Justified

Returns

Acknowledgements

A special thanks to all those who encouraged and saw something in me that I didn’t!

Thanks to my wife Carole for her undying support!

Thank you to my daughter Jocelyn, her husband Ryan, and their new family (Aiden and Ella) for being supportive through all the time I spent on this project.

Thanks to a great friend and editor, Stephanie!

Most importantly, I thank God for giving me yet another passion in life.

Don’t just live your adventure, become it!

R.H. Delion

Prologue

Encrypted Justification

The tension increased with every passing second. The gold-faced clock read 10:15 a.m. Its ticking shattered the silence.

Sunlight streamed through the window above the cherry wood desk. The desk faced two couches separated only by a small, oval table. Seven men sat facing each other, their unspoken communication significant. Sitting behind the desk was a man in his late fifties. He was the son of a long line of military men. The task he faced was immense—and dangerous. Each move had to be calculated perfectly. Lives were at stake, and the power of the nation depended on him. Standing behind the president was a man with a flawless olive complexion. He was dressed in a white suit, black tie and black shoes. The man behind the desk could feel him overseeing everything with a watchful eye.

The door opened and a young man in his late twenties, Charles Westwood III, walked purposefully across the room. The chair behind the desk spun to face the young man as this intelligent college graduate spoke, Mr. President, the package has arrived.

Show him in immediately!

The other men stood up to face the door. It shut behind Charles, and then reopened in what seemed to be one fluid motion. He held the door as the guest stepped into the room. The man took six steps, stopped and turned back. Without speaking, Charles exited and shut the door behind him.

The visitor was distinguished, also in his fifties. His designer suit was immaculate, his cologne expensive and masculine. It permeated every corner of the room. He had steel gray eyes, a strong jaw and dark, slightly graying hair. He sported a thin, well-trimmed moustache and a goatee that was more silver than gray. He exuded an air of authority.

The mysterious guest waited while the doors were locked and the curtains drawn. He remained still until each of the others had completed their assigned tasks and returned to their chairs. He moved to the president’s desk and set down his briefcase. He opened it to reveal a glossy, black laptop. The men looked from one to the other then back to the visitor. His presence cut like a knife, and he was in full command. He made the man behind the desk seem insignificant. The president stood to shake the gentleman’s hand, but was ignored.

As the computer continued to boot up, the guest finally acknowledged the president. Good morning, sir. I’m pleased to see you looking well. I trust you’ve had a productive morning so far.

I have. Thank you.

The guest turned to the other men and questioned, You are aware of your order, I presume?

The president spoke, They are.

Then we shall begin. First encryption code, please. The first man rose and went to the laptop. He entered four numbers and returned to his seat. The second man did the same. Each did so in turn.

Once all seven codes had been entered, the guest turned the laptop toward the president. Please enter your numbers—and only your numbers—and await my instruction.

After the president entered his code, the man turned to look at the others. His gaze sent a clear message. They promptly rose and left the room.

The mysterious guest looked at the president. Wait for the tone.

The computer then spit forth a series of beeps followed by a long tone. Press enter, Mr. President.

The president complied, then spoke. It is complete. Now, how long?

When it happens.

As the man packed away the laptop and turned to leave, the president stood. Thank you for your help.

The man nodded and headed for the door. He stopped, and without looking back he questioned, Next Tuesday? Iraq?

That would be fine.

Chapter ONE

A One Way Christmas Gift

Julie glanced over to see the look on her friend’s face. Becky was laughing and paying no attention to the fact that they had just landed. She was flirting as usual, this time with one of their mission trip leaders. Julie couldn’t remember how her friend had first brought up the subject of bringing peace and change to Indonesia, but she was pretty sure she’d never mentioned an olive-skinned man with a twinkle in his eye.

When they came to a stop, people began to get their belongings organized. Becky turned toward Julie, closed her eyes slowly, smiled and mouthed the word perfect. Julie shook her head and sighed, realizing her best friend’s only reason for bringing change to the people might be to get close to the handsome Greek.

Oh, Becky, you’re unbelievable! Julie said.

What? Why? All I did was talk with a team leader.

"Uh-huh. I saw you talking, Julie remarked sarcastically. Must have been a really good conversation. He seemed captivated."

Look, Jules. These people need us to bring the word of hope. Most of the country isn’t Christian, you know, and we need to let them know there is more than one choice.

You’re right, but really…why a team leader?

Julie, Becky whispered, we’re going to do a lot of good by handing out medicine and educational material. So, why can’t I get a little missionary?

Becky! Julie shook her head and sighed. I’m sure it’s your despicable nature that keeps me around…just to keep you safe. They both laughed.

As they walked down the airport corridor, they saw a group of men and women holding a sign that said One Way Ministries. They made their way over to the group. When everyone had assembled, they boarded the buses that would take them to the hotel.

Becky’s new male friend was on one of the other buses. As Julie surveyed those riding with them, she determined that no one else would meet Becky’s standards.

A group leader got up and introduced herself, welcoming everyone to Aceh, Indonesia. She gave a short rundown on what One Way Ministries was doing there. As she spoke, Julie remembered what had caught her attention about this trip. While watching a program on television, she’d learned that corruption and government control held these people back from their inherent right to freedom of choice. Poverty was probably a way of subjugating the people for the benefit of the powerful.

People needed to be educated, nurtured and loved regardless of their ability to give in return. It was evident that these people trusted nobody. The country had pretty much blocked outsiders from coming in and making any change whatsoever. Somehow, One Way Ministries had been able to gain the favor of officials and were allowed to come and teach, to bring educational material and supplies. They were allowed to instruct the people both in academic and vocational fields. This meant the population would learn to do things for themselves. They would eventually learn how to stand up for their beliefs, needs and desires without fear of recourse.

Julie felt this was the best way to help bring hope to a non-Christian area. What was that saying? Give a man a fish; he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish; he will eat forever.

The bus came to a stop, and everyone was directed to the lobby of a large hotel.

They met in a spacious conference room. There were sixty people in the group plus team leaders and One Way staff. Everyone quickly found a seat and made themselves comfortable. A middle-aged couple sat at the front of the room. They were clean and well-dressed. A young man stood up, walked to the podium and greeted the weary travelers. He then introduced the two as Jim and Dorothy Mecin, founders of One Way Ministries.

The pair took the podium, shared the vision of the mission and thanked each one for sacrificing their vacation to come to Indonesia. They wished those gathered a Merry Christmas then introduced the team leaders. Each was asked to stand, introduce themselves, and share why they’d picked this mission project.

The gentleman Becky had met on the plane was handing out envelopes and binders. The envelopes contained instructions on which group they were in and what their actual role would be. They also included general rules of the mission and laws of the country. The team was then divided into three groups of twenty, each going to stay in separate places.

Becky’s group was staying at the hotel, as was her new friend. They would hand out food and supplies while training people in the importance of clean water and properly stored food. Julie’s was traveling to the village of Meulaboh, where they would teach academics, including Western Culture. It was near the beach.

The third group was staying at a logging camp near the rainforest. Julie guessed this would be the group doing the vocational training: operating, maintaining and repairing heavy equipment.

The organizers explained that they would be collecting the team members’ identification, credit cards and money, as it was prohibited for the missionaries to carry these with them. This was part of their agreement with the local government. Then each person was given a laminated card with only basic identification information on it. On the reverse was writing in another language.

Julie could hardly wait to get settled in. As she boarded the bus for Meulaboh, some two hours away, she waved goodbye to Becky. She was impressed by the skill of the bus driver, who wove through the tight roads of the countryside. She saw lush green plants and caught glimpses of the ocean and beaches. If it wasn’t for the increasingly evident poverty she witnessed, she was sure this could be a tropical resort. However, as they approached their destination, Julie noticed the hovels the nationals lived in.

Her thoughts went to Blake, her husband. She wondered what he was doing. Did he miss her as much as she missed him? She was so thankful for him and knew it was hard for him to let her travel at Christmas.

When the group arrived at Meulaboh, it was beginning to get dark. Many curious villagers came to greet them. It was as if Julie and the others were celebrities. Those in the crowd pointed, laughed and spoke excitedly. Julie also heard booing and hissing.

Popularity in high school doesn’t count here, she could hear Blake say as if he was standing beside her. Julie chuckled.

She was exhausted and could hardly wait to get some sleep. As they gathered inside the nearby building, they were paired up, given a pillow and blanket, and assigned a room. They were then instructed to take their things to the rooms and gather again in fifteen minutes.

Both Julie and her roommate Angie put their things away. Although tempted to do so, Julie resisted the urge to collapse on her bed.

Let’s head down and see what this little get-together is all about, Angie said, stifling a yawn.

When they arrived at the meeting room, they saw a small, crudely-decorated tree. A bowl of punch and some food were laid out on the table. Julie was surprised she hadn’t even thought about it; it was already December 25 at home. As the others assembled, they talked and reminisced about previous Christmas mission trips. Julie felt out of place. She’d never been on a mission trip at Christmas before.

The team leader spoke as they ate. He reminded everyone that the morning would come early. Breakfast back here at 6:45, and then we will transform this into a classroom for five of us. The rest will split up and go to other rooms in the building.

Julie yawned, said goodnight and headed to her room. Angie was about twenty seconds behind. When they’d crawled into bed, Julie was

reminded of Girl Guide camp. But then she started to think of Blake. Goodnight, my dear husband, she whispered as she drifted off to sleep.

A loud banging shot through Julie’s head. Angie was already up and dressed. It’s okay, Julie, Angie said. They’ve sent around a guy with a pot and pan to act as an alarm clock.

Oh, well! I guess I’ll get up and get dressed then, huh? The girls laughed.

By 7:15, they’d eaten and were clearing away the breakfast dishes. By 7:30, Julie and Angie were following a team leader to another room where they were asked to set up the room for ten people.

Julie and Angie looked at each other. Guess we’re staying together.

Chapter TWO

Of Earth and Water!

Julie’s group got along well together. During their session, someone started singing a song Julie didn’t recognize, but a few of the others did and quickly joined in. They actually sound really good, Julie thought as she began to feel a vibration in her legs.

At first she thought she was having a muscle spasm. Then she recognized that familiar feeling; it was a tremor. It continued to get stronger, and the few decorations that were set up throughout the room began to crash to the floor. Julie looked around. She caught sight of Angie and recognized the terror in her eyes. The walls started to crack.

Quick! screamed Julie. Get under a doorway!

As they scrambled to do so, the roof collapsed. Angie was caught under the rubble, her body covered from the waist down. She was in complete shock. Julie couldn’t believe what was happening. How and why would this happen here, today of all days?

The earth continued to shake. By the time it stopped, Julie realized she was no longer protected inside the building that once sheltered her and the others. Dust had risen everywhere. It was as if the sky had fallen. The quake had been bigger than anything she could have ever imagined possible.

As her eyes wandered, she saw nothing but piles of rubble. It was gone; the village was gone. This can’t be happening.

Blood-curdling screams and the stench of terror filled the air. It was all around her. Julie realized she was bleeding; her shoulder was cut. She saw a young girl lying face down in the street. It looked like she was pinned under something. As Julie moved toward her, pain shot through her foot. It felt like someone had taken a hot knitting needle and jammed it into her ankle. It must be broken. It was then she realized it was crushed under a wall. She yanked and pulled and screamed. The pain was unbearable. Even so, she heard Angie sobbing uncontrollably, I’m going to die! I don’t want die! Between sobs, she called out for her new friend.

That’s when Julie realized Angie was just behind her. She felt Angie’s hand on her back, pulling at her clothes. Then the reality of the situation became clear to her: they were both trapped—just like many of the others. Some were screaming in pain, desperate for help. Others were silent, already crushed to death.

I’m here, Angie, Julie said. I’m close. We’re both trapped, but people will be coming to rescue us.

Angie sobbed. It hurts.

I know, Ang…I hurt, too.

Julie needed to get free. She tried again. This time she pulled and twisted herself toward Angie.

As Julie tried to free herself, pain shot through her. She couldn’t stifle her scream. However, she felt something move. She was now facing Angie, her leg twisted unnaturally. Julie didn’t want to know what had just happened under the block wall, but at least she could comfort her friend.

She encouraged Angie to settle down. At that point, both women were crying. Both were in pain. And both were wishing they were home.

In a moment, it was as if the air had changed direction, like it was being sucked out of the room. They saw sand and pebbles rolling away.

Sand being sucked out, Julie thought. There must be an aftershock about to happen. This might be my chance to escape.

She looked past Angie to the beach. Her heart skipped at least three beats. Her spine tingled. Nausea consumed her. Coming at them was a hundred-foot wave, its swirls of turquoise capped in white against the deepest blue sky she’d ever seen.

Julie’s mind wandered back to the night she’d left home. Blake had sat down with her in front of the fireplace and pulled out a little jewelry box. She opened it as he spoke softly and told her how much he loved her…how much he was going to miss her.

Julie, my love, I had these two items made for us.

He’d watched as she opened the box. Inside was the most exquisite set: a necklace and a ring. Each had a cross with three diamonds on the points with an amethyst in the center.

The necklace is for you, and the ring is for me. They symbolize our faith and our love. When you get lonely, touch your necklace and think of me.

She’d kissed him then. Oh, how she loved him!

She took Angie’s hand and suggested they pray.

We’re going to die, aren’t we?

Julie didn’t answer. She put her hand to the necklace, bowed her head, and asked for forgiveness. She squeezed Angie’s hand even more tightly.

I never even had a chance to help these people, Julie cried out. Blake, I’m so sorry. I love you with all my…

The wall of water crashed down on any remaining hope.

Chapter THREE

Reflections

Cheryl stepped out of the shower. Steam filled the air, making it impossible to see her reflection in the mirror. Oh, well! Now it would be easier to deny the results of her recent eating habits. She felt the moisture soaking into her skin and water droplets running down the small of her back. A chill ran through her. She wasn’t cold, but unpleasant memories haunted her.

Cheryl went into the living room. Her penthouse overlooked downtown Newport Beach to the south. To the west, she could see the ocean in the distance. Cheryl shook herself and let out a sigh. I really do love my life. After all, I deserve it!

She normally went into the office on Saturdays to catch up and make sure her boss’s schedules and travel itineraries were up-to-date, but not today. She