train will put me right to sleep. You sure I belong here and that this ain't a dream or anything?”
The Conductor laughed and said “No Mike, this is no dream and yes, I'll answer all of your remaining questions in the morning. Now get some sleep, OK?”
“OK. And thanks again.”
“No trouble. Goodnight Mike.”
“Goodnight. Who....?”
“In the morning Mike. Goodnight.”
And as the Conductor exited the car Mike folded out the sofa, hit the dimmer switch and fell fast asleep.
When Mike awoke the following morning the train was still heading towards his home. He felt well rested as he scratched his head and looked at the clock on the wall facing him. Coffee and a fresh toasted onion bagel with cream cheese were waiting on a tray next to the sofabed.
“Wow 10 o'clock already? That was some of the best sleep I've had in months.” he said to himself. He poured a cup of coffee and took a few bites from the bagel, noting that it tasted homemade and delicious. As he was pouring his second cup the door opened and the Conductor he'd spoken to last night came into his car with a second tray that smelled even more enticing than the bagel he was about to finish off.
“Good morning Michael! I'm here to announce that your breakfast is about to be served to celebrate your first full day of freedom and your arrival home in the next two hours!”
“Let me guess. Waffles with two eggs, both sunny side up. A side of sausages and a generous helping of hash browns, all made to perfection, right?”
“Correct! But what's for dessert for an extra five points?”
“Hot apple pie or raspberry pudding?”
“Since today is such a special day I've brought you some of both. I thought you might be hungry after sleeping so well and after everything that happened yesterday.” said the Conductor.
“You're right again on all counts. I sit guilty as charged and famished. Would you like to join me this time? I've got enough food to feed an army here.”
“No but I'll get you another pot of coffee. Then we can have a chat after you've showered, all right? There are some things we need to talk about before we reach your station. And you might want to turn on the TV and check out the morning news. It will make you feel better.” said the Conductor. A small flat screen TV hung on the wall directly across from the sofa. Mike picked up the remote from the table nearest to the sofa, tuning it to the 24 hour news station.
“TVN has learned that a break in the Michael Dickson Murder Case was reached early this morning. Sources say that two suspects, both males in their early twenties, were arrested at approximately 1:30 this morning in a botched armed robbery attempt and have reportedly confessed to killing the woman and her two children that Dickson was originally convicted of killing. TVN has also learned that Michael Dickson has apparently been released and transported to an undisclosed location to reunite with his family. We'll keep you informed of further details in this case as they come in. In a moment Chip Cipolla with Sports and the great news of the Cubs impressive pennant win last night!”
“I know where he is.” said Mike laughing to himself, nearly spilling his coffee all over the floor. After turning off the TV he finished his breakfast, took a quick shower and folded up the sofa back to its original position. For the first time in many weeks he felt exceedingly happy and was looking forward to seeing his wife and son again. As he looked himself in the bathroom mirror he paused for a brief moment and then said “Yeah, man! You're goin' home at last!”
After a short while the Conductor returned to Mike's car and took a seat on the chair across from the sofa where Mike was sitting. Mike's expression was more relaxed now and he seemed ready to take his first steps as a free man as the train was nearing his stop.
“We'll be pulling into your station soon.” said the Conductor. “I've called your wife and told her where to pick you up. And yes, I already know your phone number too.”
“I had a feeling you would.” said Mike. “I can't wait to see her and my son again. That girl of mine has been thru a lot during the past few months of this ordeal. I think we could all use a vacation to unwind somewhere, maybe to see that mouse in Anaheim or a few days at the shore to bask in the sun.”
“Either plan sounds very appropriate Mike. Your son has missed you quite a lot during the ordeal. Some quality time together would do both of you a world of good and would help to bring you back together with him.”
“Yes it would.” answered Mike a little dreamily. “You have any kids of your own?”
“Not in the traditional sense but in the minutes we have left together I'd like to explain that to you. Look around this train car for a minute and then tell me what you see.”
“Okay.” Mike looked around at the walls of the car and the furnishings placed throughout its interior. “It's a beautifully crafted train car. In fact it's probably one of the best I've ever seen in my life. The carpenter took his time building this baby and paid a lot of attention to detail. It's so ornate yet so comfortable. I'd love to ride this one again sometime with my family.”
“I'm glad you like my work Mike.” said the Conductor.
“You built this? This is amazing! You're quite an artist! Where did you learn?”
“Well my dad was a carpenter and he taught me the trade when I was a young boy. He was a great teacher and one of the best carpenters in our area.”
“What was his name? My dad's name was Andrew.”
“His name was Joseph. Your dad worked for US Customs, didn't he?”
“That's right. Mail Branch over in Newark, New Jersey. In fact he ran the place when they opened it. Not bad for a guy with a sixth grade education.” said Mike. “But he learned a lot during his stint in the Army during World War Two as well. He served one of his tours under General Patton. At least that's what he told me once.”
“I know. He was telling you the truth Mike. He took great care of your family too, didn't he? All those years of work to support you and your brothers and Mom. Then she went to work too once you started elementary school.”
“Yeah but.....” Mike paused for a minute and then asked “How do you know all this? I mean, you look a little familiar to me but I can't place you. You've become more of a friend to me during this whole journey from the time the train picked me up at the prison. But....who are you that you know this much about me and my life? My whole life it seems like!”
The Conductor looked at Mike and said “I have known you for your entire life Mike. From the day you were born in New York until this very moment. And believe it or not, I know about every day after this as well.”
“Oh. So you're one of those seers right? Like they have in some of the towns I've lived in?”
“No. Those are what I call 'false prophets', people who can sell you a bit of general information about yourself but nothing as specific or as detailed as I know about you, past or present.”
“So if you're not one of them, then....”
“Let me show you my hands Mike. Look at them carefully.” The Conductor took off his white gloves and Mike's eyes grew wide and his mouth began to open, though his words froze on his tongue. The man's hands had deep scars in the center of each one of them, the remains of a deep puncture wound placed upon them so many years before. “Now look down at my feet Michael.” Mike saw the same scars made by violent piercings from the large nails that once were driven thru the man's feet and his eyes began to fill with tears as he looked into the Conductor's eyes.
“You're....” whispered Mike and Jesus said “Yes. I Am.” Mike sat back in his chair for a few moments and wept quietly. Jesus then took his hands and said “You've heard about me all of your life and just needed a little bit of convincing to assure your heart that I am real. Well Mike, I'm more real than anyone you'll ever meet and just as I've taken care of the many others who have ridden this train before you, I promise that I will take care of you and your family for the rest of your days.”
Mike choked back his words. “B
ut I don't....”
“Yes you do Mike. I know your heart and it's going to be all right from now on. Not easy, but as right as right can be. You'll see.”
As Mike wiped the tears from his eyes he looked at the Lord and said “This is the second time in my life that you've saved me. Once upon a time I accepted you into my life as my Lord and Savior and you saved my soul then, but now you've saved me from dying in the electric chair for a crime I didn't commit. With all my heart I can't thank you enough.”
“Like I said Mike, I know your heart already. Your thanks and love are more than enough. But I also have one more little surprise to show you.”
“Are you sure I can take this one? After all meeting you this way has shocked me out of my jeans right now.” said Mike nervously.
“I think you'll be all right. I'm right here to help you anyway so you've got nothing to be afraid of.” said Jesus. “Now stand up and look out the back door of this rail car and tell me what you see.”
Mike stood up and walked cautiously over to the back door and looked out the door window. “I don't see anything. No other cars behind us and NO TRACK