Anchored

by Hoffmann, Tracey

  Once inside his house he sat and stared into space. Usually he longed to spend time in the scriptures and was open to whatever the Holy Spirit showed him, but something told him he wasn’t ready to read the verse Mia had given him.

  Don’t be an idiot Robert, just read the verse! For goodness sake, God won’t ask anything of you that you can’t handle.

  His large hands tenderly held the tattered Bible and he closed his eyes. Lord, I’m willing; let me hear your voice.

  Opening his eyes he read, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

  Robert rested his head in his hands. What Jonathan had done was wrong and he hated him for it, but it was the Lord’s to avenge. Jonathan was hungry and thirsty. He was lost. Did God want him to feed Jonathan? What would it mean if Jonathan accepted Christ as his savior?

  The truth suddenly hit Robert and he felt dismayed as he recognized his sin. He didn’t want Jonathan to be saved. He wanted him to be punished eternally for what he’d done to Mia.

  Lord, forgive me. You want none to perish; yet I have harbored hate in my heart for this man. I am no better than he is.

  Sobbing, Robert allowed the Lord to gently lead him to a place of obedience and finally he spoke the words that would free him. I will feed him, Lord; I will give him food that will show him the way. Help me please, because it’s not going to be easy.

  Chapter 30

  Judy kept her eye on the door—waiting. She saw Mia come out of the preschool center and say goodbye to some children. If things went the way she planned Mia would walk to her car, read the letter, and drive home.

  Judy smiled as she imagined Mia’s reaction to the cut out words. She wanted to hurt Mia. If it weren’t for her she’d be with Jonathan by now.

  She watched as Mia reached her car. She saw her standing by the driver’s door looking at the envelope on the windscreen. Narrowing her eyes, Judy held her breath. She saw Mia look around and she ducked down in the car when Mia’s gaze swept in her direction. Judy inched up carefully and watched as Mia got in the car, leaving the envelope on the windscreen.

  Judy gritted her teeth. She was meant to read the letter! Why was she sitting there just looking at it? It was like she was waiting for something. What was she doing?

  Judy’s breath hissed as she noticed Mia on a mobile phone. Time to go.

  As she pulled her car away from the curb, she saw the police car coming in the opposite direction. Driving slowly so as to not draw attention, Judy cursed.

  ~~~

  Mia got out of the car when she saw the police arrive.

  “Miss. Dawson, thank you for calling us. Please step away from your car.” Detective Alex Redding indicated with his hand that he wanted her to move over by the police car.

  Mia watched as two policemen put on gloves. Detective Redding placed the envelope in a plastic bag. Mia turned as she heard another car stop and felt relieved to see David. She hurried towards him.

  “Have they read it yet?”

  “No, Detective Redding, that’s the man over there,” Mia pointed. “He took the envelope off the car and put it into a plastic bag.”

  Walking over to Mia and David, the Detective reached out his hand and introduced himself to David.

  “Are you going to read the letter and tell us what it says?” Mia asked.

  “I’m afraid not, Miss. Dawson. We will be taking it back to the police station to be tested for fingerprints and then check the seal to see if it’s been licked. There may be an identifying clue somewhere.”

  David frowned. “Can you phone us as soon as you’ve read the letter?”

  Detective Redding’s gaze searched David’s face and looked at their linked hands. “We will be in touch as soon as we have anything to tell you. Miss. Dawson, I believe we have your phone details at the station from the last incident with your car tires.”

  “Yes.” Mia’s hand gripped David’s tighter. “That was three weeks ago. I thought things had settled back down. Does this mean you will be taking my car again?”

  “No. We can get all we need now.”

  Mia looked down at the ground then snapped her head up. “Do you think the same person who destroyed my tire put the note on the car?”

  Detective Redding shook his head. “I don’t know. Let’s take this one step at a time until we have firm evidence.”

  The other policeman indicated he was ready to go. “You can take your car now. Please phone us if you have any further questions or concerns.”

  David and Mia watched them drive away. David pulled her to him. He rested his head on her hair and placed his hand on her back.

  Mia felt a chill move down her spine. What was happening? Why was someone targeting her? She moved further into David’s embrace and didn’t want to move from the comfort he offered.

  David looked down at her. Reaching out his hand he cupped her face. “I think until this is all sorted out you and Terri should go and stay with Robert. I don’t like the idea that whoever slashed your tire knows where you live, and the letter indicates they also know where you work.”

  Mia stepped away from David. “Do you think it’s the same person?” Mia’s eyes widened and fear turned her stomach.

  “I don’t know, but we have to assume it might be. Even going to work and following your usual routine could be dangerous. Do you think you could take some time off?”

  “I’ve had so much time off in the last six months—and I shouldn’t have to!”

  Mia gritted her teeth and her senses came alert. How dare someone try to intimidate her in this way.

  “David, what’s that verse about fear in Timothy? I was reading it the other day but I can’t remember how it goes.”

  “Do you mean, ‘for the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline?”

  “That’s it! I can’t operate in fear. Let’s pray.”

  ~~~

  Judy got out of her car and slammed the door. The tiresome girl had called the police! Come on Judy, it doesn’t matter; they won’t be able to trace you. You know you’ve been careful.

  Taking her house key she reached towards the lock, but her fingers fumbled and she dropped the key. Swearing, she reached down to pick it up and noticed the spider’s web.

  The beauty of the web stunned her. It was well constructed, organized – the beauty masked the perfect trap.

  A fly battled to free itself. Buzzing, spinning, tightening the claws of death around itself. Judy became transfixed as the spider slowly moved towards the fly. It seemed in no hurry, secure in the knowledge that the fly was unable to escape.

  Standing with the key in her hand, Judy threw back her head and laughed. “I’m like that spider! She can’t get away from me. I have the web too securely planned. Not long now and the prize will be mine.”

  Chapter 31

  The late afternoon sun was throwing shadows around the garden. Jonathan wished Margaret could be here to see it. I must make time to do some weeding or get someone in to do it, he thought.

  He sat quietly on the chair and wondered what he should do with his day. Work was quiet and he didn’t really need to put in much of an appearance anymore. His staff ran the place and that worked fine for him. He thought about how he’d started as a mechanic and with Margaret’s encouragement had brought the garage and then gone on to build a prosperous business.

  Jonathan thought of his manager and was thankful he had everything under control. Time was weighing heavily on his hands and Jonathan wished he’d spent more time investing in friends. All he’d ever done was live a life of secrets and lies. If people knew what he’d done to his wife and daughter, he’d be locked up.

  Would Margaret still have lo
ved him? How could she have stayed with him all that time when he’d continually rejected her sexually?

  Tears of despair came to his eyes. He could never make it right. What he’d done was unforgiveable. He could hear Mia’s words; “I forgive you, Dad.” How could she forgive him when he couldn’t forgive himself?

  Scratching his head, Jonathan stood up and decided to make himself a drink. Whiskey! That would help him drown these thoughts.

  By the drink cabinet was a photo of Margaret and Klara together. Klara had her arm around Margaret as if she were protecting her. Jonathan swore and hurled the frame across the room.

  The heavy banging startled him and he stared in the direction of the door. No one ever came to visit him. Could it be Mia again? He hurried to the door and flung it open.

  Robert stood on the front step puffing.

  Jonathan froze and his shoulders tensed as he prepared for an attack. Robert had always been very protective of Mia.

  “Hello, Jonathan, can I come in?” Without saying a word, Jonathan stood aside and indicated for Robert to enter.

  “Any chance of a coffee? That is if you have time to share one with me.”

  Robert wanted coffee? What game was he playing? Shrugging, Jonathan turned and walked away.

  “Milk and two sugars. Got any biscuits?” Robert called after him and laughed when Jonathan spun around at the request.

  “No.” Jonathan went into the kitchen and stopped himself from contemplating reasons for the visit.

  As he entered with the coffee, Jonathan saw Robert had made himself comfortable in a lounge chair. He placed the cups on the coffee table and waited to see what Robert would say.

  “Thanks.” Picking up the cup Robert took a sip and grinned. “I suppose you want to know why I’m here.”

  “Yes.”

  “Truth is—Mia asked me to come.”

  Standing to his feet, Jonathan clenched his jaw so hard it hurt. “Well, now that you’ve called in, you can go.” Jonathan’s face heated and he felt shame grip him like a vice.

  “Sit down, Jonathan. I didn’t come to see you because Mia asked me to, I came because I wanted to.”

  Jonathan glared at Robert, but sat back down.

  “You know I love Mia and would do anything for her. But I would not do this for her. I came to see you because I felt the Lord wanted me to.”

  “I don’t need your pity. I made my bed and now I intend to lie in it.”

  “What you did was wrong and you made lots of mistakes, but God doesn’t give up on us.”

  “You can’t help me. No one can!” Jonathan pointed out dejectedly.

  “God can.”

  “What if I don’t want him to?”

  “What do you mean?” Robert’s shoulders slumped and he sighed.

  “I don’t want him to help me. I can’t change what I did. And you only know the half of it. If you knew how I treated your sister, then you wouldn’t be here talking to me. You would want me punished, not saved!”

  Closing his eyes Robert gasped.

  Jonathan watched the battle going on in Robert’s face. He saw the tightly closed eyes and furrowed brow. He knew Robert would leave. After all, that was why he’d mentioned Margaret, to get him to leave. Robert had always been respectful to him in the past, even though they’d never become good friends, and that was more his fault than Robert’s.

  As Robert opened his eyes they locked with his. “Maggie is with the Lord now.” He got up and walked over to Jonathan.

  Jonathan tensed and waited for the strike. He would not retaliate.

  Robert placed his hand on Jonathan’s arm. “Maggie wants you to forgive yourself. I have forgiven you!” He hauled Jonathan to his feet and into an embrace, hugging him tight, not letting go.

  Jonathan was so shocked he went limp. The reality of what was happening hit him and he tried to free himself, but Robert’s arms didn’t budge.

  “I forgive you, Maggie forgives you, Mia forgives you—God loves you and forgives you! All you have to do is forgive yourself and accept our love.”

  “I—I can’t do this. Can’t you see? I’m scum. I have to be punished! Let—me—go, Robert!” His arms were pinned down either side of his body and he felt trapped and exposed.

  “God will never leave you or forsake you. Give in, man!” Robert declared, “Jesus, break down the walls around Jonathan’s heart and show him you have taken his punishment on the cross and that it’s finished. You know him and all he’s done, yet you still love him. If he confesses his sin—you are faithful and just and will forgive him, and not only that Lord, you will purify him from all unrighteousness!”

  Jonathan tried to stop shaking. A deep anguished sob escaped his mouth, loosening the tight restraint he had over his emotions. He wept brokenly.

  Robert released him and stepped back. “It’s okay to cry man, I cry all the time!” He waved his handkerchief in front of Jonathan.

  Jonathan sniffed and dabbed at his eyes. “Thanks,” he muttered.

  “You have to get to the end of yourself. Jesus died for you and me, on that cross. He took the punishment for every word, every thought and every action you ever did. Jesus said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

  “I believe this. I do. I have seen the truth of it in you, Mia and Margaret.”

  “So what’s it going to be? I can pray with you now.”

  “No. I want to be alone right now. I need time to think.”

  Robert interrupted him. “It’s time to seek the Lord now!”

  “I hear what you’re saying, I do! But I want to be alone right now.” Jonathan moved towards the door. Flinging it open he waited.

  Robert’s shoulders slumped. Rubbing a hand over his eyes he followed Jonathan to the door. “I will be back. You are too important.” His hand clasped Jonathan’s shoulder and squeezed.

  “Thank you.” Jonathan avoided Robert’s eyes. He hung his head and waited for him to leave.

  Once Robert had gone Jonathan sat down and leaned his elbows on his knees. He cupped his face in his hands and cried. All the pain and guilt came crushing down upon him.

  Who was he that God would care so much to die for him? He was not worthy of such a sacrifice. Finally he knew; he understood what was being offered to him. It was pride that had been holding him back. Dare he ask his creator to forgive him? If he didn’t, what would that mean? He would die and then what?

  Part of him wanted to punish himself with separation from God, separation from every one he loved and had hurt. The human part of his brain told him he deserved it, deserved to die alone and spend eternity separated from all that was love.

  For the first time in his life Jonathan felt a yearning for God, to be accepted and forgiven.

  “God, forgive me. I’ve messed up. Hurt so many people. Been stubborn, angry and cruel. I don’t deserve your love, but I believe you when you say I’m forgiven. I’m so empty—I’ve spent my life not caring about anyone, and now God—Jesus I see—” His head dropped and tears flowed unchecked.

  I chose you before the creation of the world. I have adopted you as my son. You are forgiven.

  Nodding, Jonathan couldn’t say anything. Bowing his head he fell to his knees and it wasn’t until the room became dark that he realized it was evening.

  Getting up, he went to the bookcase to look for the Bible Margaret had given him as a birthday gift. He had ridiculed her and she had sweetly smiled and told him he would need it one day.

  Now he was smiling as he took it and held it to his chest. Lifting his head to the heavens he again sent thanks to God.

  “How a sinner like me could come to you and be renewed and forgiven is indescribable!”

  Jonathan had forgotten he hadn’t eaten all day—it was spiritual hunger he fed until late into the night. He longed to know Jesus more and with a hungry heart he sought.

  Chapter 32

  “Please come in, Detective Redding.” Mia stepped
back, allowing the two detectives to precede her into the house. David and Patrick stood as they entered and shook hands.

  “Alex, this is my brother Patrick, I think you met Terri the other day.”

  “Yes I did.” Alex indicated with his hand, “Ian King—my partner.” Alex turned back to Mia.

  “Please everyone, sit down.” Mia sat on the edge of a chair and twisted her fingers. A nervous smile curved her mouth. “Alex, did you bring the letter with you?”

  “Would you like me to read it so that you can all hear it at the same time?”

  Mia nodded. Her mouth felt dry and she moistened her lips with her tongue.

  Alex took the envelope out of his jacket pocket and looked down at it. “Before I read it, I’d like to warn you it’s not good.”

  Alex’s eyes locked with Mia’s and she held her breath. He opened the sheet of paper and briefly turned it over so that everyone could see that each letter had been cut out of a magazine, like the envelope.

  Alex read each word slowly. “You think I don’t know what you’re trying to do! You won’t stop me from getting what I want! I killed your mother when she got in my way! Now it’s your turn.”

  Heavy silence filled the room. Mia thought they must surely be able to hear the pounding of her heart. She felt faint.

  “This person is claiming—they are saying they killed Mum! Do you believe them Alex?” she whispered.

  “I’ve been back over the records of your mother’s death. As you know the car was eventually found, but we found no evidence of who was driving. That alone is suspicious.”

  David moved to stand behind Mia’s chair. He placed his hand on her shoulder and his fingers gently kneaded. “So we have some nut case out there claiming to have killed Mia’s mother and now he’s saying he’s going to kill Mia!”

  “Yes. We believe that could be the case,” Ian stated.

  Patrick’s eyes narrowed. “I think the first thing we need to do is establish what Mia and her mother have in common, and then we may be able to narrow down the possible suspects.”