Chapter 6 - Unchallenged

This is the sixth chapter of the book.

     For the next hour, Michael, Matthew and the other surviving captives watched Kenan fight Malphas. The fight continued until the two opposing fighters landed in an alley way where they were no longer visible from their location. “Say Michael, what is your friend really?” said Matthew. “I unfortunately cannot explain that. Oh, right I should call for Emergency Medical and backup officers.” said Michael as he pulled out his cell phone and successfully called for help. Within minutes, police cars and emergency medical service trucks came to the scene. The sick captives were placed on stretchers and taken to the hospital. The captives who were able to walk were questioned by police officers. The slain cult members and prisoners were taken out of the destroyed Old State House in body bags and Commissioner Thomas James was arrested. As for Michael, he was in a conversation with the homicide detectives assigned to Shawna’s case. “Wheeler were not going to ask you how you accomplished this. We’re not going to ask about the dead cult members. We’re also not going to ask about the two rounds in Thomas James ankles either.” said one of the detectives. “So, what are you going to say to me?” said Michael. “We’re going to say well done officer!!” said another detective as he patted on Michael’s shoulder. “Really? You’re not mad at me for investigating this on my own.” said Michael. “No. We’re proud. We were suspicious about Thomas James for years but never got anywhere with it. You got some potential Wheeler. You’d make one hell of a detective.” said one of the detectives. “That’s really nice to hear about me.” said Michael as he pulled out his police badge and stared at it. “Right. So, what are you going to do now?” said another homicide detective. “Well. I am going to resign from the police.” said Michael. “What? Why?” said a homicide detective. “Because I realize now that the police isn’t where I belong.” said Michael. “Well then why did you do that training?” said another homicide detective. “Because my parents were also police officers. I became a cop to honor their memory.” said Michael. “Wait a minute. I think I knew them. Your parents were Rachel and Arthur Wheeler. They were two of the best officers in the city. I heard they died.” said one of the homicide detectives. “Yes. They died eight years ago. They were killed on duty while I went to receive my high school diploma.” said Michael. “I see. I am sure you miss them.” said another homicide detective. “I do. Every day. I thought that I was honoring them by becoming a cop, but I realize I must chase my real dream.” said Michael. “What is your real dream?” said one of the homicide detectives. “To become a licensed behavioral therapist. I will go for that since I have a degree in psychology.” said Michael. “Well, if that is what you want, we’re not going to stop you. It’s your choice.” said the homicide detective as he took Michael’s gun and badge. When Michael had finished talking with the homicide detectives, he walked over to Matthew who was sitting on the edge of one of the ambulance trucks. “Hey Matthew.” said Michael. “Oh, hey Officer Wheeler. Thank you again for saving our lives.” said Matthew. “You are welcome, and you can just call me Michael.” said Michael. “Say earlier you said that you spoke with Serena. What is she doing now? Is she all right? I hope she is not made at me for being away all this time even if I was forced.” said Matthew. “I promise you right now that she’s not mad at you. She misses you dearly. I can take you to her tomorrow if you want.” said Michael. “You do that. Thank you.” said Matthew. “You are welcome. You can stay at my house for the night.” said Michael. “After being in a cell underground for nearly fifty years that would be nice.” said Matthew. “Great.” said Michael as he led Matthew into his car and drove him over to his house as promised. “It’s a nice house you got Michael.” said Matthew. “Thanks. You can sleep on the couch. I’m going to bed. Night.” said Michael. “Good night. See you in the morning.” said Matthew. And with that, Michael went into his bedroom and laid down in bed. As Michael went to sleep, he hoped that Kenan would make it unharmed from that battle against Malphas. The next day as promised, Michael brought Matthew to the prison to see Serena. “Here we are.” said Michael. “You never said she was in prison. What did she do?” said Matthew. “I want her to tell you.” said Michael as he had Matthew sit down and speak with Serena. Within a few minutes, Michael heard Matthew gasp and sobbed as quietly as possible then walked back to him. “Michael, I know that this isn’t going to bring your wife back. I apologize for Serena’s actions. I think she’s dead because of me.” said Matthew. “No that is not true. Like I said to Serena: I have no animosity towards her or you. I got the real villain. He’s locked up. It’s okay. I hope that she gets a plea deal and gets out in under a couple of years or so.” said Michael. “I see. Thanks again Michael. We have been reunited because of you.” said Matthew. “Of course. I got to go. I wish you two nothing but the best.” said Michael as he left the prison and drove over to Kenan’s house. “Oh, hello Michael.” said Elysia. “Hello Elysia, is Kenan here?” said Michael. “He sure is.” said Elysia as he led Michael to the living room where Kenan was patching up his wounds. “Kenan!! You’re alright!!” said Michael. “I sure am Michael. No way would I let some demon take me down. I fought them before.” said Kenan as he finished treating his wounds. “What happened to that Malphas guy?” said Michael. “Check him out in that jar on the nightstand.” said Kenan. Michael did what Kenan said and looked at the mason jar standing next to Kenan’s left. Inside that jar was Malphas back in his human form trying to break out of it. Michael laughed and said, “Ha! You lose. That’s what happens when you live a life of evil. Take that as your karma for your actions.” “When I get out, I will be getting you.” said Malphas. “Ha! I will be waiting for that until I die. Anyway, Kenan, I also came to say thanks to you for your help. I wouldn’t have gotten Thomas if it haven’t been for your help.” said Michael. “The pleasure is all mine, Michael.” said Kenan. “I think I should give this back.” said Michael as he took off The Cassius wristwatch and handed it to Kenan. “No. Keep it, Michael. It’s yours to keep.” said Kenan. “Really? Don’t you want it back.” said Michael. “No. I think its best I give it to someone I trust. That person is you.” said Kenan. “Thank you, Kenan. I will treasure it always.” said Michael. “I’m sure you will. Remember the future of every timeline now rest on you. You must never let that watch fall into the wrong hands. Guard it with your life.” said Kenan. “I promise I will.” said Michael. “Good. So now you solved the mystery behind Shawna’s murder and saved the lives of those men, what are you going to do now?” said Kenan. “I’m going back to school and become a therapist.” said Michael. “Oh, that is great. We need more of them. I hope you succeed in that.” said Elysia. “Thank you. Well, I better get home and start applying to schools. See you both around and I wish you the best of luck with your babies.” said Michael as he left the Johnston residence. “Goodbye Michael.” said Kenan and Elysia. And with that, Michael returned home. The threats that have been unchallenged long enough has been defeated. Michael declared the case officially closed.
           Several years have passed since Michael solved the case. As promised, Michael went back to school. He studied for a bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine at Boston University. He became so successful in the mental health field he was able to start his own practice in Dorchester. Michael also got remarried to another African American woman named Selena. Selena loved Michael so much she worked for him as his receptionist. Everything seemed normal for Michael until one day at his office, he began a session with another patient. His next patient was a young Hispanic woman who looked slightly older than thirty years of age. She had curly black hair. Her body was average size. She was wearing a blouse and pants that matched it. “Well good morning miss. May I have your name?” said Michael. “Sophia Reyes.” said Sophia. “Sophia. So, what has brought you here today?” said Michael. “I really hope you’re not going to say I’m crazy. I have been to many therapists and counselors in the city and each one of them has said that. I was possessed by a demon, and I almost killed my ex-fiancé. I need help on how to cope with that.” said Sophia. “Well Sophia, I am not going to call you crazy.” said Michael. “Really? Why not?” said Sophia. “Because I have seen demons too. They were responsible for the kidnappings of innocent young and old African American men. They were finally caught by an angel who I consider a good friend.” said Michael as he caressed his watch that he kept on his wrist. “I am so glad to hear that someone else dealt with them.” said Sophia as she smiled. “Right.” said Michael. And with that, Michael continued to conduct his session with Sophia at ease.