The Peacock 1462

"This has turned us into money launderers", says Carl. "That does seem likely", concerns Melissa. "So, what are we going to do." "We had absolutly no say in any of this, we did not ask to be born into wealth. This is all totally unfair." "And right now", says Francois, "I want all three of you to stop beating yourselves up." "But what are we to do", says Carl. "There is nothing for any of you to do", says Francois. "As you already said, you did not ask to be part of any of this. And from what I can tell, you have only been using your inherited wealth to further and advance God's work." "How are we going to break the curses?" says Carl. Says Jeffrey, "I think first of all you guys need more information." "Agreed", says Jason. "This Cosme knows things that we need to and so if you guys can get hold of this Brother Bartholemew sooner rather than later, then I think we will be on the path." Jason suddenly goes quiet and a little bit pale. He closes his eyes, then says, wait a minute..."

The Peacock 1461

"It appears to me", says Cynthia, "that if you believe that curses can cause real harm, and I do believe this somewhat, then we also need to target the curse from indonesia, because this was a malediction over our great grandfather, and also on all his descendents, including us four, cousins Naomi, Carl and Melissa. "It does stand to reason says Carl." "Are their reparations that could be made?" says Naomi. "that would be too late", says Carl. "Everyone involved is long dead." "But we still carry the guilt", says Cynthia. "I would understand that your family home here was built on money extorted from some of my ancestors, and that was all made on their backs. They were enslaved, beaten, in the case of my great grandmother and many other women, raped." "What are you implying?" says Melissa in her monotone. "That something has to be done with that house." "And with our assets", sats Carl wearily. "It does seem unfair, doesn't it" says Cynthia...

The Peacock 1460

"That is never going to happen", says Melissa tartly. "The demolition of our house." says Carl. "I know this comes as a shock", says Naomi. "Please, I am only the messenger. I would also find that very hard to agree to." "Is it certain", says Carl. "Those weren't Grandfather Elliot's exact words. I think he said that something needs to be done about the house, because as long as it is standing it is going to impede the process." "From which", says Cynthia, "We could still imply demolition." And now all eyes are on their cousin. "We are talking here about curses from the island of Sumatra that were invoked over one hundred years go, along with the invocations launched by Naomi's nation." She shakes her head in disbelief and exaspertion. "I only wish there was some simple process...some way we could streamline everything and not have to bother about... about destroying a perfectly intact and servicable building as your mansion, Carl and Melissa." Carl says abruptly, "the house can go for all I care." "Carl!" barks Melissa abruptly. "We are talking about our home..."

The Peacock 1459

"You're not going to suggest that an exorcism needs to be performed." "That too", says Melissa, "but that wouldn't be a priority, at least not yet." "Then, what, pray tell." Says Naomi, "As part of the Truth and Reconciliation process that has been launched between First Nations snd white settler government, there needs to be truth and reconciiation over your house, Carl and Melissa. And I speak every bit as much as your sibling as a member of the Sumas First Nation. "How would that happen, or even begin", says Carl. "Before anything else, we would have to meet with my grandfather and the other elders and see if we can come to an agreement and draft out a plan." "What kind of plan?" "For a complete repatriation of your property to us the Sumas Nation and likely for the demolition of your house."

The Peacock 1458

It seems to me that our great grandfther never got to really live in that house, except for very brief intervals", says Melissa, "What with the two world wars and the depression demanding that he remain in the Netherlands to look after the family business." "That is correct", confirms Naomi. "On several occasions the place fell into disrepair, and even when it was a hunting lodge there were nothing but problems with guests constantly wrecking the place. And after that the nudist colony followed by that bizarre cult that we recently heard about..." "And we haven't even begun to scratch the surface", says Carl. "So", says Norma, "the curses took effect, and appear to be working to this very day." "I would imagine that using the place as a facility for Christian retreats, might have, shall we say, a redemptive effect on the place", muses Carol. "But that isn't the way God works", says Naomi...

The Peacock 1457

"I don't know", says Naomi. "Grandfather Elliot doesn't appear to know him personally, but more by hearsay. My auntie has also mentioned him and she might know more about him." "Brother Bartholomew to the rescue", says George of a sudden. "Oh, that's right", say I. "are they in contact?" "He will know how to contact him. Brother Bartholomew used to live at the monastery but now is staying with his mom in Burnaby. He has also mentioned Cosme by name, that he is living with his daughter somewhere in the Lower Mainland. But he would be able to help us get in touch with him." "This guy is Spanish, right?" says Carl. "That I do not know for sure, but I have seen and heard him on occasion around the abbey and he has a definite accent that could be Spanish." "We certainly need to ask him about his journal, if he could authenticate it", says Francois. "That would be a huge step in our favour if we could talk to him", says Sarah. "Quite", agrees Carol, so indefatigably British...

The Peacock 1456

It would be better if everyone were under the same roof", says Melissa. "But not everyone still wants to live together", says Carl, "And much less in the big house. I don't want to live there. Not any more." "But Carl", she says in her Asperger's monotone, "How could you possibly prefer living here?" "I like living with Chris. I like living with Francois. And I might even forgo the house in New west and let everyone else live there instead." "Are you serious?" say I. "Provided I will not be in the way of your little brother-in-law", and yes I hear in his tone both hurt and jealousy. "Carl, you will not be at all in the way. I was hoping, as a matter of fact, that you would go on living here with me. With us, I mean." "And by the way, little sister. What's this I hear just now about possibly preferring to live here. I happen to like small places. I have never felt so normal and human scale since coming here." Naomi speakes up, "Excuse me for cutting in, but we still haven't finished the subject about the mansion." Now all eyes are on her. Her light brown skin and dark hair contrast beautifully with the pale pink of her T shirt. "According to Grandfather Elliot, there is one person we need to talk to before any concrete decision can be made as to the future of the house. There is this gentleman, now in his eighties, who has been around the area since the late sixties or so. When he was a young man, he lived with some others in the house." "His name wouldn't happen to be Cosme", say I...

The Peacock 1455

Her voice is warm, confident, and confiding. Perfect for a nurse, since she immedately invites trust and elicits genuine interest. An almost preternaturally likeable person. "As well as living on unceded territory, my grandfather and his entire family somehow escaped registration by the government. They managed to continue mostly unmolested by government or RCMP, never experienced the trauma of the native residential schools, and have been free to this day to practice their culture and spirituality and speak their language without impediment. Apparently, when our great grandfather came over from the the Dutch East indies, or Indonesia, he had to haggle brutally with Grandfather Elliot's grandfather and grand uncles before they would allow him to parcel off a couple of hectares for his own private mansion, where Melissa and Carl now live. But there were conditions. Our people would retain the right to hunt and perform ceremonies on the property. Our Dutch great grandfather was not about to cooperate, and quickly harnessed the RCMP and their legendry racism in order to keep them off the land. A series of curses were invoked and then all hell began to break loose...

The Peacock 1454

Amanda's discourse doesn't apper to merit further comment. But we all sit, silent, as though we have just witnessed soemthing monumental, like an elephant giving birth. Then Sarah turns to her and says, "Amanda, I am so glad you shared with us today. And you know, you are welcome here as family, no matter in what capcity. You will have us to back and support you, and your son too. "Thank you so much, Sarah", she says. "It really is an honouor to be here among you." Now Melissa abruptly announces, "Okay everybody, Naomi has some things she would like us to hear, so can we please give her our full and undivided." Naomi appears almost centre stage, seated demurely in one of the armchairs in faded bluejeans and loose pink T shirt. She really is small. Dimunitive. Almost doll like, but for her glasses. "I had a very interesting chat with my grandfather the other day. his name is Elliot and he is an elder with the Sumas First Nation...."

The Peacock 1453

"Is that all", says Carl. "That is all." "Are you sure." "Absolutely." "Nothing more about your time in Israel." "Better left unsaid. I could still be in danger and Mossad, even though they haven't bothered me in more than a decade, are relentless." "They tracked you here in Canada?" "I've said enough." "How about Tristan." "I would prefer to leave him out of the article. I want to protect his privacy, and he is fragile. He shouldn't be exposed this way." "It will be as you wish, Amanda." "Thank you, Carl..."

The Peacock 1452

Carl suddenly produces his laptop, places it gently on his lap and opens it. "Let's write in these details right now as a postscript on the article." He types something in, then says, "Okay Amanda. Speak." "I have just sold Aphrodite Boutique. Having undergone this series of interviews with Carl in preparation for the article has prompted me to deeply rethink what I am doing with my life. I am nearly sixty, and there are things, footprints, legacies for which I simply do not wish to be known by posterity, among other things, selling vibrators and sex aids and bondage and sado-masochist apparati. I am a Christian. Mennonite by upbringing, and I have chosen to reembrsace my spiritual heritage. During my ten years living in the Holy Land I could see up close the futility and utterly destructive, murderous stupidity of armed conflict as a solution to the many complex problems in that deeply troubled parcel of land. As a Mennonite, I have returned to my pacifist roots. And now, as a Christian with a deep desire to faithfully serve my Lord Jesus Christ, I an also reembracing my spiritual rebirth. This has brought me the most incredible joy and peace, and I would prefer less selfish and more thoughtful and socially responsible ways of bringing to expression my newfound Christian faith and joy."

The Peacock 1451

"What are you going to do next?" says Carl. "It's future all unknown right now. I still have a mortgage to pay off and that could extend into my retirement years, or I could sell the place and go live with my dad. We are already talking about it, and he is beginning to get a bit frail so he will need someone to take care of him. And of course, there is my darling son to consider..." "Have you thought of throwing in your lot with us?" says Carl. "Hm... Young millionaire Christian journalist with his eccentric little community to the rescue? I suppose I could do worse. But actually I want to keep working for a while. I am trained as a social worker, and I think with some upgrading, I might be able to find something. But I might have my age against me. Next month I turn sixty, and still don't have enough to retire on, but I am expecting a nice return on the sale of Aphrodite. It's really too soon to tell..

The Peacock 1450

None of this is in the article", says Carl. "And it isn't going to be." Carl is not able to effectively disguise his disappointment. He sighs and says in a monotone of grudging acceptance, "It will be as you wish." "And that is exactly how it's going to be", says Amanda. "However, we will edit into the conclusion that I have sold Aphrodite, and that I am responding to the larger and deeper call that God has on my life." "What triggered it", says Sarah. "When Carl and I were exchanging emails and talking on Zoom, I found myself becoming increasingly ill-at-ease about what I was doing. There is something about being known for selling negligees and dildos that I have come to find positively creepy. But there is more to it. i felt God beginning to speak to me for the first time in years, for the first time since when I met Solly more than thirty-five years ago. I think it was getting involved with this guy and his messinic Jews that really deafened me to the voice of the Divine, and quite honestly, it has been through meeting you people and doing this interview with you, Carl, that that has begun to change....

The Peacock 1449

"That would be your son Tristan?" says Sarah. "The one and only", she sighs with resignation. "How is he?" "He is staying wth me. Seems to be calming down a bit. He's found a part time job in a grocery store and comes home from work complaining bitterly about the dreadful customers and his stupid boss and assenine coworkers." "So, he hassn't really changed", says Lazarus. Instead of jumping to her darling son's defense like a mama bear, Amanda simply says", I guess it's wait and see. But at least he's working." "Does he know who his father is", says George. She pauses, a look of sadness and defeat on her face. "no", is all she says. "what became of the iud", says Carol. "the day after Solly's funeral I had it taken out. It was a celebration, a liberation, plus, I immediately distanced myself from his messianic maniacs..."

The Peacock 1448

I collaborated and performed in some theatrical productions against the zionist occupation, and the message was very clear. We wanted all Jews out of the Holy Land and for the entire country to be reverted to Palestine. This got us into loads of shit, and I was constantly being harrassed by police and brought in for interrogations. Worst, I didn't believe in half of what we were doing. I hadn't thought it carefully through back then, but I was really all for the two state solution. But I was so angry and burnt out from my bigotted controlling husband and his tiny brained messianic Jewish cohort, that I only wanted to lash out and scream. Plus, I had fallen in love with Nahib. So, after ten yesrs, and with Mossad on my tale, my daughter, now sixteen, and I flew back to Canada where I discovered I was pregnant with Nahib's child...

The Peacock 1447

"I simply told him that I had fertility problems and then he got really pissed and tried to blame me for it. I suggested envitrio fertilization, but Messianic Jewas are staunch fundamentalists, which means he would have none of that kind of fetus killing tehnology. Instead, he formed a prayer chain of various others in our community to pray against my infertility. This went on for nearly five long years, until he was blown to bits in a sniper attack and I was suddenly a freshly minted widow. Being a soldier's widow won me some benefits, plus, I was beginning to spend more time with Nahib and some of his friends. They were all part of a loose resistance network, made up of number of Israeli Jews as well as Palestinian Arabs...

The Peacock 1446

Nahib and I quickly became friends. There was something about him that drew my attention, and he found me unusually friendly. He later said yhat being Canadian made me a´approchable because unlike pur laine Israelis I didn't think of myself as better than he or any of the Palestinians. And really, being married to Solly was becoming for me more a stone around my neck than anything. I was expected to be the dutiful and obedient Christian wife according to St Paul, and he just couldn't fathom why I couldn't conceive children. Of course, I never told him about the iud I had put it before moving with him from Canada. Even when we got married, some warning instinct told me not to have any children by him....

The Peacock 1445

"Nahib was working as a gardener on the campus. He had previously been a history teacher in high school on the West Bank, but was impaired by trauma after the IDF with help from settlers bulldozed his family home and basically kicked them all off of their property. He organized against them wth other Palestinians. They were going to launch an armed assault on an encampment of militaries, but they were caught in time. Those who weren't slaughtered on the spot, about twenty of them, were held in dentention under torture. Nahib was released three years later on a prisoner swap. Through some connections he found work in Tel Aviv, but was too emotionally impaired to return to teaching, and really, in the Israeli communities, Palestinian academics are usually less than welcome. They are expected to do all the low paid menial work...

The Peacock 1444

I would have to give it some thought, Carl" "You did mention before that you lived in israel. What exactly happened there?" "I made the mistake of getting married to a Messianic Jew." "Which whould be", says Sarah. "A Jewish Christian who believes in Zionism. I met him in Chilliwack when he was visiting our church. When he found out that my mother is Jewish, making me Jewish by extension, he courted me and married me in three months. I was a single mom, and my daughter Barbara and I moved with him to Tel Aviv where he was serving in the Israeli Defence Forces. This gave me a free ticket to enroll in the university there in arts and humanities. I was majoring in psychology and sociology. And that is also where I met my first Palestinian..."

The Peacock 1443

"I have performed in Tel aviv", says Carol. "twice. I have never played before such an appreciative or receptive audience before. The Israelis are simply wonderful." "Try living there for a while", says Amanda. "Oh, I imagine it must be hard with the suicide bombings and terrorist attacks." "It is much harder to live in a place for ten yers where the aboriginal inhabitants, the Palestinian people, are deprived of their most basic rights and freedoms and treated like cockroaches." "I imagine the israelis deserve to be safe." "Everyone deserves to be safe." "But the Palesinians wsant to drive them off their own land..." "Of course they do. Or some of them. It is after all their land." "but God promised it to the Jewish people." "And then he kicked them out because they put him to death on a cross. "You don't actually believe they did it", says Carol. Carl interjects, "The Romans did it, but they were under the orders of the Jews, so it is a shared culpability. Amanda, you never told me any of this during the interviews. is there anything here you might want to add...

The Peacock 1442

"Sticks and stones may break my bones", quips George, "But whips and chains excite me." "Something like that", says Amanda, forcing a smile. For some reason no one else is smiling or laughing at the joke, but this seems like a solemn moment and George, deflated, simply withdraws into himself. Most unusual to see him this way. "Sorry", she says to him, "I don't mean to rain on your parade. I guess I have already heard all the same jokes, over and over, and frankly I can't even remember when I began to get tired of everything, it was so long ago." "But just a week ago", says Carol, "you appeared all enthusistic and gung-ho and damn the torpedoes about what you are doing." "I've always been an actress", says Amanda. "In fact, when I lived in Tel Aviv for ten years I was involved in a few theatrical productions." "It's all in the article", says Carl...

The Peacock 1441

Say I to Amanda", "what are you plans now that Carl has just finished his article about you." I have just sold the business. "You're not serious", Says Sarah. "Dead serious. It's time." "What brought you to that decision", says Sarah. "Believe it or not it was the whole process and experience of being interviewed by Carl." "How so" "I was seeing everything in a new light. Listen, I am not young, I'll be sixty next year, and I would like something to be remembered for other than feather boas and horse whips."