Riven - Jerry B. Jenkins [208]
“This Darby has turned into some kind of a guy, hasn’t he?” Dirk said.
Thomas heard Summer singing Sunday school songs to Grace in the other room.
“Dirk, he’s the most transformed man I’ve ever seen. Some still say it’s all for attention, but he’s for real if anyone ever has been.”
“He must really believe, though, right, Dad? I mean, he can’t just change himself like that.”
“I’ve never seen anyone else do it. And I’ve never been able to change myself. Have you?”
Dirk looked away and shook his head.
“Only God can change someone from the inside out,” Thomas said.
“I’d better check on Summer.”
“She’s fine,” Thomas said, but Dirk rushed into the bedroom.
“Let’s let Grandma rest awhile, honey,” he was saying as Thomas followed him in.
Grace did look exhausted, and Thomas detected pain in her eyes.
“I need to take care of her,” Summer said.
“You already have,” Grace managed. “I feel much better. Ready for my nap.”
“Nap? Naps are for afternoons. It’s almost bedtime!”
“Ready for bed, then.”
“Grandma, are you going to die?”
Dirk looked stricken and reached for Summer.
Thomas spoke quickly. “Grandma’s got lots of time left to see you grow up and—”
Grace held up a hand. “Guys, this child needs the truth, and she’s going to hear it from me. If you’re not comfortable with it, you don’t have to stay. Dirk, do I have your permission?”
Summer was wide-eyed.
Dirk said, “I trust you, Mom. Just remember, I’m going to have to tell Rav whatever you say here.”
“Ravinia would tell her the same things I will, I daresay.” Grace turned to her granddaughter. “Sweetheart, yes, Grandma’s going to die and go to see Jesus. Now, don’t cry. I know you’re going to miss me, and I’m going to miss you too. But I’m ready. You know why?”
“I don’t want you to go, but ’course I know why. When are you going to die?”
“I don’t know. When it’s my time. The doctor thinks it could be another whole year. I hope so, because that gives me more time with you. But I’m okay either way because God knows best. He’ll decide.”
“I’m going to be sad.”
“Sure you will, just like I was when my grandparents and my parents died. But they’re all in heaven waiting for me, which is where I will be, waiting for you.”
“I hope I never get lookameany or whatever that is.”
Grace chuckled despite a grimace. “I hope you don’t either. It’s no fun.”
“Don’t die tonight, okay?”
“I’ll try not to.”
“Okay, bye.”
Adamsville State Penitentiary
The next time Thomas wandered to the Row to listen, he was sobered to hear one dramatic line delivered by Brady from the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus was speaking to His disciples: “We’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence Him to die. Then they will hand Him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day He will be raised from the dead.”
To Thomas Carey, that passage alone signaled the end was near, not only for the story, but for his dear friend as well.
“It’s going to be hard, seeing this done to you,” Thomas whispered.
“It’s not going to be ‘done to me,’ Reverend. This is my choice.”
“The beauty of it is that it was Jesus’ choice too.”
“In case you’re wondering, I haven’t been sleeping well lately.”
“That makes two of us,” Thomas said.
“But there’s no turning back,” Brady said.
“You know you could be given tranquilizers first.”
Brady shook his head. “That would defeat the whole purpose. I want to experience it and let the viewer see what it really was. I didn’t expect this to be easy.”
Thomas shook his head.
“Will you be with me, Reverend?”
“I don’t want to watch, but if that’s what you want, that’s what I’ll do.”
“I’d like for you to come with me from my house to the chamber.”
“Done.”
As soon as Thomas got back to his office, Gladys said, “Caregiver called and says you need to get home.”
“Oh no. What’d Nellie say?”
“Grace is fine, Thomas. Fact is, she’s a little