13th Minister Of Salem: Ministers Of The Mystery

By Kathie Costos

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Penned by Kathie Costos, 13th Minister Of Salem is a work in the supernatural horror, suspense, and gothic drama subgenres, forming the third installment in the Ministers Of The Mystery series. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to its dark content and adult situations. In this profoundly intriguing continuation of the series, we find ourselves back with Chris as word of his achievements and talents has spread, but this only leads to more trouble for our hero. Trying to get married would be hard enough without the constant death threats from the cult of the now- defeated Haman Cain, let alone the Master's warning that his end- time is drawing near.

Kathie Costos brings us back into the world of gothic suspense, deep drama, and a chilling thriller with a bang in this third installment in the series. I found myself deeply involved in Chris's psychological storyline. We see the painfully realistic damage that his adventures, battles, and triumphs have left him with over the events of the first two novels. I felt his pain, isolation, and pressure deep in my soul; such is the efficacy of Costos's intimate narrative, thought, and speech portrayal. The darkest elements of the work are also well-handled to avoid being gratuitous but remain chilling to the core. I recommend 13th Minister Of Salem to fans of the existing series as another accomplished paranormal chiller to devour.

Chris's battles were growing. He was learning the hard way to be careful about what he wished for. He became so famous, he had to hire security just to be able to go out in public. After taking down Haman Cain, he was getting death threats from his cult. He hated the fame his books brought to him, as much as he hated the changes that were coming non-stop. The series from his first book, making wedding plans were only the beginning of his torment. He was shot and feared he'd never be able to use his hand again.

 

Master Ministers were on high alert and ready to battle the dark forces gathering to destroy Chris. The book forces of darkness feared most of all was in his hands. 

 

The worst came when he received a Master Minister of the Mystery warning. "Dark forces are already at work writing your wedding dirge. Your assailant has been chosen but so has your avenger."

• Language: English
• Publisher: PTSD Patrol
• Release date: Dec 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215195079

Kathie Costos

Kathie Costos survived over ten traumatic events that could have killed her. For four decades she helped other survivors heal using personal experience, research, and thousands of articles, she compiled many true stories in creating The Ministers Of The Mystery Series THE SCRIBE OF SALEM IS BOOK ONE THE VISIONARY OF SALEM IS BOOK TWO 13TH MINISTER OF SALEM IS BOOK THREE Kathie lives in New Hampshire with her second husband of over three decades, and their dog Murray. Other books are For The Love Of Jack, The Warrior SAW, Residual War, Websites; Wounded Times and PTSD Patrol

Book preview

PROLOGUE

"I n order for the assembly (Ekklēsia ) to be built up, every believer needs to rise up and be actively seeking the Lord and functioning according to the gifts that the Spirit has given each one." ― Henry Hon

Chris spent seven years in darkness and loneliness and over two years living with friends standing by his side ready to do whatever he needed. All the battles they fought were worth it because eventually, they won. He was trying to hang onto that while being sucked right back into the abyss. The Ekklēsia  Master Ministers were ready to join the fight to light the world with the truth.

Historically, the American church has been one of the most powerful sources of community change and strength – but with a rapid decline in congregations, something has gone terribly wrong.  As a society, we need to start radically rethinking the church and its role in our faith and communities. Surprisingly, the path forward does not lie ahead of us, but in our deepest roots. Rev. Patrick Darnell

He was accused of trying to take down churches, much like Jesus was accused of preaching blasphemy and serving Beelzebul because He preached about a direct connection to God, without needing a building to act as a super connection. His enemies were among those using faith as a weapon of destruction, just like the Puritans in Salem were responsible for the Witch Trials.

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:14

1 QUASI CHRISTIANS

Chris was walking back home from the Bishop Hotel bar at 2:00 in the morning. Few cars were on the road leaving an eerie dull echoing squish of his sneakers on the wet sidewalk. Suddenly fog rolled in and out of the mist appeared the image of Reverend Burroughs carrying a large book. Chris froze with fear as the apparition moved towards him, then just as suddenly, vanished.

AT SUNRISE ON SALEM Willows beach, a group of 12 women stood in a circle. They were wearing dresses from the 1600s covered with full-length hooded purple capes hiding their faces. They raised their hands in the air. The sun rose on the purple horizon as they chanted, Rise Matthias. The circle broke. One of the younger women pulled down her hood and asked the leader, Why do we have to get dressed up all the time?

Dariana pulled down her hood, and answered, Salem is a tourist town. If anyone is out here this early and sees us, they won’t think it’s strange. We can practice our faith in the open and no one will suspect a thing.

Is that why there are video cameras around us?

Yes. They’ll think it is some sort of a stunt instead of something to fear. Considering we were hunted down right here in 1692, they’ll think it is all a show. I know you’re new among us, but if you have any more questions, feel free to ask the others. I have a plane to catch. She walked away. The younger woman turned to one of the others, exasperated, sarcastically asking, Why doesn’t she just use her broom, glaring at Dariana’s back. The other woman said, Lydia, that’s not funny. It’s that kind of talk that caused all the problems during the witch trials.

A LIMO PULLED UP IN front of a renovated old church with two towers on each side of Watch Fire studio in Los Angeles. A crowd gathered to greet Chris but he didn’t notice any of them. His large dark eyes behind Ben Franklin-style glasses were locked on the doors. A force was holding him back. His mind screamed, Don’t get out! 

He had to preview the first three episodes of the series from his first inspirational book Blessed Are The Peacemakers, about the worst times of his life taking him from attempted suicide to author in just 13 days. All that occurred afterward came with fame, fortune, and others trying to stop him from telling the truth. As for fame, he hated it. Almost three years after he climbed out of the shadow of death, he was being pushed right back into it.

Grace was holding his hand fighting off the urge to tell the driver to go back to the airport. She couldn’t stand seeing him being tortured by his past. Dariana was on his other side and watched his fist clench as he glared at the doorway. She knew he couldn’t get through this without her help any more than he could have gotten through it, or anything else, without Grace. 

Joining the cast and crew, were the director Walter, and Jason came out of the door. Chris stared at Jason, painfully, because of how much he looked like him. What would it be like for him while watching it? Was that what was holding him back from getting out of the limo or was it something deeper?

He took a deep breath, looked at Grace, squeezed her hand, and nodded. They got out and slowly walked past the crowd. Some of the actors were dressed in Army uniforms with stunt weapons because they were filming war footage. He turned to thank them for all their hard work.

As Chris approached the doorway, a man dressed like the actors stepped out of the crowd and yelled, Anti-Christ, as he pointed an AR15 at him. Chris began to raise his hand to adjust his glasses. The man fired, striking the side of his left hand, passing through it, and entering his shoulder. Screams replaced cheers. Grace grabbed him. Dariana reached out for him as he fell to the ground. Several men fought the gunman, trying to take away his gun as more shots were released into the air. They got him on the ground. Grace dropped to her knees, and pulled off her jacket, applying pressure to his hand and shoulder. Chris passed out. She was sure she was going to lose him. Her hands trembled. She repeated his name over and over again.

Jason’s medical skills as a Navy Corpsman propelled him into action. Grace moved out of the way, still on the ground next to Chris. Jason jumped on top of him tending to his wounds. She couldn’t let out the tears trapped behind the shock. Walter ran back inside to let everyone know what happened. Benjamin, Alex, and Mary rushed out to him as police cruisers and ambulance sirens came toward them.

As the EMTs were putting Chris in the ambulance, Jason appeared to be calm while his heart was pounding. Grace, shaking, looked at her hands covered with Chris’s blood. Dariana put her arm around her. One more reminder they didn’t need how life could change in an instant.

CHRIS’S EYES OPENED several times in the ambulance as EMTs worked on him. Flashbacks of when the flight crew worked to save his life after the bomb blast in Afghanistan. He saw his best friends Bill and David when they were soldiers and Chris was covering the wars during the most memorable tours they did together. He wasn’t hearing the siren from the ambulance. He was hearing the sound of helicopter blades. His body started to shake in the ambulance the same way it had in the helicopter, causing confusion and alarm for the EMTs. Instead of feeling the pain from the gunshot wounds, he was feeling his skin burning on the right side where the shrapnel hit him because the flashback had taken him back there. 

THE GROUP GOT INTO the limo, following the ambulance. Walter stayed behind to talk to the crime scene investigators. Jason held Grace’s bloodied hand with his own. So many questions were popping out. There were no answers for them. Benjamin put his head in his hands, Looks like one of the death threats was more than just talk. He hung his head down for a moment, and lifted it looking at their faces, Chris has been getting more than just angry comments from Cain’s supporters. He started getting death threats from people accusing him of trying to take down the church.

Jason felt Grace’s hand tighten around his, Why the hell didn’t he tell me? How long has this been going on?

Benjamin shook his head, He’s been getting them since January but not just from Cain’s followers. He’s been getting them from zealots because he’s been telling the truth they don’t want people to know. He didn’t want any of you to know because he was afraid you’d all try to stop him from doing what he has to do. Grace, you’ve been surrounded by security guards when both of you are out in public. He hired them to protect you. There were two of them with you today and they were the ones who took the gun away from the freak.

Oh, my God! She shook her head trying to understand what he just told her. I thought it was just my imagination. How much more hasn’t he told me?

Mary was confused, He didn’t tell us either. How did he find out about the death threats? My secretary stopped sending him fan mail after the second book because he said he felt uncomfortable reading them.

Don’t feel bad. The only reason he told me was he knew I owned a lot of businesses and asked if I owned a security company or could recommend one. The threats went directly to his place and his hotel. It’s not like any of that is a secret. He wanted to hire the best security his money could buy to protect you. Now he’s gonna need them to constantly be around him. All of them sat in stunned silence, reliving all the strange events that brought them together and worried it was all coming to an end.

AT THE HOSPITAL, THEY were handed masks and directed to the waiting area. Grace and Jason went to wash the blood off their hands but there was nothing they could do to stop feeling it on their clean skin. Chris was taken out of the emergency room and brought into surgery. The group waited, sat, stood, and paced in the waiting area. Grace pulled out her phone to call Ed. She didn’t want him to hear it on the news. 

ED LISTENED TO GRACE with tears dripping down. Angelina sat quietly with her arm around his shoulder. He promised to contact David, Bill, and Drake. Angelina held him after he hung up the call. Ed had his flashback. He looked at the barstool, where Chris usually sat on his darkest days. The image was on the night it rained. Chris walked to the bar so he wouldn’t kill anyone drunk driving, even though Chris was planning on killing himself that dreadful night. He remembered the three years he listened to Chris and prayed for him and witnessed his transformation from having no reason to live into becoming an inspiration to people around the world. He remembered what it felt like when Chris told him the night his life began to change, he was sitting on his bed with a gun in his hand and ready to pull the trigger.

BENJAMIN CALLED CLOVER in case she hadn’t heard. The last time he talked to her, she was on her way to the studio.Where are you?

I’m on my way to the hospital. How’s Chris?

He’s in surgery.

I can’t believe this happened. I just got off the phone with the police and they said the man they arrested is a minister from Texas.

What?

He lost a lot of members and money so he blamed Chris for taking down his ministry because when he took down Cain’s and called him a pedophile too. That’s why he called Chris the anti-Christ.

I am so tired of these quasi-Christians so full of hate and contempt for what Jesus taught they attack everyone defending Him!

Quasi-Christians? Can I quote you on that? All of us need to use that term more often considering what we’ve been up against.

Maybe we should but I can’t take credit for it. That’s what Chris has been calling them for a couple of months now. Drive carefully and see you soon.

GRACE WAS STILL IN the waiting room with the others, got up, and found a nurse in the hallway. She appeared to be in a position of authority, adorable like Jessica Alba, with kind eyes wearing a clear face mask. Grace saw her name was Kimi. Kimi, can you tell me where the chapel is? She needed to be by herself to pray for Chris and that the surgeons were guided by the Master Healer. Kimi nodded, pointed her to the elevator, and said, On the first floor near the entrance. 

SHE SAT IN THE CHAPEL, looking at her black diamond ring as her fingers trembled again, struggling between feeling protected and rejected at the same time. Why did Chris love her so much that he wanted to protect her, and didn’t trust her enough to tell her about the threats to his life? Leaning on her legs, looking down at the floor, and fighting off doubts, she saw Chris’s blood on her shoes. Instant flashback of when she responded to the Pulse Nightclub massacre. The floor of the chapel was covered with blood, just as it was at Pulse. Instead of the dress shoes, she was wearing, she saw her boots were soaked with blood and so were her socks. The sound of the cellphones ringing around so many dead bodies all came back to her. She blocked her ears with her hands and shut her eyes. When she opened them, she saw a small boy on the bloody floor and was terrified. She tightly shut her eyes and covered them with her hands shaking her head back and forth.

EVENTUALLY, SHE FOUGHT it off and went back to the group, still semi-dazed. Jason was standing near the window fighting off his flashbacks of being a Navy Corpsman and the over 30 Marines he treated during his deployments, and sadly the ones he couldn’t save. He saw the last two Marines he treated before he covered them with his own body as shrapnel tore into his back. 

Grace stood next to him, instinctively taking his hand. He turned toward her, Are you ok?

No, but I will be. Thank you for taking care of Chris. Are you ok?

That’s what I’ve been thinking about. He leaned on the window sill, I didn’t even have time to think about what I needed to do. I just did it. He took a deep breath,  Seeing Chris laying there was the way I imagined it when we were shooting the bomb scene in Afghanistan. I just never thought I’d see something like that here in LA. Finding out about the death threats, after everything he’s done, it’s hard to take too. Why are people so damn evil? Grace had no words. Jason put his hand in his pocket, pulled out Chris’s amulet, and handed it to Grace. Here. I pulled it off Chris so that nothing would happen to it. I know how important it is and sorry I had to break the chain.

Grace looked at it, That’s ok. We can always get the chain fixed. Thank you for doing that because that was given to him by Mandy. She put it in her pocket.

In Cape Cod, a clean-shaven David, with his long red hair blowing in the ocean breeze, and Greer, trying to walk their five-month-old German Shepherd puppies, frustrated, trying to train them to stop pulling on their leashes. Greer’s puppy Jones and David’s puppy Wallace were always playing. He had just finished yelling at Wallace for trying to play with Jones when Ed called him. Hi, Ed, happily giggling watching Wallace. What’s up?

I wanted to get ahold of you before you heard it on the news. Chris was shot and is in the hospital right now.

He froze his steps, shouting, What the fuck! Instantaneous flashback of when Chris was hit by shrapnel in Afghanistan. What happened?

They were headed into the studio when a freak called him anti-Christ and shot him. He’ll be ok but the bullet tore through his left hand and went into his shoulder.

What the hell is wrong with people? He thought about Grace. How’s Grace dealing with this?

She’s is as ok as she can be. They’ll let me know as soon as they have any more information. I’ll call you when I know more but can you call Bill? I just tried but it went to voice mail. That’s not the kind of message I want to leave.

Ya, I’ll text him to call me. He must be busy packing.

I’m calling Drake as soon as I hang up.

David took a deep breath. That’s gonna be a rough one. Tell her I’ll call her later.

Thanks, David.

DRAKE WAS SITTING IN her living room with Tiffany watching her on the phone with Ed. She hung up the call and cried. Tiffany put her arm around her. Softly asking, What happened to Chris?

He’s been shot. He’s in surgery and should be all right, but it’s the call I’ve been dreading.

Why? I don’t understand. Did you know something like this would happen?

Not me, Mandy. She told me a lot of things about Chris and so far, she was right about all of it but she also said that he’d have a time of tribulation from the evil one and we’d all have to be by his side. She also told me that David would be the one to save him.

"Save him from what? 

Death. Not a physical one but a spiritual one. Mandy painted a picture for David before she died with a message that he needed to be prepared for what Chris needed. She was trying to warn him of what was to come. I think this is it. She put her head down. Tiffany wrapped her arms around her.

GREER AND DAVID GOT back to their house, and walking up the pathway, David texted Bill CALL ME NOW! He opened the door to the large room with an open kitchen and living room. He waited on the deck looking out at the ocean.  Greer walked down the hall, past the two bedrooms, and put the puppies in David’s exercise room. 

She went out to the deck and put two cans of beer on the table near David. Sitting down next to him, opened hers, and sipped it waiting for him to return to reality. She saw the look in his eyes and recognized his staring off into space meant he was having a flashback. He was. He was seeing himself and Bill in their uniforms, looking down at Chris after the bomb blast tore through him.

Waiting for it to pass, she had been with him long enough to see it at least 100 times before, just as he saw it when she had hers. His phone rang. She saw it was Bill. Greer grabbed David’s phone,  whispering, Bill, David can’t talk right now. Did you talk to Ed?

No. When he called I was packing and fighting with the kids to stop playing with the boxes. What’s up? He went back to folding his dress uniform and his wife Jenna’s preparing to move from Fort Drum back to Salem and into the house, he grew up in.

I don’t know how to say this, Chris will be ok but he was shot this morning in LA. He’s in surgery right now.

Bill screamed, What the hell happened? Dropping the clothes on the bed, he walked to close the bedroom door.

Some maniac shot him when they were going in to watch the series.

Bill dropped down on the bed, Did they catch the bastard? Please tell me he’s dead so I won’t have to kill him myself!

He’s alive but they caught him. Ed will call us when he knows more.

Son of a bitch, he took a deep breath. Did anyone else get shot?

No.

Is Grace ok?

You know Grace. She’s ok but right now she’s putting Chris first and she’ll have to take care of herself afterward. When they got off the phone, David’s flashback was over. He looked at Greer, put his head on her shoulder, and sobbed. 

ABOUT AN HOUR LATER Kimi the nurse, walked into the waiting area. Papadopoulos family?

Grace and Benjamin said Yes. Dariana joined them walking toward Kimi. Are all of you family?

Grace said, I’m his fiancé.

Then you can stay, she looked at the others, but, I’m sorry the rest of you will have to leave. We’re still under COVID 2.

Dariana said, I’m his therapist. Can I talk to the head nurse to get permission to stay with Grace?

Sorry. I am the head nurse and there really isn’t anything I can do. I wish I could.

Grace looked terrified as she turned to Benjamin. He smiled, It’s all right. There’s a restaurant right across the street. We’ll go wait there and you can meet us. He kissed her cheek. He nodded to the others and they hugged her as they walked out.

GRACE WAITED AND LOOKED out of the window, praying. She sat, praying more. She paced arguing with God. Kimi returned, He is in recovery. I’ll come to get you as soon as he’s in the room. She looked at the blood on Grace’s clothes. Excuse me, but your name is Grace. Isn’t it?

Yes.

Would you like to get changed?

I would, but we flew in this morning and I didn’t bring anything with me. We were supposed to be flying back tonight.

It’s just if you want, I have a dress in my locker. Some of us were going to get something to eat after our shift, but I just picked up a double. You can have it if you want. It isn’t fancy or anything, but, well, if you want I can get it for you.

Thank you but, she was interrupted by Kimi.

I just really want to do something for you. I read Chris’s books and I know you were a motorcycle cop. My husband was too. He committed suicide four years ago. I’d like to think that if someone like you had been around for him, he’d still be here. I took the double so that I’d be here for you and Chris. What you do is saving lives and I want to do something for both of you.

Tears came, Can you hug me?

Kimi held out her arms and Grace rushed into them. She hugged her until Grace began to let go. She smiled, I’ll be right back. I’m going to get the dress.

GRACE GOT CHANGED, went back to the waiting room, sat, took out her phone, and got onto the Chaplains’ Facebook page to let them know Chris needed prayers again. She waited for another hour as the news came on the TV. The anchor said, Today, best-selling author Chris Papadopoulos was shot by a gunman from Texas. He came to LA to view the upcoming series Never-Ending Stories when he was shot. They showed footage from the studio camera crew of the gunman being taken down. 

She turned away from the TV after seeing herself kneeling by his side as Jason was trying to stop the bleeding. She heard the news anchor say, When we came on the air, he was in surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. She wondered how any of them would fully recover. Sadness was taking over, tears flowed as Kimi walked back into the waiting area. Chris is in his room now. He’s still sedated but you can go in and wait. He should be waking up soon. Grace followed her, wiping the tears as she reached his door. Kimi said in a comforting voice, I’m right down the hall if you need me.

Thank you.

She slowly opened the door, desperately trying to compose herself. Chris was hooked up to a heart monitor and fluid drip. His chest was exposed, showing his scars from the bomb blast, the knife wound from Brenda, and the new one from the bullet. His hand was wrapped up and elevated. She pulled up a chair on the right side of his bed and softly ran her hand up his scar-covered arm. She took his hand, kissed it, and sat back waiting for him to wake up. She put her head down, closed her eyes, and prayed.

Chris was fighting off flashbacks. He saw Grace when they met in high school, and then when they danced at the prom. He saw her sitting at the bar when they met again in Gabriel, and when he asked her to marry him and the first time they kissed. She felt his hand tenderly tighten around hers but then, as flashbacks of Brenda with her hate-filled eyes, hitting him and then holding the knife, his hand started to tighten. When he saw the man with the gun who just shot him, his hand tightened enough to hurt her. Finally, his grip loosened. Opening his eyes, and looking at Grace while she was looking down at the floor. I knew you were here.

She looked up at him, as tears flowed down her cheek, That was a hell of a way of getting out of marrying me Pappy! She smiled, got up, and kissed him. She put her head next to his.

In a groggy voice, I’m not going anywhere for a long time. St. Paul and I had a long talk.

What? She smiled. Are you having strange dreams again?

Again? Strange dreams are all I know. He laughed as much as he could. She started to say something while handing Chris his glasses. The doctor, Kimi, and other nurses came into the room. Another one was pushing a gurney. The doctor went over to Chris, Welcome back.

His voice was still weak, Thanks to you I’m still alive.

I’ve even been thanking God. It’s a miracle since if you didn’t raise your hand when you did, that bullet would have severed the subclavian artery. We need to take you for some more tests. He turned to Grace, Why don’t you go and get something to eat? He’ll be with us for a few hours.

Thank you. As the doctor left the room, Kimi smiled at Grace while taking care of his tubes. The other nurses put a hospital gown on him, then as they were loading him onto the gurney, Grace asked, Is there anything you need?

One of the nurses handed him a face mask. He took it and she helped him put it on, Ya. The police took my clothes, so I’ll need another pair of pants, shirt, underwear, sneakers, and can you pick me up sweatpants, pulling at the hospital gown, so I don’t have to stay in this thing? Oh, and can you take my wallet with you?

Sure. Everyone is across the street because they couldn’t stay here. I’ll go shopping with Mary and see you in a couple of hours. She kissed him.

GRACE WALKED INTO THE sports bar, searching for the group. Dariana had her arm around Jason’s shoulder while he sat hunched over. Benjamin looked up seeing her approaching. He smiled as she walked toward the group, Is Chris ok?

Ya, well, as far as I know. They have to run some more tests, so he’ll be with them for a couple of hours. She took a deep breath. I need a stiff drink. She sat down as Benjamin called the waitress over. Are you hungry?

I am, now that Chris is going to be ok and God just did another miracle. The waitress took her order and walked away, 

Mary shook her head. What do you mean?

The surgeon said when he raised his hand the bullet was deflected. The group listened in shock. He said that he’s not going anywhere for a long time and that he was talking to St. Paul.

Dariana’s mouth opened wide, What else did he say?

The waitress brought Grace’s drink. She took a gulp, struggling to swallow, That was all he said before the surgeon came into the room. The only other thing he said was he needed some clothes since the police took them. She looked at Mary, We were supposed to be flying home today so we don’t have anything with us. I need some clothes too. One of the nurses gave me this dress, but I still have blood on my shoes and nothing else to wear. Do you feel like going shopping?

Sure I’ll go.

Dariana said, Count me in. I don’t have anything with me either. We’ll go as soon as you eat. Clover walked over to the table before they could answer. She turned to Grace, How is he?

He should be ok but they’re running more tests.

Angels were watching over him. Sorry, it took me so long to get here but I stopped by the police station. I wanted to see if I could find out any more about the man who shot Chris. The waitress walked over with Grace’s order and turned to Clover, Do you need to see a menu?

No thank you. I’m not staying. Grace held up her glass asking for another one. Clover turned back to the group, Anyway, I got in touch with his wife. It turns out he used to be a good pastor of a small congregation, but around the time Cain got famous, he started to talk like him. Membership grew and he got angrier and more people joined. He fed the evil already inside of them and it festered. His ego got the best of him as his followers shrunk after Chris took down Cain. Evil took over his soul.

Did he confess?

He said he will if he sees Chris first, then he’ll plead guilty. It’ll be better for Chris if he does so he doesn’t have to come back for a trial.

Benjamin asked, When do you plan on asking him?

As soon as I can see him, turning to Grace, Can he have visitors yet?

They may. I’ll ask when they bring him back to his room.

Clover fought off remembering all the things they had been through so she could do her job as a reporter getting to the bottom of how, once again, someone was trying to destroy Chris.

AS THE WOMEN WERE SHOPPING, Grace’s phone rang. Hi. Are you back in your room?

Ya, they brought me back a little while ago. I may be discharged tomorrow depending on how the tests come out. Did you go shopping yet?

Yes, we’re almost done. Do you want me to come back now?

Can you? I just called Clover and she’s bringing her cameraman here in an hour. One of the nurses told me reporters are all over the place trying to get interviews. If I have to do one I’d rather talk to Clover than anyone else.

Ok, but I need to know something that I can’t wait for any longer, nearly whispering, Why didn’t you tell me about the death threats and security?

I’m sorry but I know you too well.

Raising her voice, What the hell does that mean?

I knew the cop in you would kick in before you had time to think and you’d want to save me. I didn’t want to take a chance on that happening. I promise I’ll explain that later, but not right now.

You better! I love you and I’ll see you soon. She hung up, frustrated by the secrecy, but relieved to finally know why he did it.

KIMI WALKED INTO THE room with his wheelchair to take him to the conference room. He put his mask back on. She wiped a tear from her eye. He looked at her with compassion, What’s wrong?

I need to ask you for a favor, but I won’t blame you if you say no considering what kind of a day you’ve had.

What is it?

One of my friends, she’s a nurse here and her daughter is in the pediatric ward. She was shot by her Dad and my friend is struggling right now. You’re one of her heroes and, I don’t know, but, I thought you could help her.

Let’s go there first. 

Thank you. Do you want to put a gown on?

No. I want people to see my scars since I have nothing to be ashamed of anymore. If I can help even one person be able to do that too, it’s worth it. Kimi smiled and brought him to her friend.

THEY GOT TO THE DOORWAY and the mother sat holding her daughter’s hand while she slept. She looked up and smiled at Kimi. Then the shock came over her face when she saw a man with her. She wasn’t sure at first because of the mask but she knew he was there. She let go of her daughter's hand and went to him. She looked at Kimi, Rene, this is Chris.

I don’t understand why you brought him to me but I’m grateful.

Chris took her hand, looked into her eyes, and said, I just wanted to say I am so sorry this happened.

Thank you. I’m sorry it happened to you too. It wasn’t supposed to happen.

Do you want to talk about it?

She shrugged as her eyes moved around the room, My husband was struggling, but I never thought it was so bad he wanted to kill himself. I called his phone but he left it in the kitchen. Our daughter brought it into the bedroom and when she walked in the door, he was sitting on the bed with the gun in his hand. She screamed asking him what he was doing and then I heard the phone drop and then she was struggling to get the gun away from him. I heard a gunshot, and he screamed, ‘What have I done?' and then another gunshot.

Chris sat quietly knowing she wanted to say more.  She wiped her eyes, "He was a good man. He was a Marine and did two tours, but on his third tour, he ended up with PTSD. They kicked him out. We were doing ok and he even got into a therapy group but he was cut off from benefits and medical care. I started to work more. He stayed home.