RETURN OF DON' CARA FROM USELESS TO GREATNESS

Chapter 12

After a few minutes' drive, Mr. Sotte's car slowed down into a familiar location, one that usually bustles with people on a Sunday morning. As the car engine hummed to a stop, the structure of the church came into view. It stood tall, while its gothic architecture cast long shadows under the pale moonlight. 

Joshua rested his gaze on the building, remembering each edge and cover of his past. He knew if he wanted to return to his previous life of power, he must make the necessary arrangements for his return.

“Why are we going to the church so late at night?” Lily asked, dragging her gaze from the massive stone statues that loomed above them to her uncle. 

Mr. Sottee, who was silent, narrowed his gaze at her, giving her a silent warning to stay silent, and remained in the car. Lily rolled her eyes but remained still and returned her gaze to the entrance.

Joshua, not answering her questions, filled his lungs with the night air. He slid out of the car and walked toward the church.

As Joshua approached the entrance, he pushed the double silver doors, creaking softly as they swung inward. The soft glow of candlelight spilled out, illuminating the dimly lit interior and creating an atmosphere of tranquility. 

As he stepped inside, a sense of calm enveloped him, and his gaze was drawn to the altar where candles were delicately arranged, their flames dancing softly in the stillness. The subtle scent of melted wax and a hint of incense lingered in the air. 

Joshua walked past the rows of empty chairs, each one neatly aligned, as if they were waiting patiently for visitors to fill them. When he reached the altar, he carefully selected a slender white candle and placed it a thread closer to a burning one. Its small flame cast a warm glow around him before placing it with the rest.

Joshua bowed, murmuring a few silent prayers before returning to his feet.

“I fear this day will come,” a voice echoed from behind. Joshua takes one last bow, then turns to meet the familiar face of the reverend father. 

“Father Vine,” Joshua muttered, resting his gaze on the old man. “It's good to see you,” he added.

Before Joshua was adopted by the Idris family, Father Vine, who is one of the members of the orphanage, was the closest person to him. He saw something special in him: an extraordinary spirit that set him apart from other children. 

Father Vine recognized Joshua’s gentle heart could easily be taken for granted or abused. Understanding the importance of finding the right fit, he knew he couldn't give him to any family seeking to adopt. Instead, he took it upon himself to find a loving family that would protect Joshua from the world's cruelties.

Mr. John Idris, Joshua's adoptive father, took him under his wing, providing him with a loving home. Even as a single parent, Joshua felt cared for and supported. However, his world was shattered once again when John Idris unexpectedly passed away.

“I haven't seen you in years!” Father Vine's voice pulled Joshua from his thoughts. “How have you been?” He asked, his voice a mix of warmth and sadness.

Joshua gave him a small smile, one that made the priest, who would have preferred to welcome Joshua and his wife on a Sunday morning rather than at midnight on a Wednesday. He knew it was only a matter of time before the world would reveal itself to him as a bed of thorns.

“I saw the news,” he added, and Joshua's gaze drifted to the candlelight, illuminating his face dead of emotions. “The media is wrong about you, you were a good husband,” he voiced, attracting Joshua's attention.

Joshua’s lips curled into a smile but his eyes, however, had no warmth; they were cold and distant. “It doesn't matter, father,” he muttered, his voice laced with resignation that caused the priest to swallow a lump forming in his throat. 

The figure standing before him was a shadow of the man he once knew. An embodiment of stubborn hope who had once chased dreams of a family; one that left everything behind to give it a better life, away from the threat and dangers lurking in the dark. But now, Joshua has changed.

“I'm going back to the company,” Joshua announced before the priest could mutter any words.

Realizing the reason for Joshua's visit, he nodded. “Come with me,” he said, leading the way through a corridor. Every part of the building they passed brought back memories of his childhood, his struggles, and how far he had come in life. 

As he approached the basement, Father nudged the wall, and an unexpected rattling was heard. A hidden door swung open, revealing a shadowy corridor lined with several safe deposit boxes. The flickering overhead light cast a glow on the boxes, their once-polished surfaces now marked with dust.

He let his gaze drift over the names until his finger halted at the engraved letters "Don Cara." A rush of emotion coursed through him as he recalled stories of the man, his influence, his power, and the secrets that lingered in the depths of that box.

“Here you go,” Father Vine said, handing him the box containing his belongings. Joshua glanced inside and noticed it contained a key, a black card, and a tape. He recognized the key and the card but didn't recall including the tape in his safe.

“Why is there tape here?” Joshua asked, shifting his gaze to Father Vine. “I don’t think this tape belongs to me. I never put it in my deposit,” he added.

Father Vine, familiar with the material, scanned and nodded. “It’s something that contains answers, for the future,” he quickly added.

Joshua glanced curiously at the tape. It was old, and he knew that if he started asking questions, Father Vine would likely brush it off. He trusted Father Vine, and if he said it was best for the future, it was. With a nod, he retrieved the belongings and slid them into his pocket. Father Vine rested his hand on Joshua's shoulder, his eyes conveying a message that Joshua didn't want to hear.

“It's nice to see you, Father Vine,” Joshua interrupted and made his way up the stairs.

“Joshua,” Father Vine called out, prompting him to glance over his shoulder. “Thank you for everything you have done for the church and the orphanage,” he added with a smile.

Joshua returned the smile and nodded. “It's the least I could do,” he replied before disappearing around the corner.