“Well, yes, I am too. I just hadn’t figured you for a Christian.”
“Why ever not?”
“I can’t imagine a Christian man trying to find an abused woman to hand her back over to her husband. It’s just something I wouldn’t expect. Although, if you are new to the faith, it would make sense that you are trying to understand everything. Did your pastor tell you about the Holy Spirit? How He will guide you in making decisions that line up with the will of God?”
“I have been struggling with all this. Laney’s husband told me his wife disappeared and he was worried about her and their children. I knew something else was going on but in my desire to support my family, I ignored that voice I am supposed to listen to. I’ve been praying about it ever since. I’m not sure what to do now.”
Once again Sheila was disappointed. A family, huh? Yep, there was a ring on his finger. Why hadn’t she noticed that before? She tried to sound encouraging. “Surely there are better ways to support your wife and kids than through something immoral?”
Austin let the reference to his dead wife go. He didn’t want to go into any long explanations; he didn’t have the energy for it. “The Holy Spirit is going to have to let me in on how to do that then. This is all I’ve ever done. It’s all I know. Looks like I’ll be in the bread line before too long if I can’t do the job I know best.”
“One thing you must learn and learn quickly is God’s always got your back. You do the right thing and he’ll provide. You never have to worry with him in your corner.” Sheila felt sorry for the man seated before her. She remembered being in his shoes. “I should know. I have had to make hard decisions too. It wasn’t easy. But, it was worth it. I have no regrets and God proved to me just how faithful he is.”
Austin didn’t respond. Answers didn’t come easily these days. His boys had been praying for his salvation for as long as he could remember. For a long time after Elise’s death, he’d blamed God. Slowly, he’d come to realize that God was still there, waiting for him to accept his gift of love and that he completely and totally forgave him. He regretted sending Elise and the boys off to church every Sunday without him now that he couldn’t go back and change it. He regretted all the memories he had missed out on, the memories that would never be because he was too prideful and self-sufficient. He didn’t want to make those same mistakes again. This time he wanted to do what God wanted him to do.
Sheila decided to leave him alone for now, although she planned on talking to him about this whole situation later. Hopefully soon, and prayerfully, he’d listen. “Well, I have a bunch of stuff I have to do and it’s quite chilly out here. I’m going to head in. I’ll talk with you later.”
Austin watched her walk away. He only now noticed she was wearing a long sweater instead of a coat. No wonder she was cold. He tasted his coffee. Guess they’d been talking longer than he thought. Coffee was cold too. At least the cinnamon roll was tasty no matter what temperature. He took a bite and closed his eyes. Hopefully this was homemade and hopefully the woman who brought it to him made them. If so, he knew she was the one God had for him. Cinnamon rolls were the perfect food. As she walked in her front door he knew he’d be returning the retainer given to him by Paul Sanders. Lord, can you send another job? Please? I don’t want to dip into my savings.
He started his car and headed to Paul’s office. Might as well get it over with. Between the voice in his head and the woman’s voice in his ears, he knew he couldn’t do it. He couldn’t condone any man hitting a woman. It just wasn’t right. He shuddered, thinking of his sweet Elise and how he would have killed any man that would dare lay a hand to her. His heart was heavy.
He walked up the stairs to the office building and took the elevator to the 23rd floor. Paul’s secretary ushered him into his private waiting room as soon as he’d introduced himself. He must think I have good news. It was only a couple of minutes before Paul opened the double doors leading to his office, the evil anticipation spread across his face was just about more than Austin could handle.
“Well, I take it you have good news? Did you find her?”
Austin sat at the wide cherry desk across from Paul, pulled out his checkbook and began writing. "I’m sorry Paul, but I cannot help you find your wife. I cannot be party to any man abusing a woman. It’s not right. Here’s your money back." He set the check on the desk and walked out. God, that sure felt good! Now, for more important things.
Chapter Seventeen
For once in his life Paul was speechless. How dare he do this to him? Who was he to tell him what was right or wrong. A snoop? Telling him what was moral? Who does he think he is?
He slammed his office door then grabbed his coat and stomped out past his secretary. He was going to find some answers. There had to be someone in this town who would get the job done without asking questions. He had some contacts that would shoot their own mothers if they were offered enough money. One of them wouldn’t have any problem finding a missing wife. He was sure of it.
He found himself driving through Chicago and landing at a bar on Cicero Street. He waited at a corner booth for his contact to arrive. Paul ordered a scotch and water to cool his nerves. It wouldn’t pay to be nervous. This was going to cost him a lot more money, but the chances of this guy developing a conscience were nil. In fact, he’d have to stress he didn’t want her harmed. He wanted that pleasure saved for himself.
A half hour later, his contact showed. Paul handed him a picture and a wad of cash. The guy was gone in less than five minutes. He stressed there’d be more cash when he provided the location of his wife. There’d be nothing else if she was hurt. He didn’t want her to know when he was about to catch her. He’d look into her surprised eyes as he drained the life from her. Nothing else would satisfy him.
Ten minutes later, he got into his Lexus and headed toward home. You’re going to pay now Laney. Just you wait.
* * * *
Barbara watched her husband out of the corner of her eye. How could he peacefully sit there and know their daughter was in danger? When that PI came around asking questions, her husband told him everything he knew. How could he? How could he sit in church week after week and not hear what Christ expected out of husbands? How could he not hear that husbands are supposed to love their wives like Christ loved the church? God, what can I do? How can I warn her? This is wrong.
She headed upstairs to her sewing room and got down on her knees. She didn’t know what else to do. Barbara spent the next hour pleading for her daughter. She would not stand by and do nothing, not the way her mother did for her. Even if he killed her, she’d stop him from hurting her girl. This was going to stop. After the hour in prayer, she felt stronger, more sure of what she was to do. Nothing would change her mind. She’d never felt surer of anything in her entire life.
She heard Dave turn the television on and looked at her watch. It wouldn’t be long before he was looking for her. His timing was predictable. Everything about him was predictable. Of course, that was her job, to know him better than she knew herself, to know what he needed before he knew, to anticipate his every need.
“Hey, What are you doing up there? You’ve been up there a while. Wheel of Fortune is on. If you don’t hurry, you’re going to miss it.”
Barbara opened the sewing room door. “I’ll be right down. I was just finishing up.”
Chapter Eighteen
Laney sipped her coffee, waiting for Sheila. It wasn’t often she had the time to sit and relax, but they’d had this shopping date set for weeks and she wasn’t going to post pone it. Christmas was right around the corner and she had three kids to shop for, all three anxiously waiting for Santa to appear. She’d need the coffee for fuel.
Laney smiled as she watched Sheila climb the snow bank in front of her car, then enter the coffee shop and stomp the snow off her boots. Wisconsin had a record snowfall so far this year. This year’s white Christmas was almost guaranteed.
Laney raised her hand, waving to the tall elf at
the front of the store. “Hey, I’m over here.”
“Be right there. I’m going to order first. I’m freezing!”
Laney bit off a bite of her scone and continued her shopping list. Maybe it wouldn’t be that long of a day. She didn’t have that much cash to work with. The kids would see their smallest Christmas ever this year. That was okay. What she lacked in presents they certainly had gained by being in a peaceful house. That should count for something.
Sheila pulled out her chair and set her white mocha on the small table before taking her coat off. “Brrr…why do I live in this wretched state, anyway?” She hung her coat on the back of her chair, then sat down and looked at the scone on Laney’s plate. “A lemon scone huh? They were out of the cinnamon ones. So, I got a cinnamon roll instead.” She took a bite. “Not quite as good as mine, but they’ll do in a pinch.”
Laney smirked, “Yeah right, you eat those nasty cinnamon rolls in the plastic packaging when you don’t have time to bake any. You’ll eat any type of cinnamon roll. I know you.” Laney smiled and took another bite. “Me? I’ll take lemon any day of the week.”
“I see you are working on your Christmas list.” Sheila pushed an envelope toward her friend. “I have something for you. This should help.”
Laney raised her eyebrows. “What’s this?” She opened the envelope and pulled out two hundred dollars. “Sheila, I can’t take this.” She handed the money back to Sheila. “You’ve already done too much.”
“Yes you can. And, it’s not from me so that isn’t an issue. It’s an anonymous gift and you can’t give it back. In fact, even I don’t know who it’s from. Some of the church members wanted to help so they donated to some of the families. Keisha also got some help, although Jamal helped her see the light on how to spend it.”
Sheila sighed and looked at Laney. “Speaking of exes, yours has been busy.”
Laney startled at the mention of Paul. “What happened?”
“Well, he hired a private investigator to find you.”
“How do you know?”
Sheila knew the answer to that would scare Laney to death. “Because the P.I. came to the house.”
“What? When did this happen? How come you waited until now to tell me?”
“Because everything has been taken care of. It turns out the private investigator had recently given his heart to the Lord. I know we have to trust the Lord, Laney. God has everything under control. It’s going to work out, you’ll see.” Sheila took a deep breath. She might as well go on. “Besides, Austin, that’s the P.I’s name, came back to tell me he quit the job and gave Paul his money back. Not only that, but he didn’t tell Paul where he’d found me. He wouldn’t.” Sheila took a drink of her coffee. “I called you yesterday and left a message. I tried to tell you sooner. But, I didn’t hear back from you. I even drove by, but the lights were out and your car was gone.”
“Sheila, I have to leave. I have to pack up the kids. We have to go. I knew he’d look for me, but I didn’t think he’d hire a private investigator. If the first one quit, he’ll just hire another one. It’s only a matter of time.”
“Laney, listen to me. You can run, yes. But at some point you are going to have to stop and fight. You have rights. Those kids have the right to be in one school and have some normalcy in their lives. What about them? And what about you? You have friends here who love you. Friends like Keisha who need the strength you have to offer. You are one of the strong ones who is actually making it on your own. Don’t give that up.”
“Sheila, I don’t want to move. But, I’m scared. What if he finds me? What am I going to do?”
“You will stand strong. You will not give into his demands.” Sheila pulled out another envelope. “Here is your Christmas present from me. I thought you could use your gift a little early.”
Laney opened the second envelope. In it was a gift certificate for a self-defense class.
“Would you like to walk to where the classes are held? I took this class. It’s good, Laney. Some women run their whole lives. No matter where they go, they are looking over their shoulders wondering when he is going to show up. You don’t have to be one of those women. This class will help you get to that point.” Sheila stood up and put her coat on. “It’s just down the block. Come on, I’ll show you.”
Laney followed her out the door and walked in silence, trying to figure out what she should do. Maybe she could wait until after Christmas to uproot the kids. The tree was decorated, cookies were made and the stockings were hung. She couldn’t make them leave all their hard work. “Alright, I’ll stay. At least through Christmas. After that, no guarantees. We’ll have to see.”
The Tae Kwon Do shop owner was standing at the counter. “Sheila, back so soon?”
“Yes, this is the lady I bought the gift certificate for. Can she go ahead and set up her class dates?”
“Sure, we have an opening in next week’s class. It’s on Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7pm. Will that work for you?”
Sheila spoke up. “I’ll come and watch the kids for you. Part of your gift. I insist.”
“Well, then I guess it will work.” Laney gave the shop owner the rest of her information. “I’ll see you next week.”
Sheila and Laney spent the rest of the afternoon shopping for the kids. With the extra money from the church, she was able to get some unexpected gifts for the them. They would be surprised. Maybe it would be a nice Christmas after all. If only Paul would stay away.
Laney bounded through the house with her packages. She had to hide all this before the kids came home. After stuffing everything in her closet, she headed to Ella’s house to get them. She had to hold them close, remind herself what was really important.
Fear and doubt continued to nag. The only thing that kept her from putting the kids in the car and taking off was the looks on their faces as they rushed out to greet her. Joy was first. Matt bounded out next and Ella was holding Joy, her face covered in red goo. “Whoa. I bet you guys ate a few cookies, huh?” Laney took Joy from Ella’s arms and received a wet sloppy pink kiss as her welcome home gift. “Hey guys, hold on a sec. Why don’t you get your coats and boots? I need to talk with Miss Ella for a minute.”
Laney waited until the kids were out of earshot before she filled Ella in on what was happening with Paul. “Did you know there was a private detective at the house the other day? He was looking for me.”
“I knew something was happening, but I didn’t know what. I had finished up in the kitchen, getting things ready for the ladies’ supper when Sheila told me she was heading to the grocery store. I was taken aback when she told me to head home as soon as the car parked in front of the house left, but Joy started fussing so I didn’t have time to question her. Is everything all right?”
“Well, apparently Paul hired him, although he found his conscience and already quit the job. I’m just worried Paul will hire someone who doesn’t have a conscience to find. I need you to be extra careful. Keep your eyes open.” Laney looked out Ella’s living room window. “I don’t put anything past him. He will stop at nothing to find me.” She turned back to Ella. “And pay me for what I’ve done.”
Ella kept her voice low, partly because the kids were near and partly because her heart was breaking. These kids, Laney, they were her family now. She wouldn’t know what to do without them. “What are you going to do?”
“Sheila has prevailed against my better judgment. I am going to stay through Christmas and pray that Paul doesn’t find me before then. She’s right. The kids need this place as much as I do.” She looked into the kitchen where they were teasing one another, laughing freely as kids should. “I haven’t seen them this happy in such a long time, if ever. I can’t take this away from them now. Not before Christmas.”
“Then let’s make this a Christmas they will never forget. Remember, we are all praying.”
“Praying? Well, I suppose it can’t hurt. Although I’m not sure it’s helping, either. Ella, do you really think
God cares? That he is watching out for us?”
Thinking back, she could remember just how Laney felt. It was hard to imagine and even harder to actually believe that God would allow such pain in a person’s life. It took some time, but eventually Ella had learned to find peace in the arms of her heavenly father rather than to blame him. “Yes, Laney. I wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for my relationship with Christ.” Ella swallowed and continued. “Someday I need to tell you about my marriage. It was a lot like yours. I’ve been there. Trust me. You want God on your side. You need him on your side.”
“Well, so far that seems to be the consensus. You, Sheila, even Keisha tells me I need God. Maybe I’ll join you and the kids this week at church. After that first time, I kind of shied away. The kids love it, though. They love Jessi. She is so good with them. They really do seem like good people.”
“Oh, I assure you. They are very good people. Very good indeed.”
Laney bundled Melanie up in her coat, hat and mittens and waved goodbye to Ella from the front walk. With all the snow, they would have to walk the long way around. The kids ran ahead, throwing snowballs at one another, not caring if they were knee deep in snow. Laney, on the other hand, didn’t want snow down her boots. She hated cold feet.
“You guys going to stay out and play a little while? If so, I want you to play in our back yard. Nowhere else. You hear me?”
They both started to complain. “Why can’t we play in the front yard? We don’t have much room back there.”
“Because I said so. That’s why. Got it?”
“Yeah, sure, mom. But it’s not going to be as much fun.”
Forever Blessed (Women of Prayer) Page 9