CHAPTER ELEVEN
In the ground floor stairwell of the Hulman building, the acrid smell of gunsmoke fills the air as the echo of a single gunshot fades. Will Girardi stares at the growing bloodstain on the chest of the young hoodlum he just shot. Stupid, stupid kid—he had the drop on him! Why did he try to shoot his way out? Will cautiously bends down and recovers the .38 caliber revolver from the wounded man's hand. At least he is still breathing, if only barely.
Will realizes his job isn't done yet. This guy was part of a well-planned attempt to murder gangster Lou Marks, and he wouldn't have left his escape to chance. Will uses the emergency exit, which sets off the alarm. That's okay—building security, cops and ambulances were no doubt already on the way. Outside, Will doesn't have to look hard to find the getaway car. Another young punk sits in a nearby Chevy, totally absorbed in a handheld video game…
Petey Zeidler, a young man who gets easily bored, waits for the return of his cousin Pete from his sniper attack on Lou Marks. They still have a lot to do, and he wants to get on with their day. As the radio blares out one of Petey's favorite tunes, he shouts in triumph as he reaches his highest level ever… A rap on the window interrupts Petey's celebration. He turns his head and sees a police badge with a gun next to it. Petey hits `SAVE', throws up his hands in surrender and pees himself.
X X X X X
Lou Marks stares in horror at Joan's blood on his hand. Lou is all too familiar with sudden violence and blood, but this time it is different. Somehow Joan realized the moment of danger, and instead of ducking to the side to save herself, she dove on top of him to save his life. It happened too fast to be thought through. No, this lovely young girl risked herself out of her true nature just to save him. That is why he is alive. She has shed her blood to save a miserable old crook like him. Lou has never felt so disgusted with himself.
"Joan…?"
Joan Girardi moans in pain. "I'm…hit?"
Lou looks and sees the steady trickle of blood coming from under her miniskirt. Lou solemnly nods.
"Yeah kid, but take it easy. Help is on the way."
Lou looks over and sees his man Frank calling for an ambulance. Ironically, he is using Joan's own phone.
"How bad…?" Joan gasps. Oh God, it hurt so much.
"I'll have to take a look."
Joan nods her agreement. What a day to choose to wear a tiny pink thong… Lou slowly, gently lifts the hem of the miniskirt while saying a quick prayer. Even if the wound isn't fatal, the risk of paralysis was high. Joan waits for the verdict, wishing Lou would go faster. Even if she is dying, she doesn't want the whole world staring at her butt. Lou Marks chuckles.
Joan groans, "Something…funny?"
Lou replies, "Joan, if this were a movie, my line would be: `It's only a flesh wound'."
"But the bullet?"
"You weren't hit by the bullet."
Joan looks back and sees her wound—a jagged wooden splinter the size of her little finger is protruding from her left buttock. Painful, but not life threatening. Joan breathes a sigh of relief as Frank approaches…
"Boss, an ambulance is on the way, and we have two cars waiting in the back."
"In a minute, Frank. Joan, how can I thank you?"
"Lou, wait. It was Teddy…"
"I know, Joan. When I first heard about the new gang moving in on us, I suspected Teddy. I just didn't want to believe my own son could…do this. Teddy was always a troubled kid, but the last couple of years he's gotten strange and mean."
"What will you do?"
"That's my business. I have to go now, but is there anything I can do for you, Joan?"
"Keep my name out of this?"
Lou responds by gently picking up Joan, and holding her in his arms, he addresses the distraught staff and customers…
"Listen up! This girl was never here, understand? Anyone who mentions her will personally answer to Lou Marks!" (Lou hands Joan over to Frank.) "Use our doctor. Keep it quiet."
"You got it, Boss."
X X X X X
9-7-06/Thursday night.
Late the next evening, Joan rests on a patio lounger—with the aid of an air doughnut. She stares up at the sky, seemingly contemplative as she holds a beautiful silver cross about seven inches long. But in reality, Joan is now fully using her ability of spiritual discernment, and is taking a `read' on the immediate neighborhood. People are busy being people, blissfully unaware of the constant spiritual struggle going on around them. Out in the darkness, a wide variety of demonic creatures scurry about, ratlike, as they seek those they can influence or occupy. Angels are out there too, carrying out God's will on the spiritual level, but her own tutor-angel is nowhere near.
Joan's family is safely indoors. Grace is sleeping in her room while her parents are in the living room, cuddling as they watch TV. Those two—they were being really lovey-dovey this week, which was kind of sweet, but still…eww.
The news of Joan's injury caused a brief stir of excitement; however, when everyone was assured she would quickly recover, Joan became the `butt' of a lot of jokes. As for her cover story, she was running various errands downtown when she took a shortcut through an alley, tripped over some debris and landed on a jagged piece of wood. A good Samaritan came by, drove her to a clinic where she was treated for splinter removal and released. (The last part was almost true. Joan expected Frank would drive her to some sleazy warehouse or tavern backroom where she would be treated by an alcoholic ex-doctor who had lost his license. She really watches too many movies. Instead, she was taken to a modern clinic in nearby suburban Marston where a very handsome young doctor was standing by to perform the outpatient surgery. Patient `Agnes Brodie' was in and out in under an hour, her bill paid in cash.)
Will was too distracted by ongoing events to question Joan's story. The young man Will shot-Pete-survived surgery, and was expected to recover. The younger cousin, Petey, turned out to be a major blabbermouth who spilled all he knew about Bob Crowley's death (wisely leaving out any mention of the police chief's daughter), and the attempted murder of Lou Marks. He also ratted out Dr. Dan's years long involvement in the shaping and training of Teddy's gang.
Unfortunately, when the police went to question Dr. Dan, he had already fled the country. He abandoned his wife and daughter without a word of warning, but did remember to stop at his bank to pick up the contents of his safety deposit box.
Most of the remaining members of Teddy's gang either fled the city or were rounded up by the cops. Only a few were found dead—killed gangland style. The ease of arresting so many of Teddy's gang was due to detailed information sent to the anti-gang squad by way of the police chief's computer. Members of the force just assumed Will was way ahead of the curve on this case. But Will grumbled long and loud about Joan's involvement in yet another police matter. Joan took the rebuke in stride…
"Dad, you've known for a long time I do these things. I just have a knack for finding stuff out, and wouldn't it be wrong of me not to let the cops in on what I know? So please, since I've managed to keep my name out of this, can't you just go along? Do you want me to have to endure another publicity blitz?"
Will wavered, seeing that his little girl was in pain, and besides, somehow she had once again been a big help. Plus, any major publicity might drag in the mess with Susan Radovitch, Dr. Dan and Bob Crowley's last case. This family definitely didn't need to endure that, but one of these days, he was going to get to the bottom of Joan's `knack' for finding things out.
Joan, now staring at the big dipper, was glad to take the heat for Dr. Hunter, who apologized profusely for ever doubting her, and for having to use her Dad's computer that way. His hasty departure for home prevented Joan from asking about details, like how he knew the password, but she understood his desire to return to his normal life.
That left one unfinished detail—Teddy Marks. The wannabe gang leader is still at large, and the cops assume he has left town. Joan knows better. Driven by his wrath demon, which recognizes her connection to God, Teddy will be unable to resist the urge to kill her, no matter what the risk. That is why Joan is outside tonight, playing the part of the tethered goat while waiting for the viscous tiger. Yes, she can feel a presence out there in the dark—the hunter.
Teddy Marks makes no sound as he creeps into the Girardi backyard. There is his target, and the only thing he wants more than her death is to see fear in Joan's eyes just before he pulls the trigger…
"Hello Teddy, I've been waiting for you." Joan calmly says.
"Liar. If you knew I was coming, you would have had the cops waiting or would be armed."
"I am armed, Teddy. See?" (Joan holds up the silver cross.) "Isn't it beautiful? It's a personal gift from God. I suppose, if I were Jewish, it would be a Star of David."
Joan watches Teddy's face and sees what shreds of sanity might have been left are gone.
"That...that can't hurt me! I'm gonna kill you Joan, understand? I'm gonna kill you..."
"No Teddy, you're not."
Sensing the moment has arrived, Joan turns her head away, not wanting to see this. The shot comes, but a silencer makes it barely noticeable. Teddy falls, and Joan senses the `hunter' retreating into the darkness. Joan moves quickly as Teddy begins bleeding out the last moments of his life. (Damn, blood on the patio bricks--impossible to get out. Dad will be pissed.)
Gunshots rarely killed instantly, but Teddy's final breath is only seconds away. Those few seconds are prescious to Joan, because he must be alive when she deals with the demon. Joan knows full possession represents a surrendering of a person's free will to the demon, and you must have that host's agreement before removing the foul thing. Otherwise, the demon is free to return to his host, and to bring more demons with it. But, the demon is contracturally obligated to stay with the host until death. (The spirit world is amazingly legalistic.) Joan places her silver cross on Teddy's chest while the wrath demon desperately squirms...
"Foul creature, by the power of Almighty God, I command you to hell, never to return!"
The demon howls in dismay as it rises out of Teddy, and then is sucked down below. For a brief instant, Teddy Marks smiles, and then he is gone. Goodbye Teddy, and goodbye demon--you have no host to return to, and now you're trapped in hell where you belong.
Joan sees she has blood on her hands, and acknowledges that is true in more ways than one. This morning she had Friedman send an untraceable e-mail to Lou Marks: 'Pink thong girl, on her patio tonight'. Apparently, Lou knew his son all too well.
X X X X X
9-8-06/Friday night.
"One more push, Grace. You can do it my darling." Luke encouragingly says while holding his wife's hand. (Inside he is devastated by the ordeal of Grace's ten hours of labor. At least he caught the first flight home this morning, and was here when Grace's water broke.)
"He's right Grace, the head is crowning. One more big push will do." Grace's doctor says with her practiced, encouraging tone.
Grace, sweaty and exhausted, takes a deep breath and makes the supreme effort. While straining with all of her might, Grace curses under her breath at her own stupidity for insisting on a natural birth. Next time, if there was a next time, drugs. Lots of drugs. A moment later, the whole room reacts with relief and joy...
"It's a girl!" the doctor automatically announces, even though the sex has been known for months.
Across the room, Luke and Grace's families celebrate with hugs and kisses and prayers of thanks to God (at least by some). As the rejoicing continues, the matters of afterbirth and the cleaning of the infant take place. Joan is moved and impressed by the miracle of birth, but even so, all of those gooey fluids were gross. Joan makes a mental note to delay this experience by a few years or more. Meanwhile, the baby is now ready for the transfer from the medical staff to her family. A beaming Luke Girardi accepts his tiny daughter into his arms.
"Family, allow me to introduce for the very first time, Anne Sarah Girardi." Luke dramatically proclaims before placing Anne into Grace's arms.
As endless pictures are taken of this event, Grace stares adoringly at her beautiful little girl, and feels a mix of awe, joy and gratitude... ('Thank you God. Thank you for all you have done for me. I'm out of the coma, I'm mending, and now I have Annie. I finally get why they are called bundles of joy. But God, I need to concentrate on being a mother now. So please, no more travels, at least for awhile. Especially after what I saw last night...')
Last night, Grace briefly left her body and floated through the wall of her bedroom. Down below she saw Joan talking to an armed Teddy Marks. She was too far away to clearly hear what they were saying, but Grace saw Joan turn her head away just before the shot that killed Teddy. It was almost as if she knew it was coming. Then Joan did something strange. She placed that shiny cross of hers on to Teddy, spoke something that had the tone of an order, and then Teddy died with a slight grin on his face. Was this some bizarre Catholic ritual she didn't know about? Since she was going to be a member of this family, she needed to learn about such things. What Grace didn't want to know is why what she saw didn't match Joan's account of what happened.
The doctor addresses the room... "Family, at this time we usually ask for privacy so that the new mom and dad can have some private bonding time with their child."
It was a very polite way of saying, 'Get out'. Joan, Will & Helen, Aaron & Sarah Polonsky and the Rabbi's parents quickly exit the delivery center, and breathe sighs of relief over all having gone so well. Joan notes the smiling faces of Mr. & Mrs Polk, whom she hasn't seen since Grace's bat mitzvah. Unlike her Grandpa Marcus, who could star in TV ads for active seniors, the Polks were old-old in that frail, near-the-end sort of way. But tonight they are as happy and energetic as children.
"Would anyone like a cigar?" Mr. Polk says as he holds out four thick stogies with expensive bands on them.
Rabbi Polonsky tsks. "Papa, people don't celebrate like that any more."
Will steps forward to accept one of the cigars, but Helen simply says: "Will." He hesitates and then steps back. Like everyone else, he heard in Helen's tone: "Don't you dare." Joan reaches out and takes a cigar.
"Thank you Mr. Polk, I'll try one."
Helen protests, "Joan, you don't smoke."
"It's a celebration, Mom. Just this one time."
Helen sighs. "Very well, but take it outside."
"Duh. I know you can't smoke in a hospital."
As Joan walks away, everyone pulls out cell phones and begin reaching out to far flung family members with the good news. Joan contemplates the topsy-turvy feelings she has at this moment. It was so weird hearing Luke described as a dad. All of their lives seemed to be taking dramatic new turns. As Joan reaches the atrium, she wonders if she has taken a turn on to the path to hell. Well, the one who can answer that is waiting in the atrium. Joan approaches Nigerian Doctor God and sits on a bench opposite him.
Joan winces as she shifts her weight to rest solely on her right buttock. Doctor God reaches out and takes the cigar from Joan. She expects a rebuke on smoking, but instead he removes from his pocket a cigar cutter and a lighter. Doctor God clips off the end of the cigar, lights it and takes a few puffs. He then blows three perfect smoke rings. It isn't the first time Joan has seen God smoke, but it always disturbs her. Smiling, Doctor God hands the cigar back.
"Remember Joan, moderation in all things."
Joan nods, lifts the cigar toward her mouth and then hesitates. She smiles at her foolishness. What was she afraid of--catching God's germs? Joan takes a couple of short puffs and quickly exhales.
"How do you like it?" Doctor God asks.
"It's not as horrible as I imagined, but I doubt I'll make a habit of it."
"You'd be amazed by how many smokers began with that same statement."
"So...are you still mad at me?"
"I was never mad at you, Joan. Trust me, if I were ever truly angry with you, there would be no doubt about it."
Joan ponders that and shudders at the thought of having God mad at you.
Doctor God continues, "But I am disappointed, Joan. This assignment has not been your best work."
"Because of my disobedience about always reading people? I explained how hard that was for me."
"Which I heard and did not casually dismiss. When I ask you to do something Joan, even something hard, it is always to make things better. By disobeying, you took a step away from my will and my protection."
"How badly did I screw up?"
"Most of the assignment finished on schedule, but if you had obeyed, this assignment would have been easier, more complete and much less painful...in the end."
Joan sighs. Great, even God was making butt jokes at her expense... "What did you mean by: 'More complete'?"
"Do to your disobedience, you missed an opportunity to help someone in need."
Joan groans in dismay. At her level people's lives were ruined or even lost by her mistakes. "Is it too late to help?"
"Yes Joan, the opportunity has passed."
"Is there no way to help this person?"
"I did have a plan 'B' but that chance also fell through. Don't fret Joan, I'm not out of resources."
"Good, because I don't want two failures on my conscience."
"Two?"
"Susan Radovitch. I ruined her life."
"On the contrary Joan, you saved her. A test: What would the ripples have been if you had done nothing?"
"Well...Teddy would have killed Lou and no doubt would have blamed it on a rival gang. The wolf-heads would have followed tradition, despite Teddy's sexuality, and made him the new boss. With Dr. Dan and his two demons guiding him, Teddy would have launched a blood soaked assault on the other gangs to take their territories."
Doctor God nods. "There would have been hundreds of casualties as the masive drug war tore Arcadia apart. Any known associate of Teddy Marks, and their families, would have been in grave peril."
"Susan might have died?"
"It was the most likely scenario. But even if Susan survived, she faced another danger. Her long term exposure to demonic energy was weakening her spiritually. All humans have their weaknesses--the chinks in their armor. In time, Susan could fallen prey to a demon of her own. Now, that will not happen."
"What is going to happen to Susan?"
"She is being sent to San Franscisco to live with her natural mother--a much healthier environment for her. But don't bother trying to say goodbye. Susan won't be receptive. With the media crediting Will for the rapid round-up of Teddy's gang, and the prevention of a drug war, Susan believes your questions about her father and Gentle Acres means you were acting as a police spy."
Joan sighs again. She regrets the pain she has caused Susan, but takes solace in knowing she is better off--even if Susan is unaware of it. Joan hesitates, knowing her debriefing has come to the one topic she wishes to avoid...
"Am I still in your service?"
"Of course. Why would you think otherwise, Joan?"
"I...arranged the death of Teddy Marks. I'm guilty of murder. How can you keep someone like me amongst your agents?"
Doctor God takes Joan's hand. "Joan, listen to me. Teddy Marks' free will choices determined his fate. You may have managed the location, but the timing of his death was to the exact second that his fate decreed. Nothing you did last night had any effect on his death. But Joan, you did send that vile demon to hell, and that creature has centuries' worth of innocent blood on its' hands. Your work was...acceptable." (Joan breathes a sigh of relief.) "Rest up Joan, let your wound heal. And of course, your training sessions are canceled during this time."
As Doctor God begins to walk away, Joan says, "Wait. About my tutor..."
"You have a complaint?"
"I don't want to tell tales, especially since you always know all, but Mr. No-Name and me don't really get along. Maybe a different angel...?"
With a hard edge to his voice, Doctor God asks, "Do you think I sent you a second rate choice?"
Joan gulps. She can tell she has hit a nerve. Mental note: 'Do not criticize fellow servants of God'. But, unable to resist, Joan whines, "He's mean."
"Joan, your tutor is more than an educator. He is also a type of drill sergeant whose job is to toughen you up for the challenges ahead. Warm and fuzzy doesn't go with that job."
"Okay, but there's a difference between being tough and being insultingly dismissive."
"Oh, so it's respect you want. Okay Joan, I can order your tutor to respect you, and out of his great love for me, he would obey. Should I do that, Joan?"
"I'm...guessing this is the point where I'm suppose to say 'No'. That it's better if I earn his respect."
Doctor God smiles, "Excellent learning curve, Joan."
Joan watches as Nigerian Doctor God walks away, giving the backhand wave just before exiting the atrium. Only a couple of seconds later Joan senses the sudden appearance of a great evil. Joan carefully places her cigar on the bench, and with a heavy sigh, she turns to face...The Imitator. To a casual observer Joan is facing an identical twin of the 'man' who just left. To Joan there is no doubt to his identity.
"Beelzebub. Come to congratulate me on a job well done?"
Nigerian Doctor Devil smirks. "Yes Joan, I have--even though my counterpart neglected to say so. Well done Joan on your disobediance, on defeating one of my witless minions and on the murder of Teddy Marks."
"God said..."
"He says a lot of silly things that are usually filled with 'love' and 'forgiveness', but you and I both know you crossed a line, Joan. You'll find that becomes easier every time you do it. If you don't believe me, ask Ryan the next time he talks to you. It's how I got him over to my side. By one small compromise after another."
Doctor Devil smiles as he sees fear crossing Joan's face. It was enough for this visit. He walks away, also giving a goodbye gesture, but a much ruder one. But Joan detects a subtle change in his never ending flow of evil--a momentary flash of smug success. Joan angrily realizes she has been played. Joan removes the silver cross from her purse and calls out...
"Hey Devil, pass along a greeting to Ryan for me, because he won't be able to answer back." (The Devil avoids looking at the symbol in Joan's hand as she continues...) "Spirit of Ryan Hunter, by the power of Almighty God, I bind you into silence!"
Joan smiles as the Devil hisses his displeasure, but then he too grins... "Very good, Joan. You finally figured it out. Your fear is what allowed Ryan to 'haunt' you these last few months. After all, he is now no more than another 'evil' spirit, subject to the power of your faith. No matter. I have plenty of time to find another fear, another chink that will let me through your defenses. Until next time, Joan."
The Devil exits the atrium. Joan retrieves her cigar and takes a large puff, blowing the smoke upward in a very self-satisfied moment. She spots her tutor-angel on the roof where he has been watching her all this time. The warrior angel turns his back on Joan before spreading open his massive six wings, preparing to take off. Since he is 25 feet tall, it is always an impressive sight that Joan can't resist watching. But before flying away, he glances back and gives Joan the tiniest, briefest nod of approval...
THE END.
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