Moments for the Heart

Hey, Weekend Writing Warriors. What a long week. UGH. I’ve been battling ants for what seems like forever. Each time I plug up an entryway they find another. I usually use Dr. Killigan’s Six Feet Under, but I’ve been unable to order it. It’s on the higher end and the cost of shipping takes me out of my price range at the moment. But I like it because it’s a non-toxic and eco-friendly. Lately, I’ve been using a chemical spray and UGH, darn critters just dance around and find a new entry. It’s been frustrating. So, in between writing and keeping house, I have been exterminating these little pests.

As for Johnathan, we are at this episode’s final scene and the final showdown. Let’s get into it!!

**If you’ve missed anything and want to can catch up on past snippets, click here.**

SYNOPSIS:

Michael Andrews thought he was far removed from the events his father experienced twenty years ago. He heard the bedtime stories so often, he had driven them out and was barely speaking to his dad. Religion was the last thing he wanted, until it became the only thing that mattered.

A new threat arises; his wife is arrested for talking about God to the wrong person. Now Jacob Andrews may be his only hope. He must lean on him, Rachel’s attorney, and those who understand what occurred twenty years ago and may be happening now when an old adversary returns to wreak havoc, using federal laws to exact revenge on the Andrews family.

Will he succeed, or will justice prevail to set Rachel free?

>>>If you are curious about the first novels snippets, I have them archived: Here is a link to them if you want to read up on The Fiver Barred Gate <<<

SNIPPET:

Summary:
This Five Barred Gate sequel, is a Dystopian Suspense about what would it be like if freedom of expression liberties were taken from us. In this installment laws have gotten more strict. One could be arrested for simply speaking their mind if another chose to press charges. This multiplied for the Christian community. The laws were strict for Jacob in the first novel, now twenty years later, his son Michael must face his own battles.

Here is a bit from last week:

“And what happened next?”

“She mentioned she was new in town.”

“Objection,” Xavier stood and stated. “My client has testified and is above reproach that living conditions were never mentioned.”

“Overruled,” the judge stated. “But noted. Let the accused give her testimony, Counselor. You can dispute it through cross-examination. You may continue, Mr. Clarke.”

–We pick up right were we left off. —

“Thank you, Your Honor. Okay, Rachel. Dr. Houston. She told you she was from out of town.

“Yes. She stated that she had recently moved from Atlanta and was just getting to know the area.”

“And then what happened?”

“I asked her if she had found a church to go to. She said no. I then extended an offer to visit the church I attend.”

“And you are aware that by talking to people about God to someone who is not receptive is illegal?”

“Yes, I am aware.”

::There is your ten, but let’s continue on and finish the chapter.::

“So why would you take that chance?”

“I felt that Dr. Houston would be receptive. We were having a friendly conversation, and I just felt God leading me to speak to her.”

“Objection,” Xavier said. “We can only give so much latitude, Your Honor. I ask you to draw the line here. A god speaking to someone is going too far; please put an end to this.”

The judge looked to Dr. Houston, then to Rachel. “Sustained. Your client’s latitude is paper-thin, Counselor. Tread lightly.”

“Understood, Your Honor.”

Johnathan paused for a moment, then eyed Rachel, raising his eyebrows, “When you felt this urge to speak to the plaintiff, and you crossed that line, were you aware of the danger you put yourself in?”

Rachel swallowed and closed her eyes, “Now that I’ve had the time to think about it, I don’t think I was really considering the consequences of my actions at the time. I was just being obedient to what I felt I should do at that moment.”

“Can you explain that?”

“No. Not without upsetting the court.”

Johnathan felt the urge that more needed to be said. He backed up and turned to the jury; they had his full attention, as did the judge, Dr Houston and her attorney. A burning inside overwhelmed him, and the compulsion to speak took over.

“Mrs. Andrews, would it be fair to say you felt it was God leading you to speak to Dr. Houston, and that is why you chose to speak to her despite the existing laws? And this is why you are on trial instead of an issue of a simple offense? In addition, could it be that Dr. Houston is what is known as a plant that is being used by a hidden party to harm your family because of their past?”

“Objection, Your Honor,” Xavier said. “Pure speculation!”

“How dare you accuse me of such atrocities,” Dr. Houston pushed back her chair and shoved her attorney. Xavier took hold of her arm and pulled her back. Pointing her finger at Johnathan, she continued, “I will have you up before the ethics board and have your license, you insolent fool!!”

The judge slapped her gavel, “That will be enough, Dr. Houston. Mr. Clarke, Mr. Ford, my chambers now, both of you. Bailiffs, escort the accused to holding and take Dr. Houston to the waiting area.”

That’s all folks. The end of this scene and chapter. Johnathan could no longer hold it in, or rather felt the urge, spiritual even, that the hidden motives of the other side must be brought to light. Now he may suffer the repercussions of his actions. This takes us to his storming out of the courtroom and his visit to the men’s room.

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Monday is Memory Monday
We remember an important event that occurred on that Monday or sometime that week.

Tuesday is Two Twenty-Two Tuesday
A weekly vlog where I talk about writing or something that’s been on my heart, all in two minutes and twenty-two seconds. — I am way behind on this… sorry.
This is posted on my YouTube channel.

Wednesday is when I post my blog for the week.
I speak from my heart on various topics from writing to faith.

Thursday is This or That Thursday
A weekly two-option poll that raises the question, do you like this, or do you prefer that?
I host this on this on Twitter, IG, and Facebook.

Friday is Fun Fact Friday
I find and share interesting or obscure facts on my pages.

Saturday is for Weekend Writing Warriors
Saturday is for Snippets from a current piece or past work.

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In His Exciting Service,

Jeff S. Bray

Check out amazing established and emerging writers at Weekend Writing Warriors. Each week we post new snippets from either published works or works in progress for each other to comment on. Gain insight into how the mind of a writer works and a behind-the-scenes look at works before they hit bookstands everywhere.

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