The Fall of the Prodigal

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  God was with Joseph all the way.

  Then why didn’t He rescue Joseph? Why did God allow Joseph to go through all of that pain?

  Michael felt a light breeze, a shiver, a sigh, before a thought tickled his ear. If God’s present, you don’t need anything else, especially not rescuing.

  “I can’t argue with that logic,” Michael said, not realizing the Holy Spirit guided him.

  He kept reading. The more he read, the more he admired Joseph: the dreamer, the visionary. Michael saw vestiges of himself. He sped through the chapters with a hunger that surprised him. He was stunned at Joseph’s willingness to forgive his brothers. Tears streamed down his face at the family reunion that ensued.

  That story was there for you.

  “What a lofty thought,” Michael said. “But, somehow it’s comforting.” For the first time in his life, Michael felt surrounded by a powerful presence. He was not alone. He acknowledged a higher power greater than himself. The fact that Joseph had been accused of rape, a crime he did not commit, was too much to ignore.

  Michael reopened the Bible and flipped through the pages to chapter thirty-nine. There was another voice that had stood out. It was the latter part of verse nine. “‘How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?’” Joseph’s question was achingly similar. Although this had nothing to do with God, Michael could not have betrayed Bill by sleeping with Mindy. His honor was rewarded with a false rape accusation.

  However, Joseph had not dwelled on the past. He did not worry about what he could not change. Instead, Joseph prospered. Whether it was in the dungeon or in the presence of Pharaoh, Joseph stood apart.

  Michael took a deep breath. Closing his eyes, he uttered, “God, I need you with me like how you were with Joseph. Amen.” Those few heartfelt words did him good. When Michael opened his eyes, he knew no matter what happened, he would be all right.

  He banished thoughts of bedbugs and critters and went to lie on the small cot in the corner. He rested his head on his hands. There was no way he would put his face on that pillow.

  “Are you a modern-day Joseph?” a voice boomed behind him.

  Michael jumped awake. He looked at Terence Hayworth as if he were an extraterrestrial being. For a man of six four, how does he move so quietly? Michael raised his eyebrows. “How did you get in?”

  “I’m clergy, remember? I’ve counseled many wayward youths.”

  “What about grown men who know better?”

  Terence approached and sat behind the middle school–sized desk. His large Bible took up most of the small square.

  Michael was still ruminating how Terence had brought up the very person in the Bible he had been reading about earlier. “What made you mention Joseph?”

  “Seeing you here alone in your cell,” Terence answered. “Joseph had many high moments only to be struck low again. It was usually because of something he didn’t do.”

  Michael clenched his fists. “I didn’t do it, Terence. I didn’t touch Mindy and I didn’t invite her over to my place. I didn’t do any of it. I don’t know why this is happening to me.”

  “I do.”

  Michael narrowed his eyes. “Did God tell you? Is that why you’re here? To offer an explanation for why my success is now flushed down the toilet?”

  Terence shook his head. “I don’t know why all this is happening but God has a way of revealing things in His time. I will share some things about Joseph, though,” Terence said. “Joseph was betrayed by someone he least expected. Then he was thrown into a dungeon because he decided to maintain his integrity. Joseph more than anyone could’ve have tossed his beliefs aside. Instead, he chose to cleave to God and trust Him.” He zoned in on Michael. “That’s what you need to do. Place your heart and your life in God’s hands. Trust Him.”

  “But, that’s just it,” Michael pleaded. “I’ve forgotten how to trust. I want to trust God,” he said, pointing to his head, then his heart. “But, in here, I’m still trying to do things my way.”

  “How’s that working for you?”

  Michael looked around his cell and humped over. “Not too good.”

  The conversation halted when they heard a noise from behind. What now? Michael heaved a sigh of relief when Keith came into view.

  Keith dragged a desk next to Terence. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

  “I had to come by to offer a word of encouragement. We were talking about the story of Joseph,” Terence said.

  Keith nodded but didn’t say anything. Michael supposed it was because Keith didn’t want to be compared with the brothers who had betrayed their own flesh and blood. Instead he said, “Nigel sends his regards.”

  Michael asked, “What about Verona? I thought she would be here.” He strove to project an “I don’t care” attitude. But, he did care. A lot.

  “Verona left.”

  Why wasn’t he surprised? Michael gave Keith a look urging him to elaborate.

  “She ran off when the cops searching your apartment found a used condom in your bathroom.”

  Whoa! Say what? Michael stood and walked over to the edge of the cell. Gripping the bars, he spat, “It’s not mine. I haven’t had any in a long time.” A thought caused him to rock back on his heels. He shook the bars. “Get me out of here! Mindy set me up. She came over and asked to use the bathroom. That’s when she must’ve dumped it. I don’t believe this is happening,” he railed.

  “Michael, keep calm. God is on your side,” Terence advised.

  He did not want to keep calm. He wanted to holler and scream with frustration. Michael reined in his emotions and bid Keith to continue.

  “Honestly, brother, it doesn’t look good. I believe you. However, the evidence condemns you,” Keith said.

  “I don’t give a row of pins what the evidence says. You know me, Keith. I didn’t do this. I didn’t touch that girl,” Michael shouted.

  “Then why did you let her in?”

  Michael slinked against the bars. He rested his head on the metal rail. He felt the beginnings of a major headache. His stomach growled. After several seconds, he faced Keith and Terence. “I admit as soon as I shut the door behind Mindy, I realized it wasn’t my smartest move. It was three o’clock in the morning and I was concerned about her. She threatened to kill herself.”

  “How did she even get access to your penthouse?” Keith asked. “She needs a special card or your permission.”

  Why did Keith sound suspicious? Michael spoke through clenched teeth. “I worked with her father. Bill and I were good friends. They used to come over for dinner and business. With all the upheaval going on, I didn’t think to change my visitor list.”

  “I’m asking what everybody will be thinking and asking,” Keith said. “Your answers are good.”

  “That’s because they’re true,” Michael countered. He strained to keep the sarcasm out of his tone.

  “They’ve sent the sample to the lab. I’m sure they’ll find someone else’s DNA. In the meantime, get comfortable. It looks as if you won’t be getting out anytime soon.”

  Unbelievable! Fury straightened Michael’s spine. He knew exactly where to lay the blame. “All this wouldn’t be happening if Tiger had done her job and cleaned up my visitor list. She should be here working her magic to get me out of here. I can’t believe she’s deserted me.”

  “Blaming Verona doesn’t make any sense,” Terence interrupted. He opened his Bible and turned the pages, searching for a verse.

  I don’t need a verse right now. I need to get out of here.

  “Terence is right, Michael. I’ve tried. There isn’t a judge who’s ready to release you until the DNA results are in. I’ve pulled some strings to expedite the process, but it’s a waiting game,” Keith said.

  Terence located his scripture and said, “I’d like to share Romans 8 verse 28. It says, ‘And we know all things work together for good to them that love God.’ Michael, I know I’m not in your shoes. I’m not sitting where you are but I woul
d want someone to tell me God will work it out somehow. That’s the word I’ll leave with you. You’re going through a storm right now. But at any moment, God can calm the waves with a single word.”

  Michael nodded. He heard what Terence was saying but his faith was limited. “Thank you,” he politely responded. Terence prayed and said his good-byes. As soon as he was gone, Michael asked Keith, “Did you manage to grab my phone. Or, did the cops nab it in their raid?”

  “I have it,” Keith confirmed.

  “Thank God.” Michael lifted his hands. “At least God has my back with something.”

  Keith squinted his eyes. “Why? What’s going on?”

  “Besides finding Suzette Combs, I gave Frank another special assignment. One I fear is going to bite me in the behind.”

  “Oh, yes. Speaking of Suzette Combs, you’ve been locked up so there was no way for you to know the cops found her. A lucky tip led them to her hideout. Suzette was holed up in some rat-infested motel in Las Vegas. You know that money is gone, right?”

  Michael laughed. “I’m sure Frank hated tracking her to a dump. He’ll probably bill me extra.”

  “That Frank is one good investigator. I’m guessing you didn’t use him to find Lauren,” Keith said.

  Michael shook his head. “No, he wasn’t available at the time.”

  “What did you have him do? I’ll fix it.”

  “I hired Frank to find Martin Weston. The punk Lauren’s dating.”

  Keith came to stand toe to toe with Michael. He whispered, “I don’t believe you had your goon go after Martin. He’s a good man.”

  Michael could not help it. He cracked up. “He doesn’t exist.” Michael took pleasure in seeing genuine shock reflected across his brother’s face. There was not much that surprised Keith.

  “I don’t understand. Lauren said . . .”

  “Lauren has been feeding us lies.”

  Keith shook his head. “I don’t understand why she would.”

  “Simple. She knew it was only a matter of time before I reentered the picture. She wanted to cover her bases. For some reason, she wanted us all to think she was dating someone. When I called Frank to tell him to abort the mission, he texted me to say there wasn’t a mission for a man who didn’t exist.”

  “But if the cops see your texts . . .” Keith’s eyes shone with understanding.

  “Exactly. They’ll tie this in to Mindy or who knows what else. At this rate, I won’t be surprised if they blame me for any and everything.” He knew he was having a pity party but Michael felt he deserved one.

  Keith did not. “No need to become a martyr. I’m sorry this is happening to you. But, I’m not sorry it has united us. If it weren’t for this case, you and I would still be at odds with each other. You wouldn’t be back in my life. So there are positives.”

  Michael gestured with his hands. “I don’t think I needed all this for it to happen.”

  “You were so high. God had to bring you low. If he hadn’t . . .” Keith said, “But I prayed for you. I prayed God would lead you home. Soften your heart.”

  Michael mulled over Keith’s words. How could he regret what God was doing to his heart? His humor kicked in. “Please rethink setting God on me next time. I can’t take His lessons.”

  Keith chuckled. “God has your back. He won’t leave you. When we walk through valleys, He’s there.”

  “Save the message for the pulpit, brother. Put your lawyer hat on and get me out of here.”

  Chapter Thirty-six

  “Verona? Verona!” Louisa Stachs eyes were as large as saucers.

  Standing by the front door, Verona acknowledged she didn’t know why she was at her parent’s doorsteps. When she’d left thirteen years ago, she vowed never to return.

  Her mother’s green eyes took in her unkempt appearance. Verona wiped her puffy face. The waterworks had been in full effect all the way to the airport, through the flight, and in the cab until she had rung the doorbell.

  Louisa stepped aside and motioned for her to enter. As if years hadn’t passed, Verona walked into her childhood home. Louisa hugged her.

  Verona welcomed the feel and smell of the slighter woman. In her mother’s arms, Verona released her pain. She felt a large palm settle on her back. Pulling away, she turned to face her father, Pastor Noel Stachs. After a slight hesitation, she plunged into his chest. More tears flowed.

  “I can’t believe you are here, standing in front of me.” Louisa gazed at Verona as if she were seeing a ghost.

  Noel reached to touch her arm. “Welcome home, daughter.”

  “I needed to return home.” She hiccupped, unable to expound on her thinking. When she had left her penthouse this morning, Verona had no idea she would end up here. The California sun was a direct contrast to the wet and cold of New York. She had to stop and buy sunglasses.

  Within minutes, Verona was settled between her parents, reminiscent of old times.

  “I’ve been following the case on television,” Noel stated. “Mainly to get a glimpse of you.” He turned to face her. “You’re a beautiful and gifted attorney.”

  “We’re proud of you, honey,” Louisa chimed in before standing to get them tissues.

  Verona squirmed under such praise. It did her heart good to hear those words, but she was not about to stray from her main reason for coming. “I’m in love with him. I fell in love with my client, who appears to be as guilty as sin,” she said.

  “This is not like the last time. We will be here by your side,” Noel said.

  His firm sentiment washed over Verona’s heart. Years of resentment, though, weren’t easily buried. “Why now?” she asked. “Why didn’t you believe and support me then when I was helpless, and . . . and . . .” She could not continue.

  “We were younger, dumber, and less faithful. Your father and I had both lost our jobs. We were living on government assistance. Your child would’ve been one more mouth to feed,” her mother confessed. “I’ve been praying to God for your return, for a second chance.” Louisa took her hand in hers. “I’m sorry, Verona. I’ve waited thirteen years to look you in your face and apologize. I’m sorry for not being there when you needed me most.”

  Verona’s shoulders hunched over. From the corner of her eye, she saw Noel slash a tear from the corner of his eye.

  He cleared his throat. “Your mother’s telling the truth,” he said. “We’ve been praying nonstop for this day. I hope you’ll hear me out.”

  Overcome, all Verona could do was nod. She wiped her nose surprised she had ducts left to manufacture more tears. It was time. Time to talk about Damien Foster, and Elijah.

  “I’m sorry I threw Damien in jail.” Noel hung his head. “I overreacted. I shouldn’t have handled things the way I did, but he was six years older than you, an adult. I didn’t know Damien would get four years.”

  Verona took deep breaths. Maybe she was not ready to revisit the past. “Dad, I don’t think—”

  He held up a hand. “No, please let me do this. I’ve practiced this speech for . . .”

  Verona covered her face with her hands before choking out, “Damien was the reason I went into criminal law.” Once in prison, Damien’s original sentence had been lengthened after a fight with an inmate. The inmate succumbed to his wounds. “I was devastated when his sentence had been extended to ten years. I felt it was my fault. I practiced for a year before I tried to reopen his case. That’s when I learned Damien had died in prison. Payback.” She shuddered. Learning of Damien’s death had crushed her.

  But it was another male who tore at her heart. She continued, “I try not to think of him. I try not to think of Elijah. But, not a day goes by I don’t wonder what he looks like and if . . . if he hates me for giving him up.” A sob broke loose. “My son. My son.”

  Verona felt her mother’s touch. She flung her mother’s hand away. “You allowed them to take my child from me. I didn’t even get to kiss him good-bye. You stood by and watched your only grandchild hoisted off
into another couple’s hands. How could you?” she raged. “I know I was young but to give him to Minister Smith and his wife was cruel. I had to see them every week in church and I couldn’t . . .” Oh, God, this was too much. Tears smudged her face. Pain sliced through her body down to her very soul.

  Verona clenched her fists. She looked up to heaven and released her anger toward God. “Where were you! Where were you?” Silence greeted her. “Answer me! Answer me!”

  She zoned in on Louisa who fidgeted with her hands. “I blame you the most!” she screamed. “You went along with it. You’re a mother! What kind of mother were you?”

  Louisa cupped her mouth with her fist. With a cry, she ran from the room.

  “That’s enough!” Noel yelled. “We’re sorry, but you’re not going to disrespect us. You’re still our child. You will speak to us in a civil manner.”

  “No, I’ll speak however I please!” Verona’s chest heaved. She stomped over to her father until she was in his face. “There is no going back for me. Do you get that?”

  Noel squinted his eyes. “What do you mean there’s no going back for you? Is this about Michael?”

  Verona exhaled and willed herself to calm down. Louisa reentered the room. Verona held out her hand and mouthed, “I’m sorry.” Her mother took timid, tentative steps until their hands were joined.

  “Answer me. What do you mean there’s no going back?” her father asked.

  “I . . .” The words felt stuck in her throat but she gathered her courage and verbalized her deepest pain. “I might not be able to have any more children. Elijah might be it for me, and I gave him up.”

  Her father rebuked her. “We taught you better. Whether you have a child or not is up to God. He ultimately holds life in His hands. He decides.”