The Atua Man: A Novel

It was a joyous moment when Jason walked into his apartment. Lillian let out a happy cry and ran into his arms. Everyone he loved was there, which took some of his anger away. Alex dropped his mobile and joined the family hug. Melanie and David applauded. He acknowledged them all as he made his way to his bedroom. “Thank you, guys. I’ll be back in a minute. I just have to wash MI5 out of my hair.”

When he returned to the great room everyone except Alex and David were on their phones. Jason stepped out into the hall where Thomas Parker was stationed.

“Hey, Thomas, how’re you doing?”

“Fine, Mr. St. John.”

“Did you get in trouble the other night when we all came back from the country?”

“A little. Nothing really. Don’t worry about it.” Thomas was flattered by Jason’s attention.

“Mr. Howell doesn’t always see the bigger picture. Listen, I need a favor. Can you get me a list of the phone records of all the calls coming in and out of the compound right after the broadcast?”

“That’s alright, Thomas. I can get it from Gary.” Jason gave him a pat on the back and went back inside his apartment.

The adults were still on their phones. Alex was showing David his battleship game on his Nintendo when Jason walked up to his son and put his arm around him. “I heard you had a trying day yesterday, too.”

“I don’t understand why people are so crazy,” Alex said.

Jason ruffled his son’s hair and gave David a friendly arm punch and a look that meant thanks… and here we go again.

“Don’t even try,” David responded.

“Melanie’s going to be interviewed this afternoon on the Norton Graham show,” Lillian announced to the group, closing her phone. “Once we let it out that we were willing to talk about our work here, everybody wants an interview.”

“Well, tell them I’m canceling tonight.” Jason walked into the center of the room.

“Why would you do that? We’re turning this whole thing around.”

“Because I’m tired. Because I’m not going to fight Tony.”

Lillian went over to Jason and gently took him in her arms and held him close. The buzz in the room quieted down as the others felt a transcendent peace descend upon them. They were together for only one purpose, to recognize this atmosphere, knowing that by doing so they would throw open the doors to the hidden life within. The stillness nearly took their collective breath away. Finally, Jason broke the silence. “You’re are so wonderful staying by me and coming so far to support this work. I suppose we do make a difference, but sometimes the ignorance and self-interest can be overwhelming. That’s the big, hypnotic trap, believing that there is power in the material world that needs to be overcome. Thank you for breaking the hypnotism.”