We've had typical Tennessee weather this past week. It started Sunday and Monday with temperatures near zero, and today, we might reach into the sixties. 

It was a spiritual experience having all of my homeless friends in for a visit during the brutal cold. I've heard so many stories that would break any heart, but what I admired was the perseverance of each one. Despite everything against them, all of them are determined to rebuild their lives.

How can you not love that?

Since Caleb and Terrel worked late last night, and don't have to work until Sunday night. I decided to get breakfast at Tony's. It will be quiet in the office this Friday morning. 

Pushing open the door, Tony turns and greets me. "Well, good morning, Lew."

"Hi, Tony. It's been a while."

"Yeah, I'm going to sue Kathy for being such a good cook. She's killing my profit."

"My goodness," I start to laugh. "Maybe you need to hire Kathy to cook?"

"That's an idea."

"No, I like your biscuits better. Speaking of which, I'd like a tenderloin biscuit. I can get my coffee." I step behind the counter and pour a large cup.

Tony starts to make my biscuit. "I know one thing, Lew. For someone who wanted to hide from humanity, you sure have become popular. The whole neighborhood is talking about what you did Sunday and Monday. How many people was it?"

"Just a few friends. It was only 143, counting the kids."

'Yeah! You're hiding from humanity," we both laugh.

Tony hands me the biscuit. "Thank you. It looks delicious."

"By the way, Lew, you got a letter yesterday."

"Someone sent me a letter here?"

"Yeah, I almost threw it away. It doesn't have a return address, but it looks handwritten." Tony digs around the cash register. "Here it is."

I sit my coffee and biscuit down and examine it like it's going to blow up. "There's only one way to find out what's inside." I slide my finger inside the envelope and tear open the top. The letter reads:

"Dear sir,"

I am begging for your help. My son, Ronald Hernandez, has been convicted of murdering a man. I know in my heart that he is innocent. I feel an injustice has fallen upon him. He is not the killer but refuses to speak up for himself. 

I know you have recently worked with the police helping them to solve certain cases. I cannot tell you where I heard this. Please, will you see my son and talk to him. Maybe he will listen to you. If not, he will spend the rest of his life in prison for something he didn't do.

Sincerely, Maria Hernandez

"Tony, have you heard of Ronald Hernandez?"

"Yeah, he's a young man who was convicted of murder last week. I think his sentencing hearing is next week."

"Well, this letter is from his mother. She swears he's innocent."

"Don't all mothers?"

"Yeah, I guess so, Tony."

"Something tells me you want to find out, Lew?"

"God sure is leading me that way. If I can work out the logistics."

"Be careful, Lew. Remember what happened last time."

"Thank you for caring, Tony. I will. Now let me finish that biscuit. Can I get some more coffee?"

Tony laughs, "Sure, Lew."

~

Back at home, I pick up the phone. "Good morning, Memphis Police central office."

"I'd like to talk to Captain Adams. My name is Lewis Bradley."

"One moment, please."

After a few clicks on the line. "Good morning, Lew. How are you?"

"I'm doing fine, Ben. I need a favor, my friend."

"Of course."

"What can you tell me about Ronald Hernandez?"

"Well, it was an open and shut case. The officer found him with the body. The gun was lying beside the victim."

"Was it a robbery?"

"That's what the prosecuting attorney said, even though we never found the money. I brought that up to the defense, but he never used it."

"Has Ronald Hernandez said anything about this?"

"Not a thing, Lew. He wouldn't make a statement, declined to speak at the trial. He convicted himself by his silence. The only people he has spoken to are his mother, brother, and sister-in-law when they visit him."

"Boy, none of this adds up."

"I know, Lew, but we did our jobs then handed the case over to the Prosecuting Attorney - even though there were still three questions in my mind that never got answered. What happened to the money? Who wiped the fingerprints off the gun? Why has he kept silent?"

"You always do everything you can, Ben. Can I talk to him?"

"Absolutely! I'd love to know the truth. It will be this afternoon before I can arrange it. Do you need me to send a car?"

"No, I think I've got a ride. Thank you, Ben."

"Not a problem. I'll call you later."

~

It's early afternoon, and I guess I'm a victim of old age. Caleb, Kathy, Terrel, and I are laughing at Amy doing some kind of dance to an annoying song called Baby Shark. Amy dances to it with perfection, matching every move in the video. It reminds me of something from the early 1990s called the Macarena. I didn't get it then, and I don't get it now. But laughter fills the room.

I hear the phone ringing and pick up the cordless receiver. "Hello."

Captain Adams answers, "We should be ready in about thirty minutes."

"Thank you, Ben. Let me confirm my ride." I place the phone against my chest. "Hey, Caleb, will you do me a favor? I need a ride to the Police Headquarters."

The happy mood falls through the floor, and concern fills every face!

"Sure, Lew. But what's this all about?"

"Don't be alarmed, my friends," I smile. "I'm going to talk to Ronald Hernandez. If he will talk to me."

Kathy steps forward. "Are you sure, Lew? Do you remember the last time?"

"It's not like that this time. Warren Sledge is evil incarnate. Ronald is a lost kid who I think is innocent, and so do a few other people. We want to know the truth."

Terrel walks over to me and puts his hand on my shoulder. "We want you to know, Lew, that everyone in this room loves you. We're worried about you."

"Thank you, Terrel. It means a lot to me." I reach out and hug him.

Caleb hugs and kisses Kathy and Amy. "Let me get my keys and jacket."

"I'll be there shortly, Ben." I turn to my friends. "Thank you, all of you."

We start towards the door when Kathy says, "Caleb, don't leave him."

"I won't, sweetie. See you in a bit."

I seem to be lost in thought until we pull into the parking lot. Caleb and I didn't speak a word until we get out of the car. He looks me in the eye and asks, "Are you sure you want to do this, Lew?"

"Our Lord is a God of Justice. If I can help in any way, then I need to."

"I understand."

I press the buzzer, and the voice asks, "Can I help you?"

"My name is Lewis Bradley. I'm here to see Captain Adams."

"Yes, sir," the door buzzes. "Come on in."

"After you, Caleb." I feel the worry in his mind. 

Ben's office is close to the entry, and he steps out when we turn the corner. "Hi, Lew. It's good to see you."

"Same here, Ben." I stop a short distance away. "I want you to meet Caleb Bell, a dear friend."

"A pleasure to meet you," Caleb reaches for and shakes his hand.

"Same here. Ronald is just down the hall, Lew."

"Caleb, you can wait in Ben's office. We'll only be a few minutes."

"You know I can't, Lew. I promised Kathy not to leave you."

"Is it okay, Ben?"

"Sure, but sometimes it isn't pretty. I warned you."

"I understand, sir," Caleb smiles.

We walk down the hall to the room where I met Warren Sledge. Vivid memories fill my mind, but I quickly cast them down.

Sitting there at the table is a small, broken young man. His body looks like it's carrying the weight of the universe. His black hair is disheveled, and his eyes peer at the floor. 

I walk over to the table, and he doesn't notice I'm in the room. Caleb and Ben lean against the wall. Another officer is sitting behind Ronald.

"Your mother is worried about you, Ronald." I pull out the chair and sit down. "She sent me a letter, begging me to talk to you." His thoughts begin to fill my mind.

Ronald raises his head. "It doesn't matter what she said in that letter. My life is over."

"I know you didn't kill that man, but you know who did. I see it in your mind. It's a record that plays continually. You walked up right after it happened then argued with the killer while blood pooled around the victim's head. He snatched the money then ran, but not you. It was you who wiped the fingerprints off the gun when you heard the sirens in the distance. Who are you protecting?"

"You know everything, tell me."

"I can't. You've blocked the killer's face out of your mind. All I see is a shadow running away."

"I'm done talking to you."

"You don't have to tell me, Ronald. Let me see his face in your mind."

Ronald hollers, "You don't hear very well!" He stands then kicks the chair out from under him, breaking the link. "Let me out of here."

I nod to Ben, and the officer takes Ronald from the room. Glancing over at Caleb, I see the shocked look on his face.

"Well, I got two of your answers, Ben."

"No, you got three answers. We know Ronald didn't kill that man. Did you see anything?"

"Only a pair of black Chuck Taylor's and ragged bluejeans."

"Every teenager in Memphis has those."

"Ronald knows him, Ben. He's close to him. Do you have the address for Maria Hernandez?"

"Yeah, but it's in a bad part of town."

"It can't be much worse than where we live, can it Caleb?"

"Probably not."

"All right. I'll alert the patrol car that you're coming so they can keep an eye on you."

"I appreciate that."

The drive over to Maria's house takes us out onto Highway 51, which leads to the casinos along the strip in Tunica, Mississippi. The only businesses out here are pawn shops, bail bondsmen, and liquor stores. We turn down Cantrell Street, and the houses look like they're held together with baling wire, and old cars sit on cinder blocks. Prosperity avoided this neighborhood like it had the plague.

"You sure haven't said much since we left the police station, Caleb."

"Let's say; I have a new appreciation for your gift. I've never seen anything like it."

"Yeah, that's why Ben warned you." 

Caleb pulls up to a small house. "I think this is it."

We both get out and walk up to the house. Daffodils are blooming along the porch. I reach up and knock on the door. A young woman with a baby in her arms answers, "Can I help you?"

"Yes, my name is Lewis Bradley. I'm here to see Maria Hernandez."

She turns and says, "Mama, there's somebody is here to see you."

Maria comes to the door. She's a short, stout looking woman with dark brown eyes that have seen too much pain. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, ma'am. Did you send me this letter?" I pull it out to show it to her.

"Oh, yes! You are the man who helps the police. Did you talk to Ronald?" She steps out on the porch.

"I tried to, ma'am. He didn't say much, but I think as you do, he didn't do it."

"What can we do now, Mr. Bradley?"

"We can find the killer. Can I meet your family, Mrs. Hernandez?"

"Yes, Rosie and Julio, come out here." Rosie steps out on the porch. Rosie is a tall woman with blonde hair and must be the sister in law. "This is Rosie and my grandson Jayden."

I reach out to shake her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Her thoughts fill my mind. It's not her.

Maria hollers, "Julio, come out here!"

He slowly walks out on the porch. He seems disoriented, and his eyes don't look right - the pupils are tiny. Julio keeps his long sleeves pulled down, and he's wearing black Chuck Taylor's. I hear Caleb gasp.

I reach to shake his hand. "It's nice to meet you."

He barely smiles and shakes my hand. Julio's thoughts fill my mind. I see the argument he had with Ronald, then he snatches the money and runs down the street. 

"Mrs. Hernandez, I want you to know that we are close to catching the real killer." I look Julio in the eye. "It's someone who Ronald knows well." I won't take my eyes from Julio's. "We're hoping for the killer to come forward to save his bro..."

Maria speaks up. "Mister, I can't thank you enough for all you have done."

"It's my pleasure, ma'am. Can you walk to the car with me, Julio?"

He hesitates. Maria says, "Go with him. He's trying to save your brother."

We slowly walk to the car. Caleb, Julio, and I lean against the vehicle. 

"Can I see your arms, Julio?"

He quickly shoves his hands in the pockets of his jeans.

"That's why you killed that man. To get the money for a fix." Julio's bottom lip begins to quiver. "Now, you're committing a second murder by letting Ronald take the blame." 

Julio's tears begin to flow down his face and drip off his chin. "He wouldn't give me the money, then said he was going to kick my butt. I don't remember pulling the trigger, and he just fell. Ronald had followed me but didn't get there in time. I had to run. I have a wife and a son."

"You did until you stuck that needle in your arm. That evil habit forced you to kill that man. Come with us, Julio, and end this now. Tell the truth and lift that enormous burden off your soul. Please, for your mother's sake. Hasn't she been hurt enough?"

Through his sobs, Julio says, "Okay."

All three of us get in the car and head back downtown.

~

Two hours later, Caleb and I leave the police station to start back home.

"I have a headache, Caleb. I'm so exhausted."

"I can't quit thinking about Mrs. Hernandez, Lew. What will happen to that family now?"

"I talked to Ben. He's going to try and get the charges dropped on Ronald, but he's still an accessory to murder. He'll probably have to serve some time. I agree with you, Mrs. Hernandez lost both of her sons today."

"What can we do, Lew?"

"All I know to do is pray. I have something I want you to do."

"What's that?"

"I want you to take us home, then hug Kathy and Amy and tell them you love them."

Caleb smiles. "I can do that."

Author Notes

We press on to chapter nine. Me and the Holy Spirit that is. Many thanks for stopping by to read! Have a great day, and God bless. mike

End of the previous chapter.

Two hours later, Caleb and I leave the police station to start back home.

"I have a headache, Caleb. I'm so exhausted."

"I can't quit thinking about Mrs. Hernandez, Lew. What will happen to that family now?"

"I talked to Ben. He's going to try and get the charges dropped on Ronald, but he's still an accessory to murder. He'll probably have to serve some time. I agree with you, Mrs. Hernandez lost both of her sons today."

"What can we do, Lew?"

"All I know to do is pray. I have something I want you to do."

"What's that?"

"I want you to take us home, then hug Kathy and Amy and tell them you love them."

Caleb smiles. "I can do that."

Chapter 9

For the first time in many years, I had to take pain pills to get any sleep. The headache I had yesterday refuses to stop throbbing - now, the tips of my fingers tingle when I start the coffee. My left side seems sluggish and stiff to move. What's happening to me?

With a sudden involuntary twitch of my head, the symptoms subside.

I study my hands then raise them over my head. They still work. I have no idea what just happened. A doctor's visit is out of the question. If this condition returns, I need to take some steps to make sure everything is covered. 

Oh, no. Someone left a newspaper beside my computer. I remember the last time I saw a paper, the future was plastered all over the front page. Later that day, the mayor was gunned down. I didn't believe it would happen and never tried to stop it. I refused to look at a newspaper again, and it's also why I won't watch the news. 

I can't control myself. The more I try not to read the headline, the more my eyes draw towards it. My headache returns when a headline arrives on the paper. 

City Councilman, Aaron Gray Murders Wife, and Son! Officer Horace Lang shoots Gray. At 12:48 this morning. Aaron Gray stormed into his home on 3215 Stonecreek Drive. Murdering his wife, Amanda, then vacating the house with his son, Anson. Officer Lang arrived when the suspect placed his gun against the boy's head. The officer demanded Gray to drop the weapon. Gray then fired, killing his son. The officer fired one shot, killing Councilman Gray.

I look at the digital clock on my computer; it's only 12:13. I've got thirty-five minutes to stop it from happening. I could call the police, but they will never believe me. Caleb just went to bed; I'm not bothering them. Yeah, call a cab, if I can get one out here?

Do I still have Yellow Cab on speed dial? I press 16, and it starts to ring. A gruff dispatcher answers, "Yellow Cab." It sounds like I woke him up.

"I need a cab to the corner on 16th and Central, the old Brown Shoe Company. It's an emergency!"

"And pigs need wings to fly, ain't happening, mister! Not in that neighborhood."

"I've got a two-hundred-dollar tip for the first cabbie to get here."

"That will get somebody there in a hurry. Be waiting outside, please."

"Not a problem." I hear a click, then a dial tone.

There's a food timer sitting on the counter. Glancing at my computer, it says 12:18. I have exactly thirty minutes to stop the destruction of a family. I set the timer for thirty minutes, grab my coat, and collect five, one hundred dollars from my desk drawer. 

There are no stars in the night sky, which enhances the darkness. The streetlight seems dim even though I'm directly below it. I check the timer; there's still twenty-seven minutes. 

Two headlights penetrate the darkness. The motor screams as the cab races down the street - then slams on the brakes. The cabbie rolls down the window. "Are you the man with an emergency?"

"Yes, sir!" I open the door and jump in.

"I don't move until I have the cash." I hand him two one hundred dollar bills. "Okay, where to?"

"3215 Stonecreek Drive. We need to be there in twenty-five minutes."

"I'll have to break several traffic laws to get there on time."

"I think another hundred will cover that, don't you?"

The cabbie smiles in the rearview mirror. "You better buckle up and hold on, mister."

"Yes, sir!" He has a strange thing on his head. It looks like a woman's hair bun. Who knew?

The cabbie puts it in gear, and with smoking tires, he spins the cab around then soars down the street. He then pulls onto I-240, a bypass around Memphis. "We'll take 240 over to Poplar Avenue. It will be getting through all subdivisions that will take time."

"I trust God and you that we'll make it on time."

The driver glances at me in the mirror. "I like you, mister. There's a hint of crazy in you."

"You have no idea, my friend."

"What are we on the way to do?"

"Stop three murders."

This time, his dark green eyes meet mine in the mirror. "Then, we need to get going!" He speeds up ninety miles per hour.

The Poplar Avenue exit is up ahead. "Hold on, mister." The force of the turn pins me against the door. "Get ready for the slalom ahead."

"I hope this cab can ski as well as soar?"

"With me behind the wheel, Betty can do anything." The tires squeal while we round corner after corner after corner. Then finally. "We've got a straight shot for a few minutes."

Betty, the cab, is racing down Parkway Boulevard. I check the timer, we've still got ten minutes. Thank God, my headache has eased a little. "What's your name, my friend?"

"Riley Matthews. What's yours?"

"Lew Bradley. It's nice to meet you, Riley."

"Same here, you better hold on, Lew. Here we go again."

Betty careens around another corner. "Two more turns, and we should be at Stonecreek."

"I wonder why we haven't seen police?"

"All of them are working an accident on Sam Cooper."

"How do you know that?"

"I have a police radio under my seat." 

"Smart thinking!"

Riley slows Betty down when we turn onto Stonecreek Drive. "What was the house number again, Lew?"

"3215, it should be in the next block."

Riley stops at the four-way, then slowly down the street. "Here it is, Lew."

"Stop before you get there." I check the timer; we still have five minutes.

Riley parks Betty, I get out and walk to his window. "Here's your other hundred, Riley. I can't thank you enough."

"Not a problem, Lew. I was bored, anyway. I'll stick around to see how things turn out."

"You're a good soul, my friend."

"I wish you would tell my wife that." We both laugh.

Walking into the yard, I feel a powerful sense of dread. It begins to press on my mind. "I'm stopping you tonight, Satan." Suddenly, I hear a car door slam. A man appears on the sidewalk with a determined posture, and I can feel his rage from here. He doesn't see me standing by the large tree. The security lights trigger when I step on the sidewalk in front of the house.

Councilman Gray stops in his tracks. "Who are you?"

"Nobody important, but I'm here to stop you from murdering your wife."

"What are you talking about?"

"I want you to know that you will never make it out of the front yard without killing Anson. Yes, your son."

The lights come on inside of the house. I hear the front door unlock then turn when the door opens. "Please, Mrs. Gray, stay inside. Let us work this out." She sees her husband then slams the door. I turn back to Aaron. 

He pulls out a large gun then points it at my head. "I will not let her take him away from me!"

He's close enough now for me to read his thoughts. "All of this rage is about the affair you had with your secretary. Your wife has already forgiven you. Aaron, you need to deal with your guilt. Forgive yourself." I hear sirens blaring down Stonecreek. "You know she doesn't want this divorce." 

Two Memphis Police cruisers stop in front of the house. Both officers get out with guns drawn then walk in our direction. "Lower your weapon, sir."

"It's all right, Officers. Let me talk to him." 

A needless shot fired from a patrolman, and time seems to change. Slowly, I dive in front of Aaron, knocking the gun from his hand. It's like I can see the bullet coming for me, but I can't move fast enough. My left shoulder erupts in pain. I collapse to the ground. 

Faces surround me from above. Their thoughts begin to fill my mind until the darkness takes me.

Author Notes

We're heading down the home stretch with this book. A couple of more chapters. Many thanks for stopping by to read! Have a great day and God bless. mike

Chapter 10
The Secret Of Lew's Gift

By papa55mike

End of the last chapter.

A needless shot fired from a patrolman, and time seems to change. Slowly, I dive in front of Aaron, knocking the gun from his hand. It's like I can see the bullet coming for me, but I can't move fast enough. My left shoulder erupts in pain. I collapse to the ground. 

Faces surround me from above. Their thoughts begin to fill my mind until the darkness takes me.

Chapter 10

I'm mostly awake, but my eyelids must weigh a ton. I can hear beeps and small motors running. Strange whispers drift my way through a cloudy mind, but I only recognize one voice.

It feels like I've been in a pit with demons raging all around me. The battle was fierce, with claws ripping my flesh, trying to keep me there. But a giant hand reached down and gently put me in a comfortable bed. An unearthly voice said, "Rest, my son. You have done well."

I'm trying to force my eyes open. Where am I?

I hear footsteps drawing close, and a hand entwines with mine, and it slowly rises. I feel the back of my hand, caress something soft.

Light begins to filter in through tiny slits. There's a face with a gentle smile. Tears are falling from her dark brown eyes, creeping down her cheeks then dripping off her chin. Kathy catches a sob and says, "Hello, sleepyhead. We were hoping you would wake up today." She rubs my hand against her cheek again. I feel the warmth of her tears.

All I can manage is a faint whisper. "Where am I?"

"Baptist Memorial Hospital, they rushed you to the Trauma Unit after the officer shot you." Kathy catches a sob. "You know, Lew, I never knew my father. I'm the product of a one night stand. In the few months I've known you, you became the father I never had. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't. When the call came in, I thought we had lost you. Before another moment passes, I want you to know that I love you, Lew." Kathy kisses my cheek.

"I love you too, Kathy. I'd be proud to call you, my daughter." It's all I can do to keep my eyes open.

"You get some rest, Lew. We have a lot to talk about."

The last thing I see is Kathy smiling and wiping her eyes.

~

The smell of strong coffee kicks my brain into activity. My spirit begins to soar when the aroma of Seattle's Best #5 hits my mind. My eyes blink open, and the bright lights hurt. When the glare eases, I find Kathy sipping a cup of coffee. "I would do anything for a cup of that."

"I perked it at home and brought your cup." Kathy pours me a cup, raises the bed, then hands it to me.

Before grabbing it, I gaze at my right hand for a second; it's not tingling now. Slowly, I put two fingers through the loop then place my thumb at the top of the handle. Raising the cup to my lips, I sip the warm nectar of the bean. "I might make it."

"Lew, when did the headaches start?"

"Before I answer that, what happened to the Gray family?"

"Well, the police didn't charge the father with anything as long as he went to rehab. He has a severe drinking problem. What did you see, Lew?"

"He was going to kill his wife and son, and then the officer would kill him. What was the officer's name that fired?"

"Horace Lang."

"Well, I guess Horace had to shoot somebody."

"How did you see this, Lew?"

"It was the next day's headline in the newspaper left by my computer."

"Is seeing the future part of your gift?"

"In a way, yes." Another gulp of coffee. "We'll talk about that at a later date. You're bursting with something to tell me."

Kathy bites her lower lip. "A lot of things happened after you got to the hospital. They brought you in, you were screaming about a tremendous headache, and your body was rigid like someone paralyzed. Did you feel that before, Lew?"

"Something very similar, when I reached to start the coffee that night, I could barely move my left side. Suddenly, it stopped, and I could move again."

Kathy looks at the floor. "It all fits."

"What does?"

She squirms in her chair. "While they had you knocked out, they ran an MRI on your head. It seems you have two massive brain tumors in the top of your skull growing into your brain."

"So, that's it!" I start to laugh. "Finally, the question answered. I've always wondered what changed in my body to give me this gift."

"I don't understand, Lew?"

"It helps me to understand another piece of the puzzle." I study her face for a moment. "What else did the doctor say?"

"He's going to talk to you about sending you to New York. Many people want to study your mind. You're a medical marvel."

"Did the doctor talk to you about it?"

"Oh, I called him bad words, Lew." Kathy's voice gets a little louder. "Things I hadn't said since high school. I called him everything but a prostitute. If I'd about thought of it, I probably would have. They had to call Security to restrain me and threatened to throw me out of the hospital."

"I take it you didn't agree and threw a fit?"

"It was a doozy. Amy would have been proud."

"Please don't make me laugh; it hurts." I finish the cup of coffee. "In a way, I agree with him, but it's not what God wants."

"I'm glad." She takes my cup with a beautiful smile. "Do you want some more?"

"Yes, please. There are still a few more questions."

"Like what?"

"Like, how is this condition going to affect me, and is it going to take my life? If so, how long do I have?"

"He won't tell me those things. Are you afraid of dying, Lew?"

"Heavens no, there's nothing to fear, and I'm looking forward to the rest."

"Well, we need to get you some breakfast. I'm going to push the nurses into letting you go home tomorrow. The doctors won't talk to me."

In a sarcastic, southern drawl, I ask, "I wonder why?"

~

I finished my hospital supper, and a lovely lady has taken my tray. The nurses have been filling me in on what Kathy has been doing every day. She's here promptly at six in the morning and checks on my condition at the nurse's station. Kathy then proceeds to bug the crap out of them for the rest of the day. When is the Doctor coming by to see him? What was that test they ran? She continues this process all day until she leaves at three to get Caleb and Terrel off to work. The nurses were thrilled when I woke up!

I see the door crack open and someone peers inside. I guess the coast is clear. A large man with grey hair, thick black glasses, and dressed in a doctor's jacket walks in with a big smile. He carries a tablet in front of him. "Good afternoon, Mr. Bradley. I'm Doctor Robinson." He stops at the foot of my bed. "After talking to Mrs. Bell, I'll respect your gift and stand right here."

"Thank you, Doctor. I have several questions for you."

"I'll bet you do. Go ahead."

"What exactly is my condition?"

"In layman's terms, you have two parasagittal tumors in the upper part of your brain. One in your frontal lobe and one in your parietal lobe, they are almost the size of ping pong balls and growing. Your tumors are different, though. They have branched out into your neurons, like tiny fingers, and have activated a large part of your brain. Most people may use twenty to thirty percent of their brain's capacity throughout their lifetime. You are using almost ninety percent. In theory, those tumors have enhanced your mind greatly."

I start to laugh then ask, "Do you believe in God, my friend?"

"No, I don't."

"What is the chance of this happening to anyone, one in a billion?"

"Your condition, Mr. Bradley, I'd say higher."

"That's God. Satan tried to destroy me with these tumors, but God used them to give me a unique gift to share with the world."

"That's an interesting way to look at it."

"Can you operate?"

"Mr. Bradley, I don't think there's a surgeon in the world today skilled enough to operate. Those fingers have entwined themselves throughout your brain."

"How will this condition affect me going forward?"

"Well, Frontal lobe symptoms consist of sudden weakness, paralysis on one side, confusion, loss of reasoning skills. Parietal lobe symptoms include seizures, loss of touch, motor skill deficits. There are also vision problems, hearing loss, dizziness, and massive headaches to deal with daily."

"Don't you think medication can help with a lot with that?"

"I can recommend some things."

"I need to hire a person to help me, and I have someone in mind."

"But Mr. Bradley, you can help the world by letting us study you. From you, we can learn the secrets of the mind. You'll receive the finest care in the world."

"I understand, Doctor. But I would rather be with the friends that I call family. I can do a lot of there, too. Will this condition take my life?"

"Eventually, yes."

"How long do I have, Doctor?"

"A good guess would be a year or two, but nobody knows."

"In that case, the Lord and I have a lot to do. When can I go home?"

"I'm sure the surgeon would like to look at you again, and I'd like to get another MRI. Let's say, tomorrow afternoon."

"That sounds great!"

Author Notes

The research was amazing on this one. Warning! Stay off of Youtube for brain surgery. Just saying! Many thanks for stopping by to read! Have a great day and God bless. mike

Chapter 11
The Shallow Minds of Bigotry

By papa55mike

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.

The sun is slowly setting behind some clouds, and a few pink rays peek out - an extra evening blessing after getting out of the hospital. I loved the care, but it will be great not to have a visitor every two hours.

Kathy is quietly driving down Poplar Avenue on the way home. Amy is watching Earl play a game on Kathy's phone.

I ask myself a question. Why am I so at peace with this family? The Bell's must be a blessing sent from God. He healed my pain through them and gave a great family the chance to be whole again. I want to do that for all of my homeless friends.

Kathy turns onto Central Avenue, 16th Street is three blocks down. "You sure have been quiet back there, Lew."  

"I'm taking in all of this silence. Hospitals may not be loud, but they're never quiet."

"I remember when Amy was born." Kathy smiles. "The beeping never stops."

"I'm glad they took that cast off my shoulder. I itched in so many places that I couldn't reach. The brace is perfect. I can't wait to take a shower."

"You mean you didn't enjoy those sponge baths from those gorgeous nurses?"

"I was so embarrassed. I'm way past being turned on."

"Yeah, right!" Kathy laughs. "You're still a man." She sees someone standing on the corner when she turns into the parking lot. "I wonder who that is?"

"It's Kebon; he was the one who put a gun to my head at the Christmas dinner. I guess I hit a nerve."

"Do you think he wants to talk to you, Lew?"

"Let's say; he's building up the courage to."

Kathy stops at the overhead door and beeps the horn. Caleb's smiling face appears at the window then the door opens. Kathy pulls in and parks. The family gathers when I get out.

"I'm glad you're home, Lew," Caleb shouts. "Maybe things will get back to normal, and Kathy will stay home."

Kathy pokes him in the side. "Normal, you had to work a little more. That's all."

Terrel walks up. "They never stop, just an old married couple. How are you, Lew?"

"Great! I'm home."

~

Kathy has supper ready when I walk out of the bathroom, all clean and spiffy. We all sit together at the table as the family we are. Well, I'm at one end, they're at the other.

It's hard eating peas with one hand, but the meatloaf is delicious. That's when I realize I forgot my meds. "I just remembered. We need to go to Wal-Mart in the morning to get my meds."

"That's no problem." Kathy smiles. "Amy and I will get them. I have a list for Wal-Mart anyway. Why don't you tell the guys about the sponge bath the buxom blonde nurse gave you? I'm sure they want to hear about that."

I smile at their curious faces. "Absolutely not! Since you became my daughter, Kathy, this is a side of you I've never seen."

"But you still love me."

"Yes, I do."

Caleb turns to a confused Terrel. "I'll let you know in the morning."

"I'd appreciate that, Caleb."

~

Kathy buckles Amy into her car seat.

I look back at my beautiful daughter. Her Minnie Mouse buns are perfect this morning - they match her Minnie tee shirt and tutu combo. "Wal-Mart, mommy?"

"Yes, my darling daughter. To Wal-Mart, we go!"

"Yay!"

Turning into the parking lot, I look for a parking space somewhere close by, but no such luck. After finding a cart, I use disinfectant wipes to clean it off. "No germs for Amy."

We finally load up, and Amy's dark brown eyes sparkle when I step in front of the cart. "Fast, mommy, fast."

I start revving the cart up. "Vroom, vroom, vroom!" We start running towards the entrance while Amy cackles.

I notice an elderly white couple getting out of their car looking at us with total disdain on their faces. I've seen that look many times before. The sight of a white mother and a black child still disturbs a lot of people in the South.

When Amy and I go to the store, we make it an adventure. 

"All right, Amy. First, to the pharmacy, we'll fight the dragons off with our lightsabers on the way. Ready?"

Amy gets her Jedi look. "Yes, mommy." She holds her hands in front of her, then adds the lightsaber sound. "Beuuum!"

We fight our way to the pharmacy, "Boom, Pow, Aaargh," to the smiles of every Wal-Mart worker we pass on the journey.

"Now, to the freezers. We'll have to battle the Yetis for our Friday night pizzas." 

The Yetis attack, "Aaaah!" They almost get us, but we manage to get our pizzas safely. I shake my head, when I notice that older couple glaring at us from the end of the aisle.

"It looks like aliens have invaded the coolers, sweetie. We have to sneak up to get a gallon of milk and two packs of bagels." I hunker down in front of the cart and slowly walk in that direction while Amy sits up tall to keep a lookout for Stormtroopers. 

"Finally, honey, this is our greatest challenge. We need hamburgers from the meat section. That means a deadly conflict with Cow Vader. There he is by the chicken!" 

Amy shoots. "Pow, pow, pow!" 

She wounds him with her laser pistol while I spin around and get the bacon cheddar patties from the freezer. I take off running while Amy covers the rear. "Pow, pow!" We barely escape with the groceries, and our lives then start the final journey to the checkout. 

Standing in line, the look of pure joy on Amy's face is worth me being silly for a few minutes. She holds out her arms and puckers her lips for a big kiss. How can I not oblige her? "Give me some slobbery sugar, girl."

After that loving kiss, I hear a disgusted sigh from behind me. There's no need to turn; I know who is standing there and refuse to give that couple a chance to offend me.  

That's when I hear a female voice from behind me ask, "How can you kiss that little nigger?"

Well, there's go that chance. The cashier stops what she's doing and looks at me while grabbing the intercom.

I slowly shake my head no, then turn with a big smile. "This little nigger happens to be my daughter, who I love dearly."

The man decides to add his two cents now. "You sicken me! How dare you lay with that kind of man. You're a disgrace to the white race."

The cashier calmly calls over the intercom. "Security, code red, register two." 

"Oh, it's worse than that," I calmly reply. "I married him. In case you want to know, we had sex last night. It was amazing!"

Both of them recoil. The man answers, "You're a piece of filth."

That's when a large, black member of security asks, "Is there a problem here?"

I quietly answer, "No, I'm a happy camper." Amy grabs my arm.

The security guard looks at Amy and me then sees what's going on. He turns to the older couple. "Well, I see an empty register. We can check you over there with no waiting." He begins to usher them three aisles over to rigorous complaints.

We finally get to the cashier. She starts scanning our items, then says, "I would have slapped them both."

"I learned a long time ago, that's what they want. Then you become the filth those people see. It's not worth it."

The cashier smiles. "You're a better woman than I am, sweetie."

She hands me the change when the older couple walks by scowling at us.

~

Amy is playing a Baby Shark video on my phone while flawlessly car seat dancing to the song. I notice an old car that seems to be following us. I swear it was behind us on Winchester Avenue before I turned onto Poplar. 

"I'll bet that old car turns onto Central with me. I can't believe they followed us home."

I wait until the last second to turn and didn't use my signal. I was hoping I could lose that car, but no. I can see the old couple fuming in the front seat of their Oldsmobile. The car is about the same shade of gray as their hair.

When I pull in to the parking lot, I stop short of the overhead door and turn to Amy before getting out. "Sweetie, you stay in the car until I come and get you."

"Okay, mommy."

I shut the door, walk around the car, and wait for them to see me. It takes a minute for them to pull in and stop. The couple gets out, but only the man walks towards me. "How dare you disrespect us in that store."

"Why shouldn't I? You gave me no respect at all. I was a worthless piece of filth to you." Somebody is walking this way from the corner. It's Kebon! He walks over to the car and stands by me.

The man asks, "Is this your nigger husband?"

I hear the overhead door open behind me. "No, I happen to be Kathy's nigger husband. What is it to you?"

I can tell Caleb is angry, and somebody might get hurt. These people aren't worth jail time. "Hey, Lew!"

"I'm right here, sweetie." Walking by Caleb, I say, "Let me handle this. I know how to deal with them."

With a big smile, I greet them. "Good morning, brethren." I reach out to shake their hands. "My name is Pastor Lewis Bradley." I'm close enough to feel the bigotry stewing in his mind.

The man smiles. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Pastor. Are you mentoring this small flock?"

"No, they live with me. These are my dear friends who I love deeply."

"How can you live with such evil people?" The man snarls his question.

"Well, it's a matter of perception. I believe what the Apostle Paul said in Galatians 3:28; There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for we are all one in Christ. When I was in the pulpit, I always added this phrase. There is also no black nor white, nor brown or tan, nor American, Asian, or European. When I look at my friends, I don't see the color of their skin. I see the love of Jesus."

"Do you condone this wickedness?"

"I am sorry to say this, but the only wickedness I see is the hatred in your heart. I bet you're an Elder at your church?"

"That's right! I've been an Elder for forty-nine years."

"With this much hatred in your soul, how can you be? Where is your love for others? The love Jesus freely shared with everyone. I want you to know that I will pray for you to find the true love of Jesus Christ."

The shocked husband starts to say, "Wel..." They slowly get back in their Oldsmobile and drive away.

Caleb walks over to Kebon. "Thank you for standing with my wife." He reaches out his hand in friendship. 

"Nothing but a thing, brother. I've seen that kind, a thousand times." He turns to me. "I love what you did. You made them see their hatred for what it was."

"I pity them, Kebon. They're blind to the love that surrounds them."

Kathy speaks up. "All right. We need to get these groceries inside, and I'm starving." She turns to Kebon. "Would you like to join us for lunch, Kebon?"

"Nah, I have a few things to do. Maybe next time."

Kathy reaches her arms around his neck and kisses his cheek. "Thank you."

I walk over and shake his hand. "See you soon." I see many questions in Kebon's mind.

"Yeah, you will."

Author Notes

Several years ago, I experienced this problem at Wal-Mart with a two-year-old friend named Jaydon. His mother was working Saturdays at the time, so we would take Jaydon to the stores with us. While Wanda got the food, Jaydon and I would play all over the Wal-Mart while picking up the other stuff we needed. Some of the evil looks on people's faces were quite stunning because his skin color is a lot darker than mine. Wanda and I would get some awful looks while standing in line. Many thanks for stopping by to read! Have a great day, and God bless. mike

Chapter 12
Lew Reveals a Secret.

By papa55mike

The walk to Tony's this morning is unusual without my immense coat. My shoulder brace won't work with it. So, I have on this light jacket. The morning warmth is refreshing. We have had a cold spring along with frost and a hard freeze on April Fifteenth. Two days later, we are in the sixties for lows.

I open the door to Tony's, and he says, "I'll be right with you."

"Hi, Tony."

He turns around and smiles. "Well, good morning, Lew. I haven't seen you in a while. What's with the brace?"

"Oh, I got shot in the shoulder by the police. I've been in the hospital, so I couldn't get by to see you."

"What were you doing, robbing a bank?"

"Not exactly, I was keeping a family from destroying itself."

"The things you do for people, Lew."

"I'm spreading the love of Jesus, Tony."

"I hope it doesn't get you killed!"

"We all have to die sometime. According to what the doctors found, my time maybe sooner than I thought."

"What did they find, Lew?" Tony walks over to the counter and sits down beside me. I feel the concern in his mind.

"The cause of my gift. It seems that I have two brain tumors in the middle of my head."

"Those tumors gave you the power to read minds."

"Well, I believe Satan tried to destroy me with those tumors, but God took them and gave me the power to help people."

"Can they operate?"

"No, I'm afraid that's out of the question. I'll have to deal with it."

"I bet that was a shock?"

"Not really, Tony. When Kathy told me, I laughed. I always knew there was a reason, and it was a relief to find the answer."

"Did the doctors tell anything else?"

"Like how long I have to live? Yeah, a couple of years. Some other things could happen, like a stroke, or possibly a heart attack - where the tumors are is a critical part of controlling my body." I feel a sadness in Tony. "Don't feel sad, my friend. I've lived a full life, and I'm a long way from finished."

"Well, if there is anything I can do to help, let me know."

"I'd say a tenderloin biscuit and a large coffee would do for starters."

"It's on the house, Lew!"

"That's what I'm talking about."

~

The rising sun is warming the day rather nicely on my walk back home. When I walk into the parking lot, I see Kebon sitting on the bench behind the bus stop with his head down. I usually don't push people into talking, but this might be the right time for Kebon.

Slowly, I walk over and sit down on the bench beside him. Kebon doesn't see me. "I think it's going to be a beautiful day, Kebon."

He turns to me with a smile. "I never thought about the day before. It was always the night that called to me."

"Are you waiting for the bus?"

"No...Sitting and thinking."

"Let me tell you a story that only a few people know. There was a boy who had just turned nine right after his mother married a man with two much older sons. His stepbrothers paid very little attention to him until late one night. They came into his room, molested him in his bed, and made him swear not to tell, or the brothers would kill his mother. It happened every night that summer until his mother walked into the room in mid-act. For some reason, the boy felt guilty for being caught. The mother and her son moved out the next day. They never talked about it, and the son always thought he was responsible for them leaving. The son carried that guilt for several years, and it began to swallow him. One day, the son stumbled across a verse in Isaiah 61; it talked about giving me beauty for my ashes. What that means is giving God all of your pain and guilt, and He will give you back something beautiful in return."

Kebon's eyes find mine. "That happened to you."

"Yes. I gave all of that shame and guilt to God. It freed my soul and opened my heart so I could love again."

"What happened to the boys who abused you?"

"I never heard anything else about them, but I forgave them for what they did. I even asked God to forgive them."

"Do you think about what happened?"

"It used to be a record that played continually in my mind. But once I gave it to the Lord, it slowly began to play less and less. Today is the first time I've thought about it in many years."

"I still see the drunken anger in my father's face when he pulled the trigger. The blood was pouring from my mother while I held her head, and her saying how much she loved me for the last time. It's like it happened yesterday."

"Kebon, that's the pain keeping in you in bondage. If you ask God to come into your heart, He will begin the healing process. It won't happen overnight, and there's nothing easy about it. A simple prayer begins this long journey to healing."

"Is that what I've heard people say, getting saved."

"Yes. In Isaiah 53, it says Jesus died on the cross carrying our grief and pain, and by the stripes from the cat o' nine tails on His back, we are healed."

"But I've done so many wrong things."

"Once you have given it all to God, not one of those things matter anymore.  God takes them and remembers them nevermore. He removes your sins as far as the east is from the west."

"What do I have to do?"

"Repeat after me, with all of your heart. Dear Father, I come before You as a sinner asking for forgiveness and repenting of my sins."

Kebon repeats. "Dear Father, I come before You as a sinner asking for forgiveness and repenting of my sins."

"Please cleanse me with the blood of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I will follow Him for the rest of my days. In Jesus' name. Amen."

And again he says, "Please cleanse me with the blood of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I will follow Him for the rest of my days. In Jesus' name. Amen. That's all I have to do?"

"No, that's just the first step on a long journey. I have something for you if you want to come in."

"How about this afternoon. I want to think about what just happened."

"Kebon, please remember one thing above all else. God loves you with all of his heart. If you can truly accept that love, it will change your life."

"Thank you, Mr. Bradley."

"It was my pleasure. Call me, Lew, everybody else does."

Kebon smiles and slowly walks away.

~

The talk around the supper table this evening is delightful. Terrel and Caleb both made full-time at Home Depot on days. They start Monday. What a wonderful blessing. I guess it's time for me to share my news.

"Let me see if I can add another blessing to this joyful occasion. First, I need to explain why I don't like newspapers." I stand up and start walking like I'm preaching. "Several years ago, I started playing the stock market using my gift. I would find the days market on the internet then look in the newspaper to see what was going to soar that day then buy-in. I also knew when a stock was going to fall, and I'd sell before it happened. During this time, I amassed a small fortune."

"Just how much?" Kathy asks.

"Let me tell you why I stopped first. One day, I bought a paper at Tony's as usual and brought it home. But when I opened the newspaper, a headline flashed across the front page. The Mayor of Memphis would die at noon that day. A Memphis drug cartel was going to shoot him and several advisors. I didn't believe it would happen, so I did nothing about it. The only problem was, it happened just like the paper said it would. I thought God was punishing me for using my gift for financial gain. So, I repented for my sin and never looked at a newspaper again."

"Here's the funny thing, Lew," Caleb adds. "We can't figure out how that paper got in here. None of us brought it in."

"That's easy." I  smile. "An angel brought it here so I would save the Gray family. He also brought Riley, the cab driver, into my life. What a character."

"I remember him," Kathy says. "He came by the hospital a couple of times to see you, but you were still in a coma. You still haven't answered my question, dad."

"Let me tell one more thing. I have a dream for this building; it involves buying it and turning it into a homeless shelter for all of our friends. I'm so tired of seeing good people on the streets while this enormous building is empty. To do this, I need to hire an assistant: someone who has terrific computer skills, a driver's license, and somebody I can trust. The job pays a thousand dollars a week. Are you interested, Kathy?"

She spits her mouthful of water all over the table. "Are you kidding me?"

"No, sweetie. I need your help to do this."

Tears begin to rim her big brown eyes. "Absolutely! Will you answer my question now?"

"All the accounts I have in Memphis banks total a little over three million dollars."

Earl walks over to Terrel and asks, "Daddy, is Uncle Lew rich?"

"It looks like it, son."

Author Notes

The verses I used were Isaiah 53: 5 "But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes, we are healed." Isaiah 61: 3 To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. I hope to release chapter 13 very soon. Many thanks for stopping by to read! Have a great day, and God bless. mike

Chapter 13
The False Prophet

By papa55mike

Kathy sits down at the table, then sips her coffee. "Well, since I have the guys off to work, what's on your agenda for the day?"

"A couple of things." I smile. "First, we have to buy you a car. Second, we need to buy this place."

Kathy chokes on her coffee for a second. "Did you say we're buying me a car?"

"Well, to be truthful, I already have. A 2017 Jeep Renegade Latitude with four-wheel drive and all the extras. It's a lovely midnight blue, and there's even a place to charge your phone."

"And how did you do this, Lew?"

"There's this cool site called Carvana. You do everything via the internet, and they will deliver it to you. The sweet-sounding sales lady said it would be here around ten-ish."

"How much are the payments, Lew?"

"There are no payments. I've already paid for it, with the tax, tags, and title included. The insurance is through State Farm, and it's all in your name."

"Wow! I guess everything is 24/7 now." Kathy sips her coffee. "Have you made an offer on this place?"

"When I first moved in, they offered it to me for nine-hundred thousand. That was four years ago; I figure we can get them to take seven-hundred and fifty-thousand for it. The real estate market is down right now."

"We'll throw them a bone this morning. The more important question is, did you take your meds."

"Yes, I did. I love the way you put my meds in that seven-day organizer. You take good care of me, Kathy. Are Amy and Earl still asleep?"

"Yeah. With school out for the summer. I thought we'd let them sleep in this morning."

"It must be wonderful to be a child."

~

It's early afternoon, and Terrel is watching something on television involving superheroes, and Amy is asleep for her nap. I'm reading in my Bible while Kathy is on the internet, making an offer for this building. She's been quiet since the car was delivered, then we splurged and went to Sonic for lunch. Their cheeseburgers always make me sleepy.

I'm starting to nod off when Kathy turns around. "The offer on the building is made. I'm sure they will make a counter-offer. I set the price at six-hundred-thousand. Knowing we can go higher."

"Great job, I like the way you low-balled them."

"Lew, I've been thinking. Are you sure you want to buy me this car? I checked on Carvana, and you have seven days to return it for a full refund."

"What would I do with the money except give it to someone else. I'd rather see you have it, and God would, too."

"Well, it's the best thing anybody has ever done for me."

"If Caleb had the money, he would have done the same thing. Besides, a father wants his daughter to have nice things."

"I guess that's one of the many things I missed out on without a father."

"By the way," I need to change the subject before we both start crying. "Have you seen Kebon around?"

"No."

"I'm beginning to feel that something is wrong."

"Is it your gift?"

"Maybe, I led Kebon to the Lord the other day, and I wanted to give him an old Bible to read. But I haven't seen him since."

We both jump when the phone rings. We still use the landline beside the computer. Kathy answers the phone. "Hello...yes, he's right here." Kathy hands the phone to me. "It sounds like the police."

"Lewis Bradley."

"Hi, Lew. Ben Adams here."

"I haven't talked to you in a while, Ben. What can I do for you?"

"You know I always come to you with strange things that happen. I sent you a security video in an e-mail taken a couple of weeks ago. It shows a man shot six times in the chest; then, after a few minutes, he gets up and walks away. Not long after that, a video surfaced on the internet of the same shooting, and it's tied to a new church that claims a risen Saviour as its Pastor. I had Forensics take a look where the shooting happened, and they found nothing. Please, take a look at it for me."

"I sure will, Ben, and call you back." I turn to Kathy and ask, "Can you check my e-mail and see if there's a video there from the police?"

"Yes, sir." Kathy turns around and logs in. "Yeah, it's here."

I get up and walk over to the computer. "You don't have to watch this; it contains a man getting shot six times, then he got up and walked away."

"It can't be worse than the Walking Dead. I don't see what Caleb loves about that show."

"Great point. Play the video."

The video starts with a lonely figure strolling down the sidewalk. Suddenly, fear grips the person - the shots ring out - he slowly collapses to the pavement. After a few minutes, the man rises like Dracula coming out of his coffin and walks away.

Kathy looks up at me and says, "That's the worst acting I've ever seen."

"In what ways?"

"Let me slow the video down, and I'll show you." Kathy clicks on a menu that I didn't know existed. "Now, it will run at half speed." The video starts. "Watch, the shots don't match his movements, there and there. He's too late with both of them. See how he falls; the man is protecting himself on the way to the ground. Anybody shot that many times would fall with a thud."

"Maybe you're working for the wrong person."

"I'm sure Captain Adams and his staff already know this. What was the other thing he asked you?"

"He asked me about a new church that has recently opened claiming to have a risen Saviour for a Pastor. See if you can find it."

"I'll start with Facebook, Lew, that's where most kooks are the boldest."

I walk over to get another cup of coffee, and the center of my head begins to throb a little. 

"That didn't take long," Kathy exclaims. "Risen Saviour Church, it's down Winchester Avenue, right past the strip clubs."

"An interesting place to put a church. Click on the page, let's see what we got." There's the video playing with the graphics, Risen Saviour Church, slowly fading in and out. Then a picture of a proud and handsome man behind a podium, preaching with a glint in his eyes. "Well, he knows how to market himself."

"Do people fall for this crap, Lew?"

"By the hundreds! All you have to do is tell them what they want to hear. That there is no penalty for their sin, and they can live any way they want to. Have you ever heard of Jim Jones and the Jonestown massacre?"

"Maybe?"

"I know, it happened a long time ago in 1977, but Jim Jones was an influential spiritual leader who persuaded his followers to move to Guyana and establish Jonestown. The man was a lunatic; he had his followers murder Senator Leo Ryan and his aides who were there visiting and investigating Jonestown. He then talked the entire town into killing themselves. There were over 900 lives lost. Now, I'm not saying this guy is crazy. But something is going on there."

"I take it you want to find out?"

"Not really, but I know the police have their hands tied on this one. Unless this Pastor breaks the law, he can preach what he wants to."

Kathy looks at the screen. "Well, there's a service tonight a six. Let's take the family."

"I say, we leave the family at home, and you and I go see this so-called Saviour."

"A special, father, daughter thing," Kathy giggles.

"If you say so."

~

The fading light of this cloudy day is the perfect setting for visiting the seedy side of town. The neon light of the strip clubs flickers into existence - the alluring glare of perverted sexuality and greed. 

Suddenly, my head begins to throb, and the index on my left-hand curls in a gruesome way. I feel my toes drawing similarly. What's happening to me? I won't let Kathy see my fear, but I'm feeling the muscles tighten on my left side. A sudden snap inside my head. The symptoms subside a little.

"You're extremely quiet over there, Lew."

"I'm enjoying the ride in your new car." I force a smile. "It's astounding the multibillion-dollar industry that flourishes out of the act of intercourse."

"Have you ever been a strip club, Lew?"

"No, I haven't watched any porn either. In college, I had some Playboy centerfolds shoved in my face by some football players, but that's it."

"I think we're here, Lew." Kathy smiled while she parked the car. "This reminds me of the Omni-New Daisy on Third Street. They took a run-down old theatre and turned into a punk rock venue back in the early nineties and it's still open today. I would sneak in as a teenager to join the mache pit."

"The more I learn about you, Kathy, the more I'm amazed." 

Now comes the fun part. Let's see if I can get out of the car and walk. My toes have uncurled a little - hopefully, it won't affect my walk. When I stand, I force myself to straighten. The first step is a strain, but then the pain eases. Take small steps. Yes, thank you, Lord! Help me unveil this false prophet.

"Why are you walking like an old man, Lew?"

"Oh, my back is a little stiff. That's all."

Kathy hooked her arm in mine. "Come on, Dad. Let's go and expose this idiot."

"It will be my pleasure, ma'am." I'm glad she's beside me to lean on. The symptoms seem to calm with each step.

"At least they could clean the entrance, Lew. It's how you make your first impression."

"Don't you see, Kathy, they are."

"Aaah, filth shows filth." Kathy smiled.

When we walk through the door, a mountain of a man in the biggest blue suit I've ever seen looks us over while walking by. His dark blue eyes glare at us. I feel in his mind that the police want him for questioning. We must have passed inspection. 

The inside of the theatre is more decrepit than the outside. The worship team consists of a loud rock band screaming into the microphone. I have no idea what the words are.

We sit down behind the crowd, and Kathy nudged me. "Look at the front row. I haven't seen that many blondes in a row since high school. Look at how short their skirts are."

"They're here for spiritual support, sweetie."

"No, I've seen that look before, they want to get in his pants after everybody leaves." Two of the extremely young members of the congregation turn to glare at us. "Did you call Ben back this morning?"

"Yes, he has two units close by, ready to move."

"I'm beginning to like him."

The band finally finishes their song, and there's movement at the side of the stage. Excitement builds in the small crowd, and they rise in applause for the young man who confidently strides towards the podium placed in the center of the stage. He's dressed in a stylish suit with every blond hair perfectly placed, and his smile gleams at the young girls in the front row.

Kathy leans towards me and whispers, "Have you noticed how cheap this looks. The stage is awful, one spotlight, and the sound system barely works. If he's going to be a rockstar preacher, he needs to up his game."

"Well, you have to start somewhere."

We see the power of his presence when he extends his arms, and there's total silence. Before he says a word, he smiles at us. "My children, thank you for your praise. It warms my heart." His southern drawl is perfect. "Many of you know my story, gunned down in hatred, then rising with God's hand upon me, and being both physically and spiritually born again with a new message of hope to spread to my followers. I am the reborn Saviour of the world, sent here by my Father to cleanse my followers of their sin."

My skin begins to crawl at the blasphemy he's spouting. Kathy looks at me, and all I can do is shake my head.

After a quick sip of water, the risen Pastor continues his sermon. "We are writing a new history of the church, redefining what sin is. Setting a standard for the church of the future."

I turn to Kathy. "That's all I can take. If that big guy moves a muscle, call 911." 

Now, let's see if I can stand up. Slowly, slowly, yes. 

"Son, I hate to interrupt you. But I'm Pastor Lewis Bradley; I want to plead for your life."

"What do you mean, sir?"

"My friend, I've been a Pastor for over thirty years, and the blasphemy you spout is unbelievable! You claim that you're the son of God!"

The young man's face begins to contort in anger.

"In Bible times, they would have stoned you to death for saying that. Do you know the penalty for false teachers leading God's people astray? Using your filthy desires to pervert the teachings of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ."

I see the big man move towards me out of the corner of my eye. "My large friend, if you take one more step, I'll have the police here in a minute or less. I'll bet you don't want that." He stops.

I turn back to the preacher. "If you knew your Bible, you would know by reading the book of Jude, that the Lord utterly and swiftly destroys false teachers. God will wipe out you and your entire family with His wrath! I'm imploring you to renounce this nonsense, get on your knees, and beg for forgiveness. If you continue, you will take all of these people straight into the Lake of Fire with you. It's up to you!" I turn to the audience. "You people need to run out of this evil place like it's on fire!" Slowly I make my way to Kathy. "I'm finished."

Her open mouth changes into a sly smile. 

Before we make it to the door, the Pastor erupts, spewing venom with every word. "You and your generation are the ones going to burn. We have the favor of the Father now." The crowd rises with a sense of deep sadness and begins to exit. "No, my followers, they're the enemy!" 

That's the last words we hear.

Kathy and I don't speak until we're in the car. "You look sad, Lew."

"I feel sorry for them. Those people were searching for the truth, and what they found was all lies. Now, their shattered dreams may cause them never to know our true Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. All because of him."

Author Notes

In this chapter and the others to come, I've put Lew's thoughts in italics to show what he thinks while his body changes due to the tumors. Many thanks for stopping by to read! Have a great day and God bless. mike

Chapter 14
The Beginning of the End

By papa55mike

The end of chapter 13.

Lew turns back to the preacher. "If you knew your Bible, you would know by reading the book of Jude, that the Lord utterly and swiftly destroys false teachers. God will wipe out you and your entire family with His wrath! I'm imploring you to renounce this nonsense, get on your knees, and beg for forgiveness. If you continue, you will take all of these people straight into the Lake of Fire with you. It's up to you!" I turn to the audience. "You people need to run out of this evil place like it's on fire!" Slowly I make my way to Kathy. "I'm finished."

Her open mouth changes into a sly smile. 

Before we make it to the door, the Pastor erupts, spewing venom with every word. "You and your generation are the ones going to burn. We have the favor of the Father now." Most of the crowd rises with a sense of deep sadness and begins to exit. "No, my followers, they're the enemy!" 

That's the last words we hear.

Kathy and I don't speak until we're in the car. "You look sad, Lew."

"I feel sorry for them. Those people were searching for the truth, and what they found was all lies. Now, their shattered dreams may cause them never to know our true Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. All because of him."

*****
Chapter 14

I have awakened into a nightmare. The last thing I remember is coming home from the Risen Saviour Church and lying down on the couch. Now, the world is completely dark, and a thousand voices surround me. I feel like every mind in Memphis is invading my brain.

A dim light begins to shine. I wonder if it's an angel coming to help me, then it morphs into the kitchen light. The doctors said that my vision would be affected in strange ways as the tentacles from the tumors continue to grow in my brain. 

But the voices continue to grow louder. If I can focus one, maybe the others will quiet. There, it seems to be Caleb dreaming. He runs his hand down Kathy's nude back. No, I don't want to see Kathy in that way!

I need to find another voice. "Please help me, Father!"

Four men are walking down Central Avenue, and they're talking about Kebon. No leader could ever walk away from the gang alive, knowing what they know. It was last night, around midnight. They finally caught him coming back to his grandmother's house. Before he got to the porch, the four of them stepped out of the shadows with their guns firing. Kebon collapsed on the porch steps when the last shots rang out. The men start to walk away when his grandmother comes out of the house. One of them turns and says, "Mess with us, grandma, and you're next."

She screams at them. "I fed all of you at my table, and this is how you repay my kindness. The Lord will strike all of you down and avenge me!"

A cool breeze blows through the trees, flowing down the street, and my mind follows. The voices start to fade.

The light in the kitchen grows brighter, blinding me. What is happening, Father? Is this the end? Something snaps inside my mind, and the process stops. Slowly, I reopen my eyes. I'm lying on the floor with sweat pouring out - the cold floor feels terrific against my cheek. I must have fallen from the couch. My body still shakes from the pain. When I roll over to my knees to stand, I smell the urine on the floor - my right hand shakes, reaching for the counter to pull myself up. Somehow, I manage to grab the edge, but my left side is not responding. 

A sense of peace envelops me when I feel arms wrap around my chest, and I rise with ease. There is a heavenly presence with me.

My breathing eases when the pain subsides a little. Questions begin to fill my mind. Is this the beginning of the stroke I've been waiting on? Who was the presence that helped me? Will our plans to help the homeless fall apart if I'm not here? No, Caleb and Kathy are too strong for that. Do I have the strength to turn on the coffee across the room?

Slowly, I turn, but my muscles seem very weak. I make it two steps to the desk, dragging my left side - I can't move my left arm at all. The doctors told me about this partial paralysis. They said it would happen before I became completely paralyzed. 

I lean my body against the counter. My shaking right index finger reaches for the power switch. I finally click the coffee pot on, and the rich aroma begins to rise. It takes all of my strength to pour some in a cup. I steady my right hand to take a sip. I hope it's not my last.

I still don't hear any voices, but they'll return. After another sip of coffee, my brain seems to explode, and the intense pain roars throughout my body, causing my eyes to tear. I dump the coffee on the counter, and the cup falls into the sink. In the reflection of the spilled coffee, I watch my face's left side begin to fall then feel the muscles tighten in my left arm and leg as before. I hear the ligaments in my index finger snap while it twists like a pretzel. Not only do my toes curl, but my left ankle and foot curve inward, causing me to fall on my left side, and the pain is excruciating.

I've got to get up; they can't find me like this. I'm becoming a deformed monster.

My left side is completely useless; I'll have to depend on God and my right hand. I grab the silverware drawer and slide it open then begin to pull myself up. When I make it to my knees, my stomach turns, and the coffee reappears on the floor. I've left Kathy three awful messes to clean up.

Again, the invisible arms lift me to a standing position. "Thank you, whoever you are."

I have to get out of the office where we live and find a hiding place in the warehouse. I remember a custodian closet near the loading dock. It's dark and very secluded there, even in the daytime. But I need to make it to the door first. 

I step out with my right leg a little then drag the left leg to it. It will be a slow process, but with the Lord's help, I'll make it. 

It takes me six steps to make it to the door. After I slowly drag and pull myself out the door, I come to a sudden realization. To use my right hand, I have to cross the building - the distance looks daunting in my condition. I look up and pray. "Lord, please...help your...humble servant."

That's when I feel a supernatural arm embrace my waist, then an unseen hand takes my right arm and lovingly wraps it around broad shoulders. The invisible presence begins to lead me towards my destination while I start to weep. The joy of knowing that the Lord is always with me overwhelms my soul.

~

Several hours later, Kathy's internal alarm clock tells her that it's five-thirty, and time to start the day. "I hope Lew has the coffee done." After a quick visit to the bathroom, she slowly lumbers into the kitchen. Kathy smiles at the bold aroma of Seattle's Best #5 that fills the kitchen. 

~

It has taken me three hours to make a five-minute journey. I see the darkness in the corner of the building that I need to hide the monster I've become. If this is the end, I don't want to be remembered like this. My unseen friend gently guides me to an old office chair in the darkness. Slowly, I collapse into the chair then reach out my right hand. "Thank...you, my...friend. I will...never forget...this." It's so difficult to talk with only half a mouth.

I feel the warm embrace of a loving hand in mine.

The voices begin to return, but I focus on Kathy's mind. She just walked into the kitchen.

~

Kathy suddenly stops; she feels something wrong. That's when she notices the spilled coffee and the overturned cup. There's vomit on the floor, and she smells urine in the air. Kathy checks the door for Lew's jacket. It's here, but where is he?

Kathy opens the door, then frantically begins to search the building, hollering, "Lew!"

Author Notes

In the last chapter, I started putting Lew's thoughts about what was happening to his body in Italics. First thing, I want to apologize for not having this book already finished. I planned to have it done two months ago. But I must admit that we live in a different world. Since March, when all the schools closed down, Wanda has doubled her babysitting service. Plus, my special granddaughter, Shynoa, has not been to school since. Her immune system isn't strong enough. Looking back, that was a good thing. Her school was only open ten days before shutting down for COVID. So, my writing time has dwindled away. But, I will not be undaunted. We will finish Lew's journey. Many thanks for stopping by to read! Have a great day and God bless. mike

Chapter 15
The Final Chapter and Epilogue

By papa55mike

It has taken me three hours to make a five-minute journey. I see the darkness in the corner of the building that I need to hide the monster I've become. If this is the end, I don't want to be remembered like this. My unseen friend gently guides me to an old office chair in the darkness. Slowly, I collapse into the chair then reach out my right hand. "Thank...you, my...friend. I will...never forget...this." It's so difficult to talk with only half a mouth.

I feel the warm embrace of a loving hand in mine.

The voices begin to return, but I focus on Kathy's mind. She just walked into the kitchen.

~

Kathy suddenly stops; she feels something wrong. That's when she notices the spilled coffee and the overturned cup. There's vomit on the floor, and she smells urine in the air. Kathy checks the door for Lew's jacket. It's here, but where is he?

Kathy opens the door, then frantically begins to search the building, hollering, "Lew!"

Chapter 15


I can feel Kathy's emotions running away with her, but I need to give her the love and strength to finish our journey. My body will not let me. Perhaps, I was never meant to complete this task. I've got to hide my left side from her. There must be something within reach to cover me. 

"Lew!" Kathy hollers again. 

There, on the corner of a cabinet, is a black tablecloth that should do nicely. I can barely reach it with my right hand. It takes a moment to drape it over my left side then pull the tablecloth over my face. I can peep out with my right eye. I feel like David "Al" Hedison's character in the old horror movie from the fifties; The Fly. Andre` covered his body's fly-half with a length of black velvet to hide the monster he became.

Kathy walks into the warehouse and yells, "Where are you, Lew?"

"Over...here." My voice is barely a whisper. It's so difficult to talk.

"My goodness, Lew, what happened?" Her words end with a sob.

"No, closer. Please!"

Kathy stops then drops to her knees. "Why?" She peers into the dark corner.

"Don't want this. To be how you. Remember me."

"I don't care what you look like, Lew." Kathy wipes the tears from her eyes. "It will never change my love for you. Did you have the stroke you've been waiting on?"

"Yes." 

"We need to get you to a hospital, Lew. Now! Time means everything in a stroke."

"No! Doctors...looking for me. Have papers. Take me. Into Government care."

"And they will take you to New York, whether you want to go, or not. Did they come to, Ben, searching for you?"

"Yes. Demanded action! Ben refused."

"I know places to hide you, if it comes down to that, Lew. We have countless friends that love you dearly and would leap to help you."

"Thanks. Love them, too. Won't be needed. Not much longer. Couple hours, maybe?"

I see that Kathy has finally accepted the situation when she drops her head, and giant tears begin to explode on the concrete.

"Please, know this. Love you more than ever. My daughter." My tears flow now. 

Kathy wipes her eyes then looks back at me. "What can I do to ease the pain?"

"Tony's breakfast. Tenderloin, biscuit. Coffee."

"I hate to leave you, Lew. I don't want you to die alone as my mother did."

"I'll be here. Promise."

Kathy stares into my darkened corner. She's remembering hearing the news about her mother's stroke, and how nobody found her until the next day. She imagines her mother's pain, and nobody was there to at least hold her hand.

"All right, Lew. I'll be back in ten minutes." She quickly gets up and starts running. I can hear her bare feet slapping the concrete floor. 

Kathy gets to the office door then runs into their bedroom. She grabs a pair of jeans from the dresser and slides into them, then slips on a tee-shirt. 

Caleb comes out of the bathroom. "I heard hollering, Kathy. What's the matter?"

Kathy wipes her eyes again, and with a quiver in her voice, says, "He's dying, Caleb, and there's nothing I can do."

"Lew, dying?"

"Yeah, he wants a tenderloin biscuit from Tony's. Be with him, Caleb. Don't leave Lew alone until I get back."

"I won't, sweetie. Go."

Kathy runs out the door with her keys.

~

Her Jeep screeches to a stop in front of Tony's; Kathy leaps out and rushes through the door.

"Well, Hi, Kathy. What brings you out on this fine morning?" Tony asks.

"I need a tenderloin biscuit and a large coffee for Lew." She catches a sob.

"What's the matter, sweetie?"

"He's dying, Tony." Her words come out jumbled in a sob. "Lew had a massive stroke in the middle of the night."

"Oh, no. What hospital is Lew in?"

"He's in the back of the warehouse. If we take him to a hospital, they'll find him."

"Who will find him?"

"There are doctors who want to take Lew to New York and study his brain. We can't let that happen."

"I remember Lew saying that after that cop shot him." Tony thinks for a moment then looks at Kathy. "I'll be ready in a minute." He slams a biscuit together, wraps it, and pours a large coffee, then grabs his keys. "I'm closing the store. Let's go!"

~

I feel Caleb jogging through the factory; he has a unique calm that I wish I had. Amy, Terrel, and Earl begin to stir. 

"Where are you, Lew?"

"Here. I need to talk to you. No closer, please." Caleb stops at the edge of the shadows and sits down. "There's an envelope. Top drawer, my desk. Explains everything. Call Terri Crider, Milan. She'll help. Good lawyer, and friend - keep our plans going. You and Kathy, be strong." I'm beginning to lose my voice. What will be next?

"This can't be the end of you, Lew. We need you too much."

"That's why I said, be strong. Continue helping. Our friends. You know, the need is great."

"I understand, Lew. What can I do now?"

"Wait with me. Until death comes." I can feel Kathy and Tony pulling into the parking lot.

"Are you in pain, Lew?"

"No. Can't feel much. Total paralysis starting. Hard to move my mouth." 

~ 

Kathy and Tony burst through the door when Terrel comes out of the office. Amy and Earl are peeping out of the door. 

"What's the matter, Kathy?"

"Lew had a massive stroke last night; he's dying, Terrel. Come with us."

"Let me grab a shirt, and I'll get the kids."

~

I find this hard to believe, but my family surrounds me. Something I thought would never happen - I'm staring at faces, I've grown to love deeply. All of us have battled for many years against the forces of hopelessness and despair. Caleb, Kathy, and Amy were at the point of armed robbery. Terrel and Earl were completely helpless after witnessing a dreadful murder while living beside a dumpster. My dear friend, Tony, who kept me sane while I was living alone. Now, I have to say goodbye.

Kathy extends her hand to me. "I have to feel your hand one more time, Lew. The gentle touch of a kind and giving man. You brought our families back to life with your love for us, Lew. We owe you so much."

My sight begins to fade. "That debt...paid long ago." Somehow I find the strength to raise my hand to hers, and Kathy grasps my hand with a smile.  "My family. My loving daughter." 

Kathy smiles through her tears.

"Goodbye, my friends. The room, filled with stars. No, angels. My Lord."

An unseen hand caresses Lew's face, followed by a voice. "Rest, my friend. I'll see you soon." The hand closes Lew's eyes for the last time.

Lew's hand falls from Kathy's, and she collapses into Caleb's arms.

Amy looks up at her father and asks, "Is mommy very sad?"

Caleb wipes his eyes and says, "Yes, sweetie. Daddy, too."

~

Epilogue

One year later.

Caleb and Kathy gaze lovingly at each other, then entwine their hands. They begin to stroll through the old Brown Shoe building, which is now the largest homeless shelter in the state of Tennessee. It's empty now, but the opening ceremonies are tomorrow. The Mayor is the featured speaker.

Kathy peeks inside one of the one-hundred and ten rooms that range from a single bed to a family room that sleeps six. Each room comes with a dresser, chairs, and a Bible. Sadly, all of the rooms are claimed.

They've renovated the heating and airconditioning systems, all three bathrooms, and installed showers at the rear. There are washers and dryers outside all of the bathrooms. 

Caleb and Kathy turn at the warehouse, where the last room is, and start their return trip to the front. They stop halfway at the new computer lab. The computers were donated by Memphis Ridgeway High school, and First Baptist Church of Memphis donated all of the desks and chairs. Kathy says, "I can't wait to start teaching this class."

Caleb smiles, then kisses her offered cheek.

Their tour ends at Tony's Second Hand Store, where you can buy clothes for the whole family, and everything is only a dollar. Caleb says, "Lew would be so proud of Tony for opening this store."

The couple stepped into the kitchen and grabbed a bottled water. We ended up knocking out a wall to extend the cooking space. With the help of many volunteers from local churches, we'll be able to feed hundreds, not just the people in the shelter. The Memphis Food Bank will keep the pantry full of supplies. Terrel and Earl are in charge of the kitchen. 

Caleb opens the door for Kathy, and they walk outside. "I love the fact that the school bus stops here. Nobody will miss school unless they're sick."

They both turn to look at the name of this oasis for the homeless hanging above the door. Lew's Gift!

"You know, sweetie." Kathy takes a drink of water. "Lew's gift was never the fact he could see into your mind. It was his love for everyone. If there was ever a man who tried to walk in Jesus' footsteps, it was Lew."

Caleb smiles at Kathy. "Now, we can, too."

Author Notes

There are so many people to thank for their help with this book. First, I want to thank the 1,975 readers who stopped by to read one of the chapters. Not including this one. What a staggering number that is to me. My thanks to all of you. There is a core group of friends who were on board from the beginning and I want to recognize them. Judy E., Roy Owen, Nancy E. Davis, Sally Law, Robyn Corum, GWHARRIS, Katy M., e story, Teri7, Y.M. Roger, Sandra Mitchell, Thaities, Rebecca V., Beth Shelby, and Bill Pinder. Thank you isn't enough, your love and support for this project has been astounding. I love you, guys, and wish you many blessings. Because each one of you has been a huge blessing to me. Many thanks for stopping by to read! Have a great day and God bless. mike

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