RETRIBUTION

By Terri M. Sanders

Retribution is more or less the second chapter of Joe and the Agenda.


It's been almost 20 years since Joe Conti assisted
his friends at his local police department in a battle
against the Texas Liberation Society, known as 'TLS.'
A hate group that abhors any organized religion, the TLS would
love to see the end of Christianity, and would do anything
to that end.
Now, they are a much larger organization, even
more powerful, and dangerous. Joe and Carla Conti gear up
for round 2 with this relentless organization, as they have set
their sights on the couple's young son, Jessie, and his girlfriend,
Chrissy.
Many lives are affected as the hateful group are determined
to make examples of the young couple! The quest for peace and
fairness culminates in an unforgettable trial for justice.
A story to remember!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798369409961

Terri M. Sanders

Terri Sanders was born and raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. After a 26 year career as a police dispatcher, Terri is quietly retired. She continues to reside in Texas along with her husband and two cats, and continues to write fiction that inspires her. This is her second novel. 'Joe and the Agenda' was released April, 24, 2019.

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Copyright © 2023 by Terri M. Sanders.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

Rev. date: 10/18/2023

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Contents

1 Tragedy Made Worse

2 Joe’s Reaction

3 Hospital Visitation

4 The Nuts are Restless!

5 Dissention

6 A Warning!

7 Inconvenienced

8 Keep it Real

9 Taking a Stand

10 One Good Shot!

11 Discharged

12 The New Tom

13 Preparations

14 More Trouble!

15 Recharging

16 The Battle Continues

17 The Morning After

18 Sgt. Mead is in Love!

19 Sunday Morning

20 Devastation!

21 Recovery

22 A Reminder

23 The Plan

24 Home Care

25 A Bit of Joy!

26 To Kill or not to Kill

27 Surprises at the Trial

28 The Trial Continues

29 Arrests Long Overdue!

30 The Defense’s Case

31 The Conclusion of the Trial

32 New Beginnings

1

Tragedy Made Worse

I will always be there, if you ever need me, can’t you see! Jessie sang out, in his baritone voice with the song on the radio, when he saw it all unfold ahead. Jessie Conti pulled his Honda Civic into the median, parked and put his flashers on. He jumped out of his car, locked it, and looked around, trying to decide where he might be of the most help.

Traffic was at a standstill due to this accident, or accidents, as it were. It was starting to get dark, but he could see clearly, in the headlights of the wrecked and overturned vehicles that there was a person lying in the culvert about thirty to forty feet ahead of him, off the shoulder, north of the curb line.

Several people were lying in the street just beyond that, and a few people were standing around.

Jessie started jogging that way and noticed that a lone paramedic was jogging that way, as well, through the traffic from the west. Jessie spotted the red and blue flashing lights from the ambulance a bit further west just off the south shoulder of the roadway.

The news announcer said that a motorist, traveling east, along with eastbound traffic, apparently lost control, and jumped the curb, crossing the median, and was traveling directly into oncoming westbound traffic causing a domino effect of injury accidents, that EMS and police were still trying to maneuver on the shoulders to get to.

Jessie actually heard some of the cars crash up ahead. Jessie was in that far left lane, westbound, as it were, watching behind him for an opening to change lanes, thinking he might have to take the shoulder about one hundred feet further to the next exit to escape the usual traffic headed away from downtown this time of day, or else he would sit here for a while. He barely had time to pull off on the median, as the vehicles ahead were slamming on their brakes, some of them slamming into the car in front of them, unable to stop in time.

Upon hearing that there were multiple injuries, Jessie decided to try to help if he could, and pulled off into the middle of the grassy median, and took off jogging westbound.

As he made it over a slight rise in the roadway, Jessie could now see the police and ambulances dotting the edges of the roadway on both sides for perhaps a mile or more ahead. There was a mangled mess of destroyed vehicles at varying degrees, peppered with a few overturned vehicles and a couple of fire trucks assisting with setting up spot lights to make the rescue effort a bit easier, as a few drivers were apparently trapped in their vehicles.

What an unbelievable mess! Jessie thought, running his hand through his thick dark bangs. He jogged toward the person lying in the culvert. He could see now that person was thrown from the windshield of an SUV that was hit several times, and sent spinning, the jagged edges of the busted windshield glinted in the bright light of a nearby spotlight. Several firemen/paramedics were working to free a man from his overturned vehicle about thirty feet away.

Jessie walked up behind the paramedic, who was standing over the injured person in the culvert. He seemed to be laughing. Laughing? Jessie thought. That certainly seems inappropriate, under the circumstances, unless of course he is trying to cheer the victim up, keep him or her conscious and focused, perhaps.

The paramedic was a blue-eyed blond man of about 30-32 years of age, prematurely balding, and keen perceptive eyes. He was lean and in good shape, several inches taller than Jessie.

Jessie came closer and saw that the victim was a woman, perhaps in her late twenties or early thirties in age, struggling to breathe, with blood on the side of her face, and across part of her forehead. Her long dark hair was littered with shards of glass that glittered like ice in the beams of the paramedic’s flashlight, as her big expressive dark eyes squinted, partly in pain, and partly in an effort to see who she was pleading with. She coughed now, and droplets of blood sprayed some more over the side of her face. Please! she managed to get out clearly. "I can ...hardly breathe! ...My li’l girl! ...I have to go ...pick her up! …Help …me!" she cried. She was really laboring to breathe.

Her tears were mixing with the blood and sliding down the side of her face, pooling some on her neck, and dripping to the roadway. The blood made a dark stain on her lavender button-down blouse, with puffed lacy long sleeves. The right sleeve, stained with blood, dirt and mud from the ditch she landed in, was lying partly on her chest, as she was clutching her chest, fighting for breath. Her hair and the left side of her pretty face were wet with tears and bloody mucus she had coughed up.

Jessie was just about to ask the paramedic what, if anything, he could do to help when the paramedic laughed again!

Jessie looked at him with shock and disgust! What the hell is wrong with this idiot? he wondered. There is no sense of urgency with this man at all!

"Well, maybe your JESUS will help you out, if he’s not too busy! I have better things to do than try to salvage another moron!" he spat at her, and turned to walk away, and walked right into Jessie.

What the hell is wrong with you, man? Jessie asked, obviously appalled. You aren’t leaving her here like this, surely? Jessie yelled, immediately sorry that he raised his voice.

The paramedic looked surprised, shocked even, that Jessie may have overheard his conversation with the injured woman. His expression changed to one of anger, briefly and then he straightened.

There’s no time to stand here discussing this! I have to get a gurney and get her back to the box for transport! the paramedic replied, and took off on a quick sprint back to the ambulance.

If I saw her lying here, he must have too, or else he wouldn’t have headed this way! So, why didn’t he bring a gurney with him, if that was his intent? Jessie wondered, briefly.

Jessie looked down at the woman, again.

Please! she almost whispered. Jessie sank to his knees beside her. Her throat was red, swollen, and bleeding, from what looked like a large cut on the side, although Jessie could see no glass there. The whole front of her blouse was red with blood and leakage from that injury now.

What can I do? he asked.

Help me ...turn on ...my side. I ...have ...to breathe! she managed to get out, through her gasping short spurts of breath. She coughed up some more blood.

Jessie was unsure. Perhaps what I’m about to do will actually make things worse, but it’s better than doing nothing! he thought. I have to trust that she knows, somehow, that she could breathe easier if she were on her side.

"Well, first, we have to get that glass out of your arm, or you’ll be lying on it! Jessie said.

She swallowed hard and nodded her assent once, gasping. She looked so scared, and Jessie knew she was trying not to panic.

Jessie carefully pulled several pieces of glass straight out from her arm, trying to be careful not to break any of it off in her arm, but trying to be quick, aware that her ability to breath was deteriorating.

Jessie helped her turn to her side. He took his shirt off and wadded it up to make a makeshift kind of a pillow and tucked it under the side of her face. He saw the large cross pendant now, hanging from her neck. The cross was formed of pearls, in a silver frame, that hung from a long silver chain.

Thank ...you, she said and coughed again.

Jessie nodded. Sure, he replied.

She does seem to be breathing easier, but for how long? If her lungs are filling with fluid, then what? God help her! he thought.

What’s going on here? an officer asked now, looking over Jessie’s shoulder.

Please get a paramedic with a gurney over here! She can barely breathe! She’s spitting up blood! Jessie replied.

The officer radioed for someone to bring a gurney, and he stood by.

Pray …with me, the woman whispered.

What’s your name? Jessie asked.

Marie, she said.

You are Christian? he asked

She nodded. Yes.

Jessie grabbed her hand, as she coughed up more blood. Father, we ask that you protect and heal Marie, if it is your will, to a speedy recovery, so she can look after her little girl. If it’s your will to take her, take her easy to a glorious joyful life with you. Jesus, greet her and hold her and comfort her. She is your servant, accepting of your gift of eternal life through Christ. God we ask that you hold her hand and we thank you for all blessings in the name of your son, Jesus! Amen! Jessie said.

Amen, Marie barely whispered, and coughed up more blood, tried to inhale and instead clawed and grabbed at her chest for air.

A paramedic was there now, with a gurney, and he and the police officer lifted her to the gurney and took off.

Jessie had his doubts she would make it because her hand had gone limp just before they lifted her. He thought perhaps she had stopped breathing.

I think she’s unconscious, but she was barely breathing and coughing up blood! Jessie said, hoping it would spark some urgency in the paramedics.

Alright, we are leaving now! one of the paramedics said, back over his shoulder.

Jessie stood and walked a ways up the roadway looking for the first paramedic, but he never saw him. He remembered that his tag read R. Raines.

Excuse me, can you tell me where to find paramedic Raines, please? Jessie asked another paramedic.

"Robert Raines?" the firefighter asked, looking Jessie over, as he was without a shirt, with some blood and mud smeared on him.

Robert just transported two victims to the E/R, All Saints, I believe. Are you alright? he asked.

Yes, thank you. Jessie said.

Suddenly he felt tired, physically, mentally and emotionally tired. He looked ahead where the highway was elevated to a slight hill. He heard the helicopter land earlier, and knew they transported several accident victims. He picked that much up from conversation he overheard from the radio traffic. A couple of ambulances were pulling away now, trying to drive through the maze of disabled vehicles and emergency equipment on the shoulders. Officers were measuring distance between cars, and Jessie knew they were working on fatality accident reports.

There’s nothing more for me to do here. I might as well head home, Jessie thought.

Can I help you, sir? an officer asked.

No, I just pulled over to help. I guess I’ll get back to my car and get home, Jessie said.

The officer considered Jessie now. You won’t get out of this debacle any time soon, unless I can help clear the way for you. You are the one that was helping the lady that was thrown from her vehicle into the ravine, aren’t you? he asked.

Yeah, I did what I could. I hope I didn’t make things worse, Jessie replied.

No, I hear she’s still hanging on. I looked over and saw you, but I couldn’t break away! I’m Sgt. Mead, he said. Tell me, at any point, did you flag down any medical personnel? he asked.

"No. I didn’t need to. There was a firefighter paramedic with her. He made it to her just before I did, for whatever good that did!" Jessie replied.

What do you mean by that? Sgt. Mead asked.

Jessie relayed to him all that he witnessed and overheard. Anyway he took off to get a gurney for her and she asked me to help her turn on her side so she could breathe and she asked me to pray with her. Her name is Marie. It was when I turned her on her side that I saw her cross necklace, made of pearls. It was all rather surreal, really, Jessie said. That poor woman kept begging for help, spitting up blood! She said she had a little girl to pick up somewhere, and that paramedic kept laughing at her.

"Are you sure this was Robert Raines we’re talking about?" Sgt. Mead asked.

"I don’t know. His name tag read R. Raines. I went looking for him and I was told his first name is Robert and he had transported to All Saints. In all honesty, I hope he’s not on duty if I have any immediate need!" Jessie said.

Sgt. Mead looked angry. He looked away, and an officer approached him now about towing some vehicles.

Yeah, we need to get this road cleared. Let’s get Marshall, and see if we can get some pushed to the side, at least, so the wreckers can even gain access! Mr. Conti, if you will wait in my car, I’ll get you out of here shortly, Sgt. Mead said. I need to speak with you before you leave, sir.

Okay, Jessie replied. I stayed to help! I don’t mind helping you pushing cars out of the way!

Thanks, but we’ve got this! Sgt. Mead replied.

Jessie sat quietly in the squad car and watched them work, listening to their chatter back and forth on the radio, while they pushed cars off the road and had others towed.

451 and 4A3 talked back and forth about a black Ford pickup, and where the driver was transported to, and then it was quiet for a minute.

422 to 4A3. Can you hang on? I need to take a few pictures and measurements of that red Mustang before you tow it. He was involved in the accident. It returns, I believe, to a Cameron Shelby. The driver is at All Saints. Give me 10, please, sir.

4A3 10-4.

Jessie knew Cameron Shelby. His family owned the car lot on Main Street and Windbluff Parkway, and he always drove a Mustang. Every year he would trade it in for a new one. One on one, Cameron seemed a reasonable, personable, individual, and friendly enough. Jessie never fully trusted him because he seemed to side with the direction the wind was blowing that particular day in terms of impressing and influencing the crowd of teenagers he ran with. He seemed to do whatever he deemed would expand or at least help to maintain his degree of popularity and social standing.

It’s really a shame, Jessie thought. Cameron has some considerable influence at school. He could use it to do good, at least more so than he is now, by encouraging that uppity crowd he runs with to be more inclusive and kinder to the less affluent in town. Blonde, blue-eyed and somewhat wealthy, Cameron was considered ‘cute’ by most of the girls in school. Jessie could tell, however, that someone saw fit to rearrange Cameron’s baby-face a bit by breaking his nose at some point in time. He wondered if the same person gave him the small scar down the left side of his face as well with a good right punch. He’s about half inch taller and about ten to fifteen pounds heavier, but I could knock him flat rather quickly! I’m confident of that! For the most part he seems friendly enough. I guess I’m glad I never let it come to blows with Cameron, but I did come close… really close, once.

I recall the incident just over a year ago, when I caught that freshman stealing. Mark Cleary was running low on cash and was hungry, and it was about lunch time. He had taken some money from the jacket pocket of Kerry Dunn’s jacket in gym class, when he went back early from the track to the men’s room, and I walked out of the men’s restroom, and saw him take it.

Mark, I can spare some money if you need it. You don’t need to do that, I said.

Are you gonna tattle on me to Kerry? Mark asked.

No, I wouldn’t do that, I replied.

Mark Davidson put the money back and accepted $5.00 from me, instead, for a burger.

The problem came when a third young man overheard it all and peeked out of the shower to see the two of us talking and told Kerry.

So let me get this straight! Kerry started, in front of everyone. "Stealing is a sin, but stealing from me is okay, right, Conti?" Kerry asked.

A group of young men were gathering around now, listening and watching me for an answer that wouldn’t result in a physical altercation.

I wasn’t particularly worried, though, much to Cameron’s chagrin.

"I never said that, at all! Everyone knows that stealing is wrong, no matter who you steal from!" I replied.

"You did squeal! I’ll never trust you again!"

Mark yelled at me.

"No, Jessie didn’t squeal! I’ll give him that much! It was someone else that overheard it all, from a shower stall! It shouldn’t matter! You’re still a damn thief, Mark!" Kerry yelled.

"If you know that it’s so wrong, then why didn’t you report it, Jessie?" Cameron Shelby asked.

Because I considered that he hasn’t taken up stealing as a trade, Cameron. He was just hungry and broke, and that’s all that drove him to do that. It wasn’t out of habit. He knew it was wrong. I wonder that people with much to share don’t offer more often, really. As it turned out, no one stole anything and everything is as it was, I remember saying.

It shouldn’t matter how much money anyone has! It’s still wrong! Cameron shouted.

That’s true, Cameron! I agreed.

"So you decided it’s okay for Mark to have tried that, this time, because he was only hungry! Tell me, what makes you judge around here?"

I’m not a judge, Cameron. I did what I did because I figured Mark would regret his actions, and I had the spare money. I never justified what he considered doing! I recall saying.

So why didn’t you report it? Why did Kerry have to hear it from someone else? Cameron asked.

Because no one wants to be a snitch, Cameron. In reality, it serves no purpose. There was no theft to report to anyone, anyway! I pointed out. "There’s nothing to report."

Well, for the record, I think some of you self-righteous Jesus Freaks get out of hand with imposing your idea of what’s right and wrong on everybody else! Cameron exclaimed, with a smug, confident air. I recall that all his buddies clapped and yelled in agreement.

"Are you and I standing in the same locker room, Cameron? I didn’t impose anything on anybody! I simply offered to give Mark some money to eat so he wouldn’t need to take any money from anyone. Believing it to be a one-time incident, I chose not to squeal! I’m not anyone’s judge, and I never tried to be!" I said.

"Well, I’ll admit that’s all good, until you get to the part where you told no one! How do you get to make the decision that it’s okay for Mark to steal and no one else? Is it because he’s your friend?"

"Oh, come on, Cameron! How many times have we had money or anything else come up missing in gym class? A grand total of one, or is it actually none? You talk about Mark as if he’s a certified habitual thief! It’s not okay to steal! I never condoned it! I know it’s wrong and so does he! He was about to take only enough to buy a sandwich. A hardened thief would have taken it all! Still, it’s wrong! I don’t disagree!"

Hmph! Cameron replied.

"If I condoned it, I probably would have ignored it and said nothing…and I wouldn’t say he’s my friend, by the way, although he’s certainly closer to being my friend than not! I don’t know him well, but I’d give anyone money to eat if I had it and I knew he or she were hungry!" I pointed out.

Cameron continued to watch me, listening, with both his hands at the sides of his waist, as if he were contemplating what kind of punishment he should dish out. It was starting to annoy me, quite a bit!

The fact is I knew he would regret it, because he had the kindness of heart to buy Jimmy something to eat the day he was beaten, with his lunch smeared on his face by that ass hat Jameson, who thankfully doesn’t go to this school anymore!

I recalled. "Mark said at that time that he thought it was so wrong of them to take all Jimmy’s money. He could have just walked by! I remembered that. I judge no one! Nothing occurred here today!" I pointed out, once more.

"But you-"

Did absolutely nothing that I’m accountable to YOU for, Cameron…or anyone else here for that matter! I interrupted him, trying to keep my voice down, but yelling just the same. Part of me was daring Cameron to defy me again! He knew it, too! It would certainly not make me popular around here, and would probably cause me some grief in the future, but I damn sure wasn’t answerable to Cameron Shelby, and I wasn’t about to start answering to him as a point of fact!

Are you planning to call the lunch money detectives and report me for giving my money away? DO IT! I replied, not realizing I had stepped forward and was in Cameron’s face now!

I seem to recall that one by one, Cameron’s buddies started turning and walking away.

Cameron stepped back and cleared his throat.

"I apologize, Jessie. Some Christians are really snooty and I thought you were copping an attitude and I was wrong. When I’m wrong, I admit it!"

I took a deep breath and stepped back.

Okay. I can accept that, I said. It would have been much better if you had apologized in front of everyone just as you chose to jump all over me in front of them all! I said, …but I accept! I decided, stepping back and making an effort to calm myself.

"Well, they all walked away, mostly because they knew I was wrong and you actually did nothing wrong here today! I was wrong about you!" Cameron admitted.

Well, it would seem you are more of a judge than I am, huh? I remember saying. The fact is, Cameron, I wasn’t going to stand there and be bellowed at much longer!

Cameron nodded, and got quiet. After a minute, he said, I guess I made a scene in front of all the other guys.

"Cameron, you don’t know me very well, but I’m not one to care much what ‘the others’ think!" I said, still a bit angry.

That’s apparent! Cameron laughed. Look, Jessie, you have a valid point! I copped an attitude, unnecessarily, I’ll admit! I’ve had really bad experiences with Christians! You are the exception, though, Cameron said.

Because I speak up? I asked.

"Because you aren’t judgmental!" Cameron replied.

I remember wondering what kind of experience he had with Christians that left such a bad taste in his mouth for the whole concept of Christianity. We’re all human for goodness’ sakes!

"Cameron, in the end, what other people say and do is not what you are going to have to answer for! I hope you do the right thing and accept Christ before it’s too late," I said.

Too late? Cameron raised an eyebrow at me, then. I could tell he was becoming defensive, already.

Yes, Cameron, because none of us ever know when we will pass from this life. Surely you realize that! I said. "I hope you are ready to face God when that time comes, as it will for us all, and you can stand before God, forgiven, and allowed to move on to everlasting life, having accepted His Son’s sacrifice for all your wrongdoing!"

Because I’m such a bad evil sinner? Cameron asked, in an angry tone.

"Because we ALL are, Cameron, myself included! It’s just human nature, man! You know, I believe it will be such a very humbling experience to stand before God! Whatever you think of me, Cameron, I know you have to realize He has the power over life and death!" I said, buttoning my shirt, in preparation to leave.

Cameron’s tone changed. Yeah, he said. That is true! he replied, and he fell quiet.

I suddenly realized that during this discussion with Cameron, Mark wisely chose to disappear, and I said so, with a laugh.

Cameron laughed out loud, along with me.

Yeah, he crept away fast, didn’t he?

The last two other guys closed their lockers and hurried to the next class.

I picked up the books that had fallen from my backpack.

Take it easy on Mark, Cameron. I have seen him reach out and help. He’s not a bad guy, I said.

"As opposed to me, a real bastard, right?" Cameron asked, grabbing his sweater.

"No, Cameron. You’re not a bastard," I laughed, in reply.

Is everything okay back here? I got word there was an argument that was evolving into a fist fight rather quickly! Coach Chalmers walked in and asked.

Cameron held my gaze. No, sir! Everything is fine! Cameron replied.

The bell rang. Well, it may not be so fine when you’re late for your next class! Get going!

Coach Chalmers barked.

Yes sir! I said. I grabbed my backpack and took off, with a quick nod to Cameron on the way.

After that, Cameron would say ‘hello’ or wave to me. At least I would get a nod when we passed in the hall, but we never spoke of Christ again.

Maybe I’ll visit All Saints and look in on him and Marie tomorrow, Jessie thought now. He sighed and looked out the window. I’m tired. I want to go home, shower, and get something to eat! Maybe I’ll-

Let’s get going! I think I can get you to your vehicle now and lead you out of here! Sgt. Mead said, snapping Jessie’s mind back to the present.

Great! Jessie said.

Listen, Mr. Conti, what you described to me is quite extraordinary. It needs to be addressed. We cannot have that kind of thing going on! Would you be willing to give a statement, if I come by your house tomorrow? Sgt. Mike Mead asked.

Well, before I answer that, I’d like to speak to my father, sir, if that’s okay. I know from his past experience, that there is much to be considered, Jessie replied.

Certainly! Please tell Joe that Sgt. Mead said ‘Hello!’ Mike said.

Joe smiled. I will!

Joe considered Sgt. Mead, now. He’s stout with a rather broad chest. He has a slight scar down the side of his face and a smaller scar across his nose, faded, but still apparent. I wonder how he got those scars…perhaps a bar fight, at closing time? He has sandy blonde hair, with streaks of light brown through it, but certainly no gray. The man has big perceptive eyes, that miss nothing. Jessie considered him to be a nice enough man, but certainly not someone he would want to anger.

Here’s my car! Jessie said.

Okay, follow me, and I’ll lead you through to the main road. What happened to your shirt? Sgt. Mead asked.

I took it off and wadded it into a kind of pillow for Marie, Jessie said.

I see. Do you want to go get it? Sgt. Mead asked.

No, that’s okay. I think it went to the hospital on the gurney. It was just an old shirt, and it’s blood-soaked now, wherever it is.

Alright, Sgt. Mead said.

Jessie got into his car, and saw his phone in the cup holder vibrating. He started the engine and pulled out behind the sergeant’s squad car and followed him through the maze to an exit and out to the service road. Sgt. Mead waved to Jessie as he drove by him, and turned left at the light to return to the accident scene.

Jessie checked his phone and saw three calls from his dad, one from Jake Dixon and one from Chrissy.

Up ahead was a Jiffy Burger. Jessie turned off his left blinker and moved over to the right, once he cleared the intersection and pulled into Jiffy Burger, and parked. He called his father.

Son, where have you been? We were worried once we saw on the news about this accident!

Well, it happened, literally, all around me, Dad, and I had to wait for the officers to clear some cars out of there so I could get through and out of there. I’m at Jiffy Burger. Do you and Mom want anything?

Hang on. Then, Carla how does Jiffy Burger sound? Joe asked. Jessie could hear them talking but he couldn’t make it out.

Son, do you have the cash to bring us a cheeseburger, fries and shakes? Joe asked.

I do, yes. Strawberry for Mom and chocolate for you? he asked.

Yep! Joe replied.

Okay. I need to talk to you when I get home, Dad, Jessie said.

Uh-oh! What’s wrong? Joe asked.

Maybe nothing. I’ll be home in a few minutes, Jessie said.

Alright! Be careful! Joe said.

I will, I promise! Jessie said, and he hung up.

He backed out of the parking space and pulled up into the line at the drive-thru, and called his friend Jake.

Hey! I just saw you on the news, shirtless walking down the highway! Are you okay? Jake asked.

Yeah, I’m fine. I wonder why Dad didn’t say anything about that. He watched the 5:00 news!

Well, this is new film coverage! Maybe they didn’t have this to air at 5:00, Jake suggested.

Perhaps. Are we still going bowling Thursday? Jessie asked.

Yeah, listen, Laura Bingham wanted to go, and I told her I would check and see if Chrissy was going.

Well, I have a call from Chrissy here. I’ll check with her and call you back.

Okay, that’s cool! Jake said.

Jessie called Chrissy now. Hi there! Jessie said, happy at the sound of her voice.

Jessie! I saw you on the news, and I was worried! Chrissy said.

I’m fine, Chrissy! It just took me a while to get to my car and my phone. I parked on the median and got out to help, that’s all! Jessie said.

Well, what happened to your shirt? Chrissy asked.

I took it off and wadded it up for a kind of pillow for this hurt woman, Jessie explained.

Awe! Chrissy replied, and Jessie laughed a bit.

Hey are you still planning to go bowling with me Thursday? Jessie asked.

Yeah, why?

Because Laura wanted to go with Jake and he wasn’t sure what to tell her. If you’re going then it’s all good! Jessie said. We can head over there after school and get something to eat. Sound okay?

"It does, yeah! I wanted some alone time with you but we do have our planned date Saturday!"

Yes, ma’am! We do! Jessie promised.

Hang on, Jessie!

Jessie, Joanna needs the phone for a while. I’ll talk to you later! Chrissy said.

Alright! Bye for now! Jessie said, and disconnected.

Are you there? a lady was asking over the speaker.

Yes, I’m sorry! I need three Jiffy cheeseburgers, with grilled onions, three orders of fries, two medium chocolate shakes and one medium strawberry shake.

The lady repeated the order.

That’s correct, Jessie said.

"We have cherry cream fried pies, right now, buy one, get one free, sir.

Well, I need three total! he said.

So you will pay for two and get four!

Alright, then! Jessie agreed.

I need a cherry cream pie like a headache! Jessie thought, but he couldn’t resist. Jessie actually didn’t have to worry about calories much. He took after his father a lot in that regard. He had Joe’s good looks and sensuous smile. He just turned seventeen and he was 5’11, 175 pounds. He had his father’s Italian coloring, golden brown eyes and skin tone, but he had his mother’s darker hair, as opposed to his father’s dishwater blond hair.

He worked out once a week, and jogged on Sundays after church around that pretty park a few times. He was on the track team at school, and aside from that, he really didn’t exercise much. He was a hit with the girls, but he insisted on a Christian girlfriend, and he had been going steady with Chrissy Malone for several years, now.

Finally, it was Jessie’s turn to pay and go home. That will be $23.10, the girl said, and winked at him.

He smiled at her and handed her his bank Visa and a $3.00 coupon. He always clipped the coupons from the receipt and laid them in his console.

"That’s $20.10, sir! Come on back anytime!"

Okay! He smiled and she gave him napkins, ketchup, salt, pepper and straws, and yet another wink and a smile. Jessie said thanks, and drove away. He called Jake and confirmed Chrissy was going bowling.

He thought of Chrissy Malone. She has her driver’s license, but I’m glad she doesn’t have a car yet! I’m glad she wasn’t involved in that mess out there today! Jessie thought. Guys like Jake, Cameron and John Cross on the track team have probably dated fifty girls. I dated a grand total of seven girls before I fell hard for Chrissy.

He pictured her now in his mind. She has a rather heart shaped face, and big blue eyes. Thick blonde hair to about halfway down her back that she keeps layered with cute bangs. She has a beautiful smile and a cute bubbly laugh that I love! She always says she wants to lose ten pounds, but to me, she’s perfect! She’s somewhat shy, sweet, perceptive, kind, smart, affectionate, Christian, and fortunately for me, she’s devoted to me! Thank you, God for that! She’s my closest friend and confidant. ONE KISS and I’ve just wanted to cherish, love and protect her for the rest of my life! After two years, I only love her more! Part of me wants to make love to her so badly! Part of me wants to wait until we’re married. I’m just so in love with her! Jessie decided.

He thought again about Robert Raines and prayed for guidance. He believed that nothing happened by accident. He felt that he was led to speak to Sgt. Mike Mead about the man. Maybe it will prevent an unnecessary death! he thought.

He sighed as he turned into the driveway. I’m really tired tonight! Jessie thought. I do want to talk to Dad about Robert Raines before I go to bed, though. I trust Dad’s judgment.

Finally home, Jessie parked and carried dinner in for his family.

2

Joe’s Reaction

You handled it correctly, Son! Is that the first time you’ve ever seen him? Joe asked, once Jessie relayed to his father what had happened.

"I’ve seen him a few times around town. Once at the bank, when I opened my account, once at the grocery store. I think I saw him at the drug store. I’ve seen him enough to know he lives around here, but I know nothing about him, and I’m not sure I want to, really! What kind of man laughs at a time like that, when he should be helping?" Jessie asked.

"The kind of man that’s troubled, Son! Either he’s full of hate or he has been led to believe things about Christians that aren’t true! The group that I dealt with when you were just crawling, the Texas Liberation Society, went beyond their dislike of Christians. They would have no problem actually killing them, and did! They weren’t prejudiced to Christians either. They hated all established religions!"

Well, I know they are hateful, Dad! I know they can cause a lot of trouble. That’s why I told Sergeant Mead that I would discuss it with you first, when he said he wanted to write a report on it and start the wheels rolling to address it.

Sergeant MIKE Mead? Joe asked.

Yep, and he said to tell you ‘hello!’ Jessie added. He was angry when I told him what happened.

I can well imagine, knowing Mike! Joe said.

Joe looked at his pretty wife,. I’m not certain I can take another round of this! The first battle about drove me insane! Joe admitted.

"But you know that is the RIGHT thing to do, Joe! There is the reason, sitting right in front of you!" she said.

I know! Jessie is certainly worth it! I’ll not have him face these people alone! Joe agreed, and sighed.

Well, what about the people out there who may have died already, Joe, because like Marie, they may have been wearing a cross? You have taught your son to take a stand and he’s ready to! The time has come to set that example and I’m here for both of you, all the way! Carla said.

Joe nodded, and looked at his son. Jessie favored his father quite a lot, with the exception of Joe’s blonde hair. Jessie had his mother’s darker hair.

Both Joe and his son had the longer straighter nose and big brown eyes. They both possessed thick wavy hair and a sensuous playful smile. The Conti men were both quite attractive, and solidly built, muscular with little to no fat. Jessie seemed to inherit Joe’s muscular upper arms and trim waist. Neither of them ever needed to work out, much, although Joe was keenly aware that he may not possess the strength that he had as a younger man, so he jogged and worked out, weekly.

He didn’t really want to see Jessie in a physical altercation with a firefighter. Joe didn’t know the man but he knew the man had to be fit in order to maintain his position with the fire department. Nevertheless, he knew Jessie could hold his own.

Joe retrieved his old phone book from his desk, and called Mike Mead’s cell number.

I wondered if you would call! Mike said. How are you and Carla, Joe?

We’re fine, Mike, just fine! Tell me what I need to know. Is this ‘Raines’ character a member of the Texas Liberation Society?

Well, he wasn’t when he was hired, because we both know that Dan does a thorough investigation, Joe. I have to tell you that Chief Mark Shaw has been wondering about him. He hasn’t hurt anyone to date, but this is not the first time he has neglected to help someone of faith! Mark let the first claims go because the witnesses refused to document it for fear of retaliation, Mike Mead said.

Claims? Tell me, Mike, is he the only one on the City’s payroll? Joe asked.

Joe, I’m not at liberty to say! Truly, I don’t know all that Mark knows! Mike said.

Well, I’ll be calling Mark tomorrow to set an appointment for a meeting! Joe said.

You know you don’t need an appointment, Joe! Mike replied.

Yes I do, because I want you and Dan to be there, Mike! Joe said. I need to bring Jessie, too, of course!

I agree with that, although I’m reluctant to involve someone that young! Mike replied.

Well, he can handle himself, Sergeant! I made sure of that! He knows how to handle a firearm and a knife as well. Consider, Mike, that I will not always be around. It is quite important to Carla and me that he is proficient in every aspect of self defense! Joe said.

Can he knock a man out with one punch? Sgt. Mead asked, with a laugh.

I imagine he probably could if he were sufficiently motivated to do so, Mike, although I haven’t specifically tutored him on that! Joe replied.

Mike laughed, and then he got quiet. Raines is apt to be a handful, Joe. I hope he doesn’t have friends on the payroll to help him, but one never knows!

"Oh yes, ‘one’ can know, Mike! ‘One’ can damn well tell by their hateful arrogance!"

Well, you’re right, there! Mike said, without laughing. Listen, I’ll talk to Mark in the morning and I’ll call you, okay?

Okay, Joe agreed. What of this woman, Marie?

As far as I know she’s still holding on, Joe. There is a man that didn’t make it and he was treated by Robert Raines, and he does happen to be Christian, but I don’t know how Raines could have known that.

Well, Mike, he could have asked the man to pray with him as Marie asked Jessie to do, and he choked him, instead! You just never know, man!

Mike sighed. "I know, Joe, but we have to deal with what we do know and what’s documented, you know that."

Yeah, I know, Sergeant Mead! You take care and I’ll wait to hear from you! Joe said. By the way, congrats on promoting to sergeant! Joe said.

The men said goodbye and Joe asked Jessie not to discuss the situation with Chrissy, Jake or anyone else but him or his mother, Carla.

Okay, Dad, I won’t! Jessie promised.

The next morning Sgt. Mead called around 9:30 AM, and asked Joe if he and Jessie could come see him, along with Chief Mark Shaw and Dan Stark at 11:00 AM.

We’ll be there! Joe said. Jessie was up, showered and dressed.

I figured Sgt. Mead would call, since it’s Saturday, hopefully a slower pace, as far as foot traffic goes, Jessie said.

Son, there are no slow days as far as the criminals are concerned, believe me! In fact, the weekends can be the busiest, Joe laughed.

Joe had already cooked scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits, and made a pot of coffee, and Carla was cleaning and setting the kitchen back in order.

It was 10:20 AM, and Joe and Jessie were ready to go. Joe kissed Carla goodbye, and they were on their way. Jessie followed Joe to the police station.

Joe was able to get a spot by the front entrance, and Jessie parked on the first row. They approached the front desk.

Can I help you? a pretty girl smiled at Jessie.

Joe and Jessie Conti are here for an 11:00 meeting with the police chief, Jessie said.

I’ll let him know you’ve arrived. You may have a seat, sir. It shouldn’t be long, she said, and she smiled again.

Thank you, Jessie said, and took a seat beside his father.

Joe was laughing at the way the girl was smiling and blushing at Jessie.

Oh, Dad! You’re gonna have to let me up! She was just being polite! Jessie laughed.

She sure was, Son! Joe laughed again.

Jessie rolled his eyes. You’re the one the ladies chase after, Dad! Jessie replied.

That’s not the case, Jessie! I’m old and gray now! Joe pointed out.

You have some silver coming in at the sides, and that’s about the only difference! You still look like the pictures of you and Mom, when you married! Jessie replied.

Son, I’ve shrunk an inch and a half, and lost some muscle, believe me! I have to work harder now just to maintain status quo, and that’s not saying a lot for my condition these days! Joe laughed.

Dad, you don’t look much different, and neither does Mom! For heaven’s sake, Chrissy saw me at the grocery store with Mom right after we started dating and thought I was with another date! Jessie laughed.

Your mother is an exceptional beauty, Jessie! Joe said, quietly, now that there were other people in the lobby. You have her genes, which is why that girl is still smiling at you! Joe laughed again.

Carla is exceptional, certainly! She has that cute heart shaped face and big dark eyes, and that smile that could put the sun in the shade! Joe thought. All these years and she still makes my heart skip a beat whenever I see her!

The side door opened now and Sgt. Mead greeted them. Hey Joe! Joe and Jessie walked over to him and he hugged Joe. I swear you don’t look a day older! I haven’t seen you in a while now!

That’s what I just told him! Jessie said.

Well, you’re a mirror image of him, Jessie! I would pick you out of a crowd as his son without being told your name was Conti! Mike said, shaking his hand. Dan and Mark are waiting for us. Let’s go! Mike Mead said, and led them down the hall.

Joe considered Mike Mead. It had been a while since he had seen him and he had not changed much. Solidly built, with thick brown hair with more than a flash of red in it, and perceptive blue eyes, Mike was quick and confident, decisive, yet compassionate with a nice smile. The ladies generally liked him and most men respected him.

Joe knew him to be Christian, and solidly consistent. He’s laid-back and easy-going. Mike is a good guy, friendly enough but not a man to be trifled with! Joe decided.

The door was propped open. Joe noticed there was no secretary. Where’s your help, Mike?

There’s not much of that on weekends, Joe, Mike smiled. If it was up to me, we would be staffed always, but I suppose they have to cut costs somewhere!

I disagree, but no one’s asking me! Joe said. This is not a factory, Mike! Lives are at stake, every hour of every day! Joe replied.

Oh, I know it! Mike agreed, as they turned the corner into the chief’s office.

Well, if it isn’t Joe and his twin! Dan laughed. He stood and gave them both a hug.

He’s just a smaller version of you, without the gray, Joe, truly! Mark said, and shook both their hands.

Before you two sit down, there’s an instant coffee maker just outside there, if either of you want coffee. There is a variety of flavors and roasts! Mark offered.

Nah! I’ve had my two cups for the day already! Joe said.

No, thank you! Jessie said, and they both sat down.

Alright, well, Jessie, I’d like to hear this story coming from you, and I’m going to tape it, if you two don’t mind, because I will be asking you some questions. This is very important, and it has to be addressed! Chief Mark Shaw said.

Jessie looked at his father for confirmation and he nodded.

Another man walked into the room, at that point in firefighter’s supervisory uniform, and Chief Shaw introduced him as Fire Captain Grant ID#F120. Mark Grant shook Joe’s hand and Jessie’s as well.

"It’s good to meet you both! I want you to know that I’m not here as your adversary. Quite the opposite, gentlemen, Chief Shaw spoke to me this morning about this incident and I agreed with him that it is definitely something that must be addressed. If one person dies, as a result of this negligent behavior, well, that could bankrupt the city; although there is a team of good attorneys on staff, this behavior is indefensible, and will certainly take funding from staffing, training and equipment needed to protect the citizens of Windbluff for years. We simply cannot have it! So I am here as this man’s supervisor, to hear about the incident, and start a discreet investigation, and go from there. I understand that you aren’t familiar with me, but Chief Shaw and Detective Dan Stark are. Please believe that I am not here to defend this man’s actions, okay?" he asked.

Alright! Joe replied.

Okay, then, Jessie agreed.

Mark Grant was about 6’ tall and balding. He was a bit on the pale side, although he obviously worked out. He had a mustache that was a bit bushy, and big dark brown eyes that appeared slightly set back, yet close set, on his longer, thinner face.

Jessie took basic psychology last year as his elective, and based on Mark Grant’s body language alone, he saw him as somewhat defensive and although he explained that he was not there to defend Robert Raines’s actions, Jessie could already detect a bit of an argumentative tone in his voice, before they even started.

Mark Grant looks back and forth between me and Chief Shaw, like he already doesn’t believe me. …as if I need to prove, somehow, that this actually occurred. That’s okay. Innocent, until proven guilty, certainly! Jessie thought. I have no hidden agenda here! I intend to tell him exactly what happened, and stick to the facts as much as possible. I’ll try not to go into how I feel about it.

Alright, then. Let’s begin. Mark Shaw turned the recorder on. "This is Police Chief Mark Shaw, ID#054, conducting an interview with Jessie Conti, 17 years of age, in the presence of his father, Joe Conti, 37 years of age. Also present is Commander Dan Stark of the Domestic Terrorism Unit, and Sergeant Mike Mead, ID#131, as well as Fire Captain Mark Grant, ID#F120. This is in reference to case file#3417788, as it pertains to incidents that occurred involving firefighter paramedic Robert Raines, ID#371, that occurred on 7/17/2021.

Jessie Conti, please identify yourself and tell us in your own words what occurred from the beginning. How did you happen to be at the scene of this accident? Chief Shaw asked.

I’m Jessie Conti. I’m 17 years old, and I go to Windbluff High School. I’m on the track team there and I left practice at 6:15 PM. I took I-20 westbound to go to Shepherd’s to be fitted for my school jacket before they closed at 7:30 PM. I was in the far left lane. I entered the highway at exit 117, from Rennart Avenue and I had station WT4U on the radio. I had just merged into traffic, and it was moving at a good clip, Jessie started.

"I saw a flash up ahead and as I topped the hill. I saw the silver H2 Hummer going head on against traffic, in the eastbound lanes, on the other side of the median.

"I heard the crash and crunch of the cars, and I heard several more beyond that. Then I topped a