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    The Messenger
    The Messenger
    The Messenger
    Ebook93 pages1 hour

    The Messenger

    By T. Davis Bunn

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    A Delightful Parable of Unexpected EncountersIn the Tradition of The Quilt The GiftAriel had dreamed about this chance, but she never thought it would come so soon. Only halfway through her training came the surprise assignment: she was to be sent as an undercover messenger with a mission of hope to the city of Philadelphia. Expecting the City of Brother Love, what she discovers is a harsh urban landscape where crime, poverty, and the extent of human indifference is overwhelming.When a street thief pilfers her secret pass card, Ariel loses the access she needs to get back home. To make matters worse, she fears that the thief might use her card to gain unauthorized entry. However, the tables are turned when he finds that his brief encounter with Ariel throws a disturbing light into the depths of his heart.When the two finally meet again, both are in for a big surprise.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBaker Publishing Group
    Release dateSep 1, 1995
    ISBN9781441270856
    The Messenger

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      Book preview

      The Messenger - T. Davis Bunn

      TLB

      One

      My goodness, dear, do come sit down. You’re making me nervous just watching you.

      Oh yes, sorry, of course. The young woman in the crisp starched uniform settled down with the fluttering motions of a nervous robin. I’m just so excited.

      The older woman smiled. First time, is it?

      Yes, yes, very first. She cast quick glances about the transition hall, seeing everything and nothing. I’ve been dreaming about this chance, but I never thought it would come so soon. I’m only halfway through my training.

      Well, it certainly is nice to see someone so eager. There’s altogether too much grimness in the departure lounges these days, if you ask me.

      Why is that?

      Never you mind, the older woman replied gently. Do you have your assignment?

      Oh yes, and my sachet of blessings.

      I beg your pardon?

      Right here around my neck. She released her top button and pulled on the thin gold chain. See?

      How remarkable, the old woman murmured.

      And my pass is in my pocket.

      Your—what did you say?

      She dug deep into her uniform, came up with a slender card that shimmered like a sheet of burnished silver. Her face dominated by solemn eyes, she said, They told me that I can’t be too careful with this.

      The older woman leaned her head down, her eyes closed in quiet repose. There was a sense of gathering stillness before the dark face rose once more. She said quietly, as to herself, What a vital message for both of them.

      Excuse me, the young woman said, her tone touched by reverence. Were you praying?

      The older woman’s smile shone brilliant against the cast of her dark skin. You had difficulty with the lessons on prayer, did you?

      She gave a shy nod. I tried to learn everything, truly I did.

      But it seems confusing, since the Father has always been with us. I do understand, the older woman finished for her. And yet here in this way station the first glimmer of how important this lesson truly is begins to show forth. She gave the young woman’s hand a soft pat. Just be sure you remember the lessons they gave you. Otherwise our home here can seem awfully distant at times.

      The pretty forehead creased in worry. But how is that possible, since He is everywhere and always?

      Never you mind. The older woman said again with a reassuring smile and changed the subject. Where are you going?

      Philadelphia. She said the name slowly, as if the sounds were alien to her mouth. That’s a city.

      Indeed it is. And where will you be serving?

      Someplace called a hospital, she said, and named the date.

      Oh yes. A good starting point, the old woman assured her. I am traveling to a hospital as well, and at the same period.

      Eyes widened even further. You are? Oh, that’s wonderful. Perhaps we could meet and you could show me what—

      I would love to, my dear, the older woman said gently. But unfortunately there is more than one hospital.

      Oh, the young lady said, crestfallen. I didn’t know that.

      I am sure you will do just fine. The old woman patted her hand. What service are you called to perform?

      People have been praying for aid to a woman in need.

      Oh yes. That is a happy occasion, being sent to answer a prayer. Well, stand up and turn around, let me look you over. Can’t be too careful. Why, I once almost traveled to twentieth-century Egypt dressed in a Parisian frock from the gay nineties. Imagine what a fuss that would have caused.

      The young lady looked helplessly confused. I don’t think I understand anything you just said. And I’ve already forgotten what a century is.

      Oh, dear, listen to me prattle on, and here it is your first journey. Don’t worry, dear. Some things can only be learned through experience.

      Oh, please tell me. I’m so anxious to get it right, but it’s all so strange, you know.

      My, how refreshing you are to be with, the old woman exclaimed. Sit back down, dear. You look just fine. When the young woman was settled, her new acquaintance went on, I know it is strange, my dear. But you see, where we are going there is a thing called time.

      Yes, they told us about that. I’m afraid I didn’t understand it very well.

      No one does, dear. Not until they’ve experienced for themselves, and even then it remains quite confusing. In any case, a century is a measurement of time.

      The young lady brightened. I learned about measures. Feet, inches, miles. A century is how many miles?

      The old woman smiled fondly. You do my heart good, child. I had almost forgotten what my own first trip down was like.

      What do you mean, down?

      You will find that out soon enough. The old woman’s smile took on a forced quality. Home can appear quite distant, I’m afraid. But take it in stages, that’s the proper way.

      What will you be doing?

      Oh, I’ve quite a task ahead of me. I’m going to a hospital in Washington—that’s a city south of Philadelphia. It is called the Saint Mark Hospice for the Dying, a place for the critically ill. There is a splendid young girl who is to be called home in a rather difficult way. She is what they call an orphan and will be needing someone to remind her what love is. I’m to be there until she departs, perhaps as long as a week.

      A week?

      Dear me, there I go again. A week is another measurement of time.

      Oh, I remember now. Three hundred and sixty-five weeks make a century, except in leap month.

      The woman reached over and squeezed the young lady’s hand. You’ll do just fine, dear. Now you must promise to come look me up when we’re back. My name for the moment is Miss Simpkins.

      I am Ariel, the young lady replied, then jumped when the gong sounded. Oh, that’s the signal.

      Go in peace, dear, Miss Simpkins said, rising to her feet. And no matter what happens or what you see, remember whom you serve. Draw near to His presence, and draw His presence near to you, in prayer.

      ****

      Manny was the best in the business, ask anybody. Slick as an eel, fast as a speeding bullet. Nights on the prowl, he wore a black cape emblazoned with his own form of the superhero’s symbol, a fist holding a lightning bolt. Whenever anybody mentioned that the emblem was used by some military unit, Manny always got hot, claimed they stole it from him.

      Manny liked to copy tricks he saw on television, practice them until they were smooth, then play at casual when the nightspot crowds egged him on between music sets. It was his trademark, his way of making a name in the night world he relished. That and the rumors that swirled and followed him about.

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