There's my exit, that didn't take too long. Eager to get showered, I unpacked and prepared to settle in my bed for the night. Well, I can relax now; I got a glass of wine, retired out by the pool and listened to the sounds of the night, singing the songs of another day gone by. Like a bolt of lightning striking me, the memory of a little boy hiding under the table in the storage room at church, muffling his cries, holding back his tears, as he took the paper towels and wiped away the blood. It began to flood over in my mind.

BETRAYAL OF THE INNOCENT

By James D. Bulger

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2009 James D. Bulger
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4490-3636-2

Chapter One

The older road was long and winding. It had not been traveled in many years. The canopy of Wisteria had created a natural barrier for the cabin from the road. I looked back and saw him lying there with a pillow case over his face. His hands and feet bound with the black zipper ties. He had urinated all over himself from the fear.

Stopping in front of the old wooden cabin, I heard him call my name "Jimmy". Please don't do this; you could only hear the faint sounds of passing cars in the background. We were less than 300 feet from the main street, but we were invisible.

I closed the van door and walked all around the old house to make extra sure. No one was around before I brought Thomas out of the van. I walked around back and dropped on my knee looking under the house, allowing me to see in between the pillows in the daylight. If anyone had been around front, I could have seen them from this position. It was all clear, the window seal had the leaf laying on the edge of the frame that I had strategically placed as an alert that someone had been there after I left. The tripwires across the front porch made out of fishing line still had the same tension, using a spring out of an ink pen, added for extra security. If anyone stepped over the fishing line, it would stretch the spring, alerting me of a breach in my security, carefully opening up the front door. Inspecting, all is clear.

Thomas J. Griffith III had been regaining consciousness for about 15 minutes, when he called my name. His family was probably missing him by now. He should have been home about an hour ago; it won't be long now until they have a rescue search coordinated.

Just as my fingers touched the handle of the side sliding door of the 83 Burgundy Astro van, I felt it move. He freed himself, I thought? Being prepared, I quickly released the tension on the sliding door; it automatically slid back violently without hesitation. I hit him with a stun gun again, realizing he had not gotten free, but only rolled over. As I stepped up into the truck, I grabbed Thomas by his bound feet, bringing them over his head, pushing them out towards the side door. The momentum pulled his body all the way out from the interior of the van, landing him on the uncut yard of the old house.

Thomas began to kick at me. I know he could see my shadow through the pillow case, I told him to relax. Stop fighting me; it's going to be fine. I had to hurry and get him inside, because he kept screaming. Jimmy, please don't do this, "help someone!", "Jimmy, please don't!" "Help me someone, help me!" Lifting him by his arms, I drug him through the yard up three steps, across the splintered porch inside the old two room house. I quickly closed the door looking at all the camera monitors that I installed earlier in the week. I had to use batteries instead of generators. I could see the cars pass by the driveway entrance, and I watched the children play in the yard across the street. No one had heard anything.

I secured Thomas in his chair and removed the pillow case from over his head. He was threatening me, just like he always had done, never considering anyone else but himself. As I went into the other room, where I had made a makeshift kitchen, fixing him something to drink, listening to his pathetic reasoning for what he had done to me in the background. These perpetrators make me sick. Everyone that had raped me, they said, "I was asking for it." Returning I held a glass of water as he took a few sips. I told him I would be right back, because from securing the van.

It didn't take me but a few minutes to hide the van in the old barn; it had already been there for over a week, using it for delivering all the supplies. It contained everything we needed to save Thomas from damnation.

Thomas was still as arrogant as ever when I returned, informing me, I would not get by with this. "I'm only here to help you, to free you from your sins," I replied. I was not worried about being caught or anything. The old house was situated right in the heart of a small southern town. We weren't even a mile from the county seat. When the town built a new bypass, the old downtown area was forgotten. Most of the local businesses had moved out on the east side trying to rebuild their clientele.

I stood in front of Thomas, watching his body language, reminding me of how kind he had been to me, how excited I would be to see him every Sunday morning as my teacher, then what he had done. He was a large man with thick gray hair that was combed straight back, it had curls at the end, with brown tips. It reminded me of meringue, like on a pie having curls darker on the ends. He was a distinguished, handsome man with olive skin and strong bone structure, standing over 6 feet. Even today, I had to look up at him. His hands were large, resting on to the armrest of the chair, where I had taped his wrist to it. Wearing those same khaki pants, the cotton kind, with a cuff at the bottom and a matching shirt. He still wore that same tan leather belt with the gold oval buckle featuring a painting of a horse's profile on a white background that must've been made out of porcelain. It was faded out now; I could tell the porcelain had aged from the last time I was forced to be face to face with it. He was still thick, not fat, reminding me of a western sheriff on those old television shows. His eyes were dark, hidden behind bushy brown eyebrows. He was looking back at me as if he had seen a ghost, if he could have reached me, I would have been dead. There was so much hate in his eyes at 66 but he was still a solid man.

He never took his eyes off of me, as I sat down in the chair directly across from him, where I had grouped the monitors and other security devices together. The only thing in between me and him was an unseen wall of good and evil battling to win.

"I bet you never thought this would happen", I said to Thomas. He gave me a smirk, and I knew he was only thinking of ways to escape. "Don't think about escaping, this is one appointment, you will keep." I said, while crossing the room to a plastic three drawer storage container on wheels. I carefully rolled it over in his direction, stopping right in front of him, just out of reach, were he couldn't kick it. I opened up the top drawer, and got the hand towel and placed it on the top surface of the cabinet. I wanted to give him something to think about while I went to check on his family. I opened the drawer removing a pair of Fish Skinners that resembled pliers with teeth on the end, a cordless drill, and some self tapping screws about half an inch long, a role of electric fence wire with a small thin piece of wood. I could see the curiosity, and smell the fear as he spouts out of his furious mouth, with that husky voice, "Jimmy, You'll never get away with it." I knew he thought calling me by my name would create a bond between us. But there was already a bond, one that I was never going to forget. I replied, "You sit right here, I will be back in just a little while, after I take care of your family." He wanted to shout at me, but I muffled his voice with several pieces of duct tape. I looked back at him as I closed the door.

Chapter Two

Thompson's wife, Kristin, in her sea foam green two-piece suit that had been tailored to fit her tiny frame, and perfectly manicured fingers, was tapping at her teeth, while sixteen-month-old Christopher was lying in her lap. It was as if he could sense the distress from his mother, Thomas's other two children, Laura and Jacob, were sitting in separate chairs to keep from aggravating each other. Kristin needed time to think about where Thomas could be. I had been in the kitchen fixing her cup of coffee when I walked back into the den. She was motioning to me, as if to let me know the importance of the call. I knew by her frown and the tapping of her feet the news wasn't good. When she ended the call, she said "let me know if you hear something?" I handed her the cup of coffee and just remained silent, I knew she needed to talk

It was Rebecca, Thomas's mistress. Oh my God! I said, "What does she want?" "Thomas was supposed to meet her tonight at the lake house but he hasn't gotten there yet. I don't usually answer the phone when she calls. I know the number on the caller ID, but he tells me it's a business call. They were going to spend the weekend together so I guess he wasn't coming home anyway." "I had no idea Kristin, I'm so sorry." "Thank you," she replied. "It's been going on for years and she isn't the only one."

Thomas has never been content with one or even two women. The more he can trick into believing he loves them the more he wants. He has no control over his desires and doesn't care about anyone but himself. It's a high for him and if they say or do anything he doesn't like, he will go into a rage intimidating them to where they will do as he tells them. "I know he has done me that way every since we have been married," Kristin said. "He has them so brain washed, they will do anything for him. I have even been worried about me and my children's safety. Jimmy I could tell you some stories that would sound unbelievable." "Frankly Kristin, no disrespect, but I don't want to hear them." I knew he had some less than acceptable desires that I have witnessed years ago, but I didn't know it had manifested into all this.

Kristin said, "I need to get the children to bed, and completely changing the subject and mood in the room." "Okay can I help you do anything?" "Yes, if you don't mind, will you take Jacob and Laura up to their rooms? You will have to completely inspect the security of the bed room or they won't sleep in them." "Okay, I'll be inspector Jimmy", as I smiled and giggled, turning and calling for the children. "Jacob, Laura, time for bed." They appeared out of nowhere right in front of me. Each holding my hand and simultaneously asking "will you check out or rooms?" "Yes," I replied. "Under the bed," Laura said, with those same round bright button eyes her father has. "How about the closets," Jacob asked, as he swung himself around my leg? Yes, yes, yes to them all, we will check everything, everywhere. Okay and it was just like that they were fine as I climb the stair with Jacob attached to my leg with his legs, Laura telling him to stop bothering, Mr. Jimmy.

You two go get dressed and I will check the bed rooms. They went to their bath rooms, I could hear them brushing their teeth and I began to survey the rooms. His was blue with dark wood furniture. The bed spread was red and white, with big wide stripes running up and down. There were photos of him and Thomas all over plus all the awards he had won. I noticed the pictures with Thomas in them. Jacob was much younger than he is now. I think he is ten now. Why weren't there any recent ones? I looked up and there he stood with a tee shirt and shorts on. "Mr. Jimmy will you check my closet again?" "Yes, baby." I will, now get in the bed. I opened the door, glanced in and assured him it was all fine. "Night-night little man, you sleep well." "You too, Mr. Jimmy."

I took Laura by the hand and we went together into her pink walled, white lace curtain bed room. There were stuffed animals everywhere. "Check it good, Mr. Jimmy," she said, while the little angel got in the bed." I looked high and low as her precious eyes followed me around the room. "Lay down, angel," I said. "I will, but you haven't checked over there," pointing her tiny fragile finger. "I will, I will." I was tired from all the investigating work they had me doing as I smiled to my own thoughts. It's safe, angel, there is nothing in here. "Do you promise?" She replies. "Yes, angel, I promise you're safe." "Night-night," She seemed to be content as she relaxed laying back, pulling the pink down comforter up to her soft little chin. I kissed her forehead and said, "night-night" once more.

Down stairs I met Kristin and she was upset about the earlier phone call. I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing. "Jimmy, I can't believe him. That he would just keep doing us this way, and the nerve of that harlot calling here for him. It all makes me sick. He is probably off with a different tramp making us all worry." "Kristin, I don't know what to say except that I am here for you if you need me." She replied, "Jimmy? Would you mind staying here tonight? I don't think I can stay in this house another night alone." I don't mind at all. I will sleep on the sofa where I can hear him, if he comes in. "Thank you, she said, I better get to bed."

I made my bed on the sofa from the blankets and pillows we all used earlier in the evening. I couldn't go to sleep for thinking about how I was going to get Thomas to confess all his sins. I had planned on starting his redemption tonight, but tomorrow will have to do.

The sun filled the house transforming it into a kaleidoscope of colors. I had breakfast complete when Kristin and Jacob, Laura and the baby came down the stairs. Kristin was shocked, as they all greeted me with hugs and kisses. Even, Kristin. "Eat up," I said. And they did, then right out the door onto the bus. Kristin would take the baby to the church day care while she volunteered at the hospital.

"Jimmy, I know something is wrong, I can feel it. I know that sounds crazy but Thomas is in trouble or dead," Kristin said. "Don't do yourself like that, if he isn't back tonight we will go in the morning and file the missing persons report. Okay?" Kristin nodded her head insinuating that was okay.

Chapter Three

I'm here Thomas, I said in a smirk voice. You have been a bad boy. He looked up at me I could see the pity in his eyes, and when I did, my heart grew tender for him. I quickly walked towards him explaining the night and I was sorry for leaving him like this. "Let's get you a bath," I told Thomas, as I was removing the tape that was covering his mouth. He went right into his usual hateful self. Grabbing the back of Thomas's head by his thick hair then pulling it back as if I were going to break his neck, and shoving the ball of tape in his mouth. I looked dead into his eyes with a look of a man in a rage he had never seen. "You shut up! You better shut up or I will shut you up in a way your imagination could never think of!" He knew I was about to lose it. I felt Thomas' body relax as he took a deep breath. "Now Thomas, let's try this again," as I took the tape out of his mouth. He was different now, not as aggressive to me, minusing the hate in his eyes he had for me.

"You have made me act out of character and I don't like that, I'm going to help you grow today." Thomas looked at me but didn't say a word. "Let's get you cleaned first." "Cleanliness is next to Godliness", they say, as I laughed walking into the other room where the old claw foot bath tub was.

"Its ready," I shouted, safe that no one could hear me and at the same time instilling in his mind no one could hear him. As I helped Thomas to his feet I explained the steps we were facing. "Just like you taught me, Thomas, when I was a child that I had to hear, believe, repent, and confess to be saved. You also told me that it is easier for a child than an adult because adults get sat in their own ways and beliefs. Do you remember teaching me that?" "Yes," Thomas replied in a calm voice. I had let him see the rage inside of me when I was angered. "Well, that's all we are here to do, is to get you to hear and believe the things you are taught, repent of all the wrong you have done, and then, through the power, God has sent me, I will help you be saved.

Leading and supporting him, we journeyed to the bath tub, with his hands and feet finally chained to each separate leg of the claw foot bath tub. "Thomas we have to get these clothes off of you." Reaching over him, I picked up the electric knife. "What are you going to do with that, Jimmy?" It was the first time he had called me by my name today. "Thomas, be still, I am going to cut these solid clothes off of you. Don't scare me, I might drop the knife. Standing in the water, calf deep on his legs, I took the knife and slowly stripped his garments allowing the hot blades to touch his skin from time to time as a reminder of the fiery hell he is destined for. "Okay, you can sit down now." I had left Thomas plenty of looseness in his bonds so the decision could be his if he wanted to try me or not. He hadn't tried anything. That was a way to build my trust in him, but that will never work. I sat there in the chair by the bath tub, watching him like take a bath like a little boy learning from his father. I knew the water felt good to his musky skin and I could tell by his actions he had hope. In his sick mind, he had hope. What could a man in a bath tub with an electric knife lying on a shelf above him have hope about? The more I sat there the, more enraged, I became at his confidence. He even shampooed his hair. I didn't realize I was standing up over him, when he was saying ... "Jimmy are you okay?" Blinking my eyes and shaking my head, I responded, "Yes, yes. I'm fine. Let's listen to some music." I had plugged the portable radio into the wall for effects but it was actually powered by the batteries in the back.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from BETRAYAL OF THE INNOCENTby James D. Bulger Copyright © 2009 by James D. Bulger. Excerpted by permission.
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