Eddy did not mention to the judge that he had been having flashbacks and nightmares of post-war trauma that induced his ill-mannered behavior, forgetfulness, and left him distraught and unstable. Such would not be good for a defense lawyer that could not control himself physically or mentally. If this condition surfaced, he would face being disbarred for being unable to be ethically professional!
Unaware of Eddy’s sickness, the judge continues: “Mr. Riffle, because of your past standing with this court, and the fact that I am inclined to be lenient in this case, I am giving you ‘extenuating circumstances’ instead of finding you guilty of being publicly sick with your something. However, you will be ‘on notice’ with me and I expect you to serve this court as the Public Defender for Orange County until I say different. Do you accept my parameters?”
“I do, your Honor, and thank you!”
“Mr. Riffle, I accept your commitment and I now appoint you as the Public Defender for Orange County – effective as of this date. And as a warning, I know that you are doing some private investigating work, so be careful not to cross any lines. You are on probation with a judge who might not be too sympathetic the next time. If you are having some sort of problem, fix it!”
The gavel: “All stand! – The Honorable Judge Grace R. Rule, court dismissed.”
As Eddy left the courthouse, a neatly dressed man followed him: “Mr. Riffle, let me indulge by giving you my card. I’m in need of your services. Call if you are interested. The job is open for a few days. It pays well.” After handing Eddy his card, the gentleman fled away hurriedly without waiting for a response.
From the Author:
Conflict within the human spirit is ever-present and unrelenting. The willpower to follow what we know is right, constantly struggles with the willpower to follow the satisfaction of human desires and cravings. And just like Eddy, all of mankind must face the same dilemmas with their free-will ability that is part of their creation.
After all, we’re just common everyday people trying to live our lives as best as we can. Some live healthy lives. Some live with disabilities. We try to do our upmost to take care of our loved ones. We do good to others when the occasion arises, and we are able. We get sick physically and mentally. Sometimes we get better, sometimes we don’t. We have limitations that try our souls. We feel hurt when other people suffer and die. We mean well when trying to help but often it comes out wrong. We are weak and do wrong things due to temptations. We are strong and do right things due to determination. We hate and we love. We fight and we cherish peace. We are sympathetic and we are selfish. We are benevolent and we are thoughtless. We work hard and obey the laws of the land. We cheat and steal and go to jail. We pay our taxes. We lie on the amount to pay. We pray for health, happiness, substance, peace of mind and forgiveness. Sometimes we recognize that prayers were answered and blessings were bestowed. Sometimes we don’t recognize them and are not thankful. After all, we’re just human.
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. James 3
Biblical Scriptures are very clear that mankind will someday face a judgment, so how should mankind monitor himself and weigh his own deeds? How will St. Michael, the archangel and guardian of the church, view the different levels of right when he weighs souls and their accomplishments on his scales? And, to what extent will such discernment affect the etching of names in the Book of Life?
Chapter Four
"The Employer of Bought Souls"
In this chapter, we are introduced to the fallen angel of the bottomless pit, Abaddon, a.k.a., The Employer of Bought Souls, who is connected to all the wrong people and isn’t to be messed with or denied. “If you know too much, you face a lit fuse. Hold that firecracker in your hand a bit too long and ouch!”
“And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.” Rev. 9:11.
After several sick days of recuperation from that bad case of flu, Eddy was again sober and in need of some ready cash. Bills were stacked high on his desk, school fees were due, and his bookie was calling for payment. Eddy needed to get it in gear! "Somewhere in this mess is a card from that affluent client-on-the-street. Today is Halloween Eve, so why not scare myself up some business?"
Eddy contacted the mystery man, Mr. Client. He accepted the case while ignoring the omen of bad luck; it was afterall, Halloween Day. So, he was now on duty: It was almost midnight and Eddy was awaiting his target. Slowly down the street motored a black luxury model sedan with windows dark. The driver of the vehicle knew exactly where he wanted to go but was being cautious and timely about getting there. To the culprit, this was old hat, and had worked many times before, so there was no reason for him to be apprehensive – just business as usual But, to look in holiday attire and to subvert a chance meeting with authorities, he wore a vampire mask. What better alibi than: “hey, I’m just on my way to a spooky party!”
Eddy’s case: Prove that the suspect, one Mr. P. Macks, a successful architect and businessman, used his real estate construction company as a front to gather secret information from his very wealthy clients to burglarize their estates. His method: mechanically draw the blueprints of the estate with a secret passage-way and make it look like an ordinary fabrication schematic. A simple coping saw in the right spot and any doting intruder would have an easy entrance into the den area and right next to the safe that was designed to look well-hidden within the wall. With prior information and knowledge of the exact weight of the safe, it could be easily removed. And, with the twist of a few convenient screws, it’s just a matter of lift, tuck, and run – remember to say on the way out: “Good bye and thank you!”
The mistake: Mr. Client specified on his data worksheets his occupation: “Business Investor and Entrepreneur.” But what was not listed was the fact that he was also an architect by college degree. And to his trained eye, when he inspected the final build to the blueprint drawings of the estate, he immediately recognized that there had been constructed an easy way for anyone to break into his residence and then steal him blind.
Mr. Client: “I knew I should have designed this place myself, but I was just too busy! So, I’ll settle with: Ah ha, you snake in the grass, gotcha.” Memo: “Today’s crime families get retribution for such encroachments on their turf by the vigilante style: ‘hang ’em high!’”
Further: Mr. Client does not have much of a conscience or a tender heart because he obtained his monetary riches by the act of “selling his very soul” to an underworld mob-boss that associates fear. They call him: “The Employer of Bought Souls” – Mr. A. Baddon!
As a good soldier would do, he developed a plan that would keep the family business out of the police spotlight. Decision: Hire an unsuspecting private investigator and let him take all the risk. Then, after he apprehended that rum-bum, justice could be meted in the usual appropriate manner – a proposal – one the crook could not refuse: “Cut a deal and get rich or get a neck-tie party!” The Employer wanted to buy the soul of Mr. Macks – not kill him! A dead man cannot be tempted and is absolutely of no use!
As for an unsuspecting private detective, enter Eddy Riffle. After checking sources on the street, Mr. Client determined that Eddy had the right kind of reputation: “shady.” And, after finding out that this PI’s residence was at the time, the city jail – that made it even better. So, that’s how and why Eddy is now sitting in his car with field glasses in hand – lurking like some common peeping Tom. But to be inconspicuous, he wore an old Lone Ranger mask to appear that he was also just a party guest. Good thinking!
Back to the case: The sedan slowed as it passed the client’s estate. It was a big place with an iron gate and security cameras that gave an impression: “Don’t do it!” Almost stopping, the sedan cautiously eased around the next corner and into a dark dead-end spot which provided easy entry to the back of the estate.
/> Witnessing this activity, Eddy moved to a secure spot where he could follow the movement of the potential intruder. The figure of a hooded vampire-man dressed in all black exited the sedan, made his way to the back section, and then climbed over a chain-link fence that was out of eyeshot of the cameras. He moved quick as a house-cat as he raced to the entry point. He carried with him a coping saw, pen light, and one screw driver – all that’s required to take another’s precious and treasured valuables. “That worm!”
That was all Eddy needed to see. It was definitely the villain that he was hired to apprehend so he hurriedly followed a practiced-pathway into the estate and through an unlocked front door. He then located the den and positioned himself beneath the safe. He pulled his pistol and unlocked the safety. Everything was going as planned. The client had been sent upstairs and told to call 911, and then he was to hide in the closet with his wife. If the police got there in time then Eddy would not have to act and the police could handle the arrest.
Trying to hold his breath, Eddy could hear the wallboard being sawed. The sound stopped. A gentle push and an entryway into the den. A man slid through. With screwdriver in hand, he made his way toward the safe. He flicked on the pen light. He focused on the picture that covered the safe that was hidden within the wall. He removed the picture. He stumbled onto something that felt like a foot. He looked down. There was Eddy with his .45-cal. military-issue pistol in hand and pointing at the man’s chest. “Talk about a shock!”
Eddy stood up and reached to unhood the intruder. “Let’s see what we have here!” The crook saw his chance and surprised Eddy and unleashed a karate move that sent him spiraling over some fake bushes that sat near the corner of the room. This made Eddy a tad upset so he retaliated with his own form of karate or jungle fighting – crude but effective. He connected and knocked that obnoxious ninja over a few lamps and some other stuff on “his” backward tumble. “Didn’t feel so good, did it?”
More wrestling and throwing of bodies ensued and Eddy got downright mad and lost his cool – his hands began to twitch. He managed to locate his 45 lying under a broken vase. A bullet was already chambered, the hammer was cocked, and Eddy’s finger was now on the trigger. All four hands were on the pistol struggling for control. A round went off into the wall. More struggling until Eddy prevailed when he was able to place the pistol right between the thief’s eyes. By this time, Eddy had worked up a lather. His face was flush with anger and his past military survival training implored him: “Pull the trigger!”
Eddy could not explain to himself what it was that stopped him from that deadly intention. Maybe it was the pleading eyes of the man lying beneath him. Maybe it was the memory of what killing had done to his soul. Maybe it was his guardian angel. One thing’s for sure: Both men were very relieved when Eddy moved safely away even though that pointing 45 was still menacing – one false move and it’s trigger-time!
After a few more minutes of getting verbally acquainted, the bare-faced burglar (indeed it was Mr. Macks) sat handcuffed to the desk while supporting a black eye, a red nose, and a hanging, ripped-to-shreds, vampire mask. And, the scumbag was of no mind to associate any further with his captor, whose mask was still on straight. The twist: What seemed like a successful end to another case with a ride off into the sunset, took a turn that totally surprised Eddy. “It was not in the contract!”
Abruptly, the door to the den slammed open and in walked Mr. Client. He was accompanied by several hulking men who had their own pointing pistols. Without saying a word or checking with Eddy, the men went to work and grabbed Mr. Macks by the lapels. They lifted him up and took him and threw him viciously into a waiting van. Apparently, 911 was never called or needed – they use their own protection.
Mr. Client: “Eddy, take off that stupid mask! But, let me say, you did a fantastic job and my boss is very appreciative. He personally witnessed the whole escapade on our secret video system and after you apprehended that burglar, he just smiled and said: ‘Riffle’s our man – even if he didn’t murder the bum.’ So, don’t be personally concerned about this stooge that you just corralled. We will take care of Mr. Macks. Further, do not call or inform the police about anything that has happened here. Is this all clear? There is no alternative: ‘The Employer does not possess forgiving skills in his repertoire!’”
“Yea, it’s really clear. I can keep my trap shut.”
Mr. Client: “As an incentive, flatfoot, here’s a little bonus for you – it’s from the man – a check for $15,000. He wrote it out personally. Money is not an object for him. Also, you will get your normal contract amount in the mail and that’s a decent payday for a gumshoe. ‘The Employer’ said to tell you that we will be calling on you in the future when we need a mouth-piece for legal things – don’t say yes to him if you ain’t man enough!”
Eddy cleared his voice and said: “Why do you call him ‘The Employer’ and how will I know if he calls?”
“That’s his passion! He employs bought souls to carry out his desires, but only with their complete agreement. The rest is not for you to understand right now. He will let you know what is required, if and when. Go back to your normal work routine and be patient – profitable business is in your future if you cooperate 100%.”
Eddy was now very curious and just had to make a statement.: “By the way, Bub (to show his lack of intimidation), why do they call you Mr. Client? I never heard that moniker before. Anything special?”
“That name was given to me by The Employer and that’s good enough for the kind of business I have to accomplish. You see, I was his best customer. And, not only that, ‘Bub’ was already taken by someone that you don’t want to tangle with. So, if you happen to meet him, call him Mr. Bub!”
After discussing a few details of their arrangement, the meeting was concluded and Eddy returned to his office. A few days passed. He was contacted by Mr. Client and given some minor legal matters. Eddy was kept on the outside and looking in while waiting for the meat and potatoes to arrive from the other end of the table. Eddy was pre-warned about getting into deep waters, to wit: “The boss has plenty of smart guys loafing around on his payroll. And, for those that don’t stay loyal or squeal, will get to know those smart guys personally.” Eddy got their message!
Eddy needed to make a demand: “This agreement must be kept under wraps because it would not look favorable for the Public Defender of Orange County to be on the payroll of a notorious capo – I’m no good if I’m doing a stretch!”
Eddy’s personal thoughts: “Why have I been accepted into their confidence and I’ve never laid eyes on the capo. This never happens, even for lifetime gang members. Wonder what he wants of me? I better keep my eyes open wide and my antennas out because something might be cooking in the pot. I might be the ham bone that’s up for bids. And, if Judge G.R. Rule finds out about this, I’m a jail-bird – after she plucks my feathers!”
From the Author: Who is Abaddon and what does he want?
Abaddon, the devil’s chief fallen angel of the bottomless pit, is now determined to take an active role by stirring the pot. He will spare no temptation in his quest to convince human eternal spirits to turn away from their Christian beliefs. Eddy Riffle has become his present number-one prime target because he is teetering on the brink while suffering from PTSD and can fall any which way the breeze blows. All he needs is a push. Deception and trickery come in many forms and is a favorite device to entrap the sick, the weak, the unsure, and the lukewarm.
Scripture reference: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time.
“Angel – A Heavenly Messenger”
Basic informati
on about the presence of angels:
In the New Testament, angels are described as being everywhere and as intermediaries between God and man.
“And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.” John 20:12.
“Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” St. Luke 20:36.
“See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 18:10.
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb. 13:2.
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” Acts: 6:15-18.
“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them unto chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.” 2 Peter 2:4.
How many angels?
“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.” Rev. 5-11
(10,000 × 10,000 = 100 million) + 1000s of 1000s or too many to count!
Chapter Five
Archangel – St. Michael
Furrowing his brow, the bully spoke sharply: “I don’t need substance and I don’t have patience! I’m on a mission. Are you ready?” The visitor then reached out his hand as to shake mine. I paused and pushed back in my chair. I was concerned about his motive and about that menacing sword with the hypnotic glowing tip because it appeared eager to strike.
The Deacon and the Shield Page 4
