Fortunate Sons

Chapter 22: Entrusted to a friend

Sue made her way from the base hospital and onto the route that led her to St. Andrew's, doing her best to remain inconspicuous. The night air was hot and heavy as always with the noisy chatter of people in shops, traffic in busy areas and soldiers patrolling the streets.

Ever since January people had been on edge. Everyone, soldiers and civilians alike had been terrified of another night attack from the North and had sent more men out on patrol. Not only did the military activity increase, but so did the hours that the nurses had been asked to work. So many of them were now worn out and exhausted with very little time to take a break and rest.

Sue kept up her pace until she reached the church, a small little building made from wood and stone, not a grand place by any means, but good enough for the number of citizens who came here for Sunday services. Up on the roof a tall cross loomed into the night sky while on the lawn stood a statue of St Andrew Dung Lac, watching over all who entered the grounds of the church.

Sue entered the barely lit church, crossing herself before stepping over the threshold. The lingering smell of sandalwood incense was still evident while the light cast an eerie glow over the huge crucifix that hung behind the altar. The face of the Our Lady of La Vang statue in one of the alcoves was illuminated by the dim orange shadow of the prayer candles while the rest of the church remained dark, hidden in the pitch black of the night.

"Hello?" Sue asked, her voice quiet but loud enough to break the unnerving silence. "Father Chu?"

From the sacristy a nun in her black habit entered the church, surprised to see someone like Sue entering the place at that ungodly hour. It wasn't a rare sight, however. Many often came to the church to speak privately with Father Chu if they couldn't speak with the army chaplain.

"Good evening Li Ahn," the nun said. "Are you looking for Father?"

"Yes Sister I'm afraid I need to see him," Sue explained. "It's of the utmost importance."

"Very well, very well," the old sister said before she disappeared into the sacristy.

Sue patiently waited, taking a seat in the pews and keeping her gaze focused on the Marian statue in the alcove. She was so peaceful, so perfect and serene with the Christ child safely held in the crook of her arm. The sight of her deeply moved Sue in a way that nothing else had before. She didn't know why, but the statue reminded her of the dimmed memories of her own mother.....always at peace and never disturbed.

It wasn't long before the good sister had come back and motioned for Sue to follow her to the confessional. "Father Chu is waiting," she said.

"Thank you Sister," Sue replied.

Sue went into the dark, closed off room barely able to see her own hand in front of her face. She couldn't even see what was on the other side of the wall grate in the divider.

"Forgive me Father for I have sinned," she said meekly.

"How have you sinned my child?" Father Chu asked.

"I'm afraid I'm keeping a secret from people," Sue explained. "People who trust me.....my superiors......even my own family."

"What might this secret be?" Father Chu asked her.

"I'm not sure if I should say a word about it," Sue replied. "I'm always afraid it'll get into the wrong hands."

"Li Ahn," Father Chu said. "Whatever is said here in this confessional will stay here. You have nothing to fear."

Sue took a deep breath and let it out, trying to wrack together the courage to explain herself. "Then you know that some time ago a young soldier came through here?" she said.

"Yes," Father Chu replied. "I know of this man."

"Then you know of the thing he entrusted you with?"

"I am aware of it yes," Father Chu replied. "Why do you wish to know?"

"I think there is something going on here that is much more frightening than we could have ever imagined," Sue told him. "A terror of Biblical proportions."

"Here," Father Chu replied. "Come with me."

The pair stepped out of the confessional and into the church. Father Chu was taller than most men, nearly six foot two with small silver streaks in his jet black hair. On his face he wore a pair of wire rimmed glasses while his clothing was the same pitch black as his hair. The only other trace of color to be found on him was the white of his priest's collar.

"Your friend Taylor entrusted the book to me after he and the others realized its true powers," Father Chu explained. "He didn't wish to leave it in the lockbox near his bed knowing that someone else might get their hands on it."

Wouldn't they have loved to......Sue thought.

She followed Father Chu through one of the sidewings and entered the sacristy. In one corner of the room was a safe built into the wall and hidden behind an oil portrait of the Sacred Heart, painted an odd shade of olive green. Father Chu turned the combination until he heard a *CLICK!*. The little door swung open to reveal a large space where sure enough the book was safely tucked away. Sue could hardly see into the safe, but knowing that the book was safe finally rid her of that awful feeling of uncertainty.

"He told me of the origins of this book," Father Chu said. "Now I can see why the communists would have wanted to get their hands on it."

"Did Taylor tell you everything?" Sue enquired.

"Everything."

Sue felt her insides jump.

"At first I had thought it was a bit outlandish," Father Chu chuckled. "I had never remembered these particular angels being in that part of Genesis. But the more I thought about it, if I doubted I might end up regretting it later."

"So Taylor just dropped the book off and called it that?" Sue asked him.

"No," Father Chu replied. "He said that if something were to happen to him or Dix or Mitch, he knew he would be able to trust me to keep this secret."

And if something happens to you we'll all be dead......Sue wanted to tell him. She was unsure of whether or not Father Chu was entirely aware of the dangers that were lurking about. She wanted to tell him about the black dog in the hopes that he would understand. But Sue was still uncertain that the church was the right place for the book

"Father Chu," Sue said. "Is there any chance I may borrow the book? Maybe there is something I can do to help."

"So long as you keep the promise to bring it back," he said. "You will also do well not to speak of this to anyone else. There are enemies everywhere Li Ahn. Many who could be hiding in plain sight."

"Yes Father," she replied.

Father Chu gave her the book which Sue promptly slipped into her bag. She thanked the priest and went on her way.

"One more thing," Father Chu said to her just as she had turned to leave. "The enemy may not be who you think it is."

         Sue gave Father Chu a polite nod and went along her way. As she walked on, the feeling of dread returned to her.....this time with a vengeance.