The Mirror and the Truth Within

By J.D. Tucker

Jack Winter accidentally runs into a seemingly timeless individual named Claudius, and his life soon starts changing. As a reporter, Jack is sent on an assignment to interview Pastor Elijah M. Roman, who just seems too kind to be real. His genuine concern for Jack wears out the reporter. In this quiet town, Jack accidentally discovers an ancient artifact, the Mirror, that allows him to see things differently. This causes him to struggle with the reality of what he has discovered. Jack is then assaulted with wave upon wave of love during his investigation, and is perplexed to the reasons why.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496902733

J.D. Tucker

John Tucker is a writer, motivational speaker, and credentialled minister. He is the Senior Pastor of one of fastest growing ministries in Mobile. He holds a Master's of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor's of Science in History from Mississippi State University. He specializes in teaching how the 'Supernatural is made Natural in-Christ.' He lives in Mobile, Alabama with his wife, Denise, and their four children: Kristofer, Elijah, Alexander, and Abigail.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

GETTING WHAT YOU ASKED FOR

149104029.jpg

T he air was thick with anticipation. Cigarette exhaust and the smell of stale beer filled the large, poorly lit room. This bar and grill was out on the edge of town in an area people called nowhere. During a sporting event, it was packed. It was the place to be if you wanted to meet someone. It was the place to be if one’s life was heading nowhere. The rafters mimicked a barn loft and the floors reflected years of hard wear and tear on petrified red oak tongue and groove. The place was spacious and displayed a handful of pool tables here and there, dart boards scattered in lit corners and the latest pinball games. The machines were mostly left unused and were present more for their multi-colored lights and wacky noises that helped to create an electrifying ambiance that put customers at ease. Smoke, which had stained and scented the walls, rolled through this after work hangout. Many a tobacco product had been burned there as if it were the official incense for all gatherings. Beer, shooters, and straight whiskey were common offerings to the gods of the stomach. They were offered up to help on bad days, to forget about poor marriages, and to relieve headaches and many bi-polar conditions. Many a frown was turned upside down after only a couple of drinks.

There was a stage centered in the middle of a hundred foot run of imitation wood paneling that posed as a dusty dance floor on special nights. It was spacious and barren and left almost totally ignored by the sports crowd. The tables and chairs were now all filled with people gathered together in a disconnected but intense fellowship over the game being played at the present. Every flat screen was tuned to one baseball game and the bar crowd was split on its desire for a victorious outcome. Jeers clashed with cheers and hopes mingled with helpless dismay, as inning by inning passed and strangers bonded while friends feuded.

There was tension in the air as the spirits flowed. Men intensely watched and argued over nearly every pitch that was thrown. Women with their hands tightly closed sat reverently all throughout the bar; some prayed, some cried, some laughed and some even cheered. There was praying over pitchers of beer and swearing shortly thereafter when a genie god did not offer immediate results to the many slurred and closed eyed requests. The game was a nail biter and all watched and supported religiously their teams. The score changed inning by inning, keeping all on edge to the possible outcome. The winner of this particular game would take the division and host a playoff series; the loser would have to watch the post season at home or in bars similar to this one.

Through the front door walked Claudius, an elderly man who gave the impression of mystery and intrigue. He scanned the place with a confident and concerned look. His face was chiseled like aged stone and his skin was colored and well formed like Corinthian bronze. His legs were tempered and stout which made one guess his age to be younger than it really was. The man was on a mission and his eyes were bright and sharp and displayed a no nonsense approach to life as he scanned the room. He walked a bit bent over through the crowd seeing into all who were present but refusing to see through them or past them. His back carried the burden of a mission of uncounted years and his heart beat with a purpose. There was something about this man that made one think that he was definitely out of his comfort zone and yet completely confident in his endeavor.

The room felt about ten degrees too hot for his comfort so he wiped his brow with a blood stained and multi-mended cloth. The cloth reflected its owner, ageless mended and solid. As he looked around, he found who he was looking for in the corner of the bar. He walked that direction stepping on numerous peanut shells as he crossed the floor. His eyes were zeroed in on his target like laser guided missiles. He sadly knew he was about to make a scene, so he threw up a prayer for help and instruction.

In a poorly lit corner nearly oblivious to the crowd, were two men tormenting and teasing a woman who was there by choice but was regretting her decision. She was struggling to get away but she was helpless at the moment and unaided by a distracted crowd. The larger man had her hands pinned to the wooden chair as his cohort ran his hand inside the woman’s blouse and playfully antagonized her. Both men laughed as she squirmed and could not get free. She was learning a lesson the hard way. She cried for this treatment to be over. Tears rolled down her face as the two men found other areas to grope and she debated whether or not to scream. Their intoxicated laughs were covered up by the jeers and cheers of the fans watching the game.

You like that, don’t you! The larger bully teased the struggling woman. Bet your husband doesn’t treat you that rough. That’s why you came to me. You poor little bored house wife we’re going to give you a night you won’t forget. A devilish laugh flowed from deep within his throat, Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, you left that stupid husband at home with the kids and you can’t tell him what you’re up to can ya? Well, tonight you’re going to get a real treat, Me and my friend here are going to give you a night you’ll never forget! he added with a rough slap across her face.

She wanted to scream out, but she knew what that would mean. She saw a few stars and regained her focus and swallowed some blood. She cried inwardly as she thought about her husband tucking the kids into bed and refusing to look at her lying eyes as she told him she was meeting a girl friend for small talk and coffee. She had been unfaithful to him in the past and deep down despised him for not even noticing. She played on his innocent ignorance and ridiculed him for simply being a good man. She tried in the past to be the good girl her husband always wanted, but her wayward actions crept into her present and for the first time she wanted her permissive ways to truly die and to stay dead. She did not want this crazy scene that was unfolding right before her eyes; this was beyond her control. She just wanted to feel loved. That’s what she told herself nearly a million times a day. But, she in fact was part of the problem. She had armor-plated her heart due to abusive relationships. Therefore, she kept everyone at a distance, except her children. They were spoiled by her all day and regularly abandoned at night so that she might run with friends or simply avoid her husband.

Thoughts now ran back to her husband and how he might be snuggling up with their boys and reading them a bedtime story and how they would be listening with wide-eyed wonder to every word he was saying. ‘Oh to be there right now’ she cried out in a hopeless prayer. She went silent and motionless.

Quickly, the larger of the two men whisked her out of the chair and started heading down the hallway away from the crowd and any onlookers. She moaned in her soul knowing that they were headed toward the back door. She began to fight, knowing that at all cost now was the time to make a scene, thinking ‘if these men get me out of here I might not make it through the night.’ Panic pushed adrenaline as the fight got even harder, desperately wanting to see her children again and even her unloved husband. Crying, struggling and now a hand over her mouth, her new need was air. Sadly, her strength was no match for the two men who were each over twice her size. Real tears flowed as real prayers were being sent.

The two men laughed at how easy it was to sneak this girl past the crowd. Their hearts were filled with lustful and violent thoughts as they contemplated what they were about to do. They danced to the rhythm of that violence, led by the haunting drum beat of self-will.

Claudius sensing danger quickened his pace. Years of experience helping people in crisis welled up in his soul enough to quench any form of hesitation on his part. He cried out sternly, I need you two to let that woman go! The power of his voice caught their attention and brought a sigh of relief to the woman.

The old man appeared to have straightened up several inches as he followed the three into the hallway. His resolve was secure. His mind focused as he moved through the dark like a stealth weapon. The two men appeared almost annoyed by this inconvenience, but classified the man in their sight as a minor problem. Never you mind what’s going on here, gramps. My girl here aint feeling good and I’m taking her home. You just go back to the game old-timer. the tall man responded as he tried to shield the now squirming woman from sight.

Is that so? Then let me ask her. Claudius responded as he moved closer. The directness in his voice caused the men to second guess themselves about him being a minor problem.

Instinctively the man hurried his friend and the woman toward the back door. Then he turned to silence the old gaffer. His face was met with an anvil like fist that knocked him to the wall. Shocked and heavily dazed the large man witnessed several of his teeth falling to the floor and felt a weakness in his knees that he had never experienced before.

His accomplice tried to hurry out with the newly energized squirming woman but at the best possible moment a man came out of the men’s room knocking him over and setting the woman free as they both fell. The woman hit her head hard but bounced to her feet and she staggered toward Claudius.

Oops… sorry the stranger blurted out as he reached for the falling couple, to no avail.

The man’s arms flailed as he splattered against the wall putting a hole in the thin paneling and hitting his eye at the same time on a newly exposed stud instantly cracking part of his skull. Lights went out for him. His body fell to the dirty floor. ‘Thump’ was all the noise he made.

The larger man lost his balance and fell into the ladies room door. Now drunk with pain, he rolled awkwardly as if he moved in slow motion. Soon there came forth a high pitched squeal as he stumbled into a stall on top of a woman. He tried to regain his balance and the woman let off a barrage of slaps and verbal comments that befitted his character. She scurried to cover herself as she continued to beat on the fallen man proclaiming, Just wait ’til my husband gets a hold of you. You pervert!

The large man was in for a cold, wet and hard lights out as his head whip-lashed onto the floor. The woman ran out of the restroom and headed past all the activity in the hall. She had a petrified look on her face. Claudius grabbed the woman who was now free from the two men and tried to stabilize her as she tried to walk. Her blouse was ripped and her small frame was bruised from the fall, but she appeared alright. She pulled back instinctively until she recognized her dear friend’s face and then a smile came over her. Claudius pulled her close and she melted into his shoulder and wept openly. He then led her out the back door.

A man grabbed her and struggled to get her from Claudius’ grip. They fell onto a van parked by the back door. Where’s Todd and Hank? he screamed at the woman.

The stranger who accidently helped rescue the woman inside came out the back door and stumbled into the commotion outside. Instinctively he grabbed the man yelling at the woman, and twisted him around with ease. In fear, the yelling man squirmed away jumped into the van and peeled off.

Jack dazed and confused about the action turned to Claudius and Samantha and shrugged his shoulders.

Then the back door flew open as a man was thrown out the door. The door smashed hard into the side of the building and broke one of its hinges.

Behind them, the three of them could see that several men must have heard the commotion and were rushing into the hall and some into the restroom. They were beered up and fed up and were about to release their frustrations on the two men who caused the disturbance. The two men would be thankful of two things later: first, they were out cold for the worse part of the beating and second, that four off duty police officers would break up the pounding after a dozen or so hard licks were ministered in the guise of instant rehabilitation.

Outside Claudius acknowledged the man who had unexpectedly assisted him, Young man, could you help my young friend by carrying her to my automobile? he asked.

Ok, sure can, the man answered feeling good that he might be able to rectify the events he had helped set in motion. Jack was a man who appeared smaller than his height and frame professed, a slight slouch that seemed to reflect a severe past trauma. Inwardly, he appeared distracted and protective of his feelings. He was a man who seemed to reject authority but actually enjoyed being told what to do. He took the wobbly-kneed woman in his arms from Claudius and swept her up like a little child. He followed the senior gentleman’s lead across the parking lot. The young woman’s tears subsided and her embarrassment instinctively eroded as she felt safe in the arms of this stranger. Jack was glad to be of assistance even though he was completely confused about what was going on.

The young lady looked deep into his eyes and said, Thank you. Her smeared makeup and frazzled hair hid most of her pretty face, but her sincerity caught Jack’s attention.

My name is Jack. Jack Winter. Nice to meet you! he said with a father-like smile that melted her heart. She had two angels tonight and she was ever so thankful. She felt the nervousness in Jack’s voice and she patted one of his hands to comfort him. Her head was swimming. She closed her eyes to regain her thoughts.

Claudius hesitated in his step. Did you say Jack Winter he asked with a profound and curious look?

Yes sir, I did Jack responded.

This is a strange night then, Claudius added as he reached in his pocket as if searching for keys.

Jack was getting nervous. He just realized he was carrying a grown woman. It had been a long time since he was this close to a woman for this long. He quickened his pace hoping that this might end the task a bit sooner.

Her eyes opened and she said, I’m Samantha. Thank you so much for your help. She also was nervous, noting that her rescuer was so handsome. She felt awkward as if she should be walking, but she just leaned back and enjoyed the assistance.

Jack did not know what to think so he retraced in his mind what had happened. He was hurrying out of the restroom hoping not to miss a pitch in the game. He bowled over three people. He knocked out one, bruising up another, and even though he put a goose egg on the back of this ladies head, she was thanking him. Somehow he must have helped her, but he was waiting for the rest of the story to enlighten him on exactly how he might have done that very thing.

Claudius took them to the strangest car Jack had ever laid his eyes on. The car was glistening in the light as if it just came off the show room floor, but its body style and size told Jack it was at least fifty years old. It’s a Tucker came a voice from the other side of the door. I have never needed to buy another. This one still runs great, and has plenty of room. Claudius added as he opened a door from the inside inviting Jack to place Samantha down into the large back seat.

Jack placed the woman inside the car and as he was getting out, she grabbed his face and kissed him gently on the cheek. He blushed and he hit his head in his awkward exit.

My name is Claudius. Most of my friends just call me Claude, he said with a generous smile that gave Jack the impression of a colorful morning that chased away the late night storms. He also gave Jack a warm hand shake.

Jack, Jack Crawford. I mean Jack Winter, Jack responded still a bit confused and bewildered why he gave his pen name before. Jack Winter is my pen name, I write for a local paper, he added.

Timing is everything Mr. Crawford slash Winter. I should know. I have been around since the days of Christ Claudius said with a smile. You just confirmed to me that this encounter is no accident. You’ve helped me in a couple ways my friend, Claudius stated with excitement in his voice and face that could not be hidden.

Jack looked at him with a strange glare. You alright sir? You didn’t hit your head did you? Jack reached out as if to feel Claudius’ head for lumps.

No, I am fine. But, you have appeared at the perfect time to help me protect this young lady. And I do not believe in coincidences, mister. You helped us out in just a nick of time and I thank you for that, Claudius said as he turned toward Jack and looked deep into his eyes.

This made Jack uncomfortable. No one got this close to him anymore and he had to back off. He knew now firsthand what it must be like to have someone quite literally in your space. This Claudius reminded Jack of a Drill Sergeant with a thick Italian accent. Instinctively, this strange man stepped into his space once again.

So tell me, ‘What is it you need? Anything, just tell me and I will see what I can do to get it done." Claudius said as he wrapped his arm around Jack’s tall frame.

Anything? That is a big offer. I can think pretty big old-man Jack laughed and wondered if he should even play along. You are a funny man Claude. I guess an envelope full of cash, my Cardinals winning the division or my life back. Any of those will do, and Jack laughed out loud.

He nervously shook Claude’s hand and hurried back to the bar pausing just long enough to wave goodbye to Samantha. As he walked back to the bar he was convinced that the old man must have hit his head as well.

Samantha turned to thank Claudius for saving her in the bar. She noticed that something was definitely wrong with her long-time family friend. She spoke softly, Mr. Claudius, what is it?

Well dear, right before your husband called me tonight, another friend asked me to do them a big favor. They wanted me to see if I could make contact with a Mr. Jack Crawford. They gave me this newspaper article and some general information about the man we just ran into, he stated with a voice that drifted into silent thought.

I’m in trouble, aren’t I? she added.

Yes, you are, Claudius responded turning his attention back to Samantha.

You’ve been true to your promise to my grandpa Mr. Claudius. You’ve always been there for me. Not to mention you helped him as well. I’m a different person because of you and I want to thank you for being here for me. Tonight was a real eye-opener. She paused as if to catch her breath. Take me home; my husband needs a sincere apology and tomorrow I will help you help Mr. Crawford, she added with a smile on her face.

Claudius had not witnessed the excitement he now saw in Samantha for a long time. It was as if the fog had lifted and a light was turned on in this house that for years had been so defiant and unwelcoming. A tear of joy ran down his cheek. The little angel was back, the strongman departed.

When getting back in the bar and to his favorite stool, Jack noticed that the two guys that he had run into were being escorted out of the bar by a bouncer and several police officers. Jack watched them through the open door being placed into the back of a squad car. Inside, everyone who had heard the commotion going on in the ladies room, was now sharing their exaggerated parts of the story.

Claudius came in from the back and saw Jack at the bar. On the many television screens he could see that Jack’s Cardinals had indeed won their division and he scribbled something down on a piece of paper and put it back in an envelope as he motioned to the bartender. He whispered to the bartender and handed him a tip and an envelope and headed out the back door unnoticed by anyone.

Jack got caught up watching the crowd exit the bar and had to find another way to see the screens. By the time Jack could see through them again, he sipped warm beer. He sipped at it again and the taste almost made him vomit the small sip back out. He surveyed the area and noted that the game was in commercial. He looked down at his hands and noticed that they were covered in blood. He decided to go wash them off and ran into a crowd in the hallway leading to the restrooms. As he washed his hands he learned a few things. First, his team had won in an exciting come-from-behind victory in the bottom of the ninth. The second thing was that one of the guys Jack knocked down must have had a knife and cut someone because there were drops of blood all over the floor.

It was at this time that Jack rolled up his sleeve and noticed a gash on his wrist, just a quarter inch from the danger zone. It was his blood that was all over the place. He applied some cold water and a paper towel and the bleeding stopped immediately. He hurried back to his seat trying to be unnoticed and received a fresh soda from the bar tender.

Thanks Blake, Jack said as he tipped the drink toward him.

Blake knew Jack well, and knew that at times when his beer never moved that Jack needed a 7up. It was the only thing that would calm his nerves. Jack noticed his favorite player being interviewed and was about to turn when he noticed an envelope by his drink coaster. The letter was addressed to Jack Winter from Claudius Barabbas. The envelope was thick and seemingly as old as the hills. Jack thought about the conversation he had just had with the him. No it could not be, he laughed and slowly opened the envelope.

Figured, Jack exclaimed as he pulled out the content. No money. For a moment, he contemplated that the old man might have been an eccentric old gaffer trying to protect his granddaughter or something. There was a newspaper article with a folded piece of paper in the middle of it. Jack carefully unfolded the paper and noticed the markings on the paper in bold print and chills ran down his spine.

No Money Jack, but would you settle for 2 out 3? Sincerely—C. B.

At that moment, corks were popping and the Cardinals were spraying each other with foaming fluids. Jack laughed, Don’t know Claudius. Cards got this one on their own. He turned to look at the newspaper article and instantly froze. He did not move for seconds until the article fell from his hands and floated softly to the floor. Jack got up from the stool and headed for the door. His face was somber and set. He murmured under his breath, That is what you get for getting involved. Jack looked like a man who was slapped by a woman for opening the door for her. He walked like a zombie to his car and never looked back.

Meanwhile Blake came from around the corner tidying up a bit and noticed the newspaper piece. He read the caption. ‘Pastor fired, loses child and fires back…’ Next to that title was a picture of John Paul Crawford semi shielding his face from the camera. It was the man that he knew as Jack Winter. He paused to read the article and wondered how to get it back to Jack.

CHAPTER 2

THE REFLECTION

149104029.jpg

S team piled onto the wall as a man cautiously and tenderly stepped out of the shower. He noticed that the wall on the far side of the bathroom was moist with the warm mist from the shower highlighting the crisp cool air that had gathered in his house over night. He thought to himself, ‘summer is definitely over.’ He smiled and then lumbered through the bathroom with very little concern about his slow morning start and even less concerned about the fact that he was already late for a meeting with his boss. His body was sore from the previous night’s activities so he slowly searched for some Advil gel tabs. After taking a couple he wiped the mirror with the back of his hand and said, Got to be more careful with who you run into, Jack.

Jack had perfected the ‘I don’t care’ over the last few years with everyone who knew him well. Jack generally excused his lackluster attitude by saying, That’s what happens with some people who have been hardened by life and years. He had a way of exempting himself from many of his character flaws.

October mornings were a delightful change for him over the summer’s heat. Jack noticed how the moist waves came rolling out of the bathroom shower curtain and he delightfully took in a few deep breaths. Steam was escaping from underneath the bathroom door. It would soon be a welcomed relief to the plants scattered throughout the house dried out by the heat of the furnace air which had been blowing regularly the last few nights. His late night at the local pub had made his body cry out for a hot shower to open up his pores and allow some toxins to evaporate and to reduce the swelling in his face. His body and head literally cried out that he had an overnight hangover, even though he had consumed very little. He believed this to be God’s way of playing a sick joke on him.

Jack laughed at himself, You are probably the only man in the world who can get a hangover from half a beer. He paused for a moment and thought, My curse for answering a person in need.

He was being revived along with his stale smelling house by the hot moist air from the long hot shower. Jack stretched and yawned big. He caught a glimpse of color outside his steamed up window. Gorgeous! Simply gorgeous! Welcome Fall and goodbye Mr. Summer he said as he strained to see the leaves which had apparently changed over the last couple of nights unnoticed by him. If it were not for baseball, Jack could not think of one earthly reason for summer.

In the mid-South, the mild seasonal changes, especially fall, were welcomed by most due to the vast set of hues that decorated the hillsides at this time of year. Jack grabbed a towel and stepped across the bathroom and wiped the small mirror with his towel leaving a streak of lint and water. Instantly a figure appeared in the blurry mirror. Jack seemed to stare as if he were not actually looking at his physical appearance but rather was searching deep within. He shook off what he was seeing or thinking, giving the impression that he did not like what he saw. He stared, somewhat amused, at the aging face in the mirror. He was thankful for the misty haze in the room that helped hide the defects that displayed to the world that he was in his mid-forties. Jack’s tall frame rose several inches over six feet and even though he