by R D Hathaway
Rennie ran her fingers through her hair. She glanced at Angie. “We’ve got to get those journals into the hands of Matthew or someone. It’s all we’ve got.”
“Matthew, I’m sorry for the intrigue, if that’s the right term, but we need to review some things and get back with you. Could you come to Des Moines?”
“It’s possible, but I would appreciate knowing more about what concerns you. I have other travel coming up. Perhaps, I could get a sponsor to send me to your college.”
“That’s a great idea.” Angie responded. “I’m sure we could get some funding to bring you to Simpson. I’ll get on it as soon as we return.”
Rennie felt an inner coldness. Quietly, she asked, “Matthew, is there any record of Jesus writing letters?”
His eyes flashed. He responded in a flat, careful tone. “I am not aware of any such writing. Obviously, he was capable of it.” He paused and studied Rennie. “Tell me why you ask.”
Her large eyebrows moved with her thoughts. “It seems he would’ve done that.”
Matthew’s expression didn’t change. His eyes met hers in a challenge for truth.
He responded, “He may well have written letters. Who knows what lies on the secured shelves of the Vatican library, or goes unnoticed in any other archives.”
Everyone stewed in an uncomfortable silence. When the server returned with the bill, Rennie immediately grabbed it and playfully tapped Matthew’s hand as he reached for it.
Angie asked, “When do we leave tomorrow? I’m not sure if we’ll see Matthew again.”
Rennie sorted through her British currency. “I think our flight is around noon. That means we’ll have to be on the way to the airport by about nine or so. We get back to Des Moines around six or seven in the evening. This is probably it for us, here.”
Matthew cleared his throat. “I would love to see you again, so let’s plan on another time somewhere.”
Leaving the restaurant, Rennie took a tentative step out the door. She scanned the vicinity, feeling eager to confront her stalking enemy. She remained tense as Matthew and Angie joined her. For an awkward moment, no one said anything.
Matthew stepped in closely to the two women. “I don’t know the purpose of your adventure, but I’m grateful to have been part of it. I thank God for you. I’ll encourage you with this thought. Whenever you are unsure of what to do next, focus on whose you are. It is easy to think of who we are and what we do. But, if you remember whose you are, you will know the right thing to do.”
“Oh, I like that,” Angie cooed.
Matthew laid his hand on her shoulder. “You may feel like you’re alone in doing what you believe to be right, but you are part of a community with the same mission. You are part of a community of people who are humble to the One whose will is at work. Placing what must be done in that framework may take the burden off of your shoulders.”
Angie gave Matthew a warm embrace. “God loves you so much,” she whispered in his ear. Then, she released him a little and looked at him with their noses nearly touching. “And I do, too.”
Rennie reached in as they slipped apart so she could also give Matthew a hug. After a strong embrace, she kissed his cheek. Then she said, “I could marry an older man. Do you think we might be able to stay in touch?”
They snorted their amusement. He looked down for a moment as he removed a white handkerchief from his pocket and touched beneath his nose.
“Oh dear,” he said, briefly looking away. “This goodbye is difficult. I feel as though my family is going away. I hope you can come back to meet my children and grandchildren.”
Angie stepped up. “Would you do me a favor? It would fill my heart up knowing that you and Mary could find a way to renew your relationship. She needs you, Matthew. You’ll be a wonderful blessing to her.”
Matthew removed his glasses and wiped his eyes. Then he reached out and held Angie. He stepped back and looked at both women. “I’m not sure about marriage, but I would be interested in adopting both of you.”
They shared another laugh, another hug, and then said they would see each other again. As they walked away, Rennie and Angie in one direction and Matthew in the other, they turned to look back several times and waved.
Matthew reached the corner and stood for a moment before proceeding. He threw a kiss when the women looked back one last time. Matthew bowed slightly, turned, and disappeared behind the building. The women continued down the street, quiet for nearly a block.
Finally, Rennie asked, “What should we do now? I need to stop thinking.”
Angie stopped. “I know. Let’s take a tour. You know, get on a bus and let them take us around. It would be mindless, and it’s about time we got a break. Besides, tomorrow morning we’re out of here. I’m sure the hotel can set us up with something.”
“Girl, you’re so right.” Rennie held up her hand and Angie slapped it. She placed her arm through Angie’s and lurched ahead. “Let’s go, partner.”
***
Across the street, a man watched them. He slipped a cell phone from his pocket, touched a few buttons, and placed it to his ear.
London, UK
IX - 3
Rennie’s tired eyes tracked massive aircraft rolling down runways and up to the wings of the airport terminal. The mixed exhaustion of insights, confusion, and lack of sleep she felt were aggravated by the noise of a crowded passenger waiting area. She needed to go home and was eager to board the next plane.
She had the answers to most of her questions about Matthias. The absence of information about the letters from Jesus weighed her down more than physical depletion.
Rennie glanced at Angie in a plastic chair near the gate. She was amused seeing Angie’s head bob to the hidden rhythms of music pumped through earphones. She drifted over to an adjacent seat and fell into it, stretching out her legs.
Angie removed the plugs from her ears. “How you doing? That was fun yesterday. We got pretty silly on that tour bus.”
“Yeah, we did. You held up your image as the wild librarian. It was nice to take a break from all the seriousness. I never got a sense of anyone following us, either.”
“Me neither. I’m glad we treated ourselves to a good dinner, too.” Angie yawned. “Are you okay? You’re looking a little wasted.”
“I’m okay. You know us old women can’t carry on like you young chicks.” Rennie rubbed her eyes. “I guess I’ve been thoughtful of all that’s gone on here. It was only a few days, but it seems longer. I also can’t get Matthew out of my mind. What a life.”
“Yeah, and what a sweetie. It would’ve been nice to see him this morning. I hope we can get him to Iowa to look at those journals.” Angie turned off her phone and put it in her purse. “Have you thought about the letters?”
“That’s all I can do. Everything else is a distraction from thinking about them. It would seem that the culmination of Matthias’ journey here was for Matthew to come into the world instead of revealing the letters. That’s wonderful, but at what expense? The letters are gone. Matthias finds them and then loses them and his life.”
“Yeah, it’s hard to understand.”
“Then, there’s the issue of someone tracking us, or me. What’s that all about? They’re gone, so they must’ve figured out we don’t know anything.”
“Have you thought about your story, yet? What’re you going to write?”
“I’ve been thinking about it. The challenge is what do I say about the letters? Isn’t that what changed everything? If Matthias hadn’t freaked about the police issue at the museum and then raced over to ol’ Lady Jane’s house and on to Priscilla’s, he wouldn’t have been killed. They would’ve gone to Iowa and lived a pleasant life and might have been famous in disclosing the letters. Just think, Matthew would have been an Iowan.”
“He sure would’ve stood out with that English acc
ent.”
They laughed and wearily got up when they heard the announcement for the departure of their flight.
As they gathered their things and prepared to board the aircraft, Rennie touched Angie’s shoulder. “I just want to say thank you for all the help and energy you put into this. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Well, Matthew reminded us that we are not alone in this world, and I’m glad we’re on the same team.”
***
Too many weary hours later, a flight attendant announced their approach to Chicago. Rennie laid her pen on her notebook and stretched her tired fingers.
Angie awoke. “How’s it going with the article?”
Rennie added a couple of words and closed the book. “Okay. It’s a good start, and I think the paper will run it. I’m not backing off the letters. They are a key part of the story, a key part of history. The fact they aren’t around is irrelevant. This is big and people have to know about it. It’s really why Matthias died, and I think it’s why he was supposed to go to London. I’m laying it all out.”
Angie drew in a deep breath. “Good for you. Trust yourself and go with it.”
***
At 7:04 p.m. their flight arrived in Des Moines from Chicago. They trudged quietly up the concourse from the gate. Nothing was said as they waited for their luggage to arrive on the baggage carousel. Occasionally, they shared a grimace of weariness. After jerking their luggage off the conveyor belt, they walked together to the exit. Only once did Rennie think about looking around to see if anyone of concern was nearby.
“Angie, you drove and it isn’t necessary to give me a ride home. A cab will get me there and save you an hour in getting to bed. Is it all right with you if we split up, now?”
“Not a problem. As you say, there’s no need to keep us out of our beds for another minute. I feel like someone dipped my body in formaldehyde or something. I can hardly move.”
“My body is telling me it’s three in the morning. Let’s meet for dinner, tomorrow. I must get into work as soon as possible to see what’s going on. Bud will be rampaging. It’ll be good to reconnect at the end of our first day home. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
“Yeah, let’s get out of here. Let the adventure continue! Woo!” Angie punched her fist in the air.
Rennie snorted a tired laugh and waved to an awaiting cab. Collapsing onto the stained upholstery of the cab’s back seat, she realized she was home, but it would be a different place. She was about to make it all different, and she was committed.
PART TEN
Des Moines, Iowa
X - 1
The hard buzz of an alarm clock jarred Rennie’s senses. One eye glared at the wall. Her other eye was buried in her pillow. She fumbled for the snooze button, managing to quiet the noise for six minutes. The alarm repeated its call two more times until she groaned her way out of bed. She stumbled into her suitcase and across the clothing she had been wearing on the return trip from London.
Half-way down the stairs, she paused and sat down. She ran her fingers through her hair and yawned before struggling her way to the kitchen. She made coffee, checked her e-mail, and prepared for a new day; perhaps, a new life. With breakfast and familiar surroundings, her energy quickly returned.
By nine, Rennie felt she was nearly back in business. Then, she realized her days in England were almost a distant memory. She wandered to the couch and dropped onto it. She looked up at the ceiling and asked, “What am I supposed to do with this?”
Her head jerked forward, and she snatched from the coffee table a note pad. She scribbled her thoughts until she identified two pages of tasks. The phone rang. She was confused for a moment before hurrying across the room to pull it from her purse.
“Hi Rennie, this is Roger,” said the voice. “So, you’re back.”
“Yeah, I got in last night. It was exhausting; good, but exhausting. How’s Balderdash?”
“He’s fine, except for my keeping him in the microwave all week. No, he’s okay.”
Rennie snorted a laugh. “Thanks, I appreciate your watching him. Should I come over now to get him?”
“If you like. You had a good time? You okay?”
“I’m fine. Just a little tired. Thanks.”
Rennie hung up and called her office number to retrieve messages. After jotting down a note about each phone call, she called Bud. She got his voice mail and left a message:
“Hey, it’s your favorite wayward reporter. I’m back and I’ve got a great story; maybe historic. I’ll be in a little later today. Thanks again. It was a good trip. No, an important trip. See you soon.”
Rennie dialed Angie’s home number. When she got the answering machine, she started to leave a message but was interrupted when Angie came on the line.
“How you doing?” Rennie asked.
“Not bad, considering I don’t know where I am, and I feel like I walked home instead of drove. How about you?”
“Okay, I guess. I’ve had some trouble getting my bearings. Once I made my to-do list, I felt better.”
“Ah yes, the to-dos. Have you decided which ones are in line with your purpose of being on Earth?” Angie laughed.
“Oh, don’t start with me. I’ll get hit in the face with this sense of purpose thing when I walk into my boss’s office. If I survive, I’ll call you. Do you want to come over for dinner tonight? I’ll probably get take-out, maybe Thai. How’s that for you? We need to review all this.”
“Good for me,” Angie responded. “See you then. Oh, Rennie?”
“Yeah.”
“Be careful. We’re back in the world.”
Rennie didn’t know what to say at first. “We can do this. See you tonight.”
She put the phone down on the table and stood for a moment gazing out the window. Angie’s last comment stayed in her ears.
She took a deep breath and headed out the back door. She enjoyed the short stroll across her backyard and past the garden to Roger’s house. The morning sun felt warm and clean. The lawn was a cushion of living comfort.
Roger peered through the screen door and greeted her. He had Balderdash in his arms. “It’s about time. He’s been nothing but trouble,” Roger grumbled. Then, he smiled. “Good to see you. The trip was okay, huh?”
“Yeah, it was pretty good. I got to see some places on the last day. The rest of the time it was all business. How are you doing?”
“Great! I figure any day I can get up is a victory. Would you like to come in and see my new computer? I got it at a garage sale and put in some new memory, a new modem, and a new DVD read-write drive. New computers don’t have those, you know. It’ll run rings around whatever you’ve got.”
Rennie grinned as she took Balderdash in her arms. “Roger, you are an interesting old man. Maybe another time. I’ve got to get into work. If I don’t come home tonight, it’s because they killed me.”
“Right, like they’d do that. You’re the best thing that old rag of a paper has going for it. Do they ever hire real reporters anymore? You take it easy. Don’t try to fix the whole world on your first day back.”
Rennie waved and started across the lawn. Roger yelled, “Maybe, you can just fix Iowa. That will be a start!”
Without turning around, she waved again.
Twenty minutes later, she realized she was in her car, driving on the right side of the road and on the way to work. It had been less than a week, but it seemed as though she was seeing and experiencing her environment in a new way. Rennie felt less involved with driving the car and with the space through which she moved. She was more observer and less participant. There was a tangible sense of peace in the air.
Arriving at her desk, Rennie remembered when she was last there. Instead of a being focused on her assignments, she was now detached from the pressures that used to drive her ahead. She had the same int
erest in all the messages and memos stacked on her desk, but her intensity had been replaced with a kind of joy. Her connection with that desk reunited her with Matthias, and the discovery of the letters.
A few co-workers greeted her as they passed by her cubicle. Dave, a young reporter, stopped and suggested in a conspiratorial way that it might be best if she see Bud right away. As Dave moved on, he glanced back at Rennie. She knew something was different.
When she arrived in Bud’s office, he was talking on the phone, bent over, looking into a cardboard box full of files.
“I don’t know,” he yelled into the receiver. “How should I know? All they send me are kids! They’ve written a few term papers and edited their school paper so now they’re journalists. We hire them at minimum wage and say we’re the guardians of the press. Okay, I’ll find out!”
He sat up and slammed the phone down. Rennie was already sitting in front of his desk.
“So, welcome home. Nice of you to stop by. Anything I can do for you, ma’am?”
“Bud, you need a break. When will you do that?”
“When they put me in a box and haul me away. Then, you can have my job. Are you really back to work or are you just stopping in to see what working people do in the daytime?”
“I’m here to get back at it. As I mentioned in my message, this story may be historic.”
Bud jumped up. “Historic! Stop the presses!” He waved his arms in the air. “Wait, I’ll call the President; no, maybe the Queen. That’s who you went to see, wasn’t it?”
Rennie sat peacefully. “Will you sit down and cool off? I don’t want to get sprayed when your blood vessels burst all over.”
She leaned forward and put her hands on his desk. “Listen, I don’t want to see them take you out of here in a box, or even in a straight jacket. You deserve something better. Can you let go for a little bit, please?”
He fell into his chair, resting his arms on his belly. He took a deep breath. “So, they’re right. You want me out of here.”