The Deacon and the Shield

by John E. Howard

  I sat down and rested from my ordeal: “No use trying to sleep now and I’ll have a time cleaning up what looks like a bachelor party.” Lamenting: “I still have an office to run today and I sorely need some cash. And to beat all, I might have to replace this lousy rocking chair!” Then, my foggy brain reminded me that I must check out that Bible story.

  "And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, what is thy name? And he said Jacob. And he said, thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." Gen: 32:24-28.

  “You know this Jacob guy stood his ground and because of his sincere heart, he was labeled a prince and was eventually made the father of Israel. How does that affect me?”

  Then, I caught myself: “What about my check for 15k?” I had forgotten to wrestle it back from Michael. “I bet it was right there in his front pocket all the time. Next time for sure, Michael!”

  From the Author:

  He that hath a forward heart findeth no good. Prov. 17:20.

  Eddy faces “hatred and adultery.” He just plain loathes Aebra Arlington. She was one of the reasons for his guilt complex. It was so consuming, he refused to forgive himself for his adulterous thoughts and actions and actually had imposed self-punishment and sorrow. This path did not diminish his suffering. Fate presented Eddy with this unique opportunity to reap total, lasting and satisfying vengeance upon his accuser and temptress. “It was time for pay back!”

  “An angry man stirrith up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. A man’s pride shall bring him low; but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Prov. 29:22-23.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Aebra Arlington’s Trial – The Truth”

  Aebra was still Triple AAA and I was again stricken by her beauty. I tried to hide the battle that was going on inside my heart and my brain. But, I could not and would not let my temptation win. “Besides, I need to pay her back, big time!”

  Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, and ring again trumpeted that menace hanging on the wall. I was beginning to dread the sound of that phone. It brought me nothing but consternation, fear, worry, questions and you-name-it. In a disgusting tone: “Hello, this is Eddy Riffle, attorney and private investigator. How may I be of service?”

  “Mr. Riffle, this is the county clerk of courts and this is just a reminder that your court date with the Honorable Judge Grace R. Rule is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.”

  “Oh! O.K., thank you, I’ll be there.” The Honorable G. R. Rule (I think that GR should stand for grrrrrr) is about to use me again as a public defender for one of those Florida saps I keep mumbling about. Right now, I’m on good grounds with the judge after that A. Baddon bust, but I still have to take her cases just to get a few favors.

  At the courthouse talking with the judge: “Mr. Riffle, I appoint you as public defender for the state’s case against Ms. Aebra Arlington who is charged with blackmail and making false allegations. Are you prepared to accept this position?”

  I was shocked and could not believe my ears: “Yes, your honor, but I think that I ought to tell you that I know this particular Aebra Arlington. I used to work at the same law firm. Maybe you should pick someone else for this case. I don’t know if I can be impartial and give this defendant a proper defense. And, she’s got plenty of cash so why a public defender?”

  “Preliminary hearing is set for next Monday. Do your best and remember your oath to this court, so do your duty. If you need more time, please inform me via the clerk of courts. Good day, Mr. Riffle. Oh, by the way, she asked for you.”

  I thought: “Man-o-man, am I going to fix her wagon! But, why ask for me? What’s she up to? Why not get one of her fellow stooges to do the job? I better get her story now!”

  City Jail: I was sitting at the desk when the officer and the defendant entered the room. Aebra looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes. She had a slight tear in her eye that was hugging a lash about ready to fall. I handed her a tissue from the box on the table.

  “Here, Aebra, there’s no crying in jail. Besides, it might give the impression that you are innocent and we both know that’s not the case. But, sit down and tell me what this is all about. Would you mind if I called you Delilah, like in Sampson?”

  “Eddy, I guess I deserve that, but let me tell you how much I regret what happened to you at the firm. I’ve made mistakes, big mistakes. But, now that’s all in the past. I want to make it up to you and you know that I’m able and willing. If you can just save my career and get back the position that I lost at the firm, I will clear you of those past silly accusations. And, we can be close friends again, if you know what I mean?”

  Aebra was still a very alluring woman and I was again stricken by her beauty. I tried to hide the battle that was going on inside my heart and my brain. But, I could not and would not let my temptation win. “Besides, I need to pay her back, big time!”

  “You mean, I take your case, win the case in court, arbitrate for you at the firm, and then get your close attention for payment. How neat is that? Aebra, I was a moron once but never again. If I defend you and get you what you want then I want only one thing and it’s not you, nothing personal. I respect your expertise but you must tell my wife that you are an ambitious strong woman and that you set me up so I would be axed and out of your way. Also, you will tell her that I did not have a relationship with you. We were only laughing friends having after work drinks for stress relief. Is that a deal? And in writing!”

  “Eddy, Mr. Riffle, it’s a deal!”

  Later at the Tampa Law Library: I was having a difficult time preparing Aebra’s defense because I thought that I really hated her for what she had done to my life. Books and notes were scattered all over the library table. Down at the other end sat a young man trying to study: I spoke to him just to break my writer’s block.

  “Studying for the bar exam?”

  He looked up, “Yea, it’s a bear of a test but I’ll make it. Nothing worthwhile comes easy. You an attorney?”

  “You might say so but my clients have different opinions. It’s never open-and-shut like in the movies. Each case is different and this one has me personally involved. I can’t justify to myself the required defense because of personal involvement with my client. I don’t want to bore you with the details. Say, what’s your name?”

  “My name is Ben. May I offer a suggestion? My professors taught us to always be ready with advice, preferably the kind that pays money. I don’t want to seem impertinent being that you are already an attorney but it might be good to get another perspective.”

  “Sure, go ahead, Ben, it can’t do me any harm.”

  “Well, it’s kind of a golden rule that I’ve used in my young life. My father, also an attorney of sorts, taught it to me and it has passed the test of time.”

  I personally didn’t think that I would ever use a student lawyer’s advice or suggestions, but I liked this boy so I thought that I would humor him and listen. “Let’s hear what your father taught you and go from there.”

  Ben closed his study manual and reached inside his pocket and pulled out a laminated index card. By the sight of it, I could tell it was well read. He began:

  “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19.

  “Mr. Riffle, these passages probably fit your clients but they are not only for them – they are also for you. If you exhibit any of these inclinations and fal
l short in doing your best then you will never amount to anything. That’s my father talking to me and to anyone listening. Also, you will fret the rest of your life. So, get in the habit of doing the right thing!”

  Ben put the index card back into his jacket pocket and then lit his face with a big smile. “Got to go, tomorrow is my big test and I need my rest. See you in the courts, Mr. Riffle. Hope we are on the same side. If not, take it easy on me.”

  As I watched him leave the library, I had but one curious thought: “I never told him my name. How did he know my name was Mr. Riffle?”

  The trial lasted about three weeks and was testy. I put all my effort into the case. I wanted Aebra’s confession to Ellie. Also, the advice that Ben, or his dad laid on me, weighed heavily in my decision to be professional and honestly defend her.

  In court, I was able to prove that one of the law firm’s partners, Mr. Wigime, was infatuated with Ms. Arlington and made advances. The proof of this premise was neatly stored in his office personal computer which contained emails, notes, etc. that had no acceptance or replies from Aebra. The evidence supported the defense that he did, in fact, make advances (induced or not) and then tried to hide it by firing her. When Aebra made accusations and filed charges with the firm, Mr. Wigime claimed that he paid her blackmail with cash and promotions because she threatened: “I’ve had people fired before!” In retaliation, Mr. Wigime, used his position and influence to have her arrested and charged with blackmail. His evidence for his charges contained vague records of cash payments and his own personal diary which included ambiguous events, dates and circumstances. While on the stand, I made him look like a sniveling pervert – “Sorry, but everything goes in court.”

  After deliberation, Judge Rule’s decision was for the defendant, Aebra, and dismissed all charges against her. I personally am not 100% sure that the partner was guilty but it sure looked that way. But, then again, I did too! Subsequently, in the settlement, the law firm agreed to a severance package that Aebra was very pleased with. But this time she had to leave the firm, quietly.

  Judge Rule spoke to me after the trial on the front steps of the courthouse. “See, Eddy, that was not so hard.” She turned and continued on down the steps. All I could manage to think of was: “Hey, Judge, when do I start getting paid?” She just laughed.

  As for my honesty, my former Tampa law firm was impressed and apologized for believing the wrong person. And, they congratulated me on a very professional trial and that I was able to put aside any personal motivations for revenge against my client. To show their remorse for their own hasty actions, they contracted to me a junior partnership with a nice financial package. I accepted, of course.

  My compensation from Aebra was simple: “Meet with Ellie and confess.” Aebra is very convincing, so she will have no trouble emphatically telling the truth. Hopefully, if she follows through, this will finally take her out of my life. I promise not to hate her guts; like I do now.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Valentine’s Day”

  At Eddy’s place: Another holiday to help my mood. Who invented all these days of cheer and merry-making? Why not a day for deadbeats and losers and the woe-is-me people? If I went down to the city dump, maybe I could join in the party. “Hey, I got the nachos!”

  At Ellie’s place: The doorbell rang and to Ellie’s surprise, it was a deliveryman with candy and roses. There was a card attached. To: Ellie – Just to let you know that I never stop thinking about you. My love is forever and I’ll always be close, if needed. Eddy.

  Ellie was touched by such a loving thought and was beginning to question herself about their separation. Was it now time to forgive?

  About an hour later, the doorbell rang once again. Ellie did not know the young lady who was visiting. “Hi, my name is Aebra Arlington. I worked with your husband at the Tampa Law Firm. Do you have a few minutes? I would like to talk a while – if you have time.”

  “Sure, come on in. I have some hot coffee. Would you like some?”

  “Why, yes, I think I might need it!”

  After a few minutes of chitchat about unimportant things, Aebra got to the point. She told the whole ugly story and about what did not happen. She came clean. She spilled the beans. She was the goose that needed to be cooked. She kept her part of the bargain. Eddy won her case in court and now she was paying the fee.

  After Aebra left slightly sobbing, sincere or not, Ellie decided to call Eddy. It was a very good Valentine’s Day!

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Welcome Home, Eddy”

  I rummaged through an old and dusty pile of documents and papers that used to be important to me but over time had lost their luster. “Ah, here it is – I hoped I had not thrown you away.” When I was active and serving as a deacon, I used this very paper to help answer that question:

  “How do I pray?”

  It was about noontime when I was awakened by that irritating phone on the wall that blasted out once again: Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, and ring! If it wasn’t so old, I’d hammer it! “Hello, this is Eddy.”

  “Hi, Eddy, this is Ellie. Are you busy?”

  “Ellie, is there something wrong? Are Niki and Lynn and the kids alright?”

  “Yes, we’re all O.K. I just need to talk to you. A fellow attorney of yours came to see me. Her name is Aebra Arlington. She told me everything. I now know that I was wrong for not believing in you and for not being more trusting. I shared her information with the girls and they teared up and thought that you should come home.”

  Ellie with quivering voice: “Now I have you on my mind and I just wanted to hear your voice. It seems that the reason we are separated is not that important anymore. I don’t know where to start. I’m sorry but I thought that you ought to know.”

  “Ellie, honey, you don’t know how much I have wanted to hear those words. Without you, I haven’t felt well or been myself ever since that awful day. My soul is tired and weary with the guilt I carry. It seems so long ago that I failed my family. I thought I had lost you forever. Can we meet for dinner tonight and make some family plans? Bring the girls and the kids and the dads – all of them, if they can come.”

  “Yes, pick me up at eight o’clock. I’ll ask the girls – they will be so happy.”

  I hung up the phone and put my hands over my face because I could not hold back the tears. The great burden that was hounding me has just been lifted. I thought: “If my family was willing to forgive me, then I could forgive myself, just as Father Drake suggested. If I want to be happy again, I must forgive myself and that’s final!”

  Slowly, I made my way up the driveway to the front door. I was dressed in my last pressed shirt and somewhat clean everything else. I practiced what I would say to her when she opened the door, but everything was now a blank. “Just go for it,” was my last muttering before the ringing of the bell.

  “Ellie, my love.” That was all I could get out before the hugs and kisses. Parting for a second: “It’s been so awful without you. I’m so sorry. I want you to know that I will do anything to rid this wedge between us. I want my family back!”

  Without speaking, Ellie took my hand and led me inside where the girls and all the family were waiting. They rushed me and threw their arms around me and we all hugged. I was overcome with emotion because I knew I was loved and forgiven. After much sweet talk and catching up, we all left for dinner at our favorite restaurant. I was a happy man again and my pride was beaming – I was with my family!

  At the restaurant, at the table, the waiter approached. He was a tall, slender, nice-looking fellow with a thin mustache and eyebrows that matched. His eyes looked soft and tantalizing in a mysterious way. I thought: “What a pleasant face. If ever I wanted to be hypnotized, he could do the job.”

  Without waiting for me to speak, the waiter said, “My name is Angelo and I’m filling in for a friend tonight. And, let’s start by saying: What a nice family we have to brighten our establishment. It will be a pleasure to serve. I
hope you enjoy your evening and that your intended purpose will be fulfilled. I will try to make your experience with us ‘one you will always remember.’ I have prepared a special treat with your favorite delicacies. Enjoy!”

  I looked at Ellie and she looked at me. We were both pleasantly surprised at what we had just heard from the waiter – it was as if he knew of our situation and was happy for us! And all evening we received the grand treatment with great food and close attention to our every need – even three fellows played the violin right by our table – without us asking.

  Angelo was a perfect host and surprised us: “To the Riffle family, I would like to propose a toast to a new beginning.” With glasses of water raised: “May your love and happiness surround you and strengthen you for all eternity.” He then gave us his last big smile that reflected a sparkle off a gold front tooth. He then said: “Gotta go – more chicken to fry!”

  Eddy: “Wow, that was nice. And now for some more good news: I have my position back with the Tampa Law Firm as a junior partner. I will make enough to help send these ‘rascals for grandkids’ of mine to college when they’re ready. And, maybe we can get that new house that we have always wanted with that swimming pool.”

  The entire Riffle family enjoyed a wonderful and emotional experience and they especially liked our surprise announcement: Ellie and I decided to have Father Drake remarry us and we would repeat our wedding vows. A date had already been reserved and afterward, we were going a honeymoon – just like the first time. We wanted to start anew and have it last forever. And, I could not see the bride before the wedding. The girls giggled when I sheepishly added: “The hard part is my staying away from mom the next few weeks, but the anticipation feels good and natural. It’s good to be loved.”

  After the enjoyment of the family dinner, I went back to my office for some quiet thoughts and to dwell on what had just occurred. I sat alone in the darkness to think and to plan for the future. And, I wanted to pray – it would be my first sincere prayer in a long time. I still remembered how to pray but I had forgotten how to trust and have faith that my prayers would fall on hearing ears. Then I remembered a little box that I kept on the top shelf of my one and only closet.