“He didn’t follow the rules, so he deserves to be in jail, at least for a while.  Teach the old man a lesson, for God’s sake.  You don’t disrespect the office of the President of the United States!”

“Yes sir, that’s true.  There’s no one above the law and it is a felony to assault secret service agents. We can’t intervene now, and it’s in the hands of the courts. Not only that, he brought contraband into the oval office six months ago.”

“Exactly.  That was a disgrace.  I can’t believe you guys would allow him to tack that stupid metal thing under my desk when I wasn’t looking.  Sneaky guy he is.  I’m glad you found it and took care of things.  I don’t care what you did with it, but he tricked me, and that shouldn’t happen.”

“That push-pin thing was a crucifix sir, with the body of Jesus on it.  Maybe he was simply trying to tell you something, if you found it. I don’t know.”

“Whatever.  What do we do with him now?”  Said the President of the United States.  “Whatever we do, we must look good when we are doing it, so as to maximize positive influence on voters if the news media finds out about the 97-year-old man in Jail in Washington DC.”

“Well, this is up to you sir.  We can’t help you with this decision, since it was you who invited him back to the oval office again.  He’s been in jail now for a month now, awaiting trial for assault on federal officers. You never asked about him, so we didn’t bother you with it.  Anyway, there is no bail, but it’s interesting—we hear the guards really like him because he tells them stories about the old days when things were different, and he even has several of them starting to want to attend church now at some place on the beach somewhere.  In fact, he invited them to some bar —”

“That’s enough,” said POTUS.  “He seems quite the popular gentleman.  Get him out of jail.  My people told me it’s important that we meet now for some reason because he knows something that few people know.  Make a hole in my schedule and this time, don’t let an old man beat you guys up or bring in push-pins!”

Meanwhile, at the Washington DC Jail:

“Hey Ollie, you’ve been released.  Your legal charges have been dropped.”

 Ollie sat up from the creaky cot in his jail cell, slowly, because of his bad leg and knee arthritis. “Well, it’s nice that the president finally woke up from his month-long hibernation and understood that locking up the truth that strikes fear in your soul, simply makes that fear overcome your very existence.”

“Huh”? Uttered the guard.

“It is a man’s actions, that tell everything about him, not words.  I am a man of action, and few words.  That is how I have chosen to be.”

“Well Ollie, we wish you well here and thanks for inviting us to church and beer at the beach bar.”  He then handed Ollie his trusted cane and the old man promptly twirled it in one hand two full revolutions.

“Anytime.  You guys are just doing your job. I understand that.  But I have things to do.  Here.  Take this letter and mail it for me please.  I want it postmarked from Washington DC.  He will know who it’s from.”

“Who?”   Then, the guard looked at the address on the letter:  Dear Carson.  “Ok Old man, you have filled us with mystery here at the jail, but at the same time, a fascinating man to listen to.  We all wish you the best.”  Suddenly, at least ten jail employees formed a circle around the old man and started clapping as he walked out, now dressed in his civilian clothes.

“I’ve called you a cab to ride to the airport. And by the way, the president’s office will be calling you again next month to meet him around the 15^th.  We will arrange transportation for you, and we hope things are smoother this time sir.”

“No need,” said Ollie.  “I will no longer make any more trips to meet the president here in Washington. It’s not my kind of town.  That is over, so tell his office not to bother sending me any more invites. I’ve met multiple presidents and gave them advice, but I don’t have time for this one, and you know, I’m not sure how much more time I have to waste on this earth.  And by the way, my men are already here to pick me up”

“What men?  And how do they know you are ready to be picked up?”

“They are trained to know.  I wish you all well. And remember, live with honor, help those who need help when you can, and above all, pray every day. Oh yeah, and when you see evil, immediately kick it in the ass.”

The shadow men then escorted Ollie to his limo and they drove away, never to be back in Washington again.

© 2024 SRCarson Publications.