Ring in Mine #3: Nephi & Jerome: Chapter 54
I know it is the holiday season, but if you can see your way clear to help keep Nifty going and free please send a couple of dollars. If you look I am on the list.
http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html
The problem with Nifty is the formatting of the text changes. It makes some of the flash backs hard to follow.
Thank you for your emails. I appreciate hearing from my readers.
Thanks Zach for your editing skills. Here is Chapter 54.
---------- Chapter 54
They stepped off the corporate jet on the tarmac to find a man holding a sign with their names. Jerome vaguely remembered the man, but couldn't remember from where. He didn't drive them to the compound. He stopped in front of Margaret's office. "I'll visit when you are ready."
"My last appointment canceled. I was heading out to the compound." Margaret explained. "Meeting here is for the best."
Margaret struggled to find the best way to tell the story.
It had been two days since Mr. Tellerson's threat to see his son dead. Security was on high alert waiting for Jerome's dad to show up. Vendors spent the afternoon setting up for the evening. Somehow the main gate had malfunctioned in the open position. Everyone else was busy. Nephi drove Myles to the front gate. Myles struggled with the chain only to find someone had jammed a screwdriver in the chain burning out the motor. Myles wanted to free the gate from the chain so it could be closed.
"A guy just threw Jerry in his trunk. Close the gate!" Marshall shouted into the radio.
Looking up the drive Nigel only made it part way out of the car's path before getting hit. Nephi had few options. If Jerry left the property he wouldn't return. Nephi pulled onto the roadway blocking the exit with his golf cart. Anyone else could have jumped out of the cart. Nephi didn't have that option. He had promised he would protect Jerry with his life. It was time to pay the final price.
The car veered and slammed Nephi's cart into one of the stone pillars. The stop was abrupt. Myles noticed blood on the car's windshield but didn't care about the driver. He found Nephi tangled in the wreckage of the golf cart pinned between the wreckage and the car.
"Leave me until the paramedics arrive. Without the pressure of the car I will bleed to death. Get Jerry out. Life needs to continue. Don't cancel Christmas, tomorrow a young man is coming that needs our care."
Using the crowbar, he had used on the fence, Myles popped the trunk. Jerry was a little banged up. He looked and sounded scared, but fine.
"Father, I am ready to come home." Nephi's head leaned forward.
Myles picked up his burden and carried the little boy back down the road, not letting him see or know about his Daddy. The car behind him burst into flames.
Tears flowed down Myles' face. He handed his burden to Mary. "Take your grandson and the littles home. The paramedics can check on him there."
Myles fell to his knees, buried his head in his hands and sobbed. This God touched soul had plucked him and Garrick off the street. He remembered the agony when he burned his arm in Vietnam. He hoped Nephi's God had spared his servant the pain. Garrick knelt by his man and they cried together.
"No, No, No." Jerome sobbed.
"How many times did Nephi promise he would give his life to save either yours or Jerry's. Remember this is the guy that took a bullet and the use of his leg to save Kenton. Remember your dad promised to see you and yours dead before he let you have Grace's money." Adam was trying to be the voice of reason.
"There had to be another way. One that left both Jerry and Nephi safe." Jerome sobbed. Then he remembered all those nights he hadn't called while he was out enjoying himself. His sobs stopped, tears ran down his face as he rocked back and forth wracked with guilt.
An unheard prayer went heavenward. "Please Lord, Hevel wouldn't want Jerome to suffer this much. If he is to carry on Hevel's work he needs to get through the next few days." There was a pause. "I understand the price."
Margaret handed a letter to Jerome unsure where she had gotten it. Nephi must have left it with her. In it, Nephi explained about the tumor in his brain. "If I give my life to protect our son, I will cheat God. The doctor's say I would never make it to Kazoo Day. I need you to carry on our work. Sometimes God needs feet on the ground. For now, you need to take my place. Turn to Adam for strength and solace. I haven't broken my promise to be with you."
Jerome felt a lightness fill his soul. There was still grief but he could be strong for his family. He needed to be with his boy.
The unseen supplicant fell to his knees as he took upon himself most of Jerome's anguish and guilt. "Thank you, Father. I know Hevel thanks you."
Having just dealt with Grace's death, Jerome was hyper-aware of funeral arrangements. "What do we need to do for Nephi?"
"Except for the actual funeral, Nephi has taken care of everything else. The police released Nephi's charred remains to the crematorium. He left the funeral to the living. As per Nephi's instructions, the family is meeting tomorrow morning to brainstorm the funeral." Margaret placed papers into her briefcase. "I'll meet you at the compound."
"Do you think you could give us a ride?" Jerome asked.
"I thought you must have a car. How did you get here?"
Adam explained about the driver waiting for them at the airport. Adam's story puzzled Margaret. Marshall had planned on waiting for the pair.
Seeing the event area lit and open surprised Jerome as they drove past.
"Myles was the last to speak to Nephi before the fire. Nephi insisted we not cancel Christmas. Nephi told Myles, `A boy is coming that needs our help.' Seven days a week would be hard on the family. Nephi hired guys from the landscaping team to help and Phil found kids from school to fill in on the live Nativity scene. They are running the show for now."
Jerome picked up the mike on Margaret's radio. "Samaritans, this is the Brother of Jared, do you copy?"
Family members near a radio answered back. "I love all of you and I want to talk with each of you. Nephi is the second loved one I have lost in a week; may I spend tonight with my boy?"
Margaret pulled into Samaria through one of the other entrances avoiding the Media at the main gate. "Nephi wrote a press release for the lawyer to read. Brent only had to change the exact details. The media can be emotional vultures. They want someone from the family to parade their grief on TV."
The family met Jerome and Adam just inside the compound. There were hugs and tears. Jerome looked for his boy.
"Holly has the littles inside getting ready for bed." Sariah announced. "They are waiting for you to read them stories and hear their prayers."
"Where is Myles, Garrick and Clark?" Adam asked.
Margaret answered. "That's why I'm here. Myles is the only one that saw Nephi trapped in the wreckage."
"Adam, I need to talk with Myles before the kids. Will you come with me?" The pair walked toward Myles' apartment. The family watched Jerome kneel at a bench in the courtyard. Adam knelt with his beloved.
"Is he all right?" Mike asked.
"Nephi wanted Jerome to continue his work. My guess is my brother is praying for help. That's what Nephi would do." Everyone nodded with Jared. That is what Nephi would have done.
Jerome didn't knock; he opened the door and stepped into Myles apartment. Garrick held Myles as Clarke fulfilled his role as the spiritual leader. Jerome sat next to Myles on the couch. "I think this is where we give them some alone time." Adam led the way for Clarke and Garrick.
"I'm so sorry. There must have been something I could have done to save him." The door closed cutting off the rest of Myles' comment.
Twenty minutes later Myles and Jerome stepped from the apartment. Myles hugged Jerome. "Thank you." Neither man spoke of the private conversation.
Jerome's steps seemed a little slower as they returned to the main house. "Did God answer your prayer?" Jerome answered Adam's question with a simple nod. He had asked the Lord if he could help carry Myles' burden of grief.
Adam listened as Jerome read the stories. Jerry handed the last book to Adam to read. "Let's see if you can do the voices."
The biggies gave Adam a thumbs up. Jerry took his dad's hand. "I am sleeping in your bed tonight."
Adam went into his room and changed into loose shorts. He pulled the covers back as Hugo entered the room dressed for bed.
"Dad, you are not sleeping alone tonight." Hugo broke into tears.
"What's wrong?"
"Nephi told me this morning the police found my dad's body. His ID was missing, so his body was cremated. My stepmother said he would return in an urn." Hugo told how it was Nephi that had private investigators looking for Sam. "Nephi started the paperwork if you want to be my new dad."
Adam looked into Hugo's hopeful eyes. Adam answered Hugo's question with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. The sparkle in Hugo's eyes was all that Adam needed. "Do you want to sleep in here tonight?"
"No." Hugo took his dad's hand and led his dad through the connecting door into Jerome's room. Jerry watched his dad pull on his shorts. Hugo gave Jerry a thumbs up.
"I told you he would be your dad. Now we are brothers. Nephi told me yesterday I had three dads and two brothers." Tears filled Jerry's eyes. "Now I only have two dads again."
Jerome reassured Jerry that Nephi was still Jerry's dad. Only a father would do anything to save his boy's life. In comforting Jerry, Jerome realized Nephi kept his promise to Jerome's and Jerry's well-being ahead of his own.
The boys settled into the middle. Their dads joined them.
With kisses Jerry announced, "I love you dad. I love you daddy Adam." Jerry blew a kiss heavenward. "I love you daddy Nephi." Hugo repeated Jerry's actions.
Jerry had been sharing Hugo's bed while their dads were in Florida. Hugo lay on his back and wrapped his arm around Jerry. Jerry kissed Hugo on the lips and rested his head on his brother's chest. "I love my brother Hugo."
"I love you too, Jerry."
The dads snuggled up next to their boys. They would miss Nephi, but they knew they had Nephi's blessing.
"I love you Adam." Jerome blew a kiss to heaven. "I love you Nephi. Thank you."
Tomorrow would bring a new set of challenges, but for now the four grieving men fell asleep in the Lord's love. They dreamed of Nephi not as a corpse but as a living being, reliving the good times in their lives.
Jerome stood at the head of the table and met the eyes of each extended family member. Marco sat next to Bertram, Benny next to Luke, with Margaret next to Leonard. The grandmothers sat with the littles. Jerome smiled seeing Mike, Brock and Oliver side by side. The extended family had accepted Nephi's move to the other end. Now just as Jerome's place was empty during his stay in Florida, Nephi's would remain so out of respect.
Jerome glanced at Adam on his right and Jerry to the left. It was time to assume his role as head of the family.
"Thank you for watching over my sons and my husband. Everyone at this table may not say it, but they know I was never my best without Nephi. He encouraged me to develop a relationship with Adam so I would have someone to lean on. It will take all of your help as I step into the roles as the head of the Samaria Foundation and the Chairman of Tellerson. I will need to travel for business. Benny and I will discuss investment opportunities Grace suggested before her death."
Adam then stood. "I have not discussed this with Jerome, but I am resigning from the police department. My new role with Tellerson and the Foundation will take a lot of my time. If I stayed with the force, I would have no time for my son or my partner." Adam bowed his head and prayed asking for the comforting spirit to be with the family. Nephi wouldn't be forgotten nor would he want his family consumed with grief. Nephi filled his life with service even to his death. He had left a void for the family to fill.
Clarke lifted his eyes to heaven in silent prayer. Adam and Jerome even talked like Nephi.
Myles reminded the family of Nephi's prediction that a young man would need their help this evening.
Oliver and Phil felt they could be of more use at home than at school. They took the younger family members into the theater to watch a video while the adults hashed out the funeral arrangements.
Jerome wanted something small maybe in the family chapel. There wasn't a body, so there wouldn't be a viewing.
"That isn't an option." Benny began. Both his office and the Foundation phones had rung non-stop since the news broke with well-wishers asking about the funeral and viewing.
"How do you have a viewing without a body?" Adam asked. Brent pulled a paper wrapped frame from its place leaning against the wall.
Jerome teared up. The portrait wasn't an exact likeness, but it felt more like Nephi than a photo could. Nephi in the painting wore a loose long-sleeved silk white shirt open at the neck. There seemed to be an angelic glow to the painting. The artist had captured the depths of Nephi's eyes.
Adam wrapped his arm around Jerome. "That's Nephi. There was something angelic about him." Jerome looked into his protector's eyes. "Adam, I miss him so much. I always knew he would be there when I needed him. What am I going to do?"
Jerry appeared around the corner and climbed onto Jerome's lap. "Dad, Nephi loves you. Adam loves you, Hugo loves you and I love you." Jerry kissed his dad.
"I am leaving the funeral planning up to the group. I've stated my opinions and need time with my son." Jerry and Jerome gathered their coats and walked hand in hand into the courtyard.
"Do you want to see daddy's place?" Jerry sat on Jerome's lap in a golf cart. "You push the pedal. I can't reach."
"I would like it here if we could, but the barn is out." Adam stated his views. Leonard suggested an LDS chapel.
"If we do it there, the bishop gets to be the last speaker. If we have an ecclesiastical speaker, it will be our own chaplain. Nephi had a closer relationship with God than anyone I know and the church threw him out." Adam countered.
Clarke suggested the chapel in the event village. If you counted the choir loft, it would sit 200.
"It's not big enough." Benny announced
Marie suggested her parish. Nephi had prayed there. It was to this building Nephi and Jerome had fled for sanctuary.
Jerome wondered who had been letting Jerry drive. He appreciated the plowed paving to the event area. Following a winding path from the village, they entered Nephi's spot. It was peaceful. A gas patio heater was burning warming the area.
Jerry looked toward the heater. He took Jerome's hand, and they followed fresh footprints finding a young boy maybe sixteen shivering under a tree. "Don't call the police. I started the heater to stay warm. They locked all the buildings last night."
"How long have you been living here?"
Simon had been hiding almost a week since his dad had brought him to see the lights and left him telling him he wasn't welcome at home. Simon's face was cold. Jerome picked up the icy bundle in his arms. Jerome sat on the passenger's seat. "If I push the pedal can you drive us home?"
Jerry parked next to the house and opened the front door. From the dining room Benny called out. "Jerome, we need your opinion.
"You deal with the dead. I am needed by the living." Jerome continued to the master bath.
Jerry took Adam's hand and pulled him away from the table. "Dad needs you."
Adam drew a body temperature bath while Jerome helped Simon out of his clothes leaving his underwear on. Simon kept slipping under the water. Jerome settled into the tub dressed and held onto Simon. "Adam would you get Sean?"
Under Sean's trained eye, Adam added warm water. Sean examined Simon's fingers and toes for frostbite. The patio heater had kept Simon from freezing but he suffered from hypothermia. In the warm water Simon leaned against his rescuer and closed his eyes. Sean checked Simon's temperature. When it was nearing normal Adam lifted Simon out of the tub. Jerome dropped his wet clothes to the floor as Adam dried their newest resident.
Jerry and Hugo appeared at the door in their underwear. "We will warm him up like Nephi did for you, dad."
Adam placed the boy on the bed that had been his. Hugo and Jerry snuggled up to their new brother. Adam turned cartoons on to keep the human heaters occupied.
Jerome and Adam returned to the family as they finished the funeral plans. The funeral would be the Friday before Christmas. Marie's priest was pleased to host the funeral. Nephi felt like a member of the parish. Sean's crew had kept the parish grounds in tip top shape and Nephi stopped to pray often.
Julio sent a member of Tellerson's public relations freeing the family from the burden of dealing with the press. She would talk with the media before the tree lighting at Light Up Christmas that evening.
"Nephi's family are grieving the loss of their inspired leader. He died the same way he lived, serving his fellow man and protecting his family. The funeral is Friday afternoon. Crushed by the kidnapper's car Nephi had insisted they not cancel Christmas.' As you can see, the family is bringing joy to other's holidays."
Nigel was recuperating from his run in with the black car, Adam brought in extra security. Adam knew officers needing after hours work to pay the Christmas bills. The six uniformed officers were coming out of Tellerson funds. Grace had read him the riot act backed with an accessible budget for additional security when needed.
Marshall circulated photos of Jerome's father. "Samaria Farm is private property, and he isn't welcome."
Jerome put in an appearance at the celebration. Filled with sadness he grew tired of all the happy visitors. Jerome retreated to Nephi's place. He hadn't visited in the dark. In the warm glow of the patio heater and the dim lanterns, Jerome thought of Nephi.
"You said you would always be here for me."
`Are you so sure he isn't? Snow brought you together and bound you as one. Twice you lost him and snow reunited you.'
The thought puzzled him. "Please Lord, help me understand."
Light flakes of snow fell. The sounds of Christmas faded away. Jerome closed his eyes.
A young man slogged through the snow carrying a burden. Jerome recognized the basement apartment and Nephi. He unwrapped the burden revealing Jerome's stiff pale body. On his knees Nephi checked for a pulse.
"No, no, no!" Nephi looked heavenward. "Father, he can't die. Whatever the price, even my life, I will pay."
In a show of his faith, Nephi cared for the lifeless body. As Jerome warmed Nephi celebrated with a prayer of thanks.
Is this what they call an out-of-body experience Jerome wondered.
The scene faded into another. Jerome didn't remember the events in the high school parking lot, nor did he remember flat-lining at the hospital. Nephi on his knees again, raised his voice to the Lord.
`Do you love him enough to lose him?' "Yes."
Jerome cried at Nephi's pain.
Nephi prayed in his truck. "Please lead me to my love. In this cold I could lose them both."
`Will you care for my forgotten children?' "Yes, Father."
Nephi found Jerome and Jerry in the ravine and through adversity founded Samaria.
`Talk with Myles.'
Sounds of anger intruded on his solitude.
"I hear you're a faggot." The tormentor pushed Jeremiah off the path into the trees. "Terry said you were watching him in the showers and threw a boner. I bet you want to suck my cock!"
Surrounded by his friend's, the older boy pushed the smaller young man to his knees. "I'm not gay."
"If I say you're gay, you're gay." He pulled his dick through his fly. "Now suck it or I'll tell your dad, you offered. Who's he going to believe, his queer son or his star quarterback?"
Jeremiah knew the answer. There was a rustle in the trees. "Jeremiah, where are you?" His girlfriend called again.
Jeremiah took the opportunity and ran farther into the trees
Before Jerome could respond a teenager burst into Nephi's sanctuary.
"Where did that little queer go? I'm not finished with him."
"He ran into the trees."
"Find him!"
Jerome held his fingers to his lips and motioned to the boy. "I don't think they will find you here. This is a special place."
Jeremiah was ready to believe it was a special place. Outside the night was cold and clear. This little piece of heaven was warmer and a light snow fell. Jeremiah looked for a way out.
"How do I get out of here?" Jeremiah paced past the obvious exit twice.
"I don't think you are meant to leave yet. This bench is the warmest, sit down."
Jeremiah gave up finding a way out and sat on the offered bench. "What is this place?"
"My husband, Nephi built this place for me to remember him and to feel closer to my Lord." Why had Jerome in one sentence told this boy, he loved another man?
"Have you seen Jeremiah?"
"He was here coach. He wanted to suck my cock. I'm not sorry I hit him!"
"I always thought he was queer. If you see him beat the crap out of him. It will save me the effort. I won't have a fag living in my house."
Jerome picked up the radio. "There is a group of high school guys and their coach by Nephi's place. I have a munchkin in the Sanctuary.
"Did you find Jeremiah?"
"That's my mom." Jerome placed his hand on Jeremiah's shoulder.
"He's been in the trees sucking guys dicks." Jeremiah's dad didn't mind a little exaggeration.
"I knew I shouldn't have let him hang around with that queer kid Simon. He can find somewhere else to live! What would your sister say?"
Jeremiah looked forlorn. "Where am I going to go?"
Jerome put on his best inscrutable Nephi face and announced, "You are already here. Is your last name Johnson?" Jeremiah nodded.
Jerome thumbed the mic on the radio. "They are Johnsons. Like a bad nickel they keep showing up." Jerome used a phrase Grace used often. "I want to know what side of the bed they get up on."
"Yes, boss."
"Adam, we can discuss who is the boss later. I have ideas that need exploring."
"Just so everybody knows I get off on the top side." Jared chirped in.
"Sounds like I'm getting off on the bottom side tonight." Drake added.
"I'd like to get off on any side." Jerome hadn't heard Brock on the radio before.
"Do you mean that?" That had to be Oliver.
"Yes!"
Marshal the voice of reason ended the conversation. "I hope everyone is wearing earpieces."
"The boys are still hanging around the village area." It was a voice Jerome couldn't place.
"No worry, Jared to the rescue."
From the back of what Jerome referred to as the Sanctuary, Jared stuck his head between two trees. "I'm heading back to the house with corn dogs for the boys. Want a lift?"
The unpaved path led through the trees to the supply access for the village.
Back at the compound, the backs of three heads were visible watching television.
"How's Simon?" Jerome asked leading Jeremiah into the main house.
"He's warm now. He said a voice told him where he could stay warm. I said it was my dad." It would never stop surprising Jerome how Jerry took all the weird things in stride.
Just like Jerry, Hugo didn't take his eyes off of the screen as he spoke. "We took Simon downstairs and found him some clothes that fit. I told him we needed to go shopping. I need to get him a Christmas present."
Leave it to a child to think of the real important things like making sure Simon would have Christmas presents.
"Boys dinner is here. I want you to meet Jeremiah." Jerome was waiting for a groan, instead Simon jumped to his feet and stared.
Jerry pushed Simon toward the table. "I told you Daddy Nephi would find him for you. Now kiss him. I'm hungry."
Simon stood facing Jeremiah. Neither expected to see the other again and we're not sure how to handle this in front of others.
"Hugo help me or we will never get to eat." Hugo and Jerry each stood behind an older boy and pushed them together. "At least hug."
Jeremiah reached out and took Simon's hand. Jerome herded the unresponsive pair to the table. Both were hungry. The smell of fresh dipped corn dogs and fries broke the spell. Hugo prayed, and the boys devoured the food. They let Jerome have a corn dog and a few fries.
"I think the first room upstairs would be perfect. Hugo would you show them where it is. They need time to talk." Jerome handled it as if things like this happened every day. If it happened often, they would need to build Grace's suggested second floor on the side wings. He hoped they would make it to spring, winter wasn't the time to take the roof off.
Hugo explained chores in the morning followed by breakfast. Public school was on break but they still had classes in the morning. "After lunch you can help clean up the Christmas area. They pay us like everyone else."
Lying in bed after taking turns being the boss, Jerome wanted to tell Adam what he had seen in the Sanctuary. Every time he tried bringing it up, they ended on a different topic. Once Jerome asked about Nephi's coma, Nephi explained, "With the Lord, there are things that are known but not shared; not that they are secret, but they are special."
Friday morning the family hurried through chores. Dressed in shirts and ties even with the bus and van it took four vehicles to carry the family to the church. Adam had brought in extra security with training for situations like Nephi's funeral. They had secured the building before the family entered through the back. The plan was to have Nephi's close family greet their guests as they entered.
Jerome tried vetoing the Samaria Farms and Kazoo Day posters as tacky. They were in good taste, but Jerome wanted no part of the circus in the foyer.
The funeral could be a high-risk situation. Security explained what they needed the family to do to keep safe. Family members were to remain in groups. There would be security within steps of family members at all times. They finished the briefing only to find they had lost Jerry, Jared and Jerome.
A search began. A member of the additional security team found Jared blocking the entry to side alcove. Father and son knelt at a small altar where three candles flickered. Jerry leaned on his father.
"It's time to begin! You need to come with me." The security officer ordered.
Jared held his ground. "You will not disturb my brother's prayers. This is the most peaceful I have seen him since Nephi died."
The officer took Jared's arm and pulling him out of the way.
"Don't forget Tellerson money is paying you, and I am a Tellerson."
"He needs to be in a safe location."
"Then stand there and keep him safe, but you will not disturb his prayers." Jared pressed the talk button on the radio in his pocket. "Adam, Jerome is praying. If they want to open the big top, they can do it without him. Jerome and his beloved prayed together here many times. Would you take this away from him?"
"There are people here to pay their respects." Adam answered as he approached the alcove.
"Dad is spending time with Nephi. Leave him alone." Jerry moved to Jared's side.
Adam relieved the officer to take his assigned place. He stepped toward Jerome to find his way blocked. "Adam, Nephi gave you his place in Jerome's bed. This place is for Jerome and Nephi. You may kneel and pray, or you may protect this special moment, but you will not interfere."
Lost in prayer Jerome was unaware of the drama behind him. He wondered if Nephi had out-of-body experiences.
It was like one of the heaven pictures they used in Sunday School. Everything was white. A majestic figure dressed in a white robe put his hand forward. It disappeared into the billows of white.
"Hevel, my son come into the light."
As he retrieved his hand, a man stepped into the light. The younger man looked at Jerome and winked. Jerome knew the eyes of his brown eyed angel.
"Hevel are you ready to return to The Father?"
"Father, the answer is still the same. My place is on Earth doing his work. I have promises to keep. Not all of us want to be archangels."
"I always have to ask. I would understand if you said yes; disappointed but I would understand." Michael hugged his son. "Your brother would like you to walk with him."
Hevel looked puzzled. Qayin usually avoided him. He looked up discovering his mistake. Hevel fell to one knee and placed his forehead to his elder brother's pierced hand. Together the men walked into the light.
Michael smiled as he reached up and moved his hand as if to pull a curtain.
Jerome knew this was something else he could not talk about. He felt peace and ready to face the world.
"Father I don't understand, but thank you for Thy Gift. Let me share Thy Peace and relieve the grief of others. Amen."
Jerome stood and extinguished the candles. Jerome went to one knee and held his hands out. Jerry ran to his father, who hugged him. Jerome understood the love a father had for his son.
Jerome took his place in the foyer. He could see Nephi's portrait on its easel behind a velvet rope. The news had asked for a photo for their tribute to Nephi. There weren't many recent photos of Nephi. At Jerome's request Mr. Bertolli provided a photo of the portrait for the media. The morning of the funeral Benny displayed the Chinese Jar from Margaret's office on the table with the guest book.
Adam refused to let Jerome know of the threatening calls generated by the angelic photo. Jerome wondered where the crowd of people had come from. Their employees and clients he understood, but everyone else? After 30 minutes everything glazed over.
"How are you holding up?"
"You are an example to us all."
"Nephi was a special soul."
"Is there any way we can help?"
"Remember he's in a better place."
"He will rot in Hell with you at his side."
The slap got Jerome's attention. Jerome looked into the face of Sister Johnson. Marie responded before anyone else. When the good sister raised her hand again, Marie grabbed her wrist.
"If someone is rotting in Hell. It won't be Nephi." Security focused on the events in the reception line.
Jerome looked up to see the DFS Mrs. Johnson step around the velvet rope with a can of spray paint. Before Jerome could react, she obliterated the image. Jerome watched a young man grab the urn and smash it on the slate floor. They hadn't taken the time to empty the jar. Jelly beans flew everywhere. Jerome's strength evaporated.
He fell to his knees sick to his stomach. A stranger helped Jerome into a chair. Jerome knew this man, but still couldn't place him. "You look better than the first time we met."
Jerome looked for Adam. When he turned to thank his benefactor, he was no longer there. Sobbing Jerry climbed into his dad's lap. Jerome wrapped his arms around his child and together they wept.
It was five minutes' work to clean up the mess. When Jerome rejoined the line, he looked into the eyes of Nephi's restored portrait.
"The original is home. Mr. Bertolli printed two prints on canvas." Marshall reassured Jerome. He wished it were Adam at his side. Security had learned a lesson the hard way and never stepped away from their charge.
The police had taken the Johnson clan out the back door. There was an active restraining order in place. Those waiting to enter the building knew nothing of the drama inside, but they had to deal with the sign carrying protesters outside.
There was no comfort for Jerome. He wanted the circus over. He wanted to be in Nephi's sanctuary with his boy on his lap. His relationship with Nephi was a special thing. Why did they parade it before the world?
With the last hand shaken the Ringmaster from the funeral home rounded up his monkeys for the next act. The family walked down the aisle to the front pews. About half way, Jerry pulled on Jerome's arm. The line stopped as Jerome listened to his little boy. Jerry was dancing with need. "Start without us. We have a crisis." Jerome looked around and then walked back to the foyer with Jerry in the lead.
With the imminent need resolved. Jerome and Jerry returned to the chapel during the first speaker. Benny was giving the highlights of Nephi's life. When he was born and who survived him. Some felt it would ruffle fewer feathers if they treated Nephi's and Jerome's relationship as a business partnership.
"Preceded in death by his biological family and Peter his adopted father, Nephi is survived by Paula, his adopted mother and his business partner and son."
Jerome's heart broke. Nephi's family seemed ashamed of their relationship. Rather than cause a distraction, Jerry and Jerome took empty seats with the Judge and his son, Bryce. Jerry had difficulty keeping his voice down, he hadn't seen Bryce since the judge's family's visit to Light Up Christmas. Seeing Jerry happy was the best medicine for Jerome's soul.
The lady behind them leaned forward. "Show respect for the family!"
Jerry and Bryce made it through Benny's presentation. Before whispering. "If they can't be quiet, take them out." Marshall stepped forward but Jerome waved him off.
"May Bryce sit with us?" The judge nodded his agreement. Jerome stood with a little on each hand.
"I can't believe people."
The judge turned. "I agree completely."
She watched in embarrassment as the trio took advantage of the moments before the musical number to return to the front pew. Donny and Micah welcomed Bryce to the second pew.
Paula invited an old friend from her congregation to speak. He explained how Nephi came to live with Paula and Peter. Jerome hoped it wasn't intentional but the man systematically minimized Nephi's accomplishments. Attributing things only to Peter: Kazoo Day, keeping the chapel's walks clear, taking care of the lawns of widows without family in the ward.
Jerome thought the purpose of funerals was to comfort the family. He wasn't comforted. Jerome looked at Paula, her face glowed around her smile. Jerome wanted to throttle the man even if he was a friend. Then the preaching began as he spoke of Jesus in Gethsemane and talking on our sins if we repent.
"Nephi made some poor choices. He still has a chance of returning to the Father if he repents in sorrow and listens to the missionaries on the other side." Paula's smile faded.
The man was on a roll. He read scripture after scripture backing up his points. As he finished with each sheet of notes, he placed it on the pulpit. He still had more pages in his hands than he had read from.
Jerome leaned over to Jerry. "You need to go to the bathroom." Jerry would agree to anything to get up and stretch.
Jerome turned to the boys behind him. "I am taking Jerry to the bathroom. Do either of you need to go?"
Jerome didn't care that Paula's friend was talking, he used the small bladders of the littles as an excuse to leave. Marshall was standing at the end of the pew on the outside wall of the chapel. He followed Jerome and his charges.
In the foyer Jerome announced, "We are going to the bathroom. Are you driving, or am I?"
"The bathroom is downstairs." Marshall countered.
"I didn't say we were using the bathroom here. I guess I am driving." Jerome stepped toward the door. Marshall stepped ahead and opened the door. He understood why Jerome was leaving. If it had been him, he would have left earlier.
Marshall alerted the security teams. "The munchkins and their fearless leader have left the building. This is on a need to know basis. No one else needs to know. Remember who is writing the checks." Adam touched the earpiece of his radio. Watching Jerome flinch with each statement had torn at his heart. He wished he could leave as well.
Marshall drove to Kmart. Five small t-shirts, five pairs of jeans and sneakers later. They headed to McDonalds. Jerome and Marshall helped the four boys and Almaina change. Out of their good clothes. Five Happy Meals and five happy kids on the playground helped erase the pain of the day. Nephi had loved taking the kids to McDonalds for burgers and play. It almost felt like Nephi was sitting with him. This was a much better way to remember Nephi's life.
Marshall sat by the entrance to the play area. Under Jerome's orders their destination was a secret.
When Jerome didn't return. Benny looked at Adam. Adam smiled. After the funeral a member of the security team told the judge and his wife that Jerome had absconded with their son to an undisclosed location. Security was with them. Jerome flying the coop didn't surprise the Judge. The family first showed concern then indignation over Jerome's disappearance.
Adam relayed their concerns to Marshall who told Jerome. Pushed to the limit, Jerome took Marshall's radio.
"Adam, why should it matter if I am there or not? I am only Nephi's business partner and our relationship will damn Nephi and me to Hell. As soon as you can break away, I need you."
"Listen to yourselves. Benny, you and Luke should know better. How would you feel if it were Luke's funeral, and we refused to acknowledge your relationship, then told the world Luke was damned for eternity because he didn't reject the love of his life?" Margaret shook her head. "The world already knows Nephi and Jerome are a bonded couple. Nephi gave his life to save their son."
Benny realized what they had done, but rather than accept part of the blame he became defensive. "Jerome will have to get over it. I hold Nephi's purse strings."
"Benny, have you forgotten Jerome has the resources of Tellerson Financial behind him? He has more cash in his discretionary fund than all of your trusts and investments." Adam had heard enough and turned the knife. "Some of your partners were having financial problems, Grace helped them with their cash flow. Jerome owns more than half of the Hidden Oasis. He owns almost half of the resort you are replacing the cabin with. You may hold the purse strings but he owns the bank."
Adam asked if anyone had noticed the media's hasty departure after the funeral. "Marshall has had the radio on open mike. Before you say anything to the press, you will need to watch the news. Jerome has acknowledged his sorrow at losing his life partner. Jerry told them how much he misses his daddy and Nephi's little boy, Neil will be born in June. He acknowledged the Foundation will continue the efforts of Nephi and his adopted father, Peter Bingham and announced the date and location of Kazoo Day - Save Our Youth."
"Jerome has now proven he is more than capable of continuing Nephi's work." Margaret noted.
When Jerome arrived at the compound with the littles, they first stopped at the Sanctuary. The cube in the middle was open. Adam waited with the mysterious man from the funeral, the Good Samaritan that had delivered the injured Jerome to the hospital.
"We have been waiting for you Brother of Jared. Do you wish to share Nephi's internment with his family?"
Jerome wanted to say no, but it would have been contrary to everything Nephi had believed in. They waited only a few minutes before the family arrived.
"Why weren't we invited to Nephi's internment earlier." Benny started, a hint of anger in his voice.
Paula interrupted. "Thank you, Jerome. I apologize for what happened at the funeral. I misplaced my trust in an old friend." Jerome held his arms out and drew Paula into a hug. "Nephi loved you as his mother. He would want you here."
Another man stepped between the trees carrying a small wooden box. It appeared flawless and made of one piece of carved wood. He handed the box to Jerry. "Your father Nephi gave his life so you may live, just as our elder brother took upon himself our sins so we all may live."
A third man stepped into the Sanctuary. "The casket is acacia wood symbolizing the immortality of the human soul. Jerry will you put Nephi's mortal remains in their resting place."
Jerome began to sing, "If a picture paints a thousand words then how can I paint you..." Most of the group hadn't heard Jerome sing. Jerome looked up. Hevel stood just inside the clearing listening to Jerome sing. Jerome sang not for the family but a final time for his beloved Nephi. "... simply fly away."
No one moved but the three men that looked like brothers stepped out of Hevel's path. "It is not time for you to fly with me yet." Hevel hugged his love. He knelt and hugged Jerry. "Your life is worth any price." Hevel stepped through the trees.
A crane lowered the top slab of marble topped with a full-size bronze statue of the Good Samaritan. "It was a gift from an artist in the next valley." The first man explained.
The three men stood around the cube. One consecrated the grave and the sanctuary. The second prayed for the comforter to be with the family. The third sealed the grave. "What we have sealed today in the name of our eldest brother let no man disturb."
The men stepped back through the trees on different sides of the sanctuary leaving the family. Jared hung back as the family left. Jared inspected the marble cube. There was no evidence it wasn't a solid block of marble.
"Jerome, who is Hevel?" Jared was pointing to the lettering on one side of the cube.
Without thinking Jerome answered. "In this life he was Nephi."
The family returned to the compound in time to watch the news in the media room. Jerry sat on Jerome's lap in the Sanctuary. Jerome didn't feel the need to watch the TV's take on his statement. He hoped they got it right, or it would be a tense Christmas week.
The paid staff were opening Light Up Christmas. Jeremiah and Simon stuck their heads into the Sanctuary. "Do you mind if we sit here with you and Jerry? Things are a little agitated at the house."
Jerome expected them to take one of the other benches. Simon sat on one side of Jerome with Jeremiah on the other. They leaned inward. The pair didn't know Nephi. Jerome was their hero. "Thank you for letting us stay here."
Jerome stretched his arms out and pulled them closer. They snuggled in tighter. "Would you sing that song again?" Simon asked. Wrapped in Jerome's caring embrace, filled with the love of the Lord's Hevel and Jerome's Nephi, Jerome sang the opening line. "If a picture paints a thousand words..."
It was almost as if Jerome could hear the words. "I love you Jerome of Samaria."
In the media room the family waited for the news to mention Jerome's statement to the press. They had to wait until after the weather.
"Today was the funeral of Nephi of the Samaria Foundation. Mrs. Johnson of Salt Lake City attacked Nephi of Samaria's life partner. Intruders defaced Nephi's portrait with spray paint and shattered an urn supposedly holding Nephi's ashes on the slate floor. Jelly beans flew everywhere. Jerome of Samaria is pressing charges."
"Partway through the service Jerome and the youngest members of the Samaria family left."
They cut to Sister Thompson. "It was disgraceful. We were there to celebrate the life of a great man. One speaker dismissed many of Nephi's good works and then condemned him to Hell for the one he loved."
"We found the missing family at McDonalds. Jerome took a few moments to speak to the press."
The shot showed Jerry sitting on Jerome's lap. "Our life together started the night he found a lifeless body in the snow. He carried me home. He did what was necessary to warm my frozen body while praying for me to live. We had rough times, but I loved him with all my soul. I left Jerry in Nephi's care when attending my dying grandmother. Nephi gave his life protecting our son."
Jerry piped in. "Dad saved me when the bad man put me in his trunk. He died and I miss him." Jerome consoled his son for a moment and sent him to play.
"Why are you at McDonalds?"
"I let the family plan the funeral. They planned what they felt would ease their grief and the grief of others. When a man I once respected condemned Nephi to Hell because Nephi loved me and my son, I left to find peace; somewhere I could re-live the good times with my beloved."
"And that's McDonalds?"
"Nephi loved to bring the littles and even the early teens to McDonalds. Money was tight. We loved watching the children play. Here, I can imagine him sitting with me. It makes me happy."
"What about the Samaria Foundation?"
"Nephi left some big shoes to fill, but we will continue his work. Samaria Farms will host `Kazoo Day - Save our Youth'. We have more sponsors this year. Tellerson Financial has committed significant resources to make this event even better than before."
"We are also part of a similar statewide event in early summer."
There were a few more questions that Jerome fielded well. They ended with the five kids sliding together on the bright red tube slide.
"He's a better man than me. I would have roasted you alive." Sean commented as he left the room.
Adam had Hugo grab Adam's guitar and their jackets. He had received an invitation for him and the littles to go caroling on the private frequency he shared with Jerome.
They arrived at the living Nativity scene to find it dark. Jerome's clear voice echoed through the night singing Star of Bethlehem. All the littles joined Jerome on Away in a Manger. Lights on the shepherd's and their sheep glowed as Jerome sang Angels we have heard on high.
The crowd at the nativity grew. Adam began the chords for Silent Night. The crowd was silent as Jerome began. The spirit filled the spectators. Jerome finished the song on his knees at the manger his cap in one hand with his head bowed. Then the littles sang the first verse again encouraging the audience to join in.
Kneeling at the manger, Jerome finally found peace. It was time for bed.
They slipped in through the tunnels and entered the master bedroom unseen through a sliding panel in the closet.
The biggies were excited to have a sleepover with Bryce. Jerry's room now sported two sets of bunk beds, but the boy's settled into the king bed in Adam's room. Simon and Jeremiah stayed while Jerome read stories. Hugo and Adam joined them for prayers. The older boys piled in bed with the biggies.
"It's a sleepover with the big boys." Bryce chimed in. Jerome left them watching Christmas movies.
Jerome entered the master bedroom to find the lights off and candles burning.
"I have an early Christmas present for you." A big red bow hid Adam's manhood.
"I'd better put it under the tree." Jerome laughed. Adam looked hurt. Jerome shared the story of once tying a ribbon and having to ask Sariah for a pair of scissors. Adam laughed and picked up the big bow.
"My favorite kind of present. You can unwrap it again and again." They unwrapped it a few times that night.