A Pursued Heart

by Elaine Manders

  “Thank you.” She took her pastry and coffee and gave Gammon a smile. “I remember. I’m glad you decided to take another job here at Bay.” She started to turn away when he stopped her.

  “My brother is head of maintenance at your apartment building. He told me about the spider scare you had last night.”

  “Oh, did he say what they’re doing about it?”

  “They’re getting rid of the spiders, no worry about that. Tad told me they could’ve come from anywhere. Someone might have a kid somewhere in the building who collects spiders and let them loose. They could’ve gotten into the drain pipes and hatched out in your pipes.”

  She tried to wrap that theory around her brain. Was this possibly just another weird coincidence? Not likely. “Well, so long as they’re gotten rid of them.” No need to let strangers know about her phobia. “I’ll be seeing you around, Mr. Gammon.”

  When Rebecca got back to her office, she keyed in Derek Gammon to bring up more details from his file. Wow. He held an MIT master’s and had seven years with a New York firm. How did she win out over him? She made a note to ask Dr. Breckenridge that very question when she saw him. At any rate, Gammon worked with plants, not venomous creatures.

  She pressed in Ben’s number. “Hi, sorry I missed you earlier.”

  “That’s all right. I just wanted to check on how you were doing today.”

  “Fine. I feel safe enough here. It’s going home that has me edgy.”

  She wished he’d say she was being silly, but a cautious note entered his voice. “I know, but we’ll get to the bottom of it. It’s a bad feeling to have your home being violated.”

  That was exactly what she’d felt, like her space had been violated. “This thing has stolen my peace, and I’m really going to have a hard time going back into my own home.”

  “I’ll go up with you and check it out.”

  “Thank you. As silly as that sounds, I appreciate it.”

  On the way home, Rebecca related what Gammon had told her about the maintenance man’s theory. Ben didn’t think much of it. “Anything’s possible, I suppose, but I’ve found the odds of something happening twice is astonishing, three times, near impossible. We’ll talk to the maintenance man as well.”

  And they did. They questioned the maintenance man, the head of security, and the doorman who couldn’t recall seeing Jason in months.

  Ben walked her to her apartment. They checked every nook and cranny together. All was as it should be, no evidence of spiders or any pests, human or animal.

  They stood looking out the window for a long time. Dusk had descended and the city’s lights shown—a beautiful, peaceful sight. She felt safe with Ben beside her, but he had to leave.

  With a deep sigh he faced her. “I’ve got to get going. Are you going to be all right?”

  “I think so. Thank you for coming.”

  “No need for thanks. Do you mind if we pray about it?”

  “I wish you would.”

  He took both her hands. “Heavenly Father, I pray for your peace for Rebecca. Blanket her with your protection. Help her to look upon spiders as one of Your creations to bring order to nature. We know all fear comes from Satan, and we ask you, Father, to bind him in Jesus’s name. Bring that peace that defies understanding to this apartment. Return that peace to Rebecca, and we give You all the glory. Amen.”

  Ben squeezed her hands and for the moment, peace did descend upon her. She walked him to the door. Still he seemed loathe to leave. “There’s a carnival in Haven. Tomorrow’s the last day so I’ve promised Jamie I’d take him. Would you come with us? Unless you have other plans.” A look of boyish uncertainty crossed his face.

  Tomorrow was Saturday. “I have no plans and I’d love to go to the carnival.”

  Ben grinned. “Good. We’ll pick you up at five. We’ll have that rich carnival food and let Jamie ride until he gets sick.”

  “What? I don’t get to ride?”

  He laughed. “Sure, though most of the rides are for no taller than this.” He held his hand chest high.

  “I’ll look forward to it, and thank you again for soothing my nerves, especially for the prayer.”

  “We’ll keep praying and investigating, I promise you that.”

  He held onto the door knob, then dipped his head. His kiss surprised her, and a good thing it did. If she’d had time to think about it, she might have clung to him.

  “Goodnight, Rebecca.” He was gone so quickly she suspected he’d realized the kiss shouldn’t linger.

  Chapter 10

  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. -James 1:2-4

  I thought the love of a woman would be a long time coming after Kelly, but here I am growing impatient. -Ben Lucas

  It probably wasn’t the best idea to wait until the last day to take Jamie to the carnival. The venues and rides were crowded. Ben and Rebecca held Jamie’s hands walking fast from the food concessions. Not that they feared losing him—just to keep up with him.

  They took a right into the kiddy rides area. “Aw, I’m too old for the baby rides,” Jamie pouted.

  Rebecca pulled him in line. “If you go on the flying elephants with me, I’ll go on one of the big rides with you.”

  Ben tore off the required tickets and handed them to Rebecca. She smiled. “You’re not going with us?”

  “I don’t think I’d fit, but have fun.”

  Ben watched Jamie cling to Rebecca. In spite of his protests, he had a lot of baby still in him. It had been a rough year for him. Jamie had trouble opening up to people, and Ben was surprised his son had connected so quickly with Rebecca.

  When he’d first met her, he’d seen the epitome of the high-class career woman. No way would he have imagined she’d take up time with a child and apparently enjoy it. There was more to Rebecca than met the eye. Yet there was a lot for the eye as well. With her honey-tipped dark hair flying in the wind and wide grin revealing perfect teeth, she brought a new feeling to Ben. An attraction he’d not thought possible.

  It bothered him his image of Kelly was fading.

  “Hello, Ben.”

  He turned to find Cindy Wasselman holding the hand of a toddler. “Hello, Cindy. Is this little princess yours?” He knew Cindy had two young children but had never paid much attention at church. He did recall seeing the strawberry blonde, cherubic-looking girl in the nursery.

  “This is Betsy. Her brother, Robbie, is standing in line for the bumper cars. They scare Betsy. I suppose you’re here with Jamie?”

  “I am.” Ben pointed. “That’s him in the yellow elephant, you might recognize the lady with him.”

  “Rebecca Atkins.” The scowl on Cindy’s face said a lot. She smiled quickly. “She’s done a lot for the Sunday School class. I guess it takes an ambitious woman to get things done.”

  “She is that, all right.”

  “My mother lives in her apartment building. She had to spend the day at my place since Rebecca had the whole building fumigated. All over finding a spider. Can you imagine?”

  “It was numerous spiders and venomous ones, at that. You should be glad they didn’t get in your mother’s apartment.”

  Cindy shrugged. “I didn’t know you and Rebecca were dating.”

  “We’ve only been out a couple of times.” On official dates anyway.

  This seemed to please Cindy. “I shouldn’t say anything, but you should be careful. Some people aren’t the fine Christians they seem to be. Rebecca is very pretty, as well as ambitious.”

  “Nothing wrong with that.” What was she getting at? Whatever it was, he didn’t want to find out. “So what grade is Robbie in this year?”

  “Third.” The ride was coming to an end and Cindy made to go. Unexpectedly, she grabbed Ben’s arm. “There’s a reason she got that director’s job. She knew Dr. Breckenridge very w
ell, if you know what I mean.” She stalked away before he could reply, which he wouldn’t have done anyway. Feeding gossip was as bad as spreading it.

  “Was that Cindy Wasselman?” Rebecca asked as she and Jamie came up.

  “Yeah, she’s here with her kids.”

  “That’s a cute little girl she has. I really feel sorry for her trying to make a living by herself. Our class ought to do something for her and the kids for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

  “Come on, Miss Becca. You promised.” Jamie tugged her hand.

  She laughed back at Ben and skipped along with Jamie, who was tearing his way to the Pirate’s Ship, one of the big rides that swung one hundred and eighty degrees like a giant sew-saw. Since there was plenty of room, Ben rode with them. How could a woman who went into a panic attack over a half-inch spider throw up her hands as they were tossed almost upside down?

  After Jamie and Rebecca rode the roller coaster, they all went on the Ferris wheel. She sat in the middle this time, and when it stopped with them at the top, she sent him a sly smile. “Afraid of heights?”

  “Not afraid exactly, but I am reminded of the law of gravity.”

  “I learned something about fear the other night.”

  “Oh, what?”

  “You have to face it head on—not daring, of course—but trusting in God through it all.”

  “You’re right about that.”

  “I’m not ready to face spiders yet, but I fortified myself with the scriptures. Do you know how many times “fear not” is mentioned in the Bible?”

  “How many?”

  “I don’t know. I was asking you.” She laughed and linked her arm through his as they came down the ride’s ramp.

  “Well, I don’t know that, but I do know perfect love casts out fear.” They shared a glance, so brief he almost missed it. But in that moment, he knew he wanted to get to know Rebecca Atkins much better. More than that. He wanted her a permanent part of his and Jamie’s lives.

  “I’m hungry.” Jamie announced as they left the Ferris wheel.

  “So am I.” Rebecca took Jamie’s hand and hooked Ben’s with her other arm. “Nothing tastes better on a perfect fall day than carnival food.”

  As they walked to the nearest concessions, Ben decided to take a chance. “Week after next is Thanksgiving. Jamie and I are going up to Michigan. My folks have a place on the lake. How would you like to go with us?” It might be short notice for a woman who had a harried life, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

  “Are you from Michigan?”

  “Originally, yes. I’d like to show you my boyhood home.”

  “Will there be snow?”

  He let his hopes soar. It was getting more important that she say yes. “It has snowed by Thanksgiving, but I don’t think there’s any on the ground now. But who knows? It can turn frigid overnight.”

  “I wish I could. Truth is, I was going to help Darcy cook for the homeless shelter. Actually, she’ll be cooking. I’ll be serving.”

  His hopes evaporated in a whiff of disappointment. How could one argue with plans as noble as that?

  “Maybe another time.”

  They walked up to the corndog stand. After that, they ate funnel cakes. If this didn’t give him indigestion, nothing would.

  “Can I play some games, Dad?”

  “We’ve used up the ride tickets, but I think we can spare ten dollars for games—and no goldfish.” Ben had made the mistake of letting Jamie win a goldfish at the fair. It had died the next day.

  Jamie picked up ducks, threw rings on bottles, and tossed a basketball until he had a pocketful of useless junk. He wanted to shoot for a big prize. Naturally the burly man hawking the game egged him on.

  “All right, buddy, but it costs two dollars. That’s all we have left. One chance, that’s it.”

  Naturally, Jamie missed. “Why don’t you try, Ben?” Rebecca was no help.

  “Please, Dad. I want the panda.”

  Ben took out another two dollars and selected a gun. He had to hit the bell three times for a panda. He worked with the sight until the hawker complained. “Gonna show us what you got tonight?”

  Ben closed one eye and fired. Ding. He had the sights right. The bell dinged two more times, much to the hawker’s displeasure, his enthusiasm gone as he unhooked the big stuffed panda bear and handed it to Jamie. Rebecca clapped her hands, and Ben had the foolish notion to go again to win her a panda. But he wasn’t a teenager trying to impress a girl, and it was getting late.

  Without giving it much thought, he slipped his arm around Rebecca’s waist as they strode to the parking lot. Jamie caught her hand on the other side, hugging the stuffed toy to his chest.

  It would be easy to get used to this—a real family.

  As they found Ben’s truck, a red convertible passed them and the woman in the passenger’s side waved. Cindy Wasselman. Ben sensed Rebecca tense. “What is it?”

  “That man with Cindy.”

  Busy getting Jamie locked into his car seat, Ben sent a questioning glance over his shoulder. “Yeah?”

  “Unless I’m greatly mistaken, it was Jason.”

  He straightened and studied Rebecca’s features. Was she jealous? Did she still have feelings for Jason?

  She shrugged and got into the passenger’s side. When he belted into the driver’s seat, she dove into her handbag. “Would you believe I haven’t checked my messages all day?”

  “Sounds good to me. Everybody needs a break from the machines now and then.”

  She laughed and swiped her phone. Then her face turned pale.

  “Something wrong?”

  She held the phone up, screen facing him. He read the text.

  I’m watching you.

  He took her hand resting on her knee. “I assume you don’t recognize this number.”

  “No.”

  “We’re going to get it traced.”

  “What if the police won’t do that?”

  “I know someone who will.”

  Chapter 11

  He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. -Proverbs 14:21

  Most men want to impress me by showing me a good time. I’ve never known one who will sacrifice his own plans for the sake of others. – Rebecca Atkins

  Rebecca dropped her handbag on the sofa and gazed out the windows at the street below. The peace she’d found in Sunday School was shattered by the visit to the Police Precinct. The young officer who took her statement was nice, but she got the feeling he was laughing behind her back. If Ben hadn’t insisted they take her charges seriously, she doubted they’d even promise to trace the phone number that left that cryptic note. They’d have dismissed her outright.

  That was new to her. She usually got respect in any situation. But in all other situations she made sure she had her facts straight and could back up anything she said. She couldn’t make any sense of what was happening now.

  Darcy had a date with Sam so Rebecca had the entire evening to herself. She might as well catch up on some work. After staring at the computer screen for ten minutes she gave up.

  Ben had asked her for their first just-the-two-of-them date, a play at the local high school. The daughter of one of Ben’s co-workers was in the play, and he’d bought a ticket weeks before.

  He wanted her to spend Thanksgiving with his family. She wished that were possible. Not only did she want to spend time with Ben and meet his family, she desperately wanted to get out of town, away from the reach of whoever pursued her.

  Why would anyone want to pursue her? But when did a madman or woman need an excuse?

  Her phone sounded an incoming text. Since yesterday, she feared even looking, but she did.

  She breathed easier when she saw it came from Ben. I have news. Give me a call when you have time.

  Had the police called him? She went into contacts and tapped his number and he answered almost immediately. “What’s the news?” She had a bad habit of being too abr
upt, but he already understood her. Why he did, she didn’t know, but he would.

  “You were sitting on ready.” He laughed.

  “Don’t keep me in suspense.”

  “I had a long talk with my mom and dad this afternoon.”

  How could that be news? Fortunately, she had the presence of mind to be polite. “How are they?”

  “Great. Dad had an accident a few weeks ago, but he’s almost recovered. Anyway, I told them about you, and they really want to meet you. If Jamie and I stay until late Thanksgiving Day, I could help out at the soup kitchen along with you and Darcy, then we can all go to Michigan.”

  She took too long to digest what he was saying and he went on, “Cheryl will take care of Jamie.” He chuckled again. “Jamie will get two thanksgiving dinners.”

  “That’s wonderful, Ben, we’d love to have your help at the homeless shelter, but I wouldn’t want you to make your parents hold Thanksgiving dinner for my sake.” She yawned, giving away the fact she hadn’t slept well last night. But she didn’t want him to take it for boredom so she forced a bright note to her voice and added, “Not that I wouldn’t enjoy a real sit-down family meal this year and my folks are on a world cruise.”

  “It won’t be any trouble to change mine and Jamie’s tickets for late Thanksgiving Day, and I could easily get you one at the same time.”

  The enthusiasm in his voice told her better than anything that this guy really liked her. He wanted her to meet his parents. That meant— But that was too fast. Still, she really liked him, too, and she needed him in a way she’d never needed a man before. She didn’t want to lead him on, though. But he was moving a bit too fast for her.

  “Rebecca?”

  “I’m still here. I guess you surprised me is all. If it’s not too much trouble getting me a ticket, and if you’re sure your folks wouldn’t mind me barging in, then yes, I’d like to have Thanksgiving with you guys.”