In the Shadow of Abaddon

By Daniel R. Dow

In their attempts to explain human behavior, professionals everywhere persist with the same old, tired arguments- nature, nurture or culture. Within this ere of political correctness, very few are willing to explore spiritual development as a fundamental component of an individuals well-being.
Als story raises questions that arent typically asked by the aforementioned professionals; and the reader is subtly invited to answer them in a way that will shine the Light into the darkest of corners.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781493101726

Daniel R. Dow

Author Bio coming soon

Book preview

PART I

A BOY AND HIS FAMILY

CHAPTER 1

THE BIRTH OF ALLAN STEVEN McFARLAN

It was almost as though the baby was fighting against his entry into the world. Julia had been in labor for twenty-six hours. Nurse Winthrope looked at Dr. Brighton and saw the concern in his eyes.

Nineteen years old, my ass! the doctor said in a hushed but angry tone. That girl can’t possibly be more than sixteen… She’s probably younger than that!

Should I notify the authorities?

Dr. Brighton considered the question and then answered with a question of his own. Is the father of the child here?

Which child? the nurse asked pointedly. As far as I’m concerned, there are two children in that hospital bed!

The doctor nodded in agreement. I hear you… but let’s try and keep this professional and uncomplicated!

Nurse Winthrope snorted in contempt before she replied, He’s been in the waiting room the whole time. He’s paying for the best possible care… cash… and lots of it!

Dr. Brighton grunted his acknowledgment. As an investor and one of the original primary care physicians in the private clinic, he liked clients with lots of cash. On the other hand, he didn’t like complications or legal trouble. From his point of view, the central issue was Julia’s difficult labor. If that resulted in further problems, things could get ugly. Still, the cash tempered his decision.

I’ll give her another two hours before I reevaluate her for a caesarian section. Keep an eye on her temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. Watch for any sign that the baby is in distress. Notify me if she starts to weaken. If she delivers successfully within that time, we’ll let it go at that. If I have to perform the surgery, we’ll cover our legal bases and notify the authorities. Until then, bring the father in and see if he can help motivate her to push a little harder.

Nurse Winthrope dutifully accepted the doctor’s instructions. Yes, sir! she answered as she turned to leave. I’ll get him now.

She returned five minutes later, with Doug following close behind. She’d explained the situation to him, albeit without mentioning the possibility of notifying the authorities; he knew only that he was needed to provide emotional support for Julia.

Doug slowly approached the bed and stood beside Dr. Brighton, who was once again checking Julia’s blood pressure and heart rate. At that moment, the pain of yet another contraction caused Julia to scream. Dr. Brighton stepped back, allowing Doug full access to the young girl.

The contraction subsided, leaving Julia gasping for breath. Doug leaned forward, held her hand, and spoke softly into her ear. Don’t worry, baby. Everything’s going to be okay.

Julia gasped, Fuck you, you son of a bitch! I can’t handle this fuckin’ bullshit anymore. You tell those bastards to give me somethin’ for the pain!

They’re not going to do that, Doug said matter-of-factly. The drugs might harm the baby.

Fuck that! she countered. It’s already used to its daily doses of Librium!

The doctor and the nurse looked anxiously at each other. How much Librium? Dr. Brighton worriedly inquired.

Julia divulged the prescribed dosage rather than the excessive amount that she often ingested. Ten milligrams, four times a day.

His professional instincts perceived the deception, and the minimized answer alone was enough to cause the doctor serious concern. That’s too much, he said to the nurse. Notify neonatal to expect a baby in possible Librium-related distress.

Nurse Winthrope picked up the phone and relayed the message.

Dr. Brighton was about to take a break when another contraction caused Julia to scream even louder. This time, she panted breathlessly, It’s coming! I can feel it coming!

Surprised, Dr. Brighton moved into position to possibly deliver the baby. He could see that she was correct—the baby was beginning to crown. You’re right, Julia. It’s coming. Two or three more big pushes and it’ll be here. Push hard! he encouraged.

The tiny girl resolutely obeyed the doctor’s instructions. She screamed long and loud as the nine-pound four-ounce baby began to emerge; she felt as though she were being ripped apart. And then with a final gasp, her heart pounding and her chest heaving with exhaustion, it was over.

Doug was truly amazed by the sight. You did it, baby, he said lovingly as he placed his hand on her head and stroked her forehead with his thumb. You did real good. Everything is going to be fine!

Julia ignored Doug as they placed her infant son in her arms. Emotions began to stir; still, she looked at the baby and wondered if he would turn out to be worth all the pain.

The doctor logged the date and the time, giving Julia and Doug a few brief moments with their newborn son before calling the neonatal unit to send someone over for the child.

On April 20, 1975, at 3:46 p.m., three weeks before his mother’s sixteenth birthday, Allan Steven McFarlan was born into the world. Shortly thereafter, he was rushed to the neonatal unit and placed under close observation for symptoms of Librium withdrawal.

Dr. Brighton and Nurse Winthrope stepped into the hallway for a private discussion. Decision time! the nurse said to the doctor. Do we report this to the authorities or no?

The doctor once again considered the question in light of the possible consequences of reporting their suspicions and Doug’s obvious wealth. The mother is going to be fine, he answered thoughtfully. And the baby will recover from the effects of the Librium. Do we really want to involve ourselves in a criminal investigation?

He paused before answering his own question. I think not! We don’t know for sure that she’s underage. And I don’t have time for criminal investigations. Let’s just bill them and get them out of here within the next twenty-four hours. Then he turned on his heel and strode authoritatively in the direction of the staff lounge.

Nurse Winthrope didn’t like it. She didn’t like it at all. In her opinion, Doug belonged in prison. But she was a team player; she did as she’d been instructed to do. And she personally saw to it that Doug was properly billed for the extra supervision and care that the baby required.

CHAPTER 2

THE McFARLAN CLAN

Gramma McFarlan—Bette—was young for a grandmother. She was also a remarkably strong woman in every way. She’d been eighteen at the time of Doug’s birth, and he was the eldest of three brothers. Douglas, Philip, and Anthony had been born in that order within a three-year time span. Thomas—her common-law husband, the biological father of all three boys—abandoned her and left town two days after Tony’s birth, never to be seen again. He claimed that it was all simply too much responsibility. At twenty-one years of age, Bette became the single mother of three hungry boys. It was a huge challenge.

Bette never talked about the things that she’d done in order to feed her children. She never complained; she expressed no regret; and if she ever thought about Thomas, she never said so. She didn’t drink, smoke, or use drugs. Her needs always came second to the needs of her children. And they, in turn, never forgot her personal sacrifice.

Her boys became thieves in their early teens. Without explanation, they’d often come home with money, groceries, and other necessities of life. Bette always thanked them for their individual and collective contributions to the family, and she never asked questions.

Life was comfortable—too comfortable—for the new grandmother. Her three grown boys—now professional criminals—made sure that all of her needs were taken care of. It left her with little to do. At forty-six, she felt as though life were passing her by, which was why she’d responded with such enthusiasm to Doug’s plan.

Bette couldn’t wait to be a part-time mother and a full-time grandmother to Doug and Julia’s baby. She was beside herself with excitement as she waited anxiously for the family to arrive.

Oh sure, she had her misgivings—especially where Julia was concerned. She didn’t like the four-foot-nine ninety-eight-pound little trollop. Bette wasn’t fooled by Julia’s youth. She’d seen Julia use her beauty, her jet-black hair, hypnotic azure eyes, and lithe body to manipulate men—especially Doug. Julia was the exact opposite of Bette in every way; she drank, she smoked, she used drugs, and her needs always took precedence over the needs of others. Bette wished with all her heart that Doug had chosen a more suitable partner. But she couldn’t criticize him too much. She had, after all, hooked up with Thomas—and look what happened there! Misgivings aside, when the math was done, the gift of a grandson created room in her heart for everyone—Julia included.

Bette glanced at the clock over the fireplace. It displayed twelve forty-five. Julia and Doug were due to arrive between four and four thirty. She was wondering what she could do to occupy her mind and pass the time when she heard a car pull up in front of the house. A moment later, there was the sound of a second car. She hurried out the door and happily greeted her other two sons and their wives.

First, she hugged Phil’s wife, Catherine—Kit, short for Kitten; next, Tony’s wife, Elizabeth—Beth; and then she lavished attention on her two boys.

I’m so happy to see you! she exclaimed sincerely. Thank God you could make it!

C’mon, Mom! Your first grandchild and our first nephew—how could we not make it? Phil asked with a laugh as he hugged her one more time. We knew that you’d be on pins and needles, waiting for them to arrive. So we came early to help you pass the afternoon.

Well, I’m certainly grateful for that! C’mon in the house. I’ll make some coffee.

You girls go on ahead, Phil urged. Tony and I have some things to bring in. We’ll be along shortly.

It took Tony and Phil four trips to unload the two cars. There were stuffed animals for Baby Al, presents for Julia, Doug, and Bette, as well as food that Kit and Beth had prepared. Lastly, there was beer, champagne, bourbon, and a beautiful white puppy.

Oh my! Bette exclaimed as Tony stood there proudly with the puppy in his arms. He’s gorgeous!

The dog tentatively licked her hand as she reached out to pet him.

Every boy needs a dog, Phil stated matter-of-factly. Tony and I picked this one out. He’s half wolf and half malamute—a good guard dog and very loyal. If the two bond now, Al will have many years of protection and companionship.

I hope you remembered to bring dog food.

Yes, Mom, we brought dog food. Then he quipped, But in a year or two, you won’t have to worry about dog food. By then, he’ll be eating people!

The dog will protect Al. You boys will protect each other, Bette said thoughtfully. There’s a certain balance and symmetry in that gift. I think Doug and Julia will be pleased!

He wasn’t sure about Julia, but there was no doubt in Tony’s mind that Doug would, indeed, be pleased. The three brothers knew one another better than most brothers ever get to know each other. It was a level of intimacy and understanding that made them unusually skilled at working as individuals for the benefit of themselves and the family—be it social, legal, or criminal enterprise. However, this was especially true of criminal enterprise.

Though all three brothers were involved in crime, they never committed crime together. The reason for this was simple: By operating independently, no single crime could put all of them in prison at the same time. If one of them went down, there would likely be two others to take care of the business and the family.

They were further protected by the fact that each had a discrete circle of criminal associates and a specific area of expertise. Doug was into armed robbery; Phil was into fraud—checks, counterfeiting, credit cards, etc.; and Tony was a middle-level heroin dealer with solid connections. This diversity of criminal behavior inhibited standard investigative procedure: a robbery investigation wouldn’t lead to Phil or to Tony; a drug investigation wouldn’t lead to Doug or to Phil; and a fraud investigation wouldn’t lead to Tony or to Doug. All in all, it was a well-thought-out strategy.

Most of the time, life was about making money and stacking the odds, as much as possible, in favor of the family. But not this evening; this evening was strictly about Doug, Julia, and Baby Al. And Tony couldn’t wait to see the smile on Doug’s face when first presented with the wriggly little puppy.

CHAPTER 3

AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION

Julia spit her gum out of the car window, lit another cigarette, slipped off her shoes, and then lodged her bare feet against the dash of Doug’s ’55 Chevy. She somehow managed to do all of this without waking five-week-old Baby Al, who was bundled and resting against her chest.

Doug glanced disapprovingly at her feet on the dash of his car. He reached for the beer that was wedged snugly between his thighs. C’mon, baby, he complained, you know how I feel about your feet up there like that.

Julia was already irritated because Doug wouldn’t allow her to drink beer while he was driving. He’d said that she was too careless—that she’d get them pulled over by the police. Now she took the opportunity to punish him. She hurled words as though they were rocks. Fuck you and fuck this stupid car! Just drink your fuckin’ beer and drive! The sooner we get there, the sooner you won’t have to worry about where my fuckin’ feet are!

Doug clenched his teeth and increased the speed of the car as he stifled his angry reply. He wanted to tell her Either you get your feet off the fuckin’ dash of my car or you get out and walk! But he just couldn’t say that to a young girl with a baby in her arms—not as the father of the baby. So he fought the anger and reached instead for the package of cigarettes.

How long before we get there? Julia asked.

Doug stabbed the dashboard cigarette lighter with his finger. Twenty minutes or so, not more than half an hour, he answered in a sullen voice.

A couple of minutes passed as the two smoked their cigarettes in a somewhat uncomfortable silence. Julia took a final drag of hers, flipped the butt out of the window, and exhaled as she cooed softly, Hey, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t talk to you like that. I’ve been a serious bitch these last five weeks. It’s gonna take a little while for my hormones and emotions to settle down, but I’ll try harder to be nice. I promise!

Doug was genuinely relieved to hear it. Don’t worry. I’m okay, he reassured her as he placed his hand on her knee just below her dress and then began to slide it up the inside of her thigh.

Julia pushed his arm away with a laugh. "I said I’d try to be nice. I didn’t say I’d be that nice! Then she added seriously, That’s at least another week away!"

Doug accepted her rebuff, encouraged and pleased by the suggestion that their sex life might begin to get back to normal in a week—he missed it very much.

Are you ready for a big evening? he asked.

Why? What makes you think that we’re in for a big evening?

Are you kidding? Those brothers of mine are bound to be at Mom’s, along with their wives. And you can bet that Mom is more excited than she’s been in twenty years! This is definitely going to be a major family event!

Julia thought for a minute; the prospect of such an event quickly grew more appealing. She was in the mood to be the center of attention. She nodded. Ya, for sure! I’m up for it. It’ll be fun!

Phil was the first to hear the low rumble of Doug’s big-block Chevy engine as it neared the house. They’re here! he shouted excitedly as he jumped to his feet and literally ran to the door. He was only two steps ahead of the rest of the family—everyone except Elizabeth.

Beth had been quiet all afternoon. She didn’t like Julia. She’d long wanted a child of her own, and she was feeling very jealous over Baby Al. She was also a little bit high. She’d been chasing the dragon—smoking heroin stolen from Tony’s hidden supply. However, she made every effort to conceal these two facts as she put on her best, phony, happy face and followed along behind the others. She arrived at the door in time to see Julia get out of the car with Baby Al in her arms.

The women promptly swarmed Julia. Let me see him, let me see him! Bette kept repeating as she practically wrestled Al from his mother. He’s so handsome! Look how blond his hair is! And those blue eyes… he’s just perfect! Oh, Julia, he’s so perfect! she exclaimed as she reached out with her free arm and hugged the young girl tightly.

Bette then turned her attention to her eldest son. With a look of extreme appreciation and a voice brimming with emotion, she whispered, Thank you! This is one of the happiest days of my life! The statement was followed by a collective involuntary moment of silence.

Tony broke the silence. C’mon, folks, there’re food, drinks, and surprises inside. Let’s go and enjoy them all!

Julia was the first to enter the house. She quickly grabbed a cold bottle of beer from the fridge and popped the top with the opener attached to the end of the kitchen counter. Drinking directly from the bottle, she used the beer to wash down two Librium. She drank deeply and sighed happily as she thought, Twenty minutes and I’ll be good to go!

Doug’s attention was immediately focused on the puppy. He was every bit as thrilled about it as Tony had imagined he would be. Way to go! he said to his brothers as he hugged each of them. "With the two of you as uncles, Al’s got a lot to look forward to in this world!

Julia, he called out in the direction of the kitchen. Hey, baby, come and see what Phil and Tony got for little Al!

Bette was sitting in the armchair, thoroughly engrossed with the baby. She questioned Julia as she entered the room to see what Doug was shouting about. I think that Al might be hungry. Are you bottle-feeding or breast-feeding?

Bottle-feeding, Julia stated adamantly, staring suspiciously at the puppy. "I don’t want my breasts hanging down around my belly button by the time I’m twenty-one!

Whose idea was it to get a dog? she asked with her next breath, envisioning dog hair and puddles of pee. And who’s going to take care of it? Not me—I’m not cleaning up any fuckin’ dog shit!

Everybody laughed. Twenty minutes later, as Julia finished her second beer and the Librium began to kick in, she felt decidedly more affectionate toward the little puppy. The two of them were having quite a time playing tug-of-war with a handkerchief. Julia laughed uproariously every time the little dog tugged with all his strength and attempted a ferocious growl.

Those two are going to get along just fine, Doug reassured Tony as they observed the contest. Don’t you worry about anything. The dog was a terrific idea!

If you think that was a good idea, watch this, Tony said slyly. Then he called out, Julia, Beth and I have a special present for you! He crossed the floor to where Julia and the dog were playing, leaned over, and kissed her cheek. This is your belated birthday gift, he said as he handed her an envelope.

Julia opened the envelope and began to shriek with pleasure. Driving lessons! That is so fucking cool! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! She leaped to her feet, hugged Tony, ran into the kitchen, hugged Beth, and then came back and hugged Tony a second time.

Doug watched it all, wishing that he’d been the one to think of it.

Beth seemed to be unaffected by Julia’s lavish display of gratitude.

Are you okay? Catherine asked as the two of them set the kitchen table and finished laying out the prepared dinner.

Sure, I’m fine. Why do you ask?

You seem distant and distracted.

Beth quickly thought up a lie. Well, to tell you the truth, I haven’t been sleeping properly this last while. But don’t say anything to Tony—he’ll just worry over nothing!

Okay, honey, Kit whispered, but you be sure to tell me if there’s anything that I can do. You know I’m always here for you. Then she hollered in the direction of the living room, Dinner’s ready, people! Come and enjoy it while it’s hot. You too, Mom. Put Al in the crib and give him a rest. You don’t want to wear him out before his first birthday.

The conversation around the dinner table was lively, animated, and joyful. Bette watched and listened contentedly to the ongoing chatter, participating here and there, but mostly basking in the spirit of the evening. It was truly one of the happiest nights of her life, and it was wise of her to enjoy it. She would never see another night quite like it.

CHAPTER 4

HAPPILY EVER AFTER BEGINS

Julia awoke shortly after nine in the morning with a slight hangover and gasping for air; the early morning shortness of breath seemed to be more frequent—cigarettes were making things worse. Fucking asthma! she thought to herself as she reached for her inhaler.

She lay there quietly for a few minutes, listening jealously to Doug’s rhythmic breathing and waiting for the medication to relieve the congestion in her inflamed lungs. Then resisting the urge to light a cigarette, she rose to brush her teeth and take a shower.

Julia hesitated before stepping into the shower, pausing to inspect her naked body in the full-length mirror. She was gratified to see that her stomach remained smooth and shapely. She was one of those rare and fortunate women with a body that appeared to be resistant to the physical ravages of pregnancy. Nice! she said out loud to herself. Then she cupped an enlarged breast in each hand, sensing the firmness and the added weight of the milk within. She smiled as she realized that the changes to her body actually added to her spectacular beauty. She turned and entered the shower feeling confident and empowered by her physical attractiveness.

The invigorating hot water soothed her headache, relaxed her body, and heightened her senses. She ran the soft soapy washcloth slowly and luxuriously over her full breasts and between her thighs. Her nipples became erect. Her heartbeat quickened. She gasped with pleasure. She was pleasantly surprised to experience a familiar surge of energy and warmth deep within. Desire surfaced, and for the first time since Al’s birth, Julia felt an intense need to exercise her sexual prowess. She recalled telling Doug that he’d have to wait one more week. I think I’ve changed my mind! she said softly to herself with a small laugh.

Stepping out of the shower, she was further surprised to encounter Doug, patiently standing there, teeth freshly brushed, a towel wrapped around his loins, and waiting for his turn under the water. Her surprise was quickly transcended by anticipation. Julia didn’t give him a chance to speak. She stepped forward, pressed herself hard against his body, kissed his mouth hungrily, and loosened the towel, allowing it to fall to the floor. Then she took him by the hand and led him into the bedroom.

Sometimes Julia enjoyed being sexually passive. At other times, she preferred to be dominant. This morning, she used Doug as though he were a sex toy. He loved every minute of it.

Shifting Al to her right shoulder, Gramma Bette removed the baby bottle