Another Deception

by Pamela Carron

  Cranford was trying to wrap his head around what Frank was saying, but the thought of what these people did made him physically ill just talking about it. If he had been wrestling with guilt feelings of what Frank was doing, this quelled them and he hoped he got every last one of them. He knew that if Captain Davis was one of them, there were likely many more within New York’s law enforcement personal, as well as in the political realm. No way, would any of these people be brought to justice. As far as he was concerned, Frank was dishing out the only justice any one of them deserved. He was so glad he would soon be leaving his job and just as soon as his time was up, he would have definite plans for retiring somewhere besides this city.

  When they got back to the office, he was sent for by the chief of detectives, who offered him the captain’s slot until his retirement. He was going to give it some consideration but before he got back to his office, he knew he would turn it down. His reason being that Frank would be assigned to someone else and that person may not be as understanding about the vigilante slayings as he. A year ago, he would have been thrilled for this offer, but not anymore. Now, he just hoped Frank got every name on that list before January 1, rolled around.

  When he attended Davis’ funeral, he watched as the man received a hero’s accommodation. Listened as people spoke about what a wonderful husband and father he was. He remembered the pictures in the man’s office of two little children

  who looked a lot like their dad and almost had to leave out of the funeral thinking he very well may have been one of the dark robe clad people he watched feed on an innocent little child about the same age as his own. How he wished he still knew nothing about such things, wished he was still blinded to the fact that there were some real sick bastard’s out there. But then, he did know and his life would never be the same.

  30

  Honey was walking and talking, but her body was still healing and she tired easily. She spent most of her days sitting on the porch reading or listening to her favorite singing group from back home.

  It was she, who first noticed the difference in Jean and Hidey, when they returned from their fishing trip, without the fish they hoped to catch. It was the laughter she heard long before they were in sight that told her something major had happened.

  They had sat on the steps and while Jean let Hidey tell the story of how she almost drowned and he saved her, she smiled and nodded from time to time. When he got to the part where he kissed her, Honey could almost feel the heat from Jean’s face but she still smiled happily.

  Of course, when they went in they had to tell the story again to Romona, who to their astonishment, threw her apron up over her face and cried. When Hidey tried to comfort her, she declared,

  “No, no, no! I am crying because I am so happy! I knew it would happen when God got ready!”

  “Granny, it was just a kiss. We only want to explore our feelings, so let us just keep it simple, okay?”

  “Well, He had to start somewhere!”

  Jean was more surprised than anyone was at the turn of events. She was not sure what happened but she was sure that God did have a hand in it for on her own she would never have ventured out on a limb like this and when the others gave her a chance she spoke her mind as only she could do.

  “Romona, it is nothing short of a miracle and you are and were, so right. When God is in something, there is no fighting it. The thing that puzzles me most though is that I feel so happy about everything…you, Hidey and the idea that God has a plan for my life. I have always been in such control of myself that it has to be a miracle!”

  Dinner that evening was a delight for them all as they celebrated the blossoming romance between Jean and Hidey. While Honey was happy for them both, her happiness was mixed with a touch of sadness at the absence of her own true love and she could not help but wonder if he were all right. Although the smile she presented to the others was bright and void of any indication of sadness, it was there in her heart. If only he would call, she knew it would make her feel better. However, the days rolled by and there was not even a word. She prayed, but a seed of doubt had crept in and was gnawing away on her faith, so that it wavered. Until finally it was a struggle to even pray, for all she could do was question God.

  It was early morning and she could not sleep. She dressed and with the cane she was now using, she walked out on Romona’s front porch. Deciding that she would like to see the early morning flowers that blossomed overnight, she carefully went down the steps and around to the side of the house where a path led all the way in and around Romona’s beautiful garden of flowers. In the midst of it was a bench with an arbor of climbing roses over it and the fragrant smell of the flowers was so enticing that she stopped and sat for a while. Thinking of the beauty, which surrounded her, she was prompted to sing a song of praise to its creator.

  While she sang softly the words, her heart opened up to allow His presence to saturate her being and the doubts she had been feeling about Jacks just melted away and allowed for her to commune with God in an intimacy which had been lacking. She was reminded once again, that indeed, ‘all things work to the good for those who love the Lord and who have been called according to his purposes.’

  Standing close by was Ragas, who smiled, for his charge was back, in body and in spirit. It was a good thing, for her battle was not yet over and she would need all the strength she could acquire. Victory would be hers, but it would also be bittersweet.

  The picture Romona saw when she went out to cut a bouquet of flowers for the kitchen table was one that was etched in her heart and mind forever. Honey was kneeling beside the bench with her arms outstretched to the sky praising God, but what was so astounding to Romona was the beautiful entity, which stood towering over her with a light shining bright all around him. The scene caused her to silently turn away from the garden, for she would not disrupt what she believed was a time of complete healing for Honey.

  It was true. After the morning of prayer in the garden, Honey seemed to gain strength by the moments. She also felt very confident that her husband was fine, wherever he was, and she would see him soon.

  Both Honey and Romona watched as Hidey and Jean tried hard to take things slowly and just smiled knowingly at each other when they would both be missing. Jean confessed that she was delighted things happened the way they did at the river. She believed that God was trying to show her that Al’s death was because it was time for him to go home and nothing more or nothing less. It was just time. She felt a huge burden lifted and the love she felt for Hidey was one that she knew was God ordained. She was happy and it showed.

  31

  The plane landed in New York at the JFK airport a few minutes after eight am. Jacks and the others were all sleeping when they announced that the plane was making its descent. They woke up and started straightening their rumpled clothing and making ready to leave the plane.

  Jacks had one thing on his mind and that was contacting Honey. He was anxious to see how she was doing and let her know what had transpired with him while he was away. Since the only bags they had were carryon, they did not have to wait for luggage. Before anything else, he spotted a phone and leaving Millie with Jessie, he hurried towards it.

  It rang several times and went to voice mail so he redialed. When it again went to her voice mail he said,

  “Sweetheart, it is me, Jacks. I wanted to talk to you but I realize how early it is and you must still be sleeping. I did not want you to worry any longer. I am fine and I am bringing a big surprise when I come. I just have a few things to handle here in New York before we come up there. I hope you are doing well and cannot wait to see you. I love you!” He barely got it all in before the voicemail went off, but at least she would know he was okay and that

  he was not alone. He looked over at the three strangers and thought, these people are my relatives, my family. It is so hard to believe after all these years, I really do have a family! Thank you so much Lord!

  He walked back to where they were
and together they went out to where the line of taxicabs was waiting. The traffic was horrible, causing it to take even longer to reach Sang-mi’s house. On the way the conversation was light and Jacks noticed that Millie was making simple sentences and once she asked who he was and when he said his name was Jacks, she looked puzzled and asked,

  “What an odd name for a boy to be called, don’t you think? Whoever would give their baby such a name?”

  Jacks smiled and replied,

  “I think it was my mother who gave the name to me.”

  Then Millie grew silent for the rest of the way, as if she were pondering on something. For it seemed to her that she should know this nice young man. However, since she did not get out often, it was not likely. Jacks and Jessie had already agreed that they should give Millie some time to adjust without the medication before trying to discuss anything. It would take some time to get it out of her system. Jacks really just wanted to wrap his arms around her and call her ‘Mother.’

  Once they arrived at Sang-mi’s, Jacks made sure they were comfortable before calling Anna to let her know they were at the house. Then he called Detective Cranford and asked if he could meet with him. He intended to put a restraining order against Garrett so that if he or any of his people came near his family there would be trouble. Of course, he also knew that it would not be worth the paper it would be printed on, however it would not look so bad when he used Honey’s rifle to try to kill the person who would dare hurt anyone of them.

  When Cranford got the call, he and Frank were already in the car so they swung by there first before going to have lunch with Anna. When they arrived, Jacks was waiting and when they pulled up, he went and opened the door.

  “Thank you for coming right away. I want to leave as soon as possible to see how Honey is doing. I have not talked to her since she left the hospital.”

  Cranford walked through the open door with Frank behind him.

  “I see you remember you have a wife. Does this mean you have recovered from the memory lapse?”

  Jacks shrugged,

  “Pretty much. What I wanted to see you for is about Garrett. You may remember he is the friend who we discussed some time ago, after the church top incident.”

  “I remember who you are talking about. What is the problem?”

  “I want a restraining order against him and anyone who works for him as soon as it can be done.”

  “Jacks, you are an attorney. You know…”

  “I understand and I do know. I also know if something happens in the future, it is better to have one than not.”

  “Okay, that in itself is no big deal, but there is more you are not telling me and if I am going to help you, I need to know the entire story.”

  “I knew you would say that, so I will show you. Please sit and make yourselves comfortable and I will be right back.”

  Jacks disappeared through a door and when he came back, he had Jessie with him.

  “This is my sister Jessie. My mother and niece are resting.”

  They all acknowledged one another and Frank, who had been up walking around the room ever since Jacks had mentioned Garrett, turned his attention to the woman. Interesting, he was thinking, that not only a mother was popping up, but an extended family, no less! A family, who had been living with the enemy. He became more interested in the conversation.

  Cranford asked,

  “Has this man harmed you or any of you that can be recorded as proved? You understand why I am asking this?”

  “Yes, I do understand what you are saying Detective, but I cannot give you what you want. The man you are talking of has only recently appeared into our lives. The one who we have known as Asa, died last year. I have no proof of mistreatment from the man you call Garrett. Except he has kept my mother medicated.”

  “Nevertheless,” Said Jacks, “I want the restraining order. Can we get that done today? I really want to join my wife.”

  Detective Cranford shook his head but conceded,

  “No problem, just stop by the precinct and I will have the paper ready for you to sign. Jacks, I am glad you accomplished what you wanted and made it back from…where was it you said you went

  to?”

  “I don’t think I did say, however it was a Greek island…Chios, was the name. Thank you for expediting this for me. I do appreciate it.”

  The four of them chatted back and forth for several minutes before the two detectives took their leave.

  The minute they were in the car, the two detectives looked at each other. Each knew the other was thinking the same thing. The man Garrett was one of the names left on Frank’s list. Neither spoke of it for by mutual agreement they both agreed they would never again discuss ‘the list.’

  32

  Honey had just dressed and picked her phone up to put in her pocket and saw there was a message. Excitement and relief washed over her when she heard Jacks voice and she could no way keep it contained. When she shouted with delight, everyone in the house came running. Jean, from her room next door, Romona, and Hidey both came from upstairs. They all thought something was wrong, until they got to Honey’s room where she was laughing and crying at the same time.

  “Jacks! It is Jacks! He called early this morning and I just now looked at my phone and saw it. He left a message and he is all right! Thank you Jesus! Not only is he all right, but you all are not going to believe this! He has his mother with him. He said we are coming! Oh, I am so happy!”

  Romona breathed a sigh of relief. Lord, but she thought the woman was hurt.

  “I am glad you got good news. What is so nice is that you have some good news yourself to tell him. When is he getting here?”

  She turned to Jean, who was hugging Honey, she was so happy too.

  “We can get your room ready for the mother, since it will make her feel more comfortable to be close to Jacks. You won’t mind changing rooms will you?”

  Jean said in her good-natured way,

  “Of course not! I will be too happy to give her my room. I am thrilled it has turned out so well! Now we can all go home, finally.”

  “You know you are welcome to stay here as long as you need. It has been a true blessing having you here Jean… and Honey if that husband of yours would let me, I would just keep you here.”

  Romona declared as she went about tidying the room. She was glad she already had the rental company come for the hospital bed and replaced the double bed back in the room.

  “I think I will go cut you some of my special blue roses for the occasion.”

  Honey was grateful for Romona’s hospitality and all the little extras she did for her. She would miss her obvious love for the Lord and the little verses she went about singing throughout the day.

  “Romona, you spoil me!”

  “That is okay too. You deserve a little spoiling after what you have been through. Be time enough for you to do for yourself soon enough. Now, I think we will celebrate all this good news by having some strawberry pancakes. How does that sound?”

  “Yummy! Hey, where did Jean and Hidey go?”

  “They slipped right on out of here, is exactly what they did.”

  Romona laughed and Honey smiled too, remembering how it felt when she and Jacks first fell in love. It still felt that way and she longed for him to walk through the door.

  While she waited for Romona to call them for the pancakes, she took a little extra time to look nice for him when he did get there. She wished she could throw the cane down but her steps were still a bit shaky and she was afraid to chance it. The last thing she wanted was a broken bone from falling.

  While she was doing that, Jacks was in the police station filing the paper work for the restraining order.

  Not willing to leave the others alone at Sang-mi’s, they were waiting for him out in the lobby. Even then, he was anxious to hurry for he could not see them, so he pushed on the clerk to get finished.

  He felt a little better doing this but he also knew it would take much
more to stop this inhuman sect of evil people.

  When he got back to the lobby, he stood for a moment looking at the three people he was now responsible for. Millie was sitting there looking as if she were daydreaming, while the other two seemed to be in a deep conversation.

  Jessie looked up and saw him standing there.

  “Are you done already? That was fast!”

  “They were very proficient back there. I am starving. That toast before we left is long gone, so how about lunch at Sang-mi’s restaurant before we take off to the mountains?”

  Jessie was quick to agree.

  “Me too and that sounds great, doesn’t it Mother?”

  Millie looked curiously at her daughter and said,

  “Whatever you say sweetheart. I could probably enjoy oriental food. Sang-mi is oriental isn’t it?”

  “You are absolutely right Millie! Sang-mi is…was Korean. A great lady who was the closest thing to a mother, I ever had.”

  “I am afraid I do not understand what you mean.”

  Jessie shot Jacks a warning look but it was too late. He sat down next to Millie and took her hand. It was the one with the bandage and he put it to his lips and kissed it. He had already lived a lifetime without a mother and regardless of whether or not it was good timing, he was waiting no longer.

  “No Millie, you probably do not, but I grew up in an orphanage and foster homes. Sang-mi took me in when I was seventeen and that is why I said that. Did you ever have a son, Millie?”

  The woman looked at him and in her eyes, Jacks saw what could easily be torment. Then she looked away. Just when they thought she was going to say nothing, she did.

  “I did have a son once, a long time ago.”

  “Do you know what happened to him?”

  “Of course I do.”

  She looked angry for a second, then confused.

  “I…I…why, he died. Yes, he died and such a little thing he was too.”