Beneath the Flames

by Gregory Lee Renz

  “Thanks for helping, Jen.”

  “They’re both adorable. And Jasmine, that girl is so darn beautiful and she doesn’t have a clue.” Jennie sat next to him. “What you’ve done with these girls is nothing short of miraculous. I’ve been telling Dr. Mallory, the psychologist, about them. He wants to meet them if it’s okay.”

  Mitch nodded. He wasn’t thinking about the girls, not with Jennie this close.

  “Hey, that was a really nice thing you did, buying Jasmine that necklace.” She grinned and said, “How come you never bought me anything like that?”

  “Didn’t think you went for that type of thing, sorry I…”

  She laughed her throaty laugh. “Just giving you crap.”

  She kissed his cheek. Her knee brushed his thigh, sending a warm ripple through him. He turned to her and she pressed her satiny lips to his. Their tongues danced over each other. Jennie’s breathing quickened. Mitch’s entire body prickled with desire. They fell back onto the soft beach towel, their bodies remembering, taking over, fitting together like before, but somehow better. He ran his hand along her thigh, up her side, and to her breast. She panted. Her hips pressed against him. Their wet bodies were ready for each other. This is where he belonged, with Jen. He kissed the nape of her neck right where it always drove her wild. She moaned.

  He slid the top of her bikini down and caressed her breast with his mouth. She stiffened, pushed him back, and pulled her top up. “No, Mitch, no. I can’t. I gotta go, Jason’s waiting.”

  She jogged across the pasture in her bikini, holding her clothes to her chest.

  Jason. Her man.

  Chapter 55

  Bert trotted figure eights around the barnyard with the girls on his back. Alexus had her arms around her big sister’s waist. Jasmine’s face was tranquil and focused. In less than a month, she had learned to control the pony with reins and her feet. Mitch, Billy, and Dr. Mallory watched from the fence. The men leaned over the rough-hewn fencing on their elbows, each with a leg resting on the lower rail like a couple of cowboys watching a rodeo. They were a strange duo, with Mitch in stained coveralls and the much taller doctor next to him in a tailored gray tweed suit.

  “Extraordinary,” Dr. Mallory said. “From what Jennifer told me about the trauma these girls have endured, to see them like this is enlightening. And you? Have you found peace? Come to terms with Maggie’s death?”

  “I’m not as messed up as I was. Working with kids has helped, but, I don’t know.” Mitch jammed his hands into his coveralls. “Sorry I was such a jerk last time I saw you.”

  Dr. Mallory grinned. “Jennifer told me what you’ve been doing in Milwaukee.” He paused and studied Mitch. “Embrace the good you’ve done.”

  “It never seems like enough. I feel like I’m chasing something just out of my reach. And I don’t have a clue what it is.”

  “What you accomplished with these girls gives me plenty to think about.”

  The doctor wedged his long frame into the black BMW two-seater and leaned his head out the window. “It might be shadows you’re chasing. Talk to your dad.”

  Miss Bernie and Jennie had been chatting on the porch during Dr. Mallory’s visit. Jennie had been coming in the mornings to swim with the girls. After Jennie’s rejection last Sunday, Mitch came up with excuses for not joining them.

  * * *

  At supper, Mitch told Miss Bernie and the others about Brother Williams’ call that morning. He wanted to bring some school kids to the farm for the Fourth of July weekend next week. The Boys and Girls Club of Milwaukee provided tents and equipment for them to camp. The farm would be reimbursed for any expenses. Brother Williams said they’d like to come a few days early and help with any repairs or maintenance to show off the carpentry skills Mitch had taught them.

  “So, what do you all think?” Mitch asked. “We could use some help around here. Maybe have them repaint the house and do some landscaping?”

  “Jesus Christ, we’ll have the whole goddamned ghetto here,” Sid said. “What the hell are you thinking?”

  Sid’s bellowing had become background noise. Nobody listened.

  “What about the rest of you?” Mitch said.

  “It would be a blessing for those children to spend some time here,” Miss Bernie said. “Most of ’em surely never seen a cow up close before.”

  Chris nodded enthusiastically. “I could have them help with milking.” He raised his brow at Mitch. “Then I can give the orders instead of taking them from my bossy brother.”

  “And they can help me with the calves,” Jasmine said.

  Alexus raised her hand like she was in school asking a question. “How ’bout having them fix your tree fort? Then we can play in there.”

  “That’s a great idea,” Mitch said. “So it’s decided. I’ll call Brother Williams and tell him to go ahead.”

  Sid banged the table and pointed at Mitch. “When those hellions start shooting the place up, it’ll be your damn fault. Probably get me shot or knifed in my own bed.”

  Miss Bernie rolled her eyes.

  “Jeez, Dad, they’re just kids,” Chris said.

  “Yeah, we’ll see.”

  * * *

  Mitch organized lumber, roofing, and windows at the foot of the oak tree to rebuild the treehouse. His friends, the Bunzell brothers, volunteered to help. Their family had been in the construction business for generations. They’d set up two hydraulic platforms, so the students wouldn’t have to work off ladders. Mitch purchased paint for the house. Chris took Miss Bernie to the garden center to select plants, trees, and shrubs for the yard.

  The day before the kids were to arrive, Chris took Miss Bernie into town to stock up on food and drinks. There’d be fifteen children along with Brother Williams and two adult supervisors from the Boys and Girls Club. She’d be feeding eighteen of them plus the girls, the Bunzell brothers, and the Garners. When they got back, it didn’t take long for the old farmhouse to fill with the smell of baking apples, cinnamon, and butter from the apple pies along with the rich smell of chocolate from chocolate chip cookies Alexus was baking.

  At breakfast the next morning, Miss Bernie bounced around the kitchen, checking the pantry and moving her pots and pans from counter to counter.

  Mitch watched in amusement. “Is it just the kids you’re excited to cook for?”

  “Wanted to church it up for their first day here.” The guilty look didn’t match her words. He knew whom she wanted to impress. She hadn’t seen him since they left Milwaukee.

  Mitch grinned to himself. He was excited too. This is what he needed to take his mind off Jennie. Sid watched all the activity with interest and kept his mouth shut. He had learned the hard way that he wouldn’t get any pie or cookies if he crossed Miss Bernie.

  Mitch stepped onto the porch to see what Billy was barking about. A yellow school bus with bright green bundles strapped to the top inched toward the house.

  “Miss Bernie, they’re here.”

  “Oh, Lord, I surely ain’t ready.”

  Everyone but Sid went to meet the bus. Sid watched from the porch, leaning on his walker.

  The folding bus door slammed open. The top of a shiny black bald head poked under the low opening. Brother Williams bounded down the metal steps, his overbite stretched in a broad grin. Excited children, most around Jasmine’s age, streamed out behind him. Mitch recognized two younger ones from the tutoring group at the firehouse, Alexus’s friend Elan, and Spiked Hair’s daughter, Peaches.

  Brother Williams went straight to Miss Bernie and they embraced. She stepped back and examined his baggy jeans and short sleeve denim shirt. “You sure a sight.”

  “Come here to work, not preach.”

  “Looking a bit spare. Best be ready to eat.”

  “You know that. You’re looking fine, though.”

  “Just hush now.”

  Brother Williams faced Mitch. “Thanks for making this possible, my brother.”

  Alexus ran at them. Brothe
r Williams hoisted her to his chest. She hugged his neck. “Now that’s what I’m talking about,” he said and kissed her cheek. “Where’s your sister?”

  Alexus pointed. “Over there next to my dog.”

  The noisy crowd of kids scurried past them toward the barnyard with two young female chaperones trailing. The cows were chomping dry feed and slurping water from the metal troughs. As the onslaught of kids charged the fence, the cows scattered in a cloud of dust.

  Brother Williams carried Alexus to Jasmine and put her down. Brother Williams kneeled and glanced at Jasmine’s uncovered neck, no longer wrapped in the Kente scarf. “Now that’s one fine necklace.”

  Jasmine pinched the gleaming white gold necklace. “I love it.”

  “And look at you,” Brother Williams said. “You’re growing into such a radiant young woman. I pray you can help tutor again when school starts. You’re a gifted teacher.”

  Jasmine’s face glowed.

  Sid observed all the commotion from the porch, leaning on his walker.

  “That your dad?” Brother Williams asked Mitch.

  “Afraid so. I’m not sure how he’s going to…”

  Brother Williams rushed to the porch and up the stairs. “Mister Garner. I want to thank you for allowing us to impose on your good will. You have a magnificent farm.”

  Sid craned his neck, gawking up at Brother Williams. Mitch wondered how many people assumed him to be an intimidating, violent man; someone to fear. Brother Williams reached out to Sid, who lifted his hand as if in a trance. They shook.

  Chris moved alongside Mitch and said, “No way.”

  “I’ve come to know your son well and must say, he’s been a savior and a blessing.” Brother Williams released Sid’s hand. “Any complaints while we’re here, you let me know. These students came here to help with your farm, not bother you.”

  Sid stood speechless, his hand still open from the shake.

  The porch steps creaked under Brother Williams’ heft as he ambled down to Mitch. “Where you want the tents?”

  “Anywhere on that side of the house. My dad’s room is on the other side.”

  “One more thing, Mitch.” Brother Williams turned solemn. “Come on over to the bus.”

  He had Mitch wait while he went inside. He came back holding a green and gold football jersey with the large “80” on it. “We were planning on Kyle coming along. I know how you loved that boy. We all did.” Brother Williams handed him the jersey. “The good Lord called our little Kyle home.” He paused while Mitch soaked in the words, shaking his head violently.

  Brother Williams gripped Mitch’s shoulder. “Find peace in knowing you gave him joy while he was with us. He was a blessing for all of us, students and teachers alike. Although he couldn’t respond in any physical ways, we all felt Kyle’s spirit, and he lifted us.” He paused. “That beautiful boy softened the hearts of students who had been hardened by the street. He taught us about selfless compassion and love. He was our teacher. Watching students take turns helping him so warmed my heart. This was God working through Kyle. I’m sure of it. Praise the Lord.”

  Mitch turned the soft jersey over in his hands.

  “Roberta, the attendant over at the nursing home, said you should have his jersey.”

  Mitch’s eyes blurred as he stared at the jersey, picturing Kyle’s bright grin when he gave him that first one.

  Chapter 56

  The red vintage Massy Ferguson tractor chugged through the moonlit back pasture, pulling a wagonload of squealing children as they bounced on bales of hay. Cows bawled at them as they wound through the herd, the evening air rich with the smell of manure and ripening crops.

  Mitch had promised them a hayride if they worked hard. After the tents had gone up in the morning, the children were split into groups. One group went with Mitch and the two Bunzell brothers to work on the treehouse, another with Brother Williams to start painting the farmhouse, and another with Chris to help with chores and work on planting the nursery stock around the yard. Jasmine showed the children in Chris’s group how to mix calf formula and feed them. The two chaperones volunteered to help Miss Bernie prepare the noon meal of scalloped potatoes and ham with fresh-baked buttermilk biscuits along with chilled pitchers of grape Kool-Aid. Jennie came early to help Miss Bernie before taking Sid to therapy.

  The crews took turns eating lunch. There were too many to eat at one time. Mitch’s crew was the last to come in. Brother Williams and Miss Bernie went to work on the dirty dishes when they finished. On the way out, Mitch spotted them through the kitchen window, standing side-by-side at the sink, gazing at each other and snickering like a couple of giddy teenagers.

  Alexus served as the tour guide on the evening hayride, going on and on about everything she knew about the farm and property. Mitch got a kick out of listening to this little girl lecture the older kids. She warned them about Sid, saying he liked to holler a lot because his brain was sick.

  Mitch took them to the pond where it sounded like a rainforest teeming with croaking frogs and screeching night bugs. Alexus launched into the story of Billy rescuing her from the deep water. With hand waving and animated facial expressions, she painted a dramatic picture of her near-drowning, ending with a stern warning to stay away from the pond.

  They continued to the edge of the dark woods where Mitch turned the tractor off. The rustling leaves, chirping insects, and eerie shadows from the bright moon were the perfect setting for a scary story. He told them about an old hermit who lived way back in the woods many years ago and whose ghost had been seen wandering the woods at night. Eyes as wide as Miss Bernie’s saucers peered at Mitch from the dark faces of the hushed children.

  “Listen,” Mitch whispered.

  Mouths dropped.

  Crashing sounds echoed through the woods, getting louder. Several children shouted, “Let’s go.”

  A figure draped in black, burst from the woods, running toward the wagon, screeching. Alexus and her little friends laughed. The older children shrieked.

  Chris threw off the sheet and laughed. “Got you guys.”

  Mitch had warned the young ones earlier so they wouldn’t be terrified.

  After a few moments of silence, the kids erupted, accusing each other of being scared. Chris jumped on the back of the tractor, and they headed to the house.

  In the middle of the makeshift campground stood an eight-foot pile of wood, stacked like a teepee, reeking of kerosene. Mitch had the children form a wide circle around it. “Firefighters call fire the Red Devil because of the pain and destruction it can cause. Tonight, the Red Devil will dance for us.”

  The fire erupted with a whoosh, the radiant heat forcing the children back while they hooted and hollered. After the kerosene burned off and the flaming pile of wood calmed, Brother Williams moved in front of the fire. “Mitch, come on over. We held a fundraiser at the church sponsored by our school. Our teachers planned it. We put a firefighting boot alongside Kyle’s wheelchair so he could be a part of it. You should have seen how people lined up to put money in that boot. I think half your fire department turned out. These children all helped with the food and games.”

  All eyes were on Mitch, their shiny faces beaming in the firelight.

  “Thought you had plenty of donations for the school,” Mitch said.

  “This was for you, for your farm. Kyle didn’t have much of a chance at life, but these children here do, thanks to you. Our school would have been shut down if not for you. You saved our school. We wanted to help save your farm.” Brother Williams handed Mitch a check. “This is from all of us at the school and our generous neighbors. And Kyle.”

  Mitch stared at the check in the orange, crackling glow of the fire: $8,654.25.

  A few hand claps sounded, then more until everyone’s hands were clapping together in thundering applause. Sid nodded at Mitch.

  They spent the rest of the evening singing songs like Old McDonald where the children made up their own silly lyrics, howling w
ith laughter. Chris kept busy helping make s’mores and pudgy pies over the fire. As the evening wore on, Mitch made his way around the dying fire, thanking every child.

  Alexus, Peaches, and Elan chatted off to the side, away from the older kids. Alexus was doing most of the chatting. When he got to them, Peaches handed him an envelope and said, “My daddy say to give you this. He say to thank you.”

  Mitch opened the wrinkled envelope and unfolded the note. In the dim light of the dying embers, he read, “DeAndre back. Stay away.”

  Chapter 57

  Chris banged pots and pans by the tents. It was still dark. Cows don’t wait for the sun to come up for milking and neither would they. The groups rotated activities each day so that by Saturday they’d all have a chance to help with the different projects and all have the wonderful opportunity to see the sun come up. The treehouse crew and painting crew were allowed to sleep in until breakfast, but most were milling around well before. Brother Williams had to rein the kids in occasionally when they got loud and rambunctious.

  The crews worked to exhaustion on Thursday, determined to finish the landscaping and painting. Friday morning, the Fourth of July, they all pitched in to complete the treehouse. The Bunzell brothers helped put the finishing touches on it and headed home to celebrate the Fourth with their families.

  Mitch and Brother Williams stood on the elevated platform in the shade of the giant oak tree’s broad canopy. They watched the children chase each other through the woods, the boys hiding behind trees and chucking pine cones at each other. Chris was in the middle of all the commotion, laughing and hollering right along with the children.