Danny shook his head. “Daddy died before he told me how, and Mom was too sad.”
“Do you want me to explain it?” Sam asked.
Danny nodded. “I wanted to ask Mom, but I wasn’t sure how.”
“Salvation’s pretty simple. We’ve all sinned, but Jesus came to earth to die for our sins. Because He paid sin’s price, we can go to heaven if we ask for forgiveness. We get off the hook like death-row felons going free because Jesus was executed in our place.”
“But what happens if people don’t ask God to forgive them?”
“They have to pay sin’s price themselves. Acts 4:12 and John 14:6 say believing in Jesus is the only way to get to heaven. If there’d been another way for sin to be forgiven, you can bet God would’ve chosen that way rather than letting Jesus die such a painful death.” Sam paused. “Danny, would you like to ask God to forgive your sins?”
“Do you think He would?”
“Of course I do. Romans 6:23 says salvation’s God’s free gift.”
“But what should I say?”
“Romans 10:9-10 tells us to believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord and confess with our mouths that God raised Him from the dead. When we do that and confess our sins, 1 John 1:9 says God will forgive us.”
“But what if I don’t ask right?”
“God sees your heart, and He listens to it even more than your words.”
Nodding, Danny bowed his head. He prayed silently for a moment and then said, “I think God did it! I feel better!”
Sam gave him a hug. “I know He did! And He’s gonna help us with Rick too.”
Over Sam’s shoulder, Danny saw Gil beaming in the corner. Feeling the knot in his stomach loosening for the first time in months, he sighed and smiled.
“Do yuh men-folks ’ave de table set?” Zara called from the kitchen. “De noodles are done, and de garlic bread is browned to perfection.”
Quickly tossing forks by the plates, Nathan replied, “All finished, honey. Everything smells wonderful.”
“Go on, mister-flattery mon.” Zara laughed merrily, bringing in the food.
As they sat down, Mr. Jacobson motioned for Sam to say grace. Looking around the table, Danny felt a warm glow in his chest. These were good people. Gil was right to have him ask for their help.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
By the time supper was finished, Danny felt completely at home with the Jacobson clan. He fit right in, drying dishes while Nathan washed.
“Grandpop, why don’t you have a seat,” Sam said, taking the salad bowl from his grandfather’s hand. “I’ll finish clearing the table.”
“I believe I will. Thank you, Sam.”
As Nathan handed him another dish to dry, Danny watched as Mr. Jacobson went to the stool where Gil was perched. Danny could tell she wasn’t paying attention. She was bent over staring at the cat. Sheba’s fur was bristled, and it was obvious the cat could sense Gil’s presence. It was also obvious that Gil didn’t realize Mr. Jacobson was about to sit on her.
“Gil!” Danny shouted.
Looking up quickly, Gil slid to the floor as Mr. Jacobson sat down.
“Gil?” Nathan said in a puzzled voice. “What do you mean?”
Danny grinned as inspiration hit him. “I meant to say guilty. I guess a frog got in my throat. I’m guilty of overeating—that pasta was yummy.”
Nathan smiled at his wife. “It sure was. When you get married, look for a kind-hearted woman with a worn-out cookbook.”
As Zara swatted Nathan’s rear with a tea towel, the doorbell rang.
“I bet that’s Mom,” Danny said in an excited voice as he finished drying a plate.
Mr. Jacobson rose from the stool. “I’ll bet you’re right.”
“Don’t get up, Grandpop,” Sam said. “Danny and I will let her in.”
* * *
Outside room 468 in Heisenberg Hall, Crystal took a deep breath and peeked through the window in the door. The classroom was packed. The Bible study had tripled in size since she’d last attended. She was pleased more people were coming, but she knew she was going to miss the coziness of a small-group setting. If she’d been attending regularly, she wouldn’t have paid attention to the increase in size, but a few months ago, Marc had started coming and she couldn’t bear to be there.
Leaning her forehead against the door, she watched as Zeke led worship. The music surrounded her in a peaceful cloud. She’d been avoiding Bible study for too long. She wasn’t going to be a coward anymore.
Smoothing her hair, Crystal turned the knob and stepped inside. Suddenly, she caught sight of Marc. His eyes were closed, and his hands were raised in worship. She blinked rapidly and lost control of her breathing. As she stared at Marc, she noticed Ryan looking directly at her. Her face went white as he motioned to the empty seat next to Marc. With Ryan’s invitation to join them, she couldn’t follow through with her plan to sit in the back and sneak out early.
Nervousness washed over her in a sickening wave. She despised herself for her weakness, but she knew she couldn’t stay. If spending five minutes in Marc’s company was uncomfortable, the thought of sitting next to him for over an hour was torture. She wouldn’t be able to control her breathing, and Marc would be sure to guess…
Shaking her head at Ryan, Crystal turned sharply and went out the door. Some things in life were best left alone—this was one of them.
* * *
Sam went to the front door with Danny and watched as the boy gave a happy little skip.
“I can’t wait for you to meet Mom,” Danny said. “You’re gonna love her.”
“I’m sure I will,” Sam replied, smiling at the boy’s enthusiasm and opening the door.
When Sam saw the woman on the doorstep, he blinked. Sue was standing in the moonlight with her lips curved into a gentle smile, and she was wearing a blue blouse that accentuated the beauty of her eyes. Her honey-colored hair was flowing in soft waves around her shoulders and the porch light was making it sparkle like pure gold. Sam swallowed. Danny’s mother was extremely pretty. She certainly wasn’t the matronly, browbeaten woman he’d been imagining. As he tried to think of something charming, or witty—or at least coherent—to say, Danny took his mother’s arm and drew her into the room.
“Guess what, Mom?” the boy exclaimed. “I asked Jesus to come into my heart!”
“Why, Danny, that’s wonderful,” Sue replied, hugging her son. “Asking Jesus to be your Savior is the most important decision you’ll ever make.” Holding Danny close, she murmured, “I’m sorry I didn’t make God a bigger part of our lives after your daddy’s funeral. I was sad, but that’s no excuse. I’ve asked God to forgive me. Will you forgive me too?”
“Oh, Mom, you know I will,” Danny replied, giving her a strangling hug.
“Making God part of our lives is going to be a priority from now on. Jesus is the best friend you’ll ever have. I’m glad you asked Him into your heart.”
“Sam told me how to do it. He’s the best!”
Sam felt himself blush as Sue turned to him. “Thanks for telling Danny about Jesus,” she said. “His father was doing it before he died, but…” She bit her lip. “Thanks for stepping in and filling the gap.”
“My pleasure, ma’am,” Sam replied softly.
“Please, call me Sue.”
As Sam nodded, he saw a tiny hint of pink coloring Sue’s cheeks. She was looking at him as if she knew him. “Have we met before?” he asked.
“Not officially,” she replied. “But I’ve seen you around town. Every morning, you walk past the diner where I work.”
“Next time I’m by Stubby’s, I’ll have to stop in and say hello.”
“Do that,” she said. “I’ll buy you a cup of coffee.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” He grinned. “In the meantime, come meet the rest of the family. They’ve all taken to Danny. He’s a great boy.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “I think so too.”
As they entered the
kitchen, Mr. Jacobson rose. “Sue, it’s good to see you. I see you’ve met Sam. This here’s Nathan and Zara. They live a few miles east of here in Westfield.”
“It’s nice to meet you both,” Sue said. She smiled at Zara. “If I remember right, you brought us a delicious chocolate cake when we moved here. I intended to write a thank you note, but with unpacking and starting work, I’m ashamed to say it didn’t get done.”
“Dohn worry ’bout it. I’m glad yuh liked it. Chocolate cake’s like butter pon a cat’s paw fah making a bodi feel at home.”
“It was scrumptious. I’d like the recipe if you’d be willing to share it.”
Zara’s eyes sparkled. “I’ll be happy to gi’ it to yuh.”
Mr. Jacobson beamed and said to Sue, “Zara’s recipes are really special. She’s the best cook around.”
“I can believe it,” Sue replied. “I’ve never tasted a better cake.”
“We all think Nathan caught himself a peach of a girl,” Mr. Jacobson said proudly.
Sam groaned inwardly when he saw his brother glancing his way. Knowing what was coming, he tried to interrupt Nathan, but couldn’t do it in time.
“Sam still hasn’t managed anything in that department,” Nathan told Sue with an impish grin. “I keep trying to find him a girl, but he says he’s too busy. Not that I buy it. He’s such a slowpoke that he never gets outta the starting gate. Some enterprising lady needs to set a fire under him to get him moving.”
Sam felt himself blush as Nathan laughed and gave Sue a cheeky wink. “You know, attention from a pretty lady like you is just what my brother needs.”
Sam’s blush intensified as he glanced over at Sue. “Please ignore him. Nathan’s more addicted to matchmaking than any granny I’ve ever met. Unfortunately, he’s about as subtle as a jackhammer.”
As Sue gave him a reassuring smile, Sam’s eyes widened a fraction of an inch.
Zara motioned for Sue to sit down at the table. “Here, sugar, ’ave a piece of pecan pie. I set it aside fah yuh. Danny says it’s one of your favorites.”
“It sure is. Thank you.”
As Sam went to the fridge to pour Sue a glass of milk, Mr. Jacobson put his hands on his knees and cleared his throat. “Now, honey, I don’t want you to think we’re presumptuous, but Danny says you’re in a spot of trouble. We’d like to help.”
Sue choked on her pie. “I don’t want to impose—”
“Don’t worry about that. We’re a direct family, and we pride ourselves on doing what needs done. Rick’s a smooth-talker, but no good. I’ve seen his type before—friendly on the outside, but pure poison underneath. We want to help keep you and the boy safe.”
“Don’t let Grandpop’s directness trouble you,” Sam said soothingly as he handed her the glass. “Just know we’re willing to help. Do you think it’ll be difficult to get rid of Rick?”
“It’s a possibility, but the thing I need most is help with Danny. After school, could he check-in with one of you until I get my schedule changed?”
“Of course,” Sam replied.
“It won’t be for long—a month at the most. I work two jobs, and my hours are unpredictable. That’s why I let Rick watch Danny.” Sue bit her lip. “I didn’t realize Danny was being hurt. I never should’ve gotten so busy that I missed the signs.”
“Listen,” Sam said softly. “It isn’t your fault Rick wasn’t what he seemed.”
“Maybe not, but I should’ve figured it out sooner. I know that by working so much I’m neglecting Danny, but at the moment I don’t have a choice. It’s been a struggle since my husband died.”
“He didn’t have life insurance?”
She shook her head. “We didn’t think we needed it. Bill was so young. We didn’t expect him to get s-sick.”
As her voice broke, Sam’s eyes filled with compassion. “I’m sorry.”
“So am I,” Sue said softly. “Bill was a wonderful man.” Straightening her shoulders, she took a drink of milk and cleared her throat. “I had a good job back home, but it didn’t pay enough to cover Bill’s medical bills and funeral expenses. For the last several years, I’ve been trying to dig myself out of debt. When Tri County Medical Center held a job fair and wanted to hire me, I jumped at the chance.”
“Tri County prides itself on its salaries and benefits, doesn’t it?”
“It does, but when I moved here to start work, I was told there’d been a mix-up and the full-time position I’d been promised wouldn’t be available until November. While I waited, the hospital gave me an on-call position, but I had to get a job at Stubby’s to keep things floating. That’s when Rick volunteered to help with Danny.”
“He’s your boyfriend?”
She shook her head. “He asked me out once, but when I refused, he didn’t make a fuss. He never gave any indication he was violent. I’m usually a good judge of character. I don’t know how he managed to fool me so completely.”
Zara squeezed Sue’s hand. “Dohn worry, honey, yuh dohn haffi explain. A smooth-talking mon cyan fool di wisest of women. Di thing now is to get yuh outta a sticky situation. An Na’tan an Sam are di good ones to do et. Now stop your worrying and finish your pie.”
As Sue took another bite, Sam said, “We’ve done some figuring, and if you’re agreeable, on the days you work late, I’ll watch Danny after play practice—”
“Play practice?” Sue looked over at her son’s gleaming face. “What’s this?”
“I got the part of Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music,” Danny replied with a grin.
“I didn’t know you were going to audition for a play.”
“Me either,” Danny said, “but it was lots of fun. My teacher says I have a great voice.”
“That’s wonderful,” Sue said. “Your daddy used to sing in the church choir. I’m glad you’re taking after him.”
As Sue ran her hand down her son’s cheek, Sam leaned forward and said, “My church is next to Danny’s school. On weeknights, I oversee a youth gathering he can attend. I’ll walk him home afterwards and stay with him when you work late.”
Sue gave Sam a smile. “I can’t believe this! I was praying for help last night, and here it is, falling into my lap...but are you sure it isn’t too much of an imposition?”
“If it was, I’d say so. I—”
“Don’t worry,” Mr. Jacobson said. “Sam can handle it. Even though he’s a bachelor, he’s awfully good with children. If you’re worried about his abilities, I’ll give you a list of parents you can call for references.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Sue replied. “If Sam wasn’t trustworthy, his misdeeds would be all over the front page of the paper. Reporters love to discredit ministers.”
“That’s true.” The old man nodded. “My grandson prides himself on his reputation. He has a good character—no one can say different.” Putting his elbows on the table, he said, “A few nights a month, Sam works at the homeless shelter. When he’s busy, Danny can stay with me. I used to be a cook during the war. I’ll teach him the tricks of the trade. Sound good, Danny?”
“You bet!” the boy replied.
“If you need help on a weekend, there are enough of us to fill the gap. We’ll all step up and see you through.”
“Thank you—all of you—thank you,” Sue said. “I promise it won’t be for long. I’ll have a full-time position at the hospital by Thanksgiving. When my schedule changes, I can quit waitressing and be home in the evenings.”
“That’s what neighbors are for.”
Sam cleared his throat. “What about Rick? When are you going to tell him to stay away?”
“At lunch tomorrow.”
“I’ll be at the diner in case he tries to make trouble. Will he be there at noon?”
“More like 12:30. I’ll talk to him during my break.” She hesitated. “I appreciate your willingness to help, but Rick’s always been friendly to me. I don’t think he’ll make a fuss in a public place. It’s Danny’s safety I’m worried abo
ut.”
“You need to worry about yourself too,” Sam said grimly. “If a man abuses a child, he could harm a woman as well. You shouldn’t use his past behavior as a reliable guide.”
“I suppose not. Truthfully, I’m not sure how he’s going to react.”
Nathan spoke up. “That’s why Sam needs to be at the diner. If things get bad, he can pretend to be your fella. Lots of times when a troublemaker knows another man’s in the picture, he’ll get the hint and drift away.”
Feeling Sue’s gaze, Sam’s eyes twinkled. “Don’t worry, I promise not to hold you to the relationship.”
“I didn’t think you would,” Sue said. “I’m just not sure any of this is necessary.”
“I don’t think we should take that chance.”
“If you think it’s so important, I won’t argue.”
“Good.” Feeling unusually relieved over her answer, Sam crossed his arms over his chest. He didn’t know why Sue’s safety should matter so much to him, but it did. “I’ll arrange for someone else to be in charge of the church’s activities, so Nathan and I can be at your house when school lets out. If Rick tries to hurt Danny, we’ll be there to stop him.”
“Thanks so much. Where Danny’s safety’s concerned, I’m more than willing to be under obligation.”
Mr. Jacobson gave Sue’s hand a pat. “Now, honey, don’t fret. My grandsons will handle Rick if things turn nasty. If I was younger, I’d be happy to send Rick on his way myself. You may not believe it, but I was a boxing champ in the Navy.”
Danny looked at the old man in obvious awe. “Can you teach me a few moves?”
“Sure, I taught Nathan and Sam.” Mr. Jacobson slapped his hands on his knees and looked over at Nathan’s wife. “Zara, can you and Nathan spend the night tomorrow?”
Zara nodded. “‘Ow ’bout ef I mek pumpk’n chicken soup for suppa?”
Mr. Jacobson smiled. “Sounds wonderful! I’ve been hankering after it. Danny can come over, and I’ll show him how to throw a few punches and make sourdough rolls Navy-style.” He turned to Sue. “What’s your schedule? Can you come for supper?”
“Actually, I’m not sure,” Sue replied. “After my shift at Stubby’s, I’m on-call at the hospital. I’ll either be working until 10:00 p.m. or not working at all. I won’t know until 2:00.”
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