The Poor House by Anthony Perry - HTML preview

***

Sarahs adrenaline was pumping. It only took her ten minutes to run to the strip. She was glad that the hotels and motels were all huddled up in the same area, but thats how it was when you lived in a small town off the main interstate.

She entered the front door of the first motel she came to and approached the front desk. It suddenly dawned on her that she didnt know the name of the preachers wife. Hopefully they wouldnt think she was crazy.

The motel clerk behind the counter didnt look happy to see her at all. Sarah recognized her as someone she attended college with. Before she could say one word the young woman started barking at her.

“Listen Sarah,” the young female spoke as she put her hands on her hips. “There arent any free hand-outs here for you.”
Sarah just ignored her presumptuous nature and continued. “Im looking for a woman with three children. Two of the children are girls and they are twins. Have you seen them?”
“I wont have you begging or disturbing our customers at this late hour of the night, so why dont you just leave before I call the police.”
Sarah lost her composure and screamed, “Listen you clod. Her husband was just carried away in an ambulance. They think he might have had a stroke. So shut your fat mouth up and tell me if they are here or not!”
A look of fear came over the girls face. “I knew you were crazy. That woman didnt arrive with a husband. She checked in alone with her kids. I suggest that you better run off, because Im calling the police Sarah Brannigan.” The clerk picked up the phone and dialed 911.
Sarah realized she was at the right motel and was getting nowhere fast with the clerk. She needed to do something quick. She ran out of the office and began knocking on the first motel door she came to. She knocked and knocked. If it was the wrong room, then she just went to the next one. After about the third door she could hear sirens blaring. The clerk definitely called the police.
The police station was just down the road a few blocks. Of course it would be her kind of luck for all the police on duty to be a few minutes away. She was beginning to feel stupid about losing her temper with the clerk. Maybe if she would have handled it another way this might not have happened.
She ran to the fourth door and pounded. She heard a female voice on the other side say something and hoped this was the right room. A woman came and spoke through a small crack without opening the door completely.
“Whos there? What do you want?”
“Are you the preachers wife?” Sarah asked frantically.
“No Im not, but Ill get the preacher for you.”
The man with her must have been standing close by, because she moved her head and his appeared.
He looked at Sarah and gave a sigh of relief when he failed to recognize her.
“Im a preacher can I help you.”
Sarah looked at him in disgust. “Some preacher you are.” Sarahs heart dropped and she turned around at the sound of two police cars peeling into the parking lot. She was right, every police car in this town was right in front of her. She saw no point in running.
The doors shot open on both cruisers and the officers jumped out behind them with weapons drawn. They ordered her to raise her hands and not move.
The sirens caused some of the others who were sleeping in their rooms to wake and look out their windows. Sarah thought, even if the preachers family looked out the window they probably wouldnt recognize her. If only she stayed in the park and talked to them.
One of the motel doors on the second floor opened up and a young boy that resembled the one she saw at the park and bridge appeared. Sarah yelled to him. “Are you the preachers son?” Sarah prayed silently, “Please God let this be the boy.” The young man entered back into the room as one of the officers grabbed her and led her over to the hood of his car.
As the officer frisked her she saw a woman come out of the motel room door where the young boy had stood. She was sure it was the preachers wife. Sarah yelled, “Please! Your husband was taken to the hospital.I need to speak to you.”
“Shut up Sarah!” the police officer said as he stood her upright. “I knew when I saw you tonight at the bridge we would eventually have trouble out of you.”
Sarah watched as the young boy and mother said a few words.
She called down to the police officer. “Hold on a minute, I believe that I may know this woman.” She ran down the steps and made her way over to the police cruiser.
Sarah began to thank God over and over again out loud.
The officer turned Sarah to face the woman as she approached the cruiser. At the top of the steps the young boy and his sisters stood at the rail.
Sarah began to ramble. “Charlie and I were up talking and the preacher began mumbling in his sleep. I went in to check on him and he was burning up. The whole side of his face looked limp and I knew something was wrong, so I sent Charlie to call an ambulance. Please they took him to the hospital and he needs you.”
Once the preachers wife heard the whole story she gasped placing her hand over her mouth and ran up the stairs quickly to her room.
The police officer realizing the reason for the situation released Sarah. “Im sorry Sarah. There seems to have been some misunderstanding. You have to look at it from our point of view. We were just doing our job.” The officer spoke.
Sarah looked at him in anger. “I thought a person was innocent until proven guilty. Oh yeah, thats not how it works nowadays. Nowadays in our society you are guilty until proven innocent.”
The mother moved quickly. Within a few short minutes she dressed her children and herself and was ushering them down the stairs. The family made their way to the bottom of the landing where Sarah was now standing. Rushing past her they entered a new SUV a few feet away. The Preachers wife looked at her as she opened the vehicles door. “Are you coming Sarah?”
Sarah began making her way to the passenger side of the vehicle. The young boy had walked the long way around to the passenger door. Without glancing in Sarahs direction he cut her off jumping into the front seat of the vehicle.
“Ive got the front seat; you sit in the back with the girls.”
Sarah, startled at the young boys actions, moved to the back door on the passenger side. She opened the door to see the young girls had already buckled themselves in on each window side leaving only the middle of the back seat open.
Their eyes gleamed, and their legs bobbed at the idea of having someone new join them in the back seat. After Sarah climbed over the girl nearest her and buckled herself in-between the two, each girl grabbed one of her arms and hugged it tight. There was so much love in their eyes and in their squeezes that Sarah thought they must be littlealiens. They werent like any children she knew. She never saw anything like these two cuties in all her life. One of the little girls whispered to her, “We prayed for you when you ran away from us at the park.”
“Both of you?” she asked the young girl.
“No. All of us!” She responded back.
The preachers wife turned around in her seat. “Where are we going Sarah? You lead the way.”
“Pull out and make a right.” Sarah began to take in the seriousness of what was happening and tears began to fill her eyes. “Excuse me I dont even know you name.” She said to the preachers wife.
“My name is Tanya. This is Joseph Jr. next to me…” before she could finish the girls popped in.
“My name is Camille.”
“My name is Camry and we prayed for our daddy already, so dont worry Sarah.”
There was a burden on Sarahs heart and she needed to tell Tanya. It was something that consumed her thoughts as she ran her way to the strip. “Tanya, whatever comes of this, I want to promise you that your husbands life will not have been lived this way for nothing.”
Tanya looked at Sarah in her rearview mirror and she could see her wiping her eyes.
“Your right Sarah,” she said trying to hold herself together, “God has promised him a hundredfold in this life and I believe that he will live to see it fulfilled.”
Sarah wasnt sure Tanya understood what she meant, but she wasnt going to say any more at this point. She just wanted to get to the hospital and get there quick.

Chapter 10 Into All the World
Three Years Later

Mark noticed the cool and serene atmosphere that hung over the conference room. The only noticeable sounds were the breathing of a heavyset individual towards the back of the room and the cool air pushing its way through the vents in the walls.

When he surveyed the dozen or so people around him he recognized many of them. He had seen their pictures and read their articles in many magazines. They were respected in the field. He supposed they, like him, were waiting to see what was next.

The question now bothering him was why was he was included in such a collection of noted psychiatrists. He felt that he was not only out of his league here, but was playing a different sport altogether. One thing is for certain, whoever gathered and hired all these professionals had influence and that meant a lot of money was involved somewhere down the line.

He watched as Martin Bartow, the Lawyer who obtained his services, walked into the room. Following him was a beautifully stiff, middle-aged woman in fine and expensive clothing. By the way she carried herself it wasnt hard to figure out that she was the reason they were gathered here.

By her demeanor, apparel and posture he quickly concluded she had money, status, and education. He thought it was funny how these three things can give people the impression that they are somehow elevated above the rest.
of the psychological journals and

It was unfortunately this way in the church too. It seemed the more a person acquired or learned the more valuable they thought they were in the greater scheme of things.

He had trouble dealing with these individuals in the church. For him they were out of touch with the Christianity of the scriptures. He knew his attitude was probably wrong towards them, but their lack of humbleness made it hard for him to repent for his feelings.

Mark gave a silent chuckle when Martin, in a very polite gesture, pulled out a chair for the polished woman who accompanied him into the room. He watched as the lawyer laid his briefcase on the table, opened it, and removed file folders that he then passed around the table for everyone to take.

Martin flipped a switch at the head of the table and a white screen lowered at the far end of the room opposite him. A panel in the center of the ceiling opened and a projector lowered casting its light onto the screen.

“Show the first image.” Martin sent the command to the person in charge of the multi-media presentation.
The machine displayed its first image and the person in the picture was a face well known to everyone sitting at the table. For the past two days it had been plastered all over the news stations. It was the portrait of Brandon Steele the business tycoon.
Once Mark saw the picture of Brandon Steele his heart sank and fluttered at the same time. From the news stories he was beginning to piece together why he was here.
The woman at the head of the table was obviously Brandon Steeles wife Susan Steele. This meant the psychiatrists were probably assembled to determine the mental status of Mr. Steele. This left him with his only reason for being here. It was because of the Followers of the Way.

According to the stories on the television, Brandon apparently gave half of his billion dollar fortune to this new Christian movement that had spread like a wildfire across the United States.

For the past six months he was commissioned to study this movement in hopes of understanding its effectiveness in reaching and transforming the culture at large. It now made sense why they called a Christian Psychologist into this crowd of the secularly prominent. Marks thoughts were interrupted as Mr. Bartow began to speak.

“I think you now understand why we were so secretive about the topic of your employment. Since this will be a very controversial and public case I am going to ask you to take a few minutes to consider whether or not you would like to continue.

I would also like to remind you that because it is such a high profile case it may turn out to be very beneficial for your careers and our most gracious benefactor will definitely make sure it will beneficial to your pocket books.” Martin laughed, but no one laughed with him. Apparently they didnt find his joke as funny as he did.

“Take your time ladies and gentleman. Theres no rush.” He wanted to give them ample enough time to weigh the pros and cons of becoming involved. From the looks on all their faces he could tell they were all in deep thought.

Mark began to wonder if his involvement was such a bright idea. Depending on his input he and his denomination stood a chance to gain merit, or lose face amongst the masses that have embraced this new movement.

He also stood in a position to be seen as supporting it, which would cause him to lose the respect of some of his peers.
Weighing the consequences he decided that these things didnt matter as much as his responsibility before God to be an ethical Christian influence on this panel. He felt he should remain, if for nothing more, to fight for the rights and welfare of Brandon Steele.
If Brandon should prove to be unstable or brainwashed by this new movement, then he stood in a position to help Brandon receive proper care. He might even be able to help in salvaging Mr. Steeles Christian faith.
He was jerked from his thoughts as Mr. Bartow began working his way around the table seeking responses. Reaching him he asked whether or not he wished to continue. He answered,“Yes.”
He couldnt help but notice that Mrs. Steele looked extremely pleased that all agreed to move forward from this point.
Mr. Bartow cleared his throat and continued. “We are all aware of some of the back ground information in this case from the leaks and probing of the press. Inside these folders you will find additional information concerning the case. We are not so much interested in you knowing all the facts and details as we are in your evaluation of Mr. Steeles mental status.
Is he in control of all his faculties? Is he able to make sound and rational decisions? Are there signs of cultic brain washing, and how is this determinable?” Martin then let out a laugh. “Listen to me! Im telling you how to do your job. Anyway you know what you need to do.
With us today is someone we hope will provide essential information for all of you. Rev. Mark Stanton is a Christian Theologian and Psychologist. He has been studying this new Christian movement that Brandon Steele has found himself associated. Mark can you give us a brief description of this group?”
Mark nodded and stood to his feet responding to the request. “I hadnt planned to make a formal presentation concerning the Followers of the Way, but I will do my best.”
Mark thought about where he should start. He decided from the beginning would be best. “From what I have learned this movement was started by a pastor in a main line denominational church. He viewed his denomination as coming under the same stagnation that John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, saw in the Church of England in his day.
To break this down for you I could say he basically saw his church as a lifeless institution that lost its relevance and passion for the mission of Jesus Christ. He believed that the church he served had ceased being a movement of the Spirit of God and had become a movement of men and women.
He felt it was out of touch with the scriptures in many ways and that it was too wrapped up in its own existence to be of any heavenly use.
He was disenchanted not only with the Church, but with the pervading American culture that he believed influenced it.
Because of these things he acted to begin a movement alongside of the church. He did this while continuing to proclaim a firm connection to it. In other words he was following John Wesleys lead in trying to reach those the church was failing to reach.
The other viewpoint I have heard is that he snapped when his wife cheated on him and left him.” A few chuckles were heard.
“He called himself a Follower of the Way and took residence in the streets forsaking everything; including his own family. He became a sidewalk evangelist that we have all seen in movies that stands out on street corners while they collect money.”
Mark paused because his comments stirred a laugh around the room.
“He felt that it was essential to work for change in the church from this vantage point, because according to him few ears could hear and few eyes could see what was really going on inside.
His main purpose was to live in such a way as a citizen of the kingdom of God on earth, that by his example, he might help those within the church see they were living a lifeless religion. He wanted them to recognize they had unchanged lives and needed to enter Gods kingdom as Poor Houses.
A Poor House Christian is one that has surrendered all things to God, has a living faith, lives a lifemotivated by Gods love, and naturally produces transformation in the world around them.
By doing this he believed that the true intentions of the Christian Way would be renewed. The Christian Way was something he felt the western church lost, because of its cultural and enlightenment influences.
For him it meant more than just giving money or materials to meet peoples needs. It was about establishing vital personal relationships with people. This was done in order to provide for what he saw was the greatest need in society. It was a spiritual need, or to put it more plainly, a reconciled relationship with God through Christ.
This vital relationship is where he believed the greatest evidence of the present Kingdom of God on earth could be seen.
It was this movement that impacted the life of Brandon Steele.
Even though his approach to forsake all for the Kingdom is based in the New Testament, it wasnt widely practiced throughout the churchs history, especially protestant history. It has become the cornerstone of this movement and seems to be a major catalyst for change in Western Christianity and the American culture today. In some sense he succeeded in what he felt called to do.
Not all of those who call themselves Followers of the Way live like its founder did. There are rumored to be a dozen or so people who have forsaken home and family to live this itinerant lifestyle. They believe this type of sacrificial life is the greatest example and witness to the Kingdoms reality.
It is interesting to note that the true success to this movement doesnt lie with its founder, but with two disciples that he obtained before he incurred a devastating stroke that left him, from what I am told, immobile and unresponsive. I have tried to find the whereabouts of the one they call the preacher, but my attempts have been unsuccessful.
All church records concerning his true identity and whereabouts have been mysteriously misplaced or concealed. I have even tried to locate and interview the two founding disciples, but without much luck. The Followers I have interviewed are as secretive to the whereabouts of these individuals, as you were Mr. Martin about the topic of this meeting.”
Marks comment once again drew some laughter from the small group.
“This is all I can tell you other than the term „Followers of the Way, was a phrase used to describe the people who were followers ofJesus before they were called Christians.”
“Very good Mark!I hope you dont mind me calling you Mark?”
Mrs. Steele spoke to him as he sat down. “Yes Mrs. Steele that will be fine.”
“Please call me Susan;all of you.” Mrs. Steele specifically aimed a wink to him.
Mark was becoming increasingly suspicious and uncomfortable with Mrs. Steele. He also knew better than to trust his instincts.
Martin pushed to finish up business. “Initially you each have three scheduled appointments to meet with Mr. Brandon Steele. If you need more appointments to make your evaluations we will schedule them for qualifications and your necessary.
You will each be expected to write a report on your findings that can be presented to the court. If possible we would like at least a few of you to be availablefor the hearings.”
Martin with a big smile on his face said, “And always remember that its good to get a second opinion.” The stale pun resulted in groans and smirks. “At this time we will let Mrs. Steele,Uh Susan, say a few words.”
Mark watched as she stood to her feet with every move seemingly graceful and perfect.
“You all know or have heard about the great accomplishments of my husband. His success was not a fluke by any means. My husband is a textbook Genius on all levels. This, of course, will not make him an easy subject to handle.
There is not a person on this earth who knows him better than I and I will help you in any way possible. I know with certainty that the man who is now in that hospital ward is not the man I once knew.
Im afraid there are those who have taken advantage of him. When his mother passed he began acting different. His mother was involved with this group. They were the ones who presided over her funeral. I feel they took advantage of a grieving man who was having an existential break down caused by the loss of a parent. I believe they did this in order to persuade him to hand over a large fortune.
you, but knowing all of your expertise we doubt that will be
Whatever the case may be, this changed him from the respected businessman that the world once knew to the religious vagrant he has become.
My intentions are purely for the regard of my husband. To find help, if that is possible, and to help keep alive the legacy and kingdom that he worked so hard to build. It is a kingdom which is now falling apart without his guidance. For his wellbeing, for his namesake, and for my great love for him, I am doing what I am doing.
I know you will do what is possible, and I look forward to showing you our appreciation and gratitude when this is all over.” Mrs. Steele looked towards Mark and maintained a soft gaze as she sat down.
Mark almost felt that her last words were meant as a bribe. His comfort level was becoming increasingly worse. Looking away and back towards Mrs. Steele he noticed that she was still watching him. Her eyes held contact as others asked questions to Mr. Bartow. Breaking again from her soft glare he noticed that others were aware of her actions by their reactions.
Martin then ended the meeting, pulled out Mrs. Steeles chair as she stood up, and escorted her to the door.
Mark, looking around, watched as some gathered their things together and others gleaned the information provided to them in the folder. He looked up in time to see Mrs. Steele nodding good-bye to him as she gave a small folded piece of paper to Mr. Martin. The piece of paper came with some instructions as Mrs. Steele whispered into Martins ear. Mr. Bartow glanced back and forth at him while she spoke, and then she was gone.
Mark couldnt help but think at the basis of her actions was an unhealthy personal motivation, but what could it be? He couldnt help but feel she was up to no good. Scooping up his folder he stood and made his way towards the door. Mr. Bartow approached him and tucked the folded piece of paper into his suit pocket.
“You lucky devil, she wants to have a private dinner with you at her hotel to talk over details of the case and help you in any way she can.”
Mr. Bartow smiled slyly. “She wanted me to assure you that the meetingwould be worth your effort and time.” He then snickered making his way over to the table to talk with some of the others.
Mark thought to himself that if the devil has luck on his side, then we are all in trouble. Good thing theres no such thing as luck.
Mark reached into his pocket with his free hand to remove the note. Passing the trashcan he dropped it inside. He didnt even want to know what it said. It didnt matter. He had been hired to do a job and he was going to do it. Tomorrow afternoon was his first appointment and tonight he would need to think hard about how he was going to question Mr. Brandon Steele; Super-Genius.

*** Brandon Steele

Brandon didnt want hear it. He didnt want a lawyer and he didnt want this wet behind the ears kid representing him. Then he began to think. Maybe there is another reason this kid is sitting here. Maybe he isnt just court appointed, but divinely appointed

“I tell you what my friend. I know you want this case. I know it will look good on your record and do wonders for your reputation and career. It gives you the motivation to do the best job that you can for me.

You might be in over your head though, especially if you fail to understand the power of greed involved. If youre going to represent me, then what you will need is something greater than the both us.”

He watched as the excited young lawyer snapped at the bait waved before his nose. “Sit back and relax young Mr. Lawson, this may take awhile.” Brandon laughed knowing it was going to be a long night.

*** Mark and Brandon Steele

Mark pulled up to the gates of the State Mental Hospital and wondered why Brandon had been sent here. Surely he wasnt a danger to anyone, so why put him in a place like this filled with dangerous people? Why close him in with tight security and barbed wire fences?

He figured with all of Mrs. Steeles money and the great love she proclaimed for her husband that she could have afforded a more comfortable and private atmosphere for him. Even the state must have other facilities less threatening and more accommodating.

Mark drove up and handed the guard at the front gate the pass he received in his file at yesterdays meeting. The guard waved to a fellow co-worker located at a second gate positioned twenty feet behind the first. The second guard pressed a large red button on the side of the guard house opening the barriers, so he could enter.

Mark took back the pass from the guard and clipped it to his lapel. Driving his shiny new sports car through large gates he followed the arrows pointing to visiting physician parking, as the instruction sheet explained.

He counted three parking places at the front of the building specially designated for visiting psychiatrists. Mark also noticed an ugly, baby blue Beemer already parked in one of the spaces.

He gathered all his things that were spewed out on his front and back seat into his brief case and closed it. As he closed his car door his eyes were drawn to a man exiting the front door of the Hospital. He was waving at him.

It was one of the other psychiatrists present at the meeting. He was also probably the owner of the ugly sports car. Mark recognized him as Dr. Walter Haden. He also saw complete frustration on his face. He wondered what he wanted.

“Good afternoon Dr. Haden.” He said.
“Nothing has been good about this afternoon Dr. Stanton, and that is to say the least. I see what Mrs. Steele meant when she said her husband could prove a difficult subject. He twists your words and analyzes what you are saying in a way that leaves you stumbling over your own thoughts and intentions.
I felt like I was the patient and he was the one analyzing me. You would think that he would be a little more cooperative considering the circumstances.”
Dr. Haden began to move past Mark towards his car when he turned around, “Oh, by the way, before I forget again in my frustration. There is something that I needed to talk to you about.”
Mark turned towards him to listen.
Dr. Haden gave a sigh and allowed both his hands to message his temples. He couldnt believe that he completely forgot the very reason he waved Dr. Stanton down. Brandon Steele had pushed all his buttons.
“I had lunch with a few of the others this afternoon. Of course they are dear friends of mine. They looked at the schedule and were aware that you were to follow me. We wondered, at this point, if we could get a little assistance from you.”
“How so Doctor?” Mark asked.
“Some of us are not, as you might say, very religious Dr. Stanton, and many of the terms and subjects that Mr. Steele discussed with them and with myself are as foreign as an elephant sitting on our desks at 3:30 in the morning.
We planned to meet together this evening for casual conversation as friends, not really to discuss the case, but I see no harm in talking about religious terms and concepts. We thought it would be nice if you could join us for this purpose. I think we all would like to better understand Mr. Steeles religious positions compared to mainline church stances.”
“I would be glad to be of assistance Dr. Haden.” Mark replied. “Just tell me when and where.”
“Good. We are meeting at the Trident Resta