Page 3 of Believe

“Don’t get too comfortable,” said Matthew. “There is a great deal to do.”

“Pops, what do you mean? We’re retired,” said Rafe. “Don’t we get to relax for a little while?”

“No. You are retired from employment. You are not retired from this earth. I have much that you need to help me with. The holidays are coming, and that doesn’t change just because I have moved on.”

“Well, we can help with the baskets and the toy delivery,” said Wilson.

“Come with me. All of you,” said Matthew.

He led them to one of the larger boats, all of the men boarding, and then another filled as well. When they were all moving slowly through the bayou, Miller frowned at his brothers.

“Pops, where is this taking us?” he asked.

“Our land. It’s all our land,” said Matthew waving his arm in a big circle. “While you have been fighting the bad guys, I have been buying up land to expand for all of us. For all of you.”

They wove through the trees and the swamp, the bayou narrowing to a tiny inlet. At the apex of the land sat a massive warehouse. Matthew docked the boat and moved toward the doors, not saying anything. They all knew they needed to follow him.

Disappearing through the metal of the building, they waited a few moments, hearing the inside lock disengage. Then the doors suddenly opened, and Matthew smiled at them, opening his arms wide.

Like a huddled mass of bees, the men stood in the large doorway, staring at the scene. At first, they could say nothing. They took it all in, amazed at what they were seeing. Then, it was Trak that finally spoke, a very unlike Trak statement.

“Holy fuck.”

“Yes,” chuckled Matthew, “that might be an appropriate statement for the moment.”

“Pops, what is this? I mean, I know what it is, but… Well, what is it?” asked Antoine.

“I know that you’re aware of it but there are those in our community who have nothing. They are so poor they rely completely on donations of food, clothing, and other items. Christmas is the worst time of year for them. It’s not just young families, it’s the elderly as well.”

“I thought we provided for most of those folks in our area,” said Ghost.

“We do, son. But there are those whose pride is greater than their common sense. They refuse the help of food, clothing, money, or gifts for their children at this time of year. So, we have to play the role of Santa Claus.”

“Okay. We’re ready for that,” said Nine nodding at everyone.

“Are you?” smirked Matthew. “All of this, the furniture, the toys, all of it is made by me and my elves.”

“Your elves?” questioned Jean.

“Who did y’all think was helpin’ him?” yelled George walking toward them. Sven and Teddy were behind him. “We’ve been doin’ it. All year we spend time out here makin’ things for families. But that ain’t the hard part.”

“What’s the hard part?” asked Ian.

“The hard part is gathering all the names of people that need our help. That truly need our help and support,” said Sven. “Our reach has spread across the area and it is imperative that no one suspect our family.”

“I can understand that,” said Ghost. “We want to remain anonymous in this. But I don’t know what you need from us. It looks like you have more than enough here.”

“No,” said Matthew. “Not nearly enough. Two areas were hit by flood waters, families losing everything. We’ve had four house fires take everything from the families. And sadly, this year more than ever before, we seem to have more elderly that are barely able to cover their living expenses.”

“We’ve handled that,” smiled Gabriel. “Everyone’s rent or mortgage is covered until they can get back on their feet. Mama and Miss Ruby have been able to get a list from the churches and we’ve relied on Jessica, Dhara, Elizabeth, Sophia, and Mattie to give us the names of children in need at the schools.

“For those from the shelters, Molly and Asia have been instrumental. We have our lists. We just have to get to work.”

“But if you have all of that, what do you need us for?” asked Angel.

“There is still a great deal to do. Most of the furniture we build here to avoid anyone knowing that it’s us that purchases items. I have six dining room tables and chairs that need to be completed, seventeen beds, five cribs, and a few rocking chairs,” said Matthew.

“Matthew, that’s a helluva lot to do with very little time left,” said Max.