Bodyswitch

BODYSWITCH

by

David Callinan

First published 2011 by Ocean House Press

This revised edition published in 2015

Copyright © David Callinan 2011

David Callinan asserts his moral right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as the author of this work.

All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the copyright holder, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

This book is a work of fiction. All characters are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

Books by David Callinan

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Bodyswitch

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CHILDREN’S BOOKS (7-10)

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CHAPTER ONE

There were only a couple of days left before Christmas Eve. The white flakes of snow turned grey almost as soon as they hit the ground. In the streets around the East River, there wasn't much in the way of Christmas spirit. The snowflakes had to concede defeat and turn into grimy, polluted slush. One of the few beacons of light in a bleak cityscape was the Refuge, a converted warehouse near the river, a haven for the poor and the homeless, for the lost souls of the city.

This was desolation row, America's third world. This was where the spirit of free enterprise lost its soul and dumped its waste product.

Jack Madigan was preparing for his busiest time of the year. Jack was young, only twenty-eight, but he had run the Refuge for over a year and was its chief trustee. Without Jack the Refuge would have closed. Only his faith and driving force had persuaded the City authorities to grant the license renewal.

He was standing in the ramshackle storeroom that passed for his office speaking excitedly into his cellphone.

Harry, you’re a miracle worker. A million dollars, right? He paused and listened with a triumphant grin on his face You know what this insurance policy means to us, don’t you?

He clenched his left fist and lashed out in celebration. Exactly. We can keep this place going. He lowered his voice. It gives some real security to the homeless and desperate and it meets our license stipulation. Okay, I’ll meet you in your office to sign the paperwork.

Jack terminated the call and walked out into the main hall of the Refuge. Right now he was preparing for the annual Christmas rush. Although he hated doing it, he would have to turn people away. The queue to get in for a Christmas dinner of turkey and the trimmings and a bed for the night began early. Jack's own Christmas celebrations usually had to wait a couple of days.

He had a lot of helpers, all volunteers, but he planned to be there on Christmas Day with Kerry.

It was eleven o'clock. Time for Jack to hand over to his night shift. In the semi-darkness, an orchestral cacophony of snoring rose and fell from the sleeping bodies in the four long rows of beds. Some men were crying in their sleep whilst others muttered to themselves in the midst of mind-locked nightmares.

Jack used a couple of ex-boxers as overnight wardens. Marcel 'Golden Boy' Nixon and Clyde Rydell were big, black and tough, a couple of reformed characters who had learned to trust the ‘honky with heart’ as they called Jack.

Night, Marcel, night, Clyde, Jack said in a low voice.

See you tomorrow, boss, growled Marcel with a large grin.

Looks like you’ve had some good news, my man, whispered Clyde opening his eyes wide.

All in good time, guys, said Jack as he headed for the front door.

Jack looked out into the night. Snow was still falling, steam rising. Jack's car was parked securely behind a heavily reinforced door. He unlocked the makeshift garage, stepped inside and eased the old Studebaker out of its concrete silo, then locked it behind him. Jack took a look around at the streets. A couple of drunks were staggering towards the Refuge. In dark recesses and in doorways, shapes were moving, a match flared. Music throbbed from somewhere.

Come on, Jack, he muttered to himself, time to go home.

At that moment a tall, wizened figure shuffled through the flickering street lights, long matted hair dressed with a topping of snowflakes. Like an Old Testament prophet, Abraham was making for the Promised Land. Jack smiled, wound down his window. Evening, Abraham, he said. We've kept your reservation open as usual.

Ah! Jack, you startled me, Abraham walked over to the car. Nearly Christmas and soon you'll be a father. Such times we live in.

Three months. I can't wait. It's all I seem to think about.

Abraham looked around then glanced at the Refuge where Clyde was waiting for him. This is no place for a young man like you. You've made your point. You've built up some good karma, my young friend. Believe me, it has not gone unnoticed by those in higher authority. Abraham raised his eyes into the white night. I for one have much to thank you for.

Don't even mention it. It's good to have you with us. The guys seem to respect you. You've never been mugged; people leave you alone yet they tell you their troubles. You're a natural psychiatrist, Abe.

I like to be of service. Give my best to your beautiful wife.

Abraham's expression suddenly turned serious. Look after her, Jack, especially now.

Jack glanced at him curiously. Sure, of course I'll look after her.

Abraham shuffled through the slush to the door. Goodnight.

Goodnight, Abe, Jack smiled to himself and revved up.

Kerry Madigan stared at the flickering screen, her face clouded. Shit, what's the matter with me? she muttered.

She glanced up and smiled as Bill Sherman came into the office. Leave it for now, he said, it'll come to you tomorrow.

It's a damn good story, Bill. We can really nail Mancini this time; an Insight exclusive. We have evidence of chemical dumping he can't refute. This is going to ruin the bastard.

Bill Sherman, editor of Insight, a radical magazine that hovered on the verge of bankruptcy with every issue, regarded Kerry with the eye of friend and colleague.

Don't get so worked up. We'll get him. He's not going to get away with poisoning half the Bronx. Listen, Kerry, don't you think you it's time you packed up work. Three months to go, that's all. It's time you were putting your feet up.

Maybe you're right. I know you're right. I just can't seem to help myself.

He laughed then. How are you going to be for money? I pay you a pittance and Jack can't take home a fortune?

We'll survive. We've got some put by. We don't pay any rent for the apartment in the Village, don't forget, courtesy of my father. Jack takes a salary from the donations and bequests. He's done incredibly well you know, Bill, I mean, getting money out of all kinds of people.

He's a natural entrepreneur. He's in the wrong business. If he wanted to make money...

But he doesn't, Kerry interjected, that's not what either of us care about, she paused, but you are right. This little life inside me is more important than the Enrico Mancinis of this world.

She spun round slowly in her chair and caressed her stomach. It's fantastic you know, Bill, to think another human life is in there.

Bill watched her. The rest of the staff was packing up for the night. Snowflakes were clinging to the window; each one an individual; each one clinging to life as long as possible; each one succumbing to its fate and dissolving into the sea of creation.

Kerry Petrovich had left Pittsburgh for New York after working for her local paper for a couple of years. From the age of seven she’d known she wanted to be a journalist. Her father and mother had emigrated from Poland. He moved into real estate in a limited way and bought up some rundown properties in Greenwich Village in the fifties. Now they were worth a small fortune. When Kerry first met Jack it was like lightning striking. He had moved in with her in under a week.

But now, with a baby on the way, how would that affect their relationship?

Would sex be the same afterwards? Would there be any sex with late nights, breast-feeding and possible post-natal depression to look forward to. Kerry sighed, glanced up at Bill.

Come on, he said, we're supposed to be meeting Zoe at Mike's Bar in fifteen minutes. Jack's coming too, remember?

This was the usual Friday night ritual. Mike's Bar was where the real Village got together.

Right, I'm with you. Kerry looked at her half finished story on screen, shrugged and switched it off.

CHAPTER TWO

The gates of Stirling Penitentiary slammed shut. Ernie Mason stood blinking in the morning light, his face relaxing into his habitual scowl. Ernie Mason was solidly built, black and mean.

He heard a couple of screws laughing as the gates shut.

Fuck you, I'm free, he muttered to himself.

A black sedan appeared on the horizon, shimmering in the winter sunshine. Mason watched it approach sullenly and pulled his muffler tighter around his neck. He picked up a battered suitcase as the car slithered to a halt and a good looking woman of about thirty-five smiled up at him.

Well, I kept my promise. Three years to the day, Marcia Stephenson smiled at Mason. He opened his lips and showed his teeth, the nearest he usually came to smiling.

You're lookin' real good, Marcia. It's been a long three years.

Let's hope it's improved your temper, Ernie. I warn you, the first time you lay a finger on me, I'm gonna cut your balls off and tie 'em to the railings.

Ernie Mason grinned a little wider. I'm a reformed character, Marcia and besides, you love me, don't you?

Get in, we've got three years to make up for.

Later, back in New York City, Marcia was ignoring the snowflakes that were settling on the sill of her fifth floor apartment in Harlem. She was moaning. Sweat was running down her black skin like jewels glimmering in sunlight. Ernie Mason was caressing her breasts. For all his power and aggression, Mason could be gentle when he wanted to be. And he wanted to be now. It had been three years since he had made love to a woman and he was pent up with desire. But he tortured himself and Marcia. He slowed down, deliberately making Marcia wait for it. And she was begging him to move faster, harder. Ernie moved into her and her body convulsed. Ernie moved his pelvis like the dancer he used to be and slipped his hands under her buttocks pulling them apart. Marcia screamed. Ernie gasped with pleasure.

Back in Stirling Penitentiary, a couple of screws were supervising the craft department as warden Phillips and an inter-state delegation were passing through. A trustee was showing the visitors around. Some sculptures, paintings and woodwork figures were the main exhibits.

A group of paintings had been hung by themselves in a prime position. They stood out amongst the rest. They were vibrant, idiosyncratic, brilliant, although none of the screws could know that. They caught the eye of the delegation leader.

Remarkable work, he said moving closer, who did these?

Warden Phillips looked puzzled and turned to one of the screws.

Johnson, who painted these?

Mason, sir, he just got out.

Mason, you surprise me.

They are brilliant, the man has real talent. They are startling. The art loving delegate examined them more closely.

Really, the warden sounded dubious, his mental picture of Ernie Mason did not include sensitivity or artistic talent.

What was he in for? asked another delegate.

Three years for armed robbery. Mason is an inveterate criminal, hard-core. He's been in and out of jail since he was a child.

A deprived background, obviously, remarked a woman from out of state.

Guys like Mason don't have backgrounds Mrs. Dalrymple. They're just born bad. But we run an enlightened prison here as you can see based on the principle that by showing a caring face to a hardened criminal he, or she, can develop latent talents.

The two screws looked at each other in amazement. Mrs. Dalrymple smiled benignly at warden Phillips.

The first thing Ernie Mason did after getting out of prison, besides screwing Marcia that is, was look up the brothers he used to knock around with. Not many of them were hanging out. Most of them were in prison or dead. The Bronx was still his stomping ground but there were new faces on the block. Mason found he was on the outside. He needed money, he needed a gun and he had been relying on his street contacts to put him back on the fast track.

He hit a couple of bars where some of the guys remembered his face but few of them his reputation for unbridled violence. He found himself in the Aces Club just before Christmas Eve. Ice Man was slouched at the bar, staring into the mirror, checking out each new arrival. The place was full, thick with pungent smoke and dope. A 'Black Fear' rap track ricocheted like machine gun fire amid the growl of conversation.

Mason slipped over to the bar and sat next to the Ice Man.

Been a long time, the Ice Man said.

I'm still hot, man, said Mason. What's goin' down?

Nothin' in your territory. Knockin' off sweet stores is ancient history.

I gotta set myself up, growled Mason, so what's this shit you're talkin?'

Folks around here got long memories, Mason. The Ice Man turned his heavily scarred face to stare straight into the other man's eyes. You got yourself a reputation. You fucked with one of the brothers. No one can prove nothin' but the word is you left Leroy Holmes dying in the street and didn't go back for him.

Mason licked his lips. That's white man's shit. I couldn't go back for him. Anyway, he was dead meat. That was three years ago.

As I said, young brother, folks round here got long memories. I'm gonna give you a piece of advice. If I were you, I would seriously consider emigratin'. As I said, nobody can prove nothin' but that's what the word is. And when the word gets around that you're back on the streets, well, whether there's proof or not's no good to you when you're stiff. You'll be seein' heaven before your time.

Heaven is a fairy tale, snapped Mason clenching his fists rapidly.

Ice Man shifted his bulk. So long, asshole. Watch every shadow.

Mason didn't show it but he was nervous. This is not what he had expected. He had to give the situation some serious thought. Ernie Mason was not accustomed to serious thought and it came hard. He looked around the club. Was it his imagination or were there faces glaring at him with sheer hate? For an instant he seemed to see the face of Leroy Holmes staring at him from a dark corner, dead eye sockets full of pent up revenge, brutally mutilated face staring, staring.

Mason downed his tequila gold in one, pulled out a wad of Marcia's money and ordered another. If what the Ice Man had told him was true, then his life could be snuffed out at any second by new faces looking to make a reputation. There would be no trial. The Bronx was not a democracy. If someone wanted him dead then he would have to watch his ass every second. And that wouldn't be easy.

Some of Mason's post-prison euphoria evaporated at that moment. He felt alone, isolated. This used to be his domain. Leroy Holmes and Ernie Mason were a team; rising stars. What about the Holmes brothers? Mason jerked himself forward then gulped back his shot. He'd forgotten Leroy's brothers. Shit! Suddenly all of Mason's half-formed plans and schemes for his come back took a back seat in his mind. The Holmes family carried respect. Black, white or any shade in the middle, most of the gangs kept uneasy boundaries and reputation was everything.

The Holmes brothers would cut his prick off and fry it in grits if they knew he was back. No one would listen to his side of the story. He had had no choice. He had tried to go back but he'd have been mowed down if he had. But in three years the story would have been carved into street folklore and for all he knew, his return had already been noted and plans were being made.

Even here in the club.

Fuck! He was scared. He hadn't often been scared before but he was now. He looked around the dark and smoky room. No one was paying him any attention, except the bartender. Big Louis kept throwing him looks, the kind of looks a man gives a steer in an abattoir.

Then from the corner of his eye, Mason saw a slickly dressed man enter the club. He was smooth shaven and you could smell the cologne from ten yards. Ram John Holmes had arrived. He was lighting a cigar with a gold lighter. He looked good. He looked rich.

When Mason had last seen him he was like the rest of them.

From the corner of his other eye, Mason saw figures appearing to move towards him through the crowd. He didn't wait to find out if they were selling raffle tickets.

In a smooth movement, Mason slipped from his stool and hustled his way to the exit. He kept a group of guys between himself and Ram John. He glanced back into the half-light. He saw Big Louis watching him. Was the bastard smiling? Mason ran out into a snowstorm. Stumbling through the slush he was soon lost in a blur of snowflakes and road spray.

Abraham was deep in meditation. He was sitting on a hard back chair by his bed in the Refuge. Luckily it was a quiet night. Clyde was snoring in his office. Abraham opened his eyes. They were deep and mysterious and set in a timeless face. For an instant he wondered where he was, then he sighed deeply and looked around.

It was difficult to assess Abraham's exact age. He could have been late sixties or early seventies. His skin was clear, his beard and hair ragged but there was an inner peace within his expressive features that made him seem like a young boy.

There were about forty beds lined up in regimented rows. At the far end of the hall were folded tables and chairs and beyond that the kitchen and toilets. The Refuge was a simple place but for all its simplicity, it had saved many a soul and given support and encouragement to others.

A man was sobbing in one of the beds. Abraham rose and went to him. The man was white, in his mid thirties although he looked much older. Abraham recognized him. He held the man's hand while he sobbed, quietly as if not to disturb the others, but painfully, as though nothing he could do would stop the hurt showing.

Peace, Joseph, muttered Abraham. He touched the man's eyelids with his fingers and the sobbing subsided. Abraham glanced around again like a guardian angel. A couple of men were masturbating under the blankets, lost in their own isolated passion. Another man was sitting up in bed, his lips moving continually. Abraham went over to him.

Angelo, the words won't help you, he whispered.

I have nothing to live for.

Trust me, this is only a time phase you are passing through.

Mr. Madigan gave me somewhere to live. He's a good man, Mr. Madigan. Rosa thinks he's wonderful, don't you, Rosa?

She is happy, Angelo, believe me. Abraham paused as though in communication with another time. Angelo, for a moment you will see her.

Angelo's face suddenly broke into smiles and tears rolled down his face. Abraham gently guided him down onto the bed. Angelo closed his eyes.

Rosa, he whispered, my Rosa.

Mike's Bar was heaving and full of Christmas spirit. Jack had his arm around Kerry's shoulders. Bill and Zoe were laughing. Zoe was pouring more wine. Charlie Stenning was there, an old student friend of Jack. So was Mike Liebowitz, a young off-Broadway actor with dark, swarthy good looks. Mike's girlfriend Lorraine was holding forth.

Can’t you just picture his face when I told him? Mr. Fleming I said, putting the tip of your finger between the cheeks of my ass does count for sexual harassment in my book. You should have seen his expression. The whole office was listening. He didn't know where to look. He's been doing it to all the girls. I told 'em. If that screwball lays a finger on me he'll know all about it.

I'd better watch my step, laughed Mike.

Jack had surreptitiously placed his hand on Kerry's stomach. She looked at him and smiled contentedly and popped another olive into her mouth, digging into the soft flesh with her sharp teeth. A trickle of juice ran down her chin. She chuckled. Jack wiped it away with his fingers.

Jack's fingers traced patterns on the rough stretch fabric of Kerry's dress. Her eyes said no, not now.

Here's a toast, yelled Charlie Stenning. Here's to the spirit of Christmas. Here's to the way Christmas ought to be.

They all cheered, drank their wine and poured more. Jack was smiling. This was the way things ought to be, he thought. He looked around the bar, at the dark red decor and walnut timbered counter. Mike's Bar attracted a mixed bunch of characters, from the avant-garde artists to the sidewalk musicians, from local traders to aspiring socialite business executives. Right now, Jack loved them all he decided. In fact, right now I love the whole goddamn world.

So, any names yet? Zoe asked Kerry.

That's a sore point. I kind of like Verity for a girl and Daniel for a boy.

Verity's nice, remarked Charlie. What's wrong with Verity, Jack?

It's okay. I'm making no comment on the grounds I might incriminate myself.

I wish I was pregnant, mused Zoe, lost in thought.

Christ no, all that pain and mess, blurted out Lorraine, sorry, Kerry.

Don't worry. All I can say is I feel wonderful, Kerry looked at Jack.

So what's happening, Mike, Jack turned to the young actor.

I'm up for a part in a new soap. I play a butler who has an affair with his mistress. Correction, I might play the part. I had a good reading but, I'm not sure if I'm the right type.

You're too modest, said Bill, while signaling for more wine. I saw you in that Tennessee Williams trilogy. You were terrific.

I think he'd make a great lover, smiled Lorraine, he just needs plenty of practice.

Look where that gets you, laughed Zoe pointing to Kerry's bulging stomach.

How's the Refuge going, Jack. How long do you think you'll stay running the place? asked Charlie.

Well, I've got to see this insurance deal through, then there's Christmas, after that I don't know.

You're not thinking of giving it up? Kerry asked seriously.

Well, now I'm about to be a father, with another mouth to feed, maybe the time has come to do something else. We've got a good group of trustees. I'm pushing thirty guys, maybe it's time I started making some money.

That's not like you, Jack, you've always been such an idealist, said Zoe.

The wine arrived, Bill opened it with a flourish and refilled glasses. Kerry seemed thoughtful. Jack glanced at her.

I don't know yet, he said. I'm only scratching the surface of the problem at the Refuge. I was thinking of a national charity or an international relief fund.

D'you know what they call Jack down at the Refuge, said Bill, Saint Jack. Yeah! Those poor bastards think he's a saint.

He was the same at med school, smiled Charlie, always doing things for other people.

I think what Jack does is just wonderful, cooed Lorraine, makes working in a brokerage seem so totally selfish.

Jack glanced at the habituées of the bar again. They all looked well fed. They all had beds to sleep him. Life may have shat on them but they weren't reduced to the level of animals. He sighed. Sometimes he thought his motives were all screwed up. Saint Jack! He was no saint and he knew it. He just did what he could under the circumstances.

Suddenly from outside rapid gunfire could be heard. In the near distance, came the sound of a collision. Some people were screaming. Sirens sounded close by. Some of the customers ran to the window to look but could see nothing. Mostly they ignored it. This was New York after all.

Later they all stood on the sidewalk, laughing and hugging each other. Christmas carols blared from a department store as they said their goodbyes.

Jack and Kerry strolled arm and arm amid the lights and the crowds. Lights twinkled from snow-covered trees. Jack was tired. He kissed Kerry's cheek.

Love you.

Love you too, she said. Did you mean what you said back there, about doing something else?

Could be.

You don't have to, you know. My father will always help us.

No, I don't want that. When you give up work, and that's like right now, we're going to need more money. Now don't get on your high horse about capitalist ethics, this has nothing to do with it. I love the Refuge and I want to keep it going, but if I'm honest with myself I can't stay there forever. I need to do things, maybe they're important things, I don't know.

Maybe you're right, she said.

CHAPTER THREE

Christmas Day dawned crisp and bright. Sunlight slanted through the blinds of the apartment etching shadows across a large room cluttered with discarded clothes, comfortable furniture, a desk with typewriter and a large bed. Paintings and tapestries adorned the walls and an ornate telephone propped up a stack of books.

Kerry stirred. Jack moved closer to her, hugging her. Somewhere an alarm blared. They woke with a start, both scrabbling around for the clock half asleep and giggling.

Jack pulled Kerry close to him. Happy Christmas, he murmured.

Happy Christmas, darling. She stretched like a cat.

God it feels good to just lie here without having to go anywhere or do anything.

You haven't forgotten have you? We've got to be at the Refuge in a couple of hours. Then we're having a late Christmas lunch with Bill and Zoe.

Excuse me. said Kerry putting her hand to her mouth. She leaped out of bed and made for the bathroom. Jack had got used to the morning sickness but this morning it put him off the thought of roast turkey and redcurrant jelly.

Marcia threw another plate at Ernie Mason. He ducked and it smashed against the wall. She was having hysterics. She swore at Mason as he dodged the missiles.

You A-rated asshole, she screamed at him. Who've you been with? When I find out who you've been sticking your shiny black pole inside I'll tear her tits off.

Marcia, honey! implored Mason, I don't know what you're talking about. Mason could see his meal ticket melting like the snow on the sidewalk outside.

You haven't changed in three years Ernie. You were born bad and nothin's changed. Marcia stopped and put the down the vase she was about to hurl at him. I don't need you anymore. It's just come to me clear as day. There are plenty of studs who can give me what you give me and who won't fuck me around.

Hey, baby, there's no one like old Ernie, come on, admit it. He moved up close to her. She watched him with cold disdain.

Get out! Get out now and don't come back.

But Marcia, honey, it's Christmas Day.

He watched her closely. Was she serious? She was serious he decided. Well, he wasn't a guy to hang around where he wasn't wanted.

Ernie drew back his fist and belted Marcia clean on the jaw. You could hear her jaw break out in the hall. The force of the blow knocked Marcia unconscious instantly and catapulted her across the room. She crashed against the wall and slumped to the floor, blood dribbling from her loose hanging mouth.

Mason picked up a few things and stuffed them into a holdall. He ripped open Marcia's purse and took out a fistful of bills. He glanced around for anything else of value, took a few items of jewelry from the bedside table, crossed to where Marcia lay unconscious and moaning and pulled off her earrings and signet rings. Then with a final kick in the ribs, he picked up his holdall and left.

Ernie Mason didn't like Christmas. Santa Claus was a racist ploy as far as he was concerned. It was snowing outside and the streets were mostly empty. He had nowhere to go so he just wandered, still keeping a sharp eye out for any unwelcome guests. He needed somewhere for the night. Anyplace would do as long as he was inconspicuous. There was a place he remembered. It was somewhere down by the river. They wouldn't throw him out on Christmas day. He headed for the river.

The sound of teeth munching turkey meat and beer being sucked from cans filled the Refuge. It was simmering with body heat and steam from the kitchen. Bessie the cook stood back and watched her flock slurping gravy, ripping hunks of bread, belching, farting, with the look of satisfaction. She beamed at everyone.

Marcel had squeezed his huge frame into a makeshift Santa Claus outfit and was ho, ho, hoing his way around the tables dishing out presents.

Jack felt proud. These people had nothing. At least today someone cared. Kerry was happy for Jack. She watched him as he talked to the men and the occasional woman. She watched their eyes. Even the most hard-bitten amongst them loved him she thought. How could he ever leave this place? He may have been here only a year but he really was Saint Jack to these people.

Abraham sat in a corner smiling to himself. Clyde heard a knock on the door. When he opened it and saw the snow covered figure outside he didn't hesitate.

Come on in, brother, he smiled at Ernie Mason, merry Christmas.

Mason entered cautiously, looking around, sniffing appreciatively.

Find a seat, brother, said Clyde.

Betty, one of Jack's volunteer helpers came over and helped Mason off with his soggy garments. He seemed especially attached to his holdall, which he kept with him. This was nothing unusual. Many of transient folks who came and went at the Refuge had attachments to the strangest belongings.

Mason's eyes flicked over the scene, taking it in. He fixed a Christmassy grin onto his unshaven jowls and allowed himself to be taken to a space on one of the benches.

Jack noticed the newcomer and smiled. Betty was talking to Kerry.

So, how are you feeling? The little one will soon be here. That's going to make a big difference to your life.

It sure is, replied Kerry, I suppose I don't know how different yet. It's like a big new adventure.

He'll have to spend more time with you when the baby's born, said Betty nodding at Jack.

I've been used to sharing him with half the world. What am I saying, I've never got used to it but he's doing such good work here.

He's going to have to make a choice. He could get plenty of people to come and help around here.

Kerry watched Jack moving around. Then a voice began to sing. On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me...

Within seconds the whole motley crew was singing in broken voices, fitful coughs and a variety of keys. But it sounded like a choir of angels.

Only one of them wasn't singing. The newcomer was eating voraciously, too intent on filling his stomach.

Kerry took Abraham a glass of champagne, which Jack had brought for the staff. He sipped it appreciatively.

Oh, it's been a long time since I tasted champagne, he laughed.

It's just a little thank you for all your help, smiled Kerry.

You're looking good, remarked the old man.

I feel fantastic, Abraham. I've never felt so wonderful and today...today I feel like I have the whole world at my feet.

Abraham watched Kerry then he glanced at Jack who was coming over.

Hey, where's mine, Jack said.

Someone passed Jack a glass. Father MacReady, a long time supporter and trustee of the Refuge, raised his glass to the half a dozen or so volunteers who were grouped together near the kitchen. I'd like to propose a toast. First to Jack Madigan, whose faith and hard work has kept this place open to do its good work amongst the poor of the neighborhood and to his lovely wife Kerry, soon to be blessed with child and to everyone who has helped keep this place running when it looked as though it would be swept away by corruption and red tape. Merry Christmas everyone and God Bless you all.

They all cheered. They sipped champagne and at that moment the sun sent shafts of frosty light through rows of dusty windowpanes around the top of the walls. For a moment it was though the whole scene was frozen in a timeless tableau like a renaissance painting. Colors seemed to glow, faces were caught in mid expression. Jack was holding his glass on high. Abraham looked more like an Old Testament prophet than ever.

Marcel, on behalf of all