CHAPTER
18
Robert and Millie checked into an
"I have to thank you for your help, Brother Love,
but meeting my grandson and daughter will be handled by myself. You understand this is a family matter and I
wish it to remain private."
"Oh, I understand," said Dex. "However, please allow me to make the
limousine available to you at your stay in
"No, thank you.
That would be too generous."
"Please, I insist.
Remember, you will be doing us both a favor and any assistance I can
offer, allows us to conclude this business sooner. Besides, I understand you have little
knowledge of this area and my driver knows
"If you insist, I accept. You are a good man, Brother Love," said
Robert.
"Please, the name is Dex. And call me if you need anything." He handed them his card and headed out the
door.
Dex love closed the door and turned to his assistant as
they headed toward the elevator.
"Make sure the limo stays with them at all times and have the
driver call me when they head to James' residence. You understand? Good," said Dex as the
elevator doors slid closed.
"Is that all he said? Did he recognize you at all?" asked
Tommy.
"I'm sure Brother Francis will call to let us know
what's up, if anything," James said.
Just then the phone rang in the front room of the Aunt
Jenny Foundation house. Judy called
out, "James, it's for you. Brother Francis."
"See? Like clockwork," James said to Tommy as
he headed out of the kitchen to the living room.
As James hung up the receiver, he turned to Tommy and
said, "Cardinal Michael did recognize me, but the reaction Francis
received when I left and the cardinal came out has him and me concerned. I asked Francis to come over to discuss it
some more."
"Trouble, James?"
"I don't know.
It could be, if we don't head it off." James was thoughtfully
distracted.
"Well, don't keep me in suspense," said Tommy.
"It's just that the Cardinal looked upon my birth as
a sign, as possibly the end of the world.
Or at best a renewed call to the stricter teachings of my Father."
"I think you're a sign, too," deadpanned
Tommy. " A sign of trouble."
"Well, at the least we will have new free help
around. The Cardinal has assigned
Francis and Genny to us." James grinned.
Tommy looked up.
"Really? That will help
immensely. They are quite a good
pair."
"James!"
Judy screamed from the front porch of his mother's house. "Come quick. Mom needs you!"
A quick look of fear crossed James eyes as he exchanged
glances with Tommy. They both bolted for
the door.
James was the fifth one in the door after Judy screamed
frantically for him. Mobutu had beaten
him by thirty feet, Tommy and Pierre by a full four yards, and Katy had beaten
them all, even though she had been across the street visiting the
neighbors. The rest, including Thomas
and Russ, followed as quickly.
Cindy was in a chair, weeping. James had never seen her upset so. Katy was already holding her in her arms and
sent Ingrid into the kitchen for a glass of water.
"What's wrong?
Was she hurt?" asked James frantically, eyes wide and searching his
mother for a clue to her grief.
Thomas worked his way through the crowd, took one look at
his wife and the desperation in her eyes, and faced the growing crowd. "Thank you for coming to help. You will all leave now." Everyone left; filing out the door in
bewilderment, yet unwilling to face the force that emanated from Thomas' eyes.
When the door shut behind the last of them, he turned to
his wife, still cradled in Katy's arms.
Thomas took the glass of water from Ingrid and directed Judy to take
Ingrid and Katy out to the kitchen. Katy
started to protest, but Thomas had hold of both of Cindy's hands, and with one
look from Thomas' eyes, decided to swallow the objection growing in her throat.
James looked on in awe.
He had never seen his Dad so loving, so protective of his mother, so
forceful. Thomas kneeled before Cindy,
who was still sitting in her chair, sobbing. "He called didn't he?"
Thomas asked.
Cindy nodded, unable to speak.
"Is he here in
Cindy nodded again.
Somewhere in the distance James could hear a phone ring, as if it too
must be answered and had an extreme emergency.
"I'll take care of it," said Thomas. "Judy, Katy. Take your mom to her room and stay with
her." Both women burst through the
door as if they had been leaning against it trying to hear every word.
As Cindy was led to her room, a slight tap was heard on
the kitchen door between the front room and kitchen. "Come in," said Thomas as he sat
wearily down in the chair vacated by Cindy.
Ingrid peered from around the corner of the door and
stammered, "James? John is on the
phone. He says it's urgent."
James was frozen in place. "Should I take it, dad?"
Thomas looked up, tired but resolved. "Yes, but when you're done we need to
talk, son."
"Yes, sir."
James and hurried out the door to take the phone call.
Thomas heard James from the front room. "He did what? I know, I know. Yes, if you can. We'll wait."
James burst through the door from the kitchen. "Is that what this is about?" James asked heatedly.
Thomas looked up and nodded. "Listen, son. We have to talk." said Thomas.
James sat down across from his dad. "If it's about
Grandpa Franklin, I know the story. He
proceeded to tell his dad of his first and only meeting with his grandfather.
Thomas listened in silence. When the story was finished he said. "I had suspicions that you had visited
Millie and Robert. You must also be aware that he never forgave your mother or
me because we never wavered in our testimony to your true heritage. He refers to your mother in the most vile of
language. Calling her whore, as well as
you a bastard. The name-calling I can
handle, but the alienation of her dad's affection continues to hurt your
mother. You see, she still loves your
grandfather. And she wants to please him
so much and wants to be with him, but to do so would mean she would have to
deny you and her God, something she could never do. So it hurts her deep inside. And what hurts her hurts me."
"Apparently, I am why they are here," said James.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, that was John on the phone. His father, Dex, has apparently found Millie
and Robert in an effort to expose my 'fraud' before John so that I no longer
will take money from John or Dex's church.
The fact that I could not interfere in his churches proclamation that
John was the only one born on Christmas that day and is the whole basis of
their funding."
"Well then, Dex has found a convenient ally,"
said Thomas. "If I know your
grandfather, he feels this is one last wrong he has to right. And one shame that he must keep hidden in
order to keep his position."
"Always about power and money," said James.
"Quite often.
One can lose his soul in search of power and money. They are strong temptations, but they can
also be used for good. In this day and
age, of business this and business that, it is easy to forget the people. There has to be a balance. Otherwise, you get businesses selling to
business and no one caring for the people.
Of course, you can go too far the other way and care too much for people
and not enough about the business."
"I know. I know.
Moderation in all things, including moderation." James grinned at his dad. "But what should we do about grandpa?"
"Well, let's get John over here and discuss this. If I know Robert, we have a few hours before
he gets here to make our plans," said Thomas.
"I'll get on the phone right now and we'll meet at
Aunt Jenny's. Do you mind if we tell some of our friends?" James gestured towards the window at the
throng gathering outside.
Thomas looked up.
"Oh Lord. We better tell
them something. It would be wise if
Katy, Maggie, Ingrid, Russ, Judy and the boys were there also."
"How about Francis and Genny? They are on their way over," said James,
heading for the door.
"Fine. I
don't think it would hurt."
James headed out the door to arrange a fast meeting.
Everyone was there within an hour. Heated words were spoken of the man who had
injured their Cindy. Fear, concern and
determination gripped the room in which they were seated. Katy had been perfunctorily informed as to
the meaning of the meeting and had decided to stay with Cindy at the other
house. Brother Francis and Sister Genny
were outraged at the thought of Robert and Millie accusing their daughter of
lying about the birth of her child. No
one could believe that a man who had spent his life in the service of the Lord
could so quickly dismiss or even recognize the significance of James.
"He will want to confront you all," said Thomas
strongly as he entered the room. A hush
fell over the gathering.
"What do you mean, confront?" said Pierre in
the awkward silence.
"Robert Franklin is a man of the church with deeply
held beliefs, but that is his problem _ _he only believes, he does not
know. Because of this, he feels that you
have been mislead by my James, that we have somehow brainwashed you all and
forced you to join this Aunt Jenny cult of his.
Robert Franklin believes that he must open your eyes to the evil that
James has led you into in order to save your souls for Jesus our Lord. For this reason, he must meet with each of
you collectively or singularly and challenge your knowledge of James'
birthright."
"But what of Cindy?" asked Sister Genny.
"He will examine her most of all. For to get her to forsake James, would be to
reclaim his daughter and publicly disavow James' Father," said Thomas.
"Then he shall not have her. She shall not be judged by him!" Shouted Russ.
"I shall, if I choose. And I do choose to confront my demons,"
said a quiet voice from the doorway.
"Cindy, you do not have to," said Thomas with
tears in his eyes.
All parted as she made her way to Thomas and stood by his
side. "You have protected me many
years, Thomas. I knew I would have to
meet my father sooner or later. I know
the God who gave me James and no man, not even my father, shall shame me into
renouncing Him." Cindy was quiet
and yet forceful. "You all know my
James for who he is. We did not ask for
belief, nor did we seek it. His birth
and his heritage are your knowledge, given to you by your own goodness and the
way you have lived. You know his birth
as you know you are thirsty. It just is. I do not question you, for to do so would be
a waste of time. The question before us
then is what do we do about my father."
James spoke.
"I say we give him what he wants."
"What?" asked John.
"Lets give Robert what he wants _ _an audience. Let him use the best weapons he has, his
speech and religion, and allow him the privilege of doing his best or worst. I am secure in what and who I am. I feel no doubt in anyone in this room about
what and who I am. Maybe, if he uses
everything that he has, every argument that he may make, we may finally get
through to him and make him understand."
"I don't know, James. This isn't really your fight. It should be between your mother, Robert and
I," said Thomas.
James smiled "I am the problem, and you and mother
have protected me long enough. Robert,
my grandfather, and Millie, my grandmother, must, if we can help them, learn
the truth."
"Yes," said John, and a chorus of agreement
swept the room.
Sister Genny moved to Cindy's side. "I'll not let your mother face this
alone, James. Don't even try to dissuade
me. I'll guess I'll defy God before I'll
let her face this alone."
"You and me, sister," said Katy, grabbing
Cindy's other hand.
"Thank you, ladies," said Cindy, smiling
weakly.
"Then I guess it's settled then." Said Thomas.
"But let's try to give ourselves a little homefield advantage. Judy, you think you and Ingrid could whip up
some coffee and cookies? And Tommy. You think you and the boys can make this
meeting house look like a living room with enough seating for everybody? Let's get started."
They came in the limo.
By arrangement, John had gotten his father to come along and meet James
and him at the foundation house. Dex was
thrilled _ _trying to play a somber host, yet rejoicing inside that all his
plans were coming together. I'll teach
that young pup to mess with me and my family, thought Dex.
John met them at the curb. "Mr. and Mrs. Franklin? I'm John Love. Nice to see you, Dad. Come on into the house; it is a little
chilly. You'll have the opportunity to
meet your daughter inside, Mr. Franklin."
"Thank you, son.
Thank you for helping to arrange this meeting," said Robert.
John helped Millie up to the porch as Robert and Dex went
on ahead. The front room was warm and
comfortable, just as Thomas had directed.
Cookies and refreshments were laid out as if to welcome a friend. Furniture was strategically laid about to
provide seating for all, but not so intrusive as to suggest a court or meeting
room. Thomas met Robert at the door.
"Welcome to this house, Robert, Millie, and Reverend
Love. Come in and make yourself at
home." Thomas ushered them into the
center of the room. "May we take
your coats or offer a drink?"
"Thomas?" said Robert, quizzically looking at
the man in front of him.
"Yes, Robert, I am Thomas."
"We need nothing from you," said Robert with
rebuke. "Where is my
daughter?"
"My wife is sitting in front of you," said
Thomas, gesturing to Cindy, who sat between Katy and Genny in front of Maggie.
Millie took one look and made an effort to move forward,
but a slight tug on her arm by Robert brought her back to his side.
"Is this some type of inquisition?" asked
Robert, suddenly surveying the room about him.
"Is it?"
Asked Thomas. "You suddenly
call my wife after abandoning her, me and the children for thirty years. Frighten her over the phone insist on a
meeting to discuss long dead issues, and you ask me if this is an
inquisition."
Robert was taken aback by Thomas' assault. This is obviously not the child that ran away
with my daughter, he thought.
Dex had squirreled himself away in a corner of the room
to watch the action and offer support.
He was thrilled with the exchange so far and was glad for the audience
to witness James' destruction.
"What is it you want, father?" asked Cindy from
her chair.
"I wish to speak with you alone." Said Robert with a look of authority.
"That I will not do.
You abandoned me thirty years ago.
With that, you also abandoned your rights to dictate to me what you
wish. If you speak we will speak before
my friends." Cindy gave Thomas a
look that held him still in his place.
"If you so choose.
For what I have to say to you will concern these folks as well as
you. It is no great as shame for me as
it was and is for you."
"You speak of me," spoke James from the
shadows. He stepped forward to be more
easily seen.
"Of your birth and your mother and fathers
claims," Robert said, "Truly a
family matter, that does not concern these good people. Indeed, if I were them I would feel
uncomfortable to even be a participant at this stage."
"These are my friends, grandfather. They know well of your beliefs. And since the object of your beliefs is an
attack on them, they wished to participate.
No one forced them here or is making them stay," said James.
"That seems quite fair, Robert," said Dex from
the back. "They should be present
if we are to resolve this whole situation."
"Well, enough then." Robert took a seat in front of Cindy and
Thomas in the center of the room, seating Millie beside him.
"I have come to resolve this issue before I
die," said Robert.
"What issue is that?" Said Cindy.
"My marriage to Thomas? The
birth of my children?"
"Must you play games?" Retorted
Robert.
"Speak your mind.
It is you that play the games.
You wish to resolve an issue _ _speak plainly and tell us what it
is," said Cindy.
Robert was furious.
"Daughter!" he began.
"In name only!
You gave up your rights as father the day you threw me and my child
out!" Cindy was warming to the
challenge.
Robert was temporarily speechless at this outburst. "I came to resolve the issue of your
claims that this man is the Son of Jesus Christ. There, are you happy now that I spoke your
shame?" said Robert perfunctorily.
"I would not be happy having any shame spoken aloud,
among my friends or in private. But I
have no shame in speaking of the birth of the Son of Jesus. This I am proud of and speak of
willingly," replied Cindy.
"What blasphemy, child. Do you dare speak it in front of these good
people, the Reverend, and a priest? Have
you no shame at all?" Robert was in
shock.
Dex was astounded to hear these words. Could John possibly believe this black man
was the Son of Jesus? Oh, Lord, what a
con, thought Dex. This should be easy to
dispel. I am so glad I came to watch this
destruction.
"Shame? Yes," Cindy said. "For the right
reason. Shame my father threw out his
only daughter in her time of need and understanding. Shame, because he has never acknowledged the
birth of his three grandchildren. Shame
that he has more time, belief and trust in others than he has for his own. Yes I have shame, but I will never have shame
in producing the Son of Jesus." replied Cindy strongly.
"You cannot believe this!" Shouted Robert. "You conceived a child in the back room
of a storefront church in New York City, a bastard child as defined by God and
man. This man, Thomas was your companion
and you wish me to believe that James is the Son of Jesus? Please, child, confess your sins. God and I will forgive you."
"To confess what you wish of me would be to turn my
back upon the Lord Jesus. He would never forgive me for such an act. Can you not see that to keep my soul I must
defend His and my child? My Lord, can
people only believe the worst in themselves and not the best?" Cindy began to weep openly.
Robert turned to the others in the room. "Can you not all see the fallacy of this
belief? James cannot be the Son of
Jesus. My Lord, his skin color is not
even the same as Jesus." Said
Robert.
Dex chimed in,
"Come on, people. This has
been a good charade, but it is too obvious.
A black girl from New York City, the daughter of a storefront preacher,
given the gift of Jesus' Son out of all the great women of the world Jesus had
to choose from? I mean she is pretty,
but hardly a Venus."
John stepped forward at these words and as he was about
to speak, Brother Francis stood up.
"Yes, I can see your logic, Reverend Love. It would be the same ludicrous scenario as if
a peasant girl, the daughter of a shepherd, gave birth to the savior in the
middle of a desert. I mean, why would
anyone choose Bethlehem and the Jews when He could have Rome and a Roman
queen?"
Dex started to sputter as Robert looked at the priest in
disbelief. "You cannot believe
this. We know where and who conceived
this child," he replied.
"I grant you know where. But how do you know who? Were you there?" Asked Francis.
"Are you a
voyeur, sir?"
"How dare you!" said Robert.
"Then it is possible you were wrong," Brother
Francis said. "And to us, it is
unbelievable that you do not know the father of this man. Especially if you say you are the man of God
you claim." "How can you have this belief?" Said Robert.
"Because there is no belief, there is
knowledge."
"There must be belief," answered Robert.
"Then will you believe this?" said a soft and
gentle voice.
The room grew warmer and time seemed to stand still. A bright light engulfed the room, and He was
there standing before them all. James
smiled, Cindy rose and took his hand, Thomas stood beside them both. Robert said, "It cannot be! It must be some kind of trick." He looked about the room and all save Mille,
Robert, James, Thomas, Cindy and Jesus were in what seemed a state of suspended
animation.
"I believe this is a family problem." said a
voice. "No need to include anyone
else in our affairs."
"I am to believe you are Jesus?" said Robert.
"I was that person in life on this earth,"
replied Jesus.
"And how am I to know? How do I know that this is just not some
trick of the mind or some dream?"
Asked Robert.
"Ask yourself," replied Jesus.
Robert thought, then Robert knew. The knowledge was overwhelming. He fell to his knees and started to cry. "Why did you not reveal yourself to me
earlier, my Lord." he asked.
"Why did you not listen? I have spoken with you many times in many
ways and always you turned your back."
And Robert suddenly realized the significance of Aunt
Jenny's visit and the other times he had denied even the conversation about his
grandson. "My greed and arrogance
has denied me and my wife of even the tiny pleasures of our grandchildren. I don't know if I can ever forgive
myself. But I do ask for yours and
James, Cindy's, and Thomas' forgiveness."
"It has been granted many times over in the prayers
and thoughts of your daughter."
With that, the light disappeared and they were thrust back into the
present.
Brother Francis was about to speak again when he noticed
Cindy and Thomas standing beside each other and James holding His grandfather
and grandmother in his arms as they wept.
Genny and Katy rose, wondering how Cindy escaped their grasp and stood
with Thomas. John knew, however and
began shepherding the people to the door to let the
Dex said,
"Where are you going? It
isn't over. You must understand that you
are misled. He isn't the Son of
Christ. He can't be. You fools!"
John collard Dex and took him outside. "Go home, dad. You're embarrassing me." Dex got in the limo and left, fuming.