A Reason to Sing

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  Police officers arrived. They checked Pierce’s pockets and patted him down. One of them pulled out a gun.

  Brian’s mouth hung open. Pierce had sounded so convincing.

  Pierce shook his head. “I swear I don’t know where that came from. I don’t own a gun. Please.”

  The officers recited the Miranda rights and dragged Pierce away in handcuffs, but he continued to resist. “I didn’t do it!” Pierce yelled. He kicked and screamed. The officers had to force him into the back of the police car. Even then he railed, “I was set up! I don’t even own a gun! You’ve got to believe me!”

  The officers poured bleach on the blood in the street. Brian watched the solution spread and wash the stains away. He compared the bleach with Jesus’ blood. Brian took a moment to offer a silent praise. He thanked God for the gift and miracle of salvation.

  “Go on about your way, nothing more to see!” the cops yelled to the crowd.

  Most obeyed and a few others lingered, but the excitement was over. Cabs and travelers who had been detained because of the commotion began honking through the packed streets.

  The officers moved into the street to hold the traffic. The ambulance was ready to depart. Before they closed the door, an EMT addressed Brian. “Alert his family.”

  Brian shook his head. “He doesn’t have anyone.” Just me. I am his next of kin.

  They moved to shut the door.

  “Can I come?”

  They shook their head. “We can’t carry you with us. It’s against regulations for us to transport anyone else other than the victim. You can grab a cab and meet us at Mount Sinai Urgent Care.” With a slam of the door, the ambulance took off at breakneck speed.

  Brian stood frozen before a horn honked.

  “Get out the street!”

  He scurried to the sidewalk. The streets were again filled with the usual hustle and bustle. It was hard to tell there had been an incident, but the image of Kyle’s body on the concrete was seared into Brian’s brain. He knew that sight was one he would never forget. He felt the tears come and rested against a streetlight.

  Someone walked past him and whispered in his ear. “Tell Ryan, Frank said to thank me later.” The older portly man disappeared into the crowd with the ease of a slippery eel.

  Brian felt goose bumps pop up on his arms. He stepped back and clutched his stomach. He had just met the reclusive Frank Armadillo who looked like somebody’s grandfather. As cute as the Pillsbury Dough Boy. That was the best description Brian could come up with because he hadn’t had a chance to truly observe Frank to get a good description.

  Brian hailed a cab. He called Karlie and then he called Ryan to tell them about Kyle. He needed to see them for different reasons—Karlie, because he needed her support, and Ryan because he needed answers.

  Brian hoped Ryan wasn’t behind Kyle’s murder attempt. But why else would Frank have spoken to him? Brian shook his head and massaged his temples. The stress of the past hour bore down on his shoulders. Thoughts of one father murdering the other plagued his mind. He prayed Kyle survived. Brian had to believe there was hope for Kyle’s soul.

  Brian was so glad Karlie was on her way. She hadn’t hesitated and his heart sang. He needed her by his side. Brian knew he had to make things right. He couldn’t go one more minute without her. And, he wouldn’t.

  The cab swerved in front of the emergency entrance. Brian pulled out his wallet to pay. The crumpled note caught his eye. He pulled out the paper and read the names. His stomach sank. Ryan was involved in Kyle’s shooting, though he was 100 percent positive Ryan would deny it. Brian jutted his chin. He would find out the truth. He had to. If Ryan were a murderer, Brian wouldn’t rest until Ryan got the justice he deserved.

  Ch. 24

  Ryan rushed into the emergency room. He spotted Brian in the corner and hurried to his side. He hauled his son to his feet and captured him in a tight hug. Brian remained limp, but Ryan didn’t care. He stepped back and inspected Brian all over, assuring himself that Brian was unharmed.

  “You’re covered in blood,” he said, releasing him. “When I got your message about a gunshot and Kyle, my heart almost dropped to the floor.”

  “Kyle will live, no thanks to you,” Brian said. His loud voice echoed in the room.

  The receptionist gave them a curious glance. Her cocked head told him she was tuned into to their every word.

  “What do you mean, no thanks to me?” Ryan asked. He grabbed Brian’s shoulder. “Son, this blaming thing is getting tired. I live all the way in Long Island. I couldn’t have done anything to Kyle. You know this. You were there when that man was apprehended. It was all over the news on my way here.”

  Brian spoke through gritted teeth. “It doesn’t matter what the news report said. I know you did this.”

  Ryan lowered his voice. “You’re attracting attention. Please tone it down some.”

  “Don’t tell me what to do. You’re not my father.” Brian’s looked as if he was ready for war.

  Ryan had no intention of engaging. “I’m your father in every way that counts. I still pay your college and living expenses.” He felt the heat of curious stares. “This isn’t the place for this conversation.” He dragged Brian into the corridor to give them some measure of privacy.

  Ryan pinned Brian against the wall. “This anger you have against me has gone on for long enough. We made peace and I’m walking in it. It’s time you move forward as well.”

  “How can I move forward when you’re a murderer?” Brian pushed off the wall and dug into his pockets.

  Ryan stepped back. His son’s volatile mood alarmed him. Ryan couldn’t be sure what Brian would do.

  Brian pulled out the small piece of paper and held it up in Ryan’s face. Ryan recognized his monogrammed stationery.

  “Where did you get this?” he asked, taking the paper from Brian. He looked at the two names scribbled there. Ryan’s heart started beating fast. Brian quickly snatched the document from his hand.

  Ryan stuck his hands in his pants pockets so Brian wouldn’t see them shaking.

  “I found it in your office in the trashcan,” Brian said. “You have both their names on it.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything.” Ryan searched his memory to figure out when he had written that. He had been so careful…

  Brian glared. “I think it means you’re guilty of Jackson’s murder and now Kyle’s assassination attempt.”

  Ryan’s eyebrows lifted. “Assassination. Are you listening to yourself? Brian, you know me. You must know I’m not capable of murder.”

  “You are more than capable,” Brian said, pacing in a small circle. “Fact number one: you lied about Karlie.” He held up one finger. “Fact number two: you lied to Jackson.” He held up two fingers. His furious whispers sounded like a crescendo in Ryan’s ears.

  Ryan started walking to the exit.

  Brian followed. “Fact number three: you hired Frank to handle Jackson. I’m almost positive you had him taken care of.”

  Ryan froze at Brian’s word choice. He snatched Brian by the arm. “What did you say?” He pulled Brian into an empty room. “What did you say?”

  “I said you had Jackson taken care of.”

  The words pierced Ryan’s heart. His knees buckled. He had to grab onto Brian to keep from falling. Jackson’s face flashed before him. His mental picture of Jackson hanging in the closet returned to haunt him. Every night Ryan had to sleep next to Jackson’s widow knowing what he had done.

  “Whoa.” Brian hoisted him to his feet. His anger had been replaced with concern and a touch of fear. “Are you all right?”

  Ryan nodded. “I didn’t mean for him to die. I might be many things, but I’m not a killer.” He had trouble catching his breath. “It pains my heart to see the repulsion on your face, but I didn’t…” Ryan slumped.

  “You did.” Brian’s tone was firm. “You had Frank do something. You didn’t tie that noose around Jackson’s neck, but you might as well have. Th
en you have the gall to marry his widow. Only a ruthless, soulless human being would do that.”

  Ryan gasped. A million lies formed on his tongue. His mind filled with a million explanations, but his conscience held back the words. Ryan covered his face. The lies wouldn’t come. Instead the truth lashed from his core and poured out in a gush of words. “You’re right. I’m heartless. I’m all that you think and more.” He swallowed. “The truth is, I’m the one who should’ve ended my life. Jackson should be alive and with his family. Not me. I thought of it once, but I didn’t have the guts to go through with it.”

  Brian’s mouth hung open.

  “I hate looking into the mirror every day,” Ryan said. “I hate the man I’ve become. Every day, I ask myself how I became this man. I was on the right path, but I allowed money to get in the way.” Tears flowed. “I can’t enjoy my wife. I won’t allow myself to, because I know I don’t deserve her. Megan is sweet and good and I’m…toxic.” Ryan slumped into one of the chairs. “I love her.”

  Brian sat beside him. “That is one truth I don’t doubt. But you entered your marriage on a lie. That’s not a good foundation. You have to tell Megan you might have caused her husband’s death.”

  Ryan hyperventilated. “She’ll hate me. I’ll lose her. I have to live with this guilt forever. I can’t run away from it. I can’t outwork it. I can’t out-sleep it.” He clenched his fists. “It’s always there gnawing at me.”

  Brian touched his arm. “You’ve got to turn yourself in to the police.”

  Ryan tensed and shook his head. “No way am I doing that. They have no way of knowing of my involvement.” He zoned in on his son. “Unless you tell them.”

  Brian studied him. He still had the paper in his hand. Brian stared at it while he contemplated.

  “Well?” Ryan whispered.

  Brian handed Ryan the paper. “Do with it as you choose. I’m done with it.”

  Ryan’s hands trembled as he took the potentially incriminating evidence. “Why are you giving it to me? I would think you would revel in this opportunity to rub my face in the dirt.”

  His son shook his head. “That’s where you’re wrong. I’m angry, but my anger is more because of disappointment. I wanted you to be honest in your walk with God, but you’re all about Ryan. No one else. Earlier today, I was livid. I wanted you brought to justice, but while you were talking just now, I realized your guilt is all the justice I need. You have to live with it. Good luck with that.” He gestured to the paper. “The rest is up to you. Keep it or toss it. It’s on you.” His cell rang. “That’s Karlie.” Brian stood and stretched. “I’ll go meet up with her.”

  “I’ll come see her in a minute.” He tapped Brian on the arm. “I didn’t do anything to Kyle. I hope you believe that.”

  Brian gave a jerky nod. He made a move to leave but then he stopped.

  “What is it, son?” Ryan asked.

  “I saw Frank Armadillo today.”

  Ryan felt his mouth pop open. “What? What do you mean you saw him? I’m pretty sure you’ve never met.” He pointed to his chest. “I’ve only dealt with him over the phone.” He pulled out his cell phone. Fear sliced through Ryan’s heart.

  “It was him,” Brian said. “He was there when Kyle got shot.” Brian broke eye contact. “I think he shot Kyle and set up Pierce to take the fall.”

  Ryan shook his head. “I don’t know …”

  Brian’s voice dropped. “Frank said to tell you to thank him later.”

  Ryan stiffened and his body chilled. “Were those his exact words?” He could hear the tremor in his voice.

  Brian nodded. “I’ll see you later.”

  His son departed the room leaving Ryan to deal with his crippling fear. He had been done with Frank for months, but apparently Frank wasn’t done with him. Frank hadn’t pulled that trigger, but he knew who did.

  Ryan could find out, but he wasn’t willing to pay Frank’s price. There was no way Ryan could give Frank his heart’s desire. Kyle’s shooting had been a warning. Ryan was next if he failed to keep his promise. He had made a bargain, and now he couldn’t deliver the goods. Ryan should have known better than to make friends with a devil.

  But he wasn’t giving him up. No way. Not as long as he had breath.

  The Holy Spirit whispered in his heart to cast all his fears on God. Ryan shook his head. He couldn’t pray his way out of this one. A hallelujah wouldn’t bring him deliverance. Ryan needed tangible results. He retrieved his cell phone.

  It was time to call the one man he knew could help and the last person he wanted involved.

  Ch. 25

  “I’m glad you and Ryan hashed things out,” Karlie said. “Now we just have to wait for news on Kyle.”

  The two sat huddled together in a corner of the waiting room. Brian had given her a brief rundown of his and Ryan’s conversation. He had also told her all the events leading up to Kyle’s shooting.

  “I’ve been praying for Kyle nonstop,” Brian said. “I keep having flashbacks of him lying on that ground and his blood on my hands. I know God heard my prayers.” Brian snuggled her close to him. He wouldn’t be able to articulate how it felt having Karlie in his arms. “I’m so glad you answered when I called you. If you weren’t here with me…”

  “For some reason, I’ll say it was God, I felt led to answer your phone call. My stomach dropped when I heard Kyle was shot.”

  “One minute he was yelling at me for praying in public, he humiliated me,” Brian said. “The next minute he was fighting for his life.” He shook his head. “I keep thinking, what if I hadn’t prayed?”

  “Thankfully, you don’t have to find out. Your prayers saved Kyle. I hope you see the work God has for you. You were already smart and keen, and those natural gifts are being used for the spiritual.”

  Brian’s brow furrowed.

  “You have the gift of discernment. You can read people. As you grow with God, He’ll expand and multiply it. But you have to stay in His will. You don’t have time to walk around with anger or malice.”

  “I didn’t know you saw all that.”

  “I didn’t say anything before because I didn’t want to scare you. But He didn’t make you stubborn for nothing. You just have to channel that stubbornness into spiritual zeal. He will guide you if you let Him.”

  Brian spread his hands. “I’m done with this whole vendetta against Ryan. It’s not what God wants from me. Let him decide what he wants to do with that paper. I need to soak in God’s love and move forward in His calling.”

  “I’ll be right by your side.” Karlie held his face in her hands. “I’m proud of you.”

  Brian nodded. For the first time in months, he felt free. The slip of paper had been a boulder on his shoulders. Brian needed to stop doing God’s job for Him. He would leave Ryan to God. He kissed Karlie on the lips. “I’m sorry I put you in the middle of my fight with Ryan. It wasn’t fair to you. I had no right to expect you to carry the same animosity I was walking around with.” He shuddered. “The saying life is too short was all too evident for me today. I don’t want to go another night without you.”

  Her eyes misted. She rubbed her face against his cheek. “I missed you,” she whispered. “This was the longest six weeks of my life. But I had to follow God’s leading and my heart. Every time I picked up my cell to call, God stopped me.” She placed a light kiss on his ear.

  “He needed me to Himself for a while,” Brian said. “I see that now. I’ve been praying more and I thought I was making headway with Kyle, but I was double-minded and unstable, like James says. I was trying to hold God’s love in one hand and my anger in the other.” He shook his head. “That doesn’t work.”

  “How about you keep God’s love in one hand and trade the anger for my love in the other?” Karlie suggested. She drew him to her and kissed him.

  Brian gave into the sensations and allowed himself the luxury of tasting her. Oh, she was sweet. He could eat from the fruit that was Karlie for the rest of his
life.

  Neither cared if they drew attention. Brian knew if they were recognized, their tender moment could end up on YouTube or on the front page of one of the rag magazines. He didn’t care. He loved Karlie and wanted the world to see it. He grudgingly wrenched his lips from hers and rested his chin on her head and inhaled. Her familiar vanilla scent filled his nostrils.

  “I don’t know how I lived without you all these days,” he said. “I was in misery. Thank God for church. When I wasn’t working, that’s where I was. I would lose myself in praise, but as soon as I had a free moment, you filled my mind. I’m never going to put you or me in this position again.”

  Her head bobbed. “You’d better not.”

  Brian thought he heard a sniffle and pulled Karlie closer to him. He was home. Brian enjoyed the thrill of feeling her in his arms before he pulled away. “This year is one for the record books. I’m ready for all this drama to end.”

  She nodded. “Me, too. I thought my life was a soap opera, but you’re giving me competition.”

  “I didn’t ask for this, believe me.” He closed his eyes. “I’ve been praying and asking God if I should tell Kyle I’m his son.”

  Karlie’s eyebrows lifted. “Are you ready for his possible rejection? Because I know from experience that’s a possibility.”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t felt like God was ready for Kyle to know. God seemed more concerned with his soul. I had a terrible thought.” Brian dropped his voice to a whisper, and Karlie brought her ear close to his mouth. “What if God allowed Kyle to get shot on purpose?”

  “I thought that, too,” Karlie said. “I know the world might have a different viewpoint. They might see it as God being cruel, but I’m hoping Kyle lives and realizes God, in His mercy, was giving him a wakeup call.”

  Brian chuckled. “We think alike. If I could marry you now, I would.”

  Karlie lifted her head to look at him. “What’s stopping you?”