Another Job

By G. George

The news reports were nonstop now, and for the rest of the world, this must have seemed like they were witnessing a made-for-television drama. One news anchor person said it like this:

In an unprecedented chain of events, tonight the Bethany family has been decimated. In three separate but tragic accidents, Jo and Eva Bethany have lost their four children in one night. After all this family has endured over the past year, you would think that they have had their run of bad luck. But it seems that this is not the case. Remember the scandal involving George, the youngest Bethany, with the allegations of homosexuality-That cost him a lucrative baseball career. Then there was the allegation of an extramarital affair by the older brother James. That too turned out to be bogus. We also all remember the blockbuster trial of the decade in which Destiny Bethany-Lorber was found guilty only to be vindicated in open court at her sentencing. For years, this reporter thought the Bethany family was truly blessed. I now believe that they are the modern-day version of the Kennedys. This family must be cursed! How else would you explain this bizarre chain of events? Mmmmm. Thats my commentary, and thats the news for tonight. We know you have a lot of choices. . . Thank you for watching Firsthand Account News. Good night.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 31, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465369390

G. George

G. George is an author from Southern California. He lives in the Inland Empire with his wife and youngest daughter. He has two daughters and a granddaughter. G. lost a daughter to a tragic death several years back. Her death was a strong motivating force for writing “ANOTHER JOB.” Many, if not most of the events in this novel have actually happened to G. and his wife. He was born in Los Angeles in the mid-1950.

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Copyright © 2011 by G. George.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2011917048

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4653-6938-3

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4653-6937-6

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4653-6939-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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CONTENTS

Author’s Note:

A Foreword

Preface

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Epilogue

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

As I awoke, I looked over to my left and there lay the woman I have always loved. Just down the hall from our room, lay my youngest daughter, and my granddaughter. They were both in a deep slumber as was my wife. Our eldest daughter was home resting with her husband, and our middle daughter had been laid to rest just a few years earlier. I sat up on the bed, as I swung my feet to the floor I began to pray.

Dear Abba- Father, you are so good. You have given me everything I have ever wanted in life. First I thank you father for YOUR Son-my savior, for without him I would be lost. But also Father, I thank you for all you have restored in my life. AMEN.

I was overwhelmed with the fact that the Lord would take time, special time, personal time to be in, and sow in MY life. Some years prior to this wonderful restoration, I felt all had been lost. I was without my family. I had reserved myself to the fact that I would never experience what it meant to be a real husband and father. I was a prodigal. The Lord however led me back. He had restored everything I believed was lost forever. Not only did he restore my relationship with Him—the Father, but through forgiveness he restored my earthly relationships as well. When I left the relationship with the love of my life, my high school sweetheart, we had just had our first child. When I returned to the relationship we were blessed with two more daughters and a granddaughter. I remember as a young man asking the Lord to always allow me to be surrounded by beautiful women. He has done just that!

So That morning, February 4, 2006 I wanted to shout joy in the name of the Father. I looked around and saw all of the destruction and despair in people’s lives, including our middle daughter who took her own life. Again I said; Lord you have been sooo good! What can I do to let people know just how good YOU really are? Lord for the most part people do not want to hear testimony, they do not want to be preached to. How can I witness for You Lord? The Lord spoke to me very clear that Saturday morning. My son just as I have always done you must do the same. You must meet them wherever they are. What is it that people of this world respond to most? I thought about it for a few moments. Then the answer came to me. People want to be entertained. But Father I am not an entertainer! I cannot sing, I am not an actor. How can I possibly reach people by entertaining? His answer was clear. "Write a book my son. I will see to it that you get through this. It will be successful because my hand will be upon it and I see that you are doing this not for your glory, but to MINE. Your story shall be anointed because I am commissioning you to write this story.

It was there the journey began. Twenty-one months later I completed ANOTHER JOB.

Father God, I thank you for seeing me through this novel. I thank you for YOUR anointing YOUR patience, and I thank YOU Lord for my witness. Also Lord I thank you for my wife, Andrea, She is truly a Woman Of God and YOU gave her to me. Thank you for a heavenly gift! In Jesus’ name I send YOU this prayer… AMEN.

To my wife; I couldn’t have completed this task in such a blessed filled manner without your love and encouragement. I love you Andrea and I always will! I know now that I am not lucky to have you, nor am I fortunate to have you. NO, it is much more than that! The Lord gave you to me! Therefore, I am truly blessed to have a WOG such as yourself.

God bless you baby, and thank you for being MY wife!

ANOTHER JOB

was written in direct response and obedience to:

I Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

This novel is dedicated to the memory of my loving mother.

Jamesetta Peggy Clark

January 20, 1939-May 6, 2010

A FOREWORD

Another Job is emotionally moving… . It contains absolutely everything I love in a novel, strong sympathetic characters, suspense that keeps you turning the pages, and a deep nuanced understanding of life. G. George’s novel is brilliant on all fronts. It’s one of the most gripping and ingeniously crafted novels I have read. This is a difficult book to put down!"

Eric Chambers

Writer, producer, director

CRW Entertainment

PREFACE

A Mercedes-Benz Kompressor races toward a house to warn the occupants of a pending disaster. As it enters an intersection, it crashes broadside into a big rig tractor, instantly killing the car’s driver. Hours before, and across country, a plane plummets to the earth, killing everyone on board. Meanwhile, in a San Diego suburb, a house explodes into the night. Besides the fact that all these tragedies happened just hours apart, they also happened to members of one family, by one individual.

Jorge Bethany is a man of God. Jorge has the Midas touch. Everything he has ever done in his life has prospered wonderfully. He married the girl of his dreams, and together they have four children. He has built a worldwide Christian empire that is the envy of many, especially L. Phear. Jorge has done all this with hard work, perseverance, and faith. Jo, as he is affectionately known, believed all these things were given to him by the Creator, given to him as jobs for him to complete in this life. He knows this because he’s a believer, and he has done them well. One of Jo’s favorite sayings when something had to be done was It’s JUST ANOTHER JOB! However, for the first time in his life, Jorge is faced with some real life-changing decisions. His faith is being put to the ultimate test.

L. Phear is Jorge Bethany’s chief adversary. Jorge is the founder of Trinity International. Phear is a jealous hater; he desperately wants to rule Trinity, and he will stop at nothing to get it, even if he has to bring Jorge and his family to ruins in the process. Phear enters into an agreement with the Chairman of Trinity International to bring Jorge and his family down by their own denial of faith. When his plan fails, he resorts to treachery, deception, and destruction; and finally he uses death as a tool.

How will Jorge react? Faced with these trials and tribulations, what will he do? What would you do? Would you have the faith to stay strong in your belief and even be willing to do it a second time? Read this twisted tale of fate and find out if Jorge will have a heart of surrender or if he will succumb to his trials and tribulations. Will Jorge Bethany look at this opportunity as something God has put before him as ANOTHER JOB? Be amazed by this thriller! Find out what Jorge finds out and what HE realizes in the end.

CHAPTER ONE

Ping, the sound of a fastball as it leaves the aluminum bat of the leadoff batter for Trinity College. It’s the bottom of the eighth inning of the 2010 College World Series. The stadium announcer, with excitement in his voice, tells the crowd that George Bethany smashes the inside pitch to the left centerfield alley for a leadoff double. The crowd is ecstatic. This runner represents the go-ahead run in the final game of the college world series, which is tied at two games apiece, and a 3-3 tie. As George settles in at second base, he slaps his hands together, locates his parents sitting just behind the Trinity dugout, and, with a huge smile, points at his dad and then toward the sky in a gesture of glory.

~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, across town at the corperate offices of Trinity International, an important meeting with the board of directors and the Chairman Of the Board is about to get under way. As the board of directors assembles, a black stretch limousine pulls up to the front of the skyscraping building. The driver asks his passenger,

Will this be adequate, sir?

Not at all, driver, pull around to the alley. I’ll enter from the rear. I do not wish to be recognized or noticed. I’ll use the private entrance.

Very well, sir, as you wish.

Driver, this meeting may turn out to be a lengthy one. I have a task for you while I’m inside.

Yes, sir… anything!

I want you to go to the stadium where the game is being played. There you will contact a player from the visiting team. Instruct him to carry out my orders.

What orders? . . . What player, sir?

Do not concern yourself with details. You will know him, and he will know you. Then return for me with good news.

The passenger exits the limousine. Suddenly, and without a sound, the passenger appears on the top floor of the Trinity Tower. The board members of Trinity International Ministries are taking their seats around a conference table. No one even notices the intruder seated on the sofa across the room, no one except the chairman.

As always the board members begin their meeting with prayer. Silently Trinity’s Chairman Of The Board begins addressing the board members. Thank you for your attendance here today. As you all know, we are in troubled times. We are in for the struggle of our lives. I will need everyone to remain strong as we are in the midst of a diabolical plan to overtake this ministry. I called you all here today to remind you of your… of our strengths.

With all due respect, Mr. Chairman, our strength is only as strong as our leader’s. Why is the CEO not present at such an important meeting?

He is tending to family matters. You all know my feelings with regard to family. He has been excused from today’s meeting with my blessings. Besides, he is fully aware of the situation. I have total confidence in his ability. Now I would ask that you all support him in his decisions and his wisdom. Once again, thank you for taking time out of your day to confer with me. That will be all for now. The members leave the room, none of them ever noticing the mysterious intruder seated on the sofa.

Standing across the room, gazing out of the window of this massive skyscraper with his back toward the intruder on the sofa, the chairman asks,

To what do I owe this impromptu visit? And where did you come from?

I’ve been here and there. But what does it matter to you? You had no idea I was even here.

Please, do not flatter yourself. I am aware of your whereabouts at all times.

Whatever! the intruder snaps back in a sarcastic tone.

I’m here on business. As you stated to the board, I want Trinity International. In fact, I am planning on it! Since you refuse, since you will never sell out, it will no doubt be a hostile takeover. What do you say to that? With a deep sigh, the chairman says, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’ll be in need of some of your best people, most of them in fact! Especially the founder of Trinity International! I’ll be in need of someone to run my everyday operations.

Jorge? He would never ever go for such nonsense. Have you really thought about him? Have you really considered this man? He is exceptional. He has wisdom, compassion, and integrity, and he is very much dedicated to our cause. He has built and owns many companies for Trinity International. He continues to build the company by bringing many good people to the forefront. I can’t say enough good things about Jorge. He is the consummate family man. But above of all, he’s loyal.

Sure, if we all had securities around us as he does, we would be loyal too. You have placed protections around him that none of us have the luxury of enjoying. You have shielded him and everything about him. It is easy to have integrity, loyalty, honesty when one is being so well protected. However, remove this protection, these shields, and he will surely curse you. He will resort to profanities. He will curse you to your face! Then you will see his true nature.

I so doubt it! Foul words will not emanate from the mouth of this man. Jorge doesn’t curse, he will never use or resort to profanities! You cannot entice him into using profanities! He’s too strong, and to prove it, I’ll allow you a certain degree of leverage here. Do as you please to all that he values, but do not lay a finger on him. Just know that if your plan fails, there will be a heavy price to pay for your miscalculations.

I expect as much. However, should I turn out to be right, then what shall be my reward?

Then you shall have the man you want to run your daily operations and maybe Trinity International too! Just know what failure means!

I don’t think I’ll be failing. However, if I do, I’ll take myself back to where I came from. I’ll go back to tending my underground business.

Trust me you won’t have to do that.

Why do you say that?

Because… I’ll be sending you there myself, only much deeper!

Just as Trinity’s Chairman Of The Board finishes speaking, the intruder pulls a cell phone from the inside pocket of the black blazer he’s wearing. He presses a button that made a chirping sound. He then begins to speak into the phone and says, Begin phase one. He closes the phone and returns it to his pocket.

Listen, you have tried to persuade Jorge before with no success. What makes you think you can convince him now? He is no good for your takeover.

Yes, you’re right! I have tried to contact him numerous times, but he ignores my calls. That, however, is all about to change. He is just what I need for the takeover of Trinity International, if nothing else he IS as you say, loyal.

You know there’s a reason that he is the CEO of Trinity International. Like me, he will never sell out.

It doesn’t surprise me that you would say that, so I’ve already begun his demise, the intruder says with a sinister smile.

As the intruder stands, he is glaring at the chairman with disdain, irritated because the chairman never even turned to face him throughout their entire conversation. Well, this concludes my business here today. Then just as suddenly as the intruder appeared, he was gone.

~~~~~~~~

Back at the game, George leads off at second base. The driver of the limo now stands among the fans. The driver has his cell phone pressed against his ear. He lowers the phone into the inside pocket of his jacket. After that, he looked into the eyes of George at second base. It was a look that seemed for a moment to mesmerize George. The next batter was now standing in at home plate. He was looking down the third baseline, getting signals from the coach.

The first pitch to the new batter is delivered. The batter turned to bunt. The ball hits the bat and caroms directly back to the pitcher. The pitcher fields the ball with his bare hand and turns sharply to look at George. This freezes George at second base. He then whirls toward first base and fires the ball to first base for out number one. George glances over at his father then over at his coach near third base. Now the coach at third base is giving the next batter signals. George watches intensely. As the coach finishes his signals, George again catches a glaring stare from the limo driver who is now standing directly behind his mother and father. There is something very unsettling about the gazes from this man. The next batter strikes out after hitting a couple of foul balls. So now it’s two outs, and George is still at second base. The next batter gets the signs from the coach and steps into the batter’s box. Now with two outs, George tries to get a bigger lead at second so as to have a better chance at scoring in the event of a base hit. Once again, George makes eye contact with the driver. It is an eerie glance. The new batter looks at the first pitch. Ball! the umpire barks. Then before the second pitch, the driver, with eyes that seemed to be filled with flames, nods his head. This time, however, the eye contact is directed at the player playing shortstop.

The shortstop acknowledges this signal. George too sees this exchange. He is again mesmerized. The pitcher delivers the next pitch. The hitter smashes the ball down the third baseline. The third baseman moves sharply to his right and fields the ball. George breaks toward third base. George then realizes that he cannot make it to third base. He reverses his direction and makes it back to second base safely. Now both he and the batter are safe. The next batter steps into the batter’s box. Again, as George leads off, he notices that same eerie exchange between the driver and the shortstop. This time, it’s costly. As he is watching this, the pitcher whirls around and snaps a throw toward second base. The shortstop positions himself between second base and George. The Trinity players, in unison, yell, Baaack! It’s too late. As George dives back, headfirst toward second base, the shortstop slaps George in the face with a vicious tag. Heee’s out! yells the umpire. The crowd boos angrily at George as he lies facedown in the dirt. What an idiot! someone in the crowd shouts. George is injured both mentally and physically. Now the trainer and medical staff rush to the field to attend to George. As they reach him, the fans are looking on with a great deal of concern. The shortstop bends over George, and with a snarl on his face, he barks out, STAY DOWN, FOOL!

When the trainer reaches George, he is still facedown in a prone position. As they roll George over onto his back, there is a noticeable bruise on the left side of his face. His face is beginning to swell, and his left eye is partially closed. George gets up and begins to walk off the field on his own. Holding his face, he looks over at his parents and gives them a thumbs-up sign, meaning I’m okay. He then looks at the driver who has a grin on his face. Over the PA system the public address announcer says, Okay, it’s the top of the ninth in this final game of the College World Series. Trinity Saints 3, Fullerton Blue Demons 3.

Against the better judgment of the Saints coach, George takes his position in center field. The Demons have their two, three, and four hitters due to bat in the ninth inning. The trainer for the Saints asks the coach, Is George gonna make it? He’s banged up pretty bad. The coach tells him, He has to be. All we have left are pitchers.

The first hitter is the number-two batter in the batting order. He hits a single to right field and reaches first base safely. The next hitter, the number-three batter in the order, gets to first base on four balls. Now the shortstop, the number-four hitter in the lineup, comes to the plate to bat. George, whose face and eye are aching, stands in centerfield. He looks on intensely. The go-ahead run is now at second base with the Blue Demons’ best hitter at bat. On the first pitch, the shortstop swings aggressively and misses. He pounds the bat on home plate. He then looks out at centerfield and chuckles. On the next pitch ping, he hits a laser line drive toward George who can’t locate the ball immediately. George misplays the ball as it rolls to the outfield wall. George gives chase then slips. The ball ricochets off the wall back into the playing field, as the runners advance around the bases. By the time the right fielder gets the ball, the shortstop is nearing third base. He looks at the coach standing along the third baseline who is moving his arm in a windmill motion. This motion is signaling the runner to go to home plate. The shortstop tags third base and keeps moving toward home. The right fielder throws as the shortstop nears home. The shortstop knows it’s going to be a close play at the plate. The previous runner is behind home plate on the ground, signaling the shortstop to slide. The catcher blocks the plate as he anxiously waits for the throw. The shortstop slides, the ball arrives, the shortstop’s foot slides under the catcher across the plate. The catcher slaps the tag on the runner’s thigh. Safe! yells the home plate umpire. He moves his arms, motioning safe. Safe! the umpire repeats emphatically.

The score is now 6-3 in favor of the Blue Demons. George is in centerfield with his head down, gently kicking at the ground. As he looks up, he notices the shortstop high-fiving his teammates as he approaches the visitor’s dugout. The shortstop glares out at George. George looks back at the player and literally sees flames in the eyes of the shortstop. He then looks at the driver and sees the same flames in his eyes as well. George can’t believe this. Is this really happening to him? The next three batters all make outs; however, the damage is done in the ninth. The Blue Demons 6, the Trinity Saints 3.

As Trinity trots off the field after the third out, the crowd again begins booing. Hecklers are taunting George as he enters the dugout. He throws his glove against the wall and begins a fierce pace inside the dugout. Now his teammates are giving him slaps and pats on the back while telling him to shake it off. We’re gonna come back! Keep your head up! one player shouts out.

Trinity has the number nine, one, and two hitters due to bat in the bottom of the ninth.

The number-nine batter leads off the inning with a walk. The number-one batter bunts the ball and is thrown out at first base, advancing the previous runner to second base. The number-two hitter in the batting order also reaches first base by walking. So now there are runners on first and second bases with one out. The number-three hitter in the lineup hits a high pop fly to the first base side of the diamond for the second out. Now the dangerous number-four hitter is coming to the plate to bat. As he steps into the batter’s box, the coach of the Blue Demons asks the home plate umpire for timeout. Timeout is called by the umpire. The coach walks out of the dugout toward the pitcher’s mound. He begins a brief conversation with the pitcher, and the catcher also joins in. As the trio converses, the home plate umpire walks out to the mound and tells the coach to wrap it up. The coach informs the umpire that he wishes to make a pitching change. He then taps his right forearm, indicating he wants a right-hand pitcher from the bullpen. The Demons coach then tells the umpire that he wants to give the batter an intentional walk to first base. This sets up a force out at any base and brings George up to bat.

Now George is still hurting and is not sure he should bat in this situation. As he takes some warm-up swings in the on-deck circle, his father, Jorge, makes his way to the backstop to chat with George. Speaking through the fence, Jorge asks, Son, how ya doing? George looks at this father with one eye and says, We shouldn’t be in this situation, Dad. It’s all my fault. Why is this happening to me? I shouldn’t hurt the team any more than I already have. Maybe coach should pinch-hit someone for me. I can’t believe this is happening.

Look, George, remember what I’ve always told you… above all, have faith. Have faith in God, and have faith in yourself.

Yeah, Dad, but I can hardly see out of my left eye.

Doesn’t matter Son, he’s bringing in a right-hander. Bat from the left. Put that good eye out front!

Dad, I’m not a switch hitter!

Hey, Bethany, you’re gay! Shouts a heckler form the bleachers. Well, somebody thinks you are, Jorge says as he laughs. Hey Son, that shortstop put a vicious tag on ya, huh?

Yeah, Dad that guy’s a jerk!

Pray for him, son, and I’ll pray for that heckler back there. You can do it, man.

I don’t know, Dad. So far, all I’ve managed to do is fall on my face.

Son, what have I always told you about falling? I want you to think about Psalms 27:23 and 24. God lets us fall for one reason Son… George cuts short his father’s sentence as he speaks. I know, Dad… God lets us fall so that He can receive the glory and to lift us back up!

That’s right, Son! Believe that! Remember, no matter what happens, it’s all for the glory of God. Besides, no matter what, son, I love you, and so does He. Jorge is pointing toward the heavens. By the way, Dad, who is that guy standing behind you and mom’s seats?

I don’t know. I’ve never seen him before. Why?

He’s weird. There’s something eerie about that guy.

Don’t worry, son, he’s gone. Just focus on the task at hand.

The relief pitcher has finished warming up, and the number-four batter is sent to first base on the intentional walk. The coach of the Trinity Saints steps into the on-deck circle to talk to George. You okay, George? We don’t have anyone else to sub for you. So you know what that means, right? Yeah, it’s up to me!

No! George, it’s redemption time. Let’s get after ‘em! Now this pitcher has a 94 mph fastball, so wait till he grooves one then give it a ride, knock it outta here, George! Give it a cowhide joyride! But don’t wait too long. Now I know your eye is bothering you, so I want you to bat from the left side.

That’s exactly what my dad said too.

He’s right, George! We all have faith, now it’s time for you to have some too. Say a prayer, and get in there.

George stands in the batter’s box; the new pitcher stares at the catcher as he flashes a number of signals. The pitcher nods his head in a no motion. With his hand in his crouch, the catcher exposes two fingers on his right leg, out of the sight of George. The pitcher again nods no. The catcher then puts down one finger on the left leg. This time the pitcher nods yes. He then winds up and delivers the first pitch. George looks at the pitch. Steerike! the umpire shouts. George looks up at the scoreboard. The scoreboard reads, last pitch 91 mph. George looks on anxiously, takes a deep breath, and exhales just as deeply. The catcher and the pitcher begin another sequence of signs. This time, the catcher put down three fingers on his right leg. The pitcher nods yes. The pitcher winds up and delivers the pitch. George swings viciously and aggressively. He misses the pitch. The umpire signals strike two. The scoreboard reads last pitch 80 mph. George glances over at his parents. His mother has a look of deep concern on her face. His father is as cool as he always is in most any situation. He is a master of cool and calm. Again, the pitcher and catcher go through a sequence of signs. This time, the catcher flashes one finger on the left thigh. The pitcher acknowledges. Again, he winds up and delivers the pitch. It’s a ball. George looks at the scoreboard. Last pitch 93 mph. The next pitch is a curveball that George fouled off deep into the outfield bleachers. The next pitch is an inside fastball that nearly hit George in the head. George stumbles as he backpedals out of the batter’s box, almost falling in the process. George gives the pitcher a hard stare. The pitcher leers back in a challenging manner, as if to be daring George to step back to the plate. George exhales deeply. He looks at the scoreboard. Last pitch 95 mph. As George begins to step back into the batter’s box, he flashes back to the conversation he just had with his dad. Believe, son, get focused, take care of the task at hand! He then remembers what the coach told him just before he entered the batter’s box. Say a prayer. George pauses, closes his eyes, and says out loud to himself, Father God, give me that strength. Amen. Then he steps into the batter’s box. The catcher begins to give the pitcher the signs. He flashes one finger on his right leg, meaning fastball inside. The pitcher winds up and delivers a fastball, ping, this time, the bat hits the ball, and it skips sharply behind the catcher and umpire to the backstop. George backs out of the batter’s box. Again closes his eye and says, Father God, give me the strength. Amen. As George steps to the plate, the pitcher leers at George again. The catcher signals with one finger, the pitcher nods yes, with a menacing grin. George looks at the pitcher, focuses in on his arm motion as he begins his wind up. The pitch leaves the arm of the pitcher, suddenly everything goes silent. The pitch is on its way. Everything is seemingly traveling in slow motion. The pitch is floating toward home plate. George swings the bat, ping, the ball lifts off the bat into the air. Rising high toward right field, the crowd jumps to their feet, the pitcher immediately hangs his head with dejection. George drops the bat and throws his hands and arms over his head in victory. He watches the ball go deep, deep, over the right field wall. Home run, grand slam, a walk-off homerun wins the game for the Trinity Saints. George then jumps into the air and looks at his parents. His dad was standing, smiling gently and clapping. His mom, slightly bouncing, with both hands