Part 8: DEFEND
Organize
Mother Mary’s
The thrice-damned roosters announce the morning as Kevin arrives at Mother Mary’s. The guardian looks carefully in Kevin’s SUV before waving him through the gate. Kevin grins at him and says, “No contraband this time. But thanks for double-checking!” The guard knows enough English to crack a smile and wink back at Kevin, “Oui moche!” Fortunately, Fr. Vitor is finishing up his morning coffee when Kevin arrives. Kevin explains what Ashley shared about Jocelyn’s dangerous predicament.
Fr. Vito nods his head thoughtfully, “Her situation is grave… Henri is also running out of options. He’s caught in the hills outside Ti Legliz. At this point, we need to get both of them onto an escape boat. But they must not know or recognize each other. If the Macoutes realize they’re a pair, they’ll use one to betray the other and we’ll lose both. No one can hold up to that torture for long. Best to compartmentalize everything. Jocelyn could stage here at Mother Mary’s. She’s never been here so that’s a clean cut out. Do you have a similar safe spot where Henri could hide for a few days? Then we can get them up to Port-de-Paix. There’s a refugee boat leaving there every day.”
Kevin thinks for a minute and says, “I think I see it. Henri can hole up with Jè in Carrefour and they can travel separately from Jocelyn. Two vehicles, less chance of losing them both. Can you arrange for Jocelyn’s transport?” Father Vitor grins, “That’s more complicated but worth it. Sister Maureen can take Jocelyn up to Port-de-Paix in a van full of nuns.” Kevin bursts into laughter and Fr. Vitor quickly joins him. After wiping some tears away and reassembling his serious face Father Vitor continues, “That leaves Henri with Jè until they make the run north. Will Jè agree?” Kevin begins to smile, “He’s been my house mate for almost a year. Nothing I ask will surprise him much!”. Fr. Victor asks, “He lived with you all that time and still talks to you?” They both burst into laughter as Kevin replies, “Well, obviously, I have to pay him to be my friend!”
Fr. Vitor stops laughing and becomes very serious, “There’s still a problem. It’ll be difficult to get past that Gonaive checkpoint. Those guys have been making a lot of money stealing from people trying to flee north.” Kevin’s face falls, “I forgot about them. I can’t believe they’re still in control of that whole city. If we can’t get across that bridge, we are just about out of options.” The mood has shifted so they each dig out a cigarette, light up, and watch the smoke chase the mosquitos away. Fr. Vitor finally replies, “I’ve been saving a few blessings for a special occasion. I have an idea that should solve Gonaive. Get Jè on standby with his radio on the usual frequencies with the usual verses. No need to update me unless something goes wrong. We’ll transmit the departure date after I get the details from Sister Maureen. If Jè needs to back out, transmit using the same. The sisters will take Jocelyn and Espwa to Port-au-Paix on that date. If God wills it, Henri and Jocelyn will be in the same boat.”
Kevin asks, “What about that kid who was living with Jocelyn and Ashley out in Mirogoane? Not sure anyone knows his real name, but he’s called Ti Mon.” He tells Fr. Vitor about the weekend in Mirogoane, “I was so focused on Jocelyn that I forgot to ask Ashley about him. Father Vitor nods slowly and closes his eyes for long enough that Kevin wonders if he’s dozed off. Then Fr. Vitor’s eyes pop open and he smiles broadly, letting the suspense hang in the air. Kevin finally breaks the silence with exasperation, “OK, Padre. What miracles will you perform get Henri, Jocelyn, and Ti Mon to safety?” Fr. Vitor snorts briefly and says, “Oh, nothing that miraculous. The Ti Legliz community will adopt Ti Mon as one of their own. He sounds like exactly the sort of survivor who will thrive out there.” Kevin’s shoulders relax and he nods but continues to look at Fr. Vitor with a raised eyebrow, “And the mob of Macoutes guarding Gonaives Bridge?” Father Vitor takes a long drag from his cigarette, releases a smoke ring, and replies casually, “I just happen to know there will be a massive protest in Gonaives on any day I choose! I think Christmas Eve will be nice this year. You get your side ready and we’ll get Henri and Jocelyn up north.” Kevin’s laughs, “This is why I always need a mission from God!” Fr. Vitor replies, “You’ve already got the sunglasses and half-pack of cigarettes, what else do you need?!”
“We’ve compartmentalized everything. If we do it right, you’ll never know the final outcome. Are you OK with that? It’s a lot to carry.” The way Father Vitor’s tone has changed, Kevin is listening very carefully. After a moment, he nods to himself and replies, “There’s no one left from the international community and I’m burned with all the wrong people. If we can get Henri, Jocelyn, and Ti Mon into your network’s hands, I can live without knowing the outcome.” Father Vitor looks at Kevin skeptically, “You could walk away from it and never look back?” Kevin gives a time-out signal, “Oh, God no. I’ll never forget any of it! But if we can give them a chance, that’s a lot easier to live with.”