The Crookback of New Orleans

The Redeemer

         Morning came earlier than it seemed to every other day the next morning. Claude rose, stifling a groan at the pain in his back. His hump. Of course, he was grateful that Apep risked his own eternal soul to prevent Claude from soiling his. He only wished for a way to pay Father back for all the sacrifices made for him. Claude knew that was impossible, after all, he was worthless. It was funny, in the saddest of ways, that a man so faithful to the Lord had accepted into his home a bastard child. Instead of focusing on all the despair that plagued his life, Claude began to prepare the breakfast basket so that Father Apep could take it out for bagels if he wished. Claude was sure he wouldn't get any, yet he hoped that Father Apep would relent; his stomach rumbled from missing dinner.

        "Claude, have you tended to your chores yet this morning?" Father Apep spoke, startling Claude. He shook his head and scrambled to gather his thought, so that he could explain his failures. "I-I was preparing your things for the day, F-Father. I'm sorry; it's just that I am very sore and hungry." Father Apep's eyes flashed a dark color and Claude knew in that instant that he had said the wrong thing.

        "So my punishment for your sins is a burden to you, is it, Claude? The pain and hunger simply hindered your abilities to perform simple tasks?" Father Apep spoke, knowing that he was pushing Claude into a corner. No matter what he said, he would suffer severe consequences.        

        "Father Apep, the pain and hunger are what I deserve. I am a sinner. I appreciate them. I am a misshapen monster. It is hard to move." Claude felt his heart pick up in tempo as Father Apep's hand reared back and prepared to hit him again. The familiar clenching in his body was the only sign that Claude was fearful of the strike that was sure to come from Father Apep.

        "You will take note of this moment, Claude, and you won't make this mistake again. I am in pain from punishing you last night and Mardi Gras is beginning place in two days. You will take into consideration that I am a busy man and that I will be ridding the world of sin while you sit coped up in this safe haven. Behave, Claude, or you will face punishment like never before. Am I understood?" Claude nodded hurriedly, relieved that he was able to forgo more agonizing hits.

        "That will be all this morning, Claude. I have nothing more to say to you and I suppose you can have an apple for breakfast. Then I want you to get to your chores. I don't want any trouble when I return. Are we clear?" Claude agreed, but couldn't help the voice in his mind that told him no matter what he did Father Apep would come home angry. It was what he was known for and as much as Claude loved to watch the Mardi Gras celebration, with all of its beautiful colors and laughing crowd, he resented the pain it caused in Apep. Because he was taught that truly righteous men shared each other's hurt.

      So when Apep hurt, Claude hurt. Claude noticed, however, Apep's hurt never lasted days on end, sometimes preventing him from moving. His pain was internal and lasted short spurts, but the pain he casted on Claude, it was excruciating for days, maybe even a week or two. Depending on how many more times he was punished in the time. He pushed the pain aside and nodded to appease Father. With one last stern warning, Apep turned away and left.

        "Blubbering idiot." Apep muttered, slamming and locking the door to his church office. Apep took a deep breath for his composure before finally going into the world of humans. Apep was above the other humans, of course; he was a messenger of God. There was nothing more empowering than being able to hear and comprehend the words that were whispered in confidentiality to him.

        "Father Apep, we have a handle on them. I think they're ready for you." One of his disciples spoke when he entered the basement of a nearby barn. The lingering smell of death and animals did nothing to deter Apep as he strode confidently through the molding, weak walls. "Good, thank you. Go out and find more of them. This can't be all." Apep knew he was right; however, he truly wanted to be alone with the sinners that had ignored the word of the Lord. He would make them see the error of their lives and he'd done with Claude and so many others.       

        "Father Apep!" One of the girls cried when they saw him stroll through the cellar door. It was a relieved sound, but he scoffed when he caught sight of the risqué clothes they wore. They had wandered the streets of his Father, disgracing them and casting their bodies to men. They were the sin of the world; they led men to temptation with their voluptuous curves and seductive ways. It was what they did. Women were evil. Satan's way of attacking his Father's world.

        "F-Father, please, th-these men abducted us! Call for help." The brunette cried, grasping at Apep's feet.

        "My dear children, I am your help. I've come to relieve you of your sins. Together we will pray for the Lord to forgive you and then I will give you your new life. I will let you live as saved women." They nodded, the brunette once again begging.

        "Henry, pass me the whip. Don't worry, I will cleanse you. The Lord will then accept you into his gates. You will be harlots for no longer."

        "No, n-no, Father Apep, w-we aren't prostitutes, we're detectives. I-I can show you my badge!" Father Apep grew tired of the excuses, the lies. He raised his whip and began to pray for their eternal souls.

        "Dear Father above..."