by JoAnn Durgin
Caleb kissed the top of her head. “Such wisdom you have. Yes, they can follow us, but I’m hoping they’ll move on. Not that I’d wish this on anyone else.”
A deep frown slid over her features. “I wish you weren’t rich. Then this wouldn’t be happening.”
“Being rich is a matter of opinion. There are different ways to be rich.”
“Like what?”
“You can have all the money in the world but not have love. Trust me, it’s much better to be rich in character than to live in a house full of things. Friends, family, and love are what’s most important.” Lauren couldn’t know how long it’d taken him to reach that conclusion. Ten years ago, he wouldn’t have been able to say such a thing. He’d gone through his own years of searching and making hasty, ill-advised decisions he’d later regretted. All part of the process of growing up and maturing.
Lauren’s expression brimmed with skepticism. “Then you should go out and do stuff with people more. Make connections. You’re still kind of young.”
“I have a life, believe it or not.”
“Not really. You never go out with people or have fun. Other than going to the health club and stuff. By the way, you stink.” Wrinkling her nose, Lauren pulled away.
“My primary job is to watch over you, Lauren. Until I know the threats are gone, I need to focus on keeping you safe.”
“Did you get ransom notes or something?”
He found it interesting how her preteen mind processed information, skipping from one train of thought and topic to another in a matter of seconds. Her voice sounded much stronger now, an encouraging sign. Her inner spark was igniting, reminding Caleb of himself. Ultimately, his daughter was a fighter. He liked that, but with all her youthful naiveté, she might unwittingly do something to put herself in danger.
“Ransom notes are sent when someone is actually kidnapped,” he said. When Lauren’s eyes widened as if in fear, he shook his head. That’d been the wrong thing to say, but it was too late to retract the words. “I’ve received a few messages. On my phone.”
“How’d they get your phone number? You never give it to anybody.” That wasn’t true. He’d called Caty, so she had his number. Even now, he wasn’t sure why it’d happened, only that he wanted Caty to have his number if she ever wanted it. He didn’t look at it, subconscious or not, as a mistake.
“I don’t know,” he said. “Hackers must have tapped into my phone.” He’d done everything he could to ensure they didn’t crack the multiple passwords and safety precautions on his computers.
Three written messages had also been delivered in plain white business-size envelopes by a messenger service and left at the Belac front desk in Dallas. They’d been intercepted by Cordelia. He’d thoroughly checked out the messenger company and the kids who’d delivered the envelopes. At their request, he’d turned the notes over to the police, but…nothing. Frustration had settled in his gut long ago by the lack of solid leads or answers.
For whatever reason, he decided not to tell Lauren about the envelopes. Realistically, what purpose would it serve?
“Can I hear the messages?”
“No, you may not hear them.” Caleb’s words came out more harsh than he’d intended. “The police have them.” Of course, he’d kept copies of the recordings, but no way would Lauren ever hear them. They were full of sick, twisted, perverted words about what they’d do to his daughter. He doubted any sane father in the world would have been able to listen to those messages and not take them seriously. If he’d known the identity of the person or persons, he’d go after them himself. Heaven forbid anyone would ever touch a hair on her precious head.
He’d never been a violent man, but after receiving the vile messages, Caleb could better understand the motivation behind those who chose vigilante justice to eliminate a threat to their loved ones. Didn’t make it right, but it made some kind of sense for those who didn’t have any basis in faith or belief in a just God.
You claim to have faith, but you’re not living like you do. That truth saddened him.
Caleb had no one but himself to blame. He needed to get back on track with his prayer life. He needed to reconnect with the Savior he’d claimed all those years ago, sitting at the kitchen table with his mother. Asking Jesus into his heart had been the easy part.
“Chill,” Lauren said. “I was just asking.”
He tweaked her nose. “Do you like Greenbriar-Browne?” A high-priced private school that charged him a fortune but worth it all. Their security made the grounds a virtual fortress.
“It’s okay.” Lauren lifted her shoulders. “It seems safe enough, anyway. But now I know why you have Ollie drive me to school and then pick me up again.”
“I don’t know what else to do until I know for sure the threats are gone.”
“But what if there are new threats?” Lauren’s blue eyes grew wide again. “I mean, there are always crazies out there, right?”
“Unfortunately, that’s true. I promise I’m doing everything I can to make sure you’re safe. That’s my utmost priority.” What a sad world they lived in where a kid knew such things.
“One more question.”
“What’s that?” He almost dreaded what she’d ask next.
“When does it end?”
“I don’t know, baby.” Next to telling Lauren her mother had passed away, those were the most difficult words he’d ever said.
He hated feeling helpless. A total, utter helplessness was all he could feel. Until Lauren leaned into him again, needing him and his reassurance. And that gave him immeasurable comfort, more than his daughter could ever know.
Jesus, be with us both. Keep my daughter safe. Please.
Chapter 13
By the time Caty came back inside, the men had already brought in her dining room table and chairs. She heard a few grunts and muffled directions from Sam as the men, including her dad, carried the bottom part of her entertainment center into the living room.
Biting her tongue not to chastise her father, she asked them to set the heavy piece of furniture along the side wall across from the sofa. Even though her dad was in great shape for his age, she didn’t want him to feel like he needed to keep up with the younger guys and overdo it.
That job accomplished, Sam removed his baseball cap and wiped his forearm over his brow. His dark waves were plastered flat on his head. He nodded in Josh’s direction with a wry grin. “By the way, we’re now addressing Josh as Your Excellency.”
“I wish you people would stop that,” Josh protested. “Not that I don’t appreciate your support. I say let’s go unload some more furniture.”
“Not so fast,” she called to Josh. “You’ve earned a break. What’s this all about?” Caty figured this must be what Eliot had alluded to in the restaurant. Closing the front door, she then ran to the thermostat and cranked up the air conditioning.
Kevin grabbed water bottles from a cooler and tossed one to each of the guys. Then he handed Caty a bottle before taking another for himself. “Governor Collins mentioned Josh as a potential candidate for his short list of same-party candidates he’d like to see run for lieutenant governor in the next election.” Twisting the cap off his water bottle, he took a drink and then toasted Josh. “Here’s to my brother-in-law, ladies and gentlemen.”
“Nothing’s been said to me directly,” Josh told her. “I’m shocked he suggested it. Although I appreciate the recognition, there are no guarantees, especially since the lieutenant governor is elected independently from the governor. It’s not like a running mate kind of situation.”
After taking a drink of his water, Sam nodded to his close friend. “Don’t sell yourself short, Josh. You’re qualified, and you’ll be more experienced by the time the election rolls around in three years.”
“From what I understand, the lieutenant governor is equally important as the governor, if not more so,” Caty said. “Seems like a lot has happened while I’ve been serving my time in Lubbock. Josh, do you kn
ow Governor Collins personally?”
“I’ve met him a few times. I’ve served on two key committees and worked with a senator on a statewide initiative.”
“And that’s how it’s done,” Caty said. “Excellent! You’ve obviously impressed him.”
“If I’m even on the ballot, I’d be the underdog with little possibility of being elected. There are people much more qualified than me.”
“They also need fresh blood in Austin, and you’d be spectacular.” Josh’s wife, Winnie, stepped inside the living room with a box in her arms. “Move aside, guys. Drinking glasses coming through.” The pretty blonde hip-bumped her husband. “You too, Your Excellency.”
Catching his wife around the waist, Josh gave her a quick kiss.
Caty smiled. “Thank you for coming, Winnie. Mom’s literally inside the kitchen cabinets putting down pretty shelf paper, bless her heart. I’ll be in shortly.” She turned back to Josh. “Premature or not, you’ll get my vote when the time comes.”
“Thanks, Caty, but that’s enough of this talk.” Josh motioned to the other men. “Time to bring in more furniture.”
Sam Sr. came inside the front door, panting a bit, his face flushed.
“Dad, you’re overdoing it,” Caty scolded. “Come and sit down. Rest for a few minutes, and I’ll get a low-sodium water bottle for you.”
“I’m fine. Give me a second to catch my breath. The coffee table’s sitting outside the door.”
“I’ve got it. Dad, listen to Caty.” Sam walked out the front door behind Kevin and Josh.
“That thing weighs a ton!” Caty slid her hands to her hips. “I can’t have it on my conscience if you hurt yourself. Mom!” She felt like a teenager for calling her mother, not to mention tattling on her father, but Sarah was the only person who could talk sense into her father and make him listen.
“I’m not helpless, Catherine. I can get my own water. And no need to yell. I’m not deaf.”
Caty watched as he strolled into the kitchen, tall, straight, and proud as ever. Once a military man, always a military man. He wore a hearing aid in one ear, the result of Ménière’s Disease, a disorder of the inner ear diagnosed years ago when he’d served overseas with the Air Force. The condition had grounded him as a pilot. Coming home to tiny little Rockbridge, Texas, also led Dad into her mother’s arms.
Sam and Josh lowered the coffee table to the floor and Kevin came back in with the second matching side chair. As the other two men headed out again, Sam turned to her.
“Dad’s fine. Just a little sensitive about the increased hearing loss.”
“How about the migraines? The vertigo?”
Sam grabbed his water bottle and took another quick drink. “Under control. You know he says that’s why God led him to marry Mom.” True enough. The effects of Ménière’s could prove debilitating to some, but their mother had helped Dad to effectively manage the disease through the years.
Tugging on her ponytail, Sam gave her a concerned big brother expression. “I caught your smile when you came back inside after the phone call. Do you have a boyfriend?”
Caty pulled away before he could tug on her hair again. “Not telling. A girl has to have some secrets.” Besides, how could she answer that question? She’d tell Sam when she had anything to tell. “Be sure and send me a bill for your services. I’m sure this expert TeamWork moving service doesn’t come cheap.”
Sam chuckled. “Special today only for Catherine Lewis. Help us out with a local TeamWork project sometime, and we’ll call it even.”
“I’m sure that can be arranged.” An idea took root in her mind. Why not try to get something set up with Belac? An event that Caleb might attend and bring his daughter?
Sam chuckled. “We’ll unload the dining room furniture next and then the bedroom.”
“You’re the best. I still can’t believe you’re doing this for me. Please don’t you overdo it. I can’t have it on my conscience if any of you strain anything.”
“No worries.” Sam wrapped her in one of his warm hugs. “Glad we can help. We old guys can always use the exercise.”
“You’re not old. No offense, but you are sweaty.” Laughing, Caty fanned her shirt before going to check on her mother. Sarah was still working on the large lower cabinets while Winnie measured liner paper for the silverware drawer.
Winnie glanced her way. “Lexa wanted to come, but she’s on deadline for her next book and sends her apologies.”
“I know,” Caty said. “She called and Sam also told me.” Who could have known that both Sam and Lexa would be publishing books? It didn’t hurt that another of their TeamWork members was a Christian publisher, but their talents never ceased to amaze Caty. The books sold, and they wouldn’t continue to fly off the bookstore shelves if they weren’t well done.
Caty set about unpacking a box containing small appliances. “Which thinly veiled, real-life TeamWork love story is H.L. Joseph, also known as Lexa Lewis, working on now?”
Winnie ducked her head but not before Caty caught her smile. “Oh, something about a man who finds his redemption in the child he didn’t know he had.”
“Ah, the old secret baby theme.”
Beneath the counter, Caty heard a grunt from her mother. Oh, oh. She really should think before she spouted the first thing that came into her mind. “Winnie, I’m sorry if that sounded insensitive.” Lexa’s latest book was obviously patterned after Winnie’s love story with Josh.
“No worries. Josh and I get to read it first and give our approval, just like Marc and Natalie did for their story. Have you read any of them yet, Caty? I think you’d really like them. She adds a lot of humor along with solid spiritual truths.”
“No.” Caty lifted her shoulders. “I need to remedy that, and I hope Lexa’s not offended that I haven’t. I suppose I’m still writing my own story.”
“Now, that’s a good line!” Sarah called from inside the cabinet.
Caty shook her head and leaned down to where her mother still worked beneath the cabinet. “Mom, how did you even fit all of you under there? That’s got to be uncomfortable.” Her mother was close to her own height. “You’re going to be stiff and need Dad’s help to climb out of there.”
“Bite your tongue, Catherine Grace. Why do you think your dad and I walk every morning and play tennis or golf twice a week? I’m limber as ever.”
Winnie winked. “Enjoy the best job in the house while you can. Directing traffic.”
“Caty, come check out the dining room.” This time it was the senior Sam who’d called her. “See if we have everything where you want it.”
“Yes, sir. Coming!” The dining room was set up in short order, and then the men paraded inside with more boxes for the kitchen and other rooms. They started stacking them against the walls, and the sight almost overwhelmed her. Maybe she should have gotten rid of some things before leaving Lubbock. When had she accumulated so much stuff? It’d take her weeks, if not longer, to unpack all these boxes.
After helping more in the kitchen, Caty carried in more boxes from the truck that contained her personal mementos and collectibles.
“I’ll come by this week and help you unpack,” Sarah said when they stopped a short time later for a quick break. They munched on fresh fruit Winnie provided for them.
“I’d love that, Mom! Especially since I’m starting at Belac on Monday, I won’t have a lot of time. It’d take me months to unpack everything. I’ll figure out a way to repay you.”
“Honey, no repayment is necessary. That’s what mothers do for their children.”
“Still, I’ll send you and Dad to eat somewhere special to say thank you.”
Her mother smiled. “We still love dinner at The Grotto.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Caty made a mental note to pick up a gift card on her next trip to the grocery store. She continued working in the living room while the men arranged her bedroom furniture on the second level. She glanced up not long after to see Kevin coming d
own the stairs.
“Everything’s coming together nicely,” he told her. “I need to grab a tool from my truck to finish putting together the bed frame.”
“Kevin? How are Rebekah and the twins? I can’t believe I haven’t met them yet.”
A beaming, proud papa smile creased his face as Kevin paused in the doorway. “They’re great. Elizabeth and Jacob turned a year old last week. They keep us busy, but we’re settling into this parenthood thing. It’s true what everyone says about how your life is never the same. In our case, it’s even better. Rebekah’s a natural mother, and it’s been fun to see how the kids change every week.”
“I’m sure,” Caty said. “I don’t want to keep you, but do you have a recent picture?”
“Of course.” Stepping closer, Kevin reached into his back pocket and tugged out his wallet. “This was taken a few weeks ago before their first birthday.”
Taking the photo, Caty moved one hand over her heart. “Oh, they’re beautiful.” Elizabeth, named for Kevin’s late mother, was blonde like Rebekah while Jacob had curly, dark hair. Their features were a wonderful combination of the couple. “Are they walking yet? Talking?”
“They hold hands and walk together…or fall down together. They babble and say a few words and seem to have their own private language. Mom Grant said Josh and Rebekah used to do the same thing.”
Caty returned the photo. “Is Rebekah still working with Sam and Josh full-time in the TeamWork office?” A former elementary school teacher, Rebekah now managed the educational division for the domestic missions.
“Part-time. Sam’s a generous boss, and she’s worked from home two days a week since the twins were born.”
Caty’s eyes misted. “I’m so happy for you, Kevin. Really, I am.” Silly girl. Why did she have to tack on those last three words? Did Kevin have any clue how she’d crushed on him when she was younger? In her eyes, he’d been the ideal man—tall, handsome, quiet but strong in his faith. Musically talented, Kevin was a former youth leader turned part-time worship director. Successful, too, since he owned and operated the four Texas locations of his family’s Louisiana-based lumber stores. Marta told her that he’d patented a gazebo design, called Rebekah’s Heart, and it’d been a financial success for Kevin. From what Marta told her, consistent with his character, Kevin had donated a large portion of that money back into TeamWork.