“But that doesn’t explain how they knew it was Matthew.”
“I persuaded my friend to make an anonymous call. When the police arrived at his hotel, they saw detailed blueprints left there for them to see.”
“Persuaded?” Noah asked.
Hunter blinked. “He’s alive. Barely.”
Noah shook his head. “Violence is not the answer.”
The other man folded his arms. “But sometimes it’s necessary and it gets the job done.”
“I wish you hadn’t hurt him,” Noah said.
“I did what I had to do to get answers. Consider the job done.”
Hunter left after that.
Noah went into the spare room to watch Sydney sleep. He could have lost her. He could have been in mourning. But instead, she was alive and he was … troubled.
On one hand, Noah felt unbelievable relief that Matthew was no longer a threat. On the other, he’d caused Hunter to return to a dark place. A place God had used Noah to bring him out of. If Hunter lost his sobriety, Noah would never forgive himself. Guilt bore down his shoulders.
His lies had led to all this mess.
What if he’d paid the money? Noah rested his head into his hands. Matthew would’ve been back for more.
Another thought plagued him. What was he going to tell Sydney?
Come morning, he still didn’t know what he would say. He knew he needed to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. But knowing and doing were two different things.
“I bought you Dunkin Donuts,” Noah said to Sydney the next morning. He pointed to the bagel and donuts.
Her eyes were dark with circles. “I’m not hungry. I can’t believe the center was almost bombed.”
“They captured the guy behind it,” Noah said. He expected Sydney to rejoice at those words. He expected her to pepper him with questions. Instead, she cried.
“I saw it on the news.”
He put the kettle on and rushed to hold her in his arms.
“I’ve never been so scared in all my life. I could have died. But you saved me. You were my hero.” She looked at him with trust and love in her eyes.
Hero? Noah gulped. He hated to crush her faith in him. He dreaded the upcoming conversation even more. “I wouldn’t say I’m a hero.”
“Don’t brush it off. You saved my life.”
She sobbed. “I spent so much of the past months being angry and for what?” She gave a small chuckle. “Sometimes I wonder if it would’ve been better if I hadn’t learned the truth. This is going to sound crazy, but I’ve had enough truths to last me a lifetime.”
The truth froze on Noah’s tongue. He knew there would never be a good day but he couldn’t tell her today.
59
Today was the day. February 23rd.
Noah lifted his arms and saw nothing but sweaty armpits. Maybe he should leave his jacket on. He didn’t want the cameras zooming in on his perspiration stains on the show’s first broadcast.
Noah retrieved a fresh shirt and doubled up on his deodorant.
He prayed as he buttoned his shirt. “Help me focus on You and Your word. Send me a soul who needs to hear a word from You.”
Sydney came into his bedroom. He knew her flowery scent anywhere. She hugged him and inhaled. “You smell so good.”
Noah leaned into her. “You’re beautiful. I can’t wait until we’re man and wife so I can enjoy all your beauty.”
Sydney blushed. “Me too. I know we’ve been together a short time, but I’m sure of how I feel.”
“We’ve been laying a solid foundation as a couple. We study together and our prayer lives have increased.”
“Boy, have they,” Sydney emphasized. “I’ve never been so prayed up in my life.”
“My water bill’s increased too from all the cold showers I’ve been taking.” Noah touched her face.
“I’m glad we’ve really gotten to know each other,” Sydney said.
He’d enjoyed these past two months. Matthew was out of his life. Sydney’s and his time together was idyllic.
Lance and Belinda were in baptismal classes. They would be baptized in a few weeks. Hunter had taken off, but he stayed in touch with Ellie.
It was a rare time where all was well with the world, and peace reigned, but Noah knew his happiness was built on a foundation of half-truths.
“Sydney, you and I will need to talk again.”
She lifted a brow. “What about?”
Noah kissed her lips. “We’ll talk tomorrow.” He ignored the thought that his “tomorrow” never seemed to come.
“Let’s get going,” Sydney said. “Gramps is ready and waiting.”
Noah picked his Bible off the bed. He went over to where his grandfather stood and said, “I’m telling Sydney tomorrow. I’m telling her everything and leaving nothing out.”
Gramps nodded. “Good. She loves you. All will be well.”
Noah nodded. He wasn’t too sure, but he’d already told Sydney of his intent. There was no backing out now.
He’d decided.
Noah forgot the All-Seeing, All-Knowing, and All-Hearing God was present.
Little did he know God had another plan. His decision. His way.
***
“We’re busting at the seams,” Gramps said.
He stood underneath the bright lights and eyed the stadium. The church had rented the Charlotte Sports Park on 776-El Jobean Road. The Tampa Bay Rays used it for spring training so it was more than large enough to accommodate everyone. The change in venue was needed due to the significant attendance numbers.
“I think there are local stations from Fort Myers and Sarasota here.” Sydney shielded her eyes, as the glare from the lights was a bit much to handle.
Belinda and Lance approached.
“It took forever to park and navigate through the crowd. I’m so glad Noah blocked out this booth for us.”
“Where’s Noah?” Lance asked.
“He’s in the back, praying.”
“I’m going to check in with him.”
Lance took off in search for Noah. She rolled her eyes. Her ex and her future husband were becoming fast friends. Noah liked Lance. She knew that because he’d said it countless times.
Her current fiancé was singing the praises of her former fiancé. Lord, at this rate, he could be the best man at their wedding. How would that look?
Belinda was engrossed in conversation with Gramps, so Sydney took the time to survey the crowd. She stood on tiptoes and looked for her parents, Portia, and Jack.
Ellie came and hugged her just as the Praise Team gathered on stage.
“Hunter couldn’t make it. He’s stuck in Mexico.”
Sydney grinned. “That sounds like him. How do you deal with the long distance thing?”
“I’m resigning at the end of the school year. I plan to move to Texas and see how things go. I know I’m taking a chance, but you only live once.”
“Good for you,” Sydney said.
The women tuned into the worship.
It was chilly at sixty-eight degrees. Sydney noted many wore the shorts and sweater combination common in Florida. Floridians had pulled out their winter garb, glad for an opportunity to wear them.
Sydney and the church members in the crowd were well dressed. It was great to see casual mixed in with the fancy church suits and hats. Everybody joined in the worship and the crowd praised.
“Lord, I’m so glad to see so many people gathered in one place just to sing praises and to worship You …” The worship leader said in praise. The crowd stomped and howled with even more praises.
Sydney lifted her hands and swayed to the music. She enjoyed the praises and the festivities. This was a taste of glory. After the worship, the praise dancers got on stage and performed to “No weapon formed against me…”
Everyone danced in the aisles, clapping their hands and rejoicing. The audience was pumped and ready.
Deacon Shaw called on Sister Alma to sing a solo before Noah
came with the word. She sang, “I come to the garden….” Her song had people worshipping with tears running down their faces.
The moment was perfect.
Then it was time.
Noah entered the auditorium and under a round of applause made his way to his podium at center-stage. He looked her way as he walked by and threw her a kiss. She straightened. Of course, her face was now plastered across several screens. Sydney snatched the air kiss and rested her hand against her cheek.
She ran her hands down her new suit. It was gold couture, sequined, and very expensive. The cameras swept across the VIP box. Her mother preened in her beige studded suit. Suddenly a huge crash sounded.
Sydney flew to her feet.
“The stage is falling!” someone screamed. People pointed, children screamed, while others stood frozen with terror.
One of the banners tilted. Sydney cupped her mouth. As if in slow motion, Noah looked up. His face twisted in horror. There was no escaping. He pushed Deacon Shaw out of the way. But he couldn’t save himself. He lifted his hands as the banner fell. His body curled and he was still.
60
“Nooaah!” Sydney screamed. She raced to get to Noah, pushing her way past the crowd. Screams echoed in her ear. She heard children wailing in the background. She sprinted over to where Noah lay.
Everyone stood quiet. Their chests heaving up and down were the only sounds in the auditorium. Security and emergency workers on standby rushed toward Noah.
“Noah, are you all right?” She asked even though she knew he couldn’t respond.
Heavy hands grabbed hold of her and removed her out of the way. Her heart hammered in her chest. “Noah!” she called again.
“Easy,” Gramps said. “Lance is helping him.”
Lance commandeered the EMT workers.
She nodded against Gramps chest. Her shoulders heaved. “He’s not moving,” she hiccupped through her tears.
“God’s got him.”
Noah was placed on the stretcher. They wheeled him toward the waiting ambulance. Sydney and Gramps followed close behind them. Lance got inside.
“Lance!” Sydney called out.
“I won’t leave him,” he said, tossing Belinda his keys.
“You and Gramps can come with me,” Belinda said.
“We’re right behind you,” Janine said. She and Irving rushed off to their vehicle.
Gramps and Sydney scurried behind Belinda.
Sydney got in the back with Gramps. She leaned against his chest. “He has a tough head. He’ll be all right,” Gramps said. “Hold onto your faith.”
The police officers held back the crowd until they vacated the lot. Sydney prayed the entire drive over.
“Noah will be okay,” Belinda said.
Soon her parents arrived as well as Portia, Jack, and Ellie. It was two hours before Lance walked out. Everyone stood, eager to hear the update.
“He’s alive. He had a CAT scan and they’re operating on him right now to reduce the swelling in his brain. His prognosis looks good.”
“Thank you, Jesus,” Janine and Belinda said.
“He should have been dead. The banner fell on him, but God dispatched an angel to keep Noah safe.” Irving pumped his fists in the air. “We serve a miracle working God.”
Lance smiled. “Noah has the right connection. The only thing he’ll have to show for his ordeal is a shaved head, and a few stitches. Not bad, considering.”
Everyone gave a slight chuckle that resonated with his or her underlying worry. Until Noah was out of surgery and awake, no one would breathe easy. Except for Lance, who seemed sure Noah would recover.
“Did you say a shaved head? Is his entire head bare?” Gramps asked in a low, grave tone.
Sydney looked at Gramps. Her brows furrowed. For some reason, he was more shaken up by the news of Noah’s shaved head than he should be. Gramps should be jumping for joy, but instead he seemed scared. His eyes were wide and his face pale. She decided to go over to him.
“It is just hair, Gramps. It’ll grow back.” She gave him a reassuring pat.
Gramps looked down at her with worry in his eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but he must have thought better of it. He shook his head. “I suppose you’re right. Noah is alive. He loves you. That’s ultimately what matters.”
Sydney squinted. Why did it seem as if this conversation was about what he wasn’t saying? She didn’t get what Gramps was hinting at, but she assured him. “I love him, too. And, you’re right. Love will get us through this. I’ll be by his side.”
Gramps’ shoulder sagged.
Did he doubt her feelings for Noah? Why would she leave over a shaved head?
“I’m not superficial. I wouldn’t leave Noah over something like stitches and a shaved head. If anything, they’ll serve as a reminder of God’s mercy and power.”
“Hmmm…” was all Gramps said and he went to a quiet corner of the room.
“What’s he moping about?” Belinda asked, coming to stand beside her. She held two cups of coffee. She offered one to Sydney.
Sydney shook her head. “I’m not sure.” She looked over at her parents. Sensing their fatigue, she urged them to go home.
“We’re not going anywhere,” Irving said. “We’ll wait.”
Sydney tried with the others, but everyone was insistent on staying. By this time, the deacons had arrived. Sydney was awed by their love and support. She went beside Gramps to wait with him.
“Sydney.” Sydney felt a tap on her shoulder.
“Wha—what?” Sydney jolted awake to see Lance peering down at her. For a moment, she forgot where she was. She looked around the emergency area. There were new people present. A couple with a young baby and an elderly man. She wiped her face and realized she’d slobbered all over Gramps shirt. He, too, awakened.
“Noah made it through surgery. He’s in ICU upstairs. I convinced the doctor to let you see him for a few minutes.”
Sleepiness evaporated at those words. “Hallelujah!” Sydney clapped her hands and then broke down. Noah was going to be all right. She jumped to her feet and finger-combed her hair.
Gramps looked at his arm. He used the end of his shirt to wipe away Sydney’s drool.
“Sorry, Gramps.” Sydney apologized. “I must have killed your arm.”
“I’ll survive.” Gramps chuckled and flexed his muscles. “Besides I can’t wait to rag Noah about your spending the night in my arms.”
Lance said, “I want to prepare you. Noah’s heavily sedated. He has all kinds of tubes and equipment hooked up to him so don’t be alarmed.”
Sydney nodded. Lance’s warnings made her heart begin to race again. “Thanks for being here, Lance.”
“No need to thank me. I wanted to be here. Noah’s a good man.”
Sydney crooked her head. “You’ve changed. I see that now. I see you with Belinda. You’re… different with her.”
Lance nodded. “I have changed. Noah’s a part of the reason. But mostly, it’s God. For the first time in my life, I’ve experienced real love.”
“I’m happy for you,” Sydney said. She was surprised to know she meant those words. They shared an awkward hug. She left Lance with Gramps and headed to Noah’s room.
61
“So, did you see him?” Gramps asked Lance as soon as Sydney left.
“Do you mean did I see it?” Lance lifted a brow. He knew what Gramps referred to.
“I like that you’re being upfront.” Gramps straightened his legs. “Did you?”
“Of course I did. A blind man can see that.” Lance slid into the chair across from him. “It was a little more than an eye sore.”
“I told Noah to tell Sydney.” Gramps groaned and shook his head. “Lord, help me. I should’ve gone in with her, but I didn’t want to see her face. Well, more like I didn’t want to see her leave.”
“No, you did the right thing.” Lance advised. “I know why Noah hesitated to open up to Sydney. His situation is not a
conversation starter or something you can just slip in.” He shook his head. “It’s deep. I don’t know how she’ll react.”
“You seem pretty cool considering what you saw.” Gramps challenged him.
“Noah took me through a dark tunnel and introduced me to the Light. I know him to be a good man. I’ll stand by him,” Lance said.
Gramps exhaled, his relief evident. He extended his hand to give Lance a firm, hearty handshake. “I appreciate that.”
“Yeah, but this is me.” Lance’s tone was a warning. “He who is forgiven much loves much. Sydney, on the other hand is a different person. She sees things in black and white. This will throw her off kilter. If I know Sydney, it’s going to hit her hard.”
***
Sydney’s heel’s clicked down the hallway. She smiled at a couple of nurses passing by. A young man from housekeeping mopped up a nasty puddle on the floor. Sydney moved out of the way.
She brushed her hands across her suit, soiled and snagged beyond repair. Miraculously, the delicate flowers and rhinestones on her shoes had survived the entire ordeal. She steeled herself and prayed before pushing the door open. “Lord, give me strength.”
She stepped inside and waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. When she saw Noah, she couldn’t control her sharp intake of breath.
She put her hands over her mouth. There were monitors hooked up all over his body, or so it seemed to her. A sob escaped her lips. Although she knew he was asleep, his breathing seemed shallower than any slumbering person she’d ever seen.
Sydney crept closer to his bed until she was by Noah’s side. One side of his head was bandaged. His baldhead made her heart melt. All that gorgeous hair was gone. She dismissed thoughts of it. Hair grew back. She bent over to kiss his head and ran her hands across the side of his face.
“Oh, Noah, thank God you’re okay. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
Tell Me Lies Page 26