House of the Forest

by Diana Wallis Taylor

  “I see. Anything to do with your young man?” Jack had not only been a boss but a friend, a fatherly figure she’d gone to for advice more than once. Had anyone else asked that question she would have felt imposed upon.

  “I broke our engagement. It just seemed good to make a new start somewhere else. I’ve enjoyed my job here. You’ve been great to work for.”

  “You’ll be hard to replace, Laura. We’ve been proud of the way you’ve handled the camps and conferences. How soon will you be leaving? Can you stay until we find a replacement?”

  “Of course, I’d planned to do that. I couldn’t just walk out on you after all you’ve done for me.”

  He assured her that they would put the word out for the job opening right away.

  After work, Laura waited anxiously for her friend to arrive.

  Beth appeared breathless as she slid into the booth. After they ordered, she turned to Laura. “So Deke accepted the Lord? What about your Mother, did she say anything?”

  Laura shook her head. Then she told Beth about Matthew.

  “An artist? Well, maybe this is the real thing. At least it’s started her thinking about God. I hope things work out for them.”

  “I do too.”

  Shaking her head, Beth murmured, “I never would have believed it. God is amazing.”

  “I know. He knows what it will take for someone to come to Him. He just keeps working quietly behind the scenes.”

  “You can say that again. By the way, how is Sam?

  “He’s fine. I think he wants me to get back to Big Bear Lake as soon as I am able.”

  “Is he the one, Laura?”

  “I’d like him to be, but I still have some things to work through. Sam and I both need time to get to know one another. I’m not rushing into anything like I did with Alan.”

  “With all you’ve been through, that’s a wise plan.”

  “So tell me what’s been happening with you? Did Ted Daniels call you?

  Beth’s face it up. “Yes. Ted came down to San Diego and took me to dinner. He wants me to meet his folks.”

  “Wow. He’s a fast worker.”

  “Like you said, girlfriend, when it’s right it’s right. He’s the one for me.” Then she put up a hand. “I know, I know, I’m praying about it too.” Then she leaned forward in a confidential manner. “So tell me again what happened with the safe.”

  Laura reiterated the events of that Friday evening. Beth shook her head.

  “I can believe that Mr. Howard was no detective. He gave me the creeps. Always watching everyone with that hard look on his face, and all along he really was the bad guy.”

  Laura shuddered. “I don’t know what he would have done if we’d found the money in the safe.”

  “Do you think he would have shot you?”

  “That’s a distinct possibility. We’ll never know. I don’t think he would have wanted any witnesses to tell who had the money. Maybe he wanted the money for himself. I thank God that Sam and Officer Petrone came when they did.”

  “Well, it certainly turned Deke around. I never would have believed it if you hadn’t told me.”

  “All he really wanted was a chance for a new start. He thought the money would do it, but God had other plans.”

  “So he’s staying with Sam. What happens now?”

  “Sam said he’d take Deke to meet his friend who owns a garage. I think Sam has something else in mind, something to protect Deke, but he wouldn’t tell me about it.”

  Beth tackled the cheesecake she’d ordered for dessert. “I’ll certainly be interested in knowing what happens next. You’ve had more intrigue and changes in your life in the last two weeks up at your aunt’s than most people have in lifetime.”

  “You’re telling me.”

  Laura savored the first bite of her pecan pie.

  Suddenly Beth paused, fork in the air, “You know what puzzles me about your aunt’s note?”

  “What’s that?”

  “If she wanted your uncle to give the money back and left a note to you, why wouldn’t she tell you the location of the money so you could return it? She said she wanted you to do the right thing.”

  “I suppose you’re right, but she just wrote to remember her favorite hymns and do right by her. I did the best I could with her memorial service and burial.”

  “You know, I might be crazy, but I think it’s more than that. Could anything she said be a clue? Did you see anything in the words of the hymns that said anything to you?”

  Laura sighed. “Well, she liked “In the Garden” but her garden didn’t look all that unusual, so where would I look?”

  “You’ve gone over all the verses in your head?”

  “Well, I know most of them. She sang that a lot. Nothing jumps out at me.”

  Beth savored a bite of cheesecake, her brow furrowed in thought.

  “And the other song was “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.

  “Right. We sang it at her memorial service, remember?”

  “Do you have a hymnbook at home?”

  “No.”

  “Does your aunt have a hymnbook?”

  Laura shrugged. “Yes, an old one on the piano.”

  “Aha.” Beth gave her a knowing glance.

  “Aha, what?”

  “You have to look at the book. Maybe she marked a verse in some way.”

  Laura rolled her eyes. “You’ve been watching too many detective shows or something.” She gave her friend a benevolent smile. “I think it’s all a wild goose chase.”

  “So what have you lost? If nothing is there, that’s it.”

  “If it will make you happy, I’ll take a look at the hymn book when I get back up there. Beth, I’m really getting frustrated with everyone’s focus on this money thing.”

  “Okay. I’ll change the subject. Have you resigned from the college?”

  “I did that this morning. I gave the landlord notice yesterday.”

  “You sure don’t waste any time, girlfriend. I’m going to miss you.”

  “I just feel I’m supposed to return to Big Bear.”

  “What about the job at the Performing Arts Center you mentioned on the phone?”

  “It may be a couple of weeks until I hear from Nora Corbin. We had a good rapport on the phone and she seemed interested in my experience at the college. They have to set up the oral interviews where they narrow it down to 10 people, then a second round of oral interviews including what the job entails and salary. It’s no sure thing. In the meantime, I need to sort through my apartment to see what I can get rid of and what will fit in Aunt Estelle’s house.”

  “You can count on me to help you with that. You know how I love to organize.”

  Giving her a stern look, Laura pointed her fork at Beth. “Yes, and when you helped me with that closet, I didn’t even know what you threw out.”

  Beth put up both hands. “Tell you what, I’ll run everything through you, okay?”

  Laura laughed helplessly.“Do I have any choice?”

  They ate their desserts slowly, talking for a long time about all the possibilities for Laura in her new location and marveling over the changes in her life.

  Giving each other a warm hug, they parted to go to their respective apartments.

  “I’ll keep you informed if there are any new developments, in any area, okay?”

  Beth chuckled. “Your life would make a great soap opera, girlfriend.”

  Later that week, Laura got a copy of The Grizzly from Sam with a sticky note to check out page six.

  She gasped at the picture of a wreck being hauled up the side of Hwy 18. The caption described a brown Chevrolet Camero that had gone off the side of the road into one of the steep canyons. Battered beyond repair, there seemed no sign of the driver. The registration had been traced to a Deke Brucker of Los Angeles. It was feared Mr. Brucker had met with foul play.

  She read another note tucked in by Sam.

  A warehouse in LA is missing one of their employ
ees whose car was found wrecked. My new friend is enjoying his job at Mac’s Garage in Big Bear City and has found a small cabin to rent. All my Best, Sam

  She chuckled to herself. So that was the plan. No doubt Sam’s “friend” would find another car sooner or later.

  One evening, Laura’s mother called.

  “How did things go with Mathew?”

  “We’re talking. I’ve agreed to go with him to his church. I’m not promising anything, but I’m listening.”

  “He sounds like a wonderful man, Mother. I’m praying things work out for you.”

  “You know, it’s difficult to be open about my life, but Matthew already knows it all anyway. We had a long talk. He loves me just as I am, and is willing to give me time to find my way.”

  “I believe you will find that way, Mother.”

  . Gloria didn’t seem too surprised about the wrecked car and hoped it might work, for Deke’s sake. Laura decided not to mention looking at the hymnal at her aunt’s house. It would probably turn out to be futile anyway.

  After she hung up, she sat for a while staring out the window and saw again, in her mind, those piercing blue eyes. Her feelings for Sam were strong but she needed some healing time. Was Sam in love with her? She knew the answer to that question. It’s in Your hands, Lord.

  The following Monday, Laura’s landlord called. Someone had applied for her apartment who’d been on the waiting list for the complex and pre-approved. They were coming by to leave a deposit and wanted to check out the apartment. He promised let her out of the lease early if it worked out.

  Amazingly, within ten days, the college had interviewed and hired a replacement conference director. Liz Croft had a ready smile and evidenced a patient personality. She also appeared to be extremely capable. Laura stayed an extra week to train her and go over the conference schedule for the coming months. A quick study, Liz seemed to take everything in her stride. Laura felt confident her job remained in good hands, but found herself fighting a little remorse that she could be replaced so quickly. The department had a farewell party with balloons and cards that wished her well in her new adventures. She decided to keep Sam out of the conversation. They all knew about Alan and conversation about Sam would be inappropriate for now.

  Saturday evening as she made a list of the things that she wanted to take up to Big Bear, she reached for the phone book to locate a moving company when the phone rang.

  It was Alan.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Laura hesitated. “Yes?”

  “I just wanted you to know, my dad died last night.”

  “Oh Alan, I’m so sorry. When are the services?”

  “Tuesday at 11 a.m., but under the circumstances, I thought it might be awkward for you to come.”

  She was silent a moment. “It’s okay, Alan, I’d be glad to come, as a friend.”

  “Thanks, Laura, I could use a friend.”

  The guests had mostly gone and Laura stood near the gravesite, waiting for Alan who was talking to a member of the church board. The man said something and put his hand on Alan’s shoulder before turning away. Alan came to where she waited and walked her to her car.

  “Thanks for coming. It means a lot. I heard from someone at the college that you’d resigned.”

  “Yes, I’m returning to Big Bear. How did the Board take things?” She didn’t want to mention the broken engagement.

  “Well, you may be interested to know I took your advice.”

  “You did?” She smiled. “Which advice was that?”

  “You were right all along. I was doing it for my father. I’ve resigned as pastor. The board agreed to keep it to themselves until after my father was gone. I didn’t want to upset him.”

  “What are you going to do now?”

  “Well, pretty much what you’re doing, making a new start. I’ve signed up for two years with the Peace Cops and I leave for Brazil next Thursday.”

  “Brazil? Alan, I’m speechless.”

  He laughed. “I hate to lose you, Laura, but it was probably the best thing that happened to me. It just jarred me out of this complacent and self-centered niche I’ve been in. Anyway, I wish you well with your new life.”

  “That’s kind of you, Alan. I’m glad you told me. ’ll keep you in my prayers.”

  There was a pause and his voice caught. “I appreciate that.” He clasped her hand briefly. “Goodbye, Laura.”

  “Good-bye, Alan, I’m really glad for you. I hope you have a whale of a time in Brazil.”

  He walked away and she stood shaking her head slowly. Amazing. She never would have thought Alan had the gumption to chuck everything his father set up for him and take off in a new direction. She couldn’t wait to tell Sam, and when she got home, dialed his cell phone.

  The following week, her key turned in, she took a last look at her apartment and settled in for the long drive to Big Bear Lake. This time there were no tears, but a sense of anticipation and adventure. She would have an interview with the committee at the Performing Arts Center but felt neither elated nor expectant. There was a sense of calm in trusting the Lord for the next steps in her life. She took the curves carefully, aware of the weight of the U-Haul trailer behind the car that some friends had helped her load. She’d whittled things down to the bare necessities and a few pieces of furniture. Students at the college had gratefully taken the extra bed and furniture off her hands and squirreled them away to their sparse apartments.

  As she promised, she called Sam on her cell phone half way up the mountain.

  “I’m looking for someone to help me unload this trailer, do you know anyone who would be available?” She kept her voice light, teasing.

  His chuckle over the phone warmed her. “I think that could be arranged. Where are you?”

  “Snow Valley. I’ll be there in about 30 minutes.”

  “See you at the house, and welcome home.”

  She smiled at the phone as she pushed the end button. Home. That’s what it felt like, coming home. She rolled down the window, breathing in the brisk, cold air and the smell of the pines.

  Sam’s truck was parked nearby as she pulled onto the street and slowly entered the gravel driveway. As he got out and came towards her she realized how glad she was to see him.

  She jumped out of her car and he gathered her in a warm hug. “How did the trip go?”

  “I sure felt conscious of this trailer going up the mountain.”

  Sam reluctantly released her and when she’d opened the doors of the trailer, began to unload her things and carry them into the house. With the chill of November promising an early snowfall, he started a fire in the fireplace while Laura made them some hot chocolate.

  They sat on the sofa, enjoying one another’s company and the fact that they were together again.

  “I can’t believe I’m back here already.”

  He smiled gently at her. “I feel like you’ve been gone a year instead of four weeks.”

  She turned to him, “I feel the same way.” She knew he was holding back, taking his time and giving her space. They needed to get to know each other better.

  She turned her thoughts elsewhere. “How’s Deke doing?”

  Sam grinned. “He’s a good mechanic. Mac likes him and they get along fine. Mac’s the one who knew about the cabin. It’s not much but evidently better than where Deke lived in LA.”

  “So you thought maybe wrecking his car would make everyone think he died in the crash or was killed?”

  “It’s a long shot, and we’re hoping it will work. We even left his cell phone in the car. Mac knows his real name and the circumstances. Deke may petition the court to change his name, but that becomes public record. He’s hoping that in time certain people will forget about him. They also have good reason to forget about the money. I’m sure with John Howard arrested they’re aware of what happened. Hopefully they’ll feel there’s no point in pursuing the money since no one knows where it is.”

  She stared into the fire
. “We’ll just have to pray for Deke’s protection, that they really will forget about him.” Turning back to Sam, she grinned. “I have good news too. I have an appointment this week with Vera Corbin and the committee. She says I have the most experience of the candidates, but she can’t guarantee anything.”

  He nodded in approval. “I think with your experience you’d be a good fit for them. I’ll keep it in prayer.”

  She mused for a moment on her conversation with Beth. “You know, Sam, Beth and I had this conversation--”

  He gave her a knowing glance. “Only one?”

  She punched him on the arm. “No, really, she had a theory. Pretty far out but a theory.”

  “And you’re going to tell me about it, right?”

  “Right. Aunt Estelle was pretty adamant that we use those two hymns for her service, and only those two hymns.”

  “Ah, Great is Thy Faithfulness and, what was the other one?”

  “In the Garden.”

  “So what is Beth’s idea?”

  “She thinks Aunt Estelle left me a clue.”

  “To the money?”

  “Yes. Somewhere in the words of one of those hymns could be a clue to where the money is hidden.”

  He set his cup down on the coffee table. “All that business over the bank money seems so foolish. We’ll never know what Aunt Estelle did with it. That’s probably just as well. It was corrupting too many lives.”

  She gave him an arch look. “You must admit it was a strange note she left. She didn’t want my uncle to know where she’d hidden the money so he would talk to her and make things right, but she left a note to me in case she died first.”

  “And you think maybe she marked one of the verses to the hymns as a clue?”

  “Well, I promised Beth I’d take a look at the old hymnal on the piano.” She looked at him hopefully.

  He laughed. “Then you better look at the hymn book or you’ll drive me crazy.”

  He got up and took the book off the piano, handing it to her. “It wouldn’t hurt to look. Then you’ll be done with it.”

  She almost held her breath as she took the hymnal and checked the index for the page numbers.