“And many others too. The idea of the technology was to relocate such offenders to a place of ‘inconvenience’. I know it sounds bland and not well thought–out, but the technology was so impressive, and then my son committed suicide after running over a girl who walked straight in front of his car. This just gave the plan a further push. Then I read about Cryonics, Inc. The feelings from then took over.”
“I’m sorry to hear about that.”
“I loved my son so much and felt guilty about not spending enough time with him. I know now that he was screaming out for attention. And there were other mistakes. I took out my guilt on someone from my church. I believed he treated my son badly when my son was younger, but now see that it may have been a mistake. Now the man’s dead. That wasn’t meant to happen. I just wanted to spook him. It was all about power. I loved my son. Now he’s dead. Could you bring him back to life?”
The Rev had turned his seat and was facing Windsor. The man was still grieving, and was filled with guilt and remorse.
“That’s a difficult question, Grant. I believe God brought the other ones back because of the circumstances. It’s the first time I’ve seen such things. It’s God who brings them back to life, not me. I’m just the vehicle He used. That’s why I needed to get away from that place. I just didn’t know what you might have done to get your way.”
Windsor put his head down. “I’m so sorry and embarrassed by my actions. I do ask your forgiveness.”
“Just get right with God, Grant. We need to think about what death is . . . I believe those who don’t know Jesus are dead—maybe this is what we should be focusing on, bringing those dead in the spirit back to life. I have no idea where your son was at. Maybe he had already been raised from the dead.”
“I would like to believe that, and will.” Windsor looked around the room again. He put his hand out to the Rev.
They shook hands.
“Let’s enjoy each other’s company. Besides, this is a nicer place than where we came from. Enrich me, Reverend. It looks like we may be here for the night.
Chapter 27
AARON CALLED GRANT WINDSOR'S phone a number of times. He wanted to know what Windsor was up to with the Rev.
No response. He thought about calling the police, but wasn’t sure how they would react to angels, demons and things like that. They’d probably lock them all up thinking they were mad, even though the proof was out there: bodies vanishing and reappearing, the dead brought back to life. But then, at times, Aaron wasn’t even sure if he believed what was happening around him.
Their appointment with Mackenzie had turned out to be a barbeque and she wanted Aaron to bring along the motley crew. She still liked the idea of looking after the homeless. Aaron had forgotten that’s what they were. Aaron told the motley crew that he would pick them up outside the church on Ann Street.
He felt nostalgic, so had some old Beatles music playing in the car. He slowed down and saw the motley crew waiting. He pulled up as close as he could and gave them a toot, as they hadn’t seen his car before. They waved and came running along like excited schoolchildren. Aaron smiled. And they all had made a big effort to present themselves well.
Mel and Wally climbed in the back seat. Mel still had his red and blue cap on. Churchie jumped in the front with Aaron and asked if there was any news on the Rev.
“No news, Churchie. I’ve been trying to work out what to do. I believe we need some kind of proof so I can call the police. Maybe we can come up with some strategy today, when we’re all together.”
“Don’t be concerned about the Rev . . . don’t worry about him. God will be looking after him.”
Aaron looked at Churchie and thought about what he said. Seeing the invisible world must strengthen one's faith. And that invisible world was there with the Rev and around everyone. It was a powerful thought.
“You know this Windsor guy is a churchgoer,” Aaron said. “I’ve come across him before at Mackenzie’s church. You know, the church has a bad reputation because of guys like him. The church is seen as hypocritical. What sort of role model is he?”
“The church is full of people. All people are sinners, Aaron. The only difference between believers and non-believers is that we believers have received God’s forgiveness for our sins, but those that haven’t asked for forgiveness stand condemned.”
“So you're telling me this Windsor bloke is forgiven for what he’s been up to.”
“Only God knows a man’s heart, Aaron. Only God knows if a person is a genuine believer.”
“Hey, will you two cut out the religious talk? We have no idea what you’re going on about,” Mel said. “But let me add my two bob’s worth: ‘The Lord said come fourth and receive eternal life, I came fifth and received a box of chocolates.’”
That one caught Aaron off guard but he thought about it and laughed. Mel did have the ability to relax things. Mel needed to expand on the joke before Churchie and Wally responded.
The rest of the journey was taken up by the boys debating the best places to get secondhand clothes from—there were quite a few options.
As they got closer to Mackenzie’s place, Aaron told them that the man with Mackenzie on her little adventure would be at the barbeque.
Mel asked his name.
“Joshua.” Aaron looked in the mirror as he responded. He saw something in Mel’s face—a kind of reaction, but to what, he didn’t know.
<°)))><
Aaron turned the car into a quiet tree-lined street, tidy gardens on one side, and well-kept parklands taking up half of the other side. He pulled up outside the Gordon’s house. Aaron told the crew that his parent’s house was across the road—he would drop in and see Mum before he left. Mum’s lawn needed mowing. He wondered how she was coping without Dad.
Aaron stared at the familiar woven wire gate. It brought back fond memories of the past. He held the gate open and ushered them all through, closed the gate, and then led them up to the front door. Mackenzie had already opened the door and came bounding towards them. She jumped up and gave Aaron a hug, nearly knocking him of his feet. Aaron freed his head from Mackenzie’s headlock and looked at the smiling face of Churchie.
What a welcome, she’s just so glad to see us all. Aaron was touched by the welcome, but thought of Paul and felt guilty.
Mackenzie led them inside, through the house and into the backyard where they were greeted by a barking Jethro. Aaron took in the floodlit scene: Mackenzie’s dad manning the barbeque, her mum down the back of the garden inspecting her favourite shrubs with a man Aaron assumed was Joshua, flashes of Jethro as he sprinted along the fence line.
They all turned when Aaron and the motley crew made their entrance. Kathy and Joshua made their way up from the back of the yard. Aaron walked down the steps, over to Kathy, gave her a hug and turned to the man with her.
“You must be Joshua.” Aaron held out his hand. “I’m Aaron.” They shook hands. “Thanks for watching over Mackenzie for us.”
“No, you’ve got that wrong. She looked after me.”
Aaron’s eyes moved to the black botch under Joshua’s right eye. Not wanting to stare, he fixed his gaze elsewhere.
“Nope, that’s not true either,” Mackenzie said as she came up beside Joshua. “It was a team effort, helped along by things unseen.”
They headed back up the steps. Aaron smiled. “Let me introduce you to what I refer to as the motley crew.” Where was Mel? “I think you all know Churchie. Maybe you don’t, Joshua.”
