A Cult in Paradise; Episode 41, Old Revival Memories

This is episode forty-one of the fifth book in the Trace Troy Adventures in  Paradise series. The Title is A Cult in Paradise. It will be featured in episodes over the next few months. It will eventually be published in full on Amazon. All of the Trace Troy books, as well as my other novels, can be purchased on Amazon by clicking the Bookstore tab above. I hope you enjoy. And thanks for stopping by. 

Old Revival Memories

Outside, the long shadows of the day’s end blended into the dark landscape. Flickering flames of torches danced atop posts on both sides of the grounds leading to the main building. From the cell, Trace, Sage, and Coyote looked at each other's faces, illuminated only by the torches that showed past the bars on the windows. They heard the shuffle of feet on the grass and gravel. 

“Back when Adam and I was kids, they’d have what was called tent revivals,” Coyote said. “Some preacher would set up a tent just outside of town. The place was lit with torches. We all walked there and into the tent, quiet as a mouse. Once the preacher started up, then all the hoopin’ and hollerin’ started. But the point; only the shuffle of feet and flickering torches. And to tell you the truth, back then we weren’t sure somethin’ good was about to happen or somethin’ bad. We walked in fear. We didn’t know what was in that tent; condemnation to hell or the aspiration to heaven. Let me ask ya something’, is that the way religion should be? I mean, shouldn’t you be happy or expecting something happy? I just knew that preacher was gonna tell everybody, there, that I was peeking in the girls' restroom. Imagine that hanging over your head.” Coyote yielded to the solemn shuffle outside. “Sorry, just let some stuff off my chest.”

“I’ve never been to one of those revivals,” Trace said. “But I’ve heard folks talk about them. Dad and I would go to church sometimes. It was strange to me. Everybody was quiet like you said. Just feet on hardwood floors. You wanted to come in with a crowd. I remember you could tell who was late, not looking, just the sound of their walk.  Everything echoed. You could hear a breath. You could hear your heartbeat. I was afraid my thoughts might be heard and echoed. I had a friend tell me that everyone can hear the heartbeat, but God only knows what it says.”

“I wonder how the cattle are doin’?” Coyote said.

“Probably getting ready for slaughter,” Sage said.

“I was hoping for something a little more comforting,” Coyote said.

“Okay,” Trace said, “try this, we got a plan. They just think, hey, we’re goin for a ride.”

“There ya go,” Coyote said, “I feel better.”

Through the bars of the windows chanting flowed. Nothing they ever heard before. 

“Can any of you make that out?” Coyote said.

“Oh Me’Ached blah blah blah,” Sage said.

“Ya know something,” Coyote said, “unless I knew the words, I never knew what the choir was singing at church.”

“For the longest time I thought Jesus died in Canada,” Trace said.

“How’s that?” Coyote said.

“Calgary, in Alberta,” Trace said.

“I used to think we had to get on our horses and “round up some virgins,” Sage said. 

“Yeah,” Coyote said, “I had to explain to ya what a virgin was. I thought you’d be asking that type of a question when you were a little older. So I told you just sing the song any way you want, and virgins are little calves.”

 “I held that belief well into high school,” Sage grinned.

A guard walked in and flipped on the light. He held the keys and unlocked the cells. 

“That’s the most depressing music I’ve ever heard,” Coyote said.

The guard waved Trace, Sage, and Coyote to gather close to him. And they did.

“Not everyone wants this,” the guard said. “We trust Me'Ached, though. He knows what is best for us. He’s wise. He sees things beyond this world. He knows the truth.”

“He’s infallible?” Trace asked.

“Yes,” the guard said.

“If he’s infallible, why did a handful of amateurs destroy everything you have protecting the island? Why did three of his devotees escape Why do you doubt.? I bet you have a hundred more questions than I have.”

“Let’s go,” the guard motioned with his head and walked outside. Trace, Sage, and Coyote followed.

A Cult in Paradise; Episode 40, Last Meal

This is episode forty of the fifth book in the Trace Troy Adventures in  Paradise series. The Title is A Cult in Paradise. It will be featured in episodes over the next few months. It will eventually be published in full on Amazon. All of the Trace Troy books, as well as my other novels, can be purchased on Amazon by clicking the Bookstore tab above. I hope you enjoy. And thanks for stopping by. 

Last Meal

Three bowls of rice and three cups of tea were brought in by a guard in the late afternoon.

“How did you know?” Sage said to the guard.

“Know what?” The guard said.

“Rice is exactly what I wanted for my last meal,” Sage said. 

The guard either didn’t comprehend or possessed a sense of humor.

They sat on their bunks eating the rice with a spoon.

“I don’t know exactly how or exactly when I’m going to act,” Trace said, “but you’ll know it for sure.”

“What do you have planned?” Coyote asked.

“If Me’Ached gets in a good position,” Trace said. “I’m pulling out the pistol and holding it to his head. At that point, he has a choice and does his cult.”

“Geez,” Sage said, “what if they want him dead real bad? They could force a bluff—it is a bluff, ain’t it? You wouldn’t really shoot him in the head, would you?”

“I guess it’s something you don’t know until the time,” Trace said. “I’d like to think I’m not the type of person to do something like that. But, if given a certain set of circumstances, who knows what we are capable of.”

“Trace,” Coyote said. “I got a lot less livin’ to do than you. If you decide to kill him, you have a lot more life ahead of you to get rid of a bothersome conscience. Give me the gun and let me make the decision.”

“Thanks,” Coyote, “but I’m the one who put you in this situation. It’s my problem and mine alone. I have to live with the misery, misfortune, and mayhem I’ve caused. No man can do it for me.” 

“Well,” Coyote said, “I ain’t gonna argue with a man who has the gun.”

They continued to eat the rice and sip the tea.

“You know something?” Sage said, “This rice ain’t half bad. It’s tender without being gummy. Whoever made this cares.”

“I don’t like rice,” Coyote said. “Never have. But, I’m inclined to agree with you. I think if I had rice like this a long time ago, might opinion might be different.”

“I think it’s just because you think it’s your last meal,” Sage said.

“That may be but, I sure wish I had to opportunity to advance the theory beyond the present hypothesis.” 

“Geez, Coyote,” Trace said, “you’re starting to sound like an intellectual.”

“I’ve saved it all up for such an occasion as this,” Coyote said. 

“Go on, Dad,” Sage said, “tell him what you read and listen to.”

“Nah,” Coyote said, “if by some stroke of luck we get out of this mess, he’ll spread it all over Southwest Texas.”

“What is it, Sage?” Trace said. 

“You tell and you’re no longer my son,” Coyote said.

“He reads Shakespeare and listens to Mozart,” Sage said.

“I read it in a Texas accent, though,” Coyote replied.

“And that makes it alright?” Sage replied.

“I don’t know about that,” Sage said, “but at least it’s understandable.”

Trace listened to Sage and Coyote verbally sparring back and forth. He smiled. Trace knew exactly what they were doing—it relaxed him. Friends know your tender spot, he thought. It let him know they had full confidence in him. They weren’t going to second guess. His plan was as good or flawed as any. At least it was a plan. 

During Sage and Coyote’s exchange, they would glance at Trace. They looked for confirmation that it eased Trace’s mind. They smiled at each other, transmitting a message only they could read. It said, ‘It’s working.’

They finished with the rice and that. They placed their bowls, spoons, and cups on the floor just outside of their cells.

“Hey!” Coyote said, “we’re done in here, ya got a dessert menu?”

Sage called out, “If ya ain’t got desserts just give us our check.”

A guard came in and gathered the bowls, spoons, and cups.

“Tell the chef that was some good rice,” Coyote said.

The guard said nothing. He left the building.

Sage chuckled, “Hardcore.”

“True believer,” Sage replied.

Sage laid down on his bunk. “Do you remember our senior year?”

“Anything in particular?” Trace asked.

Sage sang, “We got to get out of this place, if it’s the last thing we ever do.”

“Yeah,” Trace said, “you grabbed Jenny Walker and said, “‘cause, girl, there’s a better life for me and you.”

“Harold Tester took a swing at me,” Sage said. “He thought I was putting the moves on his girl. He didn’t realize I was acting out a song in free expression.”

“No, Sage,” Trace said, “you were putting the moves on Jenny Walker.”

“She was my leading lady,” Sage said. “What else was expected of me?”

A guard walked in.

“Don’t you guys realize what’s going to happen to you?” the guard said. “How can you be so nonchalant?”

Trace stood at the bars. “If we die, we want you to remember you allowed good men to die; happy men, contented men, men with good lives. We hope you remember us for who we are, not what you think we are. We’re not the enemy, your mind is the enemy. Not against us, but against you.”

The guard left and slammed the door.

“Hey,” Coyote said to Sage, “do you remember when you slammed the door on Ole Drunk Carl? He come around sayin’ our cattle was on his side of the.”

“That was the back door,” Sage said. “If he’d been at the front door he’d known he was all turned around and the cattle was where they should be.”

Trace smiled and shook his head while returning to his bunk.  

A Cult in Paradise; Episode 39, The Punishment Revealed

This is episode thirty-nine of the fifth book in the Trace Troy Adventures in  Paradise series. The Title is A Cult in Paradise. It will be featured in episodes over the next few months. It will eventually be published in full on Amazon. All of the Trace Troy books, as well as my other novels, can be purchased on Amazon by clicking the Bookstore tab above. I hope you enjoy. And thanks for stopping by. 

The Punishment Revealed

The door opened quickly, and they shielded their eyes from the sudden burst of light. It was Tom, the guard. He hobbled to Trace’s cell. 

“I hope I’m faking this good enough,” Tom whispered. “I’ve never been hit in the nuts before.”

Coyote overheard and said. “I think each man has his own way.”

“Be ready at any time,” Trace whispered.

Tom nodded.

“I glad you called for me. I was coming anyway. I have a message for you,” Tom said out loud. “There will be a convening tonight, sundown. Me’Ached will speak to all and pass his judgment on all three of you.”

“Any idea of what it is?” Sage asked.

“No,” Tom said.

“What’s the worst punishment he has handed out?” Coyote asked.

“Forty strokes and set adrift,” Tom said.

“How many have had this punishment?” Trace asked.

“Since I’ve been here, a dozen,” Tom said. 

“How does he get away with it?” Sage asked.

“Death is welcomed,” Tom said. “It’s an escape from a painful ordeal and painful life. They will thank us on the other side.”

“And you believe that?” Trace asked.

“Of course, we all do,” Tom said and whispered, “I used to.” He returned to his normal voice. “You will be charged before everyone. You will be permitted to speak.”

Sage interrupted, “Which will be an exercise in futility.”

“It will,” Tom answered. “And then the sentence will be passed.”

“And let the floggings begin,” Sage said.

“They’ll tie you to a tree,” Tom said.

“Who does the flogging?” Sage asked.

“There are ten designated floggers,” Tom said. “Me’Ached goes through some sort of selection trance and lays his hands on one of them.”

“Are you one of them?” Trace asked.

“I used to be,” Tom said, “but I lost my touch.”

“And what was that?” Coyote asked.

“I didn’t enjoy it,” Tom whispered. “The ones on the flogger force are real pieces of work. They are just as sadistic as Me'Ached.”

“Does everyone watch?” Sage said. “Of course they do. Why did I even ask?”

“Yes,” Tom said. “And we all are expected to show no feelings. Everyone counts out the strokes.”

“You sure paint a purdy picture,” Coyote said.

“They will take you to three rafts, tie you down, and walk you out to sea,” Tom said. 

“Aren’t they afraid the bodies and rafts might be found and lead back to here?” Trace said.

“The patrol boats that you took care of used to keep them in sight. Once they were certain of death, they cut the rafts loose and let the sea take care of them,” Tom said. “The sea is the greatest garbage dump known to man.”

There was quiet.

Tom pressed his lips tight. He seemed to want to offer words of hope and sorrow. “I have to go.”

“Tom,” Sage said, “if you don’t help us or go along, we’ll all understand.”

“Thanks,” Tom said, “but I will never understand.”

“Hey, sonny,” Coyote said, “don’t get down on yourself. None of us knows for sure what we’d do if faced with the same situation.”

“You guys didn’t come here for money,” Tom said quietly. “It’s something deeper. It was something I thought I had.” He pressed his lips. “I have to go now.”

Tom nodded at all three. He walked away.

“Tom,” Trace said.

Tom turned as he was about to step outside. “What?”

Trace gave him a painful glance. “Limp a little.”

Tom gave a crooked smile and hobbled away.

“No matter what,” Trace said quietly, “he’s put his life on the line for us.”

“That guy’s got balls,” Coyote said.

“Thanks to me, he still has ‘em,” Trace said.

A Cult in Paradise; Episode 38, Skinny Dippin'

This is episode thirty-eight of the fifth book in the Trace Troy Adventures in  Paradise series. The Title is A Cult in Paradise. It will be featured in episodes over the next few months. It will eventually be published in full on Amazon. All of the Trace Troy books, as well as my other novels, can be purchased on Amazon by clicking the Bookstore tab above. I hope you enjoy. And thanks for stopping by. 

Skinny Dippin' 

Trace, Sage, and Coyote remained quiet in their cells. They rested on their cots and glanced at each other; sort of a secret communication. 

Sage and Coyote sensed Trace had a plan. It was best not to disturb him until it had been worked out in his mind.

“He’s a planner,” Sage said to Coyote quietly.

“Just like his ole man,” Coyote replied quietly.

Trace stood and moved close to the bars. Sage and Coyote did the same. Trace whispered to them what had happened in Me'Ached’s sanctuary. And he related that at least three more besides Tom, the guard, wanted to escape.

“There’s an old saying,” Coyote whispered, “for everyone, that’s known, there’s three unknown. Counting the two who have already escaped, that might mean at least eighteen.”

“And that’s scientifically proven, right?” Sage said sarcastically.

“I’ve been huntin’ strays for forty years,” Coyote said. “Yeah, it’s as scientific as it gets.”

“How many are on the island?” Sage asked.

“From what I read, near two hundred,” Trace said.

“That’s one out of nine, if Coyote’s scientific calculations are right,” Trace said.

“I think you’re thinking what I’m thinking,” Sage said. “Getting those two off the island and saving our own skin is not enough.”

“We would be having some sleepless nights, if we didn’t at least try to get as many off who want to go,” Trace said.

“There’s only so many cattle that can drink from the same trough,” Coyote said. “But on the other hand, they ain’t cattle.”

“No problem,” Trace said. “I get your point and it’s scientific.”

“Sometimes,” Sage said, “things find a way of working themselves out. Just give us the best plan.” Sage grinned. “So, what’s your plan?”

“My plan is to wait until we are in a good position to make it to the hidden gear,” Trace said. “And to be in time to where Dad will be waiting for us with a rubber boat.”

“What about the guard and the three others?” Sage asked.

Coyote interrupted, “And maybe a few more.”

“I’ll have to get word to Tom,” Trace said.

“Are you sure he can be trusted?” Coyote said.

“Our odds are so slim that an untrustworthy guard is the least of our concerns,” Trace said. “But, yeah, I trust him.”

“What are we going to do first?” Sage asked.

“Let’s wait for a while,” Trace said. “We’ll know when there’s an opportunity. We know each other well enough that we can read each other’s hand in a poker game.” Trace glanced sharply at Sage and then Coyote. “If nothing comes up in an hour after sundown, I’ll get a guard to come in here with the keys. I’ll hold a gun on him. Get the other guard to come in. We’ll tie ‘em up, gag ‘em, we’ll get our gear, and run like a bat out of hell.”

“What about the others?” Sage asked.

“Guard!” Trace yelled. “Guard!”

One guard stepped inside.

“Can you get Thomas, the guard who brought me here,” Trace said. “I was told by Me'Ached, if I had anything for him, I could tell it to Thomas at any time. So can you get him for me?”

The guard said nothing. He existed and the crunch of gravel could be heard walking away.

“What are you going to tell the guard?” Coyote asked.

“I’m going to tell him to be ready,” Trace said. “Be ready at any time.”

They all sat on their bunks. Nothing was said, only blank stares.

“Funny,” Sage said, “ten years ago we were cutting classes and heading for some quiet place to dream about the future and drink a couple of beers. And here’s the future. Never dreamed it would be like this.”

“Are you regretting all this,” Trace said. “Do you wish I’d never call you?”

“You got to be kidding me,” Sage said. “I’ve lived a couple of lifetimes out here. We talked about doing stuff like this. One time we even said we might climb Mount Kilimanjaro. However, I could sure use a beer.”

“I thought it was Everest,” Trace said.

“You always did dream bigger than me,” Sage said.

“I don’t like heights,” Trace said. 

“That’s why god made you with plenty of width,” Sage laughed. “Remember that one?”

Trace started laughing. “We were sophomores when you told Mrs. Carper that.”

“Yeah,” Coyote said. “I was called to school on that one and when the principal told me the whole story, I started laughing.”

“And then our principal, Mr. Kellogg, he started laughing,” Sage said.

“And Coyote told the principal he was suspended for three days,” Trace said. 

 “Ole Kellogg and I went back a ways,” Coyote said. “He was two years ahead of me in school. He always picked on me until I hit him in the back of the head with a shovel.”

“You did!” Sage said.

“It didn’t hurt him much,” Coyote said. “After he got up and stumbled around for a minute or two he was fine. Then we all went skinny dippin’.”

“Skinny dippin’, where?” Trace said.

“Ah, your dad was with us,” Coyote said. “Public pool.”

“Public pool!” Sage said. “Did you guys get arrested for indecent exposure?”

“Nah,” Coyote said, “it was after dark, maybe midnight, and in November. They hadn’t drained the pool yet.”

They chuckled. And reminisced some more.