A Sword in the Darkness

By Jeffrey A. Romero

Tegan Braden, wounded during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Discharged because the army considered his injuries too serious for Tegan to ever be able to handle a high performance fighter. Tegan finds a way to fly in the war with the Royal Canadian Air Force in North Africa, performing well enough to be brought back into the United States Army Air Force. Tegan finds himself assigned to a fighter group with a self-serving chain of command. Tegan struggles to maintain his integrity under corrupt authority relying on the truth and his faith as a Christian. Trusting in God, Tegan finds himself able to fulfill his commitment to fight for his country and more.

Fritz Wallerstadt, forced to fly for the Luftwaffe after the imprisonment of his father for violation of the Nazis’ anti-subversion law. Fritz is determined to survive the war he does not want to be a part of in order to search for his father. Every day he flies his plane into the teeth of overwhelming allied fighters trying to survive and stay away from being a Gestapo target while maintaining his faith as a Christian. These two “opponent” will collide over the skies of Germany.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512786521

Jeffrey A. Romero

Jeffrey “Jeff” A. Romero is from Fort Collins, Colorado. In 1989, he graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Business Administration with minors in History and Military Science, and was the 1988-89 United States Army ROTC Cadet Battalion Commander, a Distinguished Military Graduate, and three time recipient of the Cadet Superior Award. Jeff served nine years (two years enlisted time included) in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer and is a graduate of the Airborne and Ranger schools. In 1996, Jeff left the Army and became a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation where he worked primarily Violent Crimes and Bank Robberies. After twenty-six years of service to the United States, Jeff left government service to spend more time with his family and follow his true passion, writing. Jeff is married and has two daughters.

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Copyright © 2017 Jeffrey A. Romero.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-8651-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-8653-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-8652-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017907614

WestBow Press rev. date: 06/23/2017

Contents

Prologue

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

XIII

XIV

XV

XVI

XVII

XVIII

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LIV

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LIX

Epilogue

Book Edited by Stephen C. Lemons, LTC, United States Army (Retired)

Special Thanks to:

Ron Smith, Professor of History, Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Judy Scofield, Cape and Islands Veteran Outreach

And a grateful thanks to Len Deighton who wrote Good Bye Mickey Mouse, the book that inspired me to write this story. And to Steven Pressfield who wrote Gates of Fire (My favorite book) who inspired me to complete and publish this book and hopefully many more.

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For all warriors: Past, present, and future.

By decision and design, you served. You put your life on the line for freedom for an entire planet.

These warriors had the American Spirit that was forged at Valley Forge when men and women, too cold, too hungry, too tired, and missing their families tremendously, followed leaders who were considered outlaws with death sentences. They had lost almost every major engagement. What if they decided it was too much to bear and just went home…

Yet, they stayed.

That’s integrity!

That integrity became the ‘Spirit’ of the American service members who willingly lay down their lives for freedom. This ‘Spirit’ has been confirmed by Americans facing great disadvantages yet prevailing. Such as the men of Taffy 3 during the Battle of Samar and the Men of the 20th Maine holding Little Round Top. It was also exhibited by the Marines and Air Force personnel defending Khe Sanh and the Seals as described in the inspiring book Lone Survivor or the Rangers at Pointe du Hoc.

Some of you will never know how grateful we are for your sacrifice.

I for one, see it every day in my young daughter who is fearless and determined. I know she can become anything she puts her mind to without any boundaries.

And last, to my Brother ‘Rangers’ who lead the way every day!

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Man is a complex animal. The only animal who has the ability to do good according to conscience, and yet many have chosen and continue to do bad. The greatest tragedies of life are largely caused by man’s fight against integrity, his lack of respect for his fellow man, and for himself. Greed has blinded him to the dynamic process of balance. He is driven by the position, the title, the dollar, and takes little note of who loses as long as he gains. His righteousness is devoured by this greed as every sacred boundary is steadily eroded. It is the rich man who does not make the world a better place yet demands others do so. It is the poor man who blames others for his predicament and demands others provide for him while he squanders every opportunity. It is those, regardless of status, who choose to do evil when they could do so much good and the good provided would be its own rewards.

The future: Destiny’s signpost portends total destruction and the end of humankind.

He is Radical, Liberal, Moderate, Conservative, and Reactionary. His words sound good for those he chooses to side with though his actions differ. He demands fairness and equality, yet lives an extravagant lifestyle that includes multi-million dollars homes and never waiting in line with the masses for which he lobbies. Private flights and people who wait on him at his call while he argues how others should divide their earned wealth with those who have very little and have not been so lucky. However, his wealth is his because he earned it through talent and hard work. He will argue against war all the while profiting from it both financially and politically.

He exercises power crushing others for his own benefit as he rises to the top. He does what he wishes for what good is power, if not, to look out for your own interest. Yet he gives himself a constant reminder that he is doing the correct thing as called for by policy, never realizing that, the fine line we all walk, right is based primarily on the perception of people, but actions are in the hands of those with power. Lies and deception become as acceptable as the concept of the ends justify the means.

For these leaders hurting people is an acceptable loss. They exchange men’s lives and dreams for the color of money and the position of power. What does it matter? Everyone is doing it, why not me. I deserve it as much as they do, or This is how it’s done.

With that power, he can take what others have earned and give it to those who won’t get up and earn it themselves, thus, bribe his way into their heart, all the while taking away from the few who truly deserve aid.

While there are those who fight for profit, there are those who fight for freedom.

Those who refuse the opportunity to be a force for good in the circle of life will walk in darkness, in spite of their gain. But those who wish to serve mankind and stand for what is right, they will shine. They are people who live by a different standard. Honesty is not an option. Selflessness is a way of life. Integrity reigns in the face of conflict and disparity. They have committed their lives to defending the defenseless. No darkness can blot out the deeds of these fair and sincere few. The fruit of their efforts will pierce any darkness. Those few are A SWORD IN THE DARKNESS.

Prologue

From the late 1930s to the mid-1940s, the planet earth was engaged in a brutal and vicious world war that saw the advancement of many killing tools. One of those tools was the airplane. A magnificent mechanical design that allows man to fly. Aerodynamics and power created a thing of beauty. It was said that if man was meant to fly, God would have given him wings. In fact, God did give man wings. The wings he dreamed of, then created, and finally perfected.

Enter the warrior. A person, by decision and design, who chooses to pick up the rifle and defend freedom for those who cannot defend it themselves. Like a Spartan Hoplite who swears to never let the Spartan people see Sparta burning, the warrior dedicates himself to be the best he can be so that he may effectively and efficiently accomplish his goal. Unfortunately, that means becoming a deadly and decisive killer.

It is sometimes necessary to kill in order to protect.

During World War II, three groups, one in the Pacific and two in Europe, were exacting their will on innocent people for the purpose to rule and enslave. To dominate all inferior people was the view of Japan, Germany, and Italy. Anyone who disagreed was killed. The only choices offered by the Axis powers was submission, death, or war.

In the end, there was only one choice for free people. No one wanted the war except the Axis powers. Many people tried to talk to them and many of those people died. Millions died for no other reason than the Axis wanted them dead. In the end, there was only one thing left to do and that was fight. The men and women who died remind us that we should never allow any force dedicated to the idea of a Super Race or a Super Religion or a Super way of life, impose their will on a free world. (Inspired by Actor Leon Ames in the movie BATTLEGROUND)

This brings us back to the warrior and the collision of man and machine…the combat aviator.

They are the bomber pilots and crew, the reconnaissance pilots and crew, the transport pilots and crew, and of course… the fighter pilots and their ground crews.

The fighter pilots, picking up where the World War I aces left off, take up the mantle of challenge to defeat the enemy at high rates of speed and from distances farther than most rifles could shoot. For the American pilots, it was escort missions to protect the bombers, search and destroy missions, and forward fan missions designed to break up enemy aircraft forming up for mass attacks before the bombers arrive.

Every day, thousands of planes took to the sky over Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea, where men would die.

In the end, it would be known as the greatest air battle ever and it would be won by young men barely old enough to shave. The future of the freedom of the planet rested in their hands.

This is just a fictional novel, an example of their story.

For my Wife and Daughters

I

A sudden explosion amplified the pain in 1st Lieutenant Tegan Allen Braden’s aching head. The hangover was suddenly forgotten as two more near simultaneous explosions occurred close to the building.

Tegan went to his window curious to see what the Navy was doing to add continued pain to his already sad condition. The situation seemed very odd.

What is the Navy doing and why are they training on a Sunday morning especially in the middle of Oahu, said Tegan as he approached the window to figure out whom to lodge his complaint against.

As he peered out the window, something in the sky caught his attention. He gazed upward, but the sun hurt his eyes. Suddenly more explosions followed by an aircraft appearing about 100 feet off the ground. It had gone over the bachelor officer’s quarters and came out in front of his window and then slowly banked to the left.

What Tegan saw next shocked him into forgetting all the pain in his body. The sight of the Japanese meatball on a white plane was sobering.

In an instant he was moving to get dressed. He didn’t have to see another meatball to know they were under attack.

Tegan wondered why the Japanese were attacking as he searched for his pants on the ground. He suddenly realized that he had passed out fully clothed.

He was out the door in a blink of an eye and found soldiers exiting their rooms and shouting in a panic. Everyone was running somewhere.

The fact that his shirt was untucked caused Tegan only enough concern to make a mental note as he headed for Wheeler Army Airfield.

Tegan was stunned. He knew tension between Japan and the United States were strained, yet it seemed unconscionable that Japan would attack without a formal declaration of war; especially, here in the Hawaiian Islands.

Once outside, Tegan saw pandemonium everywhere as soldiers were running for cover.

Tegan now could see heavy black smoke rising to the south. The smoke was evidence of a large Japanese force over Pearl Harbor.

The Japanese must be attacking the war ships that are conveniently lined up for them.

For a moment Tegan remembered seeing a carrier sailing out of Pearl Harbor several days ago. He remembered not seeing any carriers yesterday while flying over the ship yard; however, the battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines were anchored in the harbor. Stationary targets.

Tegan saw an opening in the enemy’s attack and was on the move. He ran across a lawn with its sign ‘KEEP OFF GRASS.’ Does it really matter? was the only thing that came to mind.

The massive amounts of black smoke rising from Pearl Harbor that had him thinking that today was a good day to be a torpedo pilot. But he wasn’t a torpedo pilot; he was a fighter pilot flying The United States Army’s most advanced Pursuit Aircraft, the P-40B Warhawk.

His Warhawk was waiting at the airfield. Tegan visualized climbing into the cockpit and taking off, anything to put up a fight.

His daydream was broken as he realized that a Japanese Zero fighter was making a gun run on him.

He sprinted for cover as thoughts of getting strafed didn’t seem like a good way to start a war, or continue on in life for that matter. To die at the age of twenty-three was not his idea of being a positive contributor to society or to the effort it was going to require to win what was most likely a new war for the United States.

The entire world was at war because of the Japanese and the Germans. Everyone said that it was only a matter of time before the United States was completely involved. Well, it was obvious to Tegan that the time was now at hand.

In seven days he would be twenty-four, maybe, if he could just get to the hanger without getting shot or blown-up.

For eighteen months, Tegan had been flying as a fighter pilot for the Army Air Corps. He had graduated second or third in all his flying classes and was first to solo. There were some who pushed to have him assigned to reconnaissance or bombers.

Tegan, however, impressed his flight instructors so much that they went to bat for him and the training school commander overruled those who believed Tegan’s ethnic background would prove he could not perform in combat conditions.

In the end, Tegan remained a fighter pilot due to his own performance.

Tegan was the first of the new pilots at Wheeler to get promoted to First Lieutenant and he knew best what he was capable of in a dogfight.

As for today, Tegan knew if he could just get to his P-40, he could make a difference.

Tegan was up and moving as soon as he was sure the Zero was past. He dodged in and out of bushes and around buildings as soon as he heard the sound of engines grow near enough to force him to seek cover or concealment.

The sound of machine-guns firing was equally motivating to cause him concern. Don’t look back, just find cover. Hesitating can get you killed. Turning and looking can cost you that split-second you need to survive. It’s just better to assume that they are all trying to strafe you.

Everywhere he heard explosions and machine-gun fire. He heard bullets impacting on the ground, the sound of men crying out in pain and people shouting instructions and warnings.

He saw several men lying on the ground not moving. He couldn’t help them now, so he kept moving towards the airfield.

Men were dying! U.S. troops! Tegan knew he had to do something about it. He had to try and stop the loss of American lives.

He was a fighter pilot. That was his job and the best way he could stop the carnage.

Nothing seemed to be making much sense at the moment, but Tegan stayed on the move until he managed to make it to the side of his squadron hanger.

He peered around the corner to see a P-40 gaining power to take off. He could see the Zero already in position making a run on the Warhawk. He knew in an instant that the plane was doomed.

Tegan was moved by the courage of that man trying to take off despite the situation. The Zero’s fire was deadly accurate and Tegan knew the P-40 was crippled severely as it began to swerve and the pilot lost control. The plane burst into flames and crashed into the row of Warhawks that now seemed to be too conveniently and neatly aligned for the Japanese.

Who was it? Who was just killed? Tegan knew that it was one of his squadron mates but which one? He was suddenly filled with anger, sorrow, rage, pride, and fear, all at the same time. Whoever the pilot was, he gave his all and deserved justice.

Tegan knew then that he must make every effort to do something to put up some kind of fight. He entered the hanger door to get into his flight gear and never noticed the diving Val dive-bomber high above the hanger.

Tegan made it to his locker and realized that he did not have the key to his lock. He forgot his keys in his room. There was no way I’m going back to my room to get that ‘….. key, he thought.

He quickly scanned the room for something that would open his lock violently because he didn’t have time for any other option. He saw a fire axe. Tegan moved to the axe, but was simultaneously being thrown forward by a flash of blinding light and a numbing force that picked up his body and flung it across the room.

Funny, but he felt no pain and no control at the same time. For Lieutenant Tegan Braden, it was a feeling that he’d never experienced. All those years of football back in Colorado had never prepared him for a hit of this proportion. He was known as a hard hitting defensive halfback, but he couldn’t handle this hit.

The hanger began to collapse in on itself with a fireball exiting the impact spot.

For Tegan, everything turned to darkness and he never saw the mass of debris fall on him. The gracious unconsciousness saved him from the pain and agony of the chunks of debris from the bomb’s destruction.

II

The early morning light coming through the window suddenly caught Tegan’s attention.

Total confusion embraced him as he tried to figure out where he was or recollect what had happened to him.

He had a lightheaded sensation and a dull pain in the base of his spine. He frantically realized that he could not feel his legs. His mind was racing, but his body was lethargic. He simply could not respond to his mind’s will.

He lay motionless wondering if he had lost his legs.

‘What had happened?’

He closed his eyes trying to see the events of what seemed to be a previous life. He began to see visions of planes, exploding bombs, and panicking soldiers running in all directions. Attack! They were being attacked by planes. Whose planes? When? He didn’t understand anything.

Tegan heard a moan and tried to turn his head but felt resistance. His head moved but his muscles were stiff from an unknown period of non-use. The movement caused some minor pain in his lower back, but Tegan figured that was also stiffness.

As he looked toward the sound, his gaze caught the site of several beds lined up on both sides of the room. People were lying injured in every bed he could see.

A hospital? It all started to make sense. He was in a hospital. Which hospital? How did he get here?

Tegan thought about his legs? What about his legs? He must have been wounded in the attack. Did he lose his legs? He tried to move to see if he still had legs, but again met resistance and pain. He must know how badly he had been wounded.

He braced himself and pushed downward on his elbows with all his might. Pain! Immense pain! Pain that he’s never felt before. His stinging arms gave way as he simultaneously let out a short, sharp scream.

The nurse at the end of the room heard him and moved in his direction. Tegan grimaced as he tried to get the pain out of his mind. The pain in his arms was familiar, but never to this degree.

Tegan recognized that he had burned arms. He thought, ‘burned arms, too?’ What was his condition? A nurse appeared standing next to his bed and peered down at Tegan.

Are you all right? she said with genuine concern.

The pain killer you guys gave me isn’t working, Tegan said through clenched teeth.

Well, if you wouldn’t move, it would work a lot better, replied the nurse.

Tegan took offense to the nurse’s tone. However, he had no idea that the nurse, having dealt with so many wounded men and nearing the end of her fourth twenty hour day, was so on edge that even the most reasonable request irked her.

Do I still have my legs?

What?

My legs… are they still attached?

Of course. Don’t be silly, the nurse said with a sarcastic giggle.

Tegan looked at the 2nd Lieutenant with a frown. ‘Silly,’ he thought, what was silly about his question. He didn’t know where he was or how he had gotten there. He was too weak to really get angry.

How long have I been here? he finally said.

Four days, she said, as if he should have known.

Your bedside manners are atrocious.

You’re in no condition to be critiquing me, she said with a smirk.

What day is it?

You don’t know what day it is?

Look at me. Do I look like I know what day it is let alone much of anything else? Huh! I mean, I don’t even know what happened to me, he said with an edge to his voice.

Well, you’re not going to get any answers with an attitude like that! she said with another smirk.

I am lying in a hospital, which one, I don’t know, not knowing how I got here! Now can you, if at all possible, exercise a little patience with me? he said, giving her the full force of his frustration.

The smirk was gone in an instant and she now realized his plight. Yes, you still have your legs, but the doctors aren’t sure if you will walk again.

How bad?

You’ve fractured your spine in two places in your lower back. You have first and second degree burns on 30 percent of your body, her tone was different as she saw the pain in his eyes.

You will be in traction for several months.

What happened?

The Japanese attacked the Hawaiian Islands. You, I believe, got blown up in a hanger and debris from the hanger’s roof fell on you. Fortunately, enough debris fell around you to keep you from being completely crushed. It’s really a miracle that you’re alive. Do you believe in miracles?

Yes, I do and I’m grateful.

By the way, does this mean war? continued Tegan.

Three days ago, President Roosevelt declared war on Japan.

Then again, maybe I wasn’t so lucky. I could miss this war lying in a hospital bed. What day is it and where am I?

The eleventh of December. Tripler Army Hospital.

Who else got hit besides us, Pearl and Wheeler?

Let me see, Hickam, Schofield, Ewa, and Kaneohe, I think.

Damage?

Four battleships, a voice sounded from over the nurse’s shoulder. The Arizona, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia were sunk. Also, some Cruisers and Destroyers. The Japs caught us with our pants down around our ankles and all we could do was pull them up to our knees and trip ourselves.

What about the Carriers?

Out to sea, said the amplified voice as the nurse moved and exposed the bandaged head of a partially burned sailor.

Roosevelt declared war on Japan on the eighth. Germany and Italy declared war on us today. You just missed the announcement.

Anyone else attacked?

The Philippines were attacked on the eighth and Wake Island is being attacked as we speak. We can’t help them. They’re on their own. Poor ‘Jirines.’ I hope they can hold out.

Tegan could only turn his head enough to see the bandages starting at the bridge of his nose and extending to cover the top of his head.

Where were you when they attacked?

Gunners-Mate Second on the Oklahoma. I’m one of the lucky ones, he said with a saddening voice.

Oh yeah, may I ask why? asked Tegan pretending that the sailor’s condition had no bearing on the statement.

Cause they’re still trying to get a bunch of ‘em out of her, the sailor said disgustingly. The ship capsized an’ sank into mud.

Trapped? Tegan shouted surprised.

Yeah, I got a buddy who’s UDT and he sez it don’t look good. Sez he can hear tapping coming from the inside, but they can’t get to ‘em.

Tegan didn’t know what to say. He was speechless. These were real people with real dreams and real families. They will have real feeling about their loss and spend the rest of their lives with real memories of a person they loved, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for them and this country. Generations have come to an end in one flash of a moment.

The nurse’s sudden movement caught Tegan’s attention.

She whispered I have to check on the other patients. I’ll check on you a little later, okay?

Tegan tried to smile but even that seemed hard for him to do.

Nurse, I’m sorry for getting angry.

It’s all right, I’m used to it.

What were you doing in a hanger? said the sailor, as the nurse walked away.

I was trying to get into my flight gear.

You a pilot?

Yeah.

Whatta ya fly?

Pursuit.

Fighters?

Yeah.

Didn’t quite get one up, did ya?

Didn’t even get close, Tegan was feeling the full effects of the events that placed him in that bed. Remembering, as the pictures passed before his eyes, only made him feel the dull ache of his injuries as he now tried to lie still to avoid the pain in his body.

It was bad enough not to get a plane up, but now he would be laid up for ‘who knows how long’ while the United States is at war. How long? Will they discharge him? Is his service now in question? To fly a fighter in war, what more could anyone ask for?

He thought that he was in the right place at the right time. As it turned out, it was entirely the opposite.

A direct hit on the hanger, maybe he should be thankful to be alive. What could be worse, unable to fight because of wounds, or to die fighting? The confusion just seemed to add insult to injury.

He closed his eyes praying it would all go away. Should he have looked out for himself instead of trying so hard to put up a fight? Fighting is what he trained for; sometimes people back home don’t understand the sacrifice it takes to commit oneself to that concept.

What about the pilot who died trying to get a P-40 airborne while the airfield was under full air attack? What about all those guys trapped on the Oklahoma? What will happen if they can’t get to them? Their cover was their ship and now it might be their tomb.

If he had stayed under cover, he would have undoubtedly been shipped out somewhere to fight the enemy.

Tegan’s mind drifted back to earlier days in Southern Colorado. Things now seemed just as bad as those days long ago. But back then, there was a way out. Tegan’s brother had discovered the way out, they both took a chance that changed their lives for the better, at least, ‘Up until now,’ thought Tegan.

He tried to clear his mind but he couldn’t stop thinking about his younger sister who never had a chance to grow up.

He drifted back to sleep saddened by his current condition and the ugly memories of the past. His dad always said that suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, and character produces hope.

God intended for Christians to have some suffering. Suffering exposed our weaknesses and revealed our total need for Him.

Suffering is not necessarily bad. It is your response to the suffering that can make it bad.

III

It was a dreary overcast night with no moon to illuminate the clouds.

The train pulled out of Trinidad, Colorado.

Two young boys emerged from a grove of bushes.

It had rained an hour before and the wetness had chilled them.

They had spent a day and a half walking or hitchhiking from Capulin in the San Luis Valley.

Both boys ran for the open boxcar door for which they had been waiting.

It was their escape to paradise.

Daniel, thirteen, and Anthony, ten, had long desired to leave their abusive parents, the area, and the lack of potential for advancement in any decent paying livelihood, especially in 1928.

Both parents were school teachers. Unfortunately, these educated people could not control their personal lives. Both parents were physically abusive and their father was a womanizer.

The final crime was the death of their nine-year-old sister.

After her disappearance, their parents showed only minor concern. Their father was more concerned with the fact that he might be a suspect because of the terrible atrocities he had committed on his own daughter.

The final shame was seeing the relief on their father’s face when someone else was charged with the rape and murder of their sister.

After the burial, there was almost no remorse. Their maternal grandparents and a few aunts and uncles were the only ones to show any real concern while the little girl was missing.

Daniel and Anthony searched for two weeks endlessly on their own for any signs of Jeanette. On several occasions, they searched all night. The children all felt a bond to each other because of what they were experiencing.

Now the youngest was gone.

Their mother physically could not have children after Jeanette. Maybe their parents secretly blamed Jeanette. Either way, the parents were more concerned about themselves than the children.

Their mother was an alcoholic and their father, on top of being a womanizer, beat the mother and children frequently. Their mother let their father beat them the same way she allowed him to abuse Jeanette. She chose to ignore the disturbing world around her. Daniel and Anthony believed these events led to her drinking problem.

They were Hispanic, but were not allowed to speak Spanish because their father felt they were better than the people with whom they existed.

The children were expected to attend college and pay for it themselves, like their parents did. Higher education went to their parent’s heads because most Hispanics in 1928 did not have college degrees.

Other children always made fun of them because of their lack of understanding of their own native language.

Life was more difficult than it should have been.

While the boys remained searching, no one would look for them.

After returning the next day, no one chastise them for being gone all night.

Instead, their father beat them for not being at their summer job. The money the boys earned all went to the parents. The only reason the children had decent clothes was to avoid the embarrassment of looking poor.

They were always criticized for eating more than they were worth. Daniel realized that the parents could care less whether they were there or not. It seemed as though they were not missed while they were gone.

Daniel conceived the notion to leave. Staying was no longer an option and his only concern now was taking care of his tough little brother.

Running away, though terrifying, was much better than staying. Anthony agreed immediately and said that he would go anywhere Daniel wanted him to go no matter how hard it would be.

That night, after the parents fell asleep, the two left without a word.

Daniel was the first to reach the boxcar door and pulled himself inside. He immediately turned to assist Anthony, who was only a few feet from the door.

The train lunged forward and started to pick up speed. Daniel stretched out his hand and reach for his brother. Anthony was determined not to be beaten or be separated from his brother. He bore down and pushed himself as fast as he could go. He began to keep up with the train and moved closer to the open door. With a quick toss, he threw in his bag. A second later, he placed his left hand on the platform of boxcar and grabbed Daniel’s hand with his right hand. With a pull and a push, he had hoisted himself up to his waist. He let go of Daniel’s hand and balanced himself on the edge of the platform. Daniel grabbed Anthony’s belt and pulled him into the boxcar.

Gathering themselves, they turned and found they were not alone.

An older man in ragged clothes sat in the corner and stared at them.

We don’t want any trouble. Were just here for the ride, said Daniel.

We won’t bother you if you don’t bother us, added Anthony.

You boys running away?

None of your business, fired back Daniel.

Yeah, I ran away when I was your age. Still running.

Daniel and Anthony looked at each other.

Well, we’ll stay on our side, make sure you stay on yours, said Daniel.

Yeah, and if we catch you stealing our stuff, we’ll throw you off the train while it’s moving, said a defiant Anthony.

No need to be rude. The law of the train riders is that you don’t hurt or steal from each other.

There’s a law? said Daniel.

Sure. We help each other get away from the rail people who search the trains when they stop.

Well, we don’t plan on making this a habit, said Daniel.

Yeah, that’s what I said when I was your age.

Again, Daniel and Anthony looked at each other. Daniel then pushed Anthony to the opposite end of the train as he watched the man pull his blanket up over his shoulder.

Get some sleep. I’ll take the first watch, whispered Daniel. Anthony complied and lay down and curled up in a ball to stay warm. Daniel sat down with his back against the wall of the boxcar as he watched the man.

The train passed through a large city in the early morning. Daniel didn’t know what time it was, but it was still dark. The train didn’t slow down as they neared the depot. The area was filthy and the town smelled of burnt coal. This reminded Daniel of where they came from. Daniel decided that this was not the place they wanted to stay.

Daniel felt that it would take at least a full day or more to ride some place better than Trinidad. He felt that they would be harder to locate if anyone was searching for them.

He thought that they were traveling north, but couldn’t be sure.

He let Anthony sleep; after all, there was no way they were getting off the train.

They were now passing the depot. There was enough light to make out the sign, ‘Pueblo Train’ something. He couldn’t make out the rest of the sign. He remembered the city of Pueblo from his geography class and its location on the map of Colorado.

It seemed that they had not traveled far enough, Pueblo was far from where they wanted to live.

Daniel just crawled back in the corner and wished he never knew his parents were married seven months before he was born. Nobody had to hit him with a ‘Blackjack’ for he could do the math and; therefore, understood that he was the reason for their marriage. He knew that they weren’t happy together.

Anthony always said it best, they’re two selfish people fighting for what they can get out of the marriage.

Daniel wasn’t happy living with them. He also knew that Anthony wasn’t happy either.

Anthony was strong and despised his parents immensely. He was bitter and began to feel the strain of being a prisoner. Daniel was determined not to allow Anthony to lose his mind because of the environment. The boy was aggressive, energetic, and athletic. He was also a very determined individual with the talent to really become the person he desired to be.

Daniel knew Anthony would be somebody special someday.

Daniel felt the easiness of sleep as he felt the comfort of knowing that the two of them would be all right.

Daniel woke Anthony and told him it was his watch. Once he knew Anthony was awake, Daniel rolled over and pulled his legs into his chest and fell asleep.

Daniel and Anthony had managed to avoid the searchers in Colorado Springs by watching the old man. The old man leaped from the train before the light of the lanterns illuminated their boxcar. They circled ahead out of sight of the train and waited for it to move again, then they ran to the boxcar.

The train had yet to pick up enough speed and they were able to open a boxcar and leaped in. This time Daniel and Anthony helped the old man.

The old man left them in Denver as Daniel and Anthony did the same trick as they learned watching the old man in Colorado Springs. The old man never said a word, he just disappeared into the darkness and Daniel and Anthony were alone.

At the next stop, Daniel believed they were north of Denver, but was not sure if they were still in Colorado.

Daniel could see the city a short distance from the depot.

The city was much smaller than Denver or Colorado Springs. However, it had a pleasant aura about it.

Daniel looked for the train station personnel, who always searched for stowaways. They were usually lazy and never really paid much attention to their jobs.

Unfortunately, the crew at this most recent stop showed an entirely different attitude, they seemed to care about what they were doing.

They had the afternoon sun to support their detailed search.

They were thorough, and Daniel and Anthony knew that if they stayed, this time they would be caught.

They had eaten most of what they had brought with them, and they longed for some warm food.

Daniel decided that they had to get out of the boxcar and go into town.

When the opportunity presented itself, the two made a break.

Daniel knew if they were caught, they could be tracked back to the prison they were trying to escape from.

It was by chance that one of the searchers slipped and fell out of one of the boxcars. The rest of the crew turned to see if their buddy was okay.

Daniel and Anthony were out of the boxcar and into the trees before any one turned around.

It was Anthony who nudged Daniel when their chance occurred. Daniel was impressed with Anthony’s decisiveness. Anthony had showed no fear or hesitation.

The brothers walked into town as the sun started to set. The sign they passed read ‘Fort Collins city limits.

Anthony knew right away that this was the place to live. There was something special about this town.

Anthony summoned Daniel into an alley.

Daniel, you have to promise me never to tell anybody where we’ve come from, no matter what! Anthony stated with conviction. This is our chance to make a new start. I don’t want to ever return. I think I would like to live here… forever.

I promise never to tell. Also, we need to stop using our real names, replied Daniel. We have to decide what we want to be called. A name that is not that common, but something you’d like to be called. Something that’s easy to remember.

I like the name ‘Tegan’, stated Anthony. How ‘bout you?

Daniel looked down and saw a discarded cigarette carton. On the side of the carton was written ‘Kent’. Kent, he responded quickly. No Hispanics would ever name their kid ‘Kent’.

They will have a hard time finding out where we came from with names like Tegan and Kent. Whatta ya say, Tegan? Daniel said with a smile.

I think so, Kent, said Anthony returning his smile.

Good. Let’s get something to eat. They turned and walked into town.

Scrounging and hiding became a way of life for several weeks until they slipped up.

IV

The Reverend Michael Trevor Braden entered the police station with his wife Sarah.

The police had called them at six o’clock that morning in reference to two runaway boys.

The Reverend was active in supporting the local orphanage and the children who became part of society’s refuge system.

This morning was different from all the other mornings, because after many years of trying without success, the Braden’s had finally succumbed to the fact that they could not have children on their own.

Both had longed for children and after fifteen years of trying, they believed God had decided a different path for them.

For weeks they had considered their options, but only one seemed available if they wanted to have children… adopt.

Mike Braden was a man of conviction who trusted the Lord with everyday life and the decisions that go with that life.

They had just concluded the night before that they were going to adopt a child. They had not decided the age, gender, or race because they had not had time to discuss it in great detail.

Reverend Braden believed that God allowed you the opportunity to make all the decisions that affect your own life.

Those who trusted the Lord listened but acted aggressively, not passively. He felt that too many Christians sat waiting for God just to tell them to stand up. These people had no initiative and no control over their lives. He had to ensure that he would never abuse his position of spiritual authority over these people. They were constantly asking Reverend Braden what they should do with their own lives as if he had all the answers.

Spiritual guidance was not telling someone exactly what to do every minute of the day, but to know and seek out the Lord through prayer and reading the Bible. It also included giving hope, broadening viewpoints, and ensuring that people treat each other with decency.

Reverend Braden stared at the two boys wondering what to say. The boys were filthy and their clothes were wet and torn.

They looked as though they hadn’t had a decent meal in a while.

Though they were dirty, he could tell that they had a natural tan to their skin. They looked determined yet intelligent.

He immediately realized that God had placed this decision before him.

Where are they from? Reverend Braden asked the nearest police officer.

Don’t know, Sir, replied the officer. Can’t get nothing out of them. We even brought in a Spanish speaker, but they won’t respond to anything.

I know how to get them to talk! said another officer of a rather large proportion. A good beating will do it.

You will not! Shouted Sarah Braden. Not while there is a breath in my body. Her gaze immediately backed away the overweight officer.

Gee Ma’am they’re just a couple o’ mexs, replied the blushing officer, clearly embarrassed by the rebuff.

How dare you use that language in front of my wife! Reverend Braden wasted no time in getting the officer’s attention as he raised his voice. They are human beings created by God just like you. Are you saying God makes mistakes? I certainly hope not! Being prejudiced is a sin, gentlemen!

I’m terribly sorry ma’am. Replied the overweight officer with eyes fixed on his shoes.

Sarah was over by the youngest boy with her handkerchief out wiping his dirty face.

Her kindness was sincere and he welcomed her gentleness.

Reverend Braden turned to the first officer. Have you tried any other languages? How can you be so sure that Spanish or English is all they know? You people really need to be more objective and less opinionated, he finished as the last statement went right over their heads.

The Police Captain overheard the conversation and stepped in.

Reverend Braden knew the Captain well.

Captain Jim Merrick was a good and decent gentleman who understood his role as a police captain to society and people even better. The Reverend’s last statement was received and comprehended by Captain Merrick.

He stepped in the office, My boys causing you any problems Reverend and Mrs. Braden? They have a long way to go to become true gentlemen, but I’m not finished with them yet.

He gazed at the two officers with a look that froze the sweat on their faces.

Is there anything I can do for the two of you?

Oh. Thank you. You’re so kind, Captain, smiled Sarah.

Hello Jim, it’s so good to see you. Can we have a moment alone with these boys? said Reverend Braden with complete sincerity.

Of course, Mike. Let’s go boys! Captain Merrick stated with a command voice.

Don’t you want protection? said the overweight officer with a stupid look to the Bradens.

Captain Merrick said nothing, just stared at the officer. Never mind, said the officer, embarrassed, as he departed the office.

Captain Merrick turned and smiled, He’s new. He turned and walked out of the office.

The Braden’s looked at each other and knew what was on each other’s mind. They smiled and turned their full attention to the boys.

Sarah was first to speak. What is your name, honey?

Tegan, the words were gone before he realized he had spoken.

Tegan felt no fear and no stress as this strange woman put her arms around him. He felt total comfort and was very relaxed, but he still remembered the promise.

He was lying, but she believed him or she felt it was rude to ask him his real name.

She smiled and said. Tegan. What a nice name for such a handsome boy!

Kent wanted to hit him the moment he spoke, but knew they would discover that the boys were hiding something. He could only listen.

For three weeks, they had been avoiding the police. They were caught in an alley in the middle of the night trying to get some sleep.

They didn’t know how far Fort Collins was from the San Luis Valley, but they knew that they were still in Colorado because of the State flag flying in front of the Police station.

One night, they overheard some gentleman talking about going up to Cheyenne for the evening. They figured out that they were close to Wyoming. The San Luis Valley was close to New Mexico, so it was safe to assume that they were on the other side of the State of Colorado.

They had no plan of where they were going. They just went with the train. They believed it was luck to have ended up in Fort Collins. Now these two really nice people were asking them questions.

Kent didn’t want to trust anybody, so he guarded himself. But Tegan knew right from the start that these people could be trusted.

And what is your name? continued Reverend Braden as he looked at Kent.

Kent returned his look but said nothing. The Reverend smiled but still Kent refused in his mind to divulge any information.

His name is Kent, answered Tegan finally, smiling while he spoke.

Kent… now that’s not a very common name. I bet you’re proud of it, said the Reverend continuing to smile.

You boys know that you can trust us. We’re here to help you. He looked at Kent trying to convince him with sincere eyes. You do believe that, don’t you Kent?

Kent stared back at him not sure how to respond. He wanted to accept what this man was saying, but as the oldest, it was his responsibility to keep up the guard.

Where do you boys come from? continued Reverend Braden. You boys speak perfect English, so it’s somewhere in the United States. He kept looking back and forth hoping to see a response in their eyes.

We can’t help you if you don’t talk to us, interjected Sarah with a happy smile hoping to convince the boys that they were now safe and everything was going to be fine.

Far away! Tegan’s response was immediate and direct and left an implication that that was all they needed to know because they weren’t going to get anymore.

The Braden’s just looked at each other with puzzled expressions.

Well then, where are your parents? asked Reverend Braden.

Dead! sounded Tegan in the same fashion as his last statement. He did not like the idea of lying because his parents were liars and in his heart he was determined to do better than them. But he didn’t mind his last statement, because to him, his parents were dead.

Dead? Oh, dear,’’ stated Sarah with genuine concern. How long and what have you boys been doing ever since this tragedy?"

Kent saw the opportunity and spoke before Tegan could. Died when we were very young. Tegan doesn’t remember them, but I do. We’ve been in and out of so many orphanages over the years. Nobody wants to adopt children with darker skin.

Kent looked at Tegan who had stepped into the role by putting his head down and looking pitiful.

Many of the people at the orphanages are very cruel. We just couldn’t take it anymore. Please don’t send us back. Kent finished by doing his part, sadly gazing at the floor.

Sarah looked at Tegan and lifted his chin up to look into his eyes. There were tears and Tegan said softly, Please.

Sarah immediately hugged the child and said There-there. She looked at her husband and he knew what she was thinking.

Reverend Michael Braden loved his wife almost as much as he loved the Lord. He knew what he must do. A funny thing was he wanted them as much as she did.

Hispanic children? He never considered Hispanic children. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and he must trust the Lord and accept his role for setting the example amongst the community.

With this in mind the Reverend smiled happily and said, How would the two of you like to stay with us until we can straighten this whole matter out. I don’t think you gentlemen would appreciate staying in an orphanage tonight or any night for that matter. Maybe, if this works out, you can stay with us permanently.

The last statement just flowed out of his mouth before he could stop it. In a unique way, he didn’t want to stop the words. It was as if they were supposed to be spoken.

The boys both looked up with a smile for now there seemed to be hope for their future.

Deep down, though, both felt bad for deceiving these nice people. They had conned the Braden’s and played upon their goodwill.

That night the boys vowed to pay the Braden’s back with obedience, integrity, hard work, and love.

V

The football hit the End right in the hands, but he failed to hold onto it. Instead, he tipped it up in the air to the charging Defensive Halfback with the number thirteen on his jersey.

Thirteen had been focused on putting all the force of his body into that of the End. Suddenly, there was the football tipped into his grasp with the ‘temptation’ of ‘intercept me.’

The Defensive Halfback’s split-second adjustment was a demonstration of excellent athletic ability.

Tegan just scooped the ball out of midair thinking, ‘Just