“Oh, you can trust studmuffin, Edith.” Renata fought the urge to giggle.
“In that case, I sent the message telepathically. He heard me loud and clear and so did Pelosi. They sent the ninjas to come and do away with me. Dearie, can you come and get rid of them for me again?”
“Certainly, Edith, I’d be glad to help.”
Tony and Renata accompanied Edith up the stairs. Tony gave Renata a questioning look and mouthed, “Ninjas?”
Renata shook her head and smiled.
They got to Edith’s apartment, and Edith clung to Tony’s arm. “Studmuffin, you stay here and protect me. Dearie will take care of the ninjas.” Tony obeyed.
Renata slipped into the apartment, looked all over and checked to see if any medications weren’t taken. There was a little stack of empty envelopes for the past few dates. It looked like her case manager had gotten wise in dealing with Edith. Renata went back to the door, opened it and announced, “They’re gone, not a trace of them.”
“How do you do it, dearie?”
“I’m not sure. It must be a gift. Good thing God brought me to live downstairs, allowing me to help you in times like these.”
“Yes.” Edith still had a grip on Tony as she had dragged him into the apartment. “Will you stay with me for a while, handsome?”
Tony looked over the short woman to meet Renata’s teary eyes as she tried to stifle her laughter. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but I have a damsel to deliver to her door, and I need to get home to do my laundry.”
“Oh, pooh, much I care about laundry.” She glanced at Renata and sighed. “Okay, dearie, you can have your hunk back. Thank you for helping me with those ninjas again. I know I will sleep much better tonight.” She glanced at the clock. “Oh, I must go. Wheel of Fortune is about to come on.” She whispered, “I win every time.” Tony had bent down to listen to her and received a loud kiss on his cheek as his reward. Edith giggled.
“Good night, Edith.” Renata reached over to grab Tony’s arm, extricate him from Edith and escort him to the door. The poor guy looked so confused. She bit her lip to contain her mirth. They heard the door lock behind them and walked down the stairs, still holding hands.
They reached her door before Tony spoke. “What just happened?”
Renata laughed. “What? You doubt I can banish ninjas? I have hidden talents.”
Tony chuckled. “She is a nice woman. I’m glad you’re here to help her when she needs it.”
“Me too. She’s a little confused at times, but sweet. I think she has a crush on you.”
Tony blushed.
“Maybe I do, too?” She reached up to kiss the cheek Edith had not kissed. “Good night, Tony.” With a smile, she slipped into her apartment and locked the door.
* * *
Snuggled up alone in bed, she relived the highs and lows of her day. Why did Tony attract and terrify her? When would she be over the ugliness of her past? Would it ever be possible to have a fairy tale ending? A man who adored her and children to raise? She thought of the De Lucas. Jealousy and a deep sense of loss filled her heart over what they had and she didn’t. Tony had more blessings than he realized. Family and friends looked out for him, concerned for his happiness. She was poor in comparison. Life was not fair in dealing out families and love. She sighed. Jesus, I know You love me, and You waste nothing in my life. Help me. Help me heal and find who I really am in You. And help me with Tony. I have fallen in love with him, but if he is not for me, please close that door. I don’t want to make another mistake like I did with Mick.
She flipped her pillow over so she would not have to fall asleep on the side damp with tears.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Monday night, after work, Renata headed over to Orchard Hill Church to meet with Mary Beth, the Women’s Ministry Director. Her knee bounced automatically, a nervous habit, as she waited in the lobby.
A woman came out to greet her. Mary Beth had to be about forty-five and was plump, with a kind face and a short, contemporary haircut which emphasized her brown eyes.
“Renata?” she reached out her hand as Renata rose to her feet. “I’m glad I finally get to meet you.”
Renata shook Mary Beth’s hand and followed her to her office. Mary Beth motioned to some seats, closed the door, and sat across from her.
“Please tell me why you are here?”
Renata reached for the tissues box. Stephanie had assured her this woman was a safe person to whom she could tell her story to and receive help. Renata poured out the story of the past few years, crying at many points. She brought up the attempted rape. Mary Beth listened and shed a few tears of her own as she heard Renata’s tale.
“I listen to many stories, Renata, but this is one of the more difficult I have had the privilege to hear. Let me assure you your story will not leave this room. Telling our story to trusted people can help you understand it better. When you are ready, I hope you will find safe people to share it with, who can pray for you and care for you.
“I am ashamed of your previous pastor for the way he counseled you to stay in such an abusive marriage. If you had come to us in your troubles, we would have done everything possible to help you and support you. You would not have been abandoned. We network with community agencies and work together to help women in domestic violence situations like yours.
“It sounds like the most immediate concern now is the issue with Bryan. You know none of what happened was your fault. I will gladly walk with you through the court process and provide whatever support I am capable of. I am human and make mistakes. I want to warn you about that.” Mary Beth smiled. “But I hope you will find me a safe person to confide in.”
“I have one other issue I wanted to bring up.”
“Go ahead. We have a little time left.”
“I’ve been seeing a guy in the young adult group. I like him, but I’m terrified of getting close to anyone.”
“Given what you’ve gone through, that’s understandable. May I ask who it is?”
“Tony De Luca.”
Mary Beth smiled. “Tony’s been around here for a long time. He has a good reputation. He’s a hard worker and has an authentic faith.”
“I already know that. It’s, well, I like him. A lot. I’m afraid when he finds out about my past—”
“At some point, Renata, you are going to have to take a step of faith and trust him with what you have shared with me. If Tony is the man I believe him to be, you will find acceptance and grace. I won’t deny he might struggle with the reality of all you have shared. If he loves you, it will matter only in the most important way.”
“What does that mean?”
“What I mean is, a man worth trusting will take what you have shared and do everything in his power to see you grow beyond it and find joy and a deeper faith in Christ because of it. That would be a man worth pursuing a relationship with.”
Renata nodded. “I’m scared. To be honest, I want him. Physically, I’m holding a tight line, but sometimes it is fragile.”
“You have strong boundaries. You meet in groups. You don’t let him into your apartment if you are alone. Is there something I’m missing? If you are trying to stay sexually pure, you appear to have a good handle on it.”
“It’s the temptation. In spite of everything I’ve endured, you would think being physically intimate with a man would be repulsive to me. But not with Tony. I desire him. I don’t know what do to.”
Mary Beth sighed. “Pray. Temptation is not the same as sin. We are all tempted, and we have a choice as to how to deal with that. Hold your boundaries, as they are there to protect you. Stay honest with me and anyone else you want to have hold you accountable on this. I know you are not a virgin, but it is sin to give in to those desires, even though many young people disregard that. If you value Tony, and would look at him as a future husband, you owe him that as well.”
“He’s not pressuring me, which makes me want him all the more.” Renata groaned in frustration.
> “Stick to your guns, and don’t give in to your desire to have a man in that way until you are married. That was taken from you before, but you can reclaim that for yourself now.”
Renata nodded.
“Let me pray for you. We will set up another appointment before you go.” They bowed their heads, and Mary Beth prayed over Renata while placing a hand on her arm.
A weight had lifted off Renata’s shoulders. Stephanie knew her pain, but to have someone from the church extend her love, grace, and acceptance after hearing her story gave her hope. I will have victory over my past. Lord willing, I will move beyond this.
* * *
Thursday night’s event was cancelled. Renata was tired and depressed. Stephanie worked long hours between the furniture store and restaurant. Renata was alone every evening, and she’d not heard from Tony all week. She figured he was working again tonight and was sad he hadn’t offered to see her. At the same time, she was grateful because she wanted to stick to meeting him in groups. She chose to stay after work to make phone calls to arrange for appointments to sell more annuities and mutual funds to clients with high savings account balances. She hated cold calling people at dinnertime, but sometimes it was the only time to reach them.
The bank had closed at five-thirty and, by six, everyone else had departed. She locked herself inside the building, and all emergency lights were on except for the lights in her office off the lobby. Her glass wall enabled her to see the lobby from her desk. She made phone calls that resulted in promising appointments for the following weeks. She could use the extra income with the legal fees she would incur.
Around seven p.m. she heard a noise coming from the front door. She was behind the teller line at a printer, getting a report. She glanced across the lobby and saw three men attempting to jimmy the locks. Renata’s heart started to race. Stay calm. She dropped down and hid herself under one of the teller stations, moving items to hide herself. She hit the silent alarm and pulled a phone down to dial 911.
“911, what’s your emergency?”
“I work at Republic Bank on Brown Deer Road, and three men are attempting to break in.”
“Someone is on the way. Where are you?”
“Hiding under a teller station. I won’t be able to talk once they break in. Here’s my cell number, 555-1234, I can text and listen on the phone.”
A text came through on her phone from the operator.
Renata texted back to affirm she had gotten the message.
She heard glass shatter. Her pulse thundered in her ears. Breathe, Renata, breathe.
Renata texted, They r in.
The 911 Operator responded on the phone. “Stay hidden, police and FBI are on the way.”
“Where’s the girl who was over there? Come on guys, let’s hunt her down. She can open the safe for us.” The voice was loud and gruff, which amplified her terror.
Renata heard the men search the office for her. Chairs clattered. More glass shattered. The men cursed and swore. She closed her eyes and prayed.
“She’s gotta be here. Hector, go to the safe and see if you can get it open, you’ve got the knack for that.”
One large man stomped past her hiding spot, and Renata was grateful for her small size.
She texted the operator, One guy in by the safe.
The 911 operator replied, “Stay hidden.”
Renata heard sirens and the voices of police officers.
“Can you tell if they are armed?” the operator asked.
Renata texted, I don’t know.
Gunshots reverberated through the bank lobby. The large man who had walked by earlier came running out of the safe area to check on his partners and was quickly arrested by the police. She heard the police reading them their rights and the click of handcuffs. She remained hidden.
The 911 operator spoke. “The police have apprehended them. You can come out of hiding now. The officers will need to get a statement.”
“Thank you,” Renata said as she hung up the phone, crawled out of her hiding place, and went to speak with law enforcement.
* * *
It was well after ten before Renata left. Other banking officials had been called in, as well as repairmen to come and board up the broken glass. The criminals had smashed the glass to her office. What a mess to clean up before the next day’s business. Glass littered her desk, chair and floor. Renata fought tears.
Renata spent the next morning at the bank headquarters discussing the robbery with the president and CEO of the bank, as well as the local police. Video surveillance and catching the men in the bank after hours was enough evidence to convict without her testifying, as she had only seen one of the men clearly. She was relieved. One pending court case was more than enough for her.
The bank manager gave her the rest of the day off, as well as Saturday, but she refused. She needed to go back and straighten her office and keep her schedule, or she would fear going back. The manager accepted her suggestion and allowed her to have the time as compensation in the future.
The phone rang after lunch. It was Stephanie.
“I heard there was a bank robbery at Republic last night. Did you work late?”
“Yes.” Renata was sitting, and exhaustion overwhelmed her. She was tired of talking about the robbery.
“You were there when it happened?”
“Correct.”
“Come on, Renata. Are you okay? What happened?”
“Can we talk later? Will you be home tonight or are you working at De Luca’s?”
“I’m working. I’m worried about you.”
“I was able to hide until the police arrived. I’m fine.”
“Have you told anyone else?”
“Who would I have told? I’ve been too busy talking to the police and bank officials. I’ve barely had time to think for myself.”
“Have you told Tony?”
“No.”
“Why not?
“I don’t want him to worry about me.”
“What a bunch of bull crap, Ren. If you won’t tell him, I will. How do you think he will feel if he hears it from me?”
“I don’t know. Normally, I don’t work Thursday nights. Usually, I spend time with Tony, don’t I?”
“That’s low, girlfriend.”
“Sorry. I wish I hadn’t been here. I made a choice to work because there was nothing else to do. Three guys made a choice to rob a bank. Our two choices met at the same time.”
“You should tell Tony.”
“When? He can read the paper and watch the news as well as you and anyone else, can’t he? I haven’t spoken to him since Sunday, Steph.”
“Feeling neglected, so you want to punish him?”
Renata didn’t answer. Had she wanted to punish Tony? She didn’t want to need him. She had longed for his comfort when she’d come out of hiding, but knew he wouldn’t be allowed there with the investigation. She had to make it on her own. She’d no claim on his heart or life. Punishment? No. More like reality.
“It’s your choice. I won’t say anything, but I will make sure the article crosses his path. He’s not much into watching or reading the news.”
“Do what you think is best.” Renata sighed and stifled a yawn. “I need to get back to work. The guys trashed my office, and I’m still trying to sort through and reorganize the files and shake out the glass. When they couldn’t find me, they dumped everything all over. It’s a disaster. The glass guys are here now to replace my glass wall. I need to go.”
“Fine, Ren, if that’s the way you want it, but Saturday afternoon I want the entire story.”
“Okay, thanks for caring, Steph. I’m sorry I’m grouchy.”
“Fine, take care, Oscar.”
Renata grinned ruefully as she hung up the phone.
After work that evening, Pastor Dan and his wife, Sharon, invited Renata over for dinner at their house. No mention was made of Tony or the bank robbery. Just a relaxing home-cooked meal, love, and a game or five of Aggra
vation.
* * *
Tony had a rough night. His under cook had the flu, and the restaurant was hopping. Stephanie had come in at one point, waving the Milwaukee Journal in his face, folded it up, and stuck it in the sleeve of his jacket. He saw it, nodded, and figured he wouldn’t be reading any paper for several hours.
It was eleven before he could lock the front doors of the restaurant. Staff straightened up in the dining area. Tony went to look at the reports before he left, when Stephanie appeared.
“Hi Stephanie, good night out there?”
“Very good. The waitresses are pleased with their tips. No hassles from any drunken customers.” She walked over to Tony’s jacket and pulled out the paper. She pushed Tony down on a chair and handed him the paper, folded open to expose the article on page five.
Tony glanced at Stephanie, who directed his attention to the paper.
“Read it.”
Tony started to read about the bank robbery, saw Renata’s name mentioned, and stopped. “I didn’t know. Is she okay?”
“Read on, you’ll get more out of the article than you will from her. I didn’t find out until someone came into work this morning with the news.”
Tony read further and put the paper down, stunned. “Why didn’t she call me?”
“You were working, and she hasn’t heard from you all week.”
“So?”
“My thoughts exactly. If it’s any consolation, she didn’t call me either, and I’m her best friend.”
Tony glanced at the newspaper. Renata had been in trouble, and no one had been there for her. His heart sank like lead. How could this happen?
“Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Stephanie.”
“What are you going to do?”
“What can I do? She works tomorrow, and by the time she gets off, I’ll be busy here. I won’t be able to talk to her until Sunday. Packers play at noon. I won’t have much time to visit after church.”
Stephanie took the newspaper and whacked her boss on the head with it. “Numskull! What’s more important? Renata or the Packers? You men have strange priorities. Good night, Tony.” She handed him back the newspaper and stalked out of the room.
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