by Judith Rolfs
“I’ll go, but first tell me exactly when did Lenora learn about your husband’s treatment of you?”
“The week she was shot.”
“Did Chuck know you told her about the beatings and about his first wife’s death?”
“I told him Lenora was going to help me with my depression. I don’t know what he believed.” She broke down sobbing. “Leave! I won’t press charges against him. I’ll never repeat what I told you. He’ll...”
“But if you inform the authorities, he’ll go to jail, and you’ll be safe.”
“No one can guarantee that.” Angela’s eyes darted toward the window before answering. “He’ll get out of it somehow.”
“My husband is a lawyer. He and I will help you.”
“You can’t. I know you mean well. I didn’t want to talk to you. I’m just worn down.” Angela crossed her arms across her chest and rubbed her forearms vigorously.
How I hurt for this poor woman.
“Lenora made me feel something I’d lost—a sliver of hope. I sensed life inside me again. I don’t want to go back to feeling nothing, but I don’t want anyone else hurt. I saw what he did to her.”
“We can’t be sure he shot her. That has to be investigated. But, you don’t have to endure his treatment any longer.” I used every argument I could think of to persuade her to turn Chuck in and come for counseling.
Nothing worked.
She stared at me like I was a crazy person for even suggesting it and dropped onto the small tweed sofa near the door. She sat silent for several minutes before lifting her head and stiffening her shoulders. “I know you’re right and mean well, but we’d get hurt real bad.”
Outside, a car spit gravel as it came up the driveway. We stared at each other.
Angela froze.
Denton had to be confronted but not here, not when we were alone with him.
“Angela, let’s leave by the back door, both of us. Now.”
“I can’t. My daughter’s due home soon. If I make him angry, she won’t be safe.”
“We’ll get help and come back for her.”
Footsteps grew louder.
“No, he’ll be crazy. He has to know where I am every minute.”
“All right, then when he comes in, let me do all the talking. I’ll greet Chuck, then leave and get help. He mustn’t know you’ve told me.”
I moved back toward the entry area as if I’d just come.
Seconds later Chuck barged in, his face tight with fury, his teeth set in a grim line. “What are you doing here?” he demanded of me. His coal black eyes gazed menacingly at Angela.
I rifled through my purse with shivering fingers. “Hi, Chuck.” My voice was a decibel high, but I tried to make it sound casual. “I’m delighted to see you. I was just hunting in my purse for pen and paper to leave you a message.”
“Why not just tell Angela since you were here?”
“Good question.” I motioned him aside. God help me; let him believe me. “Angela won’t speak to me,” I whispered. “She’s petrified.” No lie there. “I told her but wasn’t sure she’d give you my message.”
“Angela, why don’t you go and lie down? I’ll handle this.” Chuck turned back to me. “What’s the message?”
“An emergency foundation board meeting’s been called tomorrow morning at Lenora’s home office, nine a.m. It’s important everyone be there. Tucker wants to discuss safety precautions. Lenora’s going to be released, and he wants the board to come up with a press statement about her work continuing.” I’d suggested this plan to Tucker so it wasn’t a lie. He just hadn’t come up with a time.
“Is there a problem with sending a message or using the telephone?” Denton’s voice reeked with sarcasm.
“I didn’t want to disturb you at the bank with foundation business, and I was heading over to Lenora’s just down the road. Sorry, I didn’t realize how difficult my stopping by would be for your poor wife. I see how challenging your situation is.”
“Well, now you know.” His icy tone chilled me. No wonder Angela was afraid of him. Chuck’s facial expression softened slightly. “It’s kind of you to be so, so thoughtful.” Sweet-talk again. How can a man devoid of morals speak sensitive words but never feel them?
“Okay, I’m off. See you tomorrow, Chuck.” I took a deep breath and turned the door knob. I felt his eyes on my back as I walked to my car. The need to get this poor woman and her daughter help fast stilled my trembling. I hated leaving Angela alone with Chuck, knowing he’d interrogate her. She wouldn’t go without her daughter. I had no choice.
I slipped behind the wheel. Angela, don’t reveal what you told me.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Inside the car I reached for my iPhone. No signal. How could the battery be dead? I forgot to charge it. I berated myself and sped to Lenora’s house down the road to make my call.
Torrential rain pounded my car as I ascended the long driveway. Would there ever be a day of solid sunshine again?
Relief flowed over me at the sight of Estelle’s truck and Lenora’s van in the circle drive. Somebody was here at least to let me in. I jumped out and sloshed up the front walk through inch-deep puddles.
Estelle opened the front door, eyes glistening.
I froze. “What happened?”
“How did you know? They’ve only just arrived a bit ago.”
“Know what?”
“Why, that Mr. Tucker brought Mrs. Lawrence home in the van. She’s still weak and exhausted but home. Praise God. Isn’t it wonderful?”
I stared at her, taking her words in.
“What’s wrong?” Estelle’s big eyes bulged.
“Of course it’s fantastic. I’m glad…surprised, that’s all. Tucker didn’t tell me. He distinctly said last night it would be at least another two days, his exact words.” The edge of anger rang out in my voice, and I bristled inside. I was among the first to know the bad news after Lenora was shot, but good news, he held back. Why? I regained my composure. Perhaps he hadn’t known ahead of time. He’d probably been too busy to call. Maybe it was a last minute discharge.
“Don’t know ’bout none of that. I’m just glad she’s here.”
“Me, too. I can’t wait to see her. Where’s Tucker?”
“He went to the pharmacy to fill her prescriptions. I’m staying until he returns. Mrs. Lenora is napping now in her room.”
“I need to use their phone to make a call. Excuse me.” I entered the study and shut door behind me.
When the sergeant came on the line, I introduced myself, rattled off my counseling credentials, and explained about Denton’s treatment of Angela and my fear that he’d shot Lenora. Stressing that his wife was in imminent danger, I gave him Denton’s address.
“I don’t need the location. I know it. Are you aware, Dr. Trevor, that Mr. Denton is a respected member of this community? He’s informed us of his wife’s problems. She reported him for abuse several years ago and again once last year. When we got there, she denied it, and we saw no evidence. Both times.”
“Did you require her to have a physical exam?”
The Sergeant ignored my question. “Mr. Denton explained her confusion is an issue of her psychosis. We didn’t want to pester. She claimed she was fine.”
The response both shocked and unsettled me. “But did you order a complete physical examination of his wife? Please answer the question.”
“The woman’s a pathological liar. We’ve seen psychiatrist’s reports on her.”
“So the answer is no.” I wanted to slam down the phone.
“That’s correct, mam.”
Chuck Denton could be quite convincing. I was trusting my intuition that Angela had told me the truth. My pulse throbbed in my temples. “My name is Dr. Jennifer Trevor. As I said, I’m making this report as a licensed professional counselor. I’ll hold you responsible if anything happens to this woman because of your negligence. Get out there. This could be a matter of life or death. Once abuse
is reported you are required to respond, need I inform you?”
“Okay. You can deal with the consequences, Dr. Trevor.”
“She’s alone with him. How soon can you get there?”
“I’ll leave right away.”
“I intend to have my husband meet you. He’s a lawyer.”
I called Nick and gave him a quick summary of the events of this crazy day. “Angela’s going to need legal counsel. Can you head over?”
“I’m on my way. Where will you be?”
I inhaled a deep breath. “Since Tucker’s gone, I’ll stay here with Lenora in case Denton heads this way.”
“Okay. Stay in touch.”
I sat in the chair and pondered my next move. Was Lenora safe at home? Hopefully Denton wouldn’t come after Lenora because he wouldn’t know she was back. Then again, maybe he’d been in contact with Tucker today. I rubbed my forehead. Who knew what was in Denton’s head? I made another call.
I emerged from the study and bumped into Estelle outside the door. “Sorry if I sounded snappy earlier. Nothing personal toward you, Estelle. I like to be kept in the loop through Tucker about Lenora because I care so much.”
Undoubtedly Estelle was trying to overhear my phone conversation through the closed door. I didn’t doubt her affection for Lenora.
“Dr. Trevor, believe me, I get it.” Estelle hugged me briefly against her apron. Vanilla wafted from her.
I pulled back and gazed at her. “It’s thrilling she’s home. I’ll stay until Tucker returns. Maybe she’ll wake up.”
“While you wait I’ll make you a cup of tea.”
“That would be wonderful.”
“With honey?”
“Yes, please.”
“No trouble. I’ll just make one cup.” Estelle microwaved a single mug of water.
When it beeped, she pulled out a green tea with mint bag from the tea basket and placed the steaming cup on the Corian counter. I picked it up and hugged the ceramic in my hands.
The tea bag floated on the boiling water until it was waterlogged. Poor Angela, sinking more each day, with no hope for her future. Not if I had anything to do about it, I resolved. Living with a two-faced man must have been a hellish life. Hell. That reminded me of Lenora’s vision and the forces of good and evil. God, I long for Your kingdom to come upon earth.
When the tea had cooled, I sipped the warm liquid and chatted with Estelle as she bustled about in her usual diligent fashion, emptying the dishwasher, opening and closing cupboards to put each dish and pot in its proper place.
I checked on Lenora several times. She hadn’t awakened. Twenty minutes passed, then thirty.
The house phone rang.
Estelle answered, “Lawrence residence,” then handed me the portable kitchen receiver, whispering, “It’s Mr. Trevor.”
I snatched it from her hand. “Hi, darling. Is Angela okay?”
“Fine. The police squad came over. Denton had already left. They’re hunting for him as we speak. He probably suspected something was up from your visit.”
“Or maybe he knows Lenora was released and is heading this way. I hope not.” I shuddered and looked out the window.
“Be careful just in case. As soon as you see Tucker tell him to be on guard.”
“His car is pulling in now. One more thing. I’ve arranged for Angela and her daughter to stay with Ellen a few days in case Denton comes back. Ellen’s on her way to pick them up. I’ll head home from here. Gotta go.”
I smiled a greeting to Tucker as he hurried in with an apology to Estelle for being gone so long and an annoyed glance in my direction. “What are you here for?”
His voice, harsh and loud, startled me. I’d have preferred a cordial hello. My smile disappeared.
Estelle turned pink, glanced at each of us, then reached for her sweater and keys. “I’ll be on my way as long as you’re back,” she said. “My husband will be wanting supper.”
“Don’t bother to come tomorrow. I’ll be staying home with Lenora.”
“As you wish. Dinner’s in the oven on warm—fried chicken, corn and peas and mashed potatoes. Mrs. Lenora’s sleeping comfortably. Dr. Trevor just checked her.”
Tucker paid her in cash at the door and threw his wet jacket over a chair at the table next to where I sat. Then he stomped over to the coffeepot and poured himself a cup. In a more polite tone he asked, “What brings you over?”
“I’ll get to that in a minute. First, why didn’t you tell me Lenora was coming home today?” I thrust my hands on my hips.
“I thought it best she have a quiet homecoming.” He sipped his coffee still standing. “I didn’t want a houseful of people bothering her until she regained her strength.”
“Her close friend is hardly a houseful.”
“She needs time before being barraged with visitors. Plus, for security reasons, it’s best not too many people know.”
“You couldn’t trust me to be discreet?” Rain came down in rivulets outside the window, matching the outpour of my emotions.
“I planned to call you tomorrow, but total peace and quiet is what she needs at the moment.”
I still bristled but forced myself to accept his concern. “And she needs protection more than you realize.” I set down my teacup. “Tucker, I have distressing news.” I explained Lenora’s intervention with Angela. “It’s likely Chuck tried to silence Lenora and missed. He may be on his way here as we speak.”
“Denton? Do you have proof?”
“I’m hoping now that Denton knows he’s backed against a wall, he’ll confess. The police will have him in custody soon. In the meantime, keep everything locked. He’s a sick and violent man.”
Tucker went to the table and slouched in a chair. “I must admit, he certainly had me fooled. I’m sorry I was so short with you a moment ago, Jennifer.”
“I understand. It’s an emotional time, Tucker. When the police interrogate Denton, all the pieces will fit.”
“I’m truly impressed with the way you’ve investigated this. Lenora will be forever grateful.” Tucker rubbed his hands together. “You’ve not only identified the person who shot her but saved the foundation’s reputation by clearing Kirk. And now Lenora is home safe. I couldn’t wish for a better outcome.” He beamed at me. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He stood up abruptly.
“All right. I’ll leave you to your dinner.” I should have been happy, but the sudden switch of Tucker’s emotions made me uncomfortable.
* * *
That night as Nick and I undressed for bed, the home phone’s shrill ringing pierced the air. Nick reached it first and relayed the message to me. “The police picked up Chuck Denton. They’ve questioned him at length. He admits the abuse but denies shooting Lenora.”
“I’d hoped he’d confess immediately to make it easier on everyone.”
“He’s smart enough to know there’s no proof he shot her so he won’t incriminate himself without further evidence. Hopefully, the police will get the truth out of him. Otherwise, they can’t hold him long.”
I pulled on my velour robe and tied it loosely, snuggling in its warmth. I followed Nick into the bathroom. “This is weird. I should feel great. But something seems not quite right.”
“You’re worried Denton will get off?” Nick squeezed toothpaste onto his brush.
“He better not. Angela’s petrified of him.” I swallowed my bedtime calcium and magnesium supplements with water.
Nick began brushing. “Has she really been to all those doctors?”
“Denton made that up. By claiming out of town specialists, he could get away with it. Nobody would have a reason to check.”
I returned to our bedroom, pulled back the top sheet, and slid into bed. Nick joined me moments later. “Something doesn’t fit, but I’m too tired to think. All the cross-motives and web of secrets has fried my brain.”
“You’re exhausted. We both are. Let’s call it a night.” Nick snapped off the light.
I pounded my
pillow into a comfy shape and savored the cool cotton beneath my head. My mind wouldn’t shut off. I tossed and turned, unable to reach a deep repose. Sleep finally came after a long time, and when it did, it was fitful. I repeatedly recited the words from Psalm 16, “Even at night my heart instructs me.” Why wouldn’t my subconscious let me totally relax?
A little after two, my body switched from restless to totally alert. I bolted straight up in bed, squeezed Nick’s shoulder, and began to rub it briskly. “Wake up. Throw some clothes on.”
“What are you talking about?” Nick grabbed the portable alarm clock. “Jennifer, it’s two a.m.” He groaned and rolled over.
I pulled his arm and leapt out of bed. “Nick. We’ve got to go to Lenora’s. I’ll explain on the way.”
I sprinted to our walk-in closet. Groping in the dark, I snatched the first sweatshirt I found and slipped it on, followed by sweat pants over my nightgown. Grabbing my gym shoes, I headed into Collin’s room. He was harder to awaken. I shook him several times between putting on my shoes. When I was sure he was alert enough to comprehend me, I said, “Collin, it’s the middle of the night. Dad and I have to go to Lenora’s. I want you to go sleep on the sofa in case your sisters wake up. Keep your cell phone next to you.”
He lifted his head groggily but caught the urgency in my voice. “Okay, Mom, got it.” He headed unsteadily for the living room, dragging his pillow and comforter behind him.
I yelled for Nick.
He came out of the bathroom dressed. “Jennifer, what’s going on?”
“There’s no time. Please, just come.”
He muttered but kept moving and bounded down the stairs behind me. “This better be good.”
I tossed him a jacket off the coat tree and grabbed my leather one. “Only a matter of life or death. I’ll drive.”
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
The cool night air blasted my hot cheeks. I jumped behind the steering wheel and started the van.
“Okay, talk,” Nick demanded, settling into the passenger seat.
I pressed hard on the accelerator and peeled out of our driveway while explaining what awakened me. If a police car saw me speeding and followed us, all the better.