Angel For Christmas

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Thank you, Mr. Porter.” She resumed her seat and picked up a sheaf of papers.

  “Just Jacob, Ma’am.” He pushed the bin out of her office and went in search of the restrooms.

  Chapter Two

  Later that day, Jacob was mopping one of the two girls’ bathrooms when a child of about five ran around the closed sign. She was only three feet inside the door when she threw up. Sobbing, she heaved until there was nothing left.

  Dang, he hoped she didn’t have anything contagious. After moistening two paper towels under the faucet, he handed them to her. “Here, kid, wipe your face and you’ll feel better.”

  Still shuddering, she focused brown, tear-filled eyes on him. “I’m sorry. Y-You’re not gonna yell at me?”

  He squatted in front of her so his face was nearly level with hers and wiped her chin. “Not unless you planned to be sick on the clean floor. Did you and some friends plan this?”

  She shook her head, his sarcasm lost on her. “Nuh-uh. I told teacher I had to go and then ran as fast as I could.” She wriggled from one foot to the other. “I pooped my pants, too.”

  Oh, man, this job was far beyond his qualifications. What did he know about kids? “What do you do when that happens? Should I get your teacher?”

  She shook her head again, brown curls bouncing. “The nurse. She has extra panties for kids.”

  He stood. “Okay, you wait here and I’ll go get her. What’s your name?”

  “Missy. My teacher is Miss Wilson.”

  “Okay, Missy, I’ll send help. Wash your face better and rinse out your mouth. Better get out of those poopy drawers and clean up down there while you’re washing.”

  He turned back. “Don’t put the paper towels in the toilet, though.”

  Cute kid. He’d never been around children and had had no intention of changing that until he married and had his own kids, which now he’d never be able to accomplish. Looked like this was another kind of test.

  He went by his storage room and studied the diagram then found where the nurse was located. Did every grade school have a nurse? He didn’t remember one when he was this age.

  The nurse, Mrs. Gray, sorted through a drawer for a pair of panties and left in search of Missy. Jacob met a harried teacher in the hall.

  “Miss Wilson?”

  She waved him away. “Excuse me. I have to find one of my students.”

  “Missy was sick and now the nurse is with her.”

  Miss Wilson stopped. “Oh, thank you. How did you know?”

  “I was mopping the bathroom when she ran in and threw up.”

  Alarm spread across the teacher’s pretty face. “I hope you weren’t cross with her. She’s a good child but sensitive and would never willingly create a mess.”

  He held out his hands at his sides. “Who gets mad at a kid for puking her guts out?”

  An angry expression crossed her pretty face. “Our previous janitor, um, maintenance man did. That’s why he quit.”

  Jacob shrugged. “I’d say good riddance.”

  He turned and walked toward where he’d left his mop and bucket. He could understand why a man would get fed up with this job. He was already tired of it and this was his first day, but he would only be here a month. For that long, he could tolerate anything, especially if doing so meant the difference between Heaven and Hell.

  Missy walked toward him with her hand in the nurse’s. The child appeared less upset but something wasn’t right because she was still sniffling.

  The nurse nodded at him. “Thank you for coming to get me. Missy has a high fever and she’ll spend a while in the infirmary.”

  The little girl tugged on the nurse’s hand. “I need my dolly, Mrs. Gray. Can I please get her?”

  “One of your friends will bring her to me, Missy, and then I’ll give her to you.”

  Missy’s face screwed into what promised to be tears. “But I need her now. She understands when I feel bad.”

  Jacob asked, “Would I be able to retrieve the doll?”

  From behind him, Dr. Stephens’ voice said, “I’ll get your doll, Missy. You go with Mrs. Gray and do as she says. I’ll be right there.”

  When he turned around, the gorgeous director smiled at him. “You’re kind to offer your help, Jacob. Thank you.”

  “She’s pretty upset. Glad you took over because I’d better get back to the bathroom and clean up after her.”

  “You didn’t chastise her, did you?”

  He put his hands on his hips. “Why does everyone ask me that? How could I reprimand a child for being sick?”

  “As I mentioned, your predecessor quit because, as he colorfully put it, he was ‘tired of cleaning up poop and puke for a bunch of brats’. I admit we do have a few here with discipline problems but these children are not brats.”

  “Okay-y-y. Well, back to work.” He spun on his heels and trudged back to the mess awaiting him.

  ***

  Suzi watched the new janitor walk away. He puzzled her. Much too young and fit, why was he working here? Not that there was anything wrong with being a janitor, but he didn’t fit the profile. Jacob Porter gave the impression of someone who’d be in a boardroom rather than behind a broom or mop.

  She had to be careful who she exposed the children to and she wanted to know more about him. First, she had to get Missy her doll.

  Back in her office later, she asked Valerie for the janitor’s application. Nothing in his file set off alarm bells. Background check, fingerprints, references. His former employer had died, but there was no indication of why Jacob had applied here.

  Valerie asked, “Did you find anything off-putting in his file?”

  She tapped a finger against the folder. “No, but I wonder if he’s a spy for the investor who wants to buy the property?”

  Valerie gasped. “That explanation would make sense. Jacob Porter looks as if he belongs in a three-piece suit and a tie.”

  “He certainly does.” Elbows on her desk, she rested her head in her hands. “I do not need this when I’m desperately trying to raise money.”

  “I have faith in you, Suzi Q. You’ll find a way.”

  Her father’s long-time secretary calling her by her childhood nickname comforted her. “Thank you for your support, Valerie. You’re expert at soothing my anxiety. But, this time I honestly don’t know what we’ll do if this gala doesn’t pay off.”

  “Give the event a chance. You’re an excellent organizer. How many positive replies have you received?”

  “Far too few. Dad was better at schmoozing than I am and he failed. I-I’ll never get the hang of this in time to save the home.”

  The secretary walked to the doorway but turned back. “You’re not helping anyone worrying this way. Get busy, young lady.”

  “You’re right, Valerie. I’ll check the names again.” Suzi sighed and resumed checking the RSVPs against her master list. Maybe today’s mail would bring good news.

  After school, Katie Wilson, the kindergarten teacher, stopped by the office. Suzi’s morale had hit rock-bottom and she was glad to see her best friend.

  “Hey, Suzi, how are replies for the gala coming?”

  “Only declines arrived in today’s mail except for Mr. Hopper. If he continues in the pattern for other years, he’ll donate fifty dollars while enjoying the event and eating enough for three people.”

  “Don’t let it get you down. You’re a capable woman and I’m sure you’ll pull this off again.”

  Slowly, Suzi shook her head. “I’m not sure. Apparently Fate’s conspiring against me.”

  “Want to go grab a bite to eat?”

  “Not tonight, thanks. I’d be lousy company. Catch me another time.”

  “Will do. Since you’re not going with me, I believe I’ll go on home myself. After a day standing, these new shoes are killing my feet.” Katie left for the day.

  Moving slowly, Suzi gathered her purse and coat for her walk to her house, situated at one corner of the grounds.

/>   Jacob observed from the hall as Dr. Stephens turned out the lights and left her office. Shoulders slumped, the beautiful young woman walked as if she was so fatigued she could barely stand. The poor finances of the orphanage must weigh heavily on her shapely shoulders.

  He waited until she was out of sight before he went into her office. On her desk were invitations that had been declined and a list of prospective donors. He examined the names.

  Odd that she hadn’t included any of the CEOs of nearby Dallas and Fort Worth companies. He couldn’t reveal who he had been in his former life, but nothing prevented him from helping by using knowledge he’d gained when he was Jacob Richison. Adding names to the master, he decided to phone a few.

  “Hey, Stan. Jacob Porter here. Haven’t seen you since the Williams’ barbecue last month. How are Holly and the kids? Has Chip decided which college he’ll be attending next year?”

  Jacob laughed. “Just like his old man, right? Listen, Stan, I’m calling for Serenity Springs Children’s Home. There’s a gala on the 20th and I sure hope you and Holly will be attending. Plus, the home could use a nice fat tax-deductible donation from you.”

  “That’s great, Stan. I’ll put you down for ten K. Give my love to Holly and the kids.”

  Jacob hung up and wrote the amount by Stan’s name. Then, he proceeded to call ten more people, playing on his knowledge of their families and their likes and dislikes. As he moved the list, he dislodged a folder from the stack.

  He intended to replace the file then noticed his name on the tab. Unable to resist, he read the contents. Clever, clever, clever. His last place of employment was listed at his company.

  Make that his former company.

  Sadness smothered him like a blanket and he fought to prevent chest pains from stealing his breath. His brother Mike must be the CEO now. He wished he could see Mike, say goodbye, and tell him things would be all right.

  They’d been best friends as well as brothers. Had he ever told Mike how proud he was of him and how much he loved him? He didn’t think so and now he’d missed his chance.

  Jacob replaced the folder and brushed at tears gathering in his eyes. Being maudlin only wasted precious minutes. He stood and left the room. Time to learn if he could find the car he was to use and then locate his temporary home.

  With only one vehicle in the parking lot, identifying his was easy. Not the red Lamborghini he’d crashed. The green Dodge pickup was about ten years old, but had good paint polished to a high sheen. He climbed in and inserted his key. The engine purred and he drove away.

  This vehicle didn’t have GPS, but he’d memorized the address and thought he knew the vicinity. After a couple of wrong turns he arrived at the location that was listed on his driver’s license. Aw, man, the place was an apartment complex. Which unit was his?

  Once again, he pulled out his wallet and examined the ID. Nothing to indicate an apartment number. He searched the billfold for anything that might give an indication but without success.

  Staring at the dashboard, his gaze wandered to the glove compartment. Insurance identification might include what he needed. He opened the storage space and pulled out the papers he sought. Thank goodness, there was an apartment number listed.

  He climbed out of the truck and strode toward the unit’s door. Sure enough, his key worked and he went inside. Standing in the tiny space that passed for a foyer, he surveyed his new domain.

  Not too bad. On the coffee table he found a cell phone. He’d missed having one today simply from habit but he had no one to call. He scanned the numbers saved. There were only two, one for the children’s home and one for Gabriel.

  He could phone an angel? Really? He laughed out loud. Must be a heck of a long distance plan.

  Beside where the phone had been, he discovered a checkbook. He opened it to find his name and address on the checks. Peeking at the register, he discovered he had money in the bank. Relief swept through him.

  He looked upward. “Thanks, guys.”

  Slowly, he walked around the apartment, happy there was a king-sized bed that would accommodate his six foot two inch height. When Jacob hung his coat in the closet, he discovered a selection of clothes that included a pair of sneakers, a pair of classy black shoes, a couple of suits, two white shirts, several pairs of slacks and shirts like the ones he wore today, a brown leather bomber jacket, a couple of pairs of jeans, and a… tux.

  He looked upward again as if he could see the angels watching him. “Yeah, guys, every janitor needs a tux. Don’t know what you two were thinking but you’ve done right by me this far.”

  The fridge was stocked as was the pantry. He opened a beer and made a sandwich before he went back to the living room. After he plopped down in the recliner, he switched on the TV and leaned back. Turned out he even had cable. This part of his assignment was easy.

  His thoughts returned to his brother, but he forced them away. Mike was the past he could never reclaim. Maybe someday he’d drop by and make sure the kid was okay. What could that hurt?

  Chapter Three

  After a night of fitful sleep, Suzi came into work. Alarm spiraled when she saw things on her desk had been moved. An organized person, she knew exactly how she’d left her office. She rushed to her list of gala invitees and gasped.

  “Valerie, do you know how this could have happened?”

  Her secretary came to Suzi’s desk. “How what happened?”

  “The list.” She showed her friend the names. “Someone added names and donations. Look at the amounts.”

  “Oh, my. But, we didn’t send them invitations, did we?”

  “No, but believe me, I’ll mail them today. That is, if I can find an address.” She collapsed onto her chair. “Who could have done this?”

  “Whoever did, be thankful. With a few more acceptances like those we’ll be okay for next year.”

  In spite of her curiosity, Suzi’s spirits rose. Were the amounts genuine, though? She mustn’t get her hopes too high, especially since she didn’t know who added the names or why… or how.

  She’d been the last one to leave school yesterday. Oh, except for the new janitor. A pickup truck she’d never seen before was parked in the lot as she’d walked past.

  And, she suspected the new janitor was a spy for Harper Developments. Still, she had those names and amounts to consider. She found the addresses she needed and sent the invitations.

  Her good mood was dashed when the banker arrived with the real estate developer in tow.

  “Good morning, Ms Stephens.”

  “Mr. Welwood, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?” He was aware she had her doctorate but refused to address her properly.

  “Wanted to give Harper here a tour of the building. Show him what the interior is like.”

  Smiling sweetly though she despised both men, she said, “We have another month to make the mortgage payment, Mr. Welwood. We haven’t defaulted yet.”

  He dismissed her statement. “Ah, but it’s a foregone conclusion, my dear. We won’t trouble you for a tour. I know the way.”

  The two men strode into the hall, leaving her fuming silently. She had to be careful that she didn’t cause Mr. Welwood to call in the loan. She’d be in quicksand if he did.”

  Jacob recognized the men exiting Dr. Stephens’ office. When the two were in the hallway, Jacob deliberately blocked their way with his mop and bucket but pretended the move was accidental.

  He nodded at the men. “Welwood, Harper, excuse me.”

  The banker reared back and looked at him over his wire-rimmed glasses. “Do I know you?”

  Jacob raised his eyebrows. “Maybe. Do you know a lot of janitors?”

  Welwood puffed up his chest. “Certainly not. I don’t even handle loans for accounts at your income level.”

  Jacob nodded and continued mopping. “You fellows have a nice day.”

  He paused and stared after the two men he disliked as they walked down the hall. If Welwood held the mortgage for
the children’s home, the interest was too high and the terms were poor. If Harper was involved, that meant shady dealings. After work, Jacob would slip into Dr. Stephens’ office and use her computer. Perhaps her bank information was on her hard drive.

  He muddled through his second day. No sick kids puking on the floor. He checked his map and located the infirmary. Wouldn’t hurt to check on Missy.

  At the door, he asked Nurse Letha Gray if he could see the little girl.

  “This way, Mr. Porter. She’s improved and her fever is down but we wanted to keep her separate from the other children for another day.”

  She appeared tiny sitting up in bed with her rag doll tucked close to her.

  “Hey, Missy. How are you today?”

  Her face brightened. “Hi, Mr. Jacob. See my dolly? She made me lots better.”

  Nice to see someone happy to see him. “I think a lot of credit goes to Nurse Gray. She took good care of you.”

  Her nod sent her brown curls bobbing. “She always does that. She likes kids.”

  “I dropped by to see how you’re doing but you look great. I’d better go and let you rest.”

  Missy waved. “Bye.” She made her doll wave a hand.

  Letha Gray walked to the hall with him. “Thank you for visiting her. She’s a good child.”

  “Seems to be. Well, back to work.” He walked toward his storage closet-cum-office.

  The bell rang for lunch and seeing children marching in orderly lines toward the cafeteria was startling. At that age, he and Mike had run everywhere. There he went, thinking about the past again. How could he block his brother from his mind?

  He couldn’t, but he’d do his best for the children’s home. Perhaps that would count for something. Not that he was embarrassed he and Mike had grown up in the system. Fortunately, they’d been able to remain together.

  Their foster parents weren’t evil, but they sure weren’t great either. They made no secret of the fact they were interested in the money the state paid them, which was why they had six other foster kids. There was no love given, just necessities.

  Jacob had been a good student in the subjects he liked, less so in others. Still, he’d won a full scholarship to a local university. Two years later, Mike joined him.