1st Chapter of new book
Please read and comments very helpful!
Working Title: “In the name of the Father”
Sunday, July 4, 2010
feedback is greatly appreciated!
Following the 10:00 Mass at St. Agnes Church St. Agnes Church
They attended St. Agnes Catholic School
Both boys’ parents turned to the church with hopes their boys might benefit from counseling of the popular young priest they most admired, Father Frances MathewsTen minutes passed and Father Mathews stepped out the side door and locked it behind him. Joey and Michael were on their feet the moment they saw the priest. Father Mathews recognized the wide-eyed expressions on the freckled faced boys.
“Relax boys,” he said smiling. “I just wanted to ask if you’d like to join me tonight to watch the Fourth of July fireworks.”
Without hesitation, Joey replied on behalf of himself and Michael.
“Sure Father, we’d love too!”
Father Mathews started toward the rectory while the boys remained standing on the steps. He called over his shoulder.
“Check with your folks and I’ll give you a call this afternoon?”
“Ok and thanks again Father.”
The two boys walked the short distance home. They’d heard other boys had been invited to join Father Mathewsfor a day of fishing and overnight campouts. Never had he extended an invitation to either of them.
“I wonder who else is going.” Joey wondered, not expecting an answer from Michael. “D…d…don’t k...know.” Michael managed to reply.
“Well, I don’t care. It should be fun with Father there.” They continued the remaining distance in silence.
At 7:30 p.m. Father Mathews pulled up to 149 Taylor St. Mr. Hayden and Joey were on the front step waiting the priest’s arrival. Bob Hayden was surprised to see the priest behind the wheel of a burgundy Mustang convertible and wearing a casual white golf shirt under a light jacket. Times have changed since I was a kid, he thought, but dismissed the thought as quickly as it had entered his mind.
Father waved to Mr. Hayden and shouted to Joey.
“Hop in Joey. You can ride shotgun!”
Mr. Hayden tapped Joey’s shoulder and shot him that silent, but meaningful look most kids understood. The ‘you behave yourself’ look, then called to Father Mathews.
“Thanks Father.”
The priest responded with a wave and headed down the street turning left onto Woodside Terrace to pick up Michael. He pulled the Mustang into the driveway as there was no one waiting outside.
“Want me to go to the door to get Mike?”
“Sure, I’ll wait here,” replied the priest.
Joey knocked on the front door. Nobody answered. He walked along the side of the house and opened the latched door of the stockade fence surrounding the backyard.
”Hey Mike, you coming? Father’s waiting, lets go,” he shouted.
Moments before, Michael had glanced at his watch. It was 7:25. He had cuffed his jeans just above his ankles and sat at the edge of the pool, dangling his feet in the crystal water, mentally prepared for another disappointment, a no-show.
When he heard Joey call to him he jumped up and slid his bare feet into his worn Nikes. “Y…you b…b…bet! “ He managed to reply racing into the house to announce he was leaving. His mother handed him a sweatshirt as Michael headed out the door to join Joey and Father Mathews. Joey stood beside the open car door and pulled the seat forward prompting Michael to take the rear seat.
The fireworks were only a five minute drive. They were scheduled to begin at 9:00 but early arrivals had the advantage of making claim to the preferred spots with an unobstructed view to both ground and aerial displays. Father Mathews maneuvered the Mustang down the street parallel to the riverbank where the fireworks were to be loaded on a barge and towed to the calmest river water. The water mirrored the pyrotechnics enhancing the colors and creating a spectacular show. The cars slowed to a crawl as they approached the various designated parking areas. Father Mathews took a sharp right turn onto a dirt road with a sign posted, NO EXIT. The scrub vegetation running down the center of the road indicated it was seldom traveled.
“Where are we going Father?” asked Joey.
Not taking his eyes off the winding desolate road the priest replied.
“I’ve been coming to this display for years, since I was your age, even younger. I found an ideal spot to view the show. You’ll see, we’ll have the best seats in town!”
He pulled the Mustang off the road into a small clump of tall grass and willowy saplings. To the right, about 50 yards down the road was a railroad trestle. The boys had seen the trestle hundreds of times as they traveled the main street of the city. The railroad crossing extended across the Housatonic River Pittsfield station and re-routed the trains through Westfield and Springfield
A dark blue GMC Envoy traveled the dirt road maintaining a distance behind the Mustang. With the headlights off, the dark vehicle was guided by the twin taillights of the car several yards ahead. The slow moving vehicle waited while the three silhouetted figures walked toward the tracks, disappearing into the darkness. The GMC rolled to a stop just at the rear of the parked Mustang. The driver slipped the gearshift into reverse and backed into a clearing about 10 feet from the burgundy convertible. He turned off the ignition and slipped from the driver’s seat, closing the door carefully; enough to allow the interior lights to extinguish. He moved like a panther prowling in the jungle through the foot high grass and small saplings hidden by tall spindly trees that offered concealment as he moved through the darkness. Past the overgrown thicket he came upon a spot close enough to see and hear clearly. He hunkered down prepared to remain still for as long as the firework display lasted. He estimated they should end after an hour, maybe an hour and a half.
Father Mathews carried a rolled blanket under his arm and a high powered flashlight. He directed the beam over the precarious railroad ties, guiding their steps, avoiding the gaps wide enough for a full grown person to slip through and plunge into the river 50 feet below. Michael struggled with the cooler of cold beverages and Joey carried a canvas tote filled with a variety of snacks. Once they reached mid point of the tracks, Father Mathews spread the blanket over a solid section. He stomped his feet to assure it was as solid as it appeared.
Michael placed the cooler on the blanket and Joey dropped the canvas tote beside it. Michael looked beyond the tracks for a familiar landmark to determine exactly where they were. It seemed they were in a very remote area, a feeling that made him uncomfortable, but Joey appeared to be at ease. Joey talked freely with Father Mathews throughout their trek to the site. Joey sat on the blanket, cross legged and leaned against the rusted girder. Michael followed his lead and sat beside Joey facing the direction of the soon-to-begin fireworks. Father Mathews removed his light jacket and rolled it to tuck under his head as a pillow. He lay across the blanket lengthwise and looked upward to the star studded sky.
The boys exchanged glances, transmitting puzzled expressions. Should they join Father and lay down? That didn’t feel comfortable. Joey looked down the river toward the crowds that were gathered at the riverbank. Some held sparklers and the sounds of laughter echoed up to where the three occupied there viewing spot. The crowd burst into an energetic, patriotic rendition of the Star Spangled Banner as a sea of miniature American flags waved paying tribute to the true significance of Independence Day.
The boys began to regret they had agreed to accompany Father Mathews. They felt excluded from the fun, isolated from the celebration.
Father Mathews sensed the boys’ lack of enthusiasm and engaged them in conversation that addressed the alter boy classes and how quickly they had learned their meaningful participation in the celebration of the Mass. Father Mathews changed the subject abruptly.
“Have you boys ever wondered why a man would choose to become a priest?”
Joey hesitated for a few seconds trying to anticipate Father’s expected reply.
“I, um, don’t know Father. I guess I never really thought about it.”
“Michael, what about you, have you ever wondered?”
Michael thought before he replied. He always tried to think of the words before he attempted to speak aloud. “I s…s…sup…pose be…be…beca…cause you love God!” There, he said it.
Father turned on his side, facing the boys, his head propped on his hand.
“I became a priest because God called me. God chose me and who can say no to God?” Both boys remained silent as Father continued.
“Did you know that priests are not allowed to marry, and they must take a vow of celibacy?” The boys exchanged glances at what they considered an inappropriate subject to be discussed at an equally inappropriate time and place.
“Do you know what celibacy means?” Both shook their heads indicating they did not.
“Well, celibacy means you vow not to have sex.” He searched their faces for a reaction. They were undoubtedly blushing, although he could not see their faces clearly.
“That’s why priests are not allowed to marry. Avoiding sex is very difficult for a man, for any male, even boys your age. It may seem unnatural to some, but if you are truly a servant of Jesus, you trust in His words and obey His commands. For example, when you attend mass and listen to the same dialogue every week, most, not just kids, but most of the parishioners, don’t understand, yet they continue to attend. Why do you suppose that is?” The question was rhetorical. The priest provided an explanation.
“For generations, parishioners have attended mass and abided by the Catholic beliefs. Why? Because they are faithful followers. To be faithful you must believe in the laws of the Catholic Church and Our Holy Father, the Pope. To be a true Catholic you must be faithful.
Jesus has many servants, many soldiers. He speaks through his servants and through them, His messages are delivered. Do you know who those soldiers or servants are?”
Joey answered, “The priests? Are you one of Jesus’ soldiers?”
“Yes Joey, I am one of many. I’ve made a commitment to Jesus to deliver His words to those who have asked for His divine intervention.”
The boys leaned forward with new-found interest, clinging to every word. Father Mathews was ‘holding court’ and his subjects were two 13-year-old boys. Taking advantage of the opportunity he continued.
“When you go to confession, you speak to a priest, correct?” The boys nodded.
“Well, you confess your sins to the priest, and the priest offers your confession to God. When you are asked if you are sorry for the sins you confessed, you are hearing the priest asking, but what is really going on is the priest is simply doing what God is instructing him to do. When the priest grants you absolution for your sins, it’s because God has forgiven you and has given his servant the power to forgive you in His name. So, you see, we, as priests are spokesmen for God. It’s our job to get the Lord’s work done. Not an easy job, wouldn’t you agree?”
The boys began to feel more comfortable. Father Mathews was sharing what they believed to be ‘inside information’ and not everyone was privy to this stuff!
“So, how come He doesn’t want you to have your own kids?”
“I’ll tell you why. He has given us the responsibility of maintaining your spiritual health, your moral values. We are here to strengthen your faith. I call it ‘blind faith’ because it’s not always easy to understand, but if you believe in the Catholic way of life, that is faith. And the faithful believe in things they don’t understand. Jesus doesn’t allow his ‘soldiers’ to have sex and children of their own because of what I’ve told you. I couldn’t do His work if I had the responsibility of raising my own children. I have hundreds of children in the eyes of the Lord. I dedicate my life to God’s children. I know that when the time comes, I will be rewarded and delivered to the gates of heaven.
“Wow!” exclaimed Michael. It was Michael’s habit to speak in as few words that it took to make his point.
Just as Michael uttered his one word response, the first aerial display was launched from the barge. Father Mathews was right. This was the greatest spot to see the display!
Father Mathews lit a cigarette; the boys were surprised to see him light up. It took only one long drag and one exhale for Michael and Joey to recognize the pungent aroma of marijuana. Whether a 13-year-old indulged in the ‘whacky weed’ or not, one would be hard pressed to find any teenager that was not familiar with the distinct odor.
“Sometimes, God works in mysterious ways. You’ve heard that phrase haven’t you?” Joey nodded that he had and Michael agreed.
“Most people don’t really understand the meaning of that, but yet they believe it because they have faith. At times when you ask God for help you don’t think He hears you, but once in awhile He actually responds! It’s those times we want to keep that between Him and ourselves. He makes you feel special and you don’t want others that are waiting for their prayers to be answered to feel that God ‘plays favorites’. It’s really more complicated than that, but I’m trying to keep it simple so it’s easier for you to understand.” Father Mathews was well aware he had captured the boys’ undivided attention. His timing was going well. He took a hit from the joint and passed it to Joey. Joey took it and put it to his lips.
“Just take a small puff Joey and try to hold it as long as you can before you blow it out.”
Joey drew on the joint and let it out almost immediately, his cough sounded like a barking seal. Father Mathews handed him a cold drink and Joey chugged it down.
Michael asked, “C…c…can I?”
“Sure Michael, same thing just as I told Joey.” Michael took a drag and let it linger awhile before he exhaled. He didn’t cough.
“Not bad!” Father Mathews commented.
Joey was prepared to give it another try and reached for the joint that had diminished substantially in length.
“Wait, Joey. Let me fix that.” The priest reached in his pocket and attached a clip to extend the joint and make it easier to handle and pass around. This time, Joey took a drag and perhaps to out-due Michael, held it for a few seconds longer before releasing the smoke then passed it to Michael. After Michael took a drag, Father Mathewstook the ‘roach’ and placed it into a small plastic bag. He reached into his shirt pocket and produced a freshly rolled joint. He leaned back and lit the new one, took a long drag and passed it to Joey. Again Joey took a hit and passed it to Michael. Just then, a multi colored aerial display shot up and burst into a gigantic starburst. The crowd reacted with enthusiastic oohs and ahhs. The starburst reflected in Michael’s wide dark eyes.
“Wow! That was beautiful!” Joey and Father Mathews turned to Michael.
“Did you hear yourself? Tell us again Michael. How did you like that starburst?” asked Joey.
Michael replied, “It was beautiful, totally awesome!” He stopped and realized he hadn’t stammered. He spoke clearly and without a hint of stutter or stammer!
“Father, I didn’t stutter. I’m talking just like everyone else!”
Father leaned into Michael’s face and said in a whisper,” I told you, God works in mysterious ways Michael.”
The three turned their attention to the sky lighting up with one, then another and another. Each firework rocketed above the trees; each more magnificent than the other. They continued passing the marijuana, drawing on it until it had diminished too small for even a roach clip to extend its life.
Father Mathewswatched Joey digging into the canvas tote, selecting a package of Hostess Cupcakes. Joey ripped open the package and in two bites the first cupcake was gone. Two more bites, the second one went as quickly as the first. Father Mathews handed Joey his orange soda to wash down the ‘munchies’ he had just wolfed down. Joey blushed when he took the soda from the priest. Never had he eaten with such eagerness, rarely did he eat anything in the company of anyone except family members in his home.
“Tonight you both witnessed the meaning of ‘God works in mysterious ways’.” We know, of course, Marijuana is unacceptable according to man’s law. While we are mortal beings, we are forced to abide by these laws. God created marijuana. It wasn’t discovered by a scientist in a laboratory. It was created by God. It’s very sad that some of God’s work has to be kept secret, but that’s the way it has to be. That’s one of God’s tests. He challenges us everyday. Temptation is one of his toughest challenges. Trust in the Lord is the key to resisting temptation. I know this is complicated, but again ‘God works in mysterious ways’. We learn never to question His ways. Never! Now you see what my job is? I’m God’s ‘go to guy’. When you have doubts or your faith begins to weaken, come to me. Let me do my job. By helping you, I serve the Lord. He is my Shepherd.”
Confident the seeds of trust had been planted within the two boys, the priest directed their attention to the fireworks’ climatic display. Under significant influence of the marijuana, the three lay across the tracks.
When the grand finale ended, the boys sat up and prepared to leave. Father Mathews helped gather the empty soda cans and food wrappers they had discarded, placing them into a plastic bag. He handed Michael the cooler and Joey picked up the bag. Both boys stepped off the blanket expecting the priest to fold it and then be on there way. Father Mathews remained seated on the blanket.
“You boys go back to the car. I’ll be right behind you. Watch your step. Walk on the sides of the tracks and hold on to the girders.”
He handed the flashlight to Joey and the boys walked along the tracks leaving Father Mathews seated on the blanket. When they were a few yards away, the priest laid back and drew a heavy sigh. He felt he had accomplished the first step of the grooming process pedophiles know all too well when they select innocent victims. Joey and Michael were classic targets. They lacked self esteem and had difficulty socializing with their peers.
The moment the boys passed, the night marauder moved swiftly from the tangled brush that had concealed him while he lied in wait.
Joey and Michael neared the parked Mustang. They looked back toward the tracks where they’d left Father Mathews expecting to see him trailing behind them. They saw no sign of Father Mathews They placed the cooler and canvas tote into the back seat of the Mustang and noticed a dark colored vehicle parked a short distance away.
“Wonder who that is. That car wasn’t there when we got here,” Michael said. It was silent; with no indication the vehicle was occupied. They gave it no further thought. With Father Mathews nowhere in sight they began searching through the Mustang, hoping to discover some marijuana the priest may have hidden. Instead, when they opened the console, they found an issue of Hustler magazine. The two sat close together and held the flashlight on the magazine, flipping to the centerfold.
As the stealth intruder drew closer, he observed the priest lying on his back, zipping his pants after indulging in an act of self gratification.
The priest called out. “Hey you guys. I told you to wait in the car.” He scarcely got the words out when a dark shadow cast over him and slipped a plastic bag over his head. The struggle was brief as the priest attempted to fight off the surprise assailant. Air leaped from his lungs in painful grunts. He felt a hard object strike his head and then only blackness. The attacker moved quickly as he tucked a small wooden crucifix between the priest’s belt and the waistband of his pants. He grabbed the edge of the blanket and rolled the unconscious priest over wrapping the blanket around him with each turn. He removed his belt to serve as the ligature secured tightly around Father Mathews' neck.
He rolled the tightly wrapped body of Father Mathews only two more feet toward a gaping hole. With a firm grip on the rusted girder, he placed his foot at the center of the bundle. He whispered a passage from the bible directed to violators of children.
Jesus suggests a millstone be fastened around their necks and they be thrown in the sea.
Summoning all the strength he had left, he pushed the lifeless bundle. He watched as it plummeted into the rapids of the Housatonic River
Hearing footsteps Michael and Joey expected Father Mathews was returning. They hastily replaced the magazine and extinguished the flashlight.
“You boys alright?” asked the stranger as he passed by.
“Yes sir, we’re okay.” Joey replied.
Without further conversation, the stranger proceeded to the parked vehicle and drove away. Until that interruption, Joey and Michael hadn’t noticed how long they had been waiting. Now they realized it had been over twenty minutes, maybe more since they left Father Mathews. Not knowing what to do, they decided to return to the place they’d left the priest. They began imagining the worse. Maybe he stumbled and slipped through one of the spaces. Fearing the worse, they began to run toward the tracks. Father Mathews had vanished. They called out to him. The only sound was the rapids slapping on the rocks below them. They flashed the light on the tracks; the blanket was gone.
“Wha…what d…d…do you think we sh…sh…should….” Michael stammered. Fear negated any lingering effects of the marijuana.
“I don’t know, what could have happened? Do you think he fell?”
Michael didn’t answer. He was shaking and an answer wouldn’t be worth the struggle it would take him to reply. They walked back to the car, hoping that somehow, Father Mathews would be waiting there. The car was unoccupied, just as they had left it. The mysterious disappearance of Father Mathews left two 13-year-old boys at a loss of what to do. They started walking up the road that led them to the spot where Father Mathews disappeared. Only a couple of hours ago, they were together having one of the best times of their lives, now they were wandering through someone else’s nightmare. The road was nearly a mile to the paved street they’d turned off. They reached Locust St., just off the Main Street and downtown area. It was a relief to emerge from the darkness and walk along the lighted, familiar Pittsfield streets. They headed north up Main Street toward the Pizza Shoppe a few blocks ahead. They hardly spoke although their thoughts raced, trying to imagine how this terrifying event would end.
Using the telephone at the Pizza Shoppe, Joey called his house. Bob Hayden answered. When he heard his father’s voice, Joey began to sob uncontrollably. He was scarcely able to speak.
“Dad, it’s Joey. We can’t find Father Mathews!” He managed, and then repeated, “We can’t find Father Mathews! “Joey, where are you? Is Michael with you? Where are you?”
Joey replied, “Mike and me are at the Pizza Shoppe. We don’t know where Father Mathews is.”
“Stay right where you are, son. I’m on my way to pick you up. Stay right there.”
When Mr. Hayden arrived, the two boys climbed into the rear seat. Mr. Hayden pulled into the Pizza Shoppe’s parking lot and turned off the ignition. He turned to the two trembling boys and asked what had caused them to be so terrified. Why didn’t they stay with Father Mathews? Joey managed to explain what had transpired. He told his father where they watched the fireworks, and finally where Father Mathews' car was parked. He said they waited there, but Father Mathews never got back to his car. He told his father everything he could recall. Everything, except their experience with marijuana. Michael and Joey made a pact. They would leave that part out of the story. Surely admitting they had smoked pot with the priest would not impede a search for the priest. They knew that when they did find him, it would be awkward for Father Mathews. No, they would not divulge that secret and there was no way anyone would ever know. Father Mathews trusted them and they would not betray a servant of God.
Mr. Hayden suggested they return to where Father Mathews' car was parked, but the boys pleaded.
“No, Dad! I don’t want to go down there. Please Dad, please take me home. We just want to go home.” There was no denying the fear in their eyes. Michael remained silent, curled in the corner of the back seat.
Mr. Hayden called his wife to assure her the boys were safe and after he brought Michael home, he’d be home with Joey. Mrs. Hayden pressed for more, but Mr. Hayden cut her short telling her he would tell her all about it when he got home. The short drive to Michael’s house was silent. When they arrived, Joey accompanied his father and Michael to the front door. Seeing the three entering the house, Mrs. Mahar expected Father Mathews following close behind. No doubt, something was wrong.
Bob Hayden addressed Jim and Lois Mahar, reiterating Joey’s account of what had taken place. Michael and Joey sat quietly listening to the events of their frightening night being repeated. They nodded when asked to confirm particular portions of the unbelievable events, but did not offer additional information. Michael’s father, spoke directly to Bob Hayden.
“This is a serious situation. I think the police should be notified. This is much more than we can handle. If all this is the way the boys have reported, and I don’t doubt that it is, it’s a matter for the police.” Bob agreed and suggested a call to the rectory may be in order.
Lois Mahar interjected. “But Bob, what would we say? Would we ask to speak to Father Mathews? Would we tell them he left our boys stranded somewhere in a remote location? I think we should let the police make that call.”
After reconsidering, all agreed. Jim Mahar would call the Pittsfield Police Department. Bob Hayden phoned his wife. He knew she expected him home by now. He gave her the updated “plan” and was certain the police would want to talk to both the boys. Mrs. Hayden wanted to be present to support and comfort Joey, however Joey’s 9-year-old sister had been asleep for several hours and it was best she be kept out of the matter until it was officially in the hands of the police. Mr. Hayden assured his wife he would keep her abreast of the situation and be home as soon as possible.
Fifteen minutes after the police were called; Detectives John Tobias and Tony Lenza arrived at the Mahar’s residence. Following the introductions, Detective Tobias asked to be allowed to interview Joey and Michael separately. Bob Hayden and Michael’s parents did not object. Jim Mahar led the detective and Joey to the backyard patio and returned to those waiting in the living room. Detective Lenza spoke to the parents. Michael retreated to the kitchen for a drink and a snack.
Detective Lenza sensed the tension mounting. “How well do you know Father Mathews? Has he taken the boys to other events in the past?”
Mrs. Mahar was first to respond. “Michael has a very serious speech problem. It began when he was about six, but it wasn’t as problematic as it is now. We’ve participated in several programs and speech therapy. For awhile, it seemed to be working well. It was a gradual, but positive improvement. The progress continued, until well, until we lost our older son.” Lois Mahar’s voice diminished to just over a whisper. She looked to her husband to relieve her of the painful details.
“Detective, please excuse me. I’ll see if Michael needs anything.” She left the room.
Jim Mahar continued where his wife left off. Bob Hayden felt he should leave Mr. Mahar and Detective Lenza to discuss such a sensitive matter privately. He stepped out the front door and sat on the glider.
“Two years ago, when Michael was eleven, his brother Mathew was fifteen, a sophomore in high school. Michael looked up to him and Mathew was a terrific ‘big brother’. Mathew was the son any parent would hope for. He excelled in sports, an excellent student and set his sights on becoming an Olympic swimmer. He trained with the high school swim team and whenever possible he encouraged Michael to tag along. Michael’s speech was noticeably improved particularly when he was with Mathew. Michael seemed at ease with Matt and at times, Matt had more patience than his mother and me.
A state competition was scheduled at the Westfield High School
After a brief pause, Mr. Mahar added. “The doctors said he must have had a high tolerance for pain. He was likely experiencing the onset of an appendicitis attack hours before he made any mention of it. We were, still are devastated. No parent should bury a child. Michael lost his brother and his best buddy. He went through a difficult time. His stuttering kicked into high gear. His speech was worse than it had ever been. He became withdrawn and isolated from anyone but family members. Classmates teased him. He’s never been without the stammering, but when Matt was with us he had good days. Tonight will be difficult for him. That’s about it detective. That’s the burden Michael carries every day and manages the best he knows how.”
“I’m sorry you had to resurrect such tragic memories. I really am Mr. Mahar. Please extend my apologies to Mrs. Mahar if I upset her.”
“No apology necessary detective however, I think I got off track. You asked how well we know Father Mathews.”
“Yes, I suppose I did,” replied Lenza.
“Well, when Michael refused to participate in school activities we, my wife and I, contacted the church hoping they could recommend some program that could help Michael. The pastor recommended Michael speak to Father Mathews. Father Mathews is a younger, ‘cool’ priest and very popular with the students. He also conducts the classes preparing boys to become alter boys. This activity could be beneficial to Mike as it did not require direct interaction with the general population within the school, but did get him involved in an activity outside the home and perhaps build the confidence he lacked. Michael seemed eager when Father Mathews suggested this and he did very well. He was dependable, enthusiastic and responsible. It was through Father Mathews that Michael met Joey. They became close friends; each having their own personal problems to overcome. They have been good for each other and Michael’s depression seems to have dissipated substantially. Now, as you can imagine I hope this matter is not a set back, but I believe it likely will be. It’s just a matter to what degree.” Just as the conversation ended, Joey and Detective Tobias entered from the patio.
“Where’s Mike?” asked Joey.
“He’s in the kitchen having something to eat. Are you hungry? Why don’t you join him?” Joey headed to the kitchen.
Detective Tobias was satisfied with Joey’s statement and asked to speak to Michael. Mr. Mahar called to Michael. Michael came to the doorway followed by his mother. Detective Tobias asked to interview Michael privately just as he had with Joey. Michael stepped forward and felt his mother’s hand on his shoulder.
“Detective Tobias, would you mind if I joined you and Michael? I think he will be more comfortable if I’m there. He’s very upset considering all that’s transpired.” The detective was about to object, but thought better of it and the three proceeded to the patio.
As he had with Michael’s parents, Detective Lenza began a conversation with Bob Hayden and Joey. He asked about Father Mathews and how well they knew him. His questions were along the same lines as those he’d asked the Mahar’s but the replies were less complicated and more to the point. Just as Jim Mahar described Michael’s speech disability, Bob Hayden spoke of his concerns regarding Joey’s obvious low weight. He failed to refer to it as an eating disorder. He simply expressed his concerns and that due to his appearance; he’d been teased and bullied by his classmates.
His story was similar to Mr. Mahar’s as he explained how he had come to know Father Mathews. How Father Mathews recommended he attend the classes that prepared young boys to become alter boys and that Joey was eager to participate. He confirmed that was how Joey met Michael and they became fast friends. They both struggled with an affliction that made socializing with their peers equally difficult.
Detective Tobias found the interview with Michael painstaking. Michael became uncomfortable and embarrassed, causing his speech disability to manifest at the highest level. Joey’s extensive interview had gone well. He showed no indication of deception. To continue interviewing Michael, at this time, would border cruel and insensitive. He terminated the interview and all returned to the living room.
The detectives prepared to leave and assured Mr. Hayden Joey had been cooperative and very helpful.
“Take that young man home. It’s been a long night.” He extended a handshake to Bob Hayden then handed him a card.
“Call me anytime. We’ll be in touch after we’ve had the opportunity to look over the area where Father Mathews' car was parked.” He gave Joey a pat on the back and thanked him for providing helpful information. He repeated his previous suggestion.
“If you think of anything that you might have overlooked, you’re dad has my card. Don’t hesitate to call me anytime. So long Buddy.”
Bob said his goodbyes to the others in the room and with Joey in tow, he left. Within five minutes, the two detectives said goodnight and left. It was well past midnight.
The detectives discussed what they had learned. Tobias went over the interview with Joey and issues he felt warranted further consideration. Lenza re-capped the extensive interview he’d conducted with Michael’s parents as well as the interview with Joey’s dad. Based upon what he learned, he too had drawn conclusions and agreed there were additional matters that needed to be addressed.
Detectives Tobias and Lenza turned right onto Locust Street and then another right onto the dirt road leading to the railroad tracks and the place Father Frances Mathews was last seen. They maneuvered the unmarked sedan along the gentle bends in the road toward the tracks. Tony Lenza drove a short distance then clicked on the high beams. With the aid of the additional light, the burgundy Mustang came into view. It was as the boys reported; off the road, headed into some tall grass and thick bushes.
Detective Lenza turned on the spotlight attached to the driver side door. The spotlight was mounted on a swivel bracket enabling the detectives to sweep the entire area with the high intensity beam. The first view revealed nothing unusual. With the exception of the deserted Mustang, all appeared as one would expect; a dirt road overgrown with brush and grass. Lenza turned off the ignition and both detectives exited the car armed with hand held flashlights. A cursory look at the Mustang was unremarkable. It was as the boys had left it. The cooler and canvas tote were on the back seat. There were no signs that anyone had rummaged through the convertible. A few leaves and a bit of debris had drifted onto the hood and the interior indicating the car had not been moved since Father Mathews parked it over six hours earlier.
Lenza directed the flashlight downward and to the left of the Mustang. He noted the matted down grass in close proximity. Closer examination confirmed what they suspected. Another vehicle had been parked only about ten feet from the priest’s car.
“Neither one of the boys mentioned another car in the area. I didn’t ask specifically, but I guess I assumed if they had seen anyone else when they were here, they would have included that in their statement.” Tobias reached for his notebook and tucked the flashlight under his arm as he made a note to ask for a description of the second vehicle and possibly a description of the driver.
They continued past the Mustang heading toward the railroad trestle, swinging their flashlights left and right as they walked. Tobias spotted a freshly cleared path a short distance from the abandoned car. He walked toward the path to get a closer look. Lenza followed. The tall grass had been recently pushed aside to clear a passage that led to a shallow impression in the grass. Could this be where the priest and the boys had set up to watch the fireworks? They said they were on the tracks when the fireworks display got underway. They flashed their lights around the perimeter of the matted down area. Two water bottles were discovered. They were free of dirt. They hadn’t been there for long. Tobias broke a small twig from one of the bushes and inserted it carefully into the neck of each bottle careful to preserve any fingerprints. He removed a white handkerchief from his pants pocket and wrapped both bottles.
“Not much, but it could be. Looks like somebody was stalking the kids or the priest.” Lenza observed.
“If this turns out to be a stalker, my money’s on the priest.” Tobias remarked.
“I can’t take that bet. I agree, the priest is more likely the target. But the twenty- thousand-dollar question; why?”
They retraced their steps and returned to the road continuing in the direction of the tracks. The tracks were just ahead and clearly Joey was accurate when describing the condition of the abandoned railway.
“Who the hell would take two 13-year-olds up here, in the dark? Christ, I’m a little wary of stepping around those gaps. I have to admit, it is a perfect spot to watch the fireworks. I’m not liking this Tony. You know I have a fear of heights.”
Tobias laughed. “Don’t be such a woos. Just don’t look down.”
The river below rushed over the bedrock snatching anything in its path. The two men did not linger, they would re-visit the site in the daylight. They discussed calling the rectory but decided to check with the Captain before making any decisions. First order of the day would be a meeting with Captain Faye, head of the Pittsfield Detective Division. The two boys were safe and the priest was missing. They had no evidence of foul play. For all they knew, the priest may have had an over extended rendezvous with a secret lover. Not likely, but not impossible
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