“Before my meltdown, I was about to tell you that I attempt to seek God’s guidance in everything I do, but I’ve often failed, been impulsive, tried to control the outcome. Made really bad choices.” Splaying his fingers, he said, “I’d need more than two hands to list them all.”
Their roles had switched in an instant. He’d picked up the teacher mantle, and she became the pupil again.
“How do you handle the results of those decisions?”
“Pray. Ask for forgiveness and pray for God’s help from that moment onward.” He picked two flowers from the shrubs near Lela. “Take these blossoms, for instance. Let’s say that I have a decision to make and there are two possible choices, purple or yellow. I’m not sure which one is right for me, but I leave God out of the process. I pick yellow, but the right one for me was purple. God won’t throw His hands up and say, ‘Jay picked the wrong color, therefore, I’ll abandon him forever.’ No. When I pray, He’ll help me make the best of that bad choice, and on my part, I must include Him in future decisions.”
Lela returned Jay's fervent scrutiny. He believed what he was saying. The sincerity in his words touched the yawning chasm in her soul.
Closing the gap between them, he held out his hands. “Does this help at all?”
Before she knew it, her hands nestled in his grasp, and she stared into his eyes. How had she missed it before? His confidence, kindness, and strength were all wrapped up in his faith in God.
“Yes. More than you know.” Gnawing her bottom lip, she willed the quivering in her stomach to quit. “Could I, um, borrow a Bible?”
The back door banged shut. Rapid footsteps pounded on the flagstone.
Lela dropped Jay's hands and spun to face the interruption. Another catastrophe?
“There you are.” Manny waved. “Bowen called. The cops have arrested Vanessa Gaines.”
43
Who would have thought that sharing his nightmare with another person who’d bared her soul in a similar fashion could provide the path toward healing he’d been searching for? Jay ran down the stairs and entered the kitchen, energetic after a good night’s sleep and filled with relief at the easing of his burden. He poured a cup of coffee, inhaled the deep aroma, and said, “Ahh.” Just like in the commercial. He grinned.
Now, where was Lela? Last night, he’d given her one of Chuck’s Bibles, and she’d escaped to her room. What had she read? Did she have any questions?
But she didn’t join the family for breakfast. Instead, Manny delivered a message that she was on the phone with her mother.
Halfway through the meal, Ilsa approached the table and whispered in Beth’s ear. She excused herself, and returned several minutes later, a frown creasing her brow.
“What’s wrong, Beth?” Jay asked.
“Ilsa is leaving Monday. A family situation in Mexico, but she recommended a friend to replace her.”
“Good thing Mother will arrive today. She can help you interview.” He chewed a mouthful of waffle. “Sure hope the new housekeeper is a capable cook, like Ilsa. Will she return here?”
“She didn’t say. I guess she’s real anxious because after she gave me her friend’s name, she didn’t make much sense.” Beth set her flatware on her plate and pushed it aside. “Ilsa will always be welcomed back. She’s a valuable member of our household.”
Danielle sipped her orange juice. “It’s true, Mama? Grandmother’s coming to visit?”
“Yes, darling. Uncle Jay will pick her up at the airport this afternoon.”
“Yea, Grandmother’s coming,” Erin squealed.
Alyssa clapped, and Sean, not to be outdone, hollered, “Gamma.”
The news of Grandmother’s visit acted like a tonic on the girls. They ate their waffles, carried their dishes to the sink, and hurried upstairs to tidy their rooms. Grandmother always checked. Even Sean responded positively to all of Olivia’s directions.
Sitting alone at the table, Jay drained his coffee. He contemplated knocking on Lela’s door, but she appeared in the kitchen before he could act.
Her tight lips spelled possible bad news.
“What’s wrong?” Jay asked.
“My father’s in the hospital. I must visit him.”
Face pale and drawn, her silent request for him to accompany her broadcast loud and clear. His throat tightened. “I’ll go with you.” He yanked the keys from his pocket. “Come. I’ll drive.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, and you need to pick up your mom.”
“Then we’ll take both vehicles. I’ll follow you.”
“Thanks. I appreciate the company.”
Within thirty minutes, they were riding the hospital elevator to the fifth floor.
~*~
Unmistakable whiffs of isopropyl alcohol flittered by. Where did they come from? Hospital contractors must add the ingredient to mortar and grout. Jay crinkled his nose against the odor as he waited outside the private room. How much longer would the doctor be in there talking to Lela, her mother, and her siblings? He checked his watch. Noon. Almost time to leave for the airport.
Seconds later, Lela exited the room, a relieved expression on her face.
“Papi will be fine.” Her shoulders drooped as she blew out a breath. “His symptoms are easing, and although he’ll have to stay here a few days, the doctor believes he received treatment in time to ward off any severe complications the pneumonia might pose to his COPD.”
“That’s good news.”
Moisture gathered in her eyes. She blinked away the threat of tears and gestured for him to follow her. “Come sit with me a minute, please.”
Was she ready to discuss her evening study?
Lela ushered Jay into the family waiting room at the end of the hall. “I know you need to leave for the airport, so I won’t keep you long.”
“No problem. I have plenty of time.” Providing support to Lela at this moment was more important than arriving before Mother’s flight landed.
They located two chairs together in the corner. Since Lela had requested the meeting, Jay waited for her to speak.
Seconds ticked by before she whispered, “I spent a long time reading the Bible last night. Chuck has pages and pages of notes, especially on the path to salvation. I haven’t completed them yet, so I’m not ready to make a commitment, but I want you to know that your words and the Scriptures I read had a profound effect on me.”
Jay draped his arm around her shoulders. She didn’t flinch.
“Praise the Lord! Every journey begins with that first step. If you—”
“Wait. Please don’t say anymore. I need time to think about what I read, what I remember from my Abuelita, and my early church attendance with my parents.”
“I understand.” Could he honor her request when he had a bucketful of questions?
“I came across an interesting story about the Apostle Paul. Seems he was troubled and asked God to remove the thorn.”
“Second Corinthians.”
“Yes. Chapter twelve, verse nine. I’m adopting it as my go-to verse. ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ I’m weak and I need His power and His Grace.”
“We all do. And the best thing is that God’s grace is limitless. He has an endless supply.”
He drew her a little closer. Although surrounded by the chatter of the other occupants in the room, he caught a thread of understanding in her eyes, which connected with his soul. He squeezed her shoulder in reassurance.
All too soon, she stirred. “Unless IRO contacts me, I’ll stay here with my folks. We have to take turns.” She stood and chuckled. “The doctor doesn’t want all five of us kids with Mama and Papi all day.”
Jay followed her into the hall. “Call if you need me.” That felt so good to say, and her thankful smile sent a warm ripple through his body.
“I will. Thanks for your support. Adiós.” With that, she returned to her dad’s room.
Jay headed
to the elevator. Although he had questions, he had to be content knowing she’d chosen him to share her spiritual discovery.
44
For once, a parking spot close to the terminal opened up. Jay hastened inside, his mouth watering as he figured he had time for a burger while waiting for his mother’s flight. After paying for his meal, he chose a seat where he could see the Arrival and Departure screen.
The intercom warning regarding unattended bags repeated for the third time since he’d entered Fast ’n Tasty, the airport’s newest eatery. His stomach growled as the aroma of the fries hit his nostrils. Jay bowed his head and said a quick prayer of thanks for the food, for his mother’s safe trip, and for Lela’s change of heart.
The hamburger disappeared in six bites. He dabbed at his mouth with a napkin. The screen displayed the arrival of his mother’s flight. Jay stuffed the last fry into his mouth and drained his bottled iced tea. He gathered his trash into the sack and tossed it in the bin halfway across the room. Two-pointer. What a day. First, he’d witnessed the change in Lela at the hospital, and then later, she’d cautioned him that she wasn’t ready to make a commitment. Yet. But the seed had been sown, and God would provide the harvest.
While pacing in the airport waiting area, the hospital visit with Lela’s family replayed in Jay’s mind. He valued his good relationship with Beth, Chuck, and the children. It warmed his heart to know family was important to Lela, too. Her brothers and sisters showered concern over their mother and suffering father. They shared tears, but also interest in the escapades of nieces and nephews. Jay liked the fact that Lela’s younger siblings respected her and valued her opinion. Propped up against the wall, arms folded, he allowed memories of Lela to entertain him until his mom tapped him on the shoulder.
“Hi, Mother. It’s good to see you.”
“Jarius, darling.”
He bristled at the use of his given name. Must she?
She nestled in his hug. “I wish my visit wasn’t necessary. Tell me about Chuck.”
They gathered out of earshot of the other passengers at the luggage carousel, and he related all the information he could.
“I’m glad you’re with the family, Jarius. How’s Beth coping?”
“She’s managing. Olivia, as always, is great with Sean, and having a couple of IRO agents stay at the house gives her a sense of security. She did have a minor glitch this morning. Ilsa, the housekeeper, is leaving for a while. It would help Beth if you can assist her when she interviews the friend Ilsa recommended.”
“Of course. But what about Rachel? Does she still work for Beth?”
“Yes, but she doesn’t like to cook, and since she’s part-time, she doesn’t want the extra responsibilities.”
“I’m sorry to hear about Ilsa. Hope all works out for her. Hurry, Jarius, there’s my suitcase.”
He snatched the red bag with a multi-colored bow on the handle off the conveyor belt. “Jarius? Really, Mama. No one calls me that.”
“It’s your name. Jay is so…short.”
Striding out of the terminal, he looked over his shoulder and slowed his pace, waiting for her to catch up. “Sorry, Mother. I must be anxious to get you to Beth’s. You should have heard the girls cheering when I told them you were coming. We appreciate you cutting your trip to Europe short.”
“No problem. Beth and the kids need me.”
The motto Mother lived by. Provide help where and when needed, to family, neighbors, friends.
Luggage stowed in the truck, his mother buckled in, Jay switched on the ignition, but before he could reverse, his phone rang. Lela. “I have to take the call.” He swiped the screen. “Hi, Lela. Is your dad’s condition worse?”
“No, no. In fact, he’s allowed to remove the oxygen mask for short periods. I’m calling because Bowen reported they located and searched Javier Pedroza’s apartment. They found an address book and agents are tracking down all the names.”
“Was Lewis mentioned?”
“No, but the other men who were at the ranch house in Mexico are. There’s a chance Chuck is being held at one of their residences. We should hear back from the investigators later today.”
“What about Vanessa?” The muscles in Jay’s jaw twitched. Had she provided any clues?
“After swearing she didn’t know where Chuck was, she lawyered up and hasn’t given the cops anything else.”
He shook his head. Why were they running into concrete barriers at every turn?
“Where are you?” Lela asked. The intimate tone of her words suggested she was interested in more than his location.
“In the airport parking lot. We’ll be at Beth’s in about thirty minutes. When will you return?”
“My sisters went home to arrange child care. They’ll come to stay with Mama and Papi later this afternoon. I’ll return to the house around supper time.”
“I look forward to continuing our conversation from this morning.”
Silence.
Doggone it. Why did he push her? She’d asked for time. “Sorry. I remember what you said, and I’ll back off. Bye.” Avoiding Mother’s quizzical expression, he ended the call.
Friday afternoon traffic hindered their progress. He drummed his thumbs on the steering wheel. The kids—even Sean—would be excited to see their grandmother. And he couldn’t wait to see Lela again, even if he had to hold back his questions.
“Jarius, I know you’re concerned about Chuck, but I sense a difference about you.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re…I don’t know how to describe it. If you were a woman, I’d say you were glowing.”
A burst of uncontrolled laughter exploded in the cab. “That’s what you said when Beth was pregnant. I assure you, Mother, I’m not expecting.”
“Are you back with Kate? That’s it. You’re getting married.”
His mother was not smiling.
“No. There’ll be no marriage, at least not to Kate.”
She shifted in the seat and narrowed her eyes at him. Her intense scrutiny burned into his skin like a laser.
“No Kate,” she said slowly. “I see.” After a moment, she patted his forearm. “I confess I didn’t like her much. She was not the right woman for you. However…”
Mother’s howevers usually carried profound insight.
“…I perceive you have more to tell. What else is going on? I noticed a marked change in your tone when you talked with Lela.”
Couldn’t hide from Mother’s razor-sharp senses. She knew when her kids had something to share, whether good or bad.
“Lela is one of the agents working on Chuck’s case.”
“She’s been staying at the house, right?”
“Yes. And—”
“And you like her. A lot.”
The parking brake screeched as Jay stopped in the driveway. He’d never voiced his attraction toward his partner out loud. Until now. “You’re right, Mother. I care for her.”
“Don’t fool yourself, son. It’s more than that.”
Jay didn’t know where the cockles of his heart were, but they certainly warmed up in a hurry.
45
“Wake up. Time to make another video.”
Walter’s voice penetrated Chuck’s uneasy dream. Rubbing his eyes, he winced as he set his feet on the floor. The skin on his swollen right ankle displayed a variety of blues and purples. Maybe not fractured, but a severe sprain for sure.
“What are you threatening my family with now?” Did his tone sound as flat to his captor as it did to his own ears? “I’m tired.” He stretched his arms over his head.
“No threats. I have a note I want you to read. No ad-libbing this time.” Walter unfolded a piece of paper. “Read it.”
When Chuck snatched the note, Walter retreated to the door.
Chuck scanned the words. He sucked in air and bolted off the bed, ignoring a blast of pain. “You must be crazy. Two million dollars! Where do you expect Beth to get her hands on that kind of cash?”
He checked the paper again. “Wait. You don’t have a time or place set for the exchange. You are setting me free once you have the money, right?”
Wide-eyed, Walter aimed his pistol at Chuck’s head. “Sit down. Now.” He obviously didn’t like Chuck’s sudden movements. “Read exactly what I wrote. Then add that I’ll contact her later with further details. Also tell her that Sean is out of danger. I, um, we don’t want him now. Just the money and remind your wife not to contact the cops.”
Chuck crumpled the note and threw it across the room before dropping to the bed.
Drawing breath through his teeth, Walter wiggled the gun. “A bullet in your leg won’t kill you, but it’ll hurt like—”
“I know you’re in charge, but before I star in your next production, please answer questions that have been plaguing me.”
Walter checked his watch. “Ask away.”
“Why are you concerned with the time? Going somewhere?”
“No. Yes.” He tucked the gun into his waistband. “OK, I’ll tell you. I sent the other guys…you don’t need details. Anyway, they’re not here. I’m trying to help you out, so you’d better cooperate.”
A further thaw in Walter’s attitude? Make the most of it. “Why did you get involved in this illegal adoption operation? I told you I’d have given—”
“And I told you it wasn’t about your money. Sure, you could have lent me what we needed, but there was no guarantee Kenny would’ve survived a transplant. Even if…” He swiped his free hand across his face.
Were tears forming in his eyes?
“After Kenny died and Trina divorced me, I floundered in and out of jobs. Heard about Van—uh, a woman who operated this business. All I wanted was to help people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to adopt have the opportunity to be parents. Have a family. Like…I had. That’s it.”
Aha. Van—Vanessa Gaines, the lawyer? “That’s a noble goal, old friend, but somewhere along the way, you ditched your values and slid into a deep pit of illegality.”
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