Book Five - Part Ten - Ending Evil: Chapter Three

Montie Arena – 7:35 p.m.

“Incredible, people. I wish you could have been here to see this!

“With only two minutes left in the game, Gerald, Anson, Ron Snyder, Dale Whittier and Carl Macklin Junior have scored thirty-two combined points since the start of the second half. Stevie Baker has scored eleven points since starting the fourth quarter.

“Breckenridge is down twenty-one points. No! Make that twenty-four! Baker just hit another three!

“Folks, the Montie Pythoners are on their way back for their second chance at the state title. With forty seconds left in the game, it’s all but over!

“Alright, Breckenridge has the ball, inbounding to Miller, who passes over to Redmond, and he passed it downcourt to Thomas. Thomas dribbles, spins around Whittier, stops and shoots and bangs it in for three! Thirty-one seconds remaining.

“Whittier inbounds to Macklin, Macklin to Baker, Baker back to Whittier. Whittier brings the ball up court as both Miller and Redmond double-team him but he somehow managed to arc the ball over both defenders and get the ball to Snyder. Nine seconds left on the shot clock. Snyder goes corner post and fakes a shot and passes to Anson, just outside the paint, brings himself up to the free-throw line and shoots, and scores!

“Eight seconds left in the game. The best Breckenridge can hope for is a three-pointer and a foul and somehow manage to get the ball back before time expires.

There they go! Miller passes a long ball to Redmond, who turns, fires for three, and it doesn’t go in! Pythoners ball! One second left! The Montie Pythoners are back in the hunt again! 88-64 is the final score!

“I’ll be back with interviews from the players and Coach Claymoore right after these words. Oh my, what a game!”

The Pythoners were stopped last year in the final-four round. This year, the Pythoners were determined to win it all.

But tonight, the team, the city, and a dozen set of parents were filled with pride.

On the way home while driving, Baker and Leon were talking and more excited perhaps than all the fans who were at the game. Ed and Stevie were joining in the conversation, laughing, and smiling the whole time.

Baker knew tonight wasn't the best time to tell either of them about the future plans she made with Freddy. She also knew she couldn’t wait forever.

Calvary Church of Christ – 11:59 p.m.

“By the power vested in me through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and by the governing laws of the State of New York, I pronounce you both husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

Satchell turned right as Samantha turned left and he took a half step forward, placing both hands around her waist and kissed her gently. Then they parted, turned away from Pastor Mackenzie and took a few shorts steps before Don shook his hand, then kissed his new sister-in-law. Pat hugged Satchell tightly.

“Third time’s the charm, Satch. I just know it is.”

He pulled back slightly and smiled saying, “I believe you, Pat.”

“Mr. Page?”

Satchell looked to his left and smiled even more.

“Yes, Mrs. Page?”

“Today, we start a new day, a new year, and...”

“And a new life together, Mrs. Page.”

The four of them went out for a late-night breakfast, from which Don and Pat left them to their own in the parking lot. With Satchell behind the wheel, Samantha, holding his one free hand, he drove them back to Samantha’s house.

Once they were at the front door and he opened it, he picked her up in his arms and carried her across a new threshold. It now became official. Whatever amount of time it would be, their honeymoon had just begun.

As he did though, Satchell had one final thought before they reached their bedroom.

“Sam, you’re my last stop in life.”