Everybody's Daughter (14 page)

A woman screamed. The thumping sound of a human head hitting the stone ground sent a chaotic chill slithering through Michael’s spine as he dashed into an alleyway.

Heart pounding, he managed to mutter a few words. “Now what?”

Sporadic clusters of people ignored the ruckus and continued to mill around at a frantic pace trying to fetch last minute bargains before the vendors closed their shops as if confrontation was part of a normal day. He tried to catch his breath, exhausted and nauseous from the day’s tragic events.

This was meant to be. It’s time to get home. I can’t change time. I need to go home to Elizabeth. Maybe this cloth is needed to save someone else? Or was this cloth for Yochanan?

He watched a Roman beat a man, prompting him to take a few steps closer to the altercation. A weeping woman begged for help. Michael kicked at a loose piece of rock at the base of the wall and dislodged it.

He walked a few steps closer, paused, took aim, and fired.

He ducked back into the alleyway, not sure if his toss made contact with the Roman. After seeing the woman leading the man away, he knew his throw did some damage. He gathered up more courage to view the other side of the street. The soldier who had chased him was now attending to his fallen comrade. Another guard pointed and gestured while questioning a vendor.

They’re looking for me. I’ve got to go.
Michael’s hurried pace caught the attention of some shoppers. “Over there! There he is,” one shouted.

“Capture him,” yelled a soldier on horseback.

Michael tore past the last fruit stand on his side of the street and spotted the big rock securing the grate to the tunnel, about a hundred feet away.

Doable
.
But can I move it?

The soldier on foot aimed his spear and threw.

The sharp weapon skidded on the ground like a small rock skipping on pond water, nipping the back of Michael’s leg. He cried out in pain, stumbling several steps before falling.

“I got him,” the soldier said in a triumphant howl.

“Good work. I will alert Marcus,” said the soldier on horseback before trotting away.

The back of his leg bled. Michael recovered and limped toward the grate now about thirty feet away. The soldier dove at him, securing his arms around his waist, falling on Michael.

“Get off of me,” Michael said as he swung his elbows at the soldier’s face.

The soldier ducked, avoiding another blow, and hoisted Michael up like a jug. The Roman pulled Michael’s arms behind his back like a cop and tightened his hold. “Marcus will reward me for this arrest.”

As the soldier jostled him around in the direction of the city’s exit, a wooden object crashed into the side of the soldier’s face. The soldier let go of Michael and fell to the ground, holding his head, moaning.

Michael scrambled to his feet.

“Go son,” a familiar voice urged.

“Saul?”

“Run, my friend.”

The old man hobbled away, holding a little boy’s hand. “Do what I say, not what I do,” he told the youngster.

Michael ran to the tunnel’s entrance and pushed the big stone to the side.

With one strong tug, he pulled the grate away. Jumping down into the tunnel, he heard the stern voice of another soldier.

“I command you to stop.”

Keeping his hands clamped against the walls, he ignored the pain in his leg, moving forward at a fast pace.

“Stop now,” the soldier demanded.

He gained more distance on the soldier, letting the wall work for him to build up speed, only taking short breaths as needed. Within several minutes, Michael’s eyes captured a slice of light shining ahead.

The soldier’s voice echoed in the cramped darkness. “Rebel, you will not get away. If you do not stop, Marcus will kill you!”

Only a few more yards to go.
The light brightening ahead elevated his hope.

“Connie,” Michael yelled. “Can you hear me? Connie?”

No answer. Michael was close to the stairway, leading him back up to the church.

What is this?
He bent down and picked up a woman’s shoe.

“Stop now,” the Roman called out. “I will tell Marcus you gave up without a struggle to save your life.”

“Drop dead, Roman,” Michael said, turning back. “Connie, are you there?” He heard a faint voice respond but the words were unclear. “Throw something down here. Hurry.” There was still no response. “Call the cops. Now!”

Michael panted as he took the first steps up. He tripped, resting a moment on the stairs, listening for any movement. He could hear the clanging of the soldier’s footsteps nearing. He gathered up his last reserve of energy and rushed the steps two at a time, gaining entrance to the church’s basement.

He remembered the metal candle snuffer the young man brought to the church.

Where did he put it?

In a heartbeat, Michael spotted it in the corner, stuck the shoe in his back pocket, picked up the snuffer and faced the tunnel’s entrance.

Michael raised his arms in battle position. “You’re in my world now, Roman. Let’s see how tough you are.”

The soldier’s footsteps drew closer, then silence.

The crown of the soldier’s helmet dazzled in the mid-afternoon daylight, as the sun’s light hit it at a sharp angle. The soldier’s eyes glowed as he climbed the last rung.

“Come on,” Michael said, his adrenalin giving him bravado. “Make my century, Roman.”

The soldier lunged forward and trembled. A moment later, his arms and legs stiffened.

Michael stared in astonishment as the soldier’s face turned dull white, then yellow, then black.

The Roman’s eyes widened in terror as his pupils filled with dark red blood. His bones crackled like firewood and his eyes fell to the floor, rolling toward Michael. He kicked at the eyes in revulsion, propelling them down the stairway.

The soldier’s body quivered and disintegrated into dust as his metal armor sizzled on the floor.

Michael continued to clutch the candle snuffer over his head, waiting for the soldier to rise out of the pile of dust. The smell of ashes filled the room and bits of dust fluttered in the air.

The ground shuddered, rattling the containers with the clothes and holy remnants. One of them toppled from the apex of the pile. He lowered his candlestick as the gateway to the tunnel sealed itself shut.

Dennis entered the doorway, holding a carton. “What’s going on?” he asked. “Michael, what happened? This place is a mess.”

Wiping the sweat from his forehead and gaining control of his breathing, he said, “I went back.”

Dennis stood in silence.

“I went back,” he shrieked.

“Where?”

“To Jerusalem.”

Dennis dropped the box. A can of beans hit the floor and rolled away. “Did you see – ?”

“Yes,” Michael said, nodding.

“You saw Christ?”

“Yes!”

“You spoke to him?”

“Yes,” Michael said, taking off the robe and removing his sandals. “I can’t talk about it now, I have to go.”

“Wait.” Dennis grabbed Michael’s shoulders. “Tell me what He said. Tell me what He said about forgiveness. I want to know everything.”

Michael backed away. “It was remarkable. There’s so much to tell you.” He slipped on his sneakers. “First I need to see my daughter and let her know I saw Leah.”

“Leah?”

“Yes, the woman I told you about.”

“Where is she?”

“She stayed behind. She had to.” He wiped some sweat away from his forehead. “I’ve got to tell Elizabeth. I have so much to tell her too.”

“Your leg,” Dennis said. “You’re bleeding.”

“I’m fine. Where’s Connie?” He took the high-heeled shoe out of his back pocket. “This looks like hers. Why would she take it off?”

“No idea.” Dennis shrugged. “I haven’t seen her in a while. She ran out of here, looking as pale as a ghost, limping. She looked shaken, upset.”

“Church always made her nervous.” Michael dropped the shoe on the floor, bent down to catch his breath, then straightened. “Anyway, I’ve got to get going. I have an important message for Elizabeth.”

“Really?” Dennis asked. “I am curious. What kind of message?”

“A message from her mom.”

“You spoke to your wife?” Dennis’ voice sounded unsteady. Michael nodded.

Dennis turned his head away and asked, “What did she say?” His face paled and his bottom lip trembled.

That’s odd. He looks like he just saw a ghost.

Elizabeth sat motionless, lost in gruesome thoughts for several minutes before pocketing a couple of pins that were used to weave baskets. She clenched one in her hands.

She heard a loud noise, like a person falling on the floor. Worried that it was Leah, she gasped out loud.

��Who is up there?” yelled the soldier.

“Marcus, come here. No one is up there,” Leah said. “I need you now.”

Elizabeth crawled back to the ladder opening to see Leah luring him into the bedroom by removing some of her clothes.

The soldier edged away several steps from the bottom of the ladder.

“Come and take me,” Leah implored softly.

Revolted, Elizabeth took a few steps down the ladder. Broken pieces of pottery were scattered on the floor. She could hear Leah’s cries. She tip-toed down and the steps creaked beneath her feet.

She froze.

From the corner of her eye, she saw shadows in the candlelight, like an old movie reel being played on a living room wall. The soldier’s silhouette clawed furiously at Leah’s clothing, tearing at the top of the garment.

“You are hurting me, Marcus.”

“Shut up, woman,” he said, accompanied by a low growl.

Elizabeth inched her way through the kitchen.

Marcus pinned his body against Leah and grabbed her breasts, squeezing them hard. “Just like milking a goat.” He let out a caustic laugh.

His snarl sounded evil to Elizabeth’s ear. She recoiled as the soldier attempted to kiss Leah on the lips.

Leah moved her head sharply, avoiding the torturous touch.

Elizabeth remained rooted in place, her hands covering her mouth, plotting how to hurt him.

Dad, now would be a good time to show up.

Marcus struggled to remove his pants.

Elizabeth picked up a large, jagged piece of broken pottery. Walking on her toes, she stalked the soldier for a few steps and slammed the pottery on the back of his head.

“No, Elizabeth,” Leah cried.

Marcus dropped to his knees, holding his head, catching some of the blood in his hands. “It is you!” He turned to Leah. “I knew you were hiding her. This time she will not get away.” He struggled to get to his feet.

Elizabeth bashed him in the face with the pottery again and he collapsed.

“Leave, now,” Leah screamed.

Elizabeth remained still.

Marcus regained his footing and wobbled toward her.

She swung her right foot with force, whacking him below the belt, sending the soldier wincing to the ground. He doubled over, cringing in pain. Instinctively, she struck again, her foot sending him sprawling backwards.

Leah roared, “What are you doing? You need to go home.” When Elizabeth didn’t move, Leah dragged her into the kitchen. “We are in terrible trouble. Stay here.”

Leah returned to the bedroom. “Marcus, forgive the girl. She is not from this town and does not know our ways. She is just an innocent child.”

Elizabeth joined Leah. They watched the Roman crawl on all fours, taking short, quick breaths.

“Try to get up and I’ll do it again,” Elizabeth warned.

He glared at both of them.

“She didn’t mean to hurt you,” Leah said.

“Yes, I did.”

Leah jerked Elizabeth’s shoulders. “Stop.” She leaned over him. “She is young, Marcus, and ignorant of our ways.” She grabbed Elizabeth’s hand and led her back into the kitchen. “You must go. You are in danger now. Run as fast as you can. Go home. Do not come back. Ever.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No. I won’t go unless you come with me. You’re in danger too. He will hurt you. I’m not leaving you here with this animal.”

“If I leave, he will kill my brother, his wife, their children, everybody. Why do you not understand this?”

“Do you want to die too? I can’t leave you here with him.”

Leah put both hands on Elizabeth’s cheeks. “You must go and never come back.”

“What about my dad?”

“Your father is not here. He would have been here if he had come. I should have insisted you leave earlier.”

Marcus emerged from the bedroom and lunged at them, swatting Leah with his forearm as Elizabeth tried to block him. “Run home,” Leah yelled. Marcus smashed her in the head and blocked the opening to the door.

Elizabeth scrambled up the ladder as Marcus halted her ascent, clutching one of her legs. Leah picked up a piece of the shattered bowl and threw it at the soldier, barely scraping the top of his head.

He dragged Elizabeth down two of the rungs.

“Don’t touch me, you filthy, ugly beast,” she screamed as she felt his body pressed against her. She pulled a weaving needle from her pocket and swung it at him, piercing his cheek.

He roared, sounding like a wounded lion and fell back to the floor, wiping the blood from his face with his hand. Enraged, he hurried back up the ladder.

Elizabeth reached the roof and ran to the far side to determine how high up she was.

Is it safe to jump from here?
Dad, I sure do need you right now. I hope you’re here soon!

Leah frantically called out. “Leave her alone. Take me. I will stay with you, Marcus. Let me take care of you.”

Elizabeth saw the top of Marcus’ head easing up above the roof. He surveyed the area for a few moments, making sure the neighborhood was vacant. “Come here, woman. You will be mine. You are fortunate to be with a Roman and not a peasant. You will do as I say. Do not move.”

She withdrew to the edge of the roof.

As Marcus finished his climb, Elizabeth sprinted to him and delivered a swift, hard kick to the side of his head.

He let out a small grunt but it didn’t disrupt his pursuit.

Frantic, Elizabeth ran to the other side of the roof.

“I will report you,” Leah yelled as she appeared at the top of the ladder.

Marcus kicked Leah on the face so hard, she fell and tumbled down the stairs. Elizabeth shrieked out after her. “Leah, are you okay?”

She didn’t answer.

Elizabeth looked around, not sure where to go next.
Should I jump? I don’t know what’s down there. It’s so dark out.

On his hands and knees, Marcus managed to crawl several feet toward Elizabeth. He sat up, rubbing his head. “Where are you?”

Elizabeth charged again, cracking him in the face with her clenched fist, allowing the point from the pin to scuff his cheek. Blood dripped near his right ear.

“Who do you think you are striking a Roman soldier?” he howled.

“Wonder Woman!” She whacked him on the back of his leg as he tried to stand.

He landed on all fours again, wiping away the blood from his face. The sight of it dripping to the concrete roof incensed him. As he stumbled to get up, Elizabeth kicked him in the back.

He grunted in pain. “I will kill you.”

“Stop hitting Leah or I’ll hurt you more.” She kneed him in the face, knocking him flat on his back. “And leave her family alone too.”

He lifted his head and then lowered it much like a hyena does before a lion. Elizabeth held the long metal pins in both her hands in a threatening position.

Marcus held out his hands in a gesture of defeat. “No more. You have hurt me.” He coughed, spewing some blood. “Look what you have done to me, woman. I cannot move.”

Elizabeth wasn’t convinced, even as he gagged and spit up more blood. “I just want you to leave Leah and her family alone.”

“I will not hurt her. I promise,” the soldier said in a solemn tone. “I will leave as soon as I am better.” He wheezed and coughed again. “Can you get me a cup of water?”

She hesitated. “Leah, are you okay?”

There was answer.

Marcus wiped more blood away with his arm. “Woman, I am bleeding. It is hard to breathe. If I die, Leah will be hunted down by more Roman soldiers. Do you want that?”

Elizabeth circled him with caution as she approached the ladder. “Don’t –”

Marcus swung his leg, knocking her down.

She winced as her head struck the roof. One of the metal pins bounced out of her hands and spun over the edge.

“How dare you strike me,” he bellowed.

Marcus jumped on top of Elizabeth, raised her arms over her head, and held them together with one hand. “Let it go.” He twisted the last metal pin from her grasp.

Elizabeth moaned.

He leaned over and tossed it a few feet away.

She was still for a moment. Her head pounded and she felt groggy.

Marcus stroked her hair and her cheeks, hissing like a snake ready to devour a mouse. His breath was so foul, she wanted to vomit. She gagged, trying to hold down the day’s meal.

“I never wanted Leah,” he whispered, his voice full of disgusting menace. “I always wanted you.”

Elizabeth trembled. Marcus pressed his body firmly against her.

Her head fuzzy, she mustered up enough strength to jerk Marcus’ legs off her and spotted a pin nearby.
I’ve got to try
.

“Resist me and I will kill you.”

Elizabeth jostled him with her knees as Leah reached the roof again. “Get off her,” she demanded. Leah swung at him with a plate, cracking it on the back of his neck.

He lost his balance and Elizabeth inched closer to the pin.

Marcus stood and pushed Leah hard to the ground and pressed his boot against her head, stunning her. Leah lay motionless.

He leaned down and swatted Elizabeth in the right cheek with an open hand. “I said stop moving.”

“You jerk,” she screamed.

Marcus kneeled, clamping his free hand over her mouth. “Quiet, or I will let you watch me kill Leah. Do you want that? Do you?”

She shook her head in fear.

He began to remove his pants as Elizabeth pushed up with her knees again, knocking him over and freeing her hands. With one swift movement she retrieved the pin and stabbed him in the leg. Marcus roared in pain and raged at the blood pouring from his leg. He wiped it away and glared. “I have grown tired of you. You are not worthy to be with a Roman soldier.”

Elizabeth scrambled away as he staggered to his feet. Marcus kicked the pin out of her hand, pulled her up like a rag doll, and dragged her to the edge of the roof.

His laughter was filled with scorn. “Enjoy your trip back home.”

“Stop, stop,” she shouted, clinging to his arm. “I’ll do what you want. Just stop.”

“My patience is no more. I will keep Leah.” He removed her grip from his arm. “You are a problem.”

“No.”

Marcus held her up by the neck and shook her like a rag doll. Elizabeth’s feet bounced up and down.

Her grip on his shoulders loosened, her fingers weakened. She lost her balance and fell. Desperate, she dug her nails into his skin as hard as she could.

He leaned close to her ear. “Your God awaits you.”

His swift kicks knocked her hands off his leg as she lay a foot from the edge, breathing hard. He got down on his knees and shoved her, trying to roll her off the roof.

Elizabeth pierced his face again, slicing the skin above his right eye.

Marcus fell on top of her. Together they tumbled closer to the edge.

“Oh God,” Elizabeth screamed in horror. “Daddy? Leah? Help me.”

“Elizabeth!” Leah crawled several feet and lunged at them. “No. Oh God, no.”