CHAPTER 7

            "I don't believe we have to do anything." said Dex to Bishop Michael.

            "But don't you understand that it would be in the best interest of Christianity if we definitively put an end to this persistent rumor."  Said the Bishop.

            "I could see where it would be in the best interest of your faith and your church to whitewash this event.  But I see no benefit to me or my congregation or for that matter Christianity to end this."

            They had been going at this for an hour now.  Dex, had been "requested" to appear before a gathering of his peers to discuss the religious implications of his son's birth.

            "Brother Dex," said Reverend Martin as the Cardinal started to rise in anger.  "Surely, you don't wish us to believe that your son is a miracle from God.  A son of His, here again on earth."

            "He is no more a miracle than any other child's birth," replied Dex coldly.

            "That is not an answer." shot back Bishop Michael.  "That will only lead to further speculation.  How can you continue in this vein?  To imperil the scriptures for your own personal gain.  How arrogant."

            "Arrogance!"  Dex rose at this accusation.  "It is a fine perch you sit on and pass judgement.  The richest Church in the world calls me for profiting on my Lord's word?  Judge yourself, least ye be judged."

            "Gentlemen." said Reverend Martin.  "Please be calm.  Cardinal Michael, I remind you that Mr. Love is here at our request.  He did not have to show, nor answer these questions."

            "I apologize, Reverend Martin, Mr. Love," said Bishop Michael.  "But I do get carried away when I perceive an attack on the Scriptures."

            "As do we all," said Reverend Martin.  He waved at Dex to return to his seat and calm down at this last comment.  "Mr. Love, you cannot deny the reaction the birth of your child has had in the world.  Faith has been rocked in all religions, not just the Catholic Church.  Please remember that we asked you to come here so that we may answer our congregations concerns over your son's birth.  These 'rumors,' as Cardinal Michael wishes to call them, have your child as the Second Coming.  If it is true, we must proclaim it.  If it is not true, we must respond accordingly."

            "And I repeat, I don't believe I have to do anything.  My child's destiny is that of the Lords.  I claim no divinity on his part, nor do I discourage any claims of his divinity on the part of others.  Who are we and who am I to make a decision as to the divinity of this child at this age.  The Lord works in mysterious ways.   If my son's birth is the Second Coming it will be revealed soon enough and there is nothing anyone in here can do about it.   If it is not the Second Coming, that also will be revealed in time."

            "But this is unacceptable." said Bishop Michael.

            "To who? You." replied Dex.  "God is not on your personal agenda.  As I recall He worked well enough before you got here and it appears He will work after you are gone.  This is all I have to say gentlemen, my son is not yours for experimentation or dissection.  We will do nothing and let God will be carried out in its natural course."  Dex rose from the chair and walked out of the room.

            Bishop Michael, stood and gathered up his papers, waving off Reverend Martin and the others.  Motioning to his aid, he too, walked out of the room.

            "There will be trouble over this," Michael said to his aid as they left the room.  "My recommendation to the Pope will be to keep a watchful eye on this Dexter Love and his son.  Any hint on their part of divinity and we must be prepared to discredit them with hard evidence.  I want full background checks on him and his wife.  Get me reports from their doctor and the hospital if you can.  Hopefully we will be ready to nip their actions in the bud."  Bishop Michael entered his waiting limousine.

            "That man, those people." said Dex to Lori.  "They have been on me ever since my son's arrival.  Disavow this, renounce that.  Well how in the hell would I know whether or not John is special to the Lord?  He is special to me" Dex stroked John's hand as he lay in his arms.

            Lori got Dex another drink from the bar in their hotel room.  "Don't worry about them honey," said Lori.  "You're doing what's right for our boy."

            "And that Bishop," said Dex  "Honey, if you hear anything about a Bishop Michael, let me know.  He has declared himself, judge, jury, and executioner over anything that is religious.  I can't believe that he thought I should just announce to the world that my child was a normal baby with no religious significance, just because Bishop Michael had said so.  What arrogance!"

            "Now, honey," said Lori. "Just let it go.  You back with me and John.  There is nothing any mean ol' Bishop can do to you now."

            "Just the same, Lori.  You keep a watch out for him.  He could mean trouble for us."

            "I will Dex.  I will.  Now get some rest, honey, O.K."  Lori put a blanket over both her men as they sat in the chair.