The Hand of Mercy (A Porter Brown Journey) Read Online Free Page A

ticket or an overdue library book are perfect candidates for ones leading a double life."
    "You may believe what you w ill," answered Porter defiantly. "But my actions speak for me.  I certainly admit to living a double life.  I have a day job that society accepts and I also hunt evil when I can.  But I do it for no one but myself.  And you'll find nothing because there is nothing."
    His agitation rising, Porter continued, " Remember, I asked to leave yesterday and you asked me to stay.  If I was a mole, why would I do that?  But like I thought, I should leave.  My motives are pure.  I saw a girl in distress, did my best to get her safe, and now you suspect me of collaborating with the guys I put in the trunk.  You're obviously protecting something here that a mole could uncover.  Given where we are on the globe, I'm guessing its narcotics and I don't want a thing to do with that world."
    " Calm yourself," said Mario attempting to wrest control of the conversation.  "I meant no offense.  It is my duty to protect my family.  I failed by letting Renata suffer.  I will not make that mistake again.  For that reason, I must insure those around me have no ulterior motives."  Extending his hand as a sign of good faith, Mario said, "I believe you.  I have no reference for someone doing all that you have to save a stranger.  But you did and I will trust your word.  Please don't make me regret my trust."
    *****
    A few hours into the festivities, as dusk was setting in, Don Mario ascended the stage assembled at the edge of the mountain overlooking his vast property below.  Without asking for quiet, the crowd hushed to hear El Jefe speak.  His speech was what one would expect from a father whose lost daughter had been restored to him.  This powerful, larger-than-life figure held Renata under his arm as he and his guests shed tears of joy and anguish.  After ten minutes, Mario called Porter to join them on stage.  Reluctantly, Porter complied.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Mr. Porter Brown; the man responsible for the safe return of our sweet Renata,” he said in joyful Spanish.  The crowd of thousands erupted in joy.  Most already knew that the only gringo in their midst was the rescuer, and like all small towns across the globe, the gossip lines had provided many of the details of her rescue.  Mario continued with a line that seemed suited for a courtroom and not a fiesta. “Mr. Brown, you do not know our family or Renata, correct?”
    “That’s correct ,” was Porter’s Spanish reply. 
    “This brave man has explained to me that he found our daughter because he had heard of evil men who were taking advantage of young g irls and he went to stop them...by himself,” the Don emphasized as the crowd roared.  Anxious to continue, Mario spoke over his guests as they still celebrated.  “And he has no training for this.  He is not in the military or a police officer.  But he could not bear the thought of my child, any child, being violated by such evil men.  As you all know, I am familiar with many courageous men.  I tell you honestly, that very few in this world will show the valor Mr. Brown displayed to rescue a stranger.  But like our Savior Jesus Christ," in unison the crowd crossed themselves, as Mario continued, “Mr. Brown reached down into the depths of depravity and saved a soul from Hell.”  As if this celebration had turned into a Mexican version of a tent revival, the crowd exploded into shouts of praise and thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary and Jesus.
    When the praises subsided, Mario continued, “Although I can never repay my debt to this man, as a small token of my appreciation, I welcome him in to my family.  And to make sure he knows he is a part of our family, beginning tomorrow we will begin construction of a home for him on my property.” 
    The noise inside Porter’s head was more deafening tha n that of the guests’ cheers.  Family of a Mexican drug lord ?
    But his