by Lisa Harris
I know you’re speaking to me, Lord. I’m just finding it so hard to deal with the mess my father’s made.
A heartfelt prayer by one of the members brought the lesson to a close, but did little to rein in Lindsey’s battered emotions.
“I really liked the class,” Kyle told her as she gathered her things.
Before she could respond, several friends approached them, wanting to meet Kyle. She breathed a sigh of relief when they made it through the conversation without anyone teasing her about bringing a date to church.
The foyer was packed with people filing into the sanctuary for the morning service. Lindsey felt a lump in her throat and she pulled Kyle aside. “I don’t think I can go in there.”
He touched her arm. “Don’t you think this is what you need most right now, Lindsey? Time with God, worshiping with your spiritual family?”
“Yes, but—”
She felt a light tap on her shoulder. Mrs. James, one of the leaders’ wives, stood beside her wearing one of her signature hats—a red number with three plump roses on one side.
“I just heard your father was in the hospital, sweetie.” Concern registered in the older woman’s gaze. “How is he?”
Lindsey adjusted her purse on her shoulder. “The doctor believes he suffered a ministroke yesterday, but thankfully the symptoms are temporary. They think he’ll make a full recovery.”
“That’s good to hear. I have to say, I’ve been worried about him for quite some time.” Mrs. James leaned in closer. “He used to be so involved in church activities, but lately he’s dropped out of sight. My Henry’s been by to check on him several times, but he never wants to talk.”
Kyle shot Lindsey a pointed glance.
“You know, Mrs. James, my father is going through a really difficult time. I don’t feel that I can divulge any details right now, but the situation is very serious. I’m doing everything I can to help him, but honestly, he really needs the church’s prayers.”
“God knows the details, sweetie.” The older woman’s reassuring pat brought with it a reminder that God was in control—Lindsey didn’t have to do this on her own. “Promise you’ll let us know if there’s anything specific we can do. That’s what we’re here for.”
She hesitated briefly, wondering how her father would feel about visitors. She decided they’d be good for him. “He’ll be in the hospital a few more days. He might appreciate a visit.”
“Consider it done.”
“Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” Kyle asked as the older woman walked away.
Lindsey let out a soft laugh. “I guess not.”
“What do you want to do now?”
Praise music began in the sanctuary and a wave of peace washed over her. “Let’s go inside.”
“You’re looking better than you were yesterday, Daddy.” The praise service had lifted Lindsey’s spirits more than she’d anticipated, giving her the necessary emotional energy to talk to her father.
He sipped water through a straw. “The pain in my hip is still intense, but I am feeling better.”
Color had returned to his face, and the monitors tracking his heart showed a steady beat and only slightly elevated blood pressure. All symptoms of the stroke had vanished. The challenge now was getting the information she needed without upsetting him.
She set her purse on the floor and settled back in the chair. Kyle had brought her but insisted he wait in the lobby. Finding out the truth, he’d told her, would be easier if he weren’t around.
She wasn’t sure her father would tell her anything, regardless of whether Kyle were there or not. She’d have to start slowly. “A lot of people missed you at church today. They’re concerned. Mrs. James told me she was planning to drop by to see you.
Her father fiddled with the IV line on his arm, avoiding her gaze. “I know you want answers, Lindsey, and I know all of this is confusing for you.”
“All I want is what is best for you.”
He pressed his lips together but didn’t say anything more.
“Daddy, I don’t like meddling in your personal matters, but I am worried.”
He looked at her, frowning. “I told you—I need you to trust me, Lindsey.”
She studied the monitor. His heartbeat remained steady. It was now or never.
“Can I be completely honest with you, Daddy?”
“You know you can.” His words sounded amiable but he set his jaw and looked away.
She sent up a short prayer for wisdom and took the plunge. “I talked to your insurance agent yesterday. He told me you canceled your life-insurance policy.”
“Lindsey—”
“Daddy, please. I can’t ignore what’s going on. Surely you can understand that.”
She glanced at the monitor—his heart rate went up slightly.
“I’ll admit to making a bad investment or two. I ended up having to borrow some money.”
“And that’s why you cashed in the life insurance?”
He nodded.
Good. They were making progress.
“Was the money to pay Abraham or someone else?”
His eyes narrowed. “I don’t want you involved.”
She wanted to tell him about the two breakins but she was afraid he might shut down completely—or worse. How could she make him understand she needed answers? And that she was on his side?
“Daddy, I already am involved. At least tell me who you borrowed money from.”
He shook his head. “The less you know, the better.”
“How are you doing, Mr. Taylor?” A petite redhead in blue scrubs walked in, chart in hand.
“Not much has changed since you checked on me fifteen minutes ago.”
“Your father has a stubborn streak,” the nurse told Lindsey.
Now, that was an understatement.
“So does my daughter.”
Lindsey laughed, but the bleak reality of the situation had stolen any real joy from her voice.
Her father yawned. “I need to sleep.”
She ignored the nurse’s nod of agreement. “Changing the subject?” Lindsey asked him.
“Yes.”
“We’ll talk later.” She leaned down to kiss him on the forehead.
“Promise me you’ll leave the situation alone?”
“Have a good rest, Daddy,” she said, leaving the room.
Kyle stood outside the hospital, while he waited for Matt to answer the phone. Home from church by now, his friend was either taking a Sunday-afternoon nap or watching baseball. More than likely, the latter. Matt liked baseball, apple pie and a certain blue-eyed brunette named Megan he’d met last month. Time would tell if this relationship made it past the one-month mark.
He suddenly realized that his track record wasn’t much better.
Matt picked up just before the phone switched to voice mail.
“Matt. Hey. How are things in D.C.?”
“Don’t tell me you’re calling on a Sunday to ask about work. Hang on a second—let me mute this.” The baseball game in the background went silent. “Are there problems with the new opening?”
“No. Not at all. We’ll be up and running tomorrow.”
“That’s what I want to hear. I knew there was a reason that I agreed to be your partner. So what’s up then?”
Kyle hesitated, knowing what Matt’s reaction was going to be. He might as well jump in and tell him straight. “I took on a new client.”
“Great.”
“Pro bono,” he added.
It took a full four seconds for what he’d said to sink in.
“Wait a minute. Aren’t you supposed to be on vacation this weekend? Why are you spending time finding ways to suck money from our vast empire?”
Kyle laughed. Someone had been watching way too much sci-fi lately. “Did I mention she has honey-blond hair, big brown eyes and—”
“In other words she’s a knockout.”
Kyle hesitated. Oh, yeah. Lindsey was a knockout. But the truth
was, his reason for getting involved with her father’s case went far beyond her looks.
“Actually,” Kyle began, “she’s an old friend from college I want to help.”
“An old friend? Right. Tell me more.”
“All I’m going to say is that she’s smart and nice—”
“Smart and nice? How many years have I known you? I can read between the lines.”
Kyle combed his fingers through his hair and smiled. Man. Matt knew him too well. And how did he always manage to box himself into a corner? “Save it for another day. That’s not why I called.”
Matt chuckled. “I’ll back off for now, but it’s about time you found someone. She’s interested, right? I bet she is. Even I know you’re not a completely bad catch.”
“Thanks a lot. How’s Megan?”
Matt laughed at Kyle’s change of subject. “I’m afraid she’s too perfect for me. It’s never going to work. Okay, back to the case. Give me the details.”
“We’ve got a 419 scammer that’s taken close to two hundred thousand dollars from Lindsey’s father. And what’s really interesting is, I’m seeing a lot of similarities between the scammer’s signature and the guys we’ve been after. I’m still waiting for the preliminary feedback, but there definitely seems to be a connection.”
Matt let out a low whistle. “Bringing down that ring would be worth any pro bono fees. Forward what you’ve got and I’ll do some digging. We’re going to get this guy.”
“You got it.” Kyle flipped his phone shut as Lindsey came out of the hospital. “That was my partner, Matt. He’s going to do what he can on his side.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He tried to read her expression. “How’s your father?”
“Stubborn. He refuses to give me any more information. He insists that he doesn’t want me involved.”
“I told you how common his reaction is. Admitting the truth means admitting that he’s just fallen victim to one of the worst scams of the century.”
Lindsey’s head jerked up as a blue van approached.
“Kyle.” Almost dropping her purse, she dug quickly for a pen. Repeating the license-plate number out loud, she scribbled it on the palm of her hand.
Kyle studied the man’s profile as he passed. Dark, long hair and a sharp nose. The driver pulled out of the parking lot onto the main road and sped away.
Lindsey’s fingers gripped his arm. “That’s the same guy, Kyle. He is following us.”
ELEVEN
Lindsey nursed a mug of coffee at the kitchen table, hoping the caffeine would help wake her up. Despite the comfortable bed in Simon and Kerrie’s extra room, she’d slept horribly, disturbed by a recurring dream of running down a dimly lit street, away from the man in the blue van. She’d finally gotten out of bed to pray and think more about her father—sleep clearly not in the cards.
Kerrie, in cropped pants and a tank top, pulled a dozen blueberry muffins from the oven, their tangy fragrance spilling into the room. Lindsey marveled at how Kerrie had managed to make her feel completely at home, which was no small feat after everything that Lindsey had been through.
“You must have worn the girls out last night.” Kerrie’s bubbly laugh filled the room as she set the hot pan on the stove. “They rarely sleep past seven.”
Lindsey yawned, wishing she’d been able to sleep in like the twins. She forced a smile. “I don’t have any nieces or nephews, so I enjoyed playing with them. They’re sweet girls.”
Kerrie put the muffins on a plate and set them on the table in front of Lindsey. “You know you’re welcome to hang around here as long as you need to.”
“I appreciate that.” Lindsey glanced at her watch. “As soon as the bank opens in a few minutes, I need to call them. I’ve got to see if they have any record of that insurance check.”
“Scary, isn’t it?”
“It is. Especially considering my father won’t talk, and I’m not sure how much more I can do without his help. He thinks he’s trying to protect me, but I feel like there’s a noose tightening around my neck.”
Kerrie slid the butter across the table. “I guess Kyle told you what happened to our brother, Michael.”
“He did, and I’m so sorry.” Lindsey stared at the muffins, trying to decide if she could eat. The past couple days had pretty much doused her appetite. “He was always so sweet.”
“We all felt guilty after he died, but I learned one thing I’ll never forget.” Kerrie turned around and caught Lindsey’s gaze. “‘If onlys’ eat you up inside and destroy you.”
Lindsey frowned. Hadn’t she been playing that very same game the past few days? If only she’d taken her father’s withdrawal from life more seriously. If only she’d noticed what he’d been doing on the computer. If only she’d asked more questions.
Kerrie sat down at the table beside her. “The bottom line is that this is your father’s life. I know how important you feel it is for him to tell you what’s going on, but don’t let his actions destroy you. Love him and help him all you can, but in the end, you can’t change the past. And you can’t force him to cooperate with you. Michael became just as stubborn about guarding his life. I think the embarrassment of what had happened turned out to be more than he could handle.”
Lindsey mulled over the advice. “But my dad’s life could be at stake. I can’t just sit back and do nothing.”
“Of course not, and that’s not what I’m saying.” Kerrie rested her elbows on the table. “Just do what you can, but don’t beat yourself up in the process.”
Lindsey combed both hands through her hair and tried to shake the wave of frustration threatening to pull her under. “I just wish it wasn’t so complicated. I don’t know what I’d be doing right now without Kyle.”
Kerrie’s face brightened and she leaned forward. “He’s a great guy.”
Lindsey smiled. Any guy who would jump headfirst into a situation like this had a heart of gold. That definitely described Kyle. She took another sip of coffee. Even though a long-distance relationship wasn’t an ideal situation, it was becoming far too easy to picture herself and Kyle living in some quiet suburb with two kids in tow.
She grabbed the knife and buttered one of the muffins, popping a bite into her mouth. Kerrie slid back into the chair across from her, looking as if she was waiting for a response.
“So?”
“Kyle is a great guy.” She took another bite of her muffin. That was easy enough for her to admit.
“And?
Boy, the woman just didn’t give up. Lindsey searched for what to say. “I guess it’s another thing I’m trying to take one day at a time. I certainly didn’t expect him to come back into my life like he did, but now that he’s in it…I don’t know.”
Maybe when things with her father were ironed out she could contemplate the two of them together. In the meantime, her father required all her focus.
Carly and Caileigh bounced into the room with more energy than Tigger, saving her from having to say any more. If only she could harness some of their energy, she’d be good to go. Lindsey greeted the girls with big hugs and kisses, thankful that they’d welcomed her into the family so joyfully.
Kerrie settled the girls in at the table with muffins and juice, and then nodded toward the glass French doors at the front of the house. “The bank’s probably open now if you want to call. You’re welcome to use Simon’s office.”
Lindsey promised the girls that she’d be back in a few minutes and slipped out of the room. Inside the orderly office, she sat at the wide mahogany table, tapping her fingers as she waited for the bank manager to pick up his phone.
“Eugene Watson speaking.”
“Mr. Watson, this is Lindsey Taylor calling in regards to my father, George Taylor.”
“Miss Taylor, I’m glad you called.” There was a pause on the line. She could tell something wasn’t right. “Since you’ve got power of attorney, there are some things I need to discuss with you regarding
your father,” he continued. “If you could come down to the branch this morning, I’d prefer to talk to you in person.”
Lindsey glanced at her watch, uneasiness growing in the pit of her stomach. “I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
Lindsey pulled her car into an empty parking spot in front of the bank, shut off the motor, then glanced at Kyle. Fear of discovering what her father had done was overshadowed by the fact that the sooner she found out the truth, the sooner she could put all this behind her.
Kyle touched her shoulder. “You ready to go in?”
She nodded. Sitting in the parking lot wouldn’t get them the answers they needed.
Eugene Watson met them in the plush lobby, then quickly escorted them to his cluttered office. Lindsey took the offered chair beside Kyle and clasped her hands tightly around the strap of her purse.
Mr. Watson sat across from them with steepled hands, his expression serious. He seemed as nervous as she was. She swallowed hard.
“I’m not sure how to handle this situation, Miss Taylor, but I feel an obligation to let you know what happened.” Lines creased his forehead. “Your father’s been a client of ours for over twenty years, and I’m very worried that he’s fallen into something…unscrupulous.”
“What happened?” she asked.
Mr. Watson set his glasses on the table in front of him and rubbed his eyes. “Your father came in last Wednesday with a check from his insurance agency that he wanted to cash. Not an entirely unusual transaction, but I’ve known your father for so many years that it struck me as odd that he wanted such a large amount of money. He told me it was for a yacht, but your father has always been a bit…well…”
“Miserly?” Lindsey threw out. There was no use mincing words at this point in the game.
“Exactly. So you can understand how his cashing a check for over sixty-five thousand dollars to buy a luxury item stood out as anything but ordinary.”
The timeline was beginning to come together. Her father had raised money from a source to pay Abraham. The deal didn’t go through, which meant he couldn’t pay back the lender. Thus the cashed life insurance.