REFLECTIONS

  CHAPTER TEN      Too intoxicated to drive, Levi Osama left his cab parked by McQuade’s tavern and walked home.   He usually parked his cab on the street in front of his one room apartment located in the basement of a three-story building.   It was a sectioned off area of the basement by the plumbing pipes, electrical wires, and heating system.   Two one-foot-high windows created the dim lighting and a view of the sidewalk.   One room with a cot, stove and shower made up his living area. Even though he had more than enough money to live better it was all he wanted.   He had no need to keep the room neat or even clean.   His few pieces of clothing were hung on a stand under one of the windows.   He only changed what he was wearing, when necessary, usually if they became too stained and smelly.   There was no need for the stove because he only ate out at a fast-food restaurant or a pub.   For Levi this was home. Earlier that night when Levi took Tom to McQuade’s tavern he foll

    CHAPTER NINE     Once outside the rectory, Tom’s cell phone rang. "Hi Angela." "How did it go with Father Alphonsus?" "Okay, I guess.   I couldn't find the book.   I was sure I had it in my shoulder bag, but it wasn't there.   It's very strange." "I can't wait for you to tell me all about it.   Are we still going to meet at McQuade's?"   Angela asked. "Sure, I’ll catch a cab.   Give me about half an hour.” A cab came around the corner by the church and pulled up to the curb.   The driver was an enormous man with a large round face and short crew cut hair.   He was too bulky for the cab almost taking up the entire front two seats. "Need a ride?"   He shouted, peering at Tom over a pair of tiny wire framed glasses.   It was more a statement of fact than a question. Tom was just able to enter the cab and close the door before it sped away. “Hey, I didn’t tell you where I want to go.” T

CHAPTER EIGHT   Tom took a cab to Saint Michael the Archangel Church.   It was not because of any strong spiritual beliefs.   He was desperate.   It was worth a try. He promised Angela he would see Father  Alphonsus. Assuming the priest might have an office somewhere in the church he looked there first.   The church was in the style of a great medieval cathedral only on a much smaller scale, a miniature cathedral built of stone and stained glass. Over the large wooden doors leading into the church was a statue of an angel.   The angel’s wings were spread out behind him for balance.   He was pushing a long sword into the chest of a horned demon lying on his back with his hands unsuccessfully trying to deflect the sword. “Almost as good as Spiderman,” Tom mumbled to himself as he pulled open the door. The light coming in with him sent shadows in every direction.   When the door closed behind him, the shadows vanished.   They were replaced by a dim light coming from several ligh

  CHAPTER SEVEN   Father Alphonsus sat alone behind his desk at the rectory deep in thought.   He remembered his life before he entered the priesthood.   It was when he was married.   Even now twenty years after her death he often thought about his wife.   A stroke took her from him in an instant.   He was grateful she did not suffer a long illness, yet the shock of her death meant the end of his former life. Religion always played a major role in his life.  Before he met his wife, he intended to join the priesthood.  They met in college while taking the same course on philosophy.  As her death happened in an instant so too did their falling in love.  It seemed to him so long ago, more a dream than a reality. When he chose marriage over the priesthood Father Alphonsus felt psychiatry was the best alternative.  At one time mental illness was believed to be a form of demonic possession.  Gradually it became an accepted illness that responded to treatment.  He would serve God by h

CHAPTER SIX     Tom showered, shaved, put on his nicest shirt and corduroy jeans.   After checking the time, he ran down the steps and out on to the street.   The book was still in his shoulder bag.   If he did not hurry, he would be late for their first date. Angela lived only a few blocks away from his apartment.  He thought again about how strange it was that they had never met before last night.  A strong gust of wind pressed the book into his side, as if pushed by someone, as if bringing to his attention its part in helping them meet. He arrived at her building early, but he did not want to appear overly eager.  Besides, she might still be getting ready.  As he waited, Tom leaned against the building and watched the cars as they passed. “Hey mister, want to buy some flowers?” At first, he saw no one, only hearing the hesitant voice of a woman.  He looked down to see a poorly dressed elderly woman. “Only five dollars,” she said. Some flowers for Angela would certain