King Solomon's Journey (The Dominguez Adventures) (42 page)

            Our best civil attorney, our brother Tomas, and his partner and wife Yvelis; she is the perfect example of what happens when a Frenchman falls in love with a pretty Cuban girl! She acts as the head of the firms' interpreter department with all European clients. They have three daughters, and two sons, all of whom are assets to the firms continuing success.

            Now, that handsome man over by Mama that is Xavier, our rising politician, with designs on being a Senator. His wife Selena and their children are arrayed on the red sofa.

            Last but not least, our baby sister, Marissa. Her husband is Roberto, no children, they are newlywed, and have not had time to get Mama's lecture yet on ensuring the Dominguez name does not die out."

            "There they are, all the proud, beautiful, smart, sassy, and loving and whole once more; Dominguez Family!" José finished with a flourish.

            Family members came forward to welcome Antonio and Amanda hugs and kisses, handshakes, and giggles accompanied the rounds of happiness.

            The women took Amanda and led her away, to show her the house, and join Mama in the large kitchen.

            Antonio, José, and their father went into his study to speak in a quiet place. It was not until he turned to take a seat that Antonio noticed the wall to the left of his father's massive desk. There arrayed for all the world to see, was Antonio's life over the past fifteen years celebrated with photos, copies of accolades, newspaper, science journals and magazine write-ups!

            His father watched him walk over and gaze at what could only be described as a wall of honor. "Antonio, did you really believe I could not watch my star shine, even from afar?" His father spoke softly from behind him.

            Touched beyond his wildest imaginings, the last lingering shadow of anger, resentment and hurt dissolved away from Antonio's soul.

            Taking a seat, he waited for the inevitable questions. His father and brother surprised him by bringing up a subject he wasn't prepared for.

            "Antonio, your brother and I are concerned about your safety, as far as the papers you sent are concerned."

            "I assure you Pap, I have taken every precaution to protect those documents, Amanda and myself. Yes, I was a little worried after the last incident, but I have beefed up security measures with Ruger's assistance."

            José questioned. “Why didn’t you tell me about the incident?”

            “I didn’t want to distract you from Rosie’s fiesta de quince,” Antonio told his brother.

            His father demanded resolution. “Antonio, you and Amanda will stay in Miami until this mission of yours is complete. We will keep you safe. There are ways we can do it from here.”

            Antonio astounded, spoke strongly. “No, Pop, the Scrolls’ destiny lies in New Mexico, it belongs there. Pop, New Mexico is my home.”

            His father firm responded, “Antonio, I just got my son back, I don’t intend to bury him as an encore.”

            “Pop, I’m not being careless, or stupid. I don’t want her to get hurt.”

            “Then, you must know how I feel the same about you. Antonio, get rid of the damn Scrolls, it’s not worth anyone’s death.”

             “Pop, the information in the Scrolls is greater than any one of us. The Scrolls are prophetic instructions for the 13th Gate and King Solomon’s ‘13’ Chosen. It isn’t a choice I have the luxury to ignore.”

            “With all due respect, if we ignore them, a funeral would be a luxury.”

            His father sat in a state of dismay. A sudden power radiated from Antonio as he spoke his words directly to his father.

            “Pop, listen to me, right now, as a man, not as your son. Can you do that, Sir?” Antonio commanded the helm. His father nodded.

            “Pop, I am a man, here because I have missed you, and wanted my father back. I thought I needed you. I do need you, but I don’t have to have you. I can to do it myself. Pop, I have worked hard to make you proud.

             I am a well-respected professor. I own my estate, have money, and I paid a great price for it. I have struggled with the validity of the information presented within the Scrolls and the concept of King Solomon’s ‘13’.

            Understand, I knew the Scrolls were authentic, but questioned King Solomon and his knowledge. According to Amanda, I felt skeptical about his credibility. We came here with documents prepared to help me ascertain King Solomon’s existence, and his credibility.

            A couple of days before we left, I told Amanda that I wanted a more qualified judge to make a ruling on King Solomon’s absolute credibility. Pop, I wanted the best Judge I knew to decide. She respected my decision, and we then spent endless hours finishing them to bring them here to you, the Judge.

            Now, something else happened. Pop, understand I still want your opinion along with your support. Nevertheless, a change occurred. I made choices, worked hard, and traveled the world, but I never became a dad.

            I think I would have liked that a lot, but I’m not regretful of my choices. Since I met Amanda, I am less sorry, which probably doesn’t make any sense to you.

            The concept is confusing, two things outside of Amanda’s influence have changed the way I see Solomon’s Scrolls. About a week ago, Amanda sat at the pool. Inside, her phone rang, so I answered.

            Her son had called to inform me he landed at the airport and needed directions to my house, I obliged. The next thing out of his mouth was that he needed to see his mom to make sure she was okay.

            Josh came, and left, in less than 24 hours. You see, he loved his mom that much.

            Pop, I haven’t had kids around at all since I left here with the exception of my students who are graduate students, not children. That’s left me out of contact with kids for years. Sure, I had a few short visits with my nieces and nephews. Unfortunately, they were few, and far between.

            Another experience changed my prospective. It’s no secret that Rosie has always had a special place within me. I came here for her special day, because I thought it important. Despite this, the time had come to face you, with all that it implies.

            It dominated my anticipation of the trip, until I saw my beautiful little Rosie.”

            José fought tears.

            “Don’t you see? If there is the slightest chance that King Solomon is credible, I have to follow through with the Scrolls. When I held Rosie, I thought of that, not you. King Solomon’s ‘13’ is about Rosie, Josh, Celia, and kids everywhere. The risk is huge, Pop. I know that, I’m a man - not a boy.

            Several weeks ago, I never could’ve understood any of this. I can now, because I love someone. I’ve made money, and lived in the shadow of a great man, two great men. José is too good, Pop. We don’t deserve him.

            Pop, I saw it all this morning. As poetic, or cliché as it might sound, love really is all that matters. It’s all there is. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I do know I’ll do whatever it takes.”

            Jose and the Judge both stared back at the empowered Antonio. Their faces exhibited no clear emotion.

            “I haven’t gone nuts here. It’s dangerous, and this I know better than anyone does. Time is running out. I don’t know how much time I have with Amanda. I want to see her, and be with her every time I get the chance, and I don’t see that as wrong.

             I love my family. I love her so much that ditching the Scrolls seems like a great idea, sometimes. The right thing is Rosie, and Josh.” His words silenced everyone. Commanding, convincing, and sure of himself the words brought Pop and José to tears.

            “Pop, I hope you understand that I have loved you my whole life. I still love you, but it isn’t all about you.” His father stood, went to his son, shook his hand, and embraced him.

            “I want you and José to study the documents. All of us can discuss them after you have reviewed them. After dinner, Amanda and I will share with you the meaning of the work we have ahead, if you would like.

            We want your help, only if you feel the way we do. If you don’t, it’s okay, really.

CHAPTER 48

"What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories."

George Eliot

            As they sat and talked, Antonio finally grasped the fact that while he had stayed away from his father, it had not lessened the impact of him on his life. While his father professed an abiding loyalty to the law, he had other interest just as deep. Seen now from the eyes of distance, Antonio could see where his father had ultimately influenced his life's work.

            Arrayed around the room where bookcases lined with tomes and books and private diaries his father had collected over the years. Most of them dealt with the history and people of Cuba, and their ancestors.

            Several shelves held mementos' of Cuba's earlier civilizations. Since Maurice had fled Cuba with almost nothing, he had to have spent years searching out those who were willing to part with items they had brought or bought from others. There were pieces of Spanish armor from the Spanish Fleets of sixteenth century Cuba, relics of the Spanish settlements that were destroyed in the struggle for independence from Spain in 1895, and others he could easily identify as valuable treasures on the history of his ancestors.

            Sitting, reminiscing with Pop and José, Antonio was glad to have these memories to add to his life. A knock on the door announced dinner was ready, and the men joined the moving flow of people headed for the dining room. Extra tables had been set up to accommodate all of the grand-children present.

            The large center table held places for Pop, Mama and the eight siblings, with extra room for the in-laws, and Amanda. Each seemed to have their traditional favorite seat, and Antonio took his automatically, two chairs down on Pop's right, with Amanda seated next to him.

            After much debate, and a little squabbling from the kids, everyone was finally seated. Taking her cues from those around her, Amanda waited for a hint as to how the dinner would begin. Once quiet reigned, Pop stood, and said a blessing, and then Mama unfolded her napkin, and soon everyone joined in, and serving dishes were passed, with plenty of food to go round. Amanda thought she would feel awkward, but since she had been led to the kitchen by the women, she had been made to feel a part of this family.

            Her plate held foods specially prepared for her, with small serving dishes arrayed for her to choose extra helpings. No big deal was made over her choices, and she relaxed, and began to enjoy the conversations swelling around her.

            When Antonio was asked how they met, he leaned back, and like an actor taking center stage, he gave them a performance. He began with his fall on Hidden Mountain and the subsequent search for the woman in his vision. He laughed with them when he described his arrogant assumption that of course she would immediately fall for him, since she was his dream.

             “Well, Amanda and I both have alter egos, as she calls it. José knows, but I’m not sure anyone else does. I play high stakes poker when I’m in the country, and not working my real job. Amanda also plays.

            We played against each other in Vegas. I actually played my worst game ever, thanks to the enchanting spell she put on me.” Everyone sat, intrigued. Antonio glanced at his parents and waited for their look of disapproval, and he didn’t get it.

            His mother spoke. “Pop and I have watched you play. Antonio is one of the best.” She bragged.

            Antonio almost choked. “Mama, I had no idea.”

            She smiled. “I know.”

            “Any way, that’s where I met Amanda, and she destroyed my game. She’s good. I’ve only played her once, but word has it…she beat some major players playing incognito.”

            He gazed at Amanda, “I found out something else about Amanda. She earned quite the bundle playing over the last eighteen months, and gave most of it to a charity.”

            She glared at him, “Antonio, how did you find out about that, and what compelled you to tell?”

            “Amanda, it’s one of the nicest, most selfless things I know about. You deserve great credit.”

             “Antonio, my kids don’t even know about it.” She could not believe he knew, or that he told everyone at the table. She had kept it secret for a long time.

            “I don’t know anything about it. I only know that you played poker for it.”

            “I sort of figured that out, otherwise you would not have told. Anonymity is part of the charity.”

            José, The Peacemaker, stepped in. “Amanda, its okay. You’re here with the family.”         They all agreed aloud, and she believed them.

            “Leave it to you, Amanda, to have something set-up based completely on faith. You’re amazing.”

 Antonio continued his story with her set down, and closing the door in his face, which was met with applause by the women and groans from the men.

            His telling of asking Tommy for help, and his imitation of Tommy's conversations on how he was a failure at wooing, had everyone rolling.

            When he told the tale of his accosting the man in Vegas, he noticed his father's speculative glance at Amanda, and as he continued with how Amanda rescued him, he saw his father nod his head.

            Once his Mama stopped laughing at the story, she praised Amanda's strength and bravery. Then she scolded her son. "Did you not learn a lesson Antonio, when once before you stepped in and were soundly beaten?"

            "When was that Mama?" Marissa asked, and the others agreed they wanted to know.

            "In school, he came to the defense of a younger student. It was when he met Ruger the first time. Even in college he never thought before acting when others were in harm's way. The two men were soundly giving him a beating, when Ruger intervened. Do you remember Antonio; it was that weekend you brought Ruger home for the first time?"