All Things Work Together for Good

By Robert J. Colpitts

John thought that his life was finally coming together. He met the
woman of his dreams and she helped to turn it all around. For her he was
giving up truck driving and settling down. However, he had no idea that
the bliss he thought was ahead was nothing of the sort. He would come to
find his true strength spiritually, mentally and physically. He would also
come to find that true friends come from all kinds of different people, and
they all become his most honored advisers, as they fight together for their
own reasons against new daily evil in New York City.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483603476

Robert J. Colpitts

Robert James Colpitts has written novels, short stories and poems before his untimely death at 62 from Lau Gehrig’s disease. His writing was inspired not only by his work as a paramedic in New York City where he helped to save many lives, but also by his children; Robert, Elizabeth, Matthew, his grandchild Gabriel and his loving wife Alicia. Like his soul, his novel will live and inspire others forever

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Copyright © 2013 by Robert J. Colpitts.

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.

Rev. date: 02/27/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

For Our Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ

Chapter 1

R ANDY’S TRUCK STOP was busy most of the time. Twenty years of diesel smoke had changed the red brick into a dark grey mass, the white cement that held the brick together could not be distinguished from the brick. The rain that was falling did not affect the color of the brick as it did the steamy windows, streaks of cleanliness pushed the grime aside.

John parked his Kenworth near the showers so that he could clean before he ate. As hungry as he was he felt he owed it to the other patrons to clean up a bit. He would save the shave for his morning shower so he would look his best.

He went to Randy’s and sat at a table. He had not sat at a table since the day of the fight. That was so long ago, that he thought it silly to let it bother him so much. It was like when he used salt and pepper he always put the salt on first, although he never associated salt and pepper with jail.

John scanned the room and nodded to a trucker he had met last year in Dallas. His name was Jake and John noticed the cut he had gotten over his right eye had left a small scar. He could not remember what the fight was about, but he was glad that Jake was on his side he was a tough guy and could really knock heads. John was almost arrested which could have become a problem if his parole officer found out. I one month he will be finished with his parole.

Sally was still here, he thought as he looked at the red haired woman sitting at counter. She was talking to a fat man who John thought looked funny. The smoke from his filtered cigarette climbed up and around the front of his cowboy hat, and the black glasses he was wearing reminded John of two black eyes.

John felt sad as he thought of how Sally looked ten years ago. She could have been Susan’s sister except for the red hair and freckles over her nose. He wondered if Susan would age like her; not that that would be bad Sally still looked good.

John smiled as he watched the cowboy who was sitting with Sally, his buns seemed to swallow the stool. John supposed that if the fat man made cigarette commercials they would go out of business. He was glad that he gave up smoking.

Sally winked at John as a waitress walked over to his table. Sally was a waitress before she started turning tricks. He wondered why she never married. He admired the legs of the waitress who was standing near his table. Susan’s legs were just as slender but tanner than those of the waitress.

Can I help you sa? the waitress asked.

You sure can. He said as she tried handing him a menu.

I won’t need that, he said stopping her with his hand up. I’ll have some of that great meat loaf. You have it?

Sha do.

John thought that her accent seemed out of place at Randy’s. Mississippi right?

How’d you do that? She asked while blushing.

He wondered if she had reached twenty-one. That was how old Sally was when she decided she could do better with johns than tips. I have been to every state, and more than once, I guess I developed an ear for it. How about some apple pie and coffee too?

Want ya coffee now?

Sure, he said as he thought of the chilly rain outside.

Sha is a neat trick, she flirted as she turned and walked away. Her tight uniform reminded him of Susan. He thought about seducing her but he knew better. He missed Susan so much for he hasn’t seen her for three weeks.

You know you once looked at me like that. Sally said as she sat across from him.

He had not seen her cross the room as he put on his smile. A little to much makeup he thought.

How have you been Sally? When are you going to get hitched?

Whenever you ask me, honey.

I wonder if she’s kidding, John thought as he tried to read her blue eyes. She looked serious which made John feel sad; he had always liked her. He had been with her years ago and she would not take money from him, he thought that she was just being nice. A chill went down his spine as the thought that she loved him passed through his mind. She was the only one to visit him except for him mother. How could he be so stupid. If Susan didn’t exist he could love Sally.

I’m not sure the Marlboro Man would like that. John laughed as the fat man was watching.

Sally laughed too but suddenly stopped. Business has been tough since they opened that new truck stop in Pike. Younger girls, that brought a tear to her eye.

Come on Sally, your not old.

Maybe not for trucking but for fuc-, she stopped short as the waitress brought the coffee over.

Thanks Mississippi. John said

She giggle ignoring Sally’s presence. This time John did not watch her gait as she walked away.

I’m sorry for the language John, I heard you’re a Jesus freak now.

John chuckled, Kind of, I’m a Christian.

You one of those born agains?"

Yes I am, want to know about it?

She thought for a moment. Na. I heard you’re selling the truck and getting married.

The sarcasm could not be missed. John was sure now. He wished he had known sooner, but then there would be no Susan.

Yes Sally, the Kenworth is sold. Susan and I are going to buy some land in upstate New York. We want to eventually build a big house and adopt a bunch of kids. Well maybe adopt some kids anyway. He did not want to tell her that Susan’s two months pregnant.

You must really love her to give up your truck.

I’ve been driving for ten year, off and on, I’m just getting tired of it.

I thought you would drive forever.

I’m getting older.

You’re two years younger than me, you liar. It’s her.

I guess your right Sally. He knew she was.

I wish you the best John. She started to cry as she put her hand on top on his. It’s still on the house for you.

She slowly pulled her hand off of his and took a napkin from the holder, it was the last one. She got up from the booth and stood by John.

I can’t Sally.

I know. She said as she bent over and kissed his forehead. He noticed she still wore no bra, but he resisted giving her a hug.

Take care of yourself. She said as she regained her strength. When she did she turned and walked to the end of the counter and disappeared into the ladies room.

Randy’s meat loaf was always good and John was not disappointed this night. The gravy flooded his plate covering his meat loaf. The peas and carrots looked dry John thought as he mixed them into the mashed potatoes.

How you doin old buddy?

John hadn’t noticed Jake move over to his table. His mind was on the phone call he had with Susan a week ago. He would call her early tomorrow, he could call later tonight as she would be getting in from the convention, but he didn’t want to chance waking her, she would be tired from the trip. Besides, he would be in her arms tomorrow evening and that was better than a phone call.

How have you been Jake? John said as he stood up and grabbed Jake’s hand. John’s hand ached a bit as he surmised that Jake could still knock heads.

Sit down and eat boy, you gotta grow. Jake laughed as he sat on the bench across from John. At six-three Jake was three inches taller than John and he weighed two hundred twenty-five which was thirty-five pounds than John.

Will I get big like you?

Only if you eat it all up. They both laughed vociferously, a few heads turned their way causing them to laugh even louder.

You boys behave yourselves. Sally waved as she left the restaurant with the fat man. They both waved to her as threw a kiss and they each threw a kiss back, but John knew to whom her kiss was directed.

Sure was a fox in day, huh John?

Yep sure was. So what’s new with you Jake? John was trying to avoid any further talk about Sally.

I got locked up in Toledo for drunken disorderly, it could have been worse but the boss pulled some strings. How was I to know that when I cold-cocked that punk that he would turn out to be the police chief’s son? Talk about tough luck.

What did you clock him for?

He said that the Bengel’s were the best team. You know I like the Dolphin’s.

Me too. John lied.

Yea, so one thing lead to another and I nailed him.

That was good of your boss to help you out.

Ya know if you had worked for someone instead of being an owner operator you might have fared better when you iced that guy. How much time did you do?

John thought he told Jake last year. I did six in and I’m finishing my fourth on the street. Next month I’m finished. When John finished his meal he showed a picture of Susan to Jake.

Real pretty.

Her name is Susan, were getting married next week.

Congratulations. Jake said as he shook John’s hand again. John waited for the pain but it didn’t come.

I only have eight hundred miles to go and I’m finished. I can’t believe it.

I heard that John. I still can’t see you hangin up the truck. Jake reached into his pocket and pulled out some yellow pills.

Here, take some of these tomorrow so you can do the eight hundred miles without nodding out.

No thanks Jake I haven’t used them for almost a year. After we were in that fight last year I went on a two week binge, ending up in the detox ward.

No shit. Jake seemed interested. John wasn’t going to tell him that it was a psychiatric hospital.

Yes, the name of the place is North Pines.

The one on Long Island, New York?

Yep that’s the one." So much for secrets John thought.

My uncle dried out there, he worked for the phone company.

How is he doing?

Not to good. His wife left him when he sobered and he went back on the bottle.

Gee that’s too bad. John was glad he was not married when he sobered up. North Pines was where he found Susan. She was doing graduate work as a group therapy leader.

John finished his coffee.

Jake I have to get up early. John rose up from the table. He shook Jake’s hand and then he took two dollars and placed it on the table.

Ya sure ya don’t want some of those things. Asked Jake.

Yes, take it easy.

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The yellow vinyl tape with the words: POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS reminded officer Billy Blake of his days when he boxed. He remembered the burns he would get when he spent too much time on the ropes. He had not boxed since he joined the force, but he still kept in shape. They wanted him to box on the police team, his wife on the other didn’t want him to.

Get a shot of this. Det. Winston said as he motioned the photographer over to a shotgun shell lying on the ground next to the plastic #2 sign.

Billy was standing on the far end of the perimeter. He thought that his 110 could take as good of pictures as the expensive police camera. The black camera hid half officer Tallot’s body from Blake as popped the flash revealing the black faces peering over the police line.

Lt. Sterling joined Det. Winston and the photographer near the clue marked #2. Two police cars on the north end and one on the south blocked the traffic. The flashing red and blue lights gave a festive glow to the run down houses. It was dark now but it was light when the shots were fired.

Winston, what do we have here? Lt. Sterling asked.

Guy named Flake, Winston replied pointing over to the chalk outline, must be his street name – took two blasts. The first one nicked him, and second caved in his chest.

Any Witnesses? Asked Sterling

None, at least we can’t come up with any. You know how they work lieutenant.

Sterling was glad they weren’t near any civilians. Winston was a good detective but he was prejudice, probably not the only cop, just the most outspoken.

Officer Billy Blake heard the remark and shook his head. He knew police were trying to make inroads into having more minorities presented. He looked around at all the white cops, not a single black one, they have their work cut out for them.

Billy was the closest cop in the vicinity when the call came in and was the first to arrive. There was a small gathering around the body when he arrived. Seeing no sign of a perpetrator he grabbed the first aid kit and ran over to the victim. He had seen shotgun victims before but he was never the first one on the scene. The ambulance would be there in minutes, but when Billy saw the hole in his chest he knew the first aid kit was useless. He said a prayer as he watched the man’s eyes roll into his head. The light gurgle told Billy that it was the end.

A woman screamed, He’s dead! He’s dead! Do something for him please! Billy thought it might be a relative. A second police car pulled up.

Blake, any witnesses? Asked Lt. Sterling. He moved over to where Billy was standing. The question brought Billy back to the present.

No sir.

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Evonne Watson remembered what her fourth grade Sunday school teacher told her about respecting those in authority. It was in the Bible. So why did mama tell her not to tell the police what she saw?

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John pulled himself up by the silver handle. The cool of the evening made it feel cold to the touch. He admired the black paint on the hood, the light near the showers revealed the beaded raindrops, he was glad he had waxed it the week before. He had put it off for more than a month as he was busy trying to sell her. The buyer in New York had bought it for more than John thought he could get.

He undressed and stepped into the bunk. The down quilt Susan had given him last Christmas kept him warm throughout most of the year.