Two Peas in a Pod

By Juntu Ahjee

In a rural town in Oklahoma, circa 1975, two adolescent boys, one white, one black, from different sides of the tracks, are rapidly approaching their teen years as the world is changing around them. While attending the same school, they meet and immediately become good friends. Their innocent brotherhood bonding is completely oblivious to the dangers of their friendship in the racially hostile climate that surrounds them until a mysterious messiah-like stranger reveals a horrific truth about the past that will change their lives forever. Be prepared for an emotional journey on an adventure story unlike anything you've ever experienced!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Juntu Ahjee
• Release date: Sep 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223890218

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Two people rowing a boat Description automatically generated with low confidence

COPYRIGHTS

©2023 All rights reserved . No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Juntu Ahjee asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Juntu Ahjee has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

Dedication

This story is dedicated to those who have lifelong friendships. Often times, in a cruel world and unjust society, your true friends can become extended family. The experiences you share are lessons transcended from the curiosities of childhood to the endurance of adulthood. Your true friends are never judgmental but are not afraid to offer correction. Your true friends will share laughter in the midst of trouble. Your true friends will defend and fight by your side against all odds. Fear is a reaction, but courage is a decision. Your true friends will love you until the end. For the children without a voice, this is for you!  

Epigraph

"T here is no other love like the love for a brother. There is no other love like the love from a brother." – Astrid Alauda

Foreword

Back in the summer of 1977, as an impressionable 8-year-old Black boy in Oklahoma City, I had my very first experience of racism. Allow me to backtrack the events. I used to run along the local railroad tracks chasing moving trains (very imbecilic, even for a kid). One day, I was running on the tracks and my left pants leg got stuck and my foot was caught. The train behind me was rapidly approaching within seconds. It looked like impending doom as that train was about to sever me into multiple pieces. There was no one around in sight as I yelled for help. The speeding locomotive was blowing the Leslie horn. Then, out of nowhere, a young red-head White boy named Danny, aged 12, rode up on his Schwinn bicycle, whips out his pocketknife, cuts my jeans apart, frees me and we both ducked out of the way, barely missing the train by minimal inches. The exhaust smoke from the train knocked us both backwards. Moments later, we both laughed loudly at escaping death. Danny saved my life, and we were best friends for the remainder of the summer. Danny and I could see no differences with each other, until his father found out he was socializing with a Black kid, and as a result he was brutally beaten. Sadly, Danny and I could no longer play together. He gave me his collection of baseball cards and said goodbye to me. Shortly after, Danny and his family moved away. I remember being so sad and confused to why I couldn’t play with my good friend. My mother explained everything and just held me for a long time as I cried. Over 45 years later, I still think about Danny and remember the fun we had for that short summer. This one is for you, bro!

Preface/Introduction

This story takes place during the fall of 1975, in the town of Dungan County, 20 miles from Muskogee, Oklahoma. Several years after the great Civil Rights Era, America was still divided among ethnic groups and racial violence was acutely prevalent in certain parts of the country. These attitudes were especially heavier in the south and mid-western regions. It created confusion and anxiety in society since the narrative of mainstream media suggested that segregation had been long abolished. Different occurrences from larger cities to smaller rural towns could not have been more divergent. America was and, in many ways, still is at war with itself regarding racism. It is a learned behavior that continues to be taught to children. For two budding teenagers, Caleb Moreton, a White boy from Muskogee and Gabriel (Gabri) Walker, a Black boy from Chicago, Illinois, never learned those lessons. Caleb and Gabri are different in color, but they couldn’t see it. Caleb, raised by his hard-working, tough-as-nails father, is independent and frequently left to his own devices. Gabri, raised in a two-parent middle-class household, is a straight-A student, but mischievous. They were two loners who found compatibility through tragedy, until one day, a brooding mysterious stranger reveals the truth about the past that will forever change the lives of Caleb and Gabri. Surrounded by a toxic world of hatred and violence neither of them was prepared to understand, their newfound friendship will be put to the ultimate test as they embark on an adventure of brotherhood survival.  

Chapters

A Stranger Arrives in Town

Caleb, the Conqueror

Gabri, the Defender

A Tale of Two Worlds

Boys Will Be Boys

Two of a Kind

Pain Don’t Discriminate

You’re My Brother

The Hunting Trip

Picked Up by a Stranger

That Ain’t Me!

Nowhere to Run

A Girl Named Jessie

Mind Blowing Decisions

The Story of Jericho

Rites of Passages

The Stranger Watches Us All

1.

A Stranger Arrives in Town

In the early fall of 1975, a severe thunderstorm relinquished its wrath over the town of Dungan County, Oklahoma before the dawn of Saturday. Leaving in its wake are downed power lines, fallen tree branches, damaged windows to various businesses, debris in the streets, and some minor water flooding. The overcast clouds have opened for a bright sunshine appearance. The wind has calmed. Residents are picking up and collecting trash from their yards and roadways. There were no casualties and minimal devastation as the storm only lasted for 58 seconds. The temperature dropped below zero randomly, then suddenly rose above 80 degrees. The storm appeared without warning on radar dopplers. Meteorologists are bewildered as to how such a storm could occur during this time of the season; it appeared to be highly unusual. There is no record of this type of storm in history in the state of Oklahoma.

The town of Dungan has a dominant white population of 99 percent. Native Americans lived on surrounding reservations. Black and Mexican Americans are hardly existent with less than half a percent in the small town. Integration is isolated except to employment, not residency. Dungan is a small manufacturing town located directly next to Muskogee, Oklahoma. Dungan is currently segregated; Muskogee is integrated.  

Several miles on the outskirts of town, a strange and mysterious dark-skinned black man appears on Interstate US 64-East slowly walking down the side on the road. He meticulously paces himself as his shadow follows the sunrise behind him. He stood at six feet seven inches, wearing a large dark brown wool over coat, wrinkled dark blue collared dress shirt and pants, black leather boots, and a Victorian Men’s Wool Felt Slouch Hat to slightly cover his face. He is heavily bearded, with long dreads and wearing an African medallion around his neck. The man looks beaten and tired from traveling a tremendously long journey. The dry skin from the upper part of his hands has pealed open and he has no fingernails. The man is carrying a black, weather worn suitcase.

As the stranger approach’s town, residents gaze upon his arrival like a mirage from a far distance. The stranger enters town walking with an intimidating authoritative posture. Business owners and residents become entranced with fear at the stranger’s appearance; they remain silent and stare as the stranger casually proceeds along the sidewalk. Pedestrians pause and stare at the stranger with extreme discernment as they step aside. There is a blanket of stillness in the atmosphere.

My God, the dead has arisen! – an elderly white man profoundly states while sitting in his wheelchair across the street.

The stranger pauses momentarily as the residents and business owners return to their duties in cleaning up after the storm. The stranger goes into a local 24-hour diner named Mary Lou’s Restaurant; he takes a seat in a nearby booth and places his suitcase next to him on the floor. The white restaurant staff is hesitant to serve the stranger as the sign on the door says, ‘White’s Only’.

A middle-aged blonde female waitress approaches the stranger and rudely proclaims, Excuse me, did you not see the sign outside the front? We don’t serve Negros here. There’s a place called Aunt Dumpy’s located in Muskogee. You can go there. Now you’re gonna have to leave. The waitress places her hands on her hips. The stranger sits quietly with nothing to say.

Hey! Did you hear what I just said? You gonna have to go! – the waitress sternly says. The stranger remains silent with both his hands placed on the table. The waitress turns and signals at the heavyset white male grill cook; he has grease on his apron.

The cook forcibly comes from around the counter and angrily asks, Hey fella! Didn’t you hear what the lady just said? We don’t want any trouble here. Just get your stuff and mosey on out the door before trouble comes your way. Ya hear me?  The stranger remains silent with his hands on the table. Other restaurant patrons look on with concern as they stop eating.  

Alright fine, have it your way, you done pissed me off, now! – the grill cook furiously states. He addresses the waitress and demands, Call the police! The stranger has a blank stare on his face as he remains silent. The waitress notifies the local Sheriff’s office for police assistance.

Moments later, two white Dungan County Deputies arrive in different Dodge Monaco squad cars at Mary Lou’s Diner. Deputies James (Jimbo) Ferguson, a former football player for the Dallas Cowboys and Vernon Wells, a former Army Ranger, are on the scene. Ferguson and Wells enter the diner with sheer anticipation of a violent confrontation as they carefully approach the stranger.

Wells yells aggressively, HEY! YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE! GET UP! YOURE GOING WITH US!" The stranger remains silent.

Take it easy, Vern! Sir, the segregation laws are still in effect in this county. There are no Negros allowed in the establishments around here except to work. Are you looking for a job? – Ferguson kindly asks.  The stranger remains silent with his hands firmly placed on the table.

Do you have some identification? Or are you just passing through town? Why are you here? – Ferguson inquires. The stranger remains silent with a complete blank state.

The grill cook confirms, See, I told ya! He’s crazy!  

Ferguson demands, Sir, slowly stand up from the booth. You’re under arrest for vagrancy by the laws of Dungan County. STAND UP SLOWLY! He and Wells have a firm grip on their weapons in case the stranger makes any sudden movements.

The stranger slowly stands from the diner booth. Ferguson and Wells are both mesmerized and terrified at his towering height. The stranger places his arms behind his back. Wells quickly grabs his handcuffs and detains the stranger. Ferguson reads his Miranda Rights.

Ferguson states that, Sir, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights, sir? The stranger remains silent as he is being handcuffed by Deputy Wells.

The restaurant staff and patrons witness the stranger being escorted from the diner by Deputies Ferguson and Wells. They failed to confiscate the stranger’s suitcase.

Oh, Jimbo, don’t forget to take away this disgusting suitcase! It belongs to him. – the waitress says with an evil smirk on her face. Ferguson seizes the stranger’s suitcase away from the dining table. The stranger remains silent and complies with Ferguson’s orders.

Minutes later, Ferguson, Wells and the stranger quietly exit Mary Lou’s Restaurant without incident, as residents on the street look on with concern. Some of the white residents express confusion as to why the black stranger arrived in town, while others hide feelings of guilt.

Deputy Wells takes the stranger, detains him in the back seat of his squad car and places the stranger’s suitcase in the trunk. Deputy Ferguson receives a call from dispatch on his car radio.

Jimbo, do you copy? – asks radio dispatch.

Ferguson returns to his vehicle and sharply responds, Dang it! I asked you not to call me Jimbo on the radio, Maylene! I’m unit 49, remember? Go ahead!

Aw, you’re so cute when you get assertive, Jimbo! Anyway, when you’re done at Mary Lou’s, the Sheriff wants you to meet him down by Highway 19 near old McGee’s farmland, pronto! – says radio dispatch.

Ferguson smiles and replies, Copy that! I’m on the way!

I got you some Honey Buns when you get back to headquarters, Jimbo! –  humorously says radio dispatch before signing off.  

Ferguson slams the driver’s side door to his vehicle as he prepares to meet with the Sheriff Connery. Wells walks towards Ferguson’s vehicle and addresses him from the driver’s window.

I’ll take the suspect down for processing, Jimbo! You need me to meet up with ya afterwards? – asks Wells.

Ferguson says, Naw, go ahead, Vern! This shouldn’t take long. We’ll see ya at the station. Make sure you keep an eye on the suspect and don’t let him get away.

Oh, huh, he ain’t goin’ nowhere! Nowhere at all! – Wells replies with a sinister grin.

Ferguson quickly speeds off towards Highway 19 leaving a trail of gray dust from the tire skids. Wells carefully looks around as he returns to his squad car. He enters and gazes at the stranger from his rearview window. The stranger sits in silence with his hat tilted covering his eyes; he is meditative in his demeanor and unresponsive.

You’re goin’ to regret passing through Dungan County, boy! I’m a personally see to that! – Wells promises as he turns on the ignition to his squad car.

The stranger slowly looks up, eyes completely bloodshot at Wells with a knowing glance and patiently waits for his comeuppance. Wells speeds off in the opposite direction of town towards a wooded forest roughly 100 miles outside of Dungan County.

An hour later, after obtaining some Honey Bun snacks at a nearby 7-11 convenience store, Deputy Ferguson arrives at old McGee’s farmland off Highway 19 to join Sheriff Connery. The entire area has been demolished by the path of the storm hours earlier.

Sheriff Hank Connery is a former decorated veteran with Bronze Star honors who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Connery is an earnest devout Christian and a newly elected Sheriff to Dungan County for precisely one year. Connery is uncorrupted and respects the law to the fullest. Deputy Ferguson accompanies Sheriff Connery along with state troopers and other police staff from various counties. The entire farmland appears like a dark red muddy wasteland.

Ferguson curiously inquires, What’s going on, sheriff? Why are we out here in old McGee’s property? Geez, ain’t he been dead for years now? Looks like the storm had a field day, huh! Ferguson is munching on a freshly opened Honey Bun.

McGee’s granddaughter asked me to check on the farm while she was out of town. It took you long enough, Jimbo! I’m glad it wasn’t a major catastrophe or something. I sure wouldn’t want anything to interfere with your Honey Bun communion. Come over here, I’m going to educate you on the fine arts of observation. – Connery instructs as he is smoking a tobacco pipe, checking his watch, and wearing dark sunglasses in full dignified uniform.

Ferguson exits his vehicle to join Connery and company in the open field; he almost slips on a muddy incline and falls.

DAMMIT! – yells Ferguson as he drops his Honey Bun on the soaked muddy surface.

Connery shouts, COME ON, JIMBO! GRAB YOUR BOOTS! as he continues to walk forward in the north direction on the farmland. The state troopers were on standby and secure the area.

Ferguson returns to his vehicle, opens the trunk, and puts on rubber boots. He then joins Connery. They walk for half a mile on the storm damaged farmland until coming upon a strange building from a distance. There is a slight wind gust blowing as the police sirens flash brightly in the background.

Connery walks towards a strange looking abandoned building and asks, Jimbo, take a good look around, do you notice anything unusual about this area?

Ferguson gazes along and replies, Looks like the storm did an awful lot of damage out here, sheriff. I don’t suspect none of the farm animals survived. Old McGee’s house and barnyard got wiped out. Thank goodness we didn’t have any human casualties. This area is starting to have terrible stinge in the air with all the dead animals. We should get some folks out here soon to help dispose of them. What cha think, sheriff? The state troopers cover their noses as flies and mosquitoes begin to inhabit the carcasses of the deceased animals.

Connery impatiently says, Jimbo, that was a Category 5 Supercell storm that touched down here before briefly making its way through Dungan County. If it had lasted a few more minutes, it would have destroyed the entire town. In other words, we’d both be dead right now. For whatever reason, it abruptly stopped. Connery is in a state of concern and wonder.

Okay, so what’s your point, sheriff? – Ferguson curiously asks.  

Connery sternly confirms, Son, doesn’t it seem remotely peculiar to you that old, abandoned building is still standing as sound as the foundation it’s built on? Connery points to the abandoned building.

I’ll be damn! That’s weird, sheriff! How is that possible? It should have been destroyed with everything else. -Ferguson jarringly states.

Connery calmly assures, Well, that’s what we’re gonna find out. Let’s go!

Connery and Ferguson proceed towards the abandoned building. Their rubber boots become covered in thick red mud. As the men closely approach the strange, abandoned building, they become frightened by its menacing looking structure. The front entrance door is cracked open; it is pitch black dark inside. The men walk along the wooded floor of the steps. The wood is extremely old but firm as it makes a crackling sound.

It’s dark as heck in there, sheriff! – Ferguson observes as he grasps hold of his service weapon.

Connery instructs, Jimbo, take out your flashlight and turn it on! Ferguson complies with Connery’s instruction.

As Connery carefully opens the front door entrance, an abundance of birds flies out with full force nearly attacking the men. Connery and Ferguson step aside as hundreds of birds sway out into the partially cloudy skies.

SHIT! – yells Ferguson in brief panic.  

Connery removes his sunglasses, takes out his flashlight and tightly grasps his service revolver. He and Ferguson proceed slowly inside the abandoned building. Both men have their flashlights on as they enter the cold, dark building. They search the one-layer floor finding no evidence of inhabitation. The building is covered with spider cobwebs on the walls and ceiling. The men leave a trail of muddy footprints as they walk along surface of the floor. They discover an old broken piano covered in black soot. The entire building has a stinge of burnt smoke. Ferguson begins to cough.

Sheriff, if I didn’t know any better, this place appears to have been burned up by a hellfire or struck by lightning. Look at all the debris residues. -  Ferguson nervously says.

Yea, but oddly enough the building is still soundly intact as if nothing happened. Which would probably explain why the birds took refuge here from the storm last night. It’s no coincidence. – Connery profoundly states as he studies the room while using his flashlight.

Ferguson, using his flashlight, notices burnt pieces of paper on the floor and says, Sheriff, look at this! Ferguson leans down, picks up the paper and says, This is pages from the Bible, sheriff!    

This used to be a church, Jimbo! The building survived the storm was none other than an act of God! – Connery firmly proclaims.

Connery and Ferguson exit the old, abandoned building and approach their vehicles to rejoin with state troopers. They slush through the red mud as they walk across the devastated farmland.

Man, this place is giving me the creeps, for real! What are we gonna do? – Ferguson asks.

Connery replies, About what?

The building. I mean, this is something out of the ‘Twilight Zone’ ain’t it? Shouldn’t we contact ‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not’ or something? – Ferguson seriously inquires.

Connery confirms, I’m going to notify the county zoning office to find out when that church was built. In the meantime, we’re gonna get some folks out here to discard the animal cadavers. Connery pauses for a moment and asks, On another note, how’s my daughter doing?

Heck, she can’t stop gettin’ pregnant! It’s the sixth time in seven years. She’s always saying it’s my fault for some reason. She told me if I never married her that you were gonna blast me to kingdom come! I told her, naw, the sheriff ain’t like that all. She said you only got me this job to support the kids. You’re a good father-in-law! What do think, sheriff? Is any of that true? – Ferguson curiously asks.    

Connery chuckles and replies, Oh, I think you make a better cop than a football player, Jimbo! Heck, one day, you might even be primed to be County Commissioner! Connery pats Ferguson on his back as they continue to walk across the damaged farmland.  

Connery and Ferguson arrive at their perspective vehicles and remove their muddy rubber boots. The state troopers begin to return to the surrounding counties.

Oh yea, sheriff, Vern and I picked up a vagrant Negro over at Mary Lou’s Diner. He’s a big, scary looking son-of-a-bitch too! He could have played in the NFL. He should be at the station by now. – Ferguson verifies.

Connery sternly asks, Why the hell didn’t you tell me that before? What time was this, Jimbo?

Only a few hours ago. What’s the big deal, sheriff? Looks like he was just passing through. – Ferguson says.

Connery earnestly replies, I don’t like strange coincidences. I wanna talk to him. Let’s head back to the station. And do not put those muddy boots in the trunk of my car for your mother-in-law to wash. Connery enters his vehicle, turns on the ignition and proceeds back to the station.

Ferguson places his muddy boots in the truck of his vehicle, slams it shut and quickly follows Connery back to police headquarters.

Later that afternoon, as the residents of Dungan County conclude their clean-up activities from storm damage, Connery, and Ferguson return to the Sheriff’s department. In a moderately sized office of five deputies and two secretaries, Sheriff Connery feels fortunate to have a low activity of crime in his town. Aside from last night’s storm, the department has only dealt with disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, and random vagrancy from strangers during the year Connery has been on duty.

Upon returning to his office, Sheriff Connery checks his mailbox to observe nothing has arrived. His secretary, Maylene Monroe, age 26, a feisty and sassy redhead with a degree in criminal law, has received confidential correspondence from the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Connery pours himself a fresh cup of coffee as Ferguson and other deputies lounge in the breakroom to play cards.

Hey sheriff, this correspondence just came in from the feds at Washington D.C. Looks like serious business. What’s going on? What happened at old McGee’s farm? Did you and Jimbo see a UFO or something? – Maylene asks enthusiastically with her hands on her hips.

Connery sips his warm coffee and kindly replies, Oh, just the unusual stuff after an undetected major thunderstorm, Maylene. Would you be so kind as to get me the number to the county zoning office, please? Also, has Vernon returned with the Negro vagrant yet? I need to question his whereabouts last night.

Naw honey, Vern has not called or returned to headquarters yet. Do you want me to reach him on the radio? – Maylene asks.  

Connery smiles and confirms, That’s okay! Thank you, Maylene! Would you mind closing the door behind you while I catch up on things? Oh...and my wife says, thank you for the crochet quilt.  

No problem, Sheriff! I’m always here if you need me! – Maylene jovially closes Connery’s office door and returns to her desk. She casually peeps through Connery’s office window along with her fellow co-secretary, Dottie, also age 26 and a college drop out. Connery waves them off to return to work.

Connery opens the private correspondence from the FBI and becomes mortified at the relaying information in the certified envelope.

"Please be advised due to the ongoing disappearances of Negro citizens in Dungan and surrounding counties for the last 19 months, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be conducting a thorough investigation, along with members of the NAACP and officials from the Oklahoma Civil Rights organization will be involved. This action is expected to commence within the next 48 hours. All surrounding counties have been notified and your cooperation during this investigation will be greatly appreciated. THIS IS OFFICAL NOTICE! DO NOT IGNORE! Best regards, Donny Hathaway, U.S. Attorney General." – Connery reads to himself with major concern. He becomes furious with the incompetence of his small department.

Connery yells, MAYLENE, GET IN HERE!

Maylene jumps from her desk nearly dropping the phone. She and Dottie quickly approach Connery’s office and nervously ask, "Sheriff, what’s going on?

Connery angrily says, Do you both know what this is? The feds are coming down here to conduct an investigation regarding missing black people in my town for nearly two years. Why in the hell wasn’t I notified of any such occurrences until now? For 2 years? I better get a straight answer! He slams the correspondence on his desk.

Oh my God, Sheriff, I swear I didn’t know anything about any missing people. Black, white, yellow, green or whatever! I swear it! – Maylene confirms as Ferguson and the other deputies come to Connery’s office.

Yea Sheriff, this is the first I’ve heard of such a thing! That’s crazy! – Dottie concurs as she suspiciously sits back to her desk.

Ferguson says, "Sheriff, we ain’t never