Chapter 34

Good Friday, April 2, 12:03 p.m. General Hospital, La Crosse

“And I looked,” whispered John, “and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death.” He stroked his comatose son’s cheek. “I failed you, Jimmy. Forgive me, for I failed you.”

“John!” Maggie hugged his shoulders. “No, darling. Don’t do this to yourself. You don’t know.”

“Look at this!” He gestured at the medical equipment. “All this and nothing can save him, nothing!” He gulped. “I’m reduced...” Opened a fist. “To tying knots to protect him. I’ve failed him, Maggie. God help me!”

Susan touched Maggie’s shoulder. “Let him be. He’s grieving.”

Maggie turned to her. “But Jimmy’s alive. We’ve got to have hope.”

“Of course.” Susan replied. “He’s grieving for himself, Maggs.” Susan reached for John’s hand. “Be strong and of good courage...for the Lord is with thee.”

John tore free his hand. “With me? He’s not with me.” He pointed to the unconscious boy. “He...he’s not with Jimmy. He’s abandoned us. Abandoned his only son.” He frowned. “Why, Susan? Why’d he use me to bring him into the world for this to happen?”

John ripped the silver chain from his neck. “This,” he whispered, holding out the locket. “This was given in trust to my ancestors almost eight centuries ago! It held a piece of His burial cloth.” He paused. “Can you imagine, Susan? The very linen which wrapped the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Susan shook her head.

“Why, if not for the Second Coming?”

“Destruction cometh,” replied Susan, “and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.”
John laughed harshly. “My father warned me about being the one to use it. I held His blood. His cells.” He bit his lip. “What else was I to do? Please, tell me! What else was I to do?”

He broke down, sobbing.