One World Disorder

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Twenty-one Years Ago: 

(Doorbell rings.)

“Hello, ma’am. My name is Brother Joel and this is Brother Tom.”

“What can I do for you?” asked the woman.

“We have stopped by to speak with you about world events and the hope the Bible holds forth for the future,” replied Brother Joel.

“What religion are you?” inquired the woman.

“We’re Wellingtons,” offered Brother Tom. “And we’re here to share the hopes and beliefs that our founder, Jim Wellington, discovered from his extensive study of the Bible and world events.”

“Oh, yes, you’re JW’s,” observed the woman. “You’re not Christians. You’re a cult.”

“Some have called us that,” agreed Brother Joel. “But the truth is we do believe in Jesus. In fact, many religious leaders of Jesus’ day thought he and his disciples were a cult.”

“But it is the true teachings of Jesus that we come to share with you today,” offered Brother Tom.

“Well, I really don’t have time today,” declared the woman. “Maybe some other time.”

“These are indeed busy times,” observed Brother Joel. “May we stop by at a later, more convenient time?”

“Well, I can’t promise anything,” replied the woman. “But you can come back.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” offered Brother Joel. “And may you have a blessed day.” 

Brother Tom and Brother Joel left the woman’s home and leisurely strolled down the sidewalk in the direction of the next house. The local congregation of Wellington’s had a group of “Older Men,” with Brother Tom being one of them, who were the spiritual leaders for the faithful. Brother Joel was one of their assistants and had aspirations of one day joining their ranks. As the two men approached the walkway to the house, they paused for a moment. 

“Brother Joel, are you comfortable being one of the Older Men’s assistants,” inquired Brother Tom as he bent down to wipe a smudge off his shoe.

“It’s always been a pleasure to serve in any capacity that the Lord allows,” replied Brother Joel. “Whatever He asks of me I gladly accept and do my best.”

“Yes, you do,” agreed Brother Tom. “It has been noted on more than one occasion how diligent you are in your duties.”

“I take my duties seriously,” observed Brother Joel. “Yet, at the same time, it’s a balancing act to look after my spiritual duties and still be a good husband to Meg and a good father to the children.”

“It always is,” agreed Brother Tom. “But always keep in mind, that your family comes first. It’s better to be a regular member of the congregation and have a strong spiritual family than to be a strong spiritual man with a weak spiritual family. Does that make sense?”

“Yes, it does,” declared Brother Joel. “That’s exactly what the Scriptures say and what our founder preached. Strong spiritual families make for a strong church.”

“Amen, brother,” said Brother Tom as he reached into his book bag and removed a paper. “Brother Joel, have you given much consideration to expanding your spirituality?”

“What exactly do you mean?” responded Brother Joel.

“Well, have you ever thought about one day being anointed as one of the Older Men in our congregation?” inquired Brother Tom.

“Honestly, Brother Tom, I have thought about it,” replied Brother Joel as he humbly looked down at the sidewalk. “I believe it would be a great privilege and honor to serve the Lord in that manner.”

“Well, then, is there anything in your past that would hinder you from conscientiously serving as one of the Older Men?” continued Brother Tom.

“No, I don’t think so,” answered Brother Joel as he scratched his chin. “I mean, I’m not perfect, but I’ve always been a faithful servant of the Lord.”

“Well, it’s with great pleasure and humility that I give you this letter from the Governing Counsel at our world headquarters,” smiled Brother Tom as he handed the letter to Brother Joel. “It’s inviting you to become one of the Older Men of our local congregation.”

“Oh, Brother Tom,” gasped Brother Joel as he read the letter. “I don’t know what to say, but ‘Yes, I accept.’ This is the most humbling experience I’ve ever had.”

“I’m so glad to have you join me and the rest of the brothers as one of the Older Men,” beamed Brother Tom as he looked at his watch. “It’s getting on toward noon. Why don’t we stop our home-to-home work for now and go get a cup of coffee? I’d like a few minutes to explain what will be expected of you and what your new duties are.”

“That would be great, because I have lots of questions,” replied Brother Joel.

“I’m sure you do,” smiled Brother Tom. “This is certainly a glorious day.”

“It certainly is, Brother Tom.”

Eighteen Years Ago: 

Sister Agnes was spiritually transfixed as she listened to the closing words of Brother Joel’s sermon. Of all the Older Men in the local congregation, Brother Joel was her favorite. His sermons were full of meaning and his delivery of the spoken word was masterful. Sister Agnes wrestled with the emotions that were loosened from her innermost being. The feelings embarrassed her and, at the same time, excited her. 

Her husband, though decent, hardworking, and honest, was not a spiritual man. He would occasionally accompany her to some of the church gatherings, but if left alone, he would never attend the Wellington’s congregation. She had tried her best to spark an interest in spiritual matters with her husband, but he took pleasure in worldly pursuits. Sister Agnes had gone as far as to berate him on one occasion for not wanting to attend church with her. In a moment of anger, she had told him that he was going to die at the end of the present order of things, and in the New Times, which the Lord has promised; she would marry a man who appreciated spiritual things. Immediately, she had wished she could take the words back, and when she saw the hurt look on his face, she apologized over and over for the cruel remarks. 

Sister Agnes had found herself praying to the Lord to make her husband more like Brother Joel. He was tall and lean, and had those baby blue bedroom eyes, that would make any woman swoon with a flush of onrushing hormones. Though she knew it was wrong, recently her prayers had changed to asking the Lord to make Brother Joel her husband. Of course, she never gave any thought to what that would do to her present husband, not to mention, what would have to happen with Brother Joel’s wife, Meg, and his lovely two daughters. All she would allow herself to comprehend was how wonderful it would be to live with Brother Joel. To even have a chance of being in his arms was a chance at paradise. As Brother Joel finished his sermon, Sister Agnes closed her eyes and concentrated on her scheme. She believed if she prayed hard enough, the Lord would bless her efforts and she would be successful. 

After a rousing prayer, Brother Joel made his way from the podium to mingle with the faithful lined in the aisles. Sister Agnes made sure she was at the head of the line to greet him. 

“Brother Joel, I do believe that was the most heartfelt sermon I have ever heard in my entire life,” gushed Sister Agnes.

“That’s awful kind of you, sister,” beamed Brother Joel.

“Your explanation of the sinful fall of the first pair, Adam and Eve, left me breathless,” continued Sister Agnes. “I must give you a hug. You’re such a dear.” 

Before Brother Joel could react, Sister Agnes had pulled him to her bosom and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. The suddenness of it all caught Brother Joel by surprise, and yet, he could not but help notice how firm and pleasant Sister Agnes’ breasts were as they pressed against his chest. 

“Why, Sister Agnes, this is all too much,” smiled Brother Joel as he timidly smoothed the front of his suit.

“Well, you deserve it, brother,” declared Sister Agnes. “Why, what you’ve done for this congregation is astonishing! I can’t help it. My heart just goes out to you.”

“Thank you, sister,” replied a sincere Brother Joel. “Of course, all praise goes to the Lord. Nothing is possible without Him.”

“Amen, brother,” agreed Sister Agnes. “I do have a question, if you could spare a moment?”

“Certainly, I’d be glad to,” offered Brother Joel. “What’s on your mind?”

“The other day, at the supermarket, I happened upon Delores Thames,” revealed Sister Agnes. “You know she’s been Shunned!”

“Yes, I’m aware of it.”

“Well, she was standing at her car and it had a flat tire,” offered Sister Agnes. “I could see she needed help but I didn’t know what to do.”

“So, what did you do?” inquired Brother Joel.

“Well, I just hate seeing someone like that with no help,” continued Sister Agnes. “So I asked her if she needed to use my cell phone.”

“I see,” pondered Brother Joel.

“Was I wrong in doing that?” asked a perplexed Sister Agnes. “I mean, I didn’t speak to her any more than I had to.”

“Well, sister, as you and I both know, the Scriptures are clear about ones who have been Shunned,” declared Brother Joel. “Due to their sinful course of conduct and their unwillingness to repent, the congregation has taken the necessary steps of Shunning such an individual. We’re not to socialize with ones who have been Shunned. Of course, this is a protection for us. By not mingling with them we avoid being enticed to join them in their sin. And hopefully, such avoidance will have a positive effect on the one Shunned, causing them to recognize the seriousness of their sin and moving them to repentance.”

“So, I was wrong in giving her my phone,” pondered Sister Agnes.

“No, not at all,” corrected Brother Joel. “Your heart moved you to do a humanitarian deed. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“I was so worried that I’d done something displeasing to the Lord,” declared a greatly relieved Sister Agnes.

“Your concern is a sign of a real spiritual person,” offered Brother Joel. “Please keep in mind that the Lord himself gives ones like Delores the means to live. Though He has instructed His congregation to Shun such ones, He still provides food, air, and all the necessities that person needs to continue existence. So, if the Lord is humane with such ones, should we not be also?”

“Brother Joel, I have never looked at it like that,” mused a thoughtful Sister Agnes. “You sure have a deep understanding of the Scriptures!”

“Why, thank you, sister,” replied Brother Joel. “Also, who knows? Your kind act toward Delores may motivate her to reconsider her actions. Why, Sister Agnes, the Lord may have used you to move her to repentance.”

“I’d have never thought of that,” pondered Sister Agnes. “You’re just wonderful. I’m just gonna have to give you another hug.” 

Sister Agnes turned to leave as Brother Joel’s wife, Meg, approached. The two women gave a civil but terse greeting to each other as Sister Agnes retired to the rear of the church. 

“May I have a moment of my husband’s time, now that the president of your fan club has left?” smirked an irritated Meg.

“Dear, you used to be the president of that club,” smiled Brother Joel as he tried to ease the tenseness of the situation.

“Oh, yes, I remember,” declared Meg. “That was before I married you!”

“Now, please be nice, Meg,” requested an increasingly irritated Brother Joel.

“I am nice,” offered Meg. “All I wanted to know was if you’re going to have time for your family this evening?”

“There is a meeting of the Older Men,” replied Brother Joel as Meg’s shoulders dropped with a sigh. “I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

“Why bother?” said Meg with a smirk. “Lately you’re never home until it’s time to go to bed.”

“I’m sorry, Meg,” offered Brother Joel as he put his arms around his wife. “It’s just so much going on in the congregation now. If we don’t spend the time now on those matters, it’s just going to be worse down the road.”

“It’s just, that I have the twins all day long,” complained Meg. “Even here at church, I’m the one who looks after them while you preach your sermon. Sometimes I would like to be able to do something I want to do.”

“I help when I can,” protested Brother Joel. “The demands of the congregation as one of the Older Men along with the job I have during the week takes a lot of my time. But I’ll be there for you, Meg. I promise.”

“Yeah, right!” said a sarcastic Meg.

“Now, Meg, this is neither the time nor place to continue this discussion,” offered Brother Joel. “We can talk about this when I get home.”

“I guess I have no choice, do I?” declared Meg.

“Do you want me to stop and bring something home for dinner?” asked Brother Joel as he bent to kiss his wife.

“Don’t bother,” replied Meg as she turned her face, so his kiss landed on her cheek. “I’ll see you when I see you.” 

Brother Tom smiled at Brother Joel and Meg as he approached the couple. Meg returned his smile and then left taking her two daughters with her. 

“Brother Joel is everything all right on the home front?” inquired Brother Tom.

“Yes, everything’s fine,” replied Brother Joel. “Meg’s not having a good day. You know, it’s her time of the month.”

“Oh yes, I’d forgotten how that can be,” mused Brother Tom. “I remember when Gail was alive she sure would have her cranky moments. Of course, I’d be glad to have her cranky all the time if it meant she was with me today.”

“You know, sometimes I forget how blessed I am,” pondered Brother Joel. “Even at Meg’s worst moments, at least I’ve still got her.”

“Never forget that, brother. Never forget that,” offered Brother Tom. “I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t for the knowledge that one day in the New Times, the Lord will resurrect my dear wife, and then we can live together forever in paradise.”

“That will be wonderful,” agreed Brother Joel. “And the signs of the times shows it’s not that far off.”

“Yes, indeed, brother,” smiled Brother Tom. “But back to the present. We’ve got to get ready for the Circuit Supervisor’s visit.”

“That’s right! He’s coming in two weeks,” agreed Brother Joel. “Is that what our meeting is about?”

“Yes,” replied Brother Tom. “You know he left some instructions from his last visit that we haven’t quite accomplished.”

“Then we’d better join the rest of the Older Men and get to working on it,” declared Brother Joel.

Seventeen Years Ago: 

Sister Agnes wrung her hands as she anxiously waited for Brother Tom to arrive at her home. She was almost in tears when the doorbell finally rang. With a tinge of dread she ushered Brother Tom and Brother Kyle into her living room. The men, sensing something seriously wrong, gingerly took their seats. 

“I hope you don’t mind me bringing Brother Kyle with me,” offered Brother Tom. “I thought it was the prudent thing to do.”

“No, that’s f-fine,” stammered a distraught Sister Agnes. “I j-just didn’t know what to do.”

“Please, sister, take a few moments and take some deep breaths,” counseled Brother Tom. “When you’re ready, just tell us what has happened.”

Sister Agnes closed her eyes and slowly exhaled, “I just feel so ashamed. My husband, Willard, has packed his bags and moved out.”

“Oh, Sister Agnes, I’m so sorry,” consoled Brother Kyle. “Could he no longer accept your faith?”

“I wish it was that simple,” sobbed Sister Agnes. “He thinks I’ve had an affair with another man!”

“Oh, no,” declared Brother Tom. “Why would he think that?”

“He found some letters that I had written,” confessed Sister Agnes. “I thought I had burned them all, but I guess not.”

“What letters?” questioned Brother Tom.

Once again Sister Agnes took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, “Willard was so upset when he found them.”

“Please, Sister Agnes,” Brother Tom said in his kindest voice, “Tell us about the letters.”

“Well, it’s so hard for me to talk about,” offered Sister Agnes. “I don’t want to get anyone else in trouble.”

“If someone has done wrong then they are already in trouble with the Lord,” counseled Brother Kyle. “So you telling us the truth will not cause anyone any more trouble.”

“Well, let me see where to start,” Sister Agnes said as she started wringing her hands again. “About a year ago, Willard wasn’t showing me much attention, so I, well I, developed a crush on a man at the church. Oh, I feel like some silly schoolgirl!”

“No, it’s not silly, sister,” comforted Brother Tom. “Please continue.”

“Well, I flirted, and then he flirted, and you know how it goes,” confessed Sister Agnes. “It all started so innocent, and then before long we would meet for lunch. We’d talk and laugh and I was just taken with this man.”

“Is that when you wrote the letters?” asked Brother Kyle.

“Yes, it is,” replied Sister Agnes. “I never mailed them. I didn’t have to.”

“What do you mean?” inquired Brother Tom.

“Well, we hit it off so well, that before long we were seeing each other in a more intimate way,” answered Sister Agnes as she started to softly weep.

“O my, sister,” offered Brother Tom as he slowly shook his head. “Did you and our brother commit adultery?”

“Yes, we did,” sobbed Sister Agnes. “For a couple of months, every week we would meet at the motel at the end of town. I’m so ashamed!”

“O dear, dear, sister,” consoled Brother Tom as he took her hands into his. “Our Lord is merciful. He loves to forgive.”

“I’ve prayed to Him and I’ve prayed to Him,” offered Sister Agnes. “But it feels as though He’s cut me off. It’s like a wall has been built between Him and me.”

“That is quite possible, sister,” explained Brother Kyle. “He wants you to confess your sins before his congregation. Now that you’re doing that, the Lord will open his forgiveness to you. You will surely feel much better.”

“I don’t want to be Shunned,” cried Sister Agnes. “I love the Lord. I’d do anything if he will just forgive me!”

“Sister, He doesn’t want you Shunned either,” offered Brother Tom. “Continue your vigilant prayer and speak the truth when we have the Justice Meeting.”

“Oh, may He give me strength!” prayed Sister Agnes.

“Now, dear sister, we need to know who the brother is that you committed this sin,” declared Brother Kyle.

“I’ve dreaded this moment for so long,” cried Sister Agnes as she dropped her head and stared at the floor.

“Please, sister.”

“It was Joel. It was Brother Joel!” 

The two men walked in stunned silence as they left Sister Agnes’ home. As they rode Brother Tom’s car down the road, Brother Kyle finally spoke, “I don’t know what to say, Tom.”

“I’m as shocked as you,” sighed Brother Tom. “It’s hard to believe.”

“This could rock our congregation, with Joel being one of the Older Men,” observed Brother Kyle. “And his family. What was he thinking?”

“Well, let’s not jump to conclusions,” counseled Brother Tom. “We haven’t heard Joel’s side of the matter. You just never know.”

After a few more minutes of silence, Brother Kyle spoke again, “What should we do?”

“Well, we have to handle this just like we’ve handled every other adultery case,” observed Brother Tom. “We’ll select some Older Men and they can form a Justice Meeting and hear from all parties involved.”

“I’m going to pray extra hard tonight for the Lord’s guidance,” declared Brother Kyle.

“That seems a like a good idea,” mused Brother Tom. “That seems like a very good idea.”

############### 

Brother Joel nervously sat in the outer waiting room that was adjacent to the main auditorium of the church. His wife, Meg, was at his side. The Older Men of the Justice Meeting were behind closed doors discussing matters with Sister Agnes. After what seemed like forever, Brother Tom came from the room and shut the door behind him. 

“What’s going on, Tom?”

“Joel, it distresses me to be the one to tell you this,” replied Brother Tom after a long pause. “There’s been a serious accusation made against you.”

“What?!?”

“I’m afraid so,” replied a solemn Brother Tom. “We have a Justice Meeting trying to determine the facts. We need to speak to you now.”

“What’s going on, Joel?” asked a very concerned Meg. “What have you done?”

“I haven’t done anything that I know of,” replied a bewildered Joel. “This has got to be some kind of mistake!”

“Sister Meg, at this time, we would very much like to just talk with Joel,” explained Brother Tom. “If you will bear with us, we’ll speak with you a little later.”

“Well, I guess, I suppose so,” replied a perplexed Meg. 

Brother Tom led Brother Joel into the Justice Meeting. Brother Joel stopped momentarily when he saw Sister Agnes sitting in the front row of the pews. She avoided eye contact and concentrated on wiping the tears streaming down her cheek. Slowly, Brother Joel took a seat opposite Sister Agnes and facing the three Older Men of the Justice Meeting. 

“Brother Joel, you know Brother Kyle and Brother Winston,” offered Brother Tom. “We have been appointed by the Older Men to conduct the business of this Justice Meeting.”

“I didn’t know anything about this,” objected Brother Joel.

“As you well know, brother, when one of the Older Men is accused of wrongdoing, it is up to the rest of the Older Men to select ones for a Justice Meeting without the accused being present,” explained Brother Kyle. “We’re here only to obtain the truth and seek the Lord’s guidance.”

“Brother Joel, to get to the heart of the matter,” offered Brother Winston. “Our dear sister here says that you and she have been involved in an adulterous affair.”

“What?!?” muttered Brother Joel as Sister Agnes broke into sobbing again.

“It’s true, Joel, you know it!” cried Sister Agnes.

“IT IS NOT!!” yelled Brother Joel.

“Now, please, let’s keep this civil,” pleaded Brother Tom. “Joel, you’ve been selected for many Justice Meetings over the years. You know how important it is for all of us to stay as calm as possible.”

“Yeah, but she’s not telling the truth!” protested Brother Joel.

“Oh, that’s good,” cried Sister Agnes. “You take me to your bed and now you call me a liar!”

“Well, now that you have met your accuser, it might be best if we meet with you in private,” observed Brother Kyle. “Sister Agnes, do you have any objection to that?”

“Uh, no, I guess not,” agreed Sister Agnes. 

Brother Tom directed Sister Agnes to another waiting room. When he returned, all three men paused for a moment and sat staring at Brother Joel. 

“I don’t know what else to say, brothers,” remarked Brother Joel. “There’s been nothing like that going on between me and her. The Lord knows the truth.”

“Joel, she says you and her met at the motel at the end of town every week for a couple of months,” explained Brother Tom. “She’s very specific with the details.”

“I don’t care,” replied Brother Joel. “She must be imagining all this! It never happened.”

“We have eyewitnesses that have come forward and say they saw you and her having lunch together at about that time,” offered Brother Winston.

“Yeah, that’s true,” admitted Brother Joel. “She was having marital troubles with her husband, Willard, and she sought me to counsel her on what to do.”

“You met with her by yourself?” inquired Brother Tom. “You know we Older Men have been repeatedly warned against meeting with the sisters on a one-on-one basis.”

“Especially when they’re having trouble with their husbands,” offered Brother Kyle. “Doing so is fraught with all sorts of dangers.”

Brother Joel shook his head and sighed deeply, “You brothers are so right. I thought I was helping. I never imagined this.”

“Well, we also have talked with other eyewitnesses,” explained Brother Tom. “They were riding by the motel and saw you getting out of your car. They also recognized Sister Agnes’ car parked nearby.”

“Oh yeah, I’d forgot about that,” replied a surprised Brother Tom. “We did meet there once. But hey, it’s not like you’re implying. We met in the restaurant.”

“At the motel?” inquired Brother Winston.

“Yeah, Sister Agnes had left her husband and was staying at the motel,” explained Brother Joel. “We had lunch in the restaurant and I shared Scriptures with her trying to encourage her to seek reconciliation with Willard. In fact, shortly after that, she went back to him.”

“Well, we do have one more eyewitness,” declared Brother Kyle. “She wanted to tell what she knows to your face.” 

Brother Winston led Sister Amy in, and she took her seat opposite Brother Joel. 

“Thank you very much, Sister Amy, for meeting with us,” offered Brother Tom. “Please tell us what you know about this matter.”

“Well, all I know,” said Sister Amy in a hesitant manner. “One day I had a delivery of flowers to the motel at the end of town.”

“And what did you see?” asked Brother Kyle.

“As I was leaving, I glanced up, and saw Brother Joel coming out of a room in his night robe,” explained Sister Amy. “Sister Agnes walked up to him from her car and they kissed.”

“That’s a lie!” yelled Brother Joel. “She’s lying, brothers!!”

“Please, Brother Joel, please control your emotions,” pleaded Brother Kyle.

“All I know is what I saw,” declared Sister Amy.

“Look, you know she and Sister Agnes are close,” pleaded Brother Joel. “She’d say anything to help her friend.”

“Thank you for your testimony, Sister Amy,” offered Brother Tom. “If you will excuse us, we need to talk privately with Brother Joel.” 

Sister Amy left the men to their thoughts. Finally, Brother Tom spoke, “As you can see, Joel, this is a very serious charge that’s been brought against you.”

“Brothers, there’s not a shred of evidence that what those two are saying is true,” offered Brother Joel.

“It is true that there is no direct evidence, other than the words of Sister Agnes,” agreed Brother Winston. “But there is a substantial amount of circumstantial evidence surrounding this matter.”

“So, Joel, here in front of the Lord’s representatives, do you have anything to say about this charge of adultery that has been brought against you?” asked a determined Brother Tom.

“I don’t know what to say,” replied Brother Joel in a barely audible voice. “I’ve already said it’s not true. All I can do is keep on saying it and hope you’ll believe me.”

“We’re going to meet together in private now, Joel,” explained Brother Kyle. “We’ll be reviewing all that has been presented here today, and we’ll definitely be praying to the Lord for understanding and guidance.”

“What you need to do,” offered Brother Tom. “Is go explain this to your wife. Of course, if you don’t want to, we’ll inform her of what has happened.”

“No, thank you,” replied Brother Joel. “I best tell her.”

“Please don’t leave,” requested Brother Winston. “We should have our decision in a short time.” 

A dejected Brother Joel left the Justice Meeting and found his wife in the outer lobby. She could tell at once that the meeting had not gone well. Brother Joel told Meg what Sister Agnes and the eyewitnesses had said. Though he pleaded his innocence, Meg broke into tears and slapped his face. Yelling at him, she ran to their car and drove away. Brother Joel ran after her, but to no avail. As he turned back toward the church Brother Tom approached him. He was invited to return to the Justice Meeting. 

Taking his seat in front of the Older Men, Brother Joel tried to detect a hint as to the decision that had been made.

Brother Kyle spoke for the others, “Joel, we have looked at this from all angles and have prayed for direction. We feel Sister Agnes has shown heartfelt repentance and therefore, the Lord has instructed us to show mercy and forgive her of her trespasses. She will be publicly Reprimanded before the congregation.”

“And what about me?” inquired an anxious Brother Joel.

“As you well know, the Scriptures counsel us at Deuteronomy chapter nineteen, verse fifteen, that, ‘One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth; at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.’ At least two credible witnesses have come forward today and helped establish the facts of this matter. We believe the evidence is quite clear,” continued Brother Kyle. “We have decided that you are guilty of adultery.”

“It’s not true,” breathed Brother Joel.

“We also believe that you have not shown the repentance that would beset forgiveness,” declared Brother Kyle. “Therefore, it is our decision that you be Shunned from the congregation.”

“You’re making a terrible, terrible mistake,” cried Brother Joel.

“If you sincerely feel there has been an error of judgment, then you have every right to appeal our decision,” offered Brother Kyle. “The Circuit Supervisor will appoint another set of Older Men to hear your appeal. But let me warn you, if we do not receive a written appeal within seven days, then we will announce the Shunning of you to the congregation.”

Brother Joel crossed his arms and shook his head, “This is not right. This is not right at all!”

“The Lord has directed that His people have one set of rules for every member,” continued Brother Kyle. “Throughout the world there is only one order. This assures peace and contentment for the faithful. All are treated the same. The Lord will not allow us to make an exception for you. He insists that we maintain His one world order.”

“I don’t know how or why this has happened,” offered Joel. “But mark my words: One day I will be vindicated. Let the Lord be my witness!”

############### 

Joel paid the taxi driver the fare and turned to walk into his house. It was dark except for a small light in the living room. He switched on the overhead light and saw that Meg was sitting on the couch wiping her eyes with one of his handkerchiefs. Joel slipped into the recliner and looked off into the distance. 

“The girl’s in bed?”

“Yes.”

“Meg, they’ve decided to Shun me.”

“I know. Tom called.”

“I don’t know what else I can say. It’s not true.”

“I want you to leave.”

“What?!?”

“I want you out of here.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“I want a divorce!”

“Oh, my God, Meg!”

“I want you out of my life. And the girl’s.”

“You’ve got to be kidding!”

“To think, you and that woman together.”

“Don’t do this, Meg.”

“You’ve finally killed any love that I might have had for you.”

“Oh come on, things will look different in the morning.”

“I don’t want you here in the morning.”

“Well, you’re my wife. You don’t have any choice.”

“Oh, I have plenty of choices. And none of them include you.”

“What? You expect me just to pack my bags tonight and leave?”

“I could never sleep with you again.”

“Well, that would really be different, wouldn’t it?”

“You’ve probably got some disease now, and you’d just give it to me.”

“Oh, God! You’ll never change, will you?”

“If I look at you, you’ll just make me sick to my stomach.”

“That’s it! I’m going to bed.”

“I want you to leave.”

“I’m not leaving, Meg.”

“Then I’m leaving.”

“What?!?”

“I’m moving back in with my mother.”

“Meg, this is not the answer.”

“The twins are already over there.”

“What? I thought you said they were in bed.”

“They are. At mother’s house.”

“You can’t do this!”

“Goodbye, Joel.”

“Meg. Please?!?”

############### 

Joel submitted his written appeal to Tom and within a week an Appeal Justice Meeting had been arranged. The Circuit Supervisor, who spent his time traveling from one congregation to another within an assigned circuit, and two Older Men from a nearby congregation were the ones deemed to review the case. Joel arrived early for the meeting and before long he was ushered in before the Older Men. Brother Walt, Samuel, and Willis greeted him and invited him to sit. 

“Thank you for meeting with us,” offered the Circuit Supervisor, Brother Walt. “We have reviewed the notes from the original Justice Meeting and so, now, we invite you to share your thoughts with us.”

“I thank you for allowing me to meet with you,” declared Joel. “I just want to say that I’m innocent of the charge of adultery. I believe the Older Men who conducted the original Justice Meeting committed an error in judgment.”

“Do you have any evidence to substantiate your claim?” asked Brother Samuel.

“All I can say is like I told the other brothers,” sighed Joel. “The charges are false.”

“Is there anything new that you’ve learned that we should know?” inquired Brother Willis.

“No, there’s nothing new,” revealed Joel. “I just know that it’s not right what’s been done to me.”

“Well, you see, Joel, we’re not here to retry the whole case,” explained Brother Walt. “We have faith that the Lord has directed the Older Men in the original Justice Meeting to accomplish His will. Our concern is that you have received a fair hearing and whether there is any new or overlooked evidence that would overturn the original decision.”

“I don’t have anything new,” confessed Joel. “All I can say, for the hundredth time, is I’m not guilty of any wrongdoing.”

“We recognize your feelings on this matter,” sighed Brother Walt as he adjusted his glasses. “But unless there’s anything else, the decision of the Older Men of the original Justice Meeting stands and is not reversed.” 

Joel walked out of the church and took a long deep breath. He turned and looked at the brick building and wondered if he would ever step inside its walls again.

############### 

Joel was in deep thought as he sat at his desk at work. He had appealed the Shunning decision made by the Justice Meeting, but the appellate had found no error in judgment on the part of the Older Men. Last night, at the regular service of the congregation, an announcement had been made informing the faithful that Joel had been Shunned. Joel had thought about attending the service, but at the final moment, could not muster the courage to do so. 

He had not seen his daughters in over two weeks. Every time he went to Meg’s mother’s house, he was denied entrance. Tomorrow, he had set up a meeting with a lawyer. The twins were his daughters, too, and he was going to seek every legal means possible to have them live with him. 

Slowly Joel realized that his supervisor was staring at him. He started working again, trying to take his mind off all that had happened. Finally, the supervisor approached Joel and told him that he was wanted in the Plant Manager’s office. Joel immediately left his post and found Phil, the Plant Manager, at his desk. 

“You wanted to see me?”

“Yes, have a seat, Joel,” replied Phil. “You know, I find this kind of awkward. Don’t you?”

“I’m the same person I’ve always been,” declared Joel.

“Well, on a spiritual level things are different,” offered Phil. “But here at work, business is business.”

“I see,” mused Joel.

“You know at church you were one of the Older Men that I always looked up to,” observed Phil. “I mean I’ve always been your boss here, but there, you were the leader.”

“Well, not anymore,” offered Joel.

“Yeah, things change,” observed Phil. “And, of course, things change here, too.”

“What do you mean?” asked a concerned Joel.

“I’m afraid your job has been downsized,” explained Phil. “I didn’t want to do it, but I have no choice.”

“You’re letting me go?!?” cried an exasperated Joel. “Just because I’ve been Shunned?”

“No, no, no,” replied Phil. “That’s illegal! You can’t lay somebody off because of religion.”

“Well, the timing sure stinks,” declared Joel.

“Look, let me be honest with you,” explained Phil. “The board has been on my case for months to do away with your job. I’ve resisted all this time, but now I can’t fight it anymore.”

“Why not?”

“Well, I’m willing to put my neck on the line for a brother, but now things are different,” replied Phil. “You’re not my brother anymore.”

Joel dropped his head in disbelief, “I guess it doesn’t matter that I’m innocent, does it?”

“Look, all I know is that you’re not a brother anymore,” declared Phil. “I’ve done all that I can do.” 

The security guards led Joel to his desk to pack his personal items. All eyes were on him as he was taken to the front door and dismissed from the building. Joel stood at the front steps for a while and then looked up to the sky. All he could do was mouthed, “Why?”

Sixteen Years Ago: 

The old man with the scraggly beard and humped shoulders threw another piece of wood onto the fire. Flames licked at the new fuel source and roared with fresh vigor into the still night air. For a while, the old man pretended to ignore the silent figure standing off in the shadows. 

“There’s going to be retribution,” declared the old man as he warmed his hands over the sparkling fire. “Yes sir-ree, the day of reckoning is coming. Coming as sure as the morning light!”

The old man glanced out of the side of his eyes to see if the man in the shadows was listening. “You gonna stand there and freeze to death?” he asked as he spit into the flames.

Joel walked faster than he meant to and started warming himself, “I didn’t want to intrude.”

“Intrude? Intrude,” pondered the old man. “Interesting word. Intrude. You look like you need to intrude.” 

Joel self-consciously stroked his long flowing beard. He had not bothered to shave or cut his shoulder length hair. Life had not been worth too much in the past year. After being Shunned by the local congregation of Wellington’s, he had lost his employment, and now his wife had finalized their divorce just the week before. Without a home and a job to support it, Joel knew it was a lost cause to attend the divorce and custody hearings. He was past missing his ex-wife, Meg, but he felt emptiness in his longing for his twin daughters. Of course, he was certain that the judge had denied him any rights at all, and he wondered when and if he would ever see them again. 

“You have a troubled soul, young man,” observed the old man. “You should be home. Loving a wife. Making and playing with children.”

“It’s not that easy anymore,” confessed Joel as he opened his jacket to let the warm air circulate and heat his clothes. “When no one wants you, and nobody trusts you, well, you, uh, just exist.”

“You need retribution,” declared the old man. “Retribution!”

Joel smiled and closed his eyes. The thought of things being corrected and he returning to his former status almost overwhelmed his emotions. “I don’t believe there’s any retribution in my life.”

“Always retribution. Always,” offered the old man. “The Lord has spoken: ‘Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.’ The Lord has spoken!”

“I used to have faith like that. Once,” mused a yawning Joel. “Seems a lifetime ago.”

“You go. Go tomorrow,” smiled the old man. “Find retribution.”

“Maybe tomorrow,” muttered Joel as he lay beside the fire with his head cradled in his arms.

“Retribution,” repeated the old man. “The Lord has spoken: ‘For it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompence.’ The Lord has spoken.”

Joel mumbled “Amen” as he drifted off to sleep. The old man stirred the fire and made the flames come to life again. “Retribution. The Lord has spoken: ‘The sword of the Lord is filled with blood.’ The Lord has spoken.” 

With a start, Joel awoke with the sun shining brightly in his eyes. He sat up and looked around at his surroundings. The fire had died hours earlier and the cold embers were spread all over the ground. Joel looked around for the old man, but he was nowhere in sight. He rose to his feet, stretched, and brushed the flecks of ash off his jacket. His stomach growled with hunger and he felt the pain of not eating much for the last few days. The homeless mission would only allow a person to stay three nights a week. Joel had endured the last four days with very little to eat. Now he made his way to the mission knowing he could find a good hot meal. 

Bristling with business, the homeless mission was abuzz with activity. Joel went through the serving line and then joined the others at the table. Sitting across from him was a weary looking woman with long stringy white hair and two front teeth missing. Joel could not help but at once feel pity for the woman. 

“I tell you, I’m glad I’m through with them people,” she declared to no one in particular. “They are of the Devil. Devil’s work is all they do!”

Joel concentrated on his food tray and tried to ignore the woman’s ranting.

“Now I’ve found the Lord!” continued the woman. “He’s opened my eyes and has led me to eternal salvation!”

Joel gave her a halfhearted smile and tried to look disinterested.

“Them Wellington’s ruined my life!” revealed the woman. “But the Lord has saved me.”

“You were a Wellington?” asked a now interested Joel.

“Yes. I was big,” declared the woman. “I was one of the Special Workers. I worked all the time to bring more souls into the church.”

“What happened?” inquired Joel.

“They didn’t need me no more,” asserted the woman. “Used me and threw me away!”

“Excuse me, but I find it hard to believe that they just ‘threw’ you away,” protested Joel. “What was their reasoning?”

“Oh, I had needs. You know a woman can have certain needs,” revealed the woman. “They frowned on me taking care of my needs.”

“I’m sure they did,” smiled Joel.

“Well, that’s OK. The Lord loves me,” laughed the woman. “He loves my needs. He has saved me, and He satisfies me. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord.”

“So, I take it you don’t ever plan to go back to the Wellingtons,” observed Joel.

“Never! They’re mean. They’re evil,” declared the woman in an increasing louder voice. “You never see them smile. They’re not happy. They’re always sneaking around behind your back looking for something to get you in trouble for. They’re just trouble makers.”

“Well, I don’t think they’re that bad,” objected Joel.

“How would you know?” smirked the woman.

“I used to be a Wellington, too,” revealed Joel. “Even though I’m not one now, I do know there are a lot them who are decent, honest, and hardworking people.”

“Humph, you must’ve not been with them long,” snarled the woman.

“I was raised from birth in the local church here,” offered Joel.

“You not one now,” observed the woman.

“No, I’m not,” replied Joel as he stood to return his empty food tray.

“Leaving so soon?” smirked the woman.

“Yes, I am,” smiled Joel. “For some strange reason, you’ve made me want to go and visit my ex and my daughters.” 

As Joel was leaving the homeless mission he could still hear, in the background, the woman ranting about the Wellingtons and how now the Lord had saved her. He stopped and turned back toward her direction. Smiling and shaking his head, he turned and left the mission. 

It was later in the afternoon when Joel came to Meg’s house. This was the home that he helped build. He and Meg had started their life together in this house. The twin girls had lived here all their young lives. Joel could still almost hear their laughter as he chased them down the hall. He smiled at the thought of how they struggled when he caught them and started poking their ticklish sides. Joel loved the way they would work themselves free and jump on his neck and back and try to wrestle him to the floor. Now despite the familiarity, there was uncertainty as he approached the front steps. With a timid motion he rang the doorbell. 

He was about to turn and leave when the door opened. Joel turned back and was startled to find the familiar face of Tom looking at him. 

“Tom?!?”

“Uh, is that you, Joel?” asked a similarly surprised Tom. “I hardly recognized you.”

“Yeah, I haven’t had my hair styled lately,” smiled Joel. “What are you doing in my house, old buddy?”

“It’s not your house, anymore,” came Meg’s voice from behind Tom. “Joel, what are you doing here?”

“I was just in the neighborhood and I thought I would stop and see the girls,” replied Joel. “It’s been awhile.”

“It’s been a long time, Joel,” declared Meg. “You could’ve seen them at the courthouse. You could’ve got visitation rights. But of course, that would’ve meant that you would have had to show up for the hearing. I guess that was too much to ask of you.”

“Look at me Meg,” offered Joel. “I have no home. No job. What good would it have done?”

“Well, at least you could have spent some time with them,” observed Meg.

“I want to see them now,” requested Joel. “After all I am their father. Or have you taken that away from me, too, Meg?”

“They’re not here,” replied Meg. “They’re at mother’s house.”

“That’s convenient,” smirked Joel. “That gives you and good old Tom here some quality time alone.”

“Now, Joel,” protested Tom.

“Look, Joel, you have no business being here. So just leave,” declared Meg. “We’re not even suppose to be talking to you anyway. Or did you forget you’ve been Shunned?”

“I haven’t forgotten anything,” snarled Joel.

“Well, then, why don’t you just gather yourself up and leave?” asked Meg as she turned and walked back into the house. 

The two men stood in silence as they tried to find the right words to say to each other. Finally, Joel scratched his nose and asked, “Are you two having sex?”

“Oh, come on Joel,” protested Tom. “We’re not even married. We’ve just been dating since your divorce.”

“Well, Tom old buddy, I know something you ought to know,” smiled Joel. “When you do get married and start having sex, you’re going to be sorely disappointed.”

“Come on, Joel, there’s no need for that,” pleaded Tom. “Why don’t you sit here for a while and rest yourself?”

“Thank you, Tom,” replied Joel. “That’s kind of you to offer. But I really don’t like the smell around here anymore. There used to be a sweet odor coming from this house. Now, it’s kinda like an acid smell. I think I best take my leave.” 

Joel stopped at the end of the sidewalk and turned to wave goodbye to Tom who was still standing on the porch. He turned and walked away as Meg came from behind Tom and slipped her arm into his.

Twelve Years Ago: 

Joel checked his appearance in the mirror and adjusted his tie. His small and bland apartment was tidy and clean and smelled of fresh flowers. The job at the local dry cleaners was long and hard and did not pay the best, but it gave him enough money to provide the necessities of life. After being on the streets for almost two years, Joel had pestered the owner so much that he finally gave way to Joel’s begging and had given him a chance to prove himself with the job. He had been diligent at his work and now he was a trusted employee who had been given increasing responsibilities with very little supervision. Joel was determined that he was going to be the supervisor one day. Then he would be able to afford more than just the basics of life. 

Over the last four years, he had been able to spend a little time with his daughters. They were young women now and he was very proud of them. Meg had married Tom, and Joel was sure that it was Tom’s influence that had moved Meg to allow him to visit the twin girls and even take them to a movie or two. Despite all else, he had a feeling of gratitude toward Tom. 

Joel had kept to himself over the years and never socialized with anyone at the cleaners. Of course, working in the rear of the building kept him from meeting the customers that came into the store. The owner’s wife on one occasion had wanted to set up a blind date for him, but he had politely declined. Though he appreciated the thought, he felt he was not ready to start down the road of romance at this time. Besides, he had the sneaky suspicion that she was just testing him to make sure that he was not gay. 

He brushed his teeth and then checked his tie again to make sure it was straight. The twins were graduating from middle school and he wanted to make a good impression as he escorted them down the aisle to their seats. Joel’s thoughts were interrupted as there was a knock on his door. 

He looked through the peep hole in the door and saw Tom’s smiling face. With a deep sigh he opened the door and invited Tom and Brother Kyle into his apartment. 

“We sure do appreciate your willingness to let us visit with you for a few minutes,” offered Tom.

“So, why are you here?” inquired Joel. “Could it be to tell me that you were wrong, you’re sorry, and you want me back in the church again?”

“Well, not exactly, that,” replied Brother Kyle.

“Well, then, exactly what?” smirked Joel.

“We wanted to let you know that Sister Amy died two weeks ago,” explained Tom. “She had developed renal disease and had slowly faded away.”

“Well, that’s sad, but what’s that got to do with me?” pondered Joel.

“Before she died, she said she wanted to clear her conscience and set matters straight,” continued Tom.

“I’m listening,” replied Joel.

“She confessed to us that she did, indeed, see Sister Agnes enter the motel room,” explained Tom. “But she did not see you meet her in your bathrobe like she testified at the Justice Meeting.”

Joel stared at Tom and Brother Kyle and then dropped his head. “Why did she lie?”

“She said she was caught up in the moment, and she wanted to help her friend, Sister Agnes,” replied Brother Kyle.

“Isn’t that what I told you at the Justice Meeting?” asked a cold Joel.

“I do remember you saying something like that,” revealed Brother Kyle.

“That’s exactly what I said,” snorted Joel. “But you brothers were not interested in hearing the truth.”

“Look, Joel, we made the best decision we could with what we knew,” protested Tom. “We prayed for the Lord’s direction and acted in accordance with His will.”

“What does Agnes have to say about all this?” inquired Joel as he wrestled to control his emotions.

“She’s sticking to her story,” revealed Brother Kyle. “We met with her last week and she still insists that you and she had an affair.”

“We pretty much raked her over the coals, but she held fast to her story,” offered Tom. “So, now with Sister Amy’s confession, it boils down to your word against Sister Agnes.”

“So, where does that leave me now?” smirked Joel. “You gonna wave your big spiritual wand and give me back the life I had. I get my home back? I get my wife back? I get my job back?”

“Joel, you know if I could go back in time and change things, I would,” declared Tom. “But what’s been done has been done. There’s no turning back.”

“You see, we have no proof that you are innocent,” explained Brother Kyle. “All we have is your word against Sister Agnes’ word. So there is no proof of your guilt either.”

“That is an amazing concept,” marveled Joel. “I may not be innocent, but I’m not guilty. In which book of the Bible did you find that gem?”

“The Scriptures clearly states,” explained Brother Kyle, “‘at the mouth of two witnesses’ . . .”

“Oh, spare me the lecture,” interrupted Joel. “You brothers made a mistake and that’s all there is to it. Just admit it!”

“Joel, I can appreciate your anger and your feelings about this,” consoled Tom. “But it would be better if we concentrate on going forward and making the best of what we can.”

“So, you want me to take this lemon of a life and make lemonade out of it,” observed Joel. “What does Meg think about the big mistake? Is she going to welcome her old hubby back home?”

“She’s devastated, Joel,” surmised Tom. “She feels terrible. But there’s nothing we can do to change things. She and I acted in good faith on what was known at that time. The Lord understands our hearts and has forgiven us.”

“Well, Tom old buddy, He forgot to ask me about it,” laughed an irritated Joel.

“Look, Joel, no matter what you feel or what you say, Meg and Tom are husband and wife,” explained Brother Kyle. “The state recognizes Meg’s divorce from you and it recognizes her marriage to Tom. It’s been that way for over four years and it will continue to be that way in the future. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the way it is.”

“In the meantime, the Older Men and the congregation have Restored you to the church,” offered Tom. “You are no longer Shunned.”

Joel let the information sink into his mind and then burst out laughing, “I’m no longer Shunned?!? Well ain’t that just spiffy!”

“Without their being two eyewitnesses to the sin there is no need for you to continue in a Shunned state,” explained Brother Kyle. “The congregation is willing to welcome you back.”

“It’s up to you, Joel, but you are more than welcome to come back and receive the fellowship of the faithful,” offered Tom. 

Joel looked at the two men and did not know whether to laugh, cry, yell, or throw them out of his apartment. He was about to speak when there was another knock on his door.

“What is this, the congregation beating a path to my door to welcome me back?” smirked Joel as he opened the door.

He was met by two strangers. One was wearing a badge. 

“Hello, I’m Detective Franks with the local PD, and this is Officer James. Are you Joel Williams?”

“Yes, I am,” replied Joel. “What’s going on?”

“We’re with homicide and we need to ask you some questions,” explained Detective Franks as Officer James removed a notebook from his pocket.

“Questions about what?!?” asked a startled Joel.

“Do you know an Agnes McIntosh?” inquired Officer James.

“Yes. I mean, I haven’t seen her for some time,” answered Joel. “What about it?”

“She was found dead this morning at her home,” revealed Detective Franks. “The evidence is leading us to believe that she died under suspicious circumstances.”

“You don’t mean murder, do you?!?” muttered a stunned Joel as Tom and Brother Kyle rose and joined him at the door. “Are you sure?”

“That’s what we’re going to find out,” replied Officer James.

“We need to you to come with us downtown to the station and answer some questions,” declared Detective Franks.

“I don’t know anything about murder,” protested Joel.

“Good, then you don’t mind coming with us,” smiled Detective Franks.

############### 

Joel waited patiently in the police interrogating room. He sat alone in a chair at a small table. There were no windows, but on one wall was a large mirror. Joel knew from watching cop shows on TV that people were behind the mirror watching his every move. 

He had undergone the ignominy of being fingerprinted and having a mug shot made. They were in a rush to do those things, but now they were making him wait for what seemed like forever. Finally, the door opened and Detectives Franks entered the room followed by Officer James. They closed the door and Detectives Franks sat in a chair across the table from Joel while Officer James stood at the rear of the room. 

“Joel, I’m sorry for the delay,” apologized Detective Franks. “But we were speaking with Tom and Kyle. They filled us in somewhat about their knowledge of you and the deceased.”

“I guess they told you all about how she accused me of having an affair with her,” snarled Joel.

“No, they didn’t,” replied Detectives Franks. “Actually they told us very little. They said they didn’t want to violate the confidentiality between preacher and parishioner.”

“That was real nice of them,” remarked a sarcastic Joel.

“Before we go any further,” continued Detectives Franks. “Due to the seriousness of this matter, I want to let you know that you have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. Also, anything you do say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish. If you decide to answer questions now without an attorney present you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney. Do you know and understand your rights as I have explained them to you?”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Now, where were you last night after midnight?” inquired Detective Franks.

“Uh, I was in bed,” replied Joel.

“Was anyone there with you?” asked Officer James.

“No, I sleep alone,” answered Joel. “I was asleep all night.”

“Now, what we also want to know is,” continued Detective Franks. “What was your relationship with the deceased, Agnes McIntosh?”

“We used to be acquaintances,” explained Joel.

“What exactly was your relationship?” interjected Officer James.

“I just knew her when we went to the same church,” offered Joel. “Nothing else.”

“We understand that there was more to it than that,” declared Detective Franks. “In fact, we’ve been told that you two were intimately involved.”

“Well, some people thought that, but it’s not true,” offered Joel.

“The fact is that Agnes claimed that you and she had an affair,” continued Detective Franks. “Is that true?”

“Yes, that’s what she claimed,” agreed Joel. “But it’s not true.”

“Why would she make such a claim?” asked Officer James.

“I don’t know. Maybe she had a vivid imagination,” smiled Joel. “I do know at one time she was having marital trouble. Maybe you ought to interrogate her husband. I believe he was always the jealous type.”

“We have extensively interviewed Mr. Willard McIntosh,” explained Detective Franks. “It appears that he’s been out of the state for the last two weeks. We got a hold of him and he flew back into town this afternoon.”

“He’s the one who brought up your name,” continued Officer James. “He said three days ago, Agnes had called him quite upset.”

“It seems she felt someone from her past was stalking her,” offered Detective Franks. “She wouldn’t tell Willard who it was, but he said she was very afraid.”

“He offered to cut his trip short and come home, but she told him not to,” explained Officer James. “She said it was a problem from her past and she would take care of it.”

“Well, you’ve put all that into a neat package,” smirked Joel. “But I had nothing to do with her death.”

“Where are you employed, Joel?” asked Detective Franks.

“At the Downtown Dry Cleaners,” Joel replied. “Why?”

“Are you familiar with the chemical Perchloroethylene?” inquired Officer James.

“Of course, we use it all the time,” replied Joel.

“So you have access to any amount of this chemical?” pondered Detective Franks.

“Sure, I use it to clean the clothes,” offered Joel.

“According to the preliminary autopsy, this chemical was found in abundance in Agnes’ lungs and blood,” declared Detective Franks.

“I work with Perchloroethylene all the time,” mused Joel. “It’s not harmful.”

“Not in small amounts,” agreed Officer James. “But the report shows she ingested over three thousand parts per million. According to the coroner, this was plenty to cause unconsciousness due to anesthesia and death from respiratory depression.”

Joel looked at the two men for a moment and then declared, “Well, I’m not the only one in this town who has access to Perchloroethylene.”

“I’m sure that’s true,” agreed Detective Franks. “But you’re the only one with access and a history with the deceased.”

“Now, wait a minute. . . .”

“When was the last time you saw Agnes?” interrupted Officer James.

“Not since I was Shunned from the Wellingtons,” declared Joel. “It’s been several years.”

“Are you sure?” inquired Detective Franks.

“Yes. Why?”

“There was a picture of Willard and Agnes on their wedding day that she kept by her bed,” explained Detective Franks. “And on the glass of the picture we found one thumb print. Would you like to guess whose print that is, Joel?”

“I have no clue,” replied Joel as he swallowed harder than he meant to.

“It’s a perfect match with your left thumb,” revealed Officer James. “How do you explain your thumb print on a picture beside Agnes’ bed where she was found dead?”

“Years ago, my ex-wife and I visited Agnes often,” offered Joel. “She must’ve shown the picture to us. Listen, it’s got to be an old fingerprint!”

“We just find it real interesting that yours is the only print outside of Willard’s and Agnes’ that we can find,” mused Officer James. “Doesn’t that seem strange to you?”

“Look, you guys are trying to twist everything and make me look like I’m guilty,” replied an exasperated Joel. “I didn’t kill that woman!”

“Let me run a theory by you, if you don’t mind,” offered Detective Franks. “Let’s suppose the killer did have a history with Agnes. They had met years earlier and developed a torrid love affair. Eventually, for whatever reason, Agnes felt the need to end the relationship. Not only did she end it, she also confessed the affair to her husband and to her church. This led to all sorts of problems for the killer. His wife left him and eventually divorced him and married another man. She took everything, including his children, away from him. He lost his job. Homeless, he roamed the streets until he decided to make another life for himself. Slowly but surely, he was able to rebuild his life, though it was nowhere near the prestigious life he was used to. Though the killer was making great strides, his life was still empty and without meaningful purpose. To him the cause of all his problems was one person, Agnes. And yet, even though he blamed her, he couldn’t help the feeling of wanting to be with her again. In the past, when he was with her, she had provided everything that he felt he was not getting from his wife at home. So, the killer tried to make contact with Agnes again and she resisted his advances. In fact, it scared her so much that she told her husband about it. Unfortunately, she didn’t tell him who the stalker was. Eventually, the killer decided that if Agnes kept refusing him, she would once again tell her husband and it would bring even more problems his way. The killer couldn’t allow that to happen. Even if it meant taking another person’s life. So, he conveniently found an ample supply of Perchloroethylene. The killer was very knowledgeable of how to make a lethal dose from the chemical, and so, in the middle of the night he entered Agnes’ house from an opened window and crept into her bedroom where she lie sleeping. He quietly poured the chemical into a sponge and then pressed it over her face. She struggled briefly but quickly succumbed to the anesthesia. The killer persisted in holding the sponge over her nose and mouth until he could no longer detect any breathing. He placed the sponge back into his pocket and turned to leave when he noticed the picture of Willard and Agnes on their wedding day. For whatever reason, or whatever emotions moved him, he reached with his left hand and picked the picture up to look at the happy couple. In a few moments, he placed the picture back on the table and made a hasty exit, leaving the lifeless body of Agnes McIntosh in her bed.”

All three men were silent as they pondered what Detective Franks had said. Finally, he continued, “Now, Joel, what do you think of my little theory?”

“Well, it makes a good story,” offered Joel. “But it doesn’t involve me.”

“Are you sure?” inquired Officer James.

“I don’t know how many times you’re going to make me say I’m innocent,” replied a weary Joel. “I did not have sexual relations with that woman and I did not kill her!”

Detective Franks slowly rubbed his hands together as he pondered his next move. “May I go now?” asked a frustrated Joel.

“Well, there is one other thing,” offered Detective Franks. “We do have an eyewitness to the killer leaving Agnes’ house.”

Joel closed his eyes and shook his head. “That’s going to be the story of my life,” he mused. “Eyewitnesses, who can’t get their story right, but tell enough to ruin my life!”

“What we would like you to do,” explained Officer James. “Is to be part of a lineup to see if the eyewitness can make a positive identification.”

“Do you have any problem with that, Joel?” asked Detective Franks.

Joel clasped his hands together and rubbed his face. “I guess not.”

############### 

The little old lady brushed her shiny white hair out of her eyes as she peered through the glass at the five men lined in a row.

“Are you sure they can’t see me?”

“We’re positive Mrs. Tillman,” replied Detective Franks. “Now, you take your time and see if you recognize the man that you saw leaving Agnes McIntosh’s house the night she was murdered.”

“Oh, I see him all right,” declared Mrs. Tillman. “I’d forgot that him and his lovely little wife used to come and see Agnes. But that was some time ago. He’s older now, but that’s definitely him!”

“Which one do you recognize?’ inquired Detective Franks.

“The third one there,” responded Mrs. Tillman.

Officer James spoke into the microphone and ordered number three to take one step forward. When he did, Detective Franks asked, “Now, Mrs. Tillman, are you sure this is the man you saw leaving Agnes McIntosh’s house on the night she was killed?”

“Oh, sure! That’s him,” replied Mrs. Tillman. “Whatever happened to his lovely little wife?”

############### 

Once again, Joel sat alone in the interrogation room waiting for the officers to enter. Before long, Detective Franks and Officer James joined him.

“Joel, our eyewitness has made a positive identification,” offered Officer James. “You’re the one that was picked out of the lineup.”

“Joel Williams, we’re charging you with the first degree murder of Agnes McIntosh,” declared Detective Franks.

“Oh, come on!” cried Joel. “I want to see a lawyer!”

“That’s a good idea,” offered Detective Franks. “You’re definitely going to need one.”

Eleven Years Ago: 

                                                                              The Daily Gazette

                                                           The closing arguments in the murder trial of 

                                                         Joel Williams will begin today. It is expected

                                                         to take most of the day and then the judge will

                                                         give his  instructions  to  the  jury  before they

                                                         take their leave to start deliberations.

                                                         Williams is charged in the murder of Agnes

                                                        McIntosh  who  was  found dead  in her home

                                                        more  than  a  year  ago. The  prosecution  has

                                                        been relentless  in its assertion  that Williams

                                                        entered Mrs. McIntosh’s  home in  the middle

                                                        of the night and  using a high  concentrate of a

                                                        common   dry  cleaning   fluid,   rendered  her

                                                        unconscious and  eventually  led to  her death.

                                                        Williams was last employed at the Downtown

                                                        Dry Cleaners.  

                                                        Willard McIntosh, widower of the deceased,

                                                        testified  that  his   wife  had  called  him  days

                                                        before  her   death  and  had  complained  of  a

                                                        possible stalker. Mr McIntosh was out of town

                                                        on  business  at the time. He also  said  that his

                                                        wife had  confessed  years earlier to having an

                                                        affair with Williams.

                                                        The most vivid testimony for the prosecution

                                                        came  from a  neighbor  of  the  deceased, Mrs.

                                                        Judy Tillman. She  claims to  have  seen a man

                                                        leaving the McIntosh home near the time of the

                                                        murder. She identified Williams as the one she

                                                        saw.

                                                        Williams  defense  has  concentrated  on  the

                                                        evidence  as  being  circumstantial.  They have

                                                        produced a  limited  number of  witnesses who

                                                        mainly  testified  to  the  character of Williams.

                                                        Most of  their effort  has been  in the form  of a

                                                        vigorous cross examination of  the prosecution

                                                        key witnesses. Williams did not  take the stand

                                                        in his own defense.

                                                        This trial  has dominated  the local news and

                                                        has even attracted  the national  media. Experts

                                                        predict  that  jury deliberations  could  last  for

                                                        days.

############### 

The humid summer air did not deter the crowd from pushing its way into the courthouse for the closing arguments of Joel’s trial. After everyone was seated the guards led Joel to the defense table. He gave a faint smile when he recognized Tom and Meg at the rear of the room. 

“All rise!” demanded the court bailiff. “Hear ye! Hear ye! Superior Court for this county of this great state is now in order. The honorable Judge Morris is presiding.” The judge looked out over the masses in his courtroom and ordered everyone to be seated. He turned to the District Attorney and asked, “Is the prosecution ready for its closing arguments?”

“Yes, we are, your Honor.”

“Then proceed.” 

District Attorney: “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I want to personally thank you for your patience and diligence. The handling of such matters is never easy, and I’m sure the importance of this trial weighs heavy upon each and every one of you.

You have heard much testimony in the last two weeks. Some of it has been very technical in nature, and much of it has been wrought with emotion. But no matter what has been said or heard between these walls, when you as a jury, look at the evidence, you will see beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant, Joel Williams, plotted, planned, and participated in the premeditated murder of Agnes McIntosh!

The defense will try to lead you to believe that the evidence is circumstantial. But please take a good hard look at that evidence and ask yourselves: Who had ready access to an ample supply of Perchloroethylene? Who worked with that chemical on a daily basis and was quite knowledgeable of its many uses? Who was it that Agnes was afraid of when she complained to her husband that she was being stalked? Even though she did not give a name to Willard, her husband, who is the only man that Agnes ever confessed to her husband of having an affair with? Why would she be scared of any other man other than the one who threatened her with harm? Which man in Agnes’ life had been ruined by the revelation of his adulterous affair with her? Which man lost everything he had, his wife, his children, his home, and yes, even his job, because Agnes could no longer bear the burden of keeping their affair a secret? Who let revenge motivate him to sneak into Agnes’ bedroom shortly after midnight and end her life? Who was it that Agnes’ neighbor, Mrs. Tillman, readily identified as the man she saw leaving the McIntosh home shortly after the murder had taken place? Who has no alibi, other than being asleep in his bed, for his whereabouts on the night of the murder? And finally, and most importantly, whose left thumbprint was found on the wedding picture on the stand beside the bed where Agnes’ body was found? The police did not conjure a fanciful story. I have not told you a fairy tale. The facts are unmistakable. The facts are crystal clear. Joel Williams, and only Joel Williams, is responsible for the untimely death of Agnes McIntosh!

You, as a jury, have the responsibility of convicting Agnes’ murderer. It is a grave and heavy responsibility. But it has been given to you and you alone. If poor Agnes could somehow speak today she would tell you who killed her. She would tell you how afraid she was and how her fears came true. She would ask for justice from our honorable judge. She would want the whole world to know who the killer is.

But, of course, Agnes cannot speak to us today. It has been left to you to speak for her. Please examine the evidence closely and then speak loud and clear for Agnes McIntosh. Let the world know that it was Joel Williams who took her life in a fit of murderous revenge! That is why justice dictates that you, as a jury of his peers, find Joel Williams guilty of first-degree murder.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen." 

The courtroom was hush with silence as the District Attorney returned to his seat. Judge Morris turned his attention to the defense, “Is the defense ready?” 

“Yes, your honor.”

“Then proceed.” 

Defense Attorney: “Ladies and gentlemen, let me also thank you for your attentiveness and fairness.

The District Attorney has spoken much about evidence. He claims there is clear, irrefutable evidence of my client’s guilt. But ask yourselves: What evidence? Evidence?!? Could have! May have! Probably did! This is evidence?!?

Our District Attorney has tried to weave bits and pieces of information into a big motive for murder. But when you examine his case you can easily see that it is just smoke and mirrors. Who of us in this courtroom slept alone last night? Can you prove you were in your bed asleep and not out on the streets committing some crime? Just because you cannot prove you were alone in your bed does not make you a murderer! Has anyone ever accused you of doing something that you know deep in your heart you did not do? Just because Agnes McIntosh claimed to have an affair with my client does not make it so. Where’s the evidence? Not one shred has been presented!

Before her death Agnes felt someone was stalking her. She never revealed who. What would make you think it was Joel Williams? Oh, for sure, it makes for some juicy gossip, but where is the evidence? Mr. Williams had not had any contact with her during the four years prior to her demise. Why would he suddenly want to see her? Why, he had risen from the ashes of despair and was rebuilding his life. He had a new found budding relationship with his beautiful twin daughters. There is no way he would take a chance of losing them again to seek revenge! Revenge?!? How could he seek revenge when in his mind he was convinced he had never had an affair with Agnes McIntosh?

Now, what about the Perchloroethylene? Stop and think for a moment: How many dry cleaning stores do we have in this town? How many people in this town have a working knowledge of Perchloroethylene? How many people in this town have access to this chemical? How many of those people knew Agnes McIntosh? Yes, Mr. Williams was one of those people, but he was by far, not the only one!

And what about the testimony of dear, dear Mrs. Tillman? She testified unmistakably that Joel Williams was seen by her leaving the McIntosh home at the time of the murder. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Mrs. Tillman is seventy-seven years old. Seventy-seven!! I have no doubt whatsoever, that she totally believes she saw Joel that night. But did she? Mrs. Tillman, as all good neighbors do, was totally involved in the workings of the neighborhood. She knew of Agnes’ allegation of an affair with Joel. Due to familiarity with Joel Williams, could Mrs. Tillman have honestly mistaken Joel for the killer on that dreadful night? I don’t know. But you must admit there is plenty of room for doubt.

This brings us to what the prosecution claims to be the most telling evidence: That of Joel’s thumbprint on the wedding picture. Do you remember the testimony about that picture? Did not Joel’s ex-wife, Meg, testify that she and Joel had been parties in the wedding of Agnes and Willard? Did she not testify that some time later she remembered seeing the picture at the McIntosh home? Can you ladies and gentlemen remember every picture you ever held? Can you remember all the times you have done so? It is true that Joel Williams cannot remember when his thumbprint was put on the picture. But one thing he does remember: It was not the night of Agnes’ murder. It could not be. He was not there!

There is a killer of Agnes McIntosh. It’s not Joel Williams. That killer is probably still roaming the streets of our fair city. While the police concentrated their efforts on Mr. Williams, the real killer was making his getaway. The true killer of Agnes McIntosh can only be found by finding my client, Joel Williams, not guilty of this crime. The authorities have simply made a mistake. It is up to you, ladies and gentlemen, to correct that mistake and make the police find the one who really took Mrs. McIntosh’s life. That will only happen when you examine the facts and find Joel Williams not guilty.

Our honorable District Attorney told you that I would try to say that the evidence is circumstantial. Well, that is one thing he is right about. The reason I am going to try to convince you of that is, quite simple: The evidence is circumstantial! Looking at it leads one to have doubts. I believe when you look at it, you too, will have doubts.

Reasonable doubt. Did Joel Williams stalk Agnes McIntosh? Doubt! Was Joel Williams consumed by revenge? Doubt! Was Joel Williams in the McIntosh home at the time of the murder, or was he alone in his bed in his apartment? Doubt! Was Joel Williams the only one who could have used Perchloroethylene to kill? Doubt! Was Joel Williams’ thumbprint placed on the wedding picture at the time of the murder? Doubt! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, doubt! Reasonable doubt!

As you retire to your deliberations, please remember that if you have any reasonable doubt whatsoever, you must find Joel Williams not guilty. This is what you must do, because Joel Williams is an innocent man.

Thank you.” 

All eyes were fixed on Joel as his attorney took his seat beside him. Judge Morris gave the jury a charge of detailed instructions and then dismissed them to their room. After they had left, he recessed the courtroom.

############### 

“I’m not sure how much longer I can take the suspense,” declared Joel as he paced back and forth in the defense waiting room. This was the third day of jury deliberations and there had been no indication of when a verdict would be reached. “All this time can’t be good,” he surmised.

“You never know about these things,” replied his attorney. “Every jury is different.”

“What do you think?” asked Joel. “Are they going to find me innocent?”

“I really don’t see how they can reach any other conclusion,” offered the attorney. “The prosecution had nothing but theories.” 

The door opened and the bailiff entered the room. “Court will resume in forty-five minutes.”

“Have they reached a verdict?” asked the attorney.

“Yes, they have.” 

Joel was ushered into the packed courtroom by the guards and took his seat beside his attorney. Shortly thereafter, the bailiff entered the room. “All rise!” he ordered. Judge Morris entered, took his seat, and directed everyone else to be seated. 

“Mr. Foreman has the jury reached a decision?” asked Judge Morris.

“Yes, we have your honor.”

The bailiff took the written decision from the foreman of the jury and gave it to Judge Morris. He opened the paper and wrinkled his brow when he read the jury’s findings.

“At this time, I want to caution everyone in this courtroom,” declared Judge Morris. “When the verdict is read, I want everyone to remain calm. I will not tolerate any outburst. Hold your emotions in check. Will the defendant please rise?”

The judge took a sweeping look around the room and then directed the clerk of court to read the verdict, “In the matter of the state versus Joel Williams, as to the charge of first-degree murder, we the jury, find the defendant ‘guilty’.” 

A gasp went through the courtroom. Someone clapped. Joel sank down into his chair and buried his head in his hands. The guards picked him up and led him out to return to his jail cell. As he was leaving, he thought he heard someone sobbing in the back of the room. 

The next day began the sentencing hearing for Joel. For two full days his lawyer presented witnesses to his character integrity. Everyone from his former employer to his ex-wife testified how Joel was a mild mannered decent individual who did not deserve the death penalty.  After the testimony was finished, Judge Morris gave his instructions to the jury and then dismissed them to deliberate Joel’s fate. 

By midafternoon of the third day, the jury had reached its decision. Once again, the courtroom was filled to capacity with reporters and onlookers. Judge Morris had the bailiff bring him the jurors’ decision and then asked Joel to stand.

“Joel Williams,” declared Judge Morris. “For the crime of first-degree murder of Agnes McIntosh, we the jury sentence you to death.” 

Joel’s face turned ashen white as he turned to his lawyer, “How can they do this?!?”

“Now, Joel, keep cool,” begged his lawyer.

“HOW CAN YOU DO THIS?!?” yelled Joel at the jury. “It’s not right!! You can’t do this!!!”

“MR. WILLIAMS!” shouted Judge Morris as he banged his gavel.

“You’re wrong!!” continued Joel. “Every one of you is wrong!! This can’t be!!”

“MR. WILLIAMS!” yelled Judge Morris again. “Counselor, if you can’t keep your client calm then I’ll have him restrained!!”

“Joel, this is neither the time nor place,” begged his lawyer.

“YOU CAN’T DO THIS!!!” continued a distraught Joel. “You cannot do this!!” 

With a nod of his head, Judge Morris directed the guards to remove Joel from the courtroom. The two guards grabbed him by the arms, lifted him up, and carried him, still screaming, from the room. Judge Morris immediately recessed the court and left the bench. Silence in the courtroom turned to a buzz of whispers followed by the noise of reporters scrambling out of the room to file their reports.

Four Months Ago: 

Joel looked at his watch and wondered what was keeping his lawyer. He was supposed to have arrived a half hour ago. The ten years on death row had become a simple blend of one day into another. That was not the case when he first arrived. He was still angry and vocal about the jury sentencing him to death. His unruly conduct had landed him in solitary confinement on several occasions. The confinement was not that much different than being on death row, but Joel developed a morbid dread of eating only bread and water. At least on death row the meals were decent. Also, he was able to shower three times a week, and he could go out into the prison yard an hour a day. Eventually his demeanor mellowed, and he became somewhat of a model prisoner. 

Death row had given him ample opportunity to read and study to his heart’s delight. He had learned more things than he would ever have if he had been a free man. Of course, the irony was that on death row, no one really expected to be able to use anything that they may have learned. A person would never have the freedom to do so and time was limited. A free man lives with an infinite number of tomorrows. On death row the tomorrows just march you closer to your end. So naturally, the longer you were there the more time became a precious commodity. Joel had been on death row longer than anyone else in the cell block. 

It was later in the afternoon when Joel’s lawyer finally arrived at the prison. He was immediately ushered to Joel’s cell. 

“I take it you don’t have good news,” declared Joel as he saw the gloominess on his lawyer’s face.

“I’m afraid not,” revealed the lawyer. “The appellate turned down our request.”

“So, I guess that’s it,” muttered a dejected Joel.

“Not necessarily,” offered the lawyer. “Now that we’ve exhausted all appeals, we can turn to the Governor for a stay.”

“What are the odds of that?” asked Joel.

“Well, we can only try,” mused the lawyer. “The Governor’s a death penalty proponent, but I believe when he reviews the case, he’ll commute the sentence.”

“You believe?” smirked a disgruntled Joel. “If my memory doesn’t fail me, your beliefs haven’t been right yet.”

“What do you suggest I do?” responded the lawyer. “I’m doing everything I can to spare your life. If you’ve got any better ideas, then please let me in on them.”

“Oh, I know you are,” replied Joel. “It’s just I almost go crazy sometimes. I mean, I shouldn’t even be here! This has got to be one of the biggest miscarriages of justice to ever happen!”

“Unfortunately, it is happening,” offered the lawyer. “And there is one more thing you’re going to have to decide.”

“Like what?”

“You’ve got to choose lethal injection,” observed the lawyer. “If you don’t then they’re going to default to gas.”

“Humph,” laughed Joel. “I get to decide which way they’re gonna kill me. Some choice! They can do whatever they want.”

“Look, don’t be like that,” cautioned the lawyer. “Injection is far better than gagging to death in a gas chamber.”

“So, I get to lie there with a needle in my arm and peacefully drift off to sleep while everyone looks on and marvels at how humane I’ve been treated,” mused Joel. “But guess what? I’m still going to be dead!”

“I know, I know,” offered the lawyer. “It’s crazy.”

“If there was any true justice, they would let me out of here,” declared Joel. “But no, they’re gonna kill me as humanely as possible. It doesn’t matter that I’m not guilty of anything. It only matters that I die humanely!”

“Tomorrow’s the deadline to request injection,” revealed the lawyer. “I’ll give the warden the papers when I leave here.”

“No, don’t do that,” ordered Joel after a moment’s thought. “I’m not going to make their decision for them. If they’re not going to set me free then don’t ask me to decide something like that.”

“Come on, Joel,” declared an exasperated lawyer. “If we don’t request injection they’re gonna put you in the gas chamber. Think about it!”

“I have,” revealed Joel. “My mind’s made up.”

“There’ll be no turning back,” observed the lawyer. “They’ll not let you change your mind.”

“If that’s the way it’s going to be, then that’s the way it’ll be,” declared Joel as he sprawled out on his bed. “But please, get the Governor to not let it go that far!”

Six Days Ago: 

Joel paced nervously back and forth in his cell. Two weeks ago, the Governor had ruled against any mercy and now Joel’s execution date was only six days away. Today was when his family could come and see him for the last time. The only family that Joel had left was his twin daughters. They were women now, and in fact, Christie was a mother. Joel had been able to see his grandson only once and would not be allowed to see him today. The joy of seeing his daughters was tempered with the realization that barring a miracle, this would be the last time. Finally, the door opened as the guard led Christie to her father. 

“Hello, babe,” Joel cried as they embraced. “Where’s your sister?”

“She couldn’t come, Dad,” revealed Christie.

“Why not? I wanted to see her,” said a dismayed Joel.

“She said she wanted to come, but she said she just couldn’t stand to tell you goodbye,” choked Christie. “It’s hard, Dad!”

“I know sweetheart,” comforted Joel as he held his daughter. “It’s hard on all of us.”

They hugged each other for a while and then Christie blurted out, “I don’t want you to die!”

“I know.”

“Tell them you did it,” offered Christie. “If you tell them you’re guilty then maybe they’ll let you live. Please tell them.”

“Christie, dear, I can’t do that,” declared Joel. “It wouldn’t make any difference anyhow.”

“But there’s got to be something that can be done,” cried Christie. “I lost you once and I don’t want to lose you again.”

“Look, if I could change things I would,” offered Joel. “But I can’t. I guess this is what’s meant to be.”

“Well, it’s not fair!” sobbed Christie. “It’s not fair at all!”

“I know,” observed Joel. “But look, you’ve got to be strong about this. You’ve got little Joey who needs you to be strong.”

“I will, Dad,” agreed Christie. “But right now I just want to hold my father.” 

They held each other for a while and then the conversation turned to chitchat. Eventually, the guard came to escort Christie from the prison. She tenderly kissed her father on the cheek and then on the lips as she brushed his face with her hand. 

“Goodbye, Daddy,” she cried as the guard led her through the door.

“I love you sweetheart,” sobbed Joel as he leaned through the bars to watch his daughter as long as he could.

Two Hours Ago: 

The prison guard finished frisking Tom and then led him to Joel’s cell. Joel’s lawyer was leaving as Tom approached.

“Tom!” smiled Joel. “I’m glad you came.”

“Was that your lawyer?” asked Tom.

“Yeah,” replied Joel. “He was a bearer of news again, like he always is.”

“What did he have to say?” inquired Tom.

“Oh, the Supreme Court refused to listen to my appeal,” offered Joel. “I guess they have more important things to do.”

“No Justice would even listen?” asked Tom.

“Not a one,” replied Joel. “It seems the only ones interested in listening to me are the reporters who want a death row interview. So, there’s no turning back now unless my team of lawyers can convince the Governor to have a change of heart. If he doesn’t it’ll be all over with in about two hours. Just before dawn. What a way to start the day!”

“Is there anything I can do for you?” inquired Tom.

“You can take my place,” laughed Joel.

“I’m glad you find humor in this,” smirked Tom. “Some of us don’t.”

“Well, Tom, old buddy, it’s about the only thing I have left,” offered Joel. “Don’t deny me that, too.”

“Well, OK. But seriously is there anything you want?” asked Tom.

“No, you willing to be here is enough,” replied Joel. “I really appreciate you witnessing the uh, the event.”

“I’d rather not,” offered Tom. “It’s not something I want to see.”

“Then that makes it even more special that you’re willing to do it,” surmised Joel. “Tom, I want you there.”

“Then I’ll be there,” agreed Tom. “You know, I did think of one thing that might help at a time like this. You remember Psalm twenty-three? It says: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the. . . .’”

“If you don’t mind, could we skip the dramatic scripture reading?” interrupted Joel. “I’m afraid it’s not something I really want to hear right now.”

“I’m sorry, I thought it would help,” apologized Tom.

“Oh, that’s OK. No harm done,” smiled Joel. After a moment of reflection he continued, “You know, Tom, years ago when I was on the streets, I had a strange encounter with an old man.”

“You never told me about that,” reflected Tom.

“Well, I really never gave much thought to it until now,” revealed Joel. “He was a strange old man and all he could talk about was ‘retribution’.”

“Retribution?”

“Yeah,” reflected Joel. “He said the Scriptures say, ‘It is the day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompence.’ He was really strange.”

“Joel, do you feel this is the ‘day of the Lord’s vengeance’?” asked Tom.

“I don’t know what to think anymore,” reflected Joel. “My life has definitely not gone the way I dreamed it would.”

“Well, then, is there anything you would like to tell me?” inquired Tom. “Is there anything you would like to get off your conscience?”

“My conscience?” smiled Joel. “Why Tom, are you losing faith in my innocence?”

“No, no, not at all,” replied Tom. “I’ve been with you since the beginning of all this.”

“Except that time, you were on the Justice Meeting,” reminded Joel. “That’s when it all started.”

“Well, we did our best to rectify that,” offered Tom.

“And of course, you married my wife,” laughed Joel.

“Now, are you going to rehash all that?” smiled Tom.

“No, I don’t have the time,” smiled Joel. “How is Meg?”

“She’s Ok considering everything,” replied Tom. “She and the girls are doing their best to support one another.”

“That’s good,” offered Joel.

“I’m going to have to leave soon,” surmised Tom. “Is there anything you want?”

“No, thanks, I’ve done all that can be done,” replied Joel. “But, Tom, I do greatly appreciate you being there for me over the last ten years. It’s meant a lot.”

“I wanted to be there,” offered Tom. “I believe in you.”

“Thank you,” reflected Joel. “You know, through this whole ordeal I’ve told everyone I’m innocent and yet, few people believe it. Certainly, the Judge, and the jury, and the Governor don’t believe it.”

“Some of us still do,” reflected Tom.

“You know, everyone on this whole row says their innocent,” mused Joel. “Except for old Crazy Harry. He readily admits to strangling those four little girls. Of course, he claims he killed the pope, too. We keep telling him the pope’s alive, but he still says he killed him.”

“I’ve heard there’s no one guilty on death row,” reflected Tom. “I guess it’s human nature to live in denial to the end.”

“And yet, if I had been guilty of having an affair with Agnes, I would have stood before you at the Justice Meeting and said, ‘May the Lord have mercy on my soul’,” offered Joel. “That’s all I would’ve said. There’d be nothing else to say.”

“And you didn’t do that,” offered Tom. “You maintained your innocence.”

“And you know, if I was guilty of killing Agnes, I would’ve stood before the judge and simply said, ‘May the Lord have mercy on my soul’,” continued Joel. “Just a short simple statement and they would have believed me. But to simply say, ‘I’m innocent,’ they don’t want to believe it. I’ve thought about this a lot over the past few years, and I can’t figure it out.”

“I don’t have an answer either,” reflected Tom. 

Their thoughts were interrupted by the guard instructing Tom that it was time to leave. Joel and Tom hugged each other, and wiping a tear from his eye, Tom turned and left the cell. He went to join the others who were going to witness the execution.

One Hour Ago: 

At the gates of the prison, a handful of people gathered to protest the death penalty. They stood in respectful silence with their signs of protest raised in the air. There were even fewer who had gathered in support of capital punishment. The two groups kept their distance from each other while meditating and praying as the final minutes approached. 

The Warden and the guards approached Joel’s cell as he was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling. 

“It’s time,” ordered the Warden.

Joel rose to his feet and then mumbled, “I don’t think I can do this,” as his knees buckled. The two guards grabbed his arms and lifted him to an erect position.

“Look, you can either walk in there on your own, or we’ll carry you in,” declared the Warden. “It’s up to you.”

Joel focused his eyes and then said, “I can do this. Can I have just a moment?”

“No,” barked the Warden. “Let’s go.” 

The guards escorted Joel through the rubber sealed steel door into the gas chamber where he was seated on a metal chair. Beneath the chair was a bowl of distilled water with sulfuric acid mixed in. Suspended above the bowl, in a gauze bag, was a pound of sodium cyanide pellets. The guards snugly secured the straps around Joel’s legs, chest, and arms. Next, the doctor came in and placed a stethoscope to his chest and then left the room to make sure he could hear Joel’s heartbeat from outside the chamber. When everything was ready, the Warden entered the chamber and pulled the curtain back at the window so the witnesses and reporters could see the proceedings. Joel faintly smiled at Tom as he panned across the faces seated behind the triple pane glass. His gaze turned to disgust when he recognized the face of Willard, Agnes former husband. 

“It’s best if you take one deep breath and not fight the gas,” offered the Warden.

“Oh, real good advice, Warden,” smirked Joel. “I’m really gonna suck in the stuff that’s going to kill me!”

“Is the phone to the Governor’s office operational?” asked the Warden as he ignored Joel’s sarcasm.

“Yes, it is,” replied a guard.

“Joel Williams,” began the Warden as he read the death sentence proclamation. “You have been convicted by a jury of your peers for the first degree murder of Agnes McIntosh. That same jury declared that you are to die for your crime. All appeals have been exhausted. The Governor has refused clemency. Do you have any last words?”

“Yes, I do,” replied Joel. “Warden, you’re about to kill an innocent man. I hope you sleep well tonight. Sweet dreams, Warden.” 

The Warden turned and walked out of the chamber. A guard shut the heavy steel door and turned the large locking wheel until the chamber was sealed. Joel’s eyes widened as the chimney exhaust fans began humming. He took a deep breath and held it. At the nod of the Warden, a guard pulled a handle that released the cyanide into the liquid. 

Horror gripped Joel’s face as the fumes boiled from beneath his chair. The poison gas burned his eyes and, despite his best effort, made him gasp. Joel strangled at the first whiff of gas and in pain and panic strained with all his might against the straps that held him secure. His seizure caused his eyes to bulge forth and drool flowed freely from his mouth as his skin color turned a light purple. Convulsing and writhing with intense agony he struggled to breathe until he succumbed to the blackness of unconsciousness. As his eyes rolled back into his head, he made one small gasp and then ceased trying to breathe. His body gave a slight shudder before becoming motionless as a drop of drool strung from his opened mouth and fell silently to the floor. 

On the other side of the glass window, Tom closed his eyes and turned his head away from the gruesome sight. Tears flowed down his cheeks as he tried to regain his composure. Willard nodded his head with the knowledge that the gas had done its job. The reporters hastily scribbled their notes, and one made a quick sketch of the scene before him. 

With a fixed determination the doctor listened intently to the stethoscope for Joel’s heartbeat. When he could detect none, he gave a nod confirming the success of the execution. At that time, the Warden gave the order for two guards dressed in hazardous material uniforms to enter the chamber. They closed the door behind them and started the procedure of ruffling Joel’s clothes to make sure all the poison gas had escaped through the ventilation system. 

The Warden’s attention was diverted from the procedure when he saw his secretary running toward him with a cell phone in her hand. 

“Warden, it’s the Governor!” yelled the secretary. As she neared the Warden, she lowered her voice and said, “He’s been trying to reach you. He said he wanted to stay the execution!”

“What?!?” exclaimed the Warden. “Why didn’t he call on the hot line?”

Both of them looked at the special phone that was beside the chamber. It was to be used by the Governor if for some reason he wanted to stop the execution. The Warden nudged the receiver, and it clicked into position.

“Oh, my God!” whispered the secretary as she put her hand over her mouth. “It was off the hook!” 

The Warden took the cell phone and walked to a corner in the room to have a private conversation with the Governor. Inside the gas chamber, the guards had finished rustling Joel’s hair to make sure all of the poison had been removed and thus, assuring the safety of the workers who would remove the body. When they had finished, they gave a thumbs up and the door was opened for them to exit the chamber. 

Closing the cell phone, the Warden walked over to the observation window of the chamber.

“What are we going to do?” inquired the anxious secretary.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?!?”

“That’s right. Nothing,” replied the somber Warden. “It never happened.”

“What do you mean ‘it never happened’?” asked a shocked secretary. “I distinctly heard the Governor say he wanted to stop the execution.”

“It never happened,” repeated the Warden. “The Governor and I both agree that it didn’t happen.”

“But he called and. . . .”

“He called to make sure the execution had taken place as planned,” interrupted the Warden. “That’s what he says, and that’s what I say. If any reporter or anyone else asks, that’s why he called.”

“So, he called to make sure all had gone well,” reiterated the secretary.

“Exactly,” reflected the Warden as he watched the workers lift Joel’s lifeless body onto a gurney for the trip to the hearse. “Why else would he call?”

Now: 

Tom presented himself at the guard station to receive Joel’s personal belongings. Joel had asked him to let his daughters have whatever they wanted and then the rest was to be given to charity. Tom gently placed the garments and personal affects in the tote bag he had brought. He was about to turn and leave when the guard handed him a sealed envelope. 

“Joel asked me personally to give you that note,” explained the guard. “He didn’t want you to have it until after his execution.”

“Thank you,” replied Tom as he took the letter in his hand and turned, and carried the tote bag outside of the building onto the front steps. He paused when he saw the black hearse slowly roll by carrying Joel’s body to a nearby funeral home. 

The morning sun of the new day was shining brightly as Tom looked at the envelope and decided to open it. As he read the handwritten note a gentle breeze started blowing, making the single sheet of paper flutter in his hand. 

His mouth dropped open with disbelief at what he read. In anguish he grabbed the hair on his head and yelled at the top of his lungs, “JOEL!! Oh, God, JOEL!!!” In his grief his fingers loosened their grip on the paper and the wind swiftly carried it away from his grasp and blew it across the open space. 

The old prisoner was in the midst of cleaning the prison yard when the wind carried the paper to his feet. He bent over, feeling the stiffness in his back and joints, and grabbed the fluttering piece of paper. In one swift movement, he righted himself to an erect and straight position. His old tired muscles strained and stretched to achieve a vertical level that it had not known for many years. The weariness in his eyes was replaced with an all knowing glare. He turned to face the wind and felt the coolness from the stiff blowing breeze on his weathered cheeks. 

“Retribution!” whispered the old prisoner. “There must be retribution! The Lord has spoken. ‘For it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompence.’ The Lord has spoken.” 

He looked intently as to what was written on the paper. Having never been afforded the opportunity of learning to read, the markings made no sense at all to the old prisoner. Looking off into the distance, he neatly folded the paper and placed it into his back pocket. There it would stay with no one else ever reading its words:

                                                                                      Tom,

May the Lord have mercy on my soul.

                                                                                       Joel 

THE END

Copyright ©2005 by Jerry W. Crews