Two Hundred and Eighty-Nine Stones for Ray Craft by Jaymes Shore - HTML preview

TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-NINE STONES FOR RAY KRAFT

 

The alarm shrill brought moans and agony. On any other day, Ray Kraft would just smash the big button on the top several more times, silencing its annoying squeals. The damn thing was over a decade old, and still had the old style phone adapter. If it were any other day, he might just lay there and take the alarm as a suggestion. This was not any other day. This was Sunday.

 Ray was not alone. Beside him lay the love of his life, Janet Lerner. She opened her lovely blue eyes and smiled. This was followed by a pleasant kiss. Janet was the perfect woman, at least in Ray's eyes. She was petite, kind, gentle, and a brunette. Her only imperfection was the small scar below her right eye, a gift from her husband, Lenny. There was a more recent present on her chin. 

Ray made breakfast: imitation pancakes, imitation bacon, and imitation scrambled eggs. After that, it was time for church. Unfortunately, they could not go together today; or ever. 

Ray confirmed the coast was clear, then exited the house with Janet. She broke into tears, and said, "We shouldn't have to sneak around like criminals. I have a mind just to walk into church with you, hand in hand."

Ray whispered, "Maybe we could five years ago. You know the crap that would rain down on us now."

Janet cried, "If I knew divorce would be outlawed, I never would have married Lenny in the first place. I was insecure, and he was great in the beginning. Now, I would do anything to be free of that damn monster."

Ray took her hand, and said, "We don't live in that world anymore. We live in one a bit less kind." Ray almost kissed her; then he remembered they were outside. A quick glance confirmed a potential witness. 

Mrs. Schmitt was walking her rather annoying, ugly, and loud dog. She called out, "Hurry Moses, mommy has to go to church." The woman was still in her bathrobe, which was worn and ripped. Her rather unattractive face possessed a brand new giant red mark across it. Either she walked into something, or she displeased her husband in some way. These days, almost every woman had one of those red marks on her face at one at some point. Moses had a mark as well but on his butt. Ray surmised Mr. Schmitt was having a less than stellar day.

 Ray discreetly grabbed Janet's hand, and they bolted for her car. A giant bush now blocked Mrs. Schmitt's view. 

Ray released Janet's hand. He smiled at her, and said, "We could be together. Take my offer, and escape with me to Free Canada. They can grant you an amnesty divorce. Remember, my friend Tony lives up there."

She replied, "I'm not ready to leave my faith or the country I love."

She waved, then headed home. Ray returned inside and got ready himself. 

Ray was a pretty average guy, in most ways. He was starting to get a slight gut. Janet had offered to cook for him so that he could lose some weight. He told her that would be too dangerous. 

Janet arrived home. Inside, husband Lenny was standing and waiting for her. Lenny was over six feet tall, with balding brown hair, a short beard, and a long ponytail. Lenny possessed bulging round eyes, which were the most memorable feature on his face. He smiled, as Janet entered the living room.

"How was your mom?" asked Lenny.

"She's getting better. She sends you her love. I may have to stay with her again next Saturday. She's getting there," replied Janet.

Lenny smiled, as he said, "Really, it seems you left your phone here yesterday. It rang in the middle of the night, and I answered it. Your mom had to go to the hospital last night. She was having some breathing problems. They said she was resting comfortably."

Janet hesitated a few seconds, then replied, "I know, I was there with her. I just didn't want to upset our Sunday."

Lenny grabbed her in his arms, "You are the love of my life, I would never want you to hold any bad news back. That's what marriage is all about, being there for each other."

Lenny smiled some more. It did not match his bulging eyes, which transmitted something resembling rage.

"Let's go to church dear. You don't want to be late, and face punishment," said Lenny.

People poured into the Holly Hand of God and Jesus Church. They ran as if their lives depended on being punctual. Church Policeman Richard Hinder was performing his Sunday duty, which he has diligently performed for the last four years. He checked off names on his list, as each church member entered. After the flow had ended, he called into his radio.

"This is officer Hinder. Jack Abrams, ID jabrams3144322, is not at church this morning. Issue an arrest warrant for him and his wife."

Officer Hinder noticed a car coming around the corner. It had been traveling at high velocity as it neared the church, then slowed slightly as it entered the lot. The car almost crashed into another one, as it skidded into the last spot in the lot. The car's late middle aged occupants made a mad dash for the church. Jack Abrams was overweight and sweating profusely. He had also forgotten to zip up his fly. His wife Sandy was out of breath and missed some spots on her make up. It gave her the appearance of a comic book villain. They flew past Officer Hinder, giving him a nervous wave. He returned the wave. The couple ran inside the church, then gasped for air. 

Officer Hinder spoke into his radio again, "Cancel that arrest warrant. The Abrams family are here; just."

After rechecking his list, Officer Hinder locked all the doors, securing the congregation inside. He was the guardian and protector of these people during the service. He stood at attention, with a gun in each hand. After the service was concluded, he would join the other Church Police for a private mass. 

The church was rather average. It did have one pleasant and unique addition, a stained glass skylight. It was donated by a local businessman, in exchange for forgiveness. The man accidentally wore a shirt made of two different types of thread. Lucky, the church let him make amends. The congregation loved the skylight. It brightened up the church and was beautiful to look at. Unfortunately, a major storm last week resulted in a water leak. The Jesus statue below the skylight sustained significant water damage. The damn thing warped. This resulted in Jesus coming free from the cross. His arms were now outstretched, and he was bent into an impossible, and very scary position. There was also the smell of mildew perfuming the air.

The pews were filled, and everyone was ready. Ray sat in the last row. Janet sat with her husband, about half way up. Ray tried not to stare at her, but he couldn't help it. His eyes kept wandering between Janet, and the bizarrely bent and disfigured Jesus statue.

Father Francis entered and took his place at the pew. The Father was forty-three years old, thin, and around five feet tall. He was in the process of getting some hair transplants. The church health insurance plan was the best money could buy. 

 The service began with twenty minutes of prayer. This was followed up with one of the Father's long-winded sermons.

"...And that is why we must always follow the Lord's guidance without question." The Father put down his Bible, then said with a smile, "I know a few of you are not happy to be here. There have been more than a few confessional complaints about mandatory church attendance. Don't worry. I won't turn you in. I don't need the money."

This was intended as a joke. Nobody laughed.

The Father continued, "When the government made Sunday church attendance mandatory, a lot of folks were upset. What you don't understand, is how it has helped everyone. Crime is down. Sickness is down, alcohol and drug use is down. America is now the country it should be. This is due to our commitment to God, and the holy day. We must also thank the great Reverend Paul John Rogers, who made much of this possible. Now, let's turn to..."

Ray read some subversive material at the public library last year. Back then, you could just go on the computer. Now, they forced you to sign in. 

Fact: Crime was only down on Sundays because everyone was at church. Even homeless people were brought to church shelters on Sundays. It was not pleasant for them. Just one giant unheated and non-air-conditioned warehouse. There were no seats and only a projected Bible. Fact: Alcohol and drug use was only down on Sundays, it was actually higher the rest of the week. Fact: Sickness was only down on Sundays. People don't go to the hospital or see a doctor till Monday. Fact: The economy keeps getting worse. Fact: Church donations have increased ten thousand percent, since attendance, and donations became mandatory. At the same time, programs for helping the poor have been cut sixty-two percent.

The service went on for an eternally. Finally, it was time for the first break. 

The congregation wandered around the lobby. There was a long line at the snack bar and gift shop (which was the only store open on Sunday. If you ran out of milk or sugar on a Sunday, this was the only place you can go). Some of the smokers in the group tried the front door, hoping in vain that it might be unlocked.

Ray received visits from some of his friends.

Eric Jones came over and shook Ray's hand. They had worked together for seven years until Eric left for a better job opportunity. He had promised to find Eric something at his new company, but never got around to it.

 "How are you doing buddy? Long time, no see," said Eric.

"Just fine Eric," replied Ray.

"Let's get together soon," said Eric.

 "You free on Tuesday?" asked Ray.

Eric replied, "Good for me. We can go back to the steak place." A smile was glued to his face.

"Sounds good," said Ray. He hated that steak place. 

Next, came Steven and Jody Krantz. They were the personification of a perfect Christian couple. Both were in their mid-thirties, with perfect blond hair, blue eyes, and a big smile. They had three perfect kids, who all shared their good looks.

"How's it going?" asked Steven.

"Just fine," replied Ray. He wondered why everyone asked that same stupid question. Then, a dim memory dawned, and Ray acted fast. He directed his gaze to Jody, and said, "Loved that pie you made. Best I ever had."

He actually took one bite, then dumped the rest in the trash. Jody could not bake to save her life or immortal soul.

Jody smiled, and promised, "I'll make you another one for next Sunday."

"I can't wait," lied Ray.

Ray's next visitor was with Richard Sutter, an Eighty something retire. Ray was there during Richard's darkest hour. Richard lost his wife, right after having a major operation. Ray stopped by three days a week and helped him with whatever he needed. Richard claimed Ray was a bigger help than his own son.

"How you doing my boy?" asked Richard, as he put his arms around Ray. "Come by, and I'll make you some of that famous chili that you love."

"I will Rich. How's the bad leg doing?" asked Ray.

"Oh, I get by," said Richard, as he attempted to cover up his pain.

Ray looked down and noticed that Richard was having some difficulty standing.

"Want me to stop by, and help you with anything before chili day?" asked Ray.

Richard smiled brightly, "That would be great. There are a couple of things that need doing around the house. I can't manage any more."

Ray nodded, and said, "OK, I'll stop by one night this week."

Richard gave Ray another good hug, and said, "I don't know how I could get by without you my boy. God bless you. God bless you."

His next visitor was Father Francis himself. He firmly shook Ray's hand, and said, "Good to see you. Thanks for coming to Ray" (as if he had any choice in the matter). Father Francis touched his back, then continued, "That chair your company donated is heavenly. No more back problems," He waved goodbye and went off to the visit some more of his flock.

Then came Ann-Marie Coulter, the Church Librarian. She had a rather big crush on Ray and made it very apparent. It was almost to the point of being a stalker. Several churchgoers were pushing Ray to ask her out. None of them could have known that Ray loved someone else. Ann-Marie was attractive, but his heart belonged to Janet.

"Hi Ray, you look well. Jesus has shined on you," said Ann-Marie. She proceeded to check him out, from top to bottom.

Ray gave a phony smile, and said, "Good to see you again. I Just want to grab a muffin, before the service starts again."

Ann-Marie put a hand on his shoulder, and said, "We could get one together tomorrow if you want."

Ray could barely hold up his smile, as he responded with a lie, "Maybe another time. I'm meeting a friend after work."

Ann-Marie replied, "Sure, I understand. Maybe another day this week?"

"I'll get back to you on that," said Ray.

Ray was munching on a holy muffin when he glimpsed Janet, and her husband, Lenny. He looked the other way. A fact of life: Whenever you try not to stare at something, you always do. He noticed that Lenny was smiling at him. He returned the smile. Lenny approached Ray, with Janet in hand. Ray wanted to avoid this meeting, but it was now impossible.

Lenny offered his hand. Ray was apprehensive but took it.

"Hello Ray, good to see you again," said Lenny

"Good to see you. Thanks again for buying those chairs," said Ray.

Lenny replied while keeping his hold on Ray's hand, "Yes, you sold us sixty-six new chairs. It's not my company. I just manage it for the corporation. I did talk my superiors into buying your chairs, but I am not happy with that decision. They are made like crap. Three of them broke already." 

"Sorry to hear that Lenny. I'll tell my people to get them fixed or replaced for you on Monday," said Ray, while trying to avoid any expression.

Lenny laughed, as he put his left hand on Ray's shoulder, while his other hand was still gripping Ray's in a shake.

Lenny moved in a bit too close and glared at Ray with his bulging eyes.

"There are some things you can't fix Ray, like a break in trust," said Lenny.

Ray replied, "Don't worry, I can fix your chair problem. Like I said, I'll take care of it first thing Monday morning."

Lenny kept his gaze on Ray, as he ceased blinking. He kept a tight grip on Ray's hand and shoulder. Lenny's bloodshot eyes were bulging worse than ever. To Ray, they appeared ready to pop out of their sockets and attack him.

After a long pause, Lenny said, "I am not talking about a few chairs Ray. I am talking about my wife, and what you two have been doing."

Ray's face transitioned through a wide assortment of colors. He discretely tried to pull out of Lenny's grip, but could not. Janet just stared up at Ray, her perfect eyes and mouth wide open.

Lenny laughed, as he released his grip. He put his arms up, then waved them about.

"You think I'm stupid? I've known for months," said Lenny.

Lenny remained silent for an agonizing twenty-second. His eyes remained fixed on Ray.

Lenny continued, "I broke into your house Ray, and planted some cameras about." After another uncomfortable pause, Lenny said, "Don't worry, it will be quite a show. It'll bring down the house, and you'll both rock and roll."

Lenny patted Ray on the shoulder, then headed for the snack area. 

With Lenny gone, Ray and Janet looked to each other. They both wore grimaces of terror.

"What's he planning?" asked Ray.

Janet shook her head, and replied, "I don't know, but this is all your fault."

"How is it my fault?" 

 "You led me on, and we only did it in your house. You should have known he'd put up cameras." 

"How?" 

"I don't know. You just should have."

Lenny observed the love birds from a distance and smiled. He lifted his cup of imitation orange juice and toasted it like fine wine.

Jim Glass, the owner of Jim's Glass (some people just have perfect names), interrupted Ray's panic moment. Ray was one of those men still graced with a full head of gray hair at seventy.

"Ray, we love the new chairs. A few of my people had back problems, but praise Jesus, they're cured because of your chairs," said Jim. He rubbed a hand over the bad part of his back, and then put his hands together in prayer.

Ray attempted to appear natural and relaxed. It was not easy. He said, "I'm glad you like the chairs. I'll catch up with you later. We just have to light some candles before the service starts up."

Ray led Janet over to the front door and tried it. Locked, of course. They headed for the school section of the building.

"He's going to kill us," said Janet, breaking into tears.

"He is about to do something, and I don't want to be locked in with him when he tries it," said Ray.

 They entered a classroom and checked the windows. There were bars on every one of them. What else would a classroom have? Ray glanced at a student's drawing. It featured a very happy cartoon shrimp. Under it lay the caption, "You can't eat me. The Lord has said so. He has other rules as well. Read your Bible and Ten Commandants today."

The two tried several other doors and windows but meet with no success. One of the locked doors had a picture of a smiling Earth on it. Under it lay the words, "I am only a six thousand years old." Another door had a picture of a monkey. "I'm sorry to say, but we are not related," was written under the picture.

"Let's ask Father Francis for help, and forgiveness," suggested Janet, her expression was one of completed naive innocence. 

"We can't trust him. Divorce and affairs are very illegal in America. We could be stoned for it. We can't take a chance. The only thing we can do, is ride this thing out," said Ray.

She looked at him with her pretty and sad eyes, and asked, "What about Reverend Rogers? We could make the trip to see him. Maybe he'd understand."

Ray shook his head, "No, I don't think he would help us. I saw him on TV last week talking about how marriage has to be for life. Nobody will help us. We have to go back into church, and work this out after we get out."

He gave her a kiss. It would be their last.

The bells rang, indicating the break was over. Ray and Janet made their return. Ray sat in the same seat. Janet sat far away from both Ray and her husband.

Father Francis continued the service. He talked awhile, preached awhile, and then continued his long-winded speeches.

Ray had the appropriate reading material in his hand, but he was not following along. His eyes were glued on the back of Lenny's head. Lenny turned around Every few minutes and smiled at him. 

"Trapped like a rat in a cage," whispered Ray.

He must have been louder than he planned because the kid next to him gave him a strange look.

The Father continued preaching, "But I must say, Love and pray for your enemies, and for those who persecute you."  

Lenny rather enjoyed that oldie. He turned around and gave Ray a wave.

Ray fidgeted on the uncomfortable bench. It might as well have been a bed of nails. An overweight woman sat on one side of him, a fat child on the other. Something far worse than claustrophobia sank in. Ray become aware of some changes to his environment. His two neighbors were closing the distance between them and were almost touching of him. The pews were gradually moving closer together. They kept getting tighter and began touching his knees. Pain erupted, as the pews crushed his legs. He needed to get up, but that was not permitted. He glanced up and observed the ceiling descending. It was right above him, and getting closer to his head. He glanced at some of his neighbors. They all seemed reasonably comfortable. He could feel the sweat dripping all over. Looking down, he could see his white church shirt was covered in perspiration. Ray directed his eyes to the front of the church, hoping it would provide some comfort. What he saw was anything but comforting. 

The warped Jesus statue was bending, and its posture went from the impossible to the absurd. The statue's arms pointed right at Ray. Jesus opened his eyes and stared at him. Jesus seemed to be mouthing some words at him. He began hearing real sounds coming out. He could swear Jesus said, "Sinner."

None of this was real, and Ray knew it. This was a panic attack, clear and simple. The woman next to him did inch herself away. Maybe it was the smell.

The congregation contentedly sang a hymn. He was the only one not joining in. He did not recall when the singing began. They priest was preaching again. When did that happen? Time was moving in a very odd way for him. 

"You shalt not commit adultery, you shalt not kill, you shalt not steal or covet," preached the Priest.

Lenny pointed directly at Ray, but nobody seemed to notice. True hate read in Lenny's bulging eyes. They had a red glow about them. Ray didn't know if they were bloodshot, his imagination, or something else.

"You OK? You don't look too well," whispered the woman next to him.

"Not really, I need to get up," said Ray. 

The woman smiled, "We have another break coming in a little while. Just try to hold out a drop longer."

More praying, more singing, and more claustrophobia followed. Ray also needed to go to the restroom.

The Priest relaxed his stance, and announced, "We have reached the three-quarter point in today's service. Before we take another break, I would like to take a moment to show you something beautiful. The children have put together a little video about Noah's Ark, which is a perfect story for children. They spent a lot of time on this, so please give it your full attention. It is available for purchase in the gift shop. The proceeds are going to some much-needed renovations to the Bishop's house."

The priest signaled to someone behind the pew. The congregation smiled, as the lights were dimmed. The picture of the Virgin Mary lifted, revealing a large video screen.

 Ray noticed some kids waving their arms about. Obviously, this was their handy work, and they couldn't wait for their moment of fame. Noah's Ark was such a happy and uplifting story.

The advertised film did not appear on the screen. There was no Noah's Ark, and no children. What came up next would shock the room, and terrify Ray and Janet.

The video featured Ray sitting at his laptop computer. It was on a small desk in his bedroom. Ray punched out some numbers, then stopped.

"God damn it! What the hell is wrong with this God damn thing? The math was right a minute ago. What the God damn hell happened to it?" said the video version of Ray.

The congregation was not happy. Several people around Ray gave him dirty looks. The woman next to him pushed against the other people on the bench and inched herself away from the monster.

The scene on the video dissolved to a different shot of Ray on the computer. The date stamp on the screen indicated that he was working on a Sunday. The image zoomed in to confirm sales figures on the screen. Ray apparently worked on a Sunday. Another dissolve, and another sin.

Ray was talking to someone on the phone, and waving his arms around. He was also in his underwear. He said, "This God Damn Republican President is a joke. I hate the bastard, and I'll tell you this. In the unlikely event that there's a God, he would not be on his side."

The image dissolved again, and Ray was on his computer for a change. He was logged onto a Free Canada website for asking psychic questions.

There was a giant mumbling in the crowd. The priest was glaring and pointing at Ray. 

Then came the money shot.

The video abruptly cut to Ray and Janet having sex. The moaning was rather intense. 

The Priest fell into a chair. The young people watched, but not for long. Their parents cupped their young and impressionable eyes. The old people screamed. 

The video dissolved into a series of shots of Ray and Janet having sex. The date stamps revealed that this was not a one-time event.

Finally, the show was over. The video shut off, and the picture of the Virgin Mary descended back into place.

Lenny gave Ray the thumbs up. 

Sixty-Four-year-old Patty Patterson asked, "What did that have to do with Noah's Ark?"

The crowd stood up and advanced on Ray's position. He leaped up and bolted for the front door. Once there, he made another token attempt at opening it. The sound from the crowd was deafening. 

Father Francis puts up his arms, and screamed, "Silence, we shall do this by church law." 

 Father Francis made the sign of the cross several times, as he made his way to the front of the church. He banged on the front door in a particular pattern. The door unlocked, and Church Policeman Richard Hinder entered the church. He re-locked the door behind him. 

"What is the problem Father?" asked the officer.

Father Francis could hardly speak, "Evil, the Devil, is in this church." The Father pointed at the two love birds, but could not speak. Sweat dripped from his not so mighty brow.

The officer put a hand on the priest's shoulder, and said, "Calm down Father. Just tell me what happened."

Father Francis recited the events of the video. The officer scowled at Ray. You would think Hitler was in the church.

"We have to do a stoning, and right away," said the Priest. He looked directly at Ray, and mouthed, "Evil."

Ray pleaded to the group, "This is going a bit far. A little while ago you were all coming up to me, and shaking my hand. I'm the same guy. You know what this is all about, you're not stupid people. Janet needs to get a divorce, and you won't allow it. Her husband is a bastard, and he beats her all the time. She is entitled to some happiness in her life."

Janet lowered her head in shame.

Lenny said, "I never hit my wife. Honey, how could you lie like that? How can you do this to me? I have always loved you and treated you well. This is how you repay me?"

 The Priest walked over to Ray, as the rest of the congregation stepped back. The Church Policeman put his arms together and waited.

The Priest announced, "Ray Kraft, you are guilty of several capital crimes: Taking the Lords name in vain, blaspheming, contacting witches and wizards, breaking the Sabbath, cursing the President, and most importantly, adultery."

Janet tried to make a run for it, not that there was a place to run to. She was grabbed by two men.

The Priest turned his attention to Janet, "Woman, you are guilty of adultery, just like your lover. You will, therefore, share his fate."

The congregation all added "Amen." They prayed awhile, then gradually morphed into an angry mob.

The Priest turned his gaze to Lenny, and said, "I am sorry that you found out about your wife's indiscretions this way dear friend. My condolences for what will happen next." 

Lenny put up his hands, and said, "Well, it's better I found out now. I understand that we must not question God or his commandments. I just want to let whoever shot this footage know that I have no grudge against them. They were just doing God's will." Lenny looked over to his wife. A well acted single tear ran down his check. He said, "I'm sorry my love, but if I have to choose between you and God, I would have to pick God."

 Father Francis took control of the situation. He moved to the front and signaled for the gathered to bring the two perpetrators closer together.

"You can't do this to us. Is this what God would want? Is this what Jesus would do?" cried Ray, his face now drenched in sweat. The claustrophobia made a brief return visit. Ray felt as if thousands were pinning him in.

"God demands you be stoned to death for what you did, you abomination!" screamed Richard Sutter. 

Richard was the man Ray visited three times a week and helped nurse back to heath. Richard claimed Ray was a better help than his son. Richard was the man who just invited Ray over for chili. This same man raised his fists in Ray's direction and spat at him.

"You're a spawn of Lucifer, and I can't wait to stone you," said Richard.

"Ray, we're good friends. You just invited me over for Chili. You just asked me to come over and help you out. Nothing has changed," pleaded Ray.

Richard pointed a shaking hand, and screamed, "Everything has changed. You have cursed the Lord and disobeyed his holiest laws. I looked at you like son, but you were just a deceiver. You're a spawn of Satan, sent to tempt me. That's why you tried so hard. You wanted to get my trust so that you could steal my soul." Richard coughed, then began to fall. A couple of churchgoers caught him just in time and helped him to the nearest chair. Richard glared at Ray one last time, and spat, "May you rot in hell, where you belong."

The congregation said in unison, "Evil, Evil, Evil, Evil."

Ray tried to ignore this, and pleaded with the crowd, "Janet deserves a divorce. Stone me if you want, but let her go."

The group booed him.

Janet was not so kind. She said, "He led me into temptation. Stone him, and let me go back to my husband."

Ray rolled his eyes, and said, "You've got to be kidding me?"

"Stone the monster!" came the duel sounds of Steven and Jody Krantz. The woman who made him that terrible apple pie, and the man he helped with a fence installation, were pointing at him with hate. 

"Too bad we can only stone both of you once," said Jody.

Their kids hissed as well. They stood by the couple's legs, like three gargoyles.

Ray's good friend Eric Jones joined the fray, "You've never been any good. Stoning is too easy for you."

He presumed that offer to go to the steak place was rescinded. At least something good came out of this.

Next, came a hissing sound from the woman who had been sitting next to him. She had been concerned that he didn't look good. Now, she wanted him dead.