Garnet or Garnets Curse

the door opened.
    Maria came in and sat down beside me. Without restraint, she reached out and took up the Bible in her own hands. “Garnet, I don’t know what you have been through, but I want you to know that this book will set you free.”
    Maria and I had a wonderful evening together. She never asked me questions about my past or tried to pry why I was there. We were just two souls enjoying the warmth of each other’s company.
    When the time for sleep came, I thanked her for taking me in. I promised I would pay her back for her kindness. She smiled, “You already have dear.” In her eyes I saw a light that could only come from the heart.
    Shortly after I had tucked myself in bed I heard Maria’s voice. I was hoping that Ox had been released. I cracked the bedroom door and saw Maria on her knees in prayer. I held my breath as I listened to her words:
    “Dear Almighty God. You alone are wise and I am your most humble servant. I ask that you forgive Nell of her sins. She was born a lonely outcast and doomed to be shunned by this cruel world. Please forgive me if I failed her and aided in her suffering. I pray you will accept her into your Holy Kingdom where she will no longer be different, but a beautiful angel in your sight. I ask that you be with my gentle giant, Martin. I pray that you will comfort him and protect him. Lastly, Lord, I thank you for the gift of Garnet. For I know it was by your hand that she was delivered to me. Please give me the wisdom, the understanding and the courage to lead her to the path which is most pleasing to you. A path that is closer to thee.

    I ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    I slipped back in bed. For the first time in many weeks, I felt safe. Maria was a holy force and surely, no evil curse could penetrate these walls. I said my own prayers and made a decision that I would open the pages of her Bible and read the Holy words with my own eyes.

    Chapter X
    The Eiffel Tower

    I slept soundly that night, but Maria’s dog barking early the next morning awakened me. After my ears adjusted, I could hear voices coming from the hall. One I recognized as Maria and the other as the police officer from the day before. I had not located my clothing, so I cracked the bedroom door to listen.
    “Mrs. Lanier, the evidence seems to point to foul play. Your Martin was there at the time of the fire, yet he will tell us nothing. The only thing he will say is that he had to save the “pretty lady.”
    We sent for Dr. Moses to evaluate Martin to determine if he would be capable of the crime of arson. And in this case, since Nell was trapped in the house, murder is a factor too.”
    “Sir, I assure you, Martin is no murderer,” Maria insisted.
    “Well, the doctor differs with you. He, in fact, thinks that Martin has psychotic tendencies. He feels he is dangerous and therefore a menace to society. In short, Martin Julius LaBranch has been charged with arson and the murder of his sister Nell.”
    “This is an outrage!” Maria cried out. “That man does not even understand his sister is dead.”
    “I personally never knew Ox to be dangerous, but insane people do irrational things,” the police officer said, standing to his feet. “Unless some ‘pretty lady’ floats down from heaven, your Martin will go on trial for the crimes charged as stated. It will be up to the judge to determine what is to be done with him. ”
    I had stood in the shadows too long. I was the very reason all this had come to pass. I had to make my presence known. I wrapped a sheet around my shoulders and stepped out in the open. “Sir, I am that lady. I was there.”
    He looked up in shock, “Well I be damned,” he said, scanning his eyes over my scantily clothed body. “Miss, if you have any insight to this crime, you might be just the angel to save old Ox.”
    Mrs. Lanier looked up at me intensely, but said nothing. The police officer stood up to leave. “Miss, you will need to come down to the station as soon as possible to testify. Ask for me, Lieutenant Raymond.”
    I looked briefly at Mrs. Lanier and she shook her head, “We will be there shortly.”
    “We will be waiting,” Lieutenant Raymond said, tipping his hat.
    When the door closed behind him, Mrs. Lanier patted the seat beside her. “Garnet, have a seat and tell me just what you remember about that night,” she said.
    “First, Mrs. Lanier, I must ask that you no longer call me Garnet. For reasons that I am unable to explain,