The Son of Man 2, Elders of Zion

by C. W. Johnson

  "I hope I’m not expected to find my way back out of here," Gladys said, looking up at Brandon, the security guard.

  Brandon smiled, knocked and opened the door.

  President Heber Taft Hatfield, the seventeenth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stood, moved around a large desk and pushed his hand out. "Gladys, how are you? And how is that old man Louis doing? Why didn’t he come with you?"

  She reached for the president’s hand."He had to stay close to home. We’re having a little crisis."

  "Nothing serious, I hope?"

  "No just… domestic matters, nothing important."

  He motioned for Gladys to take a seat on a vast leather couch.

  "I’m a little disappointed," she said after sitting down. "When I heard you wanted to speak with me I thought I was finally going to see the inside of the Temple."

  President Hatfield smiled."For that you’ll need a temple recommend."

  Gladys grinned back and looked around the spacious room. Created as a refuge for the church’s General Authorities, the GA lounge resided directly beneath the famous tabernacle organ and podium. Its designers had taken every effort to harmonize its décor with the building’s rich heritage. Dark wood paneling adorned its walls. Plush brown carpet, heavy leather furniture, wooden tables, living plants, and beautiful portraits made the room feel more like a living room than a lounge.

  "I wish Louis could have come with you," the president said. “It looks like we have a little glitch in your application for adoption."

  "A glitch?"

  The president lifted a manila envelope that had been sitting on the table, opened it and pulled out a small stack of papers. He lifted a pair of reading glasses out of his pocket and glanced up at Gladys. "You listed the next of kin as Mrs. Maria Rose, married to a Mr. Todd Riley?"

  "Yes that’s right."

  "Why didn’t she take her husband’s name?"

  "You know, I’m not really sure. I think a lot of kids are doing that nowadays. Why, is that a problem?"

  "No, just curious. We have the marriage certificate here."

  He lifted another paper and shook it. "One of the problems we have is this document. It says Maria Rose and Todd Riley, married in Nashville Tennessee, are both dead."

  "Dead?"

  He handed the paper to Gladys. "Todd Riley was killed in prison, and Maria Rose is missing and presumed dead… murdered."

  "Hmm," Gladys grunted, “that’s most disconcerting. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to break the news to them."

  The president chuckled and reached for still another paper. "But this is the one that really tweaked me. This document tells of a secret child conceived at Vanderbilt University around this time last year; a… special child."

  "Really?" Gladys said, trying to look indifferent. "I’m not sure what this has to do with anything."

  "A young woman named Maria Rose, married to a Todd Riley, keeps popping up in the paperwork, the very same couple now traveling with two world class scientists, one a Nobel laureate. Could you explain that please?"

  Gladys grinned. "Do you have any water?"

  "Oh, of course." He stood, went to a small refrigerator, and returned with a bottle of water.

  "I was wondering why you wanted a personal meeting with me over a simple application for adoption," she said, "but I should tell you, we met up with them long after they were in Nashville. At the time, we knew nothing of this. We were only in Omaha because Louis wanted to see Dante first hand. That’s where we met them."

  "So it’s true, they have this child with them now?"

  Gladys shrugged."There seems to be very little you don’t already know.”

  "So… you met them around the time the child was born?"

  "Actually, Maria was in labor when we met. I delivered him myself."

  "In Omaha?"

  "Yes."

  "Before or after Dante?"

  "The moment of," Gladys said gravely.

  The president seemed visibly shaken. He leaned back in his chair. "No kidding," he said quietly, "the moment of?" He sat staring into the papers for a time and looked back at Gladys. "Do you know what else happened the moment of?"

  Gladys shrugged and shook her head.

  "Crop circles," the President said, "millions of them; strange...balls of light; hordes of people swearing they were visited by passed loved ones; people hearing what they interpreted as angels singing. All over the world, all at the moment of." He paused for a moment and continued. "Why is this child here and not in Europe or DC? Why is the mother listed as killed before giving birth? Why was the father in prison but never charged with a crime, and why does everyone think he died there?"

  "I don’t know the answer to these questions," Gladys said. "The kids are hesitant to talk about it. But I do know that Todd is not a criminal. They’re just a couple of sweet kids who are convinced they will lose their little Joshua if anyone discovers where he is. All they want to do is keep their family together. They have absolutely no other agenda, I swear to you. Todd is a very hard working kid. He’s a medical student, my intern. Maria lives for that baby. The poor kids live in absolute terror of the Vinces—"

  "The Vinces?"

  "That’s what the kids call them, I’m not sure—"

  "Signo Vinces," the president said interrupting Gladys.

  "Yes," Gladys said, "I think that’s it."

  "And these kids are afraid the Vinces will try and take control of their child?"

  "Terrified."

  "Tell them not to worry."

  "You’ll protect them, then?"

  "Of course! What were these people thinking? Did they think they could manufacture a child?"

  "So… you know of the Vinces?"

  "We know who they are: big business wrapped in sanctimonious bull. They won’t get within a thousand miles of this child. You tell those kids that."

  "I can’t tell you what a relief this is," Gladys said.

  "I will ask one thing of you, however," the president said softly.

  "Anything."

  "Let’s not play with words here. Are we talking about the clone of The Savior here, or am I somehow misinterpreting all of this?"

  "He is the clone of Jesus of Nazareth," Gladys said.

  The president sat pondering her words and spoke softly. "I would very much like to see this child with my own eyes."

  Gladys smiled. "He’s… amazing, but… the moment I tell his parents you’re aware of him they’ll run as fast as they can to get away from you."

  "Tell them they’re safe here with us. They probably wouldn’t be safe anywhere else. Ask them to stay. Ask them to talk to me. I’ll personally guarantee their safety."

  "One other problem," Gladys said. "If your people find out who little Joshua is, it’s hard to say how they will react. It would be almost certain the news would leak out in no time."

  The president raised his palms. "That’s not a problem. This information dies here. All records of this family will disappear the moment you leave."

  Gladys grinned and squeezed the president’s arm. "This is incredible. I can’t wait till I can tell them."

  "Which brings me to the business at hand," the president said. "I’ll make the call. Everything will be in place for you at the Beehive House. You’re free to take little Lylya whenever you wish. Let us know if there are any problems."

  "That’s great news," Gladys said. "It’ll only be for the week unless things work out."

  The president stood. "I understand. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have about a million things to do."

  "Of course." She stood with him and they both moved to the door.

  The president paused at the door and looked down at her."Remember, I want to see this child… with my own eyes."

  "I’ll see what I can do," Gladys said, "but… do you mind if I ask you something?"

  "Ask away."

  "You don’t really think little Joshua is Jesus the Christ do you?"

/>   "Of course not," the president said. "There is only one Jesus Christ. But…this little baby is His living full brother, flesh and blood. His mother is Mary and his Father is… well, for those of us who believe— that’s humbling… I don’t care who you are."

  ~~~

  "I’m here to pick up little Lylya," Gladys said, handing the paperwork to the woman behind the desk.

  She, Debby, and Debby’s husband Cyrus were standing in the reception area of an old nineteenth century mansion known as the Beehive House, one of many homes owned by Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon Church.

  The stately home - its colonial multi-level veranda supported by nine heavy wooden columns - stood out amidst the towering city high-rises surrounding it. Once a tourist attraction, the house now served as an orphanage for the parentless children of Rickies flooding in from all over old America.

  "We’ve been expecting you," the receptionist said. "Are you Doctor Fasbender?"

  "Yes I am."

  "Has Dr. Nielson, our psychologist, prepared you?"

  "She told me what that poor baby has been through, if that’s what you mean."

  "Okay then, she’s ready for you. You’re just taking her for the week, is that right?"

  "Unless things work out," Gladys said.

  "I pray they do. We’re all rooting for our little Lylya."

  A door opened behind the reception desk. Another woman led a shy little eight year old girl into the reception area. Gladys and Debby exchanged astonished glances.

  Gladys painfully went down on one knee in front of the child. "Hi Lylya, I’m Aunt Gladys. You have beautiful eyes, do you know that?"

  Lylya solemnly pondered Gladys’s face.

  "It’s true," the receptionist said, "I’ve never seen eyes quite like hers before."

  Gladys smiled and brushed the little girl’s ebony hair out of her face. "I have," she said.

  ~~~

  After listening to several rounds of knocking, Eric slowly opened the door. He stood looking out, partially blocking the view within the cabin. He glanced back into his living room and returned his attention to Louis who was standing on the porch. "Louis, how are you?"

  "I don’t think that’s important," Louis said. "I’ve come to talk to Maria."

  "Maria isn’t here."

  "I certainly hope not. I hope she hasn’t closed herself off from her adoring husband without giving the man a chance to explain himself."

  Eric glanced out into the surrounding woods before looking back at Louis. "She’s not here."

  "Yes, so you said. Well, at any rate, Todd and I are about to leave and continue our search by way of the cabins on the rim. You could certainly save us a good deal of time if you were to divulge her whereabouts before we get started."

  Eric shook his head and shrugged. "Look, I told you, I don’t know where she is. And even if I did, she wants to be gone right now."

  "Hmm," Louis grunted. "Well, should she decide not to be gone, make sure she is aware that…." He looked around Eric and raised his voice. "Tell her she’s making a terrible mistake!"

  "I’ll tell her if I see her," Eric said flatly.

  Louis glared back at him, snorted, stepped off the porch and began making his way up the path towards Parktown.

  Eric closed the door and turned into his living room just as Maria appeared from her hiding place in the hall.

  "He’s lying," she said, her voice faltering. "He lied to me once before. He told me he’d tell me if Todd and that woman were ever together…that way. I don’t trust him, or Gladys. They’re Todd’s friends, not mine."

  "How can you say that?" Eric said. "I thought you were the best of friends."

  "So did I!" Maria shouted.

  She was crying again. She had been crying nearly non-stop all morning. Eric had never seen anyone so sad. He wanted to find Todd and kick the hell out of him. Anyone who would do that to a woman and her child deserved a good thrashing; especially as vulnerable as she and that baby were up in these mountains. What the hell was she supposed to do now? It wasn’t like she could move across town.

  He thought about Stacey and the girls in that predicament. That son of a bitch, he thought. And then… to send that old man over to try and talk her out… Maria had found Todd and Debby practically naked together. Debby admitted they had been together. How much proof do you need?

  Maria moved to the couch. Fourteen year old Kiara brought a fresh tissue box and sat down beside her. The other two Wheeler girls were busy in the loft entertaining little Joshua.

  It was clear that all three of the children had been affected by the gloom that had filled the little cabin down by the rut. They had spent the morning exchanging nervous glances, trying, in their own way, to console Maria whenever possible.

  "Gladys is the only one in Parktown with a fuel allotment and vehicle," Eric said, "and I know you don't want to use that —"

  "No," Maria said quickly. "I don't want anyone to know where I am right now."

  "I understand completely," Eric said. "That's why Chad Jensen and his boys are coming down the mountain tonight. He’s agreed to take you and Stacey over the rim into Lehi tomorrow morning; from there, my boss will meet up with you and take you on to Provo. It’s not far, but at least it’s something."

  "Thank you," Maria said. “I’m sorry I made you lie to Louis.”

  Eric frowned and shook his head. “I didn’t lie. I didn’t know where you were. You could have been in the kitchen, the loft or the bathroom…”

  Maria smiled softly, pulled a tissue from the box on the coffee table and wiped her eyes.

  Fourteen year old Kiara stroked Maria’s hand. She hadn’t taken her eyes off Maria since she sat down.

  Maria smiled at her. "You’re sweet," she said. Finally Maria looked back up at Eric. "How did you get hold of Mr. Jensen?"

  “The local Christian community has an old shortwave system."

  Maria grunted. "Hmm…and you said I can stay with some of your Christian friends till Josh and I get on our feet?"

  "I’m sure you can stay as long as you wish," Eric said.

  "Do they know Josh and I are Jewish?"

  "You know… I don’t think it’s ever come up."

  "What happens when they find out? They won’t try to—" She stopped talking.

  "They won’t try to convert you," Eric said. "I promise."

  Maria looked down and began fidgeting with a string on her pant leg."What a thing to say huh? I mean… everyone is helping—"

  She folded and began sobbing again. Kiara cried with her. Stacey shook her head, moved and put her arm around Maria’s shoulders. "In time," she said softly, "everything will work out. You’ll find a new life… maybe even marry again—"

  "No," Maria said. "This was the only life I’ll ever have. It’ll never be this way again."

  "No-no…you’re not going back," Stacey said softly. "You’ll never be alone again. You have little Joshua, and no one can take him away from you."

  Maria sniffed and reached for another tissue. "That’s true. I have to be strong for little Joshua."

  ~~~

  Stacey Wheeler looked out over the snow-covered meadow. The glowing full moon had lit the high mountain path.

  Chad Jensen, along with his sons Tim and Sage, were doggedly trudging the moonlit path looming out before them. They had reached the crest and passed through the aspen grove just after midnight, hoping to reach the Jensen cabin before sunup.

  Stacey turned as she walked and spoke to Maria. "It’s so bright," she said, her breath visible in the moonlight. "We don’t really need these flashlights. It’s almost like day—"

  She stopped speaking. Maria was no longer walking behind her. She slowed to a stop and stood looking back at the huddled, heavily dressed figure silhouetted against the aspen tree line. She turned and hollered, "hold up, guys!"

  Chad Jensen and his two boys stopped and looked back.

  "Hold up!" Stacey repeated. "Let’s give her a moment.
"

  She turned and made her way back down the path till she reached Maria’s side. She slowly moved forward, dropped her head on Maria’s shoulder and they both stood looking down at the distant clinic lights surrounded by the faint glow of twinkling lanterns. They both knew an ancient landslide covered with aspen trees would soon hide the tiny valley of Parktown from their view as they made their way further up the mountain.

  "I was so happy," Maria said, breaking the silence. "This is… was home."

  Stacey lifted her head from Maria’s shoulder and began gently stroking her hair. "No," she said softly, "this was just the first. Somewhere out there a perfect man is waiting just for you. You won’t have to wait long as beautiful as you are—"

  Maria recoiled. "I hate it!" she yelled. "I hate this! Let’s just go. Let’s just get out of here!"

  She quickly turned and began moving up the path toward the Jensen family.

  Ten year old Sage stepped out and met them. "Dad wanted to know if everything was okay."

  "Everything is fine," Stacey said.

  The boy sidestepped Stacey and moved to Maria. "Do you want me to take the baby? I can help if you want?"

  Maria smiled softly. "Thanks, Sage, but I think we’re okay for a while. Maybe when we get a little further up the mountain."

  Sage met her smile with a bashful grin. He dropped his eyes and fell in beside her on the path. Stacey took up the rear behind them. They walked together in silence up the well worn path cutting through the middle of the snow covered meadow Maria knew so well. The moon lent its glow to the meadow ahead, offering an eerie, grey-toned portrait of the aspen grove.

  "Do you mind that I’m walking with you?" Sage said, his young voice replacing the crunchof footfalls in the snow.

  Maria looked down at the boy. "Of course not; I like it when strong young men walk beside me."

  Stacey had to smile. That’s all those kids need, she thought, more encouragement. "I don’t think your big brother likes you walking with Maria," she said. "He’s been sending you back some pretty bad looks."

  "He’s not that much bigger," Sage said. "He’s only 14, and anyways, he’s too scared to talk to Maria, let alone walk next to her, so it’s his loss."