Sheila did not believe in evil. But he did.
He stood and headed towards her house.
13 - It hasn’t gone away
Jack sent out a group email to his team, providing an update regarding Orange Man’s location. They’d established his name was Thomas Wiley, of no fixed address. Of course. The team needed to dig deeper into his background and see why he would be going to Noosa. Maybe he was visiting a relative or friend.
A trip to Noosa was on the cards, but Jack wanted further information on this man first. He’d contacted Central Region for their support, and their patrols had been alerted to be on the lookout for one Mr Thomas Wiley.
Jack felt tired. He rested his head in the palms of his hands, closed his eyes and gave himself a facial massage. How nice it would be to go home to a home-cooked meal.
“Jack.” Cath’s voice entered his brief escape.
He placed his hands on his desk. “Yep.”
“You okay?”
“Yep. Just a quick recharge.”
“I’m not sure if I told you, but both my parents are in town. Did you want to join us for a quick coffee? Dad’s here for a conference and dragged Mum along. The cold weather is starting to creep into the Canberra area. Good to escape.”
Jack had met Cath’s parents a number of times. He got on well with them but wasn’t sure if he was up to being social at the moment.
Cath obviously sensed this. “Come on, Jack. You need a quick switch off. Dad may even have some news on our friend in the sky.”
He’d almost forgotten about that. He’d also forgotten about his own parents. They appeared in his thoughts every now and then. He would often wonder if he was ever going to see them again in the afterlife. They were both devoted Christians so he supposed he would. But it was something he wasn’t sure about. The accident added confusion to his life and to his belief in God. He did miss them. In some ways, that was why he kept himself so busy—to keep thoughts of them out of his head. But only he knew that. They’d had a good life until the accident although he wished they could’ve been here to enjoy the fruits of being grandparents longer. Then again, with his current circumstances, maybe not. They would be disappointed with him.
Pushing the thoughts to the back of his mind, he stood up. “Does everyone go to heaven when they die?”
“What a random question.” Cath gave him a searching gaze. “You coming for coffee?”
“Yep. I’d like to see your parents.” Parents offered a sense of security coupled with wisdom, if you were willing to accept that.
They headed towards the front entrance. “And, Jack, there is a belief which covers your question. Universalists believe everyone will eventually go to heaven.”
“Do you believe that?”
“No. Christ spoke about Hell quite a bit. Makes me think there must be a place where those who don’t want anything to do with God end up.”
The noise of the busy street joined their conversation.
Jack looked at Cath. “Thanks for your honesty. To be continued.”
As they entered the café, Cath’s parents, Frank and Susan, stood to greet them.
Jack shook hands with Frank and gave Susan a hug. “Good to see you both.”
“And you. You’re looking good.” Frank motioned them to some chairs. “Take a seat. Let me grab you a coffee. What would you like?”
“You sure?” Jack asked.
“Of course.” Frank turned to his daughter. “Same as usual, Catherine?”
Cath nodded.
“Long black would be good. Thanks.” Jack moved his attention to Cath’s mum. “How are you going?”
“Good, Jack.” Susan had a lovely warm smile. “Nice to be in the warmer weather.”
She had a wintery look about her already. Everyone knew Canberra was colder than Brisbane, and winters came earlier down there.
Frank returned after ordering the coffees.
“Bit of excitement happening in your industry, Frank. Cath tells me I should come and check out where you work. She says the night sky is quite amazing.”
“It is. And you’re welcome any time. But can I say we need to take this thing in the sky seriously. Not many are.”
Susan touched Frank’s arm “No shop talk, hon.”
“No, Susan, it’s okay,” Jack said. “I’d like to hear what Frank has to say. Like to impress my son.” Jack gave her a wink.
“Thanks, Jack. I’m giving a talk on it this evening, so this is a chance to practise.”
Susan’s rolled her eyes.
“Well, the space agencies—and that includes some of your local universities—have been monitoring Adventus for some time. That’s what everybody is calling it now.”
“So I’ve heard.”
