Act
Zero
Scene
Two.
“Exodus
19:3-25 NLT. Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The
LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the
family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 'You have seen what
I did to the Egyptians.” Ol’Moses words resonated into Cicero’s ears when he
stood at the church yard. He was dressed in his Sunday’ best; the striped
three-suit and dark shoes, with the fedora on his head. He told his mistress
that he wanted to appear normal on Sunday; ‘I do not want God to see me
differently on that morning’. God did not for he looked at other folks at
church, or maybe he had not his three bodyguards standing nearby. His mistress
was not there on Sunday. She tried to avoid being seen with him on that sacred
yard.
“Thank
you, Ol’ Moses. That were godly word for the flock.” The priest shook the other
with his hands.
“I
am only speaking Giod’s words.” Ol’Moses smiled. “From the good Book.”
Moses
saw Cicero at the corner and excused himself to meet the deposed boss.
“Good
day, Moses.” Cicero smiled.
“It
is still morning. And it will be a better day for all of us.” Moses smiled. He
looked around for any of Caesar’s boys; there were a few but they would not
whisper to Caesar on him meeting Cicero. No other lieutenants; they would not
want to come there for listening to Ol’Moses as a prophet or messiah.
“Moses,
how was your journey?”
“Fruitful
like the apples at Eden, and lots of Eve.” Ol’Moses smiled. “I saw the most
beautiful creature this side of the continent. She is …...”
“I
am not interested in her. How was the discussion?” Cicero pushed the issue. He
saw Moses’ family waiting for him.
“I
laid the subject to their King, and he will meet …… Caesar.” Moses leaned over.
“Why do you …...”
“Egypt
is insignificant here. I want Caesar distracted to there. When he is not in
Rome, I can move my pawns here.” Cicero smiled.
“I
understand.” Moses nodded. He liked Cicero more than Julius, but he is a lowly
lieutenant in the ranks. Above him were Agrippa and Menas.
“Boss,
Brutus asking for you.” Moses then declared his loyalty.
“Does
he not come to Church?” Cicero asked.
“Not
this one. He is at Tenth Avenue.” Cicero
did not bother to reply to Moses, and walked away.
Two
weeks later, Moses was at the funeral of Issac. The medical report said he died
of a heart ailment’ but Moses knew better. He was close to Issac for they came
from the same neighbourhood. He was at the house when Issac’ widow called in.
He was there first and went into the bedroom where Issac was lying in bed.
“He
was screaming and then went quiet. I do not know who to call then.” The widow,
Janey was all tears still dressed in her night robe. He knew the couple well;
attended their wedding and watched them lived there at the house provided by
Caesar. Janey was twelve years older but Issac held the need for motherly love
more than sex. He lost his mother when young and looked to Moses like his elder
brother. They were close but relations did not matter at Rome.
“Call
the others. Bring the doctor too.” Moses told Janey. When she left him alone
with the dead husband, Moses looked to the dresser. The newly opened
prescription bottle was there. He picked and pocket it. He took out another
bottle from his other pocket; half full and left it there.
The
doctor wrote the death certificate as sudden death by ailment of the heart. It
was a closed case, and reported to Caesar. Janey was given a pension and
continued to live at the house. Two days later, a gunman walked into the
pharmacy downtown and shot the clerk there. It was all a clean operation.
“Take
the ticket and leave on the bus at Berth Five.” Moses handed the ticket to the
bronze-skinned man, dressed in the casual shirt and dark jacket with matching
pants.
“And
my thanks to Mr. Mardian.”
No comments:
Post a Comment