The Chronicles of Assignments: PRINCIPALITIES

By R. W. Touchton

While the Angel JEDON watches over the birth of his new assignment, TERRENCE PALMER; the guardian is aware of the demonic forces also assigned to his mortal. The enemy: Prince Javin, Captain Domination, and Commander Bondo, alerted by Lucifer that the child is destined for greatness. So, bound to make the mortal stumble and to distract him from his destiny. The boy's dysfunctional family already makes for a mire of evil for the wicked trio to perform their feats.

Terrence at the age of twenty-five becomes a popular bartender in an Atlanta prevalent nightclub. However, he and a friend slip into a unique spirit-filled service at Monument of Hope Church. There the spiritual veil is opened, allowing Terrence to see demonic activity in the rafters of the church. Impressed by the happenings at the service, he purchases a Bible and begins to study. After giving his life to Christ, Terrence enrolls in a Spirit-filled Bible College and realizes that his "calling" is Evangelizing. He returns to the church where he first saw the spiritual activity and meets the new Senior Pastor, Jon Daehl. With the help of Terence, they combat a High Priestess nemesis, Marion Cole, and her coven who are demonically driven to spiritually bring the renowned church down. Carla, a rogue witch, knows Palmer's worth to her Lucifer, she attempts to sacrifice Palmer on an All Hallows Eve ritual. The LUCIE coven only sacrifices animals; therefore, Marion surprisingly saves the Evangelist and expels Carla.

Marion refuses to surrender her son's life to Satan, so he influences a gang of boys to beat up Barry at the age of ten. A blow to his skull with a brick makes him comatose for twenty-one years. Distressed that she has been lied to, and Marion's son is paying for her services to her Master, she rebukes him. Satan then tries to terminate her life by burning her home down with her in it. However, Dr. Terrence Palmer and Rev Jon Daehl visit Marion at the hospital and prays over her as she is set free and saved, but before she dies, Palmer promises Marion that he will deliver her son from the spiritual servitude. Terrence is taken by his Angel into the spiritual realm and with the Guardian's Celestial 77 Amplitude laser sword, battles the demonic forces and delivers the young man from the bondage of perdition.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Sep 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781400328819

R. W. Touchton

Pennsylvania, the birthplace of R. W. Touchton. In keeping with the unique pattern of his life, how and where he was born and to whom were intricate pieces of a fascinating story. His story is a true testament to God’s faithfulness. Following Jacksonville University School of Music, his career would span television, nightclub entertainment, telecommunications and theatre management. Probably, his favorite role was as minister of music. Recently retired, completed his first book for publication.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Terrence

On a wintry March morning in 1946, I saw my friend, Jedon (pronounced as Jay-dawn), a mighty angel of the Heavenly Hosts, like a star falling to earth. A trail of light faded, as the feet gracefully touched down. He began to walk down the sidewalk, in his seven-foot frame of a mortal-type body with curly hair, the color of sand that waved gently in the wind. And dressed in a brilliant three-piece white suit shrouded with a white overcoat that almost camouflaged him in the snowy white background. Jacksonville, Florida saw very little snow, but on this day, there was an unusually heavy storm from the settling of the jet stream around the planet.

As he walked up the street toward the mansion, he pulled his coat tightly around him, flipping the collar up around his neck to block the biting wind. When the angel arrived at his destination, the messenger stopped, paused, and looked at the house where a new life was about to enter this world of humanity. He looked up over the spiritual skies above the house and saw what appeared to be three vultures circling. He knew instinctively that the creatures were not vultures at all but his archenemies: Prince Javin [pronounced as Jay-ven], Captain Domination, and Commander Bondo. The demonic principalities were aware that the Lord of Hosts was about to activate a new plan, and the Host of Hell will do everything in their power to spoil it. He noticed a taxi waiting in front of the mansion-type house as a thin, hazed cloud billowed out of its tailpipe. Jedon raised his face toward the heavens, Thank you, oh Holy One, for this privilege of watching over the saint on loan from God, was his whisper as the small prayer escaped his mouth like vapor ascending to the heavens.

Oh, I almost forgot . . . My name is Grēgorios, which signifies the watchful one. I am also an angel sent from the Most High, and my charge is that of a chronicling clerk. You will witness with me as I record scenarios of life and report them directly to the Ancient of Days, He is also known as the Most High, Yahweh and Yeshua, the Lord of the Hosts and El Elyon. Not that the Father of Glory needs me to document these events. Instead, He requires it. Ever since He sent His servant, the Lord of Hosts, to reconcile mankind, we have assisted the Holy Spirit. I’m part of the Bureau of Relations. I’ve chronicled eons of spiritual warfare on earth.

Because of these assignments by El Elyon, I am permitted to sense certain elements of this world: those emotions of love, sadness, joy, and hate. Through these sensory mediums which He has given me and my fellow angels for these guardianships, we can better understand the incidents and moments of your human nature. Thus, we have insight into the situations that take place on earth as well as the spiritual realm that inspire them. I’m honored that He has chosen me for this assignment, as I touch upon this earth and its creatures’ experiences, and the influences of the Host on High and the principalities.

*************

The Birth

A breech birth caused extreme difficulties, as the young girl screamed in agony. The baby in a reverse manner and too large for the mother’s petite sixteen-year-old frame, causing more pain than the youth could bear. The midwife, with sweat dripping from her forehead, did what she could to rescue the baby, minimizing the danger to the mother and child. But she was determined not to leave the new life behind. The look on the woman’s face revealed the worst. The infant’s right arm bound behind its head and the umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck definitely made for a life-threatening situation. Hence, the birth process was unusually long. Nevertheless, the babe finally came forth, and the cries of life bellowed from his little lungs. The midwife immediately reset the boy’s elbow by popping it back into place, as the teenage mother lay lifeless on the bed.

The midwife, Rebecca Talley, was medium height, forty-five years of age and wore long hair more salt than pepper, pulled back into a braided ponytail. Her face, worn and wrinkled, displayed a slightly rugged but sweet and a peaceful countenance. She swaddled the child in a blanket and handed the newborn boy to Ned Churchill, the child’s grandfather.

Tend to the girl and let me know of her status, commanded the man while taking the baby to the doorway of the next room.

Rebecca stood and watched until the man and the babe disappeared through the door. A close friend of the man for many years and an immigrant, she always fixed Ned’s requests without question. Churchill helped she and her immigrant family through many trying times. Talley had always been very grateful to him and demonstrated it by loyal service to him and his family.

The man with the baby in his arms, entered his library where a stout fifty-six-year-old woman waited. The seven-foot angelic guardian now stood between them, unbeknownst to both the man and woman. The face of my heavenly friend glowed as he looked in awe at the sleeping newborn, wrapped in a soft blanket, now passing from the man’s arms to the woman’s.

She carefully caressed the babe to her chest, pulled the blanket away from his face, and marveled at the new life. Ned, if you weren’t my brother, I wouldn’t even consider doing this!

Grace, how can you say that when you look into the face of your new son? You have no idea how much I appreciate you taking him. I promise, you will be supported well. We don’t want to burden Will’s sixteen-year-old life with this embarrassment!

Don’t you mean your embarrassment? she interrupted abruptly. You sure have a great deal more to lose than Will.

I don’t deny that, Grace, but I have Will’s best interest at heart. He has his entire life ahead of him, this is not the time to burden him with a child. He will be a success in Bobby’s law firm, after I send him to Harvard; also, he’s still a child himself and you know that neither one of us could survive a scandal.

Churchill knew the emotional buttons he needed to push to gain his sister’s support, and Grace loved and adored her nephew and would do anything to help him and Ned, after all.

Jedon walked back into the next room, leaving the two mortals’ situation where he saw Stellio, glowing, standing over the lifeless sixteen-year-old mother. Jedon slightly smiled, happy to see his old friend, the young mother’s guardian who had just beamed into the room.

Ah, I knew it would be you. Gabriel informed me the new guardian was one whom I knew and respected well, Stellio stated as he took Jedon’s hand. And there is none that I esteem more than you, my friend.

Jedon firmly grabbed the offered hand and shook it while covering both of their hands with his other one. The Lord of Hosts assigned me to take this special case since it will involve much spiritual warfare with the principalities of the hosts of hell.

And so, this is one with a great destiny, remarked Stellio. He looked back down at the unmoving young girl. They’re all so precious to Him no matter how poor the choices they make.

The sound of opposing voices grew intense from the adjacent room, and both angels looked at the closed door that separated the arguing couple from where they stood. They listened as the discussion raged . . .

Ned, but what about this blameless child when he will need his real mother and father? inquired Grace. You know how it was when Dad wasn’t around. We missed having him, and a substitute could have never replaced that feeling of emptiness. And right away, you want to get this perfectly innocent child and separate him from both his mother and father? She looked down at the sleeping babe as a tear leaked from her eye and down her cheek.

Both angels walked through the partition as if it were not there, and they stood watching the human drama unfold before them. A soft knock came at the door. Ned opened it and saw Rebecca standing there. She spoke in a whisper to him, as he listened intently and then answered, Thanks, I’ll be with you in a bit to work out the details.

Grace noticed that something was amiss. What?

A pall was cast over the room. I’m sorry, Grace, but she didn’t make it—her body was too young and fragile to handle the shock of delivering the boy.

Oh no! she gasped as tears streamed from her eyes. What are you going to do?

Don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of everything here, he responded. Now, you should go before that baby wakes up, he exclaimed as he ushered Grace and the baby down a hallway that led to the lobby and to the front door where the parked taxi awaited.

She paused in the doorway and looked back at him. What should I call him?

Oh…ah…um, she was going to name it Christina, if a girl, and Christopher Terrence, if a boy . . . something like that. I can’t remember the details now. All I do recall is that she loved the name Christopher. I believe she said it was her father’s name.

Christopher…that’s nice, and I’ve always loved the name Terrence. She looked into the little darling’s face, cooed at him in a coddling tone. Terrence. Christopher. I like those names; I’ll give him both. She looked back at her brother, changing her voice back to that of inquisition. When are you sending Robbi? (Her given name is Robin).

She’ll be there tomorrow. She finished school yesterday, and her flight schedule is on Friday. You’ll see her at the Philly Airport at one-thirty tomorrow afternoon…. He hesitated and reached just inside the door, lifting a piece of paper from a small desk that sat along the wall. Here’s the flight information.

She reached her hand out from the baby’s back, which previously supported the infant’s head, pulled the baby boy to her shoulder, took the paper, and slid it into her shoulder bag. Oh, I’m so glad that Robbi decided to transfer to Temple University to be with us. It was so wonderful of Rebecca to convince her that Marvin and I need her help. Are you sure that Robbi won’t know about this child?

Grace. I’ve already gone through it with Rebecca, and she’ll only tell her that you’re adopting a child from up North. You know that Robin likes you and Marvin, and I’m sure she’ll believe what she’s told, replied Ned. Besides, I’m paying for her education, and Robbi is ecstatic that she’ll have the convenience of room and board while studying. I’m sure she will be a big help to you and Marvin.

Yes, when Marvin is around that is…. The child moved, as if he were about to wake up. Noticing the stir, Grace commented, I best be going. She hurriedly spoke back to Ned, I’ll call you when I get to Philly. She got into the taxi with the baby in her arms, waved goodbye, as the taxicab drove off and vanished into the midday.

*************

Terrence’s new home was on Spruce Street in the impoverished west side of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although not an expensive house, it was a comfortable three-bedroom brick dwelling with a huge porch and massive concrete steps that ran up to the deck of the entrance way. The vast living room held a lovely fireplace, which radiated a cozy warmth for a rather cold March morning. Placed neatly in the center of the mantle were pictures of the Churchill family, and at each end were candles in hurricane style lamps. Each lamp holder sat on a white knitted doily. The floors of the huge house were of polished dark oak, covered with substantial area rugs in each room.

Jedon, accompanied by his friend, Glaxio, beamed into the home. Glaxio, while waiting for his next assignment, saw Jedon as a mentor and a leader in the Timeless Protective Division of the Hosts of Heaven. Both angels were seven-foot tall, their features—smooth skin, blue eyes, and sandy curly hair. They moved around the house unperceived by the family as they walked over to the baby boy’s crib and looked down at the sleeping infant.

Glaxio whispered. He is so fragile. This is my favorite time with them—when they are babes so complete and yet so reliant upon others.

Yes, it does seem that’s when they need us most, replied Jedon. He looked at the babe, and in a prayerlike whisper, he spoke, Well, little man, it looks like it’s you and me for a stretch. His eyes gleamed with light and a slight smile formed on his face. The infant smiled, raised his tiny hand to the angel moving his little index finger in a move that appeared to be waving and yet a gesture of drawing to the guardian.

"He sees us, doesn’t he?" Glaxio asked.

"Yes, I believe he does, replied Jedon. It’s those who have strong kindred spirits who seem to be aware of us. They believe and understand either by hearing the Word or by vision, as they strive to become closer to God. This spirit must have been strong during the Katabole. Jedon looked back down at the child. He pondered as he watched the baby move and coo. Little one, the age-old Monarch of Hell already wants you badly. He has an ancient debt to settle. The baby’s smile seemed to vanish…replaced with a look of intensity that indicated he understood every word of the heavenly visitor. Looking upward and somewhat over his right shoulder, as if seeing far in the distance, Jedon continued. Because of a dedicated saint’s prayers, supernatural protection is provided for you, little one."

Glaxio looked down at the infant. "They are so precious, so full of life, and have the imprint of the Lord of Hosts Himself."

"Right you are. Although we see and realize that, we can never understand it," replied Jedon.

"Why do you suppose?"

"It’s a family thing… and yet a mystery, Jedon replied. Although we’re also called sons of God by the Almighty, it’s those who are created in the Elohim’s likeness in whom we see His DNA on these occasions. Their selfish and rebellious spirits make them difficult to train up at times."

Jedon’s comments seemed to satisfy his associate. Although he did not fully understand the perplexities of mankind, he did recognize the differences between angel-kind and mankind. He also realized that although these mortals were created a little lower than the angels, each seemed to be unique to their Creator.

*************

In the small town of Adel, Georgia lived Lorraine Brownlee, a petite sixty-five-year-old, gray-haired widowed woman who was Terrence’s great-aunt and the sister of Ned and Grace. Dearly loved by her neighbors and friends from the First Assembly of God Church, Lorraine regularly interceded with prayer for the church and her friends. This type of plea is most active with the Holy Spirit because it is a petition in favor of another. On this day, April 26, 1946, she sat in her favorite high-back rocking chair, reading her Bible and praying. Sensing a stir in her spirit (an awareness of communication from the Lord), Lorraine picked up the telephone and called Bessie, her close friend and prayer partner. Hello Bessie. Well, Lordy, I am so happy to share this word of victory with you! She continued with a flair of excitement infused with a thick southern drawl, Oh deary, the Lord, bless the precious name of Jesus, has just put a word in my spirit. He has answered our prayers and is going to send his m-a-h-h-h-velous angel to watch over the lil’ darlin’, Terrence.

The outgoing Pentecostal woman had been praying for a couple of months with Bessie, asking God to send His angel to watch over the child. She knew, because of a dysfunction in the family order, that the child would need spiritual guardianship to survive. With much concern about the ordeal of the child’s birth and her brother’s lack of wisdom, she did not like the idea of her sister, Grace, taking the child to Philadelphia while her brother, Ned, ignored his grandson’s existence. However, not willing to personally engage her younger siblings, she was confident to plea to her Lord God to intervene.

After listening to Bessie’s response, she paused and commented, Oh no, Bess. I learned a long time ago not to interfere with either of their lives. But don’t cha worry ya little heart, dearie, they know exactly how I feel.

Bessie, five years younger, loved Lorraine and often looked up to her as a big sister for help and advice.

The tall guardian, still with the child, felt the empowerment of God descending from heaven in answer to the prayers of Lorraine and Bessie. He looked up through the ceiling and uttered in an angelic-tongue-supplication to God for the intercession of the saints.

*************

Into the bedroom and over to the bassinet, the seventeen-year-old girl hurriedly walked with a towel draped over her shoulder. The young housekeeper, Robin Talley, enjoyed her job as the Palmers’ live-in babysitter. She adored the newborn child and spent many hours nurturing him. The babysitter awakened the infant with a couple of coochie coo sounds and fed him his formula. She held him in her arms, rocking her body back and forth, and held the bottle over his mouth as the child sucked on the nipple. The hungry infant drank in the nourishment while looking up at Robin with elated eyes.

Jedon stood watching from the corner of the room nearest to the crib, admiring the affection given by the girl. If only he could receive love like that through all his years, my job would be so much easier.

Vocal sputtering sounds from the next room broke his concentration. He focused and could hear Grace. Now, Robbi, that formula isn’t too hot, is it?

The young woman replied, No, Ms. Palmer, it’s just fine. I checked it, as usual.

Grace flitted into the room with a rose from the garden in one hand and dressmaker scissors clutched in the other. She wore gold wire-rimmed glasses and kept her hair in a short, neat, but loose perm. You know he is very irritable when his milk isn’t just right, she continued as she walked into the room.

Jedon noticed a rogue demon, Noyed, following close behind, unbeknownst to his quarry as he flew up and loomed over her.

And you must be preparing his bathwater too cold because he is constantly weeping, the older woman went on.

The demon stopped abruptly in a moment of surprise as he saw the guardian standing in the corner of the room. He snarled, "Wha-a-a-t are you doing here?"

Jedon glared in disgust at Noyed, Humph, I was just about to ask you the same. I’m here on assignment. As for you, who let you in? he inquired of the demon.

Noyed snickered, She did! as he pointed to Grace. "Jedon, I’ve been with her for quite some time now—long before she brought that little rug rat home with her." The bratty imp cackled as he soared out of the room.

Two other scamp demons flew into the room while the protesting Grace continued to admonish the young girl. I don’t know how many times I’ve told you that Terrence is a sensitive child, and everything has to be just right with him, she ranted.

The angel knew that Grace’s concern was justified, but he wondered why she could not understand that Robbi’s affection and motherly instinct for the young babe were more than enough to sustain him. Again, the commotion over the child interrupted his thoughts.

Grace reached over the crib and grabbed the bottle from Robbi’s hand to test the temperature of the formula herself. The two demons flew toward her hand, which clutched the rose and old dressmaking scissors now suspended over the cooing child.

The guardian realized the demons intended to cause Grace to drop the scissors on the child’s head. He unsheathed his laser, a silver cylindrical gadget about the size of a household flashlight, aimed it at the rogues and fired. The laser saber emitted a beam of intense bluish-white light that filled the demons. They squealed like pigs being slaughtered as their spiritual bodies exploded and pieces of matter similar to flesh and a green-yellow pus-like goo splattered all over the angel. He brushed the gooey mess from his suit and blasted the remains of their despicable lives into the void. He looked at the saber and back up to heaven, and with a smile, he wiped some demon refuse from his face and said, Somebody’s praying.

Grace scrambled for the bottle to try to remove it from Robbi’s hand, and suddenly, both women noticed a faint flash. They paused and looked around the room, then back to each other. Robin then gently clasped her left hand over Grace’s hand, which held the rose and the scissors.

What was that? asked Robin.

Grace responded, I don’t know; it must have been lightning from outside. Both women stared for a second through the window, anticipating another flash and realized that there was no more.

Robin, with her hand around Grace’s, redirected the hand holding the scissors away from the baby’s bed. Here, here, Grace, you might drop these in the crib, she continued. You should relax. You’re getting too upset. Let me fix you some hot tea. She walked the older woman back into the living room where Grace sat down in a rocking chair near the huge hollow fireplace. There now, I’ll put some tea on and finish giving baby his bottle, while you rest.

Thank you, the older woman responded with almost a whisper in her voice as she realized that her blood pressure had surged again. Will you also please bring me my blood pressure pills? Grace began to mumble to herself, I don’t know why I get so easily upset. Where is Marvin? He’s always on the road when I need him.

Grace’s husband, Marvin Palmer, supported her thoroughly but was frequently away on business trips. It was not by accident that he was gone so much because he preferred staying away from his nagging wife as much as possible. Grace was almost breathless as another demon dove into her chest and attempted to set up house in her innermost being. She took a deep breath and expelled it with a sigh of relief as the imp flew out as if evicted.

Jedon watched in the nursery as Robin finished feeding the baby his formula. The angel seemed spellbound by the attentiveness she gave the child. And Grace worries about the care of this child. Blessed will be the girl’s children for she indeed has the heart of a mother. He was astonished at the young woman’s spirit to love a child not her own. He knew that she had a role in the child’s life—a task more significant than that of a babysitter. Although not always knowing the complete plans of the Master of the Universe, he felt that her life encounter with Terrence must be a part of the divine plan. He saw her much like himself — an angel in human form. He turned his attention to the living room where the fifty-six-year-old tired woman sat. If only there were a prayer covering for her, then I could help her. He looked at Grace compassionately, observing the demonic chains drawing tighter around her.

*************

Chapter 2

Marion

Marion Scarboro’s hair shined a reddish gold as it lay long and straight down on the shoulders of her slender five-foot seven frame. The green hue of her eyes enchanted many when she smiled, and that smile encouraged the hearts of several young men who patronized the Park and Dine in Brunswick, Georgia. She lived with her sick grandmother whose illness forced Marion to begin working at the early age of seventeen. Employed for two years now at the restaurant, the customers affectionately referred to her as The Belle of the Diner.

It was a typical humdrum day at the diner and Marion hustled and bustled around since the busboy called out sick. The restaurant buzzed with the activity of businessmen and school kids. After bussing some tables, her diner checkbook fell out of her uniform pocket as she carried a tray of dishes to the kitchen. It landed on the floor next to the shoe of a well-dressed twenty-one-year-old man who reached down and picked up the book.

Uh, miss! he called out. Marion stopped and stepped back to where he was sitting. He handed the book to her, with a smile on his face. Hi, you dropped this.

His hair was jet black and his skin smooth with a slight tan. His deep blue eyes captivated her for a second causing her to almost lose her train of thought. Returning from the brief distraction, she smiled. Thank you, would you mind? she asked, since her hands were full of dirty dishes, she presented her apron pocket for him.

He smiled and said, No… not at all, as he slipped the book back into the pocket, and Marion briskly walked to the kitchen. The young man, swiftly realizing that it was time for him to get to work, began fidgeting around his inner coat pocket.

Upon her return from the kitchen, Marion stood for a second watching him and perceived that he was searching for his wallet.

She smiled and blurted out, In your briefcase.

He set the attaché case on the table, opened it, and to his surprise there was the wallet. Amazed, he responded, Oh, how did you kno—, he looked up at Marion, but she had already turned and was walking to a new customer who just sat down at one of her tables. His eyes followed her as he wondered how she knew. He finished sipping his coffee, grabbed the attaché case, and hurried to the cash register where he paid his check and dashed out the door.

The breakfast rush was crazy, as usual. Afterward, Marion welcomed the tranquility and quietness of an almost empty restaurant. As she began to fill some salt and pepper shakers, she glanced around the diner visually confirming that each of the few remaining patrons was satisfied. She noticed a rather tall blond man in his mid-thirties, sitting in the last booth by the wall. Making direct contact with her green eyes, he nodded, affirming her gesture of having everything he needed.

Marion finished her setup and preparation for the next shift and began thinking about this strange man who unexpectedly appeared in her diner. She wondered as she unconsciously performed her routine work, who was he and where did he come from? The longer she thought about it, the more she realized that she had not seen him come into the diner. She also hadn’t noticed him sitting in her station. Nor did she serve him the cup of coffee that was already sitting in front of him. Puzzled about the mystery, she looked back over her shoulder from the counter and noticed that he was still watching her. He faintly smiled as he returned his coffee cup to its saucer. His look gave her the strange feeling that he could read her thoughts.

Recognizing the sound of an empty cup when it returned to its saucer, she got up from the stool at the counter and walked over to the forty-eight-cup stainless-steel urn. She poured some coffee into the stainless-steel pot and carried it towards his table. The town’s retired librarian was also finishing her breakfast while reading a book, and Marion stopped at her booth to refill her cup.

Mrs. O’Malley, are you okay, sweetie? Do you need anything else?

No, dear, I’m just fine, she replied in a sweet high-pitched voice. I’ll finish this cup of coffee and then I’m off to the library.

Oh? Marion questioned.

Yes, darlin’, I have a date with Sherlock Holmes.

Mrs. O’Malley, now, how many times have you read those Holmes books?

Well, let me see… O’Malley stopped to think. Ten, fifteen, maybe twenty times…. Why mercy me, child, I believe I’ve lost count! She giggled as she grabbed the sugar container and poured two heaping spoonsful of the granulated sweetener into her cup and stirred. You see, honey, I can’t seem to get away from the place. I love to read but I have to keep my eye on young Adeline. Sometimes she shelves the books improperly, and I have to go behind her and reshelve them.

Wiping the opposite side of the table with one hand while holding the pot of coffee in the other, Marion responded, Now, now, Mrs. O’Malley, you’ve retired, and you need to let Adeline run the library without you hovering over her.

Oh honey, I know a-a-a-n-nd I do agree, cutting her eyes to Marion with a look of innocence while dabbing her mouth after replacing the coffee cup in the saucer. Don’t you think that I should be there just in case she should need me? Besides, I don’t let her see me move the books; I would never hurt her feelings for anything in the world.

Marion smiled, displaying her approval. Hmm, perhaps a little oversight would be helpful. She left the little woman to her coffee and walked to the stranger who was still watching her every move. It appears that you need a refill, she said with a gentle smile on her face.

Eyes locked with hers, the mysterious man responded. So hospitable, so caring for young and old alike, as he slid the cup and saucer toward her. As she poured from the carafe to fill the cup, he intently watched her every move.

As the coffee reached the top of the cup, she noticed his nails were rather long and painted black. She quickly moved her eyes away and back to his face so as not to make him feel uncomfortable.

Marion, do you like your work? he asked.

A little taken-aback since she left her name badge at home and had not seen him before, she wondered how he knew her name? Yes, as a matter of fact, I do very much, she replied.

You do it well. You seem to service the needs of both the body and the soul.

She slid the refilled cup and saucer back in front of him. A little uncertain of just what he might be implying, Needs of the soul? Isn’t that going a little far? she asked him.

His smile ceased quickly. Well, no… of course not. Serving people should always come from the heart. It lets them know that you’re real with them, don’t you think?

Well, I’ve never looked at it that way, but I guess you’re right, she replied.

He smiled, and she noticed a glow gleaming from his face. I’ve watched you well, and you are a very caring person, the strange man continued. Which is a quality hard to find in service-oriented people — in this day and time.

Thank you, you are very kind.

Smitty called from the cook’s window, One scrambled, bacon, and wheat toast—pick up, Marion!

Excuse me, let me know if you need anything else, she said and quickly turned and yelled towards the kitchen, Thank you!

Marion quickly walked to the counter, picked up the plate of food, and carried it to Gene, a lineman for the phone company. Here you go. She set the plate down in front of the man. There, now, is everything okay? Need some more coffee?

No thanks, it’s perfect like it is.

Sure. She set the pot of coffee on the table as she scribbled on the checkbook in her hand, thought, and continued to walk to the next table where a young man was just finishing his breakfast. Brother Gene, how is your church doing?

Fine, we’re growing extremely fast now. It seems that it’ll be in no time before I’ll have to quit the phone company and minister full time to our people.

When Gene Headon was not climbing telephone poles and stringing telephone cable in homes, he was ministering to the sick and weary. Every Sunday and Wednesday he conducted worship services with his church, which met in one of the local school buildings.

That’s wonderful! How are Theresa and the boys? She laid the check on his table.

They’re good, Phillip is at that age now where he’s just discovered that he has lungs and just screams out. Really startles us sometimes.

I observed that the other night, when you all were here. Phillip seemed to be having fun screaming and giggling and had all around him laughing, she commented.

Yes, Gene replied. Theresa was so embarrassed, and we had to take him to the bathroom a couple of times.

Ah, train up that child in the way he should go, she commented.

Agree. Can’t let him annoy people in public, though. He may never stop when he gets older.

Pastor Gene, you’re so right. Too many people allow their children to be loud and wild in public places. She stood there, with arms folded, as he sipped his coffee and set the cup back in the saucer.

I know exactly what you mean, he replied. Perhaps they are so used to it that without even thinking Mom and Dad tune out the noisy actions of their children.

She grinned, I suppose you’re right. Marion picked up the coffee pot and said, I’ll let you get to your meal. You just holler now if ya need me. She turned away from the table and glanced back over towards the back of the diner, noticing the blond stranger was gone. Hmmm, I wonder when he left, she thought as she walked to the booth where he had been sitting.

She saw a five-dollar bill and some change lying on the table, which more than covered the check. She gathered up the money and walked over to the cash register, placed the five-dollar bill in the drawer, and made some change. Marion started to drop the coins into the coin pockets, but a twinkle from one of them caught her eye. She realized that it was not money at all, at least not USA currency. She studied it closely. It was made of a pewter type alloy and had a phoenix on one side and a crude image of a man’s head on the other. This coin looks like a collector’s item. The head seems to be someone from ancient history. She gazed at it while carefully examining it. She glanced back up at the door to see if perhaps the man was standing outside, but there was no sign of him. She pushed the cash register drawer, closing it. Maybe I should keep this, in case he comes back for it? She thought as she placed the coin in her apron pocket.

Two ‘quarter pounder’ plates, out, like one! Smitty’s barking broke her train of thought, as he yelled from the kitchen cook’s window.

Thank you! Picking up! she yelled as she walked to the window.

*************

Tuesday was Marion’s off day. Since her grandmother was visiting family in Florida for a week, Marion was free from her routine of rushing to the house. She thought that she’d spend the day shopping. Then maybe she’d also take in a movie and go to the diner for a bite and then relax at home by the radio with an evening of Crime Busters and Kraft Mystery Theater. These were two of her favorite weekly radio dramas, and she tried never to miss them.

At noon, she purchased a skirt and blouse at Kresses’ Shop. Then Marion walked across the street to Grant’s Department Store for some earrings and a necklace to match the new blue velvet skirt. The diner waitress set her shopping bag down, which also had her purse in it while she tried on a necklace. As Marion held the gold-plated chain up to her neck and looked in the cosmetic mirror on the counter, a man darted past her, picked up her bag, and dashed for the doorway. A young man entering the store saw the scenario and blocked the thief as he tried to pass by him. The hero grabbed the bag and tried to subdue the robber who managed to slip from his grip and draw away. The young man, with the shopping bag still clutched in his hand, looked out the door only to find the looter gone.

As he walked back into the store, he noticed many of the customers and salespeople staring at him as they began to applaud. He looked back towards the now approaching Marion, slightly embarrassed by the attention as he walked towards the thief’s victim. As they met, she recognized him as the handsome man who picked up her checkbook in the diner a while back. He had since been there several times.

Hello again, he gently spoke as he walked over to her and handed her the shopping bag. I don’t believe we’ve officially been introduced. I’m Bobby Cole, he said as he held out his hand for a handshake.

Hi, I’m—

I know, Marion, he interrupted with a smile.

That’s right, Marion Scarboro. She took his hand and shook it as his deep blue eyes seemed to bewitch her — causing her heart to pound, almost leaping from her chest.

May I take you out to lunch?

Hmm, breaking from her trance, she replied, Oh yes. That…ah…would be nice.

He took her shopping bag and they walked out of the store arm in arm with all the shoppers watching and commenting in unison, Aawwww, so sweet!

The two young people walked down the street towards the parking lot where his new 1953 turquoise on white Chevrolet convertible awaited.

I want to thank you for that noble act. My bag not only had new clothes in it, but it also contained my purse with everything that I own.

It was my pleasure; I am only glad I was nearby, he replied.

Bobby opened the passenger’s door, took her by the hand, helped her into the seat, and got in on the driver’s side and started the car. They drove to a little Greek restaurant on the east side of town. He parked the car, jumped out, and opened the door for Marion. They approached the restaurant and continuing with his polite manner he opened the door for her as well.

Seated at a table and awaiting the server, he remarked, So tell me about you.

She smiled and hesitated for a brief second, collecting her thoughts. Well, I live at home with my grandmother—she is sickly, and I take care of her.

His eyes demonstrated that he was already interested in what she had to say, so he prodded a little deeper. Where are your parents?

Marion’s demeanor quickly changed reflecting sadness. With a quiver in her voice, "They were lost at sea. They were on the Athenia Cruise Liner when it sank into the ocean. I was six years old and staying with Granny. Mom and Dad were two of the one hundred-seventeen passengers and crew that didn’t survive."

Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, he said with compassion in his voice.

Well— she was interrupted by the presence of the waiter. He welcomed them. They ordered wine and the house daily special. The waiter took their order and left.

Marion continued, Now that she can no longer take care of me, I take care of her.

The waiter returned with the glasses and wine bottle and poured each goblet almost full before leaving.

She lifted her stem glass to her lips and sipped the wine.

And who is going to take care of you when she’s gone? Bobby asked.

She almost spilled the wine, as she became tickled by the question. Silly! she said with a giggle in her throat. I take care of myself now.

Okay, who are you going to take care of when she’s gone?

Myself! she replied in a slightly higher pitched voice.

That’s no fun, he replied as his eyes gleamed and his smile revealed his perfectly bright-white teeth.

Realizing where he was going with his questions, she smiled and responded, Perhaps not. She continued sipping her glass of wine, as she looked into his baby blues.

They sat for a moment, staring at each other. The moment was right as Bobby broke the silence. I think you are so beautiful. In fact, I thought so from the moment when I first saw you. He looked from her eyes, to her hair, and back to her eyes again.

Thank you, she responded as she blushed a bit. You’re kinda cute yourself, you know. She studied him as she took another sip of wine and thought, Kinda’ cute! What am I saying? The man is gorgeous! Contented just to smile and stare at his handsome face for a bit.

They sat for about two hours eating and sharing about their lives, and when they finished their dinner, Bobby drove her home. He walked her to the front door. Taking her hand, the good-looking man kissed it and told her how much he enjoyed being with her. Marion looked up into his big beautiful eyes, once again. In one seamless motion, he took her in his arms and kissed her. She melted into his embrace, surrendering her whole being to him as they held the kiss.

The alarm clock sounded, brutally awakening Marion out of a deep sleep caressing her pillow. Huh! She blurted out as she quickly sat up and looked at the clock, which unmercifully read 5:00 a.m. Hearing her grandmother calling Marion to breakfast was confirmation…she put her hands on her face and fell back on the pillow, Ohh darn, it was just a dream!

She got out of bed, showered, and ate breakfast. Afterward, she sat in her room and read some reference books she had checked out from the library. The books were encyclopedic reference works on the Bible. Marion had a deep interest in religion and was a pseudo-Christian. She considered the spirit world proclaimed by the Bible to be amazing. While browsing through one of the books, her grandmother called up to her.

Baby girl, it’s five forty-five! Her grandmother yelled from the living room, which brought her out of the deep thought.

Thanks Granny. I’m leaving now.

She pulled herself together, carried her breakfast dishes to the sink, and washed them. She grabbed her jacket and purse and walked out the kitchen door down to the bus stop. The bus was right on time at 6:10 a.m. As it approached, the light of daybreak revealed a now lively street. The cars began to honk, and motors roared as the sleepy city awakened to the start of another routine day.

She approached the back of the diner; the scent of bacon cooking flooded her sense of smell. She took a deep breath and thought, Mercy, that aroma never gets old. She opened the backdoor of the kitchen and walked into the familiar world of food and service.

The fifty-three-year-old, gray-haired, bearded cook and owner of the diner yelled across the kitchen.

Top of the mornin’ to ya, missey!

Hey Smitty, how are you, today?

Well, now, I’m good. If I were any better, it would take three of me to handle it!

She chuckled, "Well great. Then it will be a pleasure working with you!

Don’t get too excited, missy, because Ricky called out and won’t be in today. Hollah, if you and Maria need help with the bussin’, Smitty replied.

Maria Sanchez was the other waitress who worked first shift at the Park and Dine.

Ricky was one of the busboys who worked while attending Glynn Academy, one of the prep schools near Brunswick, Georgia. They offered a work program where the students were taught until noon and spent the last three hours working in nearby businesses.

Marion breathed deep. Mmm, that bacon smells extra good this morning.

Want me to fix you some breakfast, lass?

No, Smitty. Thank you, but I’ve already eaten.

He quickly replied, "You eat like a bird to keep that perfect figure so all the boyz’ll chase ya, right lassie?

Paul Smitty Gillam was born in Ireland. He came to America with his parents when he was just eighteen. His parents obtained visas to start a business and bought the little diner. They became citizens and retired twenty years later, leaving it under complete control by their son. He not only became the sole proprietor, but also remained as the chief cook and bottle washer. He loved his employees and his jovial attitude made it extremely fun to work with him.

Marion adored his clowning around and his thick Irish accent. Laughing while tying her apron around her waist, she shook her head, Smitty, you’re too much. I don’t keep my weight down to be chased by the boys. I do it to be healthy.

Ah, lassie, but you do have a might’ many callers that come to see the healthy you at the diner, now don’t ya, girl?

Well, I do have some regular customers, she confessed while pouring cream into miniature porcelain pitchers.

Yeah, and I’ve noticed one particular ‘re-a-a-a-gular young lad with a briefcase every mornin’, watchin’ every wee move you make too, he said with teasing in his voice.

Realizing that he was referring to the man of her dream, she quickly responded, Ooh—kay, that’s enough, Mr. Matchmaker.

She grabbed the setups for her tables, pushed her way through the swinging doors into the diner, and made the rounds filling the sugar, salt, and pepper dispensers.

The last table was finally completed when a knock came at the front door. Marion looked up at the clock. The face displayed precisely six. She walked to the door and opened it. There stood the very man whom she and the cook were just mentioning.

Hi Bobby, you’re early this morning. She helped him remove his jacket and hung it on the tree by the cash register.

I know. I have to get to the office early this morning. I’m pushing for a promotion at the Flip-it Lighter Company, and I have so many sales calls to make. It seems that a day is no longer long enough anymore, he replied.

I know what you mean, she commented as she walked him to a table and sat him there. Marion hurried over to the coffee-tea bar and brought him some coffee. She seemed to conquer her nervousness when around him, but her heart still tried to beat itself from her chest.

After taking a sip of the coffee, he remarked in an inquisitive tone, You know we’ve never officially been introduced. He reached his hand out. I’m Bobby—

Cole! she blurted out, remembering her dream.

That’s right, how did you kno—, he paused a second. I didn’t think I told you.

She realized that she had revealed the name from her dream and didn’t want to go into it. Ah, um, I guess I overheard it some time.

A quick thought reminded him that he has a few acquaintances who were regulars at the restaurant, he replied with a smile of sudden resolution and commented, Oh perhaps.

The two talked for some twenty minutes or so before the next customer came into the diner, after which Marion excused herself and took the new arrival’s order. After nearly thirty minutes of seeing to other guests, she saw that Bobby had finished his ham and eggs. She placed the check on the table, while he was finishing his final sip of coffee. Accepting the check, he looked directly into her eyes, which always made her extremely nervous. I enjoyed the conversation and I am glad that we finally met, he commented. Do you suppose I could call you sometime?

She thought he’d never ask! Sure, that would be nice. She continued staring at him as his look seemed to captivate her entire being.

Ahem, he cleared his throat to bring her out of her trance.

Huh? Are you all right? she asked.

Yes, but I need your number to call, he replied with a grin on his face.

Somewhat embarrassed that she had completely lost her train of thought, she spoke up. Oh, I’m so sorry. She wrote her number down on a table napkin, handed it to him, then walked over to the coat tree, retrieved his coat, and brought it to the table.

Bobby was absolutely delighted. He folded the napkin and placed it in his shirt pocket as Marion held the black coat for him. Thanks, I’ll call around…say, eight? He stood up and she held the jacket open, he slipped each arm into it, shuffling it slightly until it perfectly fitted his slim well-built body.

Eight’ll be fine, Bobby. You have a good day.

Thanks, he said with a smile as he grabbed his briefcase and check. He began walking backward, pleased with one last grin at Marion.

Bye. She quickly motioned to him with a watch out wave and gesture of her face, but too late as he bumped into a petite elderly woman at the checkout counter. The jar knocked her purse from her arm, and it fell to the floor. She glared at him with a look of exasperation.

Embarrassed by his faux pas, he quickly stooped down and assisted her by picking up her bag. Please forgive me, ma’am. I wasn’t watching where I was going, he commented apologetically.

I’ll say you weren’t. You kids today are so irresponsible, she said frantically as she adjusted her mussed coat.

I’m sorry. May I get anything for you? Bobby asked with an earnest look on his face.

Mable, the woman, impressed by his concern and his charm, she somewhat changed her tone.

No but thank you anyway. It seems there was no harm done.

The elderly woman stepped up to the register and handed Marion the check and the exact amount in cash. Such a nice boy. She commented to Marion.

Yes, ma’am, he is, Marion replied with a smile, took her money, and slapped the check on the spindle. Marion bid Mable good day and the woman walked out the door. Marion took a deep breath as if in another world. With a bright smile on her face, she walked back into the kitchen.

Smitty, while observing the entire ordeal, saw the radiance on her face and began to hum the Bridal March tune. Dum-dum dee-dum…he he he, lass, me thinks me hears wedding bells! he jokingly bellowed.

Ohh Smitty, will you cut that out! You’re ter-ri-ble, she exclaimed with a grin.

He laughed while cutting tomatoes with a slight strain.

Smitty, I’ve noticed those tomatoes are cut raggedly lately. Is there a reason for it?

Ah-ha, now you want to change the subject on me, right lass? Yeah, I lost me serrated knife. You can hardly cut ‘em with a straight edge knife, ya know.

Marion was rolling silverware into napkins for table setups. She stopped and thought for a second. You left it in the storage room. I think you were cutting open boxes.

He froze in thought with a curious look on his face.

That’s right. I remember thinking that those knives were advertised to cut anything.

He went back to the storage room and saw the knife lying on a carton behind a stack of boxes. He picked it up and examined it. He looked back to the dining room thinking, hmm me thinks Marion’s one of those psychics. Then he returned his thoughts to the knife, Ah, there you are, my little friend. With the serrated knife in his hand, he walked back to the kitchen. He washed it thoroughly and peered through the kitchen window. Okay, now how did you know it was there?

Marion stopped folding for a second and looked towards the storage room while in deep thought. Hmm, I never remembered seeing the knife when I was in the storeroom. If I did, I would have taken it to him. How d-i-i-d I know it was in there?

After having no recollection whatsoever, she began to fold the napkins again and replied, Um, I guess I saw it when I was in there, but I swear I can’t remember when.

Well, g-r-e-e-a-at, you have no earthly idea how lost I am without this knife.

*************

Marion and Bobby saw each other for the next couple of months. One beautiful June night in 1950, they drove to St. Simons Island and parked on a vacant lot next to the King and Prince of Wales, a lodge which faced the beachside. They walked down the long wooden stairway onto the beach sand, hand in hand and barefooted.

Mmm, smell that salt on the wind, Marion commented as she inhaled the night sea breeze. I can almost taste it."

Yeah, the breeze blowing on my face feels so refreshing, Bobby added and then looked out to the ocean. Listen to those waves. They sound so forceful and mighty. They stood watching the whitecap waves like boulders of water crashing down and rolling onto the beach. He held her close to him and she felt his strength as it seemed to match the might of the thundering waves.

Listen to those foghorns in the distance, she commented. It sounds lonely, like someone lost in the night.

The moon shone brightly on them like a spotlight, as Bobby spread a blanket on the beach. He reached for her hand and they both sat down and continued to gaze out into the endless darkness of the sea. The young man then looked at her and she at him. Your eyes have a mystery in them as if you have so much going on inside that mind of yours, he said. Before she could say a word, he reached up and gently placed his left hand on her face as they kissed and held each other in the moonlight. Bobby broke the kiss, and with some concern, looked into Marion’s bright green eyes. What’s the matter? You seemed bothered.

Marion could not believe how well he could read her so early in their relationship.

Oh, there’s nothing wrong. I’ve just been feeling rather down lately.

Down? Down about what?

Nothing out of the ordinary, she said as she sat up and looked out over the ocean.

Bobby wasn’t convinced, but he knew better than to persist. So, he invited her to walk with him along the beach.

The night was so beautiful. The moon beamed down on the wet beach and highlighted the white crests of the waves washing onto the shore and back out to the ocean again. As the couple walked arm in arm down the beach, they could hear a few seagulls squawking in the distance.

Bobby spoke softly in Marion’s ear, I love you, darling.

She faced upward into his baby blue eyes, now glimmering from the glow of moonlight. I love you too, Bobby.

They embraced in a long kiss, as the waves washed their feet on the beach.

After the kiss, he stepped slightly backward and softly spoke, Will you marry me? He asked as he held an opened velvet box with a sparkling diamond ring in the center.

She glistened with an expression of happiness on her face and paused in thought. YES! She said as Bobby slipped the ring on her finger.

Bobby married Marion, December 6, 1950. They bought a beautiful little house together on the beach at St. Simons Island. He had just received a promotion as the Southern Regional Manager of sales for the Flip-It Lighter Company. Nine months later, they had a son and named him Barry. They lived happily together for five years. On Thursday, the fifth of August 1955, Bobby received yet another promotion as vice president of sales, making him the youngest officer in the history of the company. He had to fly to New York to attend the National Sales Seminar for his installation as a corporate officer.

He frantically rushed around and while tightening his tie, he yelled out to Marion. Honey! It’s six o’clock and my plane leaves at nine-thirty. I better get going, so I can get around the early morning traffic. Bobby slipped on his suit jacket and carried the small suitcase down the stairs with him and to the living room front door.

Barry, now five, had been playing in the living room with his toy soldiers and toy cars. He is the spitting image of his dad—jet black hair and deep blue eyes. As Marion came down the steps from the upstairs, she walked up to Bobby with his briefcase at the front door.

Marion had been experiencing strange feelings of emptiness, lately. A sense that Bobby was abandoning them. She didn’t understand it. He traveled before and it had not been a problem for her. Honey, I’m having awkward feelings about this trip. Please be careful and have a safe flight.

Don’t worry, my love; it’ll be okay. I won’t go before my time. Just pray that it’s not the pilot’s time to go.

She slapped his shoulder, Bobby! Don’t talk like that.

The husband, being a humorist and an optimist, laughed and pulled her up to him. Well, honey, don’t worry; in hardly any time, I’ll be back with you and our baby boy. He kissed her and said, Now, I’ve got to go!

He grabbed his suitcase, took the briefcase out of her hand, bent down and kissed Barry goodbye. Bye, baby boy, take care of your mom while I’m away. He