Chapter Sixteen
Hope Reborn
Evette sat on the bed in the finely furnished bedroom. She was alone at last, but she knew that was only a temporary condition. An armed guard stood outside the door.
Her façade of cool indifference disappeared and was replaced by deep sobs that she tried to keep inside. Her body jerked hard with the effort to keep the sound of her emotional outburst to herself. She just couldn’t help it, as she melted off the bed to the floor.
“Oh God please! Please not again!” She said, as she sobbed openly into the carpeting of the floor.
This was the same room she had been made to stay in as a little girl and it hadn’t been changed in the slightest detail. After they had arrived at the mansion she had undergone further questioning over a lunch that had been prepared, which she had eaten none of.
After some more verbal jousting the Baron had informed her that dinner was to be at 6:00 PM and that she was to retire to her room to freshen up and rest until then.
She was to wear a dress that vaguely she thought she remembered her mother having worn once.
She didn’t even want to consider what would happen after dinner if she wasn’t rescued. The dress lay even now on the bed behind her. She continued sobbing and feeling helpless over the situation.
“Oh God I can’t bear this! Not again!” She choked into the carpet.
“Shhh shhh there now. Be at peace dear one.”
The words came from right beside her, even as a hand rubbed her back consolingly. Evette reared back up to her knees and had her breadth seize up in her lungs at the sight of the figure of a man kneeling down on one knee beside her.
She asked the dumb question even though she already knew the answer, “Who are you?”
The man smiled warmly, “Who do you think I am?” He asked, as He turned both palms of his hands up for her to see the scars that were there.
She shook so hard that she felt that her heart would cease to work at the enormity of the One whose presence she was in.
“Peace daughter of Eve for God has heard your cry and provided a way for you to escape to safety.”
Peace flowed like a river into her and her sobbing tears stopped instantly.
“Tell me how it is that you would like to be called?” He asked with a knowing look that read into her very soul.
She asked another dumb question, “You don’t know?”
She could have slapped herself.
“I do know, but I would like to hear it from you.” He asked still smiling.
She quickly responded, “Evette.”
“And so you will be known forever more as. Evette would you like to take a walk with me?”
Would she ever! Anything to get away from this place and stay in His comforting presence.
“Yes!”
He rose and extended a hand to her, which she took and got to her feet. Following after Him she came to the doors of a balcony, but He didn’t stop, instead He continued on, the doors opening before Him, as he stepped out onto the balcony, she hurried after Him only to see Him walk through the balcony railing into thin air.
Swallowing hard she followed, even as her heart felt like it had stopped beating in her chest. He had said to follow so she was going to follow even though she was sure of nothing but death being the likely outcome by doing so. She closed her eyes as she stepped through the railing into thin air, but her foot came down solidly.
She opened her eyes and in the panic of the moment of realizing that she wasn’t supported by anything she began to fall. The same hand as before reached out to her and she latched onto it like a drowning person would to a life preserver.
Instantly she found herself within a beautiful garden that was filled with wonders beyond comprehension.
She met her Savior’s eyes in shock at her surroundings, “Shall we walk together for a little while?” He said as He extended His arm to her and gratefully she took it as they began to walk down a path in the garden.
After a while of silence Evette asked quietly, “Why me Lord? Why would you show me all this and reveal Yourself to me as You have? I’m nothing special!”
He stopped and faced her and held her hands in His, “That is where you are wrong Evette. Everyone My Father has created is special.”
He looked deeply into her eyes and it was as if she could feel Him repairing her soul. “Even the Baron after all the evil he has done to you and many others.”
Evette couldn’t understand that, “How could he be special after what he has done?”
“Because I died for him just as I did for you and everyone else. I bore every sin and act of shame on the cross from the foundation of the world and those yet to come. I knew the cost and I gladly bore it so that those like you, who choose to believe in Me and the One who sent Me, might live for evermore in the presence of the King and know nothing more of sorrow.”
Evette fell to her knees sobbing, “I’m so sorry for all the bad things I’ve done! Forgive me or I will die!”
The Creator’s Son pulled her head into His lap, as He sat down in the cool grass beside the path. “You are forgiven. Evette I did not have to do what I did for all mankind, instead I chose to fulfill My Father’s will so that all would have the opportunity by which to be saved so that none should perish.”
Evette looked up at Him, “Why would you do that? Why suffer for me of all people?”
For the first time since she had seen her Lord face to face she saw sadness cross His face as He gazed down steadfastly into her eyes, “Because of something you have never experienced in your life, a father’s love for his children.”
Evette’s head dropped back into her Lord’s lap and she sobbed. Every bad memory and bitter hurt came pouring out in a torrent of emotion, while her Lord held her cradled against Him.
When she grew quiet, He spoke, “Evette there is something you want to ask of me, is there not?”
Evette shook her head no, “I don’t want to go there. I don’t want to be mad at You anymore!”
“That’s why you need to ask the question that embitters you so that there might be healing.”
Evette was quiet for a moment and then spoke the question that had separated her from God for years, “Why did God not hear me, when I cried out to Him over and over as a little girl? Why was I allowed to be treated like I was? Why did it feel like I was forsaken?” Evette finished softly.
“God heard everyone of your cries and you have never been forsaken or out of my Father’s sight for even a moment dear one! When creation was spoken into existence everything was good. The curse that all mankind and creation suffers under was not of My Father’s making. It was man that brought destruction upon himself, but the Creator of all life made a way out of man’s mistake. I came to bear the sins of all mankind and by My sacrifice I have redeemed that which was lost. All those who believe in My name and thus Him who sent Me will have everlasting life. All things will be made anew and every tear and sorrow of this life will be comforted and wiped away in the peace and security of My presence. Everlasting love will belong to those who have put their trust in Me, as I am their atoning sacrifice.”
There was a pause and then He continued, “Do you see it now Evette? The Creator has never at one point ceased to love you fiercely and long before you were born made a way for you to be reconciled back to Him, as it was originally meant to be.”
“Thank you I understand now. Life’s just so hard sometimes it’s hard to see the answer clearly even when it’s there all the time,” Said Evette softly.
“Life can be very hard, as it has been for you, but soon you will be given a safe haven to rest in.”
Evette had a sudden question in concern to that, but she buried her face to fearful and embarrassed to ask it.
But the answer came because God can read the hearts of men and discern their thoughts and desires and grant them, “You will be with Larc.”
Evette felt a fierce gladness course through her at the simple answer and said another heartfelt thank you in her soul to her Maker. She hadn’t known how much she had wanted to go with Larc until this moment.
“There is something I want you to understand about how I see you right now.”
Evette looked up seeming to understand the gravity of the statement and the need for eye contact.
“I see you as an heir to the Kingdom, because of your belief and walk with Me. It also means that I see you as guiltless and as pure as clear driven snow. I find no fault or shame attached to you and I love you fiercely and will never allow any power to separate you from Me and your eternal destiny in My Father’s courts. This is how I see you. It is important that you remember it and not think otherwise of yourself, do you understand?”
Evette nodded.
“Good, I’m sending you back now for your deliverance is near. Remember what I told you about how I see you. Nothing else matters.”
Evette opened her eyes and saw the carpet of her old room in front of her eyes again. She sat up slowly feeling stiff and blown away by what had happened.
Had it really all happened?
The evidence, if she had needed any, lay on the carpet beside her. A single white lily she had never seen before that had delicate lilac colored veining and speckles arranged in an eye-catching pattern all over it, lay on the carpet before her. She picked it up gently in awe at its beauty and meaning.
It smelled heavenly and no sooner had she smelled it than it simply disappeared. Evette smiled, she was going to be all right.
She knew one other thing as well; she had to get a bath. On her way to the bathroom she arranged the back of the chair under the door knob to her room to keep out unwanted visitors.
Glancing at the clock she could see that no time other than what had lapsed since picking up the flower, had occurred. God could do anything, even the stopping of time.
Evette sat at the far end of the formal dining table across from the Baron. He was resplendently dressed in a burgundy silk dinner jacket with a white shirt and black pants. Everything about him was meant to appear, as if he was a southern gentleman, from a long bygone era.
The picture was complete except for one thing, a scowl marred the Baron’s aquiline features, as he stared down the long table at Evette sourly.
Taking the slim cigar from his lips he stated in a barely civil tone of voice, “I thought that I made it clear that you were to come to dinner in the dress I had laid out for you in your room!”
Evette paused with a spoonful of soup halfway to her mouth and gave him her most fake looking smile that was gratingly awful to behold, because of its lack of sincerity.
“You did, but I chose to ignore your instructions.” She said matter-of-factly and continued to coolly sip her soup.
The Baron’s face was brooding in response to her flippant answer, “This will not do Evette. I will tolerate no disrespect from you or anyone else. If you continue to disobey me I will have to break you of the habit by using whatever force I deem necessary!”
Evette’s spoon came down with a sharp click onto the table and she was just about to launch the bowl at the Baron, when a deep voice, she recognized as Larc’s, spoke from the doorway of the open patio terrace doors, “The only thing that is likely to get broken tonight is your neck if you continue to make statements like that.”
The presence of Larc was like a warm breeze coming off the ocean and it helped to ease her tensed up nerves so much so that she smiled genuinely, as she felt Larc’s big hands settle reassuringly over the tops of her shoulders.
The Baron’s entire demeanor changed, as he smiled almost jovially at Larc, but his eyes were those of a viper prepared to strike at a moment’s notice.
“Congratulations on getting past my security forces. You are a man of extreme talent, but what do you plan to achieve for this brave but foolish endeavor of yours?”
“Why I came for your Bible and I’m going to leave with it, along with Evette as well.”
“Why would you risk so much for this bygone relic of the past?” Asked the Baron with a wolfish smile, as he held up a hefty looking book, with a black cover, that had the Holy Bible written on it.
“Evelyn’s worth far more than this old musty tome is to me. I didn’t think any male with red blood in his veins would pass up the chance at keeping her for himself. So I’ve been expecting something like this. Guards!” He yelled curtly towards the double doors leading off into the rest of the mansion, but to his surprise no one responded or came.
Turning back to Larc with even more new found respect in his eyes he said, “It would appear that you have anticipated my surprise party, congratulations once again. However any celebration would be ill advised on your part, because I still hold all the best cards.” He said as he brought up a heavy pistol that had been resting in his lap underneath the table top and pointed it in Larc’s direction.
Evette’s breathing seized up at the sight of the gun, Larc squeezed her shoulders reassuringly and then moved around her towards the Baron. Evette almost made a grab for Larc.
Didn’t he know that the Baron wasn’t bluffing, when it came down to shooting people, but she stopped knowing that he must have some plan he was going by.
Larc advanced down the table the gun in the Baron’s hand tracking his movements. From the smile on the Baron’s face it was obvious that he was clearly enjoying himself.
“That’s far enough big fellow, take a seat. I imagine that you must have some bargain in mind to get either the Bible or the girl. I have to admit that I’m curious as to what it might be.”
“No bargain. Like I said you’re going to let both Evette and the Bible go.” Larc said nonchalantly, as if addressing a foregone conclusion.
Larc pulled out a chair and coolly sat down facing the Baron from only one place setting away.
The Baron’s good mood was wearing a little thin, “And why would I do that?” He asked somewhat tightlipped.
Larc said, “Zevin come in please.”
I pushed the double doors open and then pulling Evette’s father to his feet I thrust him into the dining room. He came to a stop not five feet from the Baron.
I could see the Baron looking down the hall behind me for any sign of the guards he had placed there. I could have told him that they were beyond helping him now, but I think he guessed it.
“What’s this disgrace to the human species doing in my house?” The Baron asked.
“A disgrace of the human race was already here before we brought this one along.” Larc responded steadily.
The gun in the Baron’s hand rose slightly towards Larc and I saw the trigger finger tighten softly.
“My patience with your continued impudence is growing thin, but my curiosity still craves the answer to your foolish notion of there being anything that could induce me to allow two of my prize possessions to walk out of this house. Please continue with your charade, but make it brief, the beef tenderloins are growing cold.”
Larc looked at him for a moment, palpable dislike for the Baron clearly evident on his face, which only seemed to goad the Baron on, who smiled nastily back at him.
Larc looked at Evette’s father and said, “Tell your story and if you leave anything out I’ll gut you here on the spot!”
Evette’s father began the sad and sordid tale that I had already heard in the church. I wanted to stay near Larc and the Baron in case we had to jump him, but something deeper inside insisted that I go over towards Evette and I listened to the urging from within me and did so.
I didn’t know what comfort I could offer to Evette, but I would do what I could. As I drew up beside Evette I noticed that her eyes were glued to her father and I turned around to hear again what I wished I hadn’t had to hear the first time.
Evette’s father spoke slowly as if reticent to bare the truth to even more people. “When I brought my wife here we were broke and deep in debt. I was used to a grand lifestyle and my poverty weighed heavily on me. I, to my everlasting shame, viewed my quality of living as more important than my relationship with my wife. When the Baron came to me with an offer that I couldn’t refuse I hastily agreed to it not for a moment considering the cost of what my actions would bring upon others. I was selfish, still am, but what I’ve done and what I’m responsible for has to be set right. The Baron coveted my wife for her beauty and offered me money to have his way with her regularly on the condition that the affair would be kept secret. My wife loved me very much and I made her do something against her will and faith and I accept the full responsibility for her death and suffering that came largely as a result of my actions. I gambled away the best gift I ever had given to me, I see that now.”
“You sold my mother to the Baron? It’s not true! You’re lying!” Evette screamed disbelievingly of what she was hearing.
Her sweet loving mother in the arms of the monster who had used her! No it couldn’t be!
But as she watched her father’s head nod yes sadly, her gaze found its way to the Baron, who had a somewhat wry expression on his face, as he confirmed what her father had said, “I know it’s sordid, but it’s true. This worthless trash of human debris was so greedy to fill his pockets that he sold his one priceless possession, your mother, to me to do with as I pleased. Your mother was a rare woman Evelyn. I would have given my entire fortune to be in her presence, as it was your father sold her to me for mere pocket change. She deserved to have a man like me to love her instead of a sniveling little pompous coward of a man like him!”
I watched as tears came streaming down Evette’s face, as she was forced to accept the truth of the depths of her father’s capriciousness. But she hadn’t seen it all yet and I cringed inside with pain for her.
Her father started talking again, “It’s all true Evette I’m afraid. When I realized the enormity of my mistake there was nothing I could do. I tried to break out of the deal, but the Baron threatened to expose our deal to the public and I just couldn’t bear to have that happen at the time. So the situation went on and your mother lost all love for me and I grew to resent her for what I had made her do. I treated her spitefully and with her soul wounded beyond repair she began to slip away from us. When she died I was almost grateful. I was eager to bury the misdeeds of the past and start all over, but to my horror the Baron wouldn’t let me. He insisted that the arrangement was to be continued with Evelyn serving as her mother’s replacement. I refused at first and then gave in presumably, when the Baron offered to build a new church that I had wanted for years in addition to the money he had already given me. I sold my soul to the devil for what I did!” Evette’s father said, as he dissolved into sobs of remorse.
The Baron gazed distastefully at him, “You sold the only thing of value in this world, your family. If I had any compassion for you I would shoot you now, but I’d rather you go on living and suffering from your mistakes. It’s more enjoyable for me that way at least.”
Evette’s father looked up, “I didn’t sell all of my family Baron, that’s what makes what I did truly unpardonable!”
The Baron looked puzzled at the statement and Evette’s father went on. “I didn’t agree to the deal for the use of Evelyn for either money or the church that you promised me. I hated you and out of hate I got back at you in the only way that I knew that I could reach you. You see Baron, Evelyn is not my daughter, she’s yours.”
There was silence for the space of a second as Evette’s and the Baron’s gazes found each other in shock over what had just been revealed.
Cobalt blue eyes met their mirror reflection and other similarities long overlooked now stood out in sharp relief.
A wail of raw pain came out of Evette that twisted my soul into knots at the hearing of it. I knew she still had my knife and I saw her one hand almost subconsciously going to her side, as she stared in horror down the table into the eyes of the Baron.
Kneeling down on one knee beside the table I put my left hand up onto the table palm up before Evette and then whispered loudly, “Evette?”
Her broken eyes turn to meet mine. The words just came to me and I knew that I had to give them voice, “Remember how God thinks of you and how much He loves you! Remember what the Creator’s Son thinks of you! Nothing else matters! Nothing else matters, Evette!”
At my words something seemed to click in the stormy blue depths of her eyes and I saw her nod slightly.
She put both of her hands on mine and then bent forward to lay her head on her hands, which rested on top of mine, while I leaned forward and rubbed her back consolingly with my other hand.
The Baron took his eyes off of Evette and turned to stare wrathfully at the parental imposter standing before him.
He barked out, “How is this possible? How do you know that she is my daughter?”
The blubbering individual in front of him sputtered out, “When I was a boy I had a high fever for a prolonged period of time. The doctors said that it would take a miracle of God for me to ever father children of my own; after Evelyn’s mother started going to see you I ceased all physical relations with her. She is your daughter, in truth I swear it.”
The Baron stared at him for a moment and then said, “You let me.....” He said letting the crime of his own lusts left unsaid and then he exploded angrily, “To my own daughter!”
Before Evette’s imposter father could respond there was the sound of a loud cough of air in the room. The bullet struck Evan Hales Edwards between the eyes and he was dead before his body hit the floor.
The silencer on the pistol coughed three more times, as the Baron fired into the lifeless lump of flesh on the floor.
Larc stood up and walked over to me and Evette, as the Baron continued to sit and stare at the man on the floor.
I helped Larc get Evette up on her feet and she and Larc headed for the double doors.
The Baron looked up as they neared and said somewhat hesitantly, which was strange for him, “Evelyn I.....” He said floundering at a complete lack for words to say.
Evette cut him off from any more floundering. “My name is Evette.”
“Trenall.” Larc quietly undertoned.
Evette looked up at Larc wonderingly and then at the Baron her father, “Yes, Evette Trenall. I have nothing further to say to you, nor anything I wish to hear.”
Suddenly looking very old the Baron nodded his head in confirmation and remained quiet.
The Baron reached beside him on the table and held up the big black book, “Don’t forget to take this. I have no further use for it.”
I’d had no intention of leaving without it and I took the book from his hands. I held it reverentantly against myself, as I followed after Larc and Evette.
Talaric stepped into the room from where he had been covering the Baron with a stolen weapon from one of the dead guards in the hall.
Talaric kept the point of the weapon casually trained on the Baron, as he too exited the room pulling the double doors shut as he did so.
The Baron shook his head ruefully, as he acknowledged that Larc has been the one to have all the angles covered one way or another. He glanced at the pistol in his hand thoughtfully.
As we made our way back out of the labyrinth of the mansion, I heard the distinctive but muted cough of the Baron’s pistol and all was silent once more as we headed back towards the secret passageway.
We had almost reached the SUV, when sirens and shouts rang out from the mansion behind us. The sound of vessels firing to life could be heard too. They would be after us within moments.
Talaric was looking at the mansion and I grabbed his arm, “Come on Talaric get in the SUV, they’ll be down on us in a moment! We’ve got to get out of here!”
Talaric reached up and covered my hand with his and turned to look at me. “I’m not going Zevin. The Creator has something He wants me to do here on Earth yet. I don’t know what it is, but He wants me to stay. I’ll hold them off as long as I can and give you the best chance to get away.”
Talaric’s arms folded around me as he hugged me fiercely and I him, “I love you little brother take care of yourself! Tell mother and father that I love them and that I didn’t let them down on this mission. Somehow, God willing I’ll be able to come home one day, if it can be done.”
And then he was walking away into the gathering shadows of night carrying a bag of the Earth style weapons that he had gathered up in the mansion earlier.
“You had better find a way to get home or so help me I’ll find a way to come back and bring you home myself! Do you hear me?”
Talaric lifted one arm in acknowledgment, but kept moving on back towards the mansion.
Larc touched my shoulder, “We need to go Zevin!”
I nodded my head and got in trying to watch the retreating form of my big brother for as long as I could before he was swallowed up by both distance and shadow.