On Bended Knees

By Eric Tapscott

"On Bended Knees" is a must-read novel that reminds us of the importance of facing our past to move forward in life. This book tells the story of Jason, who lives with his wife and his son. He also has a son who he's never met before. When Jason's past catches up with him, he's put in a position of bended knees. Will he be able to get up?

For years, Jason has been living the life of a Christian. He's a man of great faith, character, and spirit. As the story progresses, his life takes an unexpected turn and Jason must go back to the man he used to be. As he embarks on an unforeseen journey, he must remain strong and keep his faith as he faces new obstacles and adversity. This is an unforgettable book about spirituality, faith, and personal growth that readers of fiction will love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jun 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098378011

Book preview

Chapter 1

The heat index was at a sweltering 98 degrees on the southeast side of Memphis where Monster kneeled lurking. He was waiting for his prey in a suburban neighborhood called White Haven, off of Elvis Presley Blvd. The home that he kneeled next to belonged to one of the biggest drug dealers on the southeast side. It was a well-manicured, two-story, red brick, ranch-style home with hedges surrounding the side. Without the hedges, Monster wouldn’t have a place to conceal his large frame. The hedges gave him the edge he needed to execute his long thought-out plan. He pondered and laid on this plan for months, knowing that in order for this to work it had to be executed with precision and at the precise time.

Winds were building, moving at a rate of 8 to 12 miles per hour from the south, escaping a brewing tropical storm that was developing out of the Gulf of Mexico. The wind gave a much-needed breath of fresh air from the excitement and fear that intertwined within him because of the warmth. Looking at his watch, he gasped, closed his eyes, and waited. Gazing up he began to feel it was time.

Fluorescent lights could be seen in the distance, getting brighter and brighter, illuminating the darkness as it passes

Monster adjusted his vision, fixated on the object that was coming his way. A noise in the hedges that he kneeled behind gave way to his thoughts. He turned instantly only to see the leaves moving in different directions. Taking a deep breath, gathering his composer, Monster got down lower to make sure his identity wouldn’t be exposed. He knew that this wasn’t an option. The life of him and his siblings depended on this day.

Thoughts of malice consumed his mind. Not only because of what he was about to do but the life he had to endure as a 14-year-old. His mother was strung out on heroin, his father didn’t exist and his two younger brothers depended on him. Never having a chance to live and do what teenagers do at his age. He wasn’t about to let him and his brothers get lost in a corrupt judicial system designed to enslave the mind.

The sound of rubber calmed his thoughts as the black Mercedes Benz he had been waiting for turned into the driveway. It continued to cruise heading into a two-door garage that slowly began to rise.

This ain’t the time to get scared, he whispered to himself as his heart rate increased. Then he started to quote one of many rap songs that motivated him. Bushes by Plies came to mind. Got to your house be right in your bushes, he sang, running into the garage before it closed with 9mm in hand. Snatching the driver’s side door open. Put your hands up, pointing the gun at the driver. You know what this is. Adrenaline at an all-time high. You try anything, you’re a dead man. He stated through clenched teeth so no one could be alerted if they were present. The driver can see the seriousness in this young man's eyes. And his voice was that of someone who meant business. man, you can have the car, the driver petitioned. I’ll leave the keys in it for you.

Look like I want this car, Monster stared, red-eyed. Where’s the safe?

Just take the car, please, the driver stated, hoping that this was some random robbery and the robber was questioning not really knowing who he was Before you say anything else. I know who you are. I will kill you and whoever else in this house. So if you don’t want anybody to get hurt like your precious boys and wife, don’t play on my intelligence. Now come on."

The driver hesitated for a split second, he realized that he got caught slipping. All these years he ran the streets this was the day that he feared the most. Should he take his chances so his loved ones won’t be at risk?

I wish you would, Monster looked on, shocked at the calmness that came over him. He felt in total control. All fear had faded away. He didn’t even realize that it dissipated. This feeling of calmness had come to be known all too well. After his first two robberies, it would proceed to dissipate while robbing.

Contemplating that this situation can go from bad to worse, the driver started walking. Before he could turn the doorknob, Monster motioned for him to stop upon reaching the door.

Careful partner, he stated, then proceeded to walk the driver into the house with calculated thoughts and steps.

"Everything was going as planned, but he knew in a split second things