Jack Power was an imposing figure. His jet black hair with the graying sides made him look like a living breathing Perry White. But he was the complete opposite. He was a very gentle soul that never meant to hurt a flea. Yet that is exactly what he did.
Jack sat in his six by nine cell. He had been here for five years. He had been given the toughest sentence in all time. He knew what he had done and that he had to pay the price. He had been sentenced to death. He stood up and looked out his cell door. Even after all this time he could still hear the screams. He could still hear the begging. He moved over to his bed and relaxed trying to turn off the screams. He closed his eyes and tried to go to sleep. In minutes he was but it was a haunted sleep.
He needed money and all those years ago, he had robbed a bank. He got caught and well now you see the situation that he is in. People died and now he had to pay the price. What he did not know is that he was about to go on a journey not only to see what had come after the robbery but that it affected more people than just himself.
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The glass door opened and Jack walked through. He didn’t know where he was but he did know it wasn’t his cell. He looked around but saw nothing he recognized, just white everywhere.
“Hello stranger. Who might you be?” A thin woman asked.
“My name is Jack Power. Where am I?”
The woman smiled a bright smile that for some reason put Jack on guard. She moved slightly to her left and pointed to a doorway. Jack saw it and became uneasy.
“What is this place?” Jack asked.
“We call it forgiveness. Others call it purgatory but we call it forgiveness.”
“Who are you?”
“I am the keeper. I greet all that come here.”
“Do you have a name?” Jack asked.
“You may call me the keeper. Names are unimportant here.” She replied.
“Where am I to go?” Jack asked.
The keeper pointed to a double door. It looked amazingly like a gymnasium double door. Jack walked in and saw seats. A very large screen sat in front of the seats. Jack looked to see if there was anyone else here. He found no one. He moved to a seat and sat down.
“This must be a orientation film. I guess I can just sit back a sleep.”
The room went dark and the screen lit up. A very pretty lady appeared on the screen. She smiled nicely and then began to speak.
“Hello Jack Power. My name is, excuse me, use to Lorinda Jacobs. I was the first person that you killed after you entered the bank. You shot me before I even got a chance to get on my knees. Some people would be angry but I look at it differently. I am glad because it was a one way ticket home for me. I got meet my creator face to face.
“My prayer for you Mr. Power is that you will learn something from this. Mr. Power the dictionary defines a vendetta as a bitter feud between families. As this is the truth. So this not so much a vendetta but rather an intervention. Now that being said, I would rather like to call this a vendetta. Some say that a vendetta is led by hate but this vendetta is led by love.
“So Mr. Power, like a boy scout, be prepared. You are about to go on a journey that hopefully will get you on right track.”
The picture on the screen faded as the brightness in the room went up. Jack looked at her and then at the door as it opened. He didn’t see anyone come through and yet he heard foot steps.
“Hello.”
“Hello Mr. Power.”
Jack looked down and saw a child standing a few feet away. She was dressed in a white robe that flowed out behind her. Her blonde hair flowed down her back and flowed with the robe. She didn’t seem to be affected by it at all. Her blue eyes looked up at him.
“You have me at a disadvantage little one. You know my name but I do not know yours.”
The child looked up at him. Her eyes seemed to go right through him. Her face belied sadness. She wiped a small tear away as it tried to roll down her face.
“I don’t have a name. I died before I had a chance to know it. I was not born.”
“Who killed you?” Jack asked
The child pointed her finger at Jack. “You did Mr. Power. You killed me.”
Jack stepped back in horror and tried not to fall. He felt weak in the knees. He held his hands to his face to hide his fright.
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Jack sat up in bed and tried to shake off the feeling he had. He knew it was all a dream. At least he thought it was. Outside he could hear birds singing. The sun was coming up. He could already see the shadow of the bars on the floor. He shook his head trying to get rid of the cobwebs.
“Man it was so real.”
The day went on as any day would. Work was done and visits were paid. Phone calls were made and lots of `I Love You’ were said. At the end of it all, the same six by nine cell was home. Jack made his way back to his. Slipping into bed, sleep came quickly.
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The little girl stood by Jack’s bed side. She smiled quite nicely then took Jack’s hand. He got up without question. She looked at him and grinned.
“I found out from my father that my name was to be Jennifer. That was the name that he had chosen for me. So I guess you can call me Jenny.”
“Thank you Jenny. Why are you here?”
“I am here to show you what might have happened and to bring you to an understanding.”
“An understanding of what?”
“You will know soon, but before you can know this understanding, you have a journey to take. My father has sent me to show you all that has happened.”
“Your Father, who is your Father?”
“You will know Him soon. You might even like Him. Most people do.” Jenny replied with a soft smile.
Jenny walked over to the cell door. She touched it and it opened ever so slowly. Jack looked and stayed sitting on the edge of the bed. Jenny looked at him.
“It is okay, no one can see you. No one will even notice that you are gone.”
Jack stood up and walked to the door. He looked out and saw the guard. He sat reading his newspaper. Jack turned and followed Jenny. She led him down the hallway and he watched as the walls faded into the soft colors of a living room. A woman sat looking at some children. She turned when she heard Jack come in.
“Hello Mr. Power. See that little boy playing with the puppy. He doesn’t know it yet but his mommy is not coming home because she is dead. In a few minutes, he and his brother will know and then all hell is going to break loose.”
Jack heard the ring of the doorbell and the followed knock. The little boy ran to the door and opened it. He stepped back when he saw the police officers.
“Is your daddy home son?” One of the officers asked.
The little boy shook his head no and then ran off. A couple of minutes later he came running with an older boy in tow. The officers looked at him.
“Son is your father home?”
“No sir, daddy is working today and mommy has gone to the bank. Is there a problem sir?”
“What is your name son?”
“Reggie, Reginald Jacobs.”
“Do you have a number where I can reach your father, Reggie?”
“Yes sir. It is on the refrigerator. Let me go get it for you.”
Reggie went into the kitchen and leaned against the wall. He wanted to cry because he knew there was something wrong. The police officer never asked about his mommy. He retrieved the number from the fridge and then wiped away the tears. He went back to the front door and handed the number to the policeman.
“Thank you. This officer will sit with you while I talk to your father.”
The officer took Reggie and his brother into the living room. She sat down and looked at them. She saw the puppy chewing on an old shoe. She smiled softly.
“What is your puppy’s name?”
The little boy sat watching the puppy. He grabbed a red ball on a string and tossed it. The puppy saw it and the shoe was forgotten. He chased it and the little boy would pull it away just before the puppy got to it.
“His name is Rusty Jacobs. Yesterday was my birfday and he was a gift from my Gramma.” The boy answered as he went back to play with the puppy.
“What is your name?” She asked.
“Robert Jacob Junior but they call me Robbie.”
“Well Robbie, you have a wonderful puppy there.”
Robbie blushed and then went back to playing. A few minutes later a large black man came through the door. Reggie and Robbie went running up to him. He took them into his big strong arms and held them close.
“Come sit down. These officers need to talk to me so you need to sit with this lady for a few minutes longer.”
Robert Jacob was a proud man. He loved his life, his wife and his kids. Today however he would lose a days pay but he had always said that family came first. He walked over to the officers and looked them straight in the face. They spoke quietly and watched the big man crumble like a little baby.
“Jesus, God no, please tell me this is a joke.”
Robbie bolted from the living room and outside to his father. Robert took him into his arms and cried. He didn’t know why daddy was crying. Robert pushed him away.
“Go into the house this instant before I tan your hide. You stay with the lady officer.”
The scene faded softly but not completely. Jack could still see the shadows and hear the crying.
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Lorinda Jacobs appeared and looked at Jack.
“You see Mr. Power, when you killed me you also destroyed my family. It has almost been 5 years and they will never be the same. My son Reggie has become withdrawn and Robbie has become hard to handle.”
Jack stepped back and tried to leave. Jenny held his hand and would not let go. The more Jack tried to leave, the stronger Jenny’s hold became.
“You can not leave yet. There is more for you to see. This is not a dream nor is it a short story from an author’s head. This is real life and the things you are seeing are things that really happened, you are receiving a great blessing Mr. Power.”
“I don’t want it!” Jack replied.
“Want it or not, it is of no matter.”
Jenny led Jack outside. He saw this big black man blubbering like a little baby. The officers stood trying to comfort him.
“We are so very sorry for your loss Mr. Jacobs. Do you wish us to contact anyone for you?”
Robert shook his head and stood up. He dried his eyes as he tried to compose himself. He shook their hands and smiled a weak smile.
“No, I think I can do it. Thank you anyways. Tell me something.,
“If we can.” One of the officers said.
“When can I see her and where can I claim the body?”
“I will check into that for you Mr. Jacobs. One of us will call you in a couple of hours.” One officer said.
“Thank you.” Robert replied.
Robert watched them drive off. He wiped his eyes and put on a brave face. He walked to the door and opened it. He entered and stood there for a minute. The boys were sitting in the living room with the female officer. He looked at her.
“I can stay if you Mr Jacobs.”
“Don’t you need to get back to the station? Won’t they need you?”
She smiled at him softly. “I will stay just long enough for you to be alright then I will go. They can spare me for a little bit longer.”
Robert nodded his head and then moved over to the couch. He sat down and took Reggie and Robbie into his arms. They stared at the officer not knowing what was wrong. Reggie pushed away from him.
“Daddy, what’s wrong?”
Robert looked at Reggie. He tried not to cry but suddenly the gates opened and he could not stop it. The police officer moved to the kitchen and searched for tea and put the kettle on. She could hear him talking to the kids.
“Momma has been in an accident.”
“Is Momma alright?” Reggie asked.
Robert shook his head. Robbie stroked his father’s chin.
“Has Momma gone to be with Jesus?”
Robert nodded his head and it was like the clouds parted on a hot summer day. His eyes welled up and the tears started to flow. He pulled Robbie to him and cried. Robbie held his daddy and cried along with him. Reggie was pulled in Robert’s other arm. The three of them wept openly.
Officer Willis sat in the kitchen. She drank her tea slowly. She had turned off her radio. Her eyes were closed and her lips moved slowly.
“Father God, you are a most awesome God. You are master of the universe and the only one worthy of my praise. Father I lift up this family to you now. Reach down your hand and gently touch them. Comfort them o Lord. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”
Officer Willis stood up and walked into foyer. She stopped short when she heard the collective prayer. Bowing her head she stood silent. When they were done, Robert turned towards her.
“See Mr. Power, you did more then kill a person. You destroyed a family.”
Jack stumbled back. He wanted to cry but couldn’t. He tried to pull away but Jenny had a tight hold on him. She grinned at him.
“You have seen the damage you created with your first victims. Now it is time to see the second family.”
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Jack sat right up in bed. He rose so quickly that he his head began to spin. Wiping his brow he shook his head.
“It had to be a dream.”
He could hear his name being called. He quickly got dressed and stood at his cell door.
“Alright Power, seems you have a visitor.” The guard said.
“Who is it?”
“Don’t know. I didn’t ask. All I know is that you have company.”
Jack nodded and waited for the door to open. The guard didn’t put shackles on him but rather let him walk free. They walked down the hallway towards the visitation room. The guard signaled for the door to open and it slid open quietly. Jack walked in and saw a big black man sitting at the table. He smiled at Jack as he walked in.
“Hello Mr. Power. You don’t know me but my name is Robert Jacobs. You are the person that took my wife away from me and my boys.”
Jack looked at his feet then back at Mr. Jacobs. “Sir, if I could go back and change things I would. I know that saying this offers no comfort to you.”
“You are right; it doesn’t give me any comfort. Now I didn’t drive all this way to get an apology from you. I came to forgive you. My boys don’t like it .They think that I am an old fool but I am not. You have been in this place a while now haven’t you?”
“Yes, five years in October. Why would you forgive me?”
“Because that is what Jesus would do. He would forgive you and I must do the same.”
Jack nodded his head and sat quietly. Mr. Jacobs took a book out of his pocket and began to read it. Jack looked at him. Robert smiled. He set the book down on the table and pushed it towards Jack. It had the words Holy Bible written on it. Jack tried top push it back but Robert stopped him.
“No Mr. Power, you are going to need this more then I am. Besides I have more at home.”
Jack took the bible and slipped it into his shirt pocket. Robert stood up and extended his hand. Jack took it and shook it softly. Robert let go and smiled.
“Good bye Jack Power. I will not be this way again. I just came to do what I know my Lord would have done. Let me leave you with a little advice though. Mr. Power, you need to Let Go and Let God.”
Robert Jacobs walked out of the visitation room. Jack could hear him whistling Amazing Grace. He looked at the floor then at the guard. The guard just shrugged his shoulders..
“Okay Power, back to your cell.”
Jack turned and followed the guard. Most of the cells were empty. It was the work time and Jack being on death row was not needed. He walked behind the guard and then went into his cell. He sat on the edge of his bed. He felt the bible in his pocket. It was almost as if a flame was burning against his chest. He pulled it out and tossed it onto the chair. He put his head on his pillow and went to sleep.
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The room full of chairs came into view again. The keeper walked up to Jack and smiled.
“Hello again, back for another round are we. Well sit down and enjoy or not enjoy as the case may be.”
Jack found himself a seat and sat down. All went dark and then the screen lit up. On it was the face of an old woman. She looked right at him.
“Hello there young man, I was told that I was supposed to talk to someone today. I guess that is you. Now let me see.”
The old woman rattled around and searched. She smiled then frowned. She rifled around some more and then held up a piece of paper. She turned back so he face was on the screen again.
“Eureka, I found it. Now let me see.” She read out loud. “ Go to observation room, talk to gentleman then come back.”
She looked at Jack. “Who are you?”
“My name is Jack Power and yours is?”
“My name is to Williamina Johnston. I remember you now. You are the creep that killed me and sent me to this hell. I was sent to tell you off….no that’s not it. Oh I can’t remember……Oh wait I remember.”
Jack listened to the old woman talk about how her family suffered. How her family missed her. She talked about how she was just an innocent bystander that was hit by a stray bullet. She talked about her husband and how he was dealing with it. Jack sat emotionless listening to the old lady. He didn’t think how her death affected anyone or himself. He didn’t care. He stood up and started to leave. The doors opened and the keeper walked in
“Mr. Power you can’t leave yet. Your guide has not arrived. Please sit down and wait. It won’t be much longer.”
Jack sat down and waited. An hour went by and then another. Finally a man that was dressed to the nines sauntered in. He looked at Jack with a wide toothy grin.
“Hello Mr. Power. You can call me Luci. So sorry I am late. Time is precious when you run a conglomerate like mine.”
“I see. What an odd name.”
“Yeah well I am an odd fellow. Anyways, let’s get going. I have things to see and people to do. Hahahaha.”
Jack didn’t see the humor and didn’t laugh. He did however feel quite creepy around this guy.
“No Way!” Jack said under his breath.
“Yes what you are thinking is true. My name is Lucifer and yes I am the devil.”
“So why are you my guide? You could have sent anyone of your minions to do this job.”
Lucifer turned around. “Trust me honey, it wasn’t my first choice. I tried to send one of my lackeys but the Great Annoyance reminded me of something.”
“What was that?”
“That I, like everything else in this world, am a created being and under his thumb. He made me and he can unmake me. So I bow down to him cause well quite frankly, I like being evil and well it looks good when every so often I do some goody two shoes work.”
Jack smiled and then looked at the door. It crackled and glowed red. He didn’t know why but he knew this was not a good place. Lucifer pushed open the doors and exclaimed.
“Jack Power, welcome to hell!”
Jack looked at Lucifer then walked through the door. It was not as hot as he had expected. He was escorted to another room. A man stood with a sign that made Jack laugh. Jack read it again out loud.
“Get you glass of ice water here. Please make it last, it will be the only one you get .”
Lucifer stopped upon opening a door. Jack was ushered in and saw a woman sitting on a rock. She was pounding at it and no matter how many pieces of rock went flying off, it never got any smaller. She looked up and cringed when she saw Lucifer. She fell instantly onto her knees.
“Oh get up woman. I am not here for you to worship. Well I am but not right now.” He pointed to Jack.
“He is why I am here.”
The old lady looked at Jack. She squinted her eyes and then opened them wide. She walked up and slapped him hard.
“I remember you. You robbed a bank and shot some people. One of them was me. What you want to apologize? You came to make things right, well it is too late. I’m here and that is that. You may not have meant to kill me but that doesn’t make it right and no amount of apologizing is going to change things.”
Jack just looked at her. She didn’t seem to care one way or another. He watched her go back to pounding her rock. Beside her sat a glass of ice water. Jack turned and looked at Lucifer.
“How long will the water last?”
“For all eternity unfortunately for me. Some yahoo up on earth prayed that those in hell should get ice water and He thought it was a good idea. So now every entrant into this fine establishment gets a glass of ice water. It will never run out and the ice will never melt. Silly isn’t it?”
Jack couldn’t help but smile. Lucifer ignored it and motioned for Jack to leave.
“This is not your only stop. You have one more.”
“Where to?”
Lucifer smiled and showed his teeth. He was not a happy camper. He did not like nor appreciate being one of God’s lackeys. He thought himself better then that. It wasn’t any where near the truth but that was the way he felt. He closed his lips and then smiled very nicely.
“Here we go.” He said.
John looked around to see an old man sitting on an apple green sofa. He was looking at an old photo album. He would occasionally wipe away a tear each time he turned a page or two. His hair was all but gone but what was left was jet black with slight gray streaks. His teeth were no longer his own and he was not as spry as he once was. He looked up to hear voices at his door. He stood up and walked slowly to the door. He opened it and heard singing.
“It came upon a midnight clear….”
He saw carolers singing quietly. He stood and listen to them sing so beautifully. When they sang silent night, he felt a tear fall from his eyes. One little girl came up and took his old wrinkled hand. She smiled up at him.
“Mr. Johnston, are you alright?”
Mr. Johnston knelt down in the slight snow and nodded his head.
“Yes dear I am fine. I always cry at Christmastime. My wife liked Christmas.”
Jack looked at Lucifer. “How many years has it been since she died?”
“Well seeing as this has already happened, I do believe it has been five years.”
Mr. Johnston watched as the carolers walked away. He started to close the door then heard a familiar voice.
“Grampa! Grampa!”
He looked to see his granddaughter Wilhelmina running up the sidewalk. She was kicking snow as she ran. Her face was a glow with the cold of winter. He smiled as she bounded up the stairs and almost hugged the stuffing out of him.
“You’ve been crying.” she said.
“Yes dear. Where are your parents?”
“They are coming. I ran up ahead so I could have some alone time with my favorite grandpa.”
“I am your only grandpa.”
Grandpa Johnson walked into the kitchen and put on the kettle. In no time he had a nice hot cup of cocoa for her. She walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. She started to drink her cocoa and nibbled on some cookies. She looked up at her grandpa.
“Do you miss grandma?”
Grandpa sat at the table and looked at Willie. She saw a single tear fall from his eye. She reached over and placed her little hand over his. He smiled at her ever so softly.
“Yes dear I do. I miss her more and more everyday. It has been five years since that awful day and I just didn’t think that I would make one more day without her. Sometimes it was tough but with the Lord’s help I muddled through.”
“Did Gramma know the Lord, grandpa?”
“No Willie, she didn’t, not for lack of trying on my part. She wanted no part of Him. She didn’t mind me being part of Him but not her.”
He stood up and went over the counter. Putting the mugs in the sink, he ran water into them and let them soak. He turned around and looked right into his beloved’s eyes but they were his daughters. She hugged him softly.
“Merry Christmas daddy.”
“Merry Christmas Mina. So much you look like your mother.”
“Thank you daddy. I see you haven’t decorated or even put up a tree.”
“I’m sorry but it is not time yet.”
“Oh come on daddy. It’s been five years since momma died.”
He looked at her with a tear in his eye. “I know daughter.”
“Alright daddy, but can we at least put up the cards mom kept all those years.”
He looked at her and saw the love that she had for him. He could never say no to his angel. She was the one thing in his life that he had not screwed up. He kissed her softly on the cheek and whispered.
“Alright, but just the cards.”
Willie grinned when she heard. She ran up the stairs and into the attic. She grabbed the box of cards. She saw another box that was still wrapped. She picked it up and put it with the cards. She turned to see another small one box. She knew she shouldn’t but she put it in with the cards. She went back downstairs and sat the box on the table. Grandpa Johnston looked up.
“Oh child, what else did you bring.” He looked into the box. “Take those right back upstairs.”
“But Grandpa.”
“Now child!”
Mina stopped Willie. She took the small gifts and looked at them. She looked back at her father.
“These have been up there for five years. Dad why didn’t you open at least yours. You know momma would have wanted you to.”
“Yes daughter. You knew your mother would Christmas shop in August. I went along with her to make her happy. That was her last gift to me and I couldn’t bear to open it.”
Mina gave them back to Willie and watched as Willie started up the stairs. She got to the third one when she heard her grandfather call after her.
“Wait, put them on the table with the light. We can open them in the morning.”
Willie walked over and tenderly put the packages down and then ran back to her grandfather . She hugged him tight then gave him a sly smile. He grinned back at her seeing her mother in that smile.
“You know grandpa, Christmas isn’t Christmas without a tree.”
He looked at Mina and she smiled. He looked over at his son in law Steve for support and he just raised his hands.
“Hey I gave up fighting years ago. I knew the minute that Willie was born my days of getting my own way were over.”
He looked at Willie and smiled again.
“Alright, we will get a tree.”
Lucifer looked at Jack. He showed no emotion. He looked upon the whole scene as if he were watching a television show.
“Man, I thought I was cold. This guy has ice for blood.” he said to himself.
Jack looked at the floor as the scene faded. He shuffled a little then looked at Lucifer.
“When is this over?”
“Hey I am just the messenger. It is over when it is over. Maybe this little girl can answer your question.”
Jack looked down to his left. Jenny stood looking at him. He didn’t smile, he just looked back at her.
“I hear you are not affected by what you see here.”
“Not really. I feel a little something but he is just an old man. He is going to die soon and besides, he can’t miss her that much.”
Jenny frowned when she looked up at jack. “Oh Mr. Power, you don’t understand yet but you will.”
“Is this part of the understanding you mentioned?”
“Yes Mr. Power.”
Jenny looked at Lucifer. He nodded and then ignored her. She took Jack’s hand and squeezed it softly. The darkness that had fallen started to lift.
The Christmas tree was set up. There were just two little presents under it. Willie grinned as she turned on the lights. Grandpa Johnston looked at the tree and tried not to cry. He had not set up a Christmas tree for this reason. It hurt to much.
“Grandpa, you don’t like the tree?”
“No child, I like it. It looks so much like you grandma put it up. She would stay up all night just so you kids could have a good Christmas.”
Willie bent down and picked up the presents and gave them to her grandpa. He smiled at her as he took them.
“You open this one first Willie.”
Willie took the paper off slowly not wanting to rip it. She let the paper fall and held a small blue box in her hand. She looked at her grandfather and he nodded at her. She opened the box to reveal a small diamond solitaire ring. Willie almost dropped it.
“Oh Grandpa, It’s beautiful.” she said as she passed it to her mother.
“And now it is yours.” He said.
“Umm no dad. You can’t give this to her. It is way to expensive.” Mina said.
“Well then, you hold onto it. When she is eighteen, you can give it to her.”
Mina nodded her head and smiled. She looked at the ring and wondered about it. She saw the love he had for her mother not only in his eyes but in the ring. “Alright then.”
Willie smiled as wide as she could muster. She hugged her grandpa tight then kissed him on the cheek. She loved him so much and she wanted him not to cry anymore. She felt him slide his arm around her and pull her tight. Mina looked at him.
“When did you get this dad?”
“Well you knew your mother. She would always start her holiday shopping in August. That way, she said, she was able to beat the crowds and get the items she wanted. Well she said that the only present she was going to leave to last was mine. I decided that it was time to get hers.
“I had saved money over the fifty years that we were married. A little here and a little there. I had saved over five hundred dollars. Not all of it went to her gift but a good majority of it. Anyways, when I went into the jewelers, I looked and saw the one I wanted. It was almost three quarters of the money that I had and was unwilling to spend but I bought it anyways. I had always promised her a proper engagement ring but never had the money. It took fifty years but I finally got the money.
“A month after she was taken from me, I found her gift to me in the upstairs closet and put both of them into the attic with the Christmas stuff. I closed the door and never looked at them again. They have sat there ever since.”
He started to cry but wiped the tears away. Willie hugged him close and whispered softly in his ear.
“What did grandma get you?”
She handed him the box and he opened it. He wasn’t as gentle with the paper as Willie had been. He ripped open the package. He too found a little blue box. He opened it to find a chain with a key and heart attached to it. He held it up and looked at it. Willie smiled and turned it around. She read the inscription softly.
“Jesus has your heart. Now you have mine and the key to unlock it.”
Grandpa Johnston looked at the necklace and started to cry. This time the tears would not be wiped away. As the scene faded, Lucifer spoke first.
“I hate to sound like a goody two shoes, but dude, what you did was wrong. You should not have taken that poor guys wife from him. You left him all alone.”
“I know, but it is too late now. I can not undo what has been done. No one can do that. Not even God himself. Not even you, with all your power, can undo it. Now can you?”
“No I suppose I can’t.”
Jenny looked up at Jack. She took his hand in hers and then smiled softly. He looked down at her.
“This is not the last time you see me Jack Power. Father has other business for me but before this is over, you will see me one more time.”
Jack watched as she faded away. He wiped a tear away nonchalantly. He looked at Lucifer and saw a tear role down his face as well. He wiped it away as well.
“Hey, I’ve got feelings too. Alas it is time for me to go. I have to go about my business. I did this cause well, He told me to. I’ve done it and I am done with you. My job is done. Goodbye Jack Power. We will meet again eventually.”
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Jack sat up in bed. He shook his head trying to clear the usual morning cobwebs. He stood up and looked in the mirror.
“It was so real. I could almost reach out and touch them.”
Jack got dressed and went to his cell door. It opened and he headed down the hall. Breakfast was always welcome. He got his meal and then found himself a seat. He began eating and found that he was enjoying it. He heard footsteps behind him and looked up into a guards face. The guard didn’t smile or show any emotion.
“You are a popular fellow this week. You have another visitor. You can, if you want, come back to get another tray of food.”
Jack put down his fork and then picked up his tray. He slid it into the nearest tray slot then followed the guard. He waited as the guard opened the door and then Jack walked in. Sitting at a table was a little girl of maybe twelve or thirteen. Against the far wall stood a woman that kept her eyes on the girl. It could only be her mother, Jack thought to himself. He sat down across from the little girl.
“Hello.” He said.
“Hello mister. You don’t know me but I know you. I read all about you in the newspaper. You robbed a bank and killed three people. Am I right?”
Jack nodded his head. He could feel a tear trying to creep out but he wouldn’t let it. He sat and looked at her with a stone cold look. She smiled at him.
“I told my Grandpa that I was coming here to forgive you for killing my Gramma. He said that you didn’t deserve it, but I told him that that is what Jesus would do. So that is why I am here. To forgive you.”
Jack couldn’t hold the tear back. It slid down his cheek and dripped off his chin. The little girl just looked at him.
“I loved my Gramma a lot mister. She was a good Gramma. I miss her a lot. I will never see her again. She always told me that no matter what, I was never to get mad. So I am not gonna get mad mister.
“Mister, my Gramma didn’t know Jesus. My Grandpa does but she didn’t. I wanted you to know that you took her life before she had the chance.”
The little girl took out a small bible from her bag. She slid it along the table to him. He picked it up and looked at it. The simple inscription read.
“To My Gramma. Love Willie.”
Jack let another tear fall and another. The wall around his heart crumbled a little bit more. Willie looked at him.
“Mister, I looked in my bible about forgiveness and you know, Jesus talked a lot about it. You might not deserve it but I am going to give it to you anyways.
“Mister, I forgive you for taking my Gramma away from me and the rest of my family. I don’t know why you did it but I forgive you anyways.”
Willie stood up and smiled at Jack then turned around and walked out the door. She took her mother’s hand and they walked out of the prison. Jack watched after her and then just sat still. Tears started to roll down his cheeks. He wiped them away but they wouldn’t stop. He tried to buck up but he couldn’t. Except for the guard, there was no one else in the room.
Standing up, jack wiped the tear away and then headed for the door. The guard didn’t look at him. He didn’t even notice him. At least that is what Jack thought. Jack walked through the door and back to his cell. The guard smiled softly.
“Lord Jesus, I know you are doing a mighty thing in Jack Power this day. Keep pounding at the wall around his heart till it crumbles. I knows you are doing this Lord for I can feel your might power. Lord I lift up your holy name and praise you. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are Master of all.
“Lord, keep at Jack Power. In this I ask not for myself but for Jack Power. He needs you Lord and I can feel it. He is close. In your precious name Jesus, I ask this. Amen”
While the guard prayed, Jack had made his way back to his cell. He looked around and saw the Bible that he had thrown into the corner. Picking it up, he dusted it off and then placed it on the table. He sat on the table and felt the bible the little girl had given to him in his hand. He put it with the other one and then sat in the chair staring at them. He could feel the tears begin to flow again. He stood up and tried to think of something, anything else. He could hear voices but couldn’t understand them. He laid his head down on the pillow and soon sleep came to him.
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“Hello Mr. Power. Seems we are becoming quite acquainted with each other?”
“Yes it does. I still don’t know your name, if you even have one.”
“Well I have been instructed to tell you my name. It use to be Samantha. Sam Roberts. I was one of the security guards at the bank. I was also new. It was my first day. I was twenty four. A new job in a new city with a new husband and a baby on the way. I didn’t want to die. I wasn’t ready, it wasn’t my time.”
Jack looked at her and could not hold back the tears any longer. They flowed freely as he crumpled in a heap. Sam looked at him and then moved aside. From the mist slipped a man. He walked up and placed his hand on Jack’s shoulder.
“My son, let it go. It is no shame to cry. I cried when the One I loved so much, died. I cried when the One I loved was buried. Crying is a natural release.”
Jack looked up and saw a man. His white beard hid a soft smile.
“Who are you?”
“Your guide. Come and see.”
Jack stood and then walked with him. He felt no fear as they walked into the mist and then out into a hospital room. A man stood at the side of the bed. Samantha lay on it. She looked at the man and smiled. She closed her eyes and was no more.
“She is in a better place now.” The man said.
The nurse pulled the sheet up and covered the body. The man cried. Soft sobs came rushing out of him. He walked away with his face in his hands.
“Do you see Jack Power. Everything that happens has consequences. A man gets behind the wheel of a car drunk and ends up killing a young girl who didn’t do anything to him.”
Jack nodded his head. “I robbed a bank and three lives were taken. In my taking their lives, I affected more lives.”
“Yes, but you didn’t think of that at the time did you? You didn’t think of the side effects of the shooting. All that mattered was that you had money to see your children. You couldn’t get a job like everyone else. Now you sit in a prison cell waiting to be executed. Those children you wanted to see so badly will forever be without their father.”
Jack looked at the floor and the tears flowed. He didn’t try to hide them this time. He could feel the wall crumble around his heart completely.
“What, crying from a murderer? Tears from a hardened criminal? No crying yet Jack Power. We have more to see.”
Jack watched as mist crawled around him slowly. It swirled and wove around him. He could feel fingers of mist climb up his body, clinging to him as if they were vine branches looking for a place to take root. His skin grew goosebumps as he felt the coldness of the mist. His eyes closed as the mist wrapped around his head. He lost all sense of time and space. Suddenly he could hear sound of people yelling. He could just make out what they were saying.
“LOOK, he is calling for Elijah! HAHAHAHA!” A man’s voice said.
“It is finished!” He heard a man scream.
Jack opened his eyes and looked right into the eyes of Jesus. Tears flowed again. He looked up and watched as Jesus died. Jesus looked right at him.
“For you Jack Power. I am dying for you.”
Jack fell to his knees. He wept openly. No one saw him save his guide and Jesus.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Jack looked at his guide.
“I gave My son for you Jack Power. Not only for you but for all mankind. Forgiveness is a powerful thing. It can heal a lot of hurts but for forgiveness to work properly, you must be willing to forgive yourself.”
Jack looked up at him. His twinkled almost as if scales had fallen off.
“You are God!”
“Yes my son I am. Just as Satan was your last guide, I am your final one.”
“Why you?”
“Because for the good work that was begun in you this day, you needed to see me. Not a child or a woman but me. Very few people have ever seen me or at least seen me as I am. They usually see me through other people or in nature.
“Jack to accept me as I am is not easy, but when you can not see me, it is harder to accept. People say ‘You have never seen God so how do you know that he is Real?’ People who believe in me and know that I exist, do so without seeing. That is called faith. Faith is what bonds all believers together. That is what makes them brothers and sisters.”
Jack stood up and walked back into the hospital room. He pulled down the sheet and looked at the dead woman. He let a tear fall and it landed on her cheek. Another and another followed as he studied her face.
“I am so very sorry that you had to die. All I wanted was enough money to go see my children. I didn’t take into account the effects it would have. I made a choice and I know that I can not go back and change it. I know that I will pay for the damage I have done to so many people. Not just those who were in the bank but the people who died and their families. I also know that asking you and the others that I killed for forgiveness is useless. All I can ask is for forgiveness from the families that I left without spouses’”
Jack walked away and stood beside God again. He looked around and felt a small hand slip into his. He looked down to see Jenny standing next to him. She pulled his arm and he went down on one knee. God smiled and looked at them. Jenny kissed his cheek and whispered.
“All you have to do is ask.”
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Jack sat up and looked into the mirror across from his bunk. He knew what he must do. He ran to the cell door and started pounding on it.
“Guard! Guard!”
The guard came walking up and looked at Jack.
“What is it Power?”
“I want to see the chaplain.”
The guard nodded his head and walked away. Jack watched him go and then went to the mirror. He looked at himself and smiled. He grabbed the razor and the shave foam as started to shave off his beard. By the time he was done, he could hear the chaplain coming. He looked at the cell door.
“You wanted to see me son?”
“Yes chaplain. I know it is probably going to sound pretty strange but I want to know Jesus.”
“Not at all. “the chaplain started. “Most men want to cleanse their souls before they walk down the hall of death. You do understand that this will not get you out of your final act? You will still be put to death.”
“I understand Sir. Can you lead me to Christ?”
The chaplain looked at the guard and nodded his head. As the guard unlocked the door, Jack stepped back and sat on the bunk. The chaplain grabbed a chair and sat across from him. He looked him straight in the eye.
“Tell me why you want Christ. Please don’t say just to save your soul. For if that is the case, I will get up and leave this instant.”
Jack nodded his head. He assured the chaplain that it was not just to save his soul. He leaned back and sat against the wall. He recounted the dreams he had and left nothing else. He recounted the visits from the people that he had seen. The chaplain listened closely. He didn’t raise an eyebrow nor did he show any emotion. He just let Jack talk. By the time he was finished, Jack was weeping openly. The chaplain heard a sniffle behind him and looked at the guard.
“Is there a problem?”
“None at all. I was just listening to Jack’s story and it touched me.”
The chaplain smiled and then turned back towards Jack.
“You don’t have much time left my son.”
“I know. The big event that everyone has been waiting for is happening soon. I want to be able to stand before God and know that I am forgiven. I will die soon and I want to know where I will be afterwards.” Jack replied.
“Do you wish for me to lead you through the sinner’s prayer?”
Jack nodded his head.
“Repeat after me then.
“Lord Jesus, you gave your life so that I might live. You let yourself be nailed to that tree when you could have called down the army of heaven to save you but you didn’t.
“Lord Jesus, I come before you on bended knee. I am not worthy to kneel at your feet but I do so now. I ask you oh Lord to forgive me of all my sins and come into my heart. Make me the creature that you want me to be.
“Lord Jesus, help me to forgive myself as you forgive me. Lead me in the path that you have for me. I ask this in your precious name Jesus. Amen”
Jack wept openly. He cried like he had never cried before. He didn’t care who heard or saw him. The chaplain wiped away a couple of tears and smiled. He heard the guard speak first.
“Welcome to the family of God Jack Power.”
“Yes Jack, welcome.”
The Chaplain looked at the guard. “I never see you at mass.”
“I know, I am not catholic and I go with my family. Hence the reason you never see me here on a Sunday.”
The chaplain nodded and then turned back to Jack. He was about to say something when another guard came up.
“Three hours Power.”
The chaplain looked at Jack. “I must go get somethings Jack. I will be back.”
Jack watched them leave and then laid his head on the pillow. He was quickly asleep.
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“Welcome back Jack Power.”
Jack looked around for Jenny. She walked out a few seconds later and took his hand. She smiled and lead him through a door. He looked around then at her.
“What is this room?”
“Just wait a few minutes.” She replied then walked out leaving him alone.
Jack looked around then found a seat and sat down. He didn’t see any paintings nor any sculptures or anything else of interest. He heard singing and praising though and it made him feel good. It made him want to join in. So much so that he didn’t notice the person who walked in.
“Hello Jack Power. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Jack stood up when he heard the voice. He looked right into the eyes of Jesus. It was the same man that he had seen on the cross.
“I heard your prayer earlier. There is always room for anyone that comes to me. I have enough love for everyone, even murderers.”
Jack dropped to one knee. He was in presence of his new found God. He wanted to pay respect and give all the honor and praise. Jesus took hold of his shoulder and pulled him up slowly.
“No, please get up. I am not like the other gods. I want you to be able to talk to me without all the silliness. I want you to be able to come to me even with the smallest of trifles. I want you to be able to talk to me like a friend or a brother not a stuffy God. Sit and talk to me brother to brother.”
Jack stood up and then sat on a chair. Jesus sat beside him. They laughed and talked. Happiness filled the room.
“ I have great plans for you Jack Power. You are to be something great. Ask anything of me and I will give it to you.”
Jack looked at the floor and thought. He knew what he wanted but was almost sure that it would be.
“I don’t want to die. I know what I did was wrong and I know I have to pay the price. I know I owe a debt to society and I want to pay it. I also want to be able to show you in my life. I can’t do that if I am dead. I can’t present you to the other prisoners if I am not there to do it. Lord, I want to live and do your will and serve you the rest of my days.”
Jesus smiled and then stood up. He shook Jack’s hand and then hugged him.
“Let me see what I can do.” He said grinning.
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Jack sat at the table in his cell. He had eaten his last dinner and was in prayer when the guards came to get him. He stood up and they put the shackles on him. He had a smile on his face and then started to walk down to the room. He knew there would be no last minute reprieves. He knew that his time would not be long on this earth. Old Betty would make sure of that.
The door opened and Jack stepped in. Betty stood alone in the room, waiting to give Jack her sweet hug of death. She was the only thing in the room aside from the switches and dials. The drapes were closed but he could see them flutter. People were gathering for the bloodletting. They wanted to see him fry and fry he would. He stood waiting for the chance to dance. One of the guards lead him to the chair and sat him down. They strapped him in and the guard leaned down and whispered in his ear.
“I have been praying for you Jack. I know that you are going to be with the Father.”
Jack thanked him and then watched as the curtain was opened. There were only five people there. They stared at him and then they all bowed their heads at one time. The guard watched his watch as the minutes ticked off. Just as he was about to pull the lever, the phone rang. The guard picked it up and spoke a few muddled words then he hung it up. He looked at Jack.
“Seems you are going to get to live. Your sentence has just been commuted to life with no chance of parole ever. I guess there is a God.”
Jack watched as they untied him. One of them took the skull cap off and then whispered in his ear.
“God has a plan for you.”
Jack smiled as he saw the three people that prayed for him. They were smiling. The little girl held up a sign. Jack read it. ‘God has a plan for you.’ One of the other guards took him by the arm and took him back to his cell.
Jack knelt down on one knee and prayed for the saving of his life. He praised God for it. When he stood up he saw the one guard at this door. He smiled at Jack and then walked away. Jack moved to his bead and drifted off to sleep.
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Jack looked around and saw Jesus sitting on a bench. He moved over towards him and smiled. Jesus looked up and grinned. He stood and struck Jack on the back. Jack looked him the eyes.
“Why am I still alive when but all accounts I should be dead?”
“Because you asked me. You asked me to let you live and I answered your request. I told you that you had mighty work to do Jack Power. You will live your life out in that prison and in that prison are hundreds of souls that need me and you can bring them to me. That is why I let you live. Yes the chaplain could very well bring some to me but a fellow prisoner would do a better job.
“Jack Power you are going to be a mighty witness for me. You will be able to do what most can not do. Now go and begin your ministry.”
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Jack Power sat in a chair. He was tired and needed sleep. He looked out on all the men that he had or had helped come to Jesus. He smiled and closed his eyes. It had been fifty years for Jack Power. He had spent all that time bringing souls to Christ. He opened his eyes to see Willie walk in. She smiled at him and took his hand.
“You need to sleep Jack. You have been doing to much. Go and lay down.”
Jack stood up and shuffled his way down the hallway. Men waved at him and called after him. He smiled knowing that in some way he had a role in bringing them to Christ. He reached his cell and shuffled in to lay down. He closed his eyes once his head hit the pillow. He breathed his last.
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“Well done good and faithful servant. You have done well Jack Power. Many men and some women have come to know me through you. You have done your job well. You are most welcome into my kingdom.”
Jack smiled and looked around. He felt at home as someone took his hand and walked with him into heaven. He didn’t shuffle but was strong and stood straight again. He smiled as he saw Samantha and she ran up to hug him. Jenny came up after her and hugged him as well. He hugged her back and walked as the gates closed.
FINI!
“Keep Looking Up…His Coming Is Nigh!”
John 3:16
His Defiant Child 