such ease as it had rung over and over in his mind the last few days. He had thought it over carefully before deciding to trust her. Now he was willing to believe the charges against the Bowler’s were all a deception to entrap him into something much more sinister.
He shut his eyes briefly to clear his thoughts then continued, “No, I am not here to relieve your mind about Carol. However, this does have something to do with all that. First of all, I need to ask that anything we talk about here be kept confidential. Can you do that?”
“If you ask me to, then yes, I will keep your confidence. You sound so serious. You have to know that all of us from church have been praying for the ACAA to drop the whole thing with the Bowler’s.”
Her words caused him to wonder what he was doing there and for a minute regretted coming. “I am quite sure you remember that I do not believe in your God. I am not here to persuade you to not believe, nor am I here to be persuaded to believe as you. I support your right to believe in anything you want to but I am here because I also believe there are things happening that involve your religious beliefs.”
He hesitated long enough to take a deep breath. “I am here… Honey… because one person has already died because of your God and I do not want to see the same thing happen to someone else.”
Honey was trying to digest what Jacks was saying but she was lost in his words. “I do not understand. What are you saying?”
Jacks explained, “The judge who dismissed Carol’s case, is dead.”
“Yes, there was a burglary.”
“It was made to look like a burglary but she was murdered because someone wanted her dead.”
“Why would you say this and what has it to do with Carol?”
“When Judge Langley dismissed Carol’s case, she angered certain people. Powerful people who would want her out of the way as well as…let me just say they have other agenda’s as well. These people hate Christians and Langley was a Christian.”
“Surely you are not talking about the ACAA?”
“No, not the ACAA, the power of these people reach far beyond what the ACAA possibly could. There is not much more I can tell you right now, it would not be safe for you, but I need you to know that I have no part with these people. I may not believe in your God but I certainly don’t believe in theirs either, whatever it may be. I do not hate people because of any religion. No matter what happens remember that and know that I will never change my mind where these people are concerned.”
“You are frightening me, who could want to hurt anyone just because they are Christian. It sounds fanatical.”
“I told you, I can’t tell you more but I need to know everything you know about Carol. Anything at all about this…. thing she does and anything about her parents. You may not think so, but I really am in the business of protecting children. I have no motives for convicting innocent people. There are too many real abuse cases out there. I swear, I will believe whatever you say if you give me your word.”
Honey hesitated as food was put before them. Her appetite was certainly lacking now and she studied the face of the man sitting across from her. His chiseled features gave him an old world Roman look and she studied his eyes as they boldly looked into her own. Was this a trick? Somehow she did not think so. There was concern mingled with intrigue in her answer.
“Alright, I give you my word.”
“I am listening.” Nodding, he relaxed in his seat, giving Honey his full attention.
“It started with the first time I met Carol….and her parents. I guess I probably felt a lot like you that day. I didn’t believe in God either but unlike you, I did believe in a ‘higher power’…. and the greater good of mankind. I believed that Jesus was like Santa Claus and when you were little, big people wanted you to believe in them so you would be good or in my case do whatever you were told to do.”
She paused, unsure of her words but decided to just be truthful all the way. “You see Jacks, I was one of your unprotected children.”
She blinked to stop her eyes from watering, saw his frown, but went on. “When Carol sat in my office that day and told me things she could not have possibly known because no one knew, I was astounded. This little eight year old girl, who is not well, looked at me with such pity and compassion it took me completely by surprise. Afterwards, I left my office and I will not bore you with details but when I returned to that same office three days later, I was a different person. The person you see right now. Carol gave me back something that I lost a long time ago and believe me, it did not cost me one little penny. Since then, I have come to know not only Carol but her parents and many of their friends as well and I swear to you, these people have never gained by what Carol is led to say to anyone.”
Jacks nodded, looking at her, believing her.
They both were silent for a moment taking bites from their sandwiches before he asked, “How is it do you suppose she knows these things?”
“There is no doubt in my mind that Carol has a special gift and all gifts come from God.”
“Let me rephrase that, discounting the God factor, how could she know things…that are impossible to know unless one is Psychic. Is that it? Is she Psychic?”
Honey sighed with a touch of exasperation, “You do not get it do you? You cannot discount God, it is not even possible. There is no other explanation. She is not Physic, at least not in the way you mean. The gift may be the same as the gifts Physics have I suppose, for God gives gifts without repentance. That means he will never take a gift back even if they are used for evil or not used at all. What Carol has is not used for evil, but for good.”
“Whatever it is, you have to convince her parents to put a stop to it. Now. For some reason she has the attention of some very dangerous people. They do not play around.”
“But you cannot tell me who?”
“I told you, it is in your best interest. I have trusted you and now I
am asking you to trust me on this.” He leaned forward looking intently into her eyes. “Please work with me to protect Carol. She may not need protecting from her parents but believe me; she does need to be protected. You have to make sure she does not contact anyone she does not personally know. It is too dangerous for her. Evidently, she knows things that these people want to make sure she never tells.” He stopped and rubbed his face as if he were very tired. “Do you understand me at all?”
“I think so. Anyway, I am willing to ask that Carol not be around anyone that does not know her well so that she talks to no outsiders, but that is all I can promise. I cannot interfere with God’s work. Why have you not contacted the police?”
“Because I cannot trust them, no one can be trusted until I know more.”
“Jacks, does this mean that you believe me about Carol? That her parents are decent and loving parents?”
“It means that I am willing to believe the child has Psychic abilities, it does not mean that I believe your Jesus is sending any sort of visions to her or that the parents are right to let her go around talking to strangers. Obviously, she has talked to someone connected to these people.”
“What will you do now?”
“I plan to delay the system as long as I can but I can only do that for so long. You have to know that there will be another hearing. It is already in the works and I won’t be able to stop it. This time you can bet the judge will be quite different from Judge Langley. I’ll know more after my trip to New York.”
“You are going to New York?”
“I have to. It’s just an overnight thing but when I get back I hope we can talk again. I am taking a risk in trusting you and I hope it will not end up being a mistake.” He looked closely at her face. Her eyes were bright and clear and for some reason he knew it was not a mistake.
The waitress brought the check and he insisted on taking care of it.
“Thank you Jacks, you have given me much to think about. I will pray that this is not as serious as you think and Judge Langley’s murder as terrible as it was, has nothing to do with the Bowler case. I also hope you will keep me posted. Call me at work or at home, please.”
“I will, but save your prayers for they will not undo what is done.”
She was quiet as he walked her to her car. She knew that he would not see until God gave him the eyes to see…just like he did with her. No, it was not her place to judge, but to pray for him and let God do the rest.
“Good night Jacks, it has been interesting. Thank you for sharing all this with me. And, so long as you know, prayers do not cost a thing and can come in handy. I will pray for you too. For your safety, because if the people you are talking about are as dangerous as you say, you will need all the prayers you can get whether you want them or not.”
“Whatever. Just remember, you know nothing if any one and I mean anyone, asks. Good night, Honey.” He flushed thinking that he said her name as if he were using an endearment with her. He turned away and when she drove out of the parking lot, he followed her until the stop light. He then went one way as she went the other.
Ragas stayed close to Honey while his old friend Melos, carefully protected Jacks, for both lives were about to become tangled with conflict.
EIGHT
It was Thursday; a day which she both looked forward to expectantly and dreaded.
The mansion, whose renowned beauty once awed Sheila, now repelled her as she descended the winding staircase leading to the ball room crowded with people.
Some she knew from the media, some she had met since becoming Morgan’s wife, and some she did not know at all. But that they were all connected somehow by evil, she had no doubt.
There must have been a hundred or more, all dressed for the occasion honoring their newly selected candidate for the senate seat which Jacks had turned down. She tried to avoid any contact with Morgan’s friends but was forced to stand by his side at all important functions.
She wore what was to her a hideous red dress which Morgan had selected. It was too revealing and tight for comfort or her taste. He chose her wardrobe to pleasure him and if she wanted no repercussions, she did only what she knew would please him. Her hair was still long and he liked for her to wear it loose so she obliged. Her makeup was specially designed for her and though now she wore more than she used to, she made breaths gasp when she entered the room, much to her husband’s delight.
Morgan loved the fact that every man there and some women would kill to claim her as their own and she was all his. He both worshipped her and despised her.
In the beginning, he had fallen hopelessly in love with the young and inexperienced girl who accompanied Jacks to the dinner those months ago. When she refused to have anything to do with him, claiming to love another, it incensed him to the point of insanity. His guess was that it was Jacks she was hung up on but still he pursued her. He thought of her night and day, causing a loss of appetite and sleepless nights. He sent flowers and showered her with gifts which were all returned. His love turned to hate but he still wanted her, had to have her, no matter what.
It had been easy to set her father up for a crime and falsify evidence against him that would put him in prison for many years. When confronted with the elaborate plan that would trade her father’s freedom for her own, Sheila brokenheartedly complied with his desires, wondering hopelessly why God seemed to have abandoned her.
Instead of putting out the passion he had for Sheila, it only ignited it the more and thus she became his wife, despite Abe’s insistence that he rid himself of something that controlled him to the point of ruin. He kept a tight rein on her, causing her to feel imprisoned as indeed she was. She was never alone except in the elaborate rooms newly designed for her and Morgan. The rest of the house was overrun with servants, so she spent most of her time away from their watchful eyes. Even then there would be frequent visits from maids or just someone wanting to know if she desired anything. She was sure Morgan had given orders that she be checked on often, fearing she might go so far as to take her own life just to escape him.
The party was in full swing with strong drink flowing freely, as well as laughter and conversations. Sheila made the right comments whenever they were required and gave the picture of the perfect hostess. But her heart was heavy and her once bright eyes now housed a terror that dulled them. The smiles she smiled were well practiced ones that went no further than her lips. But her aloofness only added to her appeal instead of lessening it. Morgan, like a guard dog, kept her at his side lest one of his own jump at the slightest chance to drool over his now most prized possession.
This was the night he waited. He was more interested in watching her reaction when Jacks arrived than anything else. His jealousy over Sheila’s feelings when it came to Jacks, ate away at him constantly and when he would have just eliminated him, his superior wouldn’t allow it. Instead, for some reason, they preferred to recruit him into their circle. He kept looking at his watch knowing his wait should be getting shorter as the car had picked Jacks up half an hour earlier and would arrive at any moment.
Sheila felt like she was barely breathing, her dress was so tight but also her insides were shaking for she too waited for Jacks arrival. She forced herself to remain calm and act as though it was going to be just another party. She looked around the room at small clusters of people talking, laughing and drifting from one group to the other. Music was playing in the background and a few of the younger guest were dancing on a dimly lit patio. She listened as Morgan talked to two men who looked vaguely familiar but she could not quite place them. Most avoided anything more than the briefest greeting with her for Morgan’s jealous temper concerning her was well known among his friends.
She knew Jacks was there by the tightening of Morgan’s hand on her arm. She turned slightly and he was directly in front of her.
His face wore the tired look of a man with little sleep and though he was dressed in a suit and tie, it was more a causal type as if trying to make
a statement. Morgan ignored all this and slapped Jacks shoulder acting as if they were the best of buddies.
“Ah, Jacks there you are! How was your trip my man? Here, you do remember your old…secretary…Sheila? It’s Jacks, my dear. Say hello.”
He prompted her forward but not too much, keeping his hand on her arm.
“Of course I do. You look fabulous Sheila, how are you?” He took her hand and wondered at the stiffness and quick withdrawal. She did look wonderful but very little kin to the overly simplified young woman he was accustomed to, the one who always wore her hair in a knot and simple fashions. The one who made the statement once that God would send her someone who looked at the inside for her beauty and not the outside. Not that he had a problem with the way she looked now, he didn’t, but he was sure Morgan was behind the makeover and that Sheila was a long way from a dream mate from her God.
His question meant more than the words implied to Sheila. She did not feel so alone because he cared enough to come to New York to see about her and she knew it was not just because he felt trapped. It was because he knew she was in trouble. She smiled the first real smile of the evening and it tormented Morgan.
She finally responded to her old boss. “Thank you Jacks, I am fine. I hope you had a good flight.”
Morgan motioned for drinks.
“Here,” He said taking two. “I think you can probably use one of these.”
Jacks took the drink. So he wants to play friends. I can do that too. But what I would really like to do is hurt him bad, just like he does to others and if I find out he has hurt Sheila, I will!
“Thank you. I know the party is not for me. Who is your lucky man?” He was thinking ‘unlucky.’
“Not a man Jack, a woman. You probably know her or of her anyway, Malory Winton.” Jacks shook his head. At first the name did not sound familiar. “No? Come over here and I will introduce you.”
Wings of Deception Page 7
