Miracle in Midtown (Part 2)

The story was buried on page eleven of the New York Post, but it spread faster than a Queens fire on a windy day. By noon, it had jumped from social media to the local news, and by three o'clock, the headline "WINDOW WASHER SEES VIRGIN MARY IN MANHATTAN SKYSCRAPER" was flashing across the bottom of CNN.

Paulie Macaluso, who had spent his entire professional life trying to be invisible while dangling eighty stories above Manhattan, was suddenly the most visible man in New York.

"This man ain't no Jesus! He don't even pay no child support!" Jasmine Johnson's voice cut through the crowd gathered at the base of The Helix, her finger pointing accusingly at the tower as if Paulie might be watching from above. "Tell me, what kind of man has a vision of the Holy Mother and is a low-down mother himself?!"

Next to her stood Deshaun, their seven-year-old son, who looked bored and confused by the proceedings but perked up whenever a news camera swung in their direction.

"That's right! This deadbeat b***h owes me eighteen thousand dollars in back support! You want a miracle? Try getting that money out of him!" Jasmine had dressed for the occasion in her Sunday best, complete with a hat that could have doubled as a satellite dish, her voice projecting like she was auditioning for a Broadway musical instead of creating a scene outside a half-empty skyscraper.

Father Domenico, who stood nearby leading a hastily assembled prayer circle of thirty-seven worshippers (most of whom had never attended his church before this morning), winced every time Jasmine opened her mouth. This was not how he had envisioned the miracle spreading.

"Let us pray for Brother Paul in his hour of trial," Father Domenico intoned, struggling to be heard above Jasmine's continuing character assassination and the growing crowd of rubberneckers.

"Pray for his wallet to open! Pray for him to remember he's got a son!" Jasmine shouted back.

Miguel, who had taken a personal day to witness the circus, sidled up to a reporter from NYC Action News. "I can tell you this—Macaluso's been seeing things for years. Usually, pink elephants, if you know what I mean."

Social media was no kinder:

"Convenient timing for a 'miracle' at NYC's biggest real estate disaster #Helix #MiracleinMidtown"

"Window cleaner sees Virgin Mary... after 'cleaning' with José Cuervo #DrunkMiracle"

"Anyone check this guy's history? Probably trying to cash in. #ScamInTheSky"

By mid-afternoon, a peculiar assortment of humanity had gathered at The Helix's plaza. There were the devoutly religious, clutching rosaries and prayer cards. There were the cynically curious smartphones raised to capture any stray moments of notoriety. At least four individuals claimed to be representatives of various television producers, each promising Paulie (who wasn't there) exclusive deals for his "miraculous story."

NYC ACTION NEWS: “It’s part pilgrimage, part protest, part street fair down here at The Helix. While all denominations are represented, we do know of at least two Jesus and one Anthony Bourdain imitator arrested by NYPD for public disruption! Let’s break it down for you—some are calling it divine. Until all the facts are in—a Mother of God sighting must be taken seriously. Others? Well … this could be a publicity stunt. Father Domenico, affectionately known as the patron Saint of Organized Crime, says it’s real. Paulie Macaluso, the delusional drunk, has a history of fabricating whatever he can to get out of whatever trouble he’s in. And then there’s Jasmine Johnson and her abandoned son, Deshaun. They want their piece of flesh! Things have taken on a life of their own at The Helix this afternoon as the crowd awaits the return of whatever Heavenly vision the Holy Mother has in store for u