Silent Praise

  Chase jutted his jaw. He held her hand and led her out of Rachel’s condo. Melanie grabbed her purse. When she was by her vehicle, Chase handed Melanie her cell phone. Melanie saw text messages from Tricia and her parents. She sent them each a quick text saying she was okay.

  “I’ll follow you home,” Chase said.

  Melanie’s knees buckled. “I can’t …”

  Chase crooked his head. “Come with me. I’ll take you home. Judd and I will get your car for you tomorrow.”

  “But what about work?” Melanie questioned.

  “Take a day off.” Chase secured her vehicle and Melanie was glad to let him be in charge.

  “Thank you, Chase,” she spoke and signed. Melanie’s body melted against the seat. She was so tired she did not even know when she closed her eyes.

  The next thing she knew, Chase was shaking her awake. Melanie opened her eyes.

  “Where am I?” she signed.

  Chase shook his head. Melanie used her voice to repeat the question.

  “You’re at my place. I didn’t want to take you home when you’ve been tossing from nightmares.”

  “Nightmares?”

  “Yes, you were groaning and mumbling Uncle or something.”

  Melanie stiffened. “That’s from a long time ago.” She tossed her hair and affected an “I don’t care” attitude.

  Chase did not look like he bought her act. He escorted her into his home. Her tired eyes scanned his place, noting its cleanliness, but she would not be able to recall the décor or the color of the paint on the wall.

  “I have a spare bedroom. You can take a shower. I have an oatmeal body wash you can use. I’ll get you one of my t-shirts.” He meandered down a narrow hallway and opened the last door. He led her into a large guest room with light purple walls. The full-sized bed boasted coordinated linens and wall treatments. She felt at home.

  Melanie held up her hand. “Can I get some Advil?”

  Chase nodded.

  He quickly returned with two of the gel caps and a glass of water. Melanie swallowed them hoping they would alleviate the pain in her hand. It sported a nasty purple bruise.

  While he was gone, Melanie stripped down to her undies. She walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She tested the water and waited for it to heat up. Then she stepped inside. The heat pelted her skin and soothed her frayed nerves. Melanie washed her underwear and hung it to dry. She grabbed one of the large plush towels from the linen closet in the bathroom and walked the short path back to the bed.

  Drying off, she spotted a white t-shirt resting on the edge of the bed. Melanie pulled it over her head. The shirt smelled like Chase—ocean and breeze.

  She went to find him.

  “I need to do laundry,” Chase said. He held two steaming cups of hot chocolate in his hands.

  Melanie ran her hands down his shirt. “It’s fine. I like it.”

  Chase ambled into his living area and placed the mugs on the coffee table. His couches were black leather. She liked the contrast against the white tiles.

  “Tell me about Uncle.”

  “Must you be a cop all the time?” she asked, rubbing her bruised hand.

  His face softened. “I care about you. You can trust me.” Chase held out a hand. Melanie slipped her hand into his and sat next to him.

  Chase jumped up and left the room. When he returned, he had gauze and peroxide. Gently, he sanitized her wound and wrapped her injured hand. “There, that should help.”

  Melanie felt good being taken care of. “Thanks.” She sipped her hot cocoa and debated how to answer Chase’s question about Uncle. She drank half before putting it down. Without looking his way, she began to tell her story matter-of-factly. Only her parents knew her story.

  “I was born normal. I could hear like everyone else.” She wrinkled her nose at the word, normal. Nevertheless, she continued, “When I was five years old, I lived with my birth mother, Janet King. I shared her bed until she met Uncle. Whenever Uncle came over, I had to sleep in a closet.”

  Melanie choked back tears. Her recent ordeal was too fresh on her mind. She felt Chase’s hand on her back and felt comforted.

  “I didn’t like the closet. It was funky and dark. But Mama made me sleep in there. One night I had to pee. I had to go so bad and I couldn’t hold it. I snuck out of the closet and tried to wake Mama. But she was … high … and drunk. She couldn’t hear me. Uncle woke up and yelled at me. His voice boomed and I was so frightened, I went all over myself.”

  Chase tapped her. She looked at him. “Uncle was furious. Said I was too smart to be so nasty. So he punched me on my ear. He punched me on both ears for not listening.”

  Chase’s eyes widened.

  She sipped her tepid cocoa and she trudged on. “I screamed so hard Mama awakened. She tried to fight Uncle off but he pushed her against the wall and she passed out. Then he punched me. He punched and punched … and punched.” Her voice broke. “He punched my ears until I passed out.”

  Melanie had no idea how she had tears left to cry after her time in the closet. Chase enfolded her in his arms. “He kept … punching … until I … I passed out.” She hiccupped the words. “I passed out and I never heard again.”

  Chase made sure she could see him. The agony in his face made fresh tears fall. “That’s horrible. I can’t imagine the sick monster that would harm an innocent child. How could Rachel know all this and lock you in a closet?” he asked.

  “She doesn’t know. I’ve only told my parents, and now you.” Melanie touched his cheek. “I woke up in the hospital screaming. I remember the panic when I realized I couldn’t hear. I begged and begged Dr. James to fix me.”

  She shuddered. “Oh, God. This is hard.” But the words continue to pour from her. “I met the Benson’s when I was in the hospital. They had adopted another daughter, Tricia, who was also deaf. They adopted me and introduced me to God. Lainey King was now Melanie Benson. Transformed and renewed. I went through therapy and all that but I found peace when I accepted Christ in my life.”

  “Please tell me they arrested the creep who did that to you?”

  Melanie was taken aback by the venom in Chase’s eyes. She patted his arm and felt him relax.

  “No. Uncle was … untouchable. I never saw him after that day but for years his face plagued my nightmares. Uncle is out there somewhere but my mother is still in jail. She served her time for neglecting me but she can’t seem to keep out of jail.”

  “Do you hear from her?”

  “She sends me letters, but I leave them unopened.”

  His eyebrows furrowed. “Why don’t you read them?”

  “What can my mother say to me that will make everything okay?”

  Chase shook his head. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s sorry.”

  Melanie gave a sad smile. “Sorry won’t give me my hearing back.”

  11

  “You’re doing what?” Chase bellowed. He knew Melanie could not hear his yell but she could read the rage on his face. “Rachel kidnapped a helpless child and locked you in a closet. She’s guilty and that’s why the judge denied her bail. You screamed most of the night and now you want to help her?”

  They stood in his kitchen, Chase by the counter and Melanie sat on one of the stools in the center island. “She’s my sister. I spoke with Tricia this morning and she agrees with me.”

  “Rachel’s a traitor and home wrecker. I can’t believe you’re helping her pay for an attorney. You should be filing charges against her as well for false imprisonment.” Chase ran his hand across the stubble lining his cheeks. Lord, help him. Why hadn’t he remembered relationships were infuriating?

  “She made a mistake,” Melanie defended.

  Chase stormed over to her. “You can forgive Rachel but not your mother?”

  “Yes. Rachel loves me. My mother didn’t give two cents about me. Janet loved drugs and heroin. Not me. Rachel is family.”

  “Rachel committed a felony. She could face li
fetime imprisonment.”

  Melanie jutted her chin and looked away.

  His nostrils flared as his temper kicked in. Oh, no. Melanie was not going to end the argument. She was going to look at him. Chase cupped her chin and made her face him. His chest heaved as he looked into her hazel eyes.

  “I don’t have much family. I have a small circle of people who love me and Rachel is one of them. I just met you. You don’t have a say.”

  She was right. He did not have a say. But he wanted to.

  Chase thought of his father and backed down. Ted had made his share of mistakes and Chase stuck by him. Ted was his blood. “I wish I could say I don’t understand but I can relate. You say you have a small circle, but mine is limited to one and God.” Chase was willing to widen his sphere to one more. “You have me,” he said, “if you want me.”

  Her eyes warmed. “And, you have me.”

  “I know we’ve had serious drama but we survived the longest day ever. I’m going to put in for some personal days and decompress. I’d like to take you out on a real date.”

  Melanie nodded. “I’d like that.” She looked at the clock. “How about we get breakfast?”

  “Or, I could whip us up some omelets.”

  “You cook?”

  “Yes, my mother made sure to teach me and my brother, Vincent. She said we both needed to know our way around a kitchen.”

  “You have a brother?” Melanie asked.

  Chase realized she was prodding for information. He hunched his shoulders. “Yes, Vincent. He was two years older than I am. He and my mother were killed in an automobile accident.” He lowered his head before remembering Melanie needed to see him. “My father was driving.”

  Her eyes widened and she cupped her mouth. “I’m sorry.” Melanie slid off her stool and walked up to him. Then she opened her arms. Chase stepped into them accepting her warmth and comfort before ending the embrace. He had a jolt he had not experienced in his thirty-one years. Melanie felt like home. That was an adjustment in his thinking. Chase looked into her earnest hazel eyes. One he did not mind making.

  “How did your dad cope with being responsible for their deaths?”

  “He was a mess. Guilt rode him for years.” Chase’s chest tightened. He never spoke about this with anyone but Melanie had opened up to him. He could do the same.

  “Melanie, my father was driving drunk. The three of them had been here, celebrating me buying my home. As usual, my father drank too much but he swore he was able to drive. Both Vincent and my mother insisted he give up the keys. But, my father is stubborn. He’s one of those alpha males. ‘I’m used to driving when I’ve had a few,’ he’d said.” Chase shook his head. “My mother gave in because it was easier than arguing with him. Vincent jumped into the backseat at the last minute. My parents live about ten minutes from here. Ten minutes …”

  The familiar pain squeezed his stomach. Chase released a freeing breath. I am delivered and I’m walking in my deliverance.

  “For almost two years, I froze my father out of my life. I wanted nothing more to do with him. My father was what you would call a controlled drunk. At work, he was a decorated cop. He was the best. But once he came home …” Chase gulped. He needed a minute. The memories were hitting him hard.

  Chase walked to the refrigerator to get some orange juice. Seeing the container of eggs, he decided to boil them instead of making omelets. Chase held up the eggs for Melanie to see.

  She put two fingers in the air. Chase nodded and placed four eggs in a pot to boil. He reached for two glasses and poured them orange juice, then checked the breadbox. He had a loaf of honey wheat bread. Good. He would make toast when the eggs were ready.

  Chase finished his tale. It felt good talking about it to someone. “Three years ago, my dad called me to tell me he had accepted Christ. He told me he was a changed man.” He chuckled. “Of course, I didn’t believe him. I didn’t think he could ever change. What? Give up alcohol? Not Ted Lawson.

  “But he had. I gave him two weeks max and he would be back in the bottle. Well, Dad proved me wrong. A month went by and he was sober. Then two. Before I knew it, a year had passed. On his one-year anniversary, I gave my life to the Lord. I realized it was time for me to get my act together. I didn’t drink but I was … I …” How could he say this? Chase squinted his eyes. He would go with the truth. “I was a womanizer—a man-whore.”

  Melanie’s eyes widened. “How many women were there?”

  Chase shook his head. “It’s in the past. I’m disease free and now there is only you. I haven’t been seeing anyone in the two years since I’ve accepted Christ.”

  Her mouth formed an O. “Two years? That’s a long time without …”

  Chase crooked his head. “What about you?”

  Melanie held up three fingers. “I’ve had three long-term relationships. My last serious relationship was while I was in college. But … we called it quits. No real reason. We drifted apart.”

  He narrowed his eyes. Her body language said something different. She twirled her hair around her fingers and shifted her gaze.

  He tapped the island counter to get her attention. “You broke up when your father had his heart attack, didn’t you?”

  Melanie bit her lip. Then she nodded. “Roger wanted to plan a wedding and move to New York. I told him my father needed surgery. Roger refused to understand so … we parted ways.”

  How much had she given up? Rachel’s words came back to him. “You gave up your fiancée and your dreams?” He shook his head. What father would allow her to do that?

  “It was my choice.” Melanie pointed to her chest. “I have no regrets.”

  Chase pushed. “But, I’ve seen you dance—”

  “Are the eggs ready?” she asked.

  Chase knew the conversation was closed for now. He nodded and went to look about their breakfast. He would drop the matter but he filed this topic away for future discussion. Melanie needed to dance like she needed to breathe.

  ***

  She could feel Chase’s eyes on her back as she went into the bank to fill out leave forms. Chase had already called off to recuperate. She was taking the rest of the week off. Nancy rolled her eyes but Melanie never asked for time. Rachel’s face was all over the news. Nancy knew Melanie would be by her friend’s side.

  Melanie checked on Rachel’s funds in case the judge approved bail. Rachel entrusted Melanie with her accounts. Melanie had invested some of Rachel’s money and had made Rachel a decent sum. However, Melanie knew defense attorneys were costly. She also withdrew some of her money.

  Next Chase drove her to pick up her vehicle from Rachel’s place. He had not been able to reach Judd. They stood by Melanie’s Infiniti.

  “Rachel doesn’t need your help,” he said. “She needs God and a lawyer.”

  “Rachel’s been in my life for thirteen years. I’m not turning my back on her.” Melanie folded her arms.

  Chase backed off. “You’re right. As you’ve pointed out, I have no say.”

  “I’m going home to shower and change.”

  “I’ll come with you.”

  She felt suffocated. “Listen, I’m not used to this. I do my own thing. I don’t need a shadow.”

  His face softened. “I know I’m coming on strong but after your ordeal, I don’t think you should be alone. I promise to be on my best behavior and support you. Let me tag along.”

  She read the sincerity in Chase’s eyes but she needed her space. “My sister, Tricia, will come with me.” Chase gave a curt nod. She knew she was freezing him out but Chase was … intense. Melanie was attracted but things were moving too fast.

  “I’ll call you,” she said.

  Chase looked like he wanted to say more but instead he gave her a hug. “I’ll be praying for you.” She saw his head move toward her lips and turned her head. Chase caught the slight. His face twisted like he was hurt before he forced out a smile. He gave a small wave and left.

  Why was she pushing him
away? Last night she had opened up to Chase and told him her secret pain. Melanie wondered about that while driving home. Chase cared about her. She could see it in his eyes. She cared for him as well. She cared so much for him it shook her bones. Maybe that’s why she was so scared.

  Chase had the power to hurt her and Melanie could not let that happen. Janet had hurt her. Rachel had hurt her. She could not—would not—give Chase that same power.

  12

  “Thanks for coming to get me.” Judd folded his long body into Chase’s Jeep. “I didn’t want Nadine driving me home.”

  Chase narrowed his eyes. “You stayed there all night?” He asked the obvious question.

  Judd jerked his head. “Yeah. I … I didn’t want her to be alone. Her parents are staying at the Westin.”

  Chase could not see Peter and Marie leaving their only daughter alone. Unless … “You slept with her,” Chase accused.

  Judd looked out the window. “When Nadine came over to me, she whispered to me that she wanted me to stay. She said I made her feel safe. I couldn’t say no.”

  “You took advantage of a woman in distress.” Chase jabbed him on the arm. “How could you?” A raindrop splattered across the windshield. A second later there was a downpour. Used to the erratic Florida weather, Chase turned on the wipers. He needed Rain-X.

  “Believe me when I say I didn’t. If anything, Nadine took advantage of me. She said she needed me. She seduced me.”

  “Uhm hmm.” Chase found that hard to believe. He pressed the defrost button and adjusted the temperature.

  “Where’s your woman?” Judd asked.

  Judd mentioning Melanie was the perfect distraction.

  “Melanie’s off with her sister to help Rachel,” Chase said.

  “Wow,” was Judd’s eloquent response.

  Chase released his fury. “Rachel lied to her and kidnaps a child. Then she locks Melanie in a closet for hours and Melanie still wants to help her.”

  “You don’t know a thing about girlfriends, do you?” Judd laughed. “Women stick together. They fuss, fight, and tell each other off but in the next instant they’re hugging and crying and all that.”