Title: Nevermore
Chapter: 10
Author: Evidence
Rating: PG-13
Author's Notes: Thanks to D and Maple Street.
She had watched so many people walking near the waiting room. People on crutches, in wheelchairs or dragging oxygen along with them. Every patient was being visited, it seemed, be someone they loved; whether it be their brother, daughter, or husband. Sam envied them. She was distant from all the remaining members of her clan. She spoke once and a while with her mother and had dismissed herself from her father's life long ago. Thomas, the one family member close to her proximity, she had ignored until today. Sometimes Samantha felt all alone. Martin had served to fill that void but now even he was gone.
"Hey," she had Vivian's voice behind her.
She turned and felt her face fall. Vivian was there to pick her up and Jack was nowhere in sight.
Vivian read her facial expression. "Something important came up."
"There are always more important things than me," Sam said scowling.
"You know that's not true...he," Vivian searched for the right words, "doesn't know how to act. He's just stuck between a rock and a hard place."
Sam sighed and slowly stood up carefully not to move suddenly her still tender head. "It doesn't matter. Our arraignment was just temporary anyways." She shrugged like she didn't care but she had to fight to keep the tears inside.
Vivian walked with her out to the car. "My day hasn't been too great either but I'll tell you about it another time."
"Tell me now. And what was the "something important" that came up?" Sam asked as she adjusted the seatbelt in the car.
"Um, let's just say I may not work with you anymore."
"What?"
"I did something illegal that Van Doran might fire me for." Vivian started the engine.
"Oh my God, Viv! I'm so sorry." Shock was written on Samantha's face.
"Don't worry about that. You have something more important to be concerned about." She paused as she let a man cross the street. "That "something important" was Podena. He took Thomas from the detox center."
"Oh, no," Sam felt the tears coming down.
"Jack is searching for them right now, okay," Vivian glanced over at the other woman as she rounded a corner.
Wiping her eyes with her cuff, Sam spoke, "Don't drive me home. Bring me back to the office."
"Sam, you were injured, you can't..."
"He's my family," Sam said pushing a strand of hair out of her eyes, "I have to help him."
Vivian sighed. "Okay."
They rode in silence to the office.
The light from the candle shone on his wedding ring as to remind him of his commitment to Maria. He looked up from it as he heard his name being called.
"Jack, what's the matter?"
"Hello Father," he said turning around to face Father Walker. "I need your assistance again."
"Spiritually or on a case?"
"Case," he said.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes...why?" Was the encounter with Samantha displayed on his soul for all to see?
"Your face- it's all cut up."
"Oh that was from a suspect's cat. Father, that suspect we believe to be a serial killer. We have also discovered proof that he attended church here- we found his donation envelopes. Do you know Franklin Podena?"
Father Walker's face dropped. "Dear God, yes. That man is quite unstable. I imagined he could be a killer by his actions."
"What actions, Father?" Jack said, his curiosity peaked.
Father Walker sat down at the first pew. Jack taking a seat next to them. "Easter vigil this year, Franklin stands on and yells at the top of his lungs, "Pilate must die for his error!" Now most people are sleeping through the liturgy not proclaiming death threats that go against their religion. I thought that was odd. And then just a few weeks ago he came up to me after mass and asked me if I have ever felt the power of death."
"The power of death?" Jack interrupted.
"He was referring to the last rights I give a dying parishioner. It was almost if he believed that I had the power to make them live or go on to Heaven. Which of course I don't. I can only ask for their sins to be forgiven."
"If I get shot remember to ask that for me," Jack said with a small smile.
"Of course Jack but your sins are not as great as Franklin's. No amounting of my asking would expunge those from his soul if he is a serial killer."
"Do you know any place he might frequent? He has Samantha's cousin Thomas with him. We are afraid Thomas will be his next victim."
"I'll say a prayer for Thomas...is the last name Spade?" Jack nodded. "Okay," Father Walker continued, "how is Samantha coping?"
"Um, I don't know. I have been tiring to keep my distance." Jack shrugged.
"She needs you now."
"Father that wouldn't be a good idea..."
"You care for her, you love her, she needs your friendship right now. Be a friend Jack and nothing more." Father Walker said.
"That's easier said than done, Father. Thank you for your time." Jack stood up.
"Oh, Jack. Franklin seems to me to have a God complex. He wants to be famous, important, hold power in his hands. He's like a superhero wannabe that does evil instead. Every superhero has a secret liar. You must find his."
Jack thought. "Somewhere he could hide with Thomas and plan his next move."
"Yes his own Bat cave."
"Thank you Father." Jack smiled.
"You have figured out something?"
"What does New York City have a lot of?"
"Well...warehouses, run down buildings...oh Jack I see."
"It may take some time but I think we have an idea where to look. Thank you."
"I'm always here for you...and for Samantha." Father Walker stood up to walk Jack out.
"She's not Catholic."
"She doesn't need to be. If she ever wants to talk, I'll listen." Father Walker smiled. "And I'll try to be a hopeless romantic instead of a priest."
"Meaning?" Jack asked.
"Meaning I won't tell her that her love for you is wrong. I'll just tell her to follow her heart."
"Father that might get you in trouble," Jack looked up at the rafters.
"Ah, yes but sometimes true love must win out even if started in...something untrue. Good luck, Jack.."
"Father are you giving me permission..."
"No, I'm not giving you anything. I'm just telling you that sometimes something that isn't right is the right thing. Life is not perfect nor sin free. We just must choose which sins we are willing to commit and which we think we will be forgiven for." Father Walker left Jack at the front door and walked back to the candles lit in front of the Scared Heart.
Thomas slowly tried lifting himself from the ground but he fell in a crashing heap. He had to make it back to the human colony before he was destroyed along with humanity. He pushed himself up again and this time sat up. Just a few feet from freedom. Just a few feet…
To be continued…