Rich in Faith (Richness in Faith, Book 3)

by Peterson, Lindi

  “Well, we don’t know if it’s true or not. We’re speculating. But it’s something to look into. How well does Susan know Jared’s assistant?”

  “I’m not sure. I can find out though.”

  I pick up the invitation Team Twin made for the vacation Bible school program on Sunday morning. They also made one for Uncle Jared. “Do you think Jared will come Sunday morning?”

  “I don’t know. He does love those girls.”

  I sense sadness in his voice as well as in his gaze. “This whole thing has you torn up inside, doesn’t it.”

  “There are a lot of things that have me feeling a bit discombobulated.” I’m hoping I’m one of those things. He has yet to kiss me tonight, or even make a move toward me like he is going to kiss me.

  In fact, he is keeping his distance, which is something he hasn’t done since we shared that first kiss.

  I sniff my shirt.

  “What are you doing?” he asks.

  “Seeing if I smell like Jared. You’re awfully far away from me and not making any moves to be closer.”

  “It’s not intentional. I promise. I have a lot on my mind tonight.”

  He reaches his hand out and I take his in mine. Neither of us move closer to the other. Hand in hand is satisfying right now. It’s a connection.

  One that I’m finding harder and harder to break as each day goes by.

  And I’m going to be miserable when that breaking day does come.

  MELTING

  SUNDAY MORNING IS chaos as I try and ready the girls for their program. And I need to get ready myself. As much as the girls insist I don’t have to dress up, they both seem to forget that’s all I brought. Work clothes, running clothes and not much in between.

  Jared does show up and it’s an awkward group that walks next door to the church that takes place in a house.

  Court is screaming handsome this morning, and I’m hoping there are no single females at this church. And if there are I hope they latch onto Jared and leave Court alone.

  Nice thoughts to go to church with. Keeping your man to yourself.

  And trying to rid yourself of another one.

  Team Twin are bursting at the seams and run down the hall when we step into the house.

  Knowing no better, Court, Jared and I follow them. When we do enter the room, I discover there are plenty of people here. I don’t know what I was expecting, but this crowd wasn’t it.

  Jenny and Stephen greet us right away, and we introduce “Uncle Jared” to them.

  Several more people come over in the course of the next few minutes, including Stephen’s Uncle Roger, the pastor. I haven’t felt this welcome in any place but Court’s arms recently.

  Is it bad to compare church people to embracing a man?

  My face heats a little at the thought. It’s a good thing no one can read my thoughts.

  After a few minutes some people stand up front. Roger plays the guitar and a couple of gals sing. The words are on the wall and I follow along as best as I can. Without knowing the tunes it’s hard, but a couple of the songs have upbeat tempos and are somewhat repetitive, so that makes it easier.

  After what is referred to as a shortened message, which still took over thirty minutes, the kids take over up front.

  Bristol and Darling seem at home with all the other kids. I do notice all the other kids have tamed hair, while Bristol and Darling still sport their wild look. But that battle isn’t mine.

  The kids put on a skit, which at points has us laughing. They all do a good job of remembering their lines.

  They sing and are truly having a great time. Team Twin look like they were made for the stage. Maybe this is what they need.

  An audience.

  I’m not sure about the homeschooling aspect, not that I’ve looked into it too much these past few days. But it seems they thrive in this environment surrounded by other kids.

  Or maybe it’s God they’re thriving under.

  When the program is over, Bristol and Darling run up to Court. They both start talking at once. “Did you like it, Daddy? Can we come back here next Sunday? They have church here. All the kids come. Can we, please?”

  Court seems overwhelmed by their request. I’m not sure where he is with the whole God thing, other than he doesn’t have any faith.

  I would say I am comfortable here, but it’s in an uncomfortable way. It’s like my heart’s been stirred to come to this place where people celebrate Jesus. I’ve always viewed church as something I do if I have time.

  This group makes me want to make the time.

  But I’m not butting in and offering to bring them back. I’ll be gone in August so I’m not starting something I can’t finish.

  I notice Court doesn’t commit, instead answering them with a vague “we’ll see.” But Team Twin seems okay with his answer. They head over to a group of kids, who welcome them in.

  I also notice Jared talking to a woman. Very pretty, dark hair. Did I say very pretty?

  Roger comes up to Court and me as we stand waiting for the twins to say they are ready to go. I notice Court keeps staring at Jared, and I can’t imagine the emotions running through him.

  Best friend or foe?

  Now armed with the knowledge of Jared’s assistant having financial troubles, things might be falling into place. Not a good place, but at least there might be motivation.

  “Your daughters had a great time this week,” Roger says. “And it’s good seeing you here. My wife and I have been praying for all of you. I know the past couple of years haven’t been easy.”

  “No, they haven’t,” Court agrees.

  Roger looks at me. “Bristol and Darling talked about you a lot, Shelby. They really look up to you.”

  “Oh. That’s nice. I’m fairly new.”

  “We’re glad you’re here. We certainly hope to see you again, and if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.”

  Everyone seems to be lingering, talking in small groups while children are running around. This brings new meaning to the word church. I could come here every week.

  Roger steps away to talk to someone else.

  “Are you ready?” Court asks.

  “Whenever you are. But good luck rounding up Team Twin. I think they would live here if they could. And did you see Jared chatting with that pretty brunette over there?”

  I point in the direction of Jared.

  “Maybe she’ll be his next prey.”

  Court sounds jaded.

  And in light of things, he has reason to sound that way. “We need to figure out what’s going on. You can’t go along forever suspicious of your best friend.”

  “I know. But it’s how I’m going to feel until we prove otherwise.”

  An idea starts forming. “Can you get me access to your business bank accounts?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “I don’t want to go into much detail now, but let me look around your bank accounts for the last few months. Maybe I’ll come up with something.”

  “Here he comes,” Court says softly.

  “This is a cool place,” Jared says when he reaches Court and me. “I really like this church.”

  I laugh. “You like it because you were talking to a pretty woman. We saw you.”

  “Well, you can’t see past my best friend here and turned me down. It’s time to move on. Her name is Stace and her half sister owns the house next door.”

  “I always knew you were a fast mover.” Court tries to lighten his voice. I notice it didn’t work, but Jared doesn’t catch the seriousness with which Court speaks.

  “I learned from the best.” Jared smiles at Court before punching him in the upper arm.

  “You didn’t learn everything from me. By the way, how’s Janice doing? Has she had her baby yet?”

  “No. Anytime now. I keep checking my phone. She said she’d let me know when she went to the hospital. Why are you asking? Is Susan too bogged down with all the work? I can hire a temp. I don’
t mind.”

  “Susan’s fine. I was just wondering.”

  Detective Court. He’s not very subtle.

  It’s a good thing he has me.

  IT’S MONDAY morning and Court is back to work.

  Mrs. Stratton is back to work.

  I’m back to work.

  And Team Twin is back to work. Screaming like there’s no tomorrow. I mistakenly thought after a few days of vacation Bible school that they would be better behaved, but although they were amazingly good yesterday, today is a different story.

  Today Court isn’t here.

  No fun in the sun with Daddy. Just boring Shelby.

  That’s what they called me.

  Even though I try to do the same things their dad did last week. When he suggests something it’s fun and they wouldn’t want to do anything else.

  But let me suggest the same thing and it’s boring.

  I’m standing in the doorway to their room trying to figure out what we are going to do this afternoon. I suggested swimming but they said no.

  I still want to take a brush or a pair of scissors to their hair. I constantly bite my tongue to keep from saying anything. But at least I know it all stems from MaryLeigh.

  MaryLeigh, who I’m still trying to figure out.

  Between her and Jared, I don’t think Court’s had a moment of peace in a long time.

  “How about a piggy back ride,” Bristol says. “I can jump on your back.”

  “How about that’s a no. You’re too heavy.”

  Bristol stomps her foot. “Uncle Jared gives us piggy back rides.”

  “The next time you see your Uncle Jared, ask him to give you one. I’m not Uncle Jared.”

  Bristol looks pensive if that’s possible for a ten-year-old. “Uncle Jared is fun. But not as much fun as he used to be. He’s different now. He doesn’t play as much. He’s too busy talking to grown-ups.”

  “And talking on the phone,” Darling adds. “Everybody talks on their phones. When can we have phones? Some of our friends already have them.”

  They are derailing the subject of Jared. “You’ll have to talk to your dad about the phone. And I guess grown-ups do look busy when they are talking or texting. But you guys like to play with your tablets.”

  “Yeah, but not all the time,” Bristol says.

  “I bet the next time you see your Uncle Jared he would put his phone away if you asked him. And he’d probably give you a piggy back ride, too.”

  “Maybe,” Bristol says. “We’ll see.”

  I hope Court brings home the access to the bank accounts. The sooner we can get this mess cleared up, the better.

  But if Jared is guilty, there will be a huge void in the Treyhune home.

  Huge.

  MEASURE

  IT’S THREE IN the morning and I have been looking over this bank account for the last six hours. Everything seems to be in order. There have been a few high-dollar transactions, but they all look legitimate. Court gave up at midnight, and I told him I wouldn’t be too much longer.

  The feel of looking at the numbers, trying to make sense of certain figures has brought me back to a place I like to be. A place I’m familiar with.

  Forget unbrushed hair and games of Old Maid. This is where I need to be. Yes, I needed to distance myself from Dale and that whole scene, but I haven’t thought of Dale in a long time, thanks to Court, and I’m ready to dive back into the financial world.

  I will keep my commitment here for the summer, and I’ll miss Court when I go back to Atlanta, but I have to go back.

  I’ll call Barb tomorrow, or today, rather, and have her start putting feelers out to see if anyone is hiring. She and her husband know everybody.

  As I’m about to close out another month’s transactions, I stop. I scroll back down at the check numbers I just passed by. Six checks in a row all for the same amount.

  That’s strange. I haven’t seen a pattern like this in all the months that I’ve already scanned through.

  When I click on the show image button, I sit straighter in my chair. The check is made out to Rajed Media. That was the name on the checks Court had printed copies of.

  I look to my left at the pile of papers, but the checks aren’t in the stack. I close that image and click on the next check number. Same payee, same amount, same date. And so on for the next four checks.

  Were the checks Court printed out all written the same day? I remember them being the same amount, but the date doesn’t ring a bell. You think he or I would have noticed that.

  I print the front of the last check in this sequence. Then I click the button to print the back of the check.

  As the image comes up, my pulse quickens and sweat forms on my forehead.

  Jared’s crazy signature is sprawled across the back of this check. Not wanting to believe what I’m seeing, I print it and quickly click into the previous check.

  Same thing. Jared’s signature on the back. I print the front and back of each check. When they are all in front of me, I look at the bank information on the back of the check. All the checks were deposited in the same account on the same day.

  The bank is a local bank, not a nationwide chain.

  I debate whether to wake Court or let him continue to sleep.

  The proof that he didn’t want to see is right here. I can’t imagine how Court is going to feel. Tears threaten and I dab the corners of my eyes. I’m not sure if they are for the truth coming to light or for Court and the betrayal of his best friend.

  “What did you find?”

  Looking up, I see Court standing in the doorway. “You’re still awake?”

  “I was dozing, but the sound of the printer made me curious. I guess you’ve found something.”

  I push the papers across the desk. He walks over, picks them up and shuffles through them, but he doesn’t turn them over.

  “These are the same checks I printed out the other day.”

  “They are. Look at the back. Look who deposited them.”

  Court’s eyebrows raise and his lips purse as he looks at each check one by one. Almost like he’s not believing what he’s seeing, he shuffles back through the checks, a little slower this time.

  He shakes his head from left to right before setting the copies on the desk. “I was right. I can’t believe I was right.”

  Walking around the desk, I fall into Court’s arms, hugging him tight, trying to take away his pain. I know it’s an impossible task, only time can heal wounds like these, but any measure of comfort is helpful.

  I still remember Barb’s hug when I was hurting so badly over Dale.

  The tears I cried on her shoulder.

  It feels like ages ago. So much has changed in my life, I hardly recognize the old one when memories like this surface.

  I can’t even remember what Dale’s touch felt like.

  But I can remember the hurt, the pain, and I hate that Court is going through the same thing.

  Like I said before, betrayal is betrayal.

  It all hurts.

  COURT COMES home early the next day, and we take Team Twin to the park. Court and I sit on the same bench we sat on the last time we were here. The girls are constantly fighting with that hair as they play.

  But we aren’t here to talk about their hair.

  “Have you decided what you’re going to do?” I ask.

  “I went through my personal account because Jared had written me a check a while back, and it was the same account. So there’s no doubt he got the money.”

  “I know you are disappointed.”

  “Even though it’s what I expected all along, I had no idea how much it would affect me. He called me twice today and I didn’t answer. I have to talk to him sometime, but knowing is different than expecting. No matter how high your expectations are.”

  “High? Don’t you mean low?”

  The agony on Court’s face hurts my heart. I’m not sure I’ve hurt this badly for anyone else before. For me? Yes. This is a strange fe
eling.

  “There’s so much involved here,” he says. “Not just a friendship, but a business relationship as well. Jared runs my stores. He’s taking the burden of that off me. I’ll need to replace him.”

  “Are you going to send him to jail?”

  “Jail?”

  “This is a felony. We found a few checks that equal a lot of money. What if there’s more? He could have been stealing from you for years.”

  “You could replace him.”

  His words jar their way through my body. “What?”

  “You. You have the background. You are a financial whiz.”

  I rub my forehead. “You’re not thinking right.”

  “Tell me why? This is a job made for you.”

  I’m flustered beyond belief. The only thing that has kept my sanity is knowing I’d be leaving here in a couple of months. How can I work for this man I’ve fallen for? “I’m your nanny.”

  “You and I both know that’s temporary. It was never meant to be permanent. On either side.”

  “So you’re just going to tell Jared I’m replacing him? You aren’t going to confront him over the checks? Report this to the police? To the insurance company?”

  “I think if we can correct the situation now we’ll move forward. No one has to be the wiser.”

  I shake my head. “No one but the next company he works for. Then when he starts pilfering from their till how are you going to feel?”

  “I’m going to feel like I did what I needed to do to correct my situation.”

  The bigger picture is coming into play. Protector mode. It’s all about himself and his stuff. “I never saw you as selfish like this. He could really damage another company. And they might not have endless resources like the Treyhunes to be able to recover.”

  It doesn’t seem right, arguing here in the park. Parks are happy places. Fun places where kids and families interact and play.

  Not disagreeing about whether to send your best friend to jail.

  “The Treyhunes might be able to recover financially, but you have no idea how this is affecting me emotionally. I need to do what I need to do. What I think is right.”

  Those lips that kiss me with such abandonment and fire now admonish me for trying to convince him to do the right thing.