Chapter 2
Preparing For Battle
Part 1
It wasn't a long flight to where we were going as Tony kicked off his shoes and leaned back on his chair to take a quick 2-hour nap. I too closed my eyes for that duration after having a nice hot breakfast and was toasty warm inside the plane; leaving Mom and Dad to discuss our future regarding the move, and how to handle Crawford and his threats. Even Jeff was silent doing whatever he did when he was not busy taking care of me.
I had gotten quite used to him being gone so that it really didn't bother me. After all, I wasn't in any real danger unless the plane decided to crash or we were expecting a zombie attack when we landed. Then again, I wasn't sure what to expect considering I had never been to Texas before, only knowing it was going to feel like it was still summer. I questioned if Stringham would still be cold with the temperatures being in the range of 85 to the high 90, yet there was very little I could do for him. Even Jeff has given all the advice he was willing to give regarding what he must do.
Personally, I didn't really have a lot of stock in it, but it was better to have at least some protection against dark forces than none at all, even if I didn't have much faith in prayer and didn't agree on many things the LDS church believed in. The satanic church was far worse, where they believed in sacrificing animals and humans, more so women and children. Yet I have learned that not all satanic churches do that anymore and forbid that from happening.
Yet the ones that still do are the ones that have separated themselves entirely from their teachings, mixing other religions within to make it more appealing. Stringham had acquired a large amount of data from books on the subject starting with the founded principals and foundation of when the satanic church made itself re-known was on April 30, 1966, by Anton Szandor LaVey, being known as the first above-ground organization. But as far as witchcraft, black magic and sacrifice it started or wasn't made known until the late 17 or 1800s known as the Salem witch trials.
It wasn't until the 19th century that it had started to pop up in our society, but it lay hidden in the underground movement. Then made it above ground with Anton Szandor LaVey around 1996 with a brand-new bag of tricks and a new bible, and abandoned the practices of the old world. Yet some still practice it like one Stringham and our little merry band of troublemakers are trying to take it down. In hopes that by doing so we are doing something to protect our families and loved ones.
The moment we touched down another limo was waiting for us, watching the driver hand Stringham several telegrams. Telling us that Jody and Dave have arrived at his estate, and so has my teacher Mrs. Hothner; as well as our two nurses. Which most likely won't be needed anymore, depending on the outcome of the schools that Jared and I would be soon be attending. After the fall break, we still haven't worked out the details. The list kept growing of all the things we needed to do, Yet Landan and Stringham have managed to juggle all of it, and now that Dave was back, Stringham could breathe a little by putting some of his responsibilities on himself like running his day to day business.
Stringham asked if my friend was still willing to help, I shrugged my shoulders stating that at the moment he wasn't with us, Stringham cringed. "Well let's just hope we don't need him," Tony asks if this happens a lot. I nodded it was.
Tony said, "I see … better than nothing I guess." Removing his Jacket and slipped into his sneakers like I had done and the rest of us. Stringham was the only one who hadn't gone back into summer clothing, wearing his long thermal underwear and think pairs of socks and warm boots, and a heavier long-sleeve shirt. Noting, he would truly look out of place wearing a snowman suit when the temperature is 90 plus degrees. Mom looked very nice in her blue dress leaving her heavier clothes on the plane; like the rest of us.
Stringham gave the driver the address of the school we were visiting. Not that it mattered, considering Mom and Dad had already decided that Shawn was indeed going to attend, even though it would be further away than Arthur's. Nevertheless, it was far better than letting Crawford's people get hold of him. In the meantime, Stringham quickly made several calls using the phone inside the limo - either to his estate or to touch base with the clients we were seeing today.
The fact that it was little after 1 when we touched down didn't bother Stringham like it would have with Mom or Dad regarding our clients, but again money played a large part in that, the clients would wait until doomsday if necessary with the kind of cash they were throwing around. Stringham quickly had the driver stop at the bank to replenish what we had so far had already spent.
Going over the details with Landan regarding the Wednesday party, making sure the roses, the food, and decorations were taken care of; and telling Landan that now that Dave had arrived to let him take over making sure our guests are taken care of. Telling him to take a chopper and fly out if necessary and allow Tony's team to set up surveillance, reminding him to stop at the schools in Heber and see about arranging a meeting sometime tomorrow. And be sure to pick our completed school work and books so Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Hothner have something to teach with.
Stringham hung up the phone and took several breaths asking me if Jeff had come back. I shook my head no and Stringham frowned, stroking his chin telling me he'd feel a lot more comfortable if he was with us. I shrugged my shoulders and stated that he had a mind of his own. Tony snorted said. "Who doesn't?" The school was huge compared to most schools, as we were directed to the office. I hated the fact I had to be back in my wheelchair, then again, I hadn't really had to use it since the mall and for that brief moment, I felt normal again.
We were greeted by the headmaster who he narrowed his eyes on me, like a cat that was approaching its prey; he didn't smile when he said. "This must be the young man you that you are thinking about attending my fine school. You should know that I don't play favorites just because you are in a wheelchair you'll get no sympathy from me. I run a tight school and don't―"
Mr. Stringham said cutting him off. "Mr. Walens. This is Eric Rothwell, their adoptive son. The one they are considering is enrolling his adoptive brother Shawn Rothwell who I have spoken to you on the phone about."
Mr. Walens a very big, enormous man who could make the incredible Hulk cry to his mommy. After beating him into the ground with one arm tied behind his back and not even breaking a sweat. With those steely blue eyes that held no warmth in them or the face that Terminator had that looked like it was chiseled from steel as he towered over us as a figurehead of the jolly green giant. Cracked a smile if you called more of a snarl than a smile, put out his hand so I could shake it, and quickly apologized nearly breaking my hand with a very firm grip.
I waited for Jeff to tell me that this man before me was in league with those crazy sick people instead there was nothing but silence. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Tony and Stringham waited for me to indicate that he was but gave not even a hint as I looked for any signs, finding none.
Mr. Walens didn't ask the reason I was here other than to say that I too would be a very good fit here. Dad said. "Thanks, but I think Shawn will be more of a challenge than my son Eric is."
Mr. Walens said. "I like a challenge; I have never met my match when it comes to boys and few wayward girls."
Dad said. "You will find our son Shawn anything you most likely haven't encountered."
Drawing Mr. Walen's full attention said. "Drugs, alcohol, stealing, lying and running away or even talking back is quite common with boys his age. I assure you, Mr. and Mrs. Rothwell. That won't be a problem here. We don't allow bullying, of any kind, and drugs, would be most difficult to come by as if you haven't noticed that we are quite far from any major town, and no one gets outside or inside these gates unless we allow them."
Dad said. "Yes, I am quite aware of that, but Shawn can be quite resourceful which has me to be a little more concerned." Mr. Walens brought us to his office and asked if we liked anything coffee tea, or soda.
Stringham's said. "Hot chocolate if you have it if not coffee would be fine. I am not quite used to the weather changing from cold to hot so quickly so forgive my appearance. I am an old man that can't seem to stay warm these days." Mr. Walens nonchalantly shrugged off the situation, dismissing it as inconsequential. He carefully examined the silver briefcase, well aware that it contained a substantial amount of money. We had already undergone thorough searches for drugs and weapons, as he had emphasized the importance of preventing any potential issues. I was somewhat taken aback that he hadn't opted for a strip search. My parents, who used to subject all their foster children to such searches on a daily basis, treated it as a routine matter. However, they had stopped doing so specifically in my case.
Yet in regards to Shawn and Arthur, it was a whole different matter. He quickly stopped in front of a woman at the desk telling her to bring us our desired drinks and a plate of something that I would enjoy like most boys like a plate of freshly baked cookies, which never goes wrong.
We all took a seat, well except for me considering my mode of transportation, as they all rode up with me in the elevator. That required a passkey. Indicating that everyone else took the stairs, which would have been no easy task for anyone, even for most athletes would groan seeing them as we made our way up to the fourth floor where the main offices were looking over the large campus. I noticed quickly that I wasn't the only one in a wheelchair. Or had some handicap or another as they participated in a game of Soccer, which even the boys and girls in wheelchairs participated in. Mr. Walens asked if I would like to join them, and I said. "No, I have never into sports since after the accident."
He placed his hand on my shoulders and leaned down and said. "Just because you're in a wheelchair doesn't mean you're helpless son." I eyed the field and the boys really wanted to play, but I couldn't because I wasn't there to play I was here finding out if the satanic church had a foothold here. I shook my head no and moved away from the window and placed myself next to Dad. Letting Mr. Walens sit behind his large cherry oak desk that looked like something my Pa would have made seeing the fine detail and craftsmanship. I fingered the carvings missing the feeling of a good piece of wood in my hands. I stopped when Mr. Walens noticed me telling me that one of his brightest students made it for him.
Stating he too was a troublemaker and one of the hardest to deal with, but in time they became good friends, and very good students, going from a failing disruptive student to a student who has made the honor roll and valedictorian and has been able to capture the eye of a craftsman's, making homespun furniture making a very nice living. Now has a respectable family and now sends his boys here. He pointed to the young man on the wall where several of them hung. It was quite impressive.
Stringham paced along the wall noticing them telling me that Dave went here showing his picture on the wall, which surprised me, causing Mr. Walens to ask. "And how is my man Dave doing if I might ask?"
Stringham grinned ear to ear. "Quite well, he is a fine young man and works very hard running my most of my business, in fact, he's planning to marry Mr. Rothwell's daughter."
Mr. Walens leaned back in his chair stippling his fingers said. "I am glad to hear that, I have some more boys you might be interested in. That will be graduating at the end of the year."
Stringham took his seat and said. "Oh, I am interested, quite interested. Perhaps you and I could go over it once we conclude our business." Stringham opened the briefcase and handed a large folder with Shawn's name on it, including a videotape. I cringed seeing it, Mr. Walens put it to the side and opened the file flipping through the file. His eyebrows knitted together, but he remained calm.
Stringham said. "Not the quite the challenge you are used to, but Mr. and Mrs. Rothwell are quite desperate. Everything they have tried hasn't worked. As Mr. Rothwell pointed out Shawn can be quite resourceful. One of the main reasons I suggested this school is because of the many challenges he has demonstrated and most lately has been under the influence of a satanic cult. Hoping that they haven't gained a foothold here, considering the limitable resources inside these walls."
Mr. Walens flipped the through the pages and frowned, stroking his chin, said. "I am not aware of any, but it doesn't mean there isn't any."
Stringham said. "One of the reasons I have brought Tony along if you might recall another student that has gone through your academy."
Mr. Walens nodded. "I am quite aware of the fact and heard through the grapevine that he has made a name for himself. I was a little saddened that he turned down a job offer here at this academy, teaching some of our boys that could learn some of his unique skills."
Stringham said. "One of the reasons he is here is to use those skills to ferret out those that are in a league of the satanic cult. And this young man that I have also brought with us also has another unique gift where he sees things other people like Tony might have missed."
Mr. Walens narrowed his eyes on me and said. "Oh, so he is more than he seems. Excellent would he be interested in a small demonstration?" I looked at Stringham and he shrugged his shoulders. Mr. Walen's said. "No need to be shy young man." I cringed linking with Jeff almost praying, knowing that so far he hasn't made himself known and seldom comes when I call him. Then I was surprised when he appeared the moment, I called him." I asked as I linked with him.
Jeff nodded and said. "No problem." I pretended to focus as I looked around the room.
Watching Jeff walk the area of the room; Mr. Walens asked what I was doing. Tony said. "Reading the room."
It seemed like forever as Jeff kept me wondering. Finally, he said. When he stopped and I breathed a sigh of relief, "Behind that wall, there is a small room that leads to a set of stairs."
Mr. Walens said. "Yes, but can you tell me how you knew that?"
I smiled as Jeff told me as I wheeled myself over to where Jeff was, I said. "The worn carpet in this space and the fourth book from the right are out of place, compared to the other books along the wall are in alphabetic order; except that one where it is written in Latin. Plus, the a small hint of dust that is along with the other books, but not in front of that one.
I reached up and pulled the book causing Mr. Walden to gasp as I stood up and pulled the book back. Hearing a soft click as the door of books opened up. I regained my wheelchair and moved back into positions as Jeff helped me, giving some intimate details of Mr. Walens.
I stated. "Your mother's name is Helen, and your Dad died during Vietnam, you are single, but you're considering marrying the woman downstairs, that we had passed when we rode up in the elevator. You are a devout Christian and only attend mass often enough to satisfy your mother.
"But the woman you want to marry is LDS and has two young sons. For breakfast, you had bratwurst with mustard and sauerkraut." I made a complete circle around his desk and returned to my place by Dad watching Jeff make himself comfortable on the couch. Pleased with himself as if it didn't take a lot of effort; chiding me that it wouldn't hurt me any to join the boys down in the yard. I smiled as Mom looked at me as if she had never seen me before, but she was quite pleased that I had proven that I could be quite remarkable. I waited as I watched Mr. Walens as he narrowed in on me asking me once more how I came to those conclusions. I simply said being a smart ass. "I am right?"
Causing everyone but him to laugh, said. "Yes, but I am very curious about how you made those deductions."
I quickly restated each one. "The smell of perfume from the woman downstairs matched the same on your suit coat and the lipstick on your cheek that hasn't quite been washed off.
The picture on her desk of her two boys, and the undergarment under her dress showed through just enough to say she is LDS and had been through the LDS temple. Her ring finger where the ring used to be was lighter than the rest of her finger. You had no ring on your finger or tan line or skin color indicating that you have ever worn a ring on that finger. On your desk is a picture of your father and your mother. One is more recent than the other. The name on the sweater she is wearing has her name on it and around her neck, she carries a silver cross indicating she was Catholic, and I could see you had one as well seeing the impression of the cross.
"On the left side of the wall by the door, on the top shelf is a folded flag inside a glass case, which you received when he was buried at a military funeral. You spilled mustard on your sleeve but hadn't cleaned properly and I could smell the sauerkraut and bratwurst with the hint of toothpaste. I knew it had to be from breakfast because I could smell the cafeteria, and it said they were serving French dip sandwiches." I remained quiet as I waited for him noticing that once again, I had surprised him and Mom, even Tony was quite impressed.