Revelations 12 Page 6

  “Perfect, you can say Grace, Father.”

  “This tastes fantastic, Martha. You’re an amazing cook.”

  “Thanks, Father. Now I’ve done my part, it’s your turn to tell me all about The Book of Revelations.”

  “Well, I know what it is about. However, I’m unable to understand it fully myself.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me this last Sunday?”

  “I’d have risked missing out on this amazing meal.”

  “You’re definitely worth watching, Father. You’re not quite as innocent as you make out!”

  “I told you, Martha; when your cooking is as bad as mine, you take every opportunity for a free meal that you can get. Seriously though, I will tell you what I know about The Book of Revelations and, based on that you can read it again and make your own interpretation. How does that sound?”

  Martha nodded.

  “During or just after the time of Christ, there was a man called John. There is much debate as to whether he was John the apostle, or a different John. However, John lived on an island between Greece and Turkey called Patmos. It is on this Island that he had visions of the end of the world. He recorded them in what you are reading, called The Book of Revelations.

  “John’s visions describe the end of the world when Jesus returns and defeats the armies of Satan. It describes Satan’s fate and the fate of those who choose his ways. It also speaks of Jesus’s love for his followers and the protection he offers from Satan, for those who choose to listen. It is a warning to prompt the self-examination of our lives and to think carefully about what is truly important in this life. Therefore, the word ‘Apocalypse’ is used as the veil that was lifted on all the events that will come to pass or, to put it another way, the events that were revealed.”

  “So, Father, how does the word ‘Apocalypse’, written on the cloth, fit in with all of this?”

  “As I told you, Martha, I do not understand the connection between the cloth and The Book of Revelations. I wonder, at times, if there is a connection. I just don’t know.”

  “Father, if we put aside this second part, ‘The Apocalypse is written in the back’, and look at the first part, ‘I have chosen you’, it is very worrying for me. I’ve been trying to ignore it, but Simon was given that Bible, wrapped in the cloth, for his first birthday. This first part frightens me. Has Simon been chosen? And, if so, by whom? And to do what?”

  “I know it has been many years, Martha, but the man who gave you this Bible, Dr Brockman, would you recognise him today?”

  “Without question, I would. It was over ten years between seeing him on Simon’s first birthday and later seeing him in the hospital, when he had his appendix removed. I know it was the same man.”

  “Martha, the Bishop, his staff and I, have looked carefully at that Bible. There has been nothing in The Book of Revelations that has been added or removed. I can’t emphasise this enough. Please do not worry.”

  “Father, why is there no publisher?”

  “What do you mean, Martha?”

  “The Bible is the most sold book in the world. Publishing companies must have made a lot of money selling them. I have looked at other Bibles. They all have publishing companies with their names and details clearly written on the back. That Bible has no such details.”

  “I had not noticed that, Martha. That is a very good observation indeed.”

  Martha’s eyes filled with tears. “Father, I question that Bible; I question what is written on that cloth; I question Dr Brockman, who no one seems to know about; I question the murder of Julia; and I even question my own son at times. I am truly frightened for him. My life can end today; I know I have lived a good life. I have no fear of death, but this is my only son.”

  Fr. Mark handed Martha a napkin to wipe her eyes. “Martha, let us look forward, as you said earlier. I think, as you let the events surrounding Julia go, you need to let these questions you have go. Please, for your own good, you need to stop thinking about him.”

  “You’re probably right, Father, but it is so much easier said than done when it’s your child.”

  “I don’t have any children, but I can understand.”

  “Why don’t you have a family, Father? Why did you choose to do this? You seem so much more normal than a priest should be.”

  Fr. Mark looked intently at Martha across the table. “Martha, I was called to do this. I know there are some of my fellow clergy that sometimes question their decision. I can understand that also, but I have no doubt this is my calling.

  “When I was younger, something happened to me where I found myself neither awake nor asleep. It was something between the two states. Like a vision, I was fully aware of what I was seeing. I was outside myself and I saw myself in the future. It was a frightening time for humanity. However, everyone went on with their lives, unaware of what was to come. I tried to warn them. I was screaming, telling them this is the end, but they were too busy to listen. I saw that I was a member of the clergy and I had a great purpose in the events that were happening.”

  “Father, that scares me almost as much as what I’m going through.”

  “Martha, you are correct in what you said regarding yourself. You live and have lived a good life. You have nothing to fear. Your life can be taken at anytime but it is only the death of your body – it means nothing.

  “Regarding your concerns for Simon, you should have no fear for him. I am genuinely happy that he has made new friends and is interested in girls and having fun. However, at church I have had conversations of such depth with him, they are beyond what I have with senior members of the clergy. He has a spiritual understanding that he really should not possess at his age.

  “I have observed Simon in a state of prayer where his body does not move. He does not fidget. He is perfectly still. Your son is very special and you must not fear for him. Be happy, Martha; you are free to live the rest of your life, however long that is, without any fear. There is no greater gift in this life.

  “Martha, have you any idea how many today would give all their wealth for what you possess? It is unfortunate for them that what you have cannot be purchased. Still, they do not understand and continue to try.”

  “I’m not sure what to say regarding Simon, Father I just want a normal son. I know he studies religion. However, your description of that side of him is something I was not fully aware of.”

  “I’ve really enjoyed this chat, Martha, not to mention the dinner. It was amazing. Thank you so much. You have gone to great lengths.”

  “No problem at all, Father.”

  Fr. Mark got up from the table. “Allow me to help tidy up before I head home.”

  CHAPTER 8

  “It was never going to be easy, Beth, but I think we have made some good progress over the last week. Get you notes and let’s just review where we stand at the moment.”

  “Okay, Robert. I’ve broken it down like this, so I’ll just read out the item, the status and the plan ahead.

  “Footprints. Almost without question the brand of shoe is Converse All Star High Tops, size nine and a half. Sold at two locations within the Sidon area. We have Thursday this week lined up for visiting both outlets.”

  “John A Holman (suspect’s father). Deceased, served in 25th Infantry Division. Died, 8th July 1968. Cause of death is classed as combat related. I called the Veteran Service Records but they will not release any information to anyone who is not an immediate member of his family.”

  “Leave that one with me, Beth. I have some old friends who served in Vietnam. Perhaps they know people and can get some information on him.”

  “Murder Weapon. So far, we have not been able to establish where it came from. Looking at the photos of it, there is no manufacturer’s name on it, only the unusual symbols on both sides of its handle.”

  “
Sheriff Joe (retired). I called his office and he has agreed to meet us for lunch on Wednesday.”

  “I’m not even sure if it’s worth meeting with him, Beth. Like I said at the time, he looked more interested in playing golf than solving this. But I guess if you have made the appointment then let’s go ahead and see him on Wednesday.”

  “Dr Brockman (medical examiner) I called the coroner’s office. They don’t have a Dr Brockman working for them. They checked back but came up with nothing. Of course I could not tell them I was looking at his signature on a report. I just gave them the month. I thought he worked there but they said I was mistaken.”

  “Let’s look into that further. I’d like to speak with him and get his thoughts on Simon Holman.”

  “Hair left at crime scene. The medical examiner’s determination, that the hair left at the crime scene did not match the suspect, was accepted. Therefore, his hair and the hair left at the crime scene were never sent off for testing.”

  “How do they test them?”

  “From what I’ve read, there is a process called Microscopic Hair Analysis, that can match two hairs.”

  “Unbelievable, Beth. Who cares what the examiner wrote in his report? What the hell were they thinking? They should have just got them tested.”

  *

  At the Bishop’s Rectory, Fr. Mark reached into his bag and took out the small black book. “Your Grace, I would like to return this to you.”

  “Thank you, Fr. Mark. I take it you used it.”

  “I have. However, I must report there is no infestation, or demonic presence within the home. I have also looked around and there is nothing that would suggest any element of evil. In fact, quite the opposite, I found there to be a feeling of peace within it.”

  “Very well. I appreciate your efforts and I will continue to look into the matter. However, I believe you have done all you can at this stage but I would still like you to continue to keep close to the family. Please report back to me anything that disturbs you.”

  “I will, of course, Your Grace.”

  “I can give the cloth back to you now, Father. Please thank Mrs Holman and do apologise to her for keeping it so long.”

  “Were you able to determine anything further regarding it?”

  “We continue to look for Dr Brockman but, as I told you, he does not appear on any records. As to the writing on the cloth, unfortunately we have been unable to interpret its message, if indeed there is one.”

  “I have given a report on the matter to Cardinal Phillips, who will pass it on to the Vatican. As you are aware, we have many learned scholars whose life’s work is to study ancient texts and messages. If there is a logical message on the cloth, they will discover it.”

  “And the knife, the Athame, any progress?”

  “We still have it. Currently, it is undergoing tests but I have had no feedback on it so far.

  “That will be all for now, Father. I wish you a safe return to Sidon.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  *

  “Great, you’re home. I was getting worried,” said Martha.

  “You should not worry about me, Mom.”

  “I’m your mother, it’s my job. Anyway, this came today for you in the post.”

  “I guess, Mom, you read the name on the envelope?”

  “‘UNIVERSITY OF SIDON’. How could I miss it? So, you have applied then?”

  “Well, not yet. This will be the application form in here but I’ve made up my mind.”

  “Is it anything to do with Linda going there?”

  “No, Mom. You don’t give me enough credit; I have put a lot of thought into this decision. I mean what are my options? I can get a part time job for a year doing something but what is the point in that? I may as well go on for another four years and by then I’m sure to have figured out what I want.”

  “Well, I’m certainly happy. It will keep you close to home, so no complaints from me.”

  “Have you told Fr. Mark?”

  “Actually, it was him that advised me to do this.”

  “Oh, so you took Aunt Annamae’s advice after all then?”

  “In a way, but I’ve become quite close to Father and I trust him a lot. I was always planning to speak with him about it.”

  “He is a wonderful human being. We are lucky to have him as our parish priest. He thinks the world of you. Any advice he gives you, then listen closely. He has your best interests at heart, son.”

  *

  “Here it is, Beth. This is the café coming up on the right. I’ll just park round the corner.”

  “Sheriff Joe, it’s good to see you.”

  “Robert, Beth. How have you been?”

  “Well, we are both doing as good as you’d expect, all things considered.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  “You know, Sheriff, I’m retired now and with nothing to do. You have likely heard that Beth and I are reviewing the case.”

  “I have heard that from some of the guys at the station. Look, I want to apologise to you both. I hated the fact that I retired from the force with that case left unsolved.”

  “Well, perhaps you can assist us now. We have a few questions regarding some of the evidence.”

  “Regarding the murder weapon used, were you ever able to establish where it came from?” Beth asked.

  “We did a search of the Holman house, but there was nothing there to match it to. We were hoping it was part of a set.”

  “We have been trying to research it but there is no manufacturer’s name on it and we can’t understand the symbols engraved on the side of the handle.”

  “You seem to have a very detailed knowledge of the murder weapon. How did you get access to it? In fact, I don’t want to know as I’m implicating myself here, so let’s just forget I ever asked that question. Do you understand?”

  “We do, Sheriff. We completely understand.”

  “To be honest with you both, of course we looked at the murder weapon at the time. We ran it by a few guys but no one knew what the engravings represented, so we could not move forward with that line of investigation.”

  “Fair enough, Sheriff. I’d like to ask you about the hair. There may not have been a lot in Julia’s hand but did you look at Simon Holman’s scalp yourself?”

  “I took the boy into the study in your home the day he showed up after the murder. He was petrified. He knew a lot more than he was letting on. I’ve not been thirty-five years in the force and without being able to know when someone is hiding something.”

  “So, did you look at his scalp yourself?”

  “I did. You had a good light on your desk. I made him sit forward in his chair and I passed my hand through his hair but it was difficult to know. If it was a good clump she had pulled out his head, I’d have seen that, but it wasn’t enough to be sure.”

  “Just your opinion, Sheriff, but how close do you think the hair in Julia’s hand was to the boy’s?”

  “It’s his, not a doubt in my mind. I don’t care what the examiner said, and I told him that at the time, because I stayed in there while he checked the boy out.”

  “If the hair was the same colour and length why do you think he dismissed it so easily?”

  “I told him then, I agree there is no clear bald patch but I don’t know what he was thinking on the colour and the length. If Bob was there, he would have had a completely different opinion, I’m sure of that. I’ve worked with him for over twenty-two years.”

  “Who is Bob?”

  “He is the examiner the coroner’s office always sends when things like this happen, but he could not make it that day so they sent this other guy.”

  “You mean Dr Brockman?”

  “Yes. That was his name actually. How would y
ou know that? Damn, there I go again. Forget I asked.”

  “Did you ever see Bob afterwards, Sheriff?”

  “I just worked with Bob. A good guy, but I don’t know him on a personal level. I heard one of the guys at the station saying something about he fell down the stairs, coming out of his apartment, so he couldn’t make it that day.”

  “Do you know his full name, Sheriff?”

  “Dr Bob Cooper, are you thinking of having a word with him?”

  “It’s a long shot, but yeah. We probably will try and have a chat.”

  “What did you make of the prints on the knife, Sheriff?”

  “I so wanted them to be the boy’s, you have no idea, but whoever it was they did not care about leaving prints. The ones on the knife matched the window. They were everywhere. I’ll tell you, my gut says it was the boy, but how do we prove it?”

  “That is what we are now trying to do, Sheriff. I have a considerable sum of money and the rest of my life. Beth here feels the same way, if we have to die trying to get him, we will.”

  “Look, if you need me for anything, you know where I am, okay. I may be retired but I still know a lot of people willing to help nail Holman.”

  “We appreciate it, Sheriff.”

  *

  “Good afternoon. My name is Robert, this is my wife Beth.”

  “I’m Donna, the Manager. How can I help you?”

  “We just came from the shoe shop down the street. They told us you sold Converse shoes. We are looking for All Star High Tops in a size nine and a half.”

  “You are a year or so too late. However, we do have the latest version and I’m pretty sure we have them in a nine and a half.”

  “Sorry Donna, I should have made myself clearer. I’m actually looking for someone who would have come in here just over two years ago and purchased them. Is there any way you can look back in your records to see if you sold a size nine and a half of that type of shoe and if so, how many did you sell?”