Revelations 12 Page 4

  “I baptised him. He has also done his First Communion and Confirmation. In the last few months he has been helping out in the church. I have spent a considerable amount of time with him.”

  “Initially, I wanted to dismiss this, Father. However, based on what you have told me, regarding the boy and the brutality of that murder, I’d like to look into it a bit further. I also want to speak with Dr Brockman. He can’t be hard to track down.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Sheriff Amos had spent his entire career in law enforcement. He knew that emotion gets the better of sound judgement. Over the years he had seen, on more than one occasion, officers being taken off cases where their families were involved.

  “Now, here I am,” he said to himself. “Without authorisation, I’ve accessed the Evidence Room and I’m giving someone state evidence in the unsolved murder of their daughter. I’m less than two weeks into my new job, so much for keeping my nose clean.”

  “Come on in, Amos. Beth’s just made a fresh pot of coffee.”

  “Thanks, Robert, but I won’t stay long. I just want to have a word with you guys and then I’ll be out of here.”

  Beth came through from the kitchen.

  “I’ve got your coffee poured, Amos, so you have to stay.”

  The sheriff smiled.

  “Fair enough, Beth. You win.”

  “You know,” Robert said, “before we get started, I just want to apologise. Beth and I were speaking the other night and we feel terrible about what we have asked you to do. We had not considered it from your point of view. You are putting a lot on the line to help us. When we heard you got the job, all we thought about at the time was Julia.”

  “Don’t feel bad, Robert. You are like a brother. We grew up together and Julia was the closest thing I’ve had to a daughter. I’ll do anything I can. Unfortunately though, even as sheriff now, it is difficult for me to allocate resources to this when the State has just cut our budget for the second time in three years.”

  “We really appreciate what you’re doing, Amos,” said Beth.

  “What I do want to highlight to you both is that, emotionally, this is going to be as difficult as the day Julia died. What I have here is very disturbing to look at. You are going to have to find the strength to see it as evidence and not Julia.”

  “We understand what you are saying. I told Beth about some of the evidence I looked at. I had tried to prepare myself beforehand but I still broke down.”

  “It’s completely understandable, as I say, I can’t put my guys onto this, there are too many other priorities, but if you and Beth do the footwork and come up with something then let me know. I have people in departments that I can call on for a favour.”

  “You’ll be the first to know if we come up with something or if we need your help.”

  “Remember, Robert, you can look into this but you are not allowed to break the law and you can’t go after the kid on your own. Now I’ll leave this envelope on the table and I’ll see myself out. You need anything, you know where I am.”

  Sheriff Amos was right. It was the hardest night Robert and Beth had experienced since Julia’s death. The photos of Julia covered in blood; with the knife sticking out of her chest were graphic and harrowing to view. They knew that, emotionally, they were in no position to start following up on any evidence. They agreed to look at the photos every night for the next week, make written notes and try and build up some immunity to viewing them. They had the rest of their lives to find who did this to their daughter.

  *

  “I told you, Father I was coming to see you in the coming weeks.”

  “It’s wonderful to have you visit Sidon, Your Grace.”

  “I am happy to be here. I have to say, before I came in I had a walk around and you have done an excellent job. The church and the grounds look fantastic.”

  “Thank you. I have a lot of people helping me, I can’t take all the credit.”

  The Bishop took a large red book from his bag. “I have a number of items I wish to discuss with you. The first on my list is Simon Holman. I have some of the clergy looking into his background. They are due to report back to me by the end of the month. In the mean time, I would like you to keep close to him. He trusts you, I take it?”

  “I believe so, Your Grace.”

  “Good. And his mother?”

  “Yes, I have known her a long time. Can I ask what is it you have seen that has made you look into this?”

  “There are three main things that trouble me about it, Father Firstly, that form of Aramaic is particularly ancient. There are a limited number of people in the world that would be aware of it. I am very surprised someone in Sidon would have this knowledge.

  “Secondly, I had the cloth sent for testing. All the results are not back yet. However, I am told that there is no ink, dye or pigment on the cloth. The letters are burnt into it. Of course, this is not difficult to do but it is difficult to do well.

  “And thirdly, as you are aware, it is only when held up to the light can you see there is anything actually on it. Most unusual is the way it has been done. The dark shade of brown chosen for the cloth cleverly disguised it. Someone went to great effort to create it.

  “If you don’t mind I would like to keep the cloth for a few more weeks; we have not finished all of the tests. However, I can return this children’s Bible to you now. We have reviewed it over the past few weeks, it is certainly only just as the title says ‘My First Bible’. We particularly focused on The Book of Revelations but nothing has been added or removed. It is as it should be.”

  “I’m sure keeping the cloth will be fine, Your Grace. I’ll let Mrs Holman know.”

  *

  “Sorry I’m late, Father The stupid car wouldn’t start again. The battery was dead so Annamae drove over and gave me a jump start.”

  “That’s okay. I just arrived a few minutes ago myself. I ordered a coffee and the soup of the day for you.”

  “You realise it’s a small town, Father. People are going to start talking if they see us here having lunch again.”

  Fr. Mark smiled. “Believe me, Martha, my cooking skills are non-existent. Unless one of my parishioners invites me over to dinner, I’m pretty much going to be eating out, either with someone or on my own.”

  “So, should I feel guilty for not having you over for dinner?”

  “You should,” he smiled.

  “I’ll keep it in mind. I may surprise you one day. So how is Simon doing? He seems a bit happier now he is helping you out at the church.”

  “He’s doing great. He was weeding the flowerbed at the front yesterday. People don’t realise it’s just constant upkeep. With more and more paperwork, finding the time for jobs like that is getting really difficult. It’s great when people offer to help.”

  “So, did you get anywhere with the Bible and cloth?”

  “Actually, that is what I wanted to chat with you about. I went to see the Bishop a few weeks ago and showed both the items to him.” Fr. Mark leaned forward and lowered his voice. “He confirmed that the words on the cloth are indeed an ancient form of Aramaic. He is quite knowledgeable on the language and his best interpretation of it reads: ‘I have chosen you. The Apocalypse is written in the back.’”

  Martha looked at the priest, gathering her thoughts. “Why would someone write that on a cloth and give it to a child on his first birthday?”

  “I don’t know, Martha.”

  “What does it mean anyway? The Apocalypse is written in the back? I’ve seen the word ‘Apocalypse’ in the Bible, what is that all about?”

  “Apocalypse comes from the Greek word Apokalupsis. In a religious context, it means revelation, like lifting a veil or revealing something hidden. Apocalypse is mentioned in The Book of Revelations, which as you know is the last book in the Bib
le.”

  “Then ‘The Apocalypse is written in the back’ would imply something is written somewhere in the back of the Bible. So that means it’s in The Book of Revelations, right?”

  “I don’t know Martha. I have put a lot of thought into it. The Bishop and I have both looked closely at The Book of Revelations, in this particular Bible, but the words are as they should be. I don’t even know if it means anything at all. It may be, as I told you a few weeks ago, nothing to be concerned about.”

  “I’m going home tonight to read Revelations, Father. To be honest, I have tried in the past. All I know is that it’s about the end of the world and the signs to look for – but how it’s written makes it difficult to understand.”

  “Good luck with it, Martha. I hope you don’t mind. I can give you back your Bible, but the Bishop would like to keep the cloth for a few more weeks.”

  “That concerns me. Why does he want to keep the cloth?”

  “I’m guessing he is well read in Aramaic, so it is of some interest to him.”

  “I have a small confession to make, Father I told you I had not seen Dr Brockman since he gave Simon this Bible. However, I believe, in fact, I know I saw him again. Simon went into the hospital. It was an emergency and he ended up having his appendix removed. I am sure I saw Dr Brockman at the surgery.”

  “I wish you had told me this before, Martha. How sure are you that it was him?”

  “I’m just about positive. We looked at each other. I recognised him and I’m sure he knew I did. He tried to turn away quickly and that is what made me try to track him down. I’ve asked at the hospital. I’ve even called the AMA, but there is no record of him.”

  “It’s a bit odd they would have no record of him. Leave it with me. I’ll let you know if Bishop Connor comes back to me with anything further, but don’t worry yourself now.”

  *

  “They really have to do something about the price of food,” said Martha. “We won’t be able to afford to eat if this continues. I’ve just spent a small fortune in there and look on the back seat. There is hardly anything in those bags.”

  “I know, Mom. You say that every time we go, but let’s just get home before the car breaks down again.”

  “I wish you’d stop talking down our car. It’s all we have, and it’s been taking you everywhere since you were born.”

  “You mean it’s been breaking down everywhere since I’ve been born.”

  “Funny guy.”

  “You really should get a new one, Mom.”

  “Haven’t you heard? I’m planning to buy a Mercedes at the end of the month, when my next VA pension cheque comes.”

  “Yeah, if only, huh?”

  There was a moment of silence and Martha thought to herself, this is the most light-hearted conversation I’ve had with him since that dreadful day. My son is coming back, thank God. I am so happy.

  “So, I hear you were weeding the church garden. I’ve been asking you to cut the grass out back for ages.”

  “I’ll get around to it, Mom, but I really need to study these days.”

  “When do your exams start?”

  “Six weeks time and then…”

  “And then you cut the grass?” Martha said quickly.

  “Actually, I’m not sure what I will do then, but maybe I’ll cut the grass. Seriously, Mom, when am I going to know what I want to do with my life? I’ve prayed. I’ve asked people for advice. I’ve researched different fields and I still don’t know.”

  “Who have you asked for advice?”

  “Most recently, I asked Aunt Annamae.”

  “You asked her for advice? What did she advise you?”

  “You won’t believe me if I told you. She said I should ask Fr. Mark.”

  “Are you serious? That was her advice? What did you say?”

  “I told her she must be joking. Fr. Mark will probably advise me to join the clergy.”

  “What did she say?”

  “That would not be so bad. I would get to help a lot of people, which is the only thing that makes me happy.”

  “She is right in that regard, but I can’t believe Annamae, of all people, told you to ask Fr. Mark.

  “Your aunt surprises me sometimes. She is always bad-mouthing the church. She came over the other day and read out some article she found in the newspaper about corruption at the Vatican. Now, here she is telling you the clergy is not so bad.”

  “Could you imagine it, Mom? With the name I have in Sidon, what people would say if they hear I’m joining the clergy?”

  “You worry too much, Simon. There are so many career opportunities these days, with computers and all the new technology; I saw a video player in the shop the other day. The man was showing it to me. You just put a movie tape into it and watch it on your TV. You can stop it, or start it, when you want. Imagine being able to watch a movie like that?”

  “Some of the kids in school already have video players, Mom. Actually, at school they have started putting in computers. They won’t be ready for a while yet, but I want to learn about them.”

  Martha tapped the dashboard. “See, got us home safe and sound.”

  Simon just shook his head.

  *

  Martha kissed Simon good night, put the Bible next to her bed, and brushed her teeth. She lay in bed and said a prayer of thanks. She could not remember the last time she had felt so happy. My First Bible, she looked at the title and remembered lying in bed with Simon and reading the stories to him. Now, in a couple of months, he would be graduating from college.

  As she lay in bed, the words were going around and around in her head: ‘I have chose, you, The Apocalypse is written in the back.’ She went to the last chapter of the Bible, The Book of Revelations. Right, she thought, I need to put the ‘I have chosen you’ part out of my head. It gives me the creeps. I need to focus. There must be something in here that the Apocalypse refers to and I’m going to figure it out.

  CHAPTER 6

  The trauma of reviewing the photos every night proved too much for Robert and Beth Osbourne. They would close their eyes and were haunted by the images of their only child’s murder. After three weeks of nightmares, sleepless nights, arguments and tears, they were emotional wrecks. Their marriage was suffering and they both knew it could not go on. Sheriff Amos stopped by to see how they were doing.

  “Come on in, Amos,” said Beth. “Robert should be on his way home. He went to collect a prescription for me.”

  Sheriff Amos was stunned at how Beth looked. Her hair was a mess her cheeks were sunken. There were bags under her eyes. She looks terrible, he thought.

  “Can I get you something, Amos?”

  “I’d love a beer, but a glass of water will have to do as I’m on duty now.”

  “You’re the sherriff, aren’t you?”

  “If only it worked like that, Beth.”

  “Here you go, have you had lunch? I can fix you a sandwich.”

  “I’m fine, Beth. I’m trying to cut back a bit.”

  “That is Robert just pulling into the drive. He’ll be happy to see you’re here.”

  “Hi, Amos, I saw your new car outside. At last they gave you something decent to drive.”

  The sheriff looked at Robert. Wow, he thought, you actually look worse than Beth.

  “Don’t be fooled, Robert. It’s the same piece of junk car I’ve always had. They just repainted it and put the star and ‘sheriff’ on the doors. Can we go through to the living room and talk?”

  “I’ll be honest, both of you look like hell. I’m sure neither of you are getting any quality sleep and you have probably taken no notes, or have any plan for what evidence you want to look into.”

  Beth and Robert knew there was no point pretending, Amos knew them too well.

/>   “This stops today. Both of you are going to stop looking at the photos, or even speaking about Julia. You’re retired, Robert. Take Beth and book into a hotel out of town. I don’t want to see either of you back home for at least a week.”

  “I think your right, Amos. I actually have somewhere in mind that Beth and I can go.”

  “I’m gathering up these photos and taking them away now. Remember, no talk of Julia. Go do some adventure stuff. Walk the hills, take a spa and enjoy the outdoors. When you return, I will give you back the photos. However, only look at them between 9am and 5pm. Take your notes and do research then. After 5pm that is it for the day. Switch off, have dinner, go to a movie, whatever, but clear you mind before you go to bed.”

  Amos left with the photographs. Robert and Beth sat in the living room with the realisation of the toll these last few weeks had taken on them.

  *

  “Come on in, Father I’m sorry to summon you over here at such short notice.”

  “It is not a problem Your Grace. How can I help?”

  “Again, it is regarding Simon Holman and his family. As you know, my contacts are not limited to members of the clergy. There are many officials and government departments I call on from time to time. I have the report on Simon Holman in front of me. We are continuing our enquiries. However, there is no Dr Brockman registered with any medical practice. If Dr Brockman existed, my people would have found him. We decided to review the murder case against Simon and we got access to the evidence. The murder weapon used was not an ordinary knife, as reported, but an Athame.”

  “What’s an Athame?”

  “It’s a sacrificial knife, used by those practicing pagan witchcraft. Unfortunately, the police viewed it as a regular knife and only lifted the fingerprints, which did not match Simon’s. The origin of this knife should have been looked into at the time. Now let’s assume, Father, that Simon is the killer. How would a sixteen year old, living in a place like Sidon, get his hands on an Athame?”