Parker and Layla arrived late, after the music started, and slipped in beside him. Parker patted him on the shoulder. Layla reached across Parker and held her left hand in front of Frank’s face. He saw the glittering ring on her finger, looked into her shining eyes, and smiled.
“Congratulations,” he said to her in German.
“Thank you, Opa,” she replied in the same language. “You saw this day a long time before Parker and I did.”
“But you’ll be the ones to enjoy it.”
The music ended, and it was Eric’s turn to speak. His topic for the morning focused on the ways God reveals himself to his people. Partway through the message, a Bible verse popped up on the screen that made Frank sit up straighter in his chair.
Eric spoke: “Psalm 34:8 says, ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.’ ”
Frank touched his tongue to his lips. And tasted something sweet. He closed his eyes and let the awareness of God’s goodness seep into the hidden crevices of his soul. He nudged Parker and spoke in a whisper. “I know exactly what the psalmist means.”
“It’s a metaphor,” Parker replied.
Frank nodded. “Maybe, but God’s children get to witness every promise.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What were your first impressions of Franz Haus during the opening scenes? Were you sympathetic or not? Did that section of the story remind you of any other books or movies?
When Franz escaped to Switzerland, what did you think might happen next? Were you surprised by the jump forward in time? How soon did you suspect a connection between Parker and Franz/Frank?
What do you think or believe about the influence of our ancestors on our lives, both for good and for bad? Are there Bible verses that mention this? Can you think of examples from your life?
What were the issues Parker was dealing with in the early stages of the novel? Answer the same question for Frank as an older man.
Have you had a relationship with a grandparent similar to that of Parker and Frank? Have you ever had anyone pray for you the way Frank’s opa did for him? Would you like to?
If you’ve read other Robert Whitlow novels, how was this one similar and how was it different?
What did you learn about World War II, German language/ customs/military, boats, coastal fishing, and the legal system in this book?
How did your opinion of Thomas Blocker change over the course of the novel? What were some milestones in the arc of his character?
What would your answer be to Creston’s question: “Are you sure there is such a thing as a gourmet hot dog?”
Did you think Layla was a good match for Parker? If so, why? What aspects of her character did you find interesting?
In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, do you think the owner’s treatment of the workers is fair? What does this parable teach us about grace?
What was your reaction to Frank’s vision of the meadow, stream, and hidden graves?
What did you find interesting about Frank’s relationship with Lenny?
What was the origin of Frank’s and Parker’s abilities to witness things before they happened?
How did you react to Layla’s decision not to see Parker if he was going to work for her father? Explain what was going on in her mind and heart.
What was your reaction to the closing scene in the church when Frank experienced a unique aspect of God’s goodness? What does it mean to “taste and see that the Lord is good”?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks to Becky Monds, Deborah Wiseman, and my son, Jacob Whitlow, for their expert editorial advice. This is a much better story because of your guidance and suggestions. And thanks to my wife, Kathy, who, after listening to me relate a dream, encouraged me to write this book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robert Whitlow is the bestselling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. He received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review.
Visit him online at www.robertwhitlow.com
Twitter: @whitlowwriter
Facebook: robertwhitlowbooks
The Witnesses Page 36