FAITH TO BELIEVE - Chapter 6

Chapter 6

         Pete knocked on her door.  “May I come in?”

         Andi looked up as he came to stand inside the doorway.  “Sure.  What’s up?”

         “I just got a call from Terry.  He’ll be here to pick you up in just a few minutes.”

         “Pick me up?  Why?”

         “He didn’t say.  Said it was a surprise.”

         “You know don’t you?  I can see it in your eyes.”

         “It’s still a surprise.  You have the rest of the day off.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”

         Terry entered the bank to see Pete in the office with Andi.  He entered and looked at her a smile on his face.  “You’re not ready yet?”

         “I was just told.  Give me a chance to get my thoughts together.  Is everything all right?  Of course it is.  You’ve a big cat-eating grin on your face.  So what’s the big surprise?”

         “You’ll see.  Now hurry.  I only have a few minutes.”

         “All right.”  She saved everything, shut down her computer, and turned to Pete.  “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

         “Have a good day,” Pete said.

         Terry ushered her out of the bank.  “Your parents are bringing Maddie.”

         She looked up at him.  “Is everything all right?”

         He looked down at her before he handed her into the car, and brought his lips to hers.  “It’s just fine.”

         He saw her safely seated and soon headed to the base.  A short time later he parked the car in front of the command, and led her inside.

         Andi saw all the activity, and wondered what brought her there so unexpectedly.  “You’re leaving again.”

         He led her into the media office.  “No.  I’m not leaving again.”

         Steve came forward to welcome her.  “Andi.  It’s good to see you again.”

         “At least you’re not sending him away this time.”

         “No.  He won’t be going anywhere for a while we hope, but that isn’t up to us.  If the Pentagon wants him, there is nothing I can do,” Steve said.

         “There is someone I want you to meet,” Terry said.

         At that moment Madeline rushed into the office.  “Daddy!”

         He lifted her into his arms and looked to see his in-laws enter the office, and looked down at her.  “Are you being good for Grandma and Grandpa?”

         “Yup!  Feed Star Duster.”

         “That must have been fun.”

         “Let’s go into the auditorium,” Steve said.

         Andi walked beside Terry who still had Madeline in his arms, overcome with curiosity.  Many people she had never met before filled the auditorium.

         “Over here.”  Terry led them to a place reserved for immediate family members.  He looked down at Madeline.  “You stay here with your mother, and no yelling out like you did in church.  Okay?”

         She looked up at her mother and grandparents, and back at her daddy.  “Okay.”

         Terry went to take his place in a line of eleven other people who were set apart from the rest of the company, who stood in ranks at parade rest.

         From the back of the auditorium came another man.  Steve called out.  “Attention!”

         At once everyone came to attention.  Everyone saluted as the man stepped in front of the company.  His eyes took in the officers and enlisted men and women, and the family members.  “At ease.”

         At once everyone was at ease.  Andi’s eyes were on Terry, who had his eyes on the man in front of them.  She turned her attention to him as well.

         “For the family members who don’t know who I am, let me introduce myself.  I am Admiral Fitzpatrick.”  He turned his attention back to the assembled company.  “It is my honor and privilege to be here today to give awards and citations to a special group of people, who until a couple weeks ago were all thought to be dead.  We are very grateful to the work they accomplished in a place in which we never expected them to return.  Not since the beginning of this war, has anyone come out of a prison camp except in a coffin.  Not only did they not come out in a coffin, but also they all came out alive.  Not one man or woman was lost, and we owe it to the work of one man, a man who had the faith to believe against impossible odds.”  He turned to look at the men and women who stood apart.  “Captain Montgomery front and center.”

         Captain Montgomery stepped away from the group and went to stand in front of Admiral Fitzpatrick, and exchanged salutes.  “For the completion of your duty, for going above and beyond the call of that duty you are hereby awarded with this medal for your campaign in a foreign country, and a job well done.  And in accordance with an edict just signed by the President of the United States of America you are given the rank of Rear Admiral in the Navy of the United States of America.”

         Captain Montgomery exchanged the cap in his hand, and have the symbols of his rank pinned to his shoulders, and lapels.  He saluted Admiral Fitzpatrick before he went back to his place in line.

         “Lieutenant Commander Terence Kearney, step forward.”

         Terry left his place in line and stepped in front of Admiral Fitzpatrick, exchanged salutes, and waited.

         “Lieutenant Commander Kearney.  For your unwillingness to give up any of the people in your command.  For being instrumental in bringing out this company of men and women I give you this citation, and medal for the campaign you have just come home from.  For going above, and beyond the call of duty.  For bravery in the face of untold danger, I salute you and by edict of the President of the United States of America, you are hereby given the rank of Commander in the Navy of the United States of America.”

         Admiral Montgomery came forward and with Admiral Fitzpatrick replaced the cap in his hands, and pinned the medal on his chest and the new cloverleaf’s of his rank to his shoulders, and lapels.  They stepped back and saluted before Terry took his place in line with the rest of the men and women who had also come out of the prison camp.

         One by one the others came forward and received medals, citations, and a new rank.  Andi watched with pride as the ceremony continued, very happy that she hadn’t been overly argumentative when Pete entered her office to tell her she had the day off.

         She noticed Carl Davis’s wife in attendance.  She had gone through a complete change with the reappearance of her husband just three weeks before.

         “Attention!”  Steve called out.

         At once the whole company came to attention as Admiral Fitzpatrick saluted them all, and left the auditorium.

         “For our honored guests and family members we have refreshments prepared.  Company, at ease!  Dismissed!”

         “Mommy, Mommy Daddy got award,” Madeline said.

         “Yes he did.  Come on.  Let’s go over to him.”

         Terry met them and gave her a kiss in front of everyone.  “Surprised?”

         “Yes, and very proud of you.”

         “I knew you wouldn’t want to miss this.”

         “You’re right.  I wouldn’t want to miss this.”

         Mr. Jaczinski shook his hand.  “I’m very glad that you allowed us to be a part of your day as well.”

         “I’m glad you could be here.”

         Mrs. Jaczinski looked around the auditorium and the number of people before she brought her attention back to Terry.  “I’ve never been to the base before.”

         “I’m sorry I can’t give you a tour, but I am glad you could be here.”

         “So are we,” Mrs. Jaczinski said.

         “What if I told you that I’ve been relegated to a desk job from now on?”

         Andi looked at him skeptically.  “I wouldn’t believe you.  The United States government owns you and if they order you to the front lines, then you’ll go.”

         “For the moment at least I’m relegated to a desk job.  During the week I’ll be a media specialist, and on Sunday I’ll be a minister.”

         “So will we have our first holidays together this year?”

         “I know I left quite suddenly before Thanksgiving four years ago.  That’s eight months from now.”

         “And Christmas is nine.”  Cognizant of Madeline’s Christmas wish, and blushed at that thought.  “It would be nice to have you home for Christmas this time.”

         Terry nodded a knowing smile.  “Ready for refreshments?”

         “Yes.”  Andi looked down at Madeline who had her hand in Terry’s hand.  “How about you?  Are you ready for refreshments?”

         Madeline looked up at her.  “Yup!”

         He led them to the cafeteria decorated for the special ceremony.  Andi saw that Admiral Fitzpatrick hadn’t left, and everyone was at ease around him, as he also talked with each member of the company that came out of the prison camp.

         “I’m also very proud of you, Terry,” Mrs. Jaczinski said.

         “Thank you Mrs. Jaczinski.  I just wish my own parents could be here, but it was too short a notice for them to get here.”

         “Are they still in Seattle?” Mr. Jaczinski said.

         “Yes.  Though they are planning a trip here for Easter.”

         “How long have you known about this?” Andi said.

         “As a matter of fact, it was a surprise to me this morning.  I had just enough time to call the bank and get you back here for the ceremony.  I also called your parents and made sure they would be admitted through the gate,” Terry said.

         “Excuse me Commander.  Congratulations,” Admiral Fitzpatrick said.

         “Thank you sir.”

         “I’ve heard some amazing stories about what happened in that camp.”

         “Yes sir.  It was a miracle of God’s hand that we came out of there.”

         “I got a tape of the service you spoke at and gave your testimony of how you all came out of that camp completely corroborated.  I must say you made a believer of me and my family when we heard that testimony of yours.  We received an aerial surveillance of that camp, and instructions to bomb it.  We knew there were allies inside, and knew we risked many lives.  What amazed me was the plane sent for you.  I located the pilot and talked with him.  I saw the copy of his orders.  I saw the signature on those orders.  I talked to the person who had signed those orders.  That story is amazing in itself.  It seems the commanding officer who signed those orders is a devout Christian.  He said God told him he had to get a plane to that airfield at that particular time on that particular day, because a large company of prisoners of war would meet that plane and he would bring them home.  His orders came straight from God, and I must say that those orders even surpass my own.  I am very proud I had the privilege to be here today to give you your citation.  The only thing I can say is keep doing what you’re doing.  It’s because of men and women like you that this country is as great as it is.  I only wish we had more men and women like you.”

         “Thank you, sir,” Terry said.

         Admiral Fitzpatrick turned to his wife, daughter, and in-laws.  “And this is your family?”

         “Yes sir.  My wife Andrea, my daughter Madeline, and my in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Jaczinski.”

         “You give Daddy award,” Madeline said.

         Admiral Fitzpatrick squatted in front of her.  “Yes I did.  Did you like the ceremony?”

         “Yup!  You not take him away.”

         Terry cleared his throat.  “She’s pretty outspoken sir.”

         He looked up at Terry.  “Quite all right.  I have a granddaughter about her age.”  He looked back at Madeline.  “How old are you?”

         Madeline held up three fingers.  “Three.”

         “Born seven months after he left,” Andi said.

         “Mommy’s going to have a baby boy for Christmas,” Madeline said.

         “Admiral Fitzpatrick turned to her.  “Well congratulations seem to be in order.”

         Andi blushed scarlet.  “She’s been saying that since Terry got home.”

         Madeline looked at him her hands on her hips.  “Jesus said.”

         “Well that’s good enough for me.  I suppose you would like to be around for this one?”  Admiral Fitzpatrick said.

         “I would like that, but I know my first duty is to my country,” Terry said.

         “He be here,” Madeline said.

         Terry knelt in front of his daughter.  “Moppet.  I’m going to be here with you as much as I can, but there will be times when that won’t be possible.”

         “I pray.”

         Terry hugged her close.  “You do that.  I know God hears your prayers.”

         “I wish you all the best,” Admiral Fitzpatrick said.

         “Thank you sir,” Terry said.

         When he had gone, Andi turned to Madeline.  “Maddie sometimes.”

         Terry put a hand on her shoulder.  “Sweetheart.  Remember she’s only three.”

         “Almost four.  She should know-”

         “How to act like the child she is.  It’s all right, really.  Let’s get some refreshments, and I’ll introduce you to the other people on the team.”  Terry led her to the refreshment table, and poured her out a punch.  “How about you Moppet?”

         “Yup!”

         He poured her out a small glass.  “Don’t spill it now.”  He looked up at his in-laws.  “How about you?”

         “Yes please,” Mrs. Jaczinski said.

         He gave them both a cup and poured himself one as well.  At that moment he saw Admiral Montgomery.  “Admiral Montgomery, I would like to introduce my wife Andi.”

         “Andi, if I may.  I feel like I know you.  It’s a pleasure to meet you at last.”  He held out his hand to her, which she readily took.

         Andi shook his hand.  “I’m glad to meet you.  Terry hasn’t said as much about you.”

         “Well in my case there isn’t very much to tell.  And who’s this charming little girl?”

         “I’m Madeline.  I’m three.”

         “Well hello Madeline.  I’m pleased to meet you.  Your daddy didn’t tell me about you.”

         “That’s because I didn’t know about her until I got home, and I wouldn’t part with her for anything,” Terry said.

         “You know that it’s because of your daddy that we are all alive and home today?’

         “It was God, not me,” Terry said.

         “If you hadn’t had the faith to believe, none of us would have gotten out of there, or found a relationship with God as well, and none of us would be here to tell our stories.”

         “Isn’t that the truth,” a woman said.

         “Andi, Madeline, this is Captain Mary Beauregard.  One of the Marines in our group,” Terry said.

         “I was probably the biggest skeptic until we survived that helicopter crash.  How we did that only God knows.  I sure don’t.  Keeping me from those terrorists could only be a constant miracle.  I was never more afraid of anything, but after a while I realized that they really didn’t know I was a woman,” Mary said.

         “I’m very happy for you,” Andi said.

         “I’m glad you two got reunited.  He spoke about you a lot.  If a man ever loved a woman.  At times I was jealous.  Your husband is one fine man and a tremendous preacher,” Mary said.

         “Congratulations on your promotion.  You deserve it,” Terry said.

         “Thank you sir.”  Mary left them and mingled with the rest of the people.

         “I see you have hair again,” one of the men said.

         Terry turned to see another of the men who had been with him.  “Yes, and it doesn’t itch maddeningly,” Terry said.

         “I hear you.  There were times I thought I’d scratch my scalp right off,” he said.

         “All that is behind us now.  I’m very grateful to be home.  Roger, this is my wife, Andi, and my daughter, Madeline,” Terry said.

         “Glad to meet you,” Roger said.

         “And you,” Andi said.

         They continued to mingle, and Andi was impressed with the level of respect they all had for each other.

         Steve found them.  “Terry, Andi.  There you are.  There won’t be any work today, so you’re free to leave at anytime.”

         “Thank you.”  Terry turned to Andi.  “What do you say?  Want to go out to dinner?”

         “Why don’t we all go?  We’ll treat,” Mr. Jaczinski said.

         “Sounds like a good idea,” Andi said.

         “We’ll celebrate your well deserved promotion,” Mr. Jaczinski said.

         “We’ll even keep Maddie overnight for you, so you can have some time alone to celebrate,” Mrs. Jaczinski said.

         “My wife, the eternal romantic,” Mr. Jaczinski said.

         “Andi takes after her,” Terry said.

         It was a couple hours later when they arrived home.  Madeline went to her parents for the night, excited that she would be with Star Duster.

         “I miss her all ready,” Terry said.

         “I know.  She brings a wild enthusiasm to the house.”  Andi brought in the mail, looked through it, and found one without a return address.  “Doesn’t look like a bill.  Wonder who it’s from.”

         “You won’t know until you open it,” Terry said.

         She sat on the couch beside him while she opened it, and blanched at what she read.  Terry took it from her and read the cryptic message whose words came from a newspaper.

‘Carnivals, parades, fairs, parks, carousels, circuses.’

         “What does it mean?” Andi said.

         “I don’t know.  It’s a threat of some kind.  I’m sure they all have one common factor.  We should call the police.”

         “The common factor in all those is people.”

         “Yes, but there’s something else also that’s common to every one of those words.”

         “Children.”  Andi turned white at her thoughts.  “He plans to hurt Maddie.”

         “Possible, but there’s another common denominator.  What do you see at carnivals?”

         “Rides, games, food, animals, people.”

         “They all have the same thing in common.  It could be anything, but one thing I am positive about is that someone or something is going to be hurt, or possibly killed.”  Terry headed for the phone and called the police.

         “The circus is coming here in just a couple weeks,” Andi said.

         Terry replaced the receiver on the phone.  “The police will be here shortly.”

         Andi went over to the phone and quickly called her parents.  “Mom is everything all right by you?  How’s Maddie?...Good.  Nothing out of the ordinary?...We got a strange note in the mail.  I think it’s from Larry, but I don’t know what it means.”  She reached for it.  “It says: Carnivals, parades, fairs, parks, carousels, circuses....No that’s all.  Terry called the police.  They’ll be here soon....I will.  If you can think of anything other than what we already thought of that all those have in common, let us know....Yes.  I’ll tell him.  Thanks Mom.” She hung up the phone and went to stand in front of the living room window her arms crossed over her chest.

         Terry went to her and turned her into his embrace.  “Tell me what?”

         “Mom suggested keeping Maddie until the police find out anything.”

         “Do you think that is the answer?”

         “I don’t know what the answer is.  Every one of those words deals with children.  I don’t want anything to happen to Maddie.  If she’s out of the way at Mom and Dad’s, then maybe she’ll be safe.”

         “I want Maddie home.  I want to know she’s all right, here with us.”

         “You don’t think she’ll be safe with Mom and Dad?”

         “I’m sure she will be.  I just want to be extra certain.”

         The doorbell sounded and Terry went to answer it.  “Please come in.”

         An officer entered the living room.  “You said that you got a threat in the mail today?”

         “Yes.  It’s here.”  Terry handed him the note.

         He looked it over.  “Do you have any enemies who would want to see any harm come to you?”

         “My husband was gone for four years.  I had him declared dead, and I was seeing someone else.”

         The officer looked at him.  “Overseas?”

         “A P.O.W. camp,” Terry said.

         He nodded his head.  “Okay, so this other person.  What’s his name?”

         “Larry Farin.  I’ve seen him around a lot lately, and our little girl saw him at her daycare the other day,” Andi said.

         “Where is she right now?”

         “At my parent’s.  She’s spending the night,” Andi said.

         “And you called them to make sure everything was all right over there?”

         “Yes.  Just before you got here.  I want to go out and get her,” Andi said.

         The officer looked the note over again.  “This Larry Farin.  What kind of man is he?”

         “I hadn’t thought there was anything to worry about from him.  At least not until I started to see him everywhere I go.  I got really concerned when he showed up at my daughter’s daycare,” Andi said.

         “I can understand that.  We’ll do a background check on him see what we come up with.  In the meantime if you get any more notes from him.  Call us right away.”

         “Do you think we should go get her from my parent’s?” Andi said.

         “There’s no need to upset her unnecessarily.  I’m sure you can leave her there tonight like you planned.  In fact if this person had planned on anything today, he won’t suspect that all the players would be in different places.  Especially since all the words here seem to indicate that children are involved.”

         “That’s what we thought, but there are so many variables.  I don’t know where to look first,” Terry said.

         “You did the right thing.  If you hear anymore, call us right away.  Also if you start getting phone calls.  Let us know.”

         “We will.  Thank you,” Terry said.

         “Welcome home by the way.”

         “Thank you.  I’m glad to be back.”

         Terry saw him out and went back to her.  “Maddie will be fine at your folks tonight.  Now let’s try to put this out of our minds and think of other things like the reason we’re alone for the night.”

         “I can’t put it out of my mind.  I’m scared,” Andi said.

         “So am I, but like the officer said, it’s doubtful that Larry will do anything today.  Usually people like that send out their threats first.  Long before they act on them.”

         “There will be more won’t there?”

         “Most likely.  I don’t want you opening any more mail until I get home.”

         “Carnivals, parades, fairs, parks, carousels, circuses.  They have so much in common,” Andi said.

         “Let’s not think about it right now.  We’ll drive ourselves crazy if we do.”  Terry took her in his arms and found her lips with his.  “Let’s just think about why we have this time alone.”