Life beyond the bars

Brice Evens sat back and let the taste of the Kentucky Fried Chicken roll over his tongue. His ice cream was melting, but Brice had lost his appetite. He looked at Chaplain Meters, setting silently across from him. The old chaplain had been the religious leader of the prison for over twenty years. He had witnessed many executions, none to his liking. This would be his last. Next week he will retire. Nancy, his wife, had already packed for their move to Florida. They had sold their house. Yet the men he saw killed by the state would stay with him for the rest of his life. Ghost haunting his retirement.

Brice looked at the clock on the wall outside his cell. 2 hours to go until his death. He smiled at the craggy face of the elderly chaplain. “Come on, Chaplin, you look like you’re the one who’s going to die tonight.”

“No, but. I have trouble enough sleeping.” The elderly man said. “One more ghost to walk through my mind.” He smiled. “Go on, finish your meal. “

“Not much on ice cream and cake. When I was a kid, Mom always made sure we had that on birthdays. Know what I miss most?”

“No. What is it?” The chaplain said. He got up and walked around, taking out the kinks from his legs. At 68, he felt the years closing in on him.

“My wife. She was such a loving little girl. I was angry with her the morning she died. Jeany talked to me in that quiet voice. I hope they find her killer someday. It’s been 12 years and I still miss her.” Brice said his face was sorrowful. He had always maintained his innocence. His story had not changed in all these years. He argued that he had come home to find his wife dead on the kitchen floor. Responding to an anonymous call, two police officers entered the house to find him covered in blood. He tried to tell them, and then, the jury, he had hugged his wife, but they didn’t believe him. The jury’s guilty verdict caused him to collapse. He was not much better when the judge pronounced the death sentence.

“I can’t believe this is happening. But if it hadn’t been for you and my wife, I would have never found The Lord,” Brice said, a tear coming to his eyes. “Thank you for that.”

“You were a willing disciple.” The chaplain laughed. “It was a challenge to keep you in material. As soon as you finished it, you passed it along to the others on the row. You made a difference.”

A correctional officer appeared at the door of the cell. “Sorry to disturb you, Chaplain. But the captain just took a death notice. Guy in house 5. Mother died,” Henry said.
“You go, I’ll be praying for you.” Brice said. “Do what you do best. Lead him to Christ.”

The old chaplain looked at this man who always cared for others more than himself. He smiled.

“Let’s have a word of prayer before I go. The two men bowed their heads. “Lord   thank you for Brice and the difference he has made on the row. I pray for this man who has lost his mother. May you welcome Brice into heaven tonight. Help me as I speak to this man about the death of a loved one. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.”
“Amen,” the correctional officer said, putting his hat back on. He unlocked the cell. After embracing Brice, the chaplain hurried away.  

Brice stared at the clock. It seemed to move slowly and yet speed up, ticking away his last hours on earth. He opened his Bible and read again the account of Paul in Second Timothy. ‘For I am ready to be offered, the time of my departure is at hand.’ He paced the cell, praying. A half-hour later, John Stewart interrupted him. Brice smiled at the correctional captain.

“How you doing John? “The captain didn’t return his smile. They had been friends for the last five years. Brice reached through the bars and shook John’s hand. John swallowed hard; he seemed to struggle to find words. Finally, he said. “Chaplain Meters died while ago.”

Brice just stared at him. “Heart attack. We called medical, but he was already gone. I’m sorry, Brice. Is there somebody we can call to walk with you?”

Brice shook his head. “You’re the best Christian I know. If you walk with me, I’ll be fine.”
John nodded. “Thank you. I’ll be honored to take the place of the chaplain. You gonna eat your cake? Looks like your ice cream has melted. Could get you some more?”

“Thanks John. I think I’ll pass. Kinda lost my appetite.”
John picked up the tray and exited the cell. He handed the tray to the officer assigned to the holding area. “I gotta lock your cell, Brice. Orders.”

“Thanks, John, you’ve been a good friend.” He reached out a hand, and the captain shook it. John turned away, tears floating in his eyes.

At a quarter to twelve, they came for him. Six officers. The warden leading the team. Brice smiled at him and held out his hand. Warden Smathers shook it. “Thank you. You’ve treated me well.” Brice said.
“I wish there was a better outcome for you.” The warden said.

“Hey couldn’t be better. I’ll see my wife tonight.” Brice said, smiling.

He stood quietly while they adjusted the chains.

The calls began from the other prisoners. “We’re prayin’ fur you.” Some said. Others watched silently. Alex Coal in the last cell called out. “Where is your faith now?” Brice answered, smiling. “Just where it always been, big guy. In The Lord Jesus Christ. Still praying for you.” Alex turned away without a word.

As they approached the chair, the captain asks. “Is there a passage you would like me to read?”  

“Yes,” Brice said. “Psalm 23.” As the captain read, the other officers strapped Brice into the electric chair.

 At 12 PM, with no call from the governor, the captain stopped his reading. He nodded to the officer at the control box. When Brice was 10, he put a paperclip in an electrical socket. This was a million times worse. His whole body felt as if it was on fire. He clenched his teeth to keep from screaming. Then the pain was gone. He shot through the air with several glowing angels at his side. Then he was kneeling before Christ. The lord smiled at him. “You’ve done well. Enter into my joy.” 

Brice felt joy and peace enter his soul. Then he saw his wife. Jeany ran into his outstretched arms. Laughing, he slung her around in his arms as he had on Earth.

“Oh, Brice, my sweetheart, how I missed you.” She kissed him again and again.

“I’m so sorry about that argument we had the day you died. You were right.” Brice said, holding her in his hungry arms.

“Well, look who's here.” Brice turned to see Chaplain Meters smiling at him. “Didn’t think I would make it here before you did.”

“Let me show you your home,” Jeany said, smiling. Together, the three turned to see a beautiful mansion.