by Janice Hanna
“Of course not.” She drew in a deep breath and fought to find the words. “The problem is all mine. I take both the credit and the shame. I’ve settled into my life here, and I’ve enjoyed most of it.”
“Most of it?”
“Yes. Reuben, I can’t help but feel…” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I can’t help but feel there’s more for me out there.” Her gaze shifted to the floor. “God has bigger plans for me.”
“But you give of yourself on behalf of the needy right here in Gulfport. God is already at work in fulfilling His plan for your life. There’s no greater cause than the poor and needy.”
“Needy. Hmph.” She did her best not to roll her eyes. “I darn socks for the folks at the missions house, yes. And I’ve knitted gloves and scarves for the homeless. Not that our winters are severe enough for them to see much use. What I’m trying to tell you is that I feel a tug on my heart to do more. And this orphanage…”
“What do you know of young children?”
“Did I not help you raise Sadie?”
“Of course. But she’s an only child.” Reuben rummaged through the mail, finally locating the letter, which he picked up. He traced a few lines with his index finger. “Sheriff Wyatt says that there are more than a dozen children at this orphanage. And you’ve no experience with children like this, from difficult environments. Likely some have deep wounds, heavy spiritual needs.”
“Exactly.” She squared her shoulders. “Which is precisely why I feel led to go.”
“Did you read the entire letter? Why do you suppose an orphanage would require someone skilled in the art of negotiation? My guess is that it’s because the children are problematic.”
“They’re in need of love, as all children are.” She bit back the words that threatened to escape. Had she not shown Sadie love throughout the years, even when Reuben and Virginia were too busy doing good for others? Hadn’t she negotiated Sadie’s needs a time or two?
Her brother leaned back in his expensive leather chair, his brow so wrinkled that she almost called out to Katy to fetch an iron. Why, oh why, did Reuben always feel the need to tell her how to live, where to go, and what to do? This time he didn’t speak a word. Apparently she had rendered him mute.
“There’s one thing you should know,” Rena said, finally breaking the silence. “I have already written to the sheriff and told him I will be there by early October. There’s no point in waiting until November. Oklahoma is cold in the wintertime, you know.”
“W–what?” His jaw dropped and he pushed back his chair. “Impossible.”
“Not impossible. What I’ve said is true.” She squared her shoulders. “This means I will be leaving in a week. So I would appreciate not just your letter of recommendation on my behalf, but also your blessing and your prayers.”
Reuben shook his head and said nothing for a moment. When he finally spoke, his words surprised her. “Well, then, there’s much to be done, isn’t there? You will need Virginia’s help, no doubt. I will put her on the task right away, as soon as she’s rested up. And Katy too.” He rose.
“You…you want to help me?” She gazed into her brother’s eyes, suddenly energized. “Really?”
“You are my only sibling, Rena, and I want God’s best for you. If you truly feel you are to go, then it would be wrong of me to keep you here. I’ve never known you to be impulsive or flighty, so I can only imagine you’re following the prompting of the Lord.”
“I am,” she whispered. “Oh, I am.”
The words came out sounding bold and confident. Inside, however, she quivered like a bowl of tapioca pudding. Soon enough her nerves would calm down. Right after she boarded the train. Right now…well, right now she had a lot of work to do.
Gene pulled off his hat as he made his way into Daisy’s new schoolhouse to visit with Miss Jamison, his boys’ teacher. She’d asked for a special meeting with him. He half-dreaded the meeting, but spending time with the green-eyed beauty couldn’t be that bad, even if she did offer a bad report about the boys. He would gladly spend time with Jenny Jamison and hoped she felt the same.
It didn’t take long to find out why she had requested his presence at the schoolhouse. Miss Jamison, with enough dramatic flair to earn her a spot on the stage, told him a story of how the boys had locked one of the female students—the mayor’s daughter, no less—inside the water closet, keeping her there for a half hour during recess time.
“I feel sure that Calista’s father will be along shortly to talk with us about it.” Jenny took a lock of her long blond hair and wound it around her finger then glanced out the window. “And I can’t imagine what I’ll tell him. Mayor Albright is a rather intimidating fellow, you know.”
“That he is.”
“Poor Calista was both terrified and humiliated, as you might imagine.”
“No doubt.” Gene shifted his hat from one hand to another. So now the boys had taken to picking on girls? In vulnerable situations, no less? Why in the world had they chosen Mayor Albright’s daughter, Calista? And what would they try next?
“I know they’re wonderful boys, Sheriff,” the teacher said. “Truly. And Lord knows I’ve worked extra hard to convince them of their value. I’m sure you have too. Why, I reinforce them with positive words as often as I can.” She placed her hand on her heart. “Praising them for their good behavior—when it comes—is key to seeing even more of it. I believe that. Sincerely.”
“Ah. I see. Well, actually, I…” His words drifted off. To be honest, he hadn’t spent a lot of time in telling the boys how wonderful they were. Truth be told, he spent most of the time asking them to come down off the roof or to stop punching one another. Perhaps a bit of positive reinforcement was in order. The next time they did something right, he would give them a pat on the back. Of course, chances were pretty good that it would be some time before their behavior warranted such praise.
Though he didn’t mean to do it aloud, Gene groaned.
Jenny offered him a bright, encouraging smile, her pretty green eyes capturing his attention. “I think, if we all work together, we can keep them walking the straight and narrow. I’ve already spoken to the reverend and he said—”
Gene started to attention. “Wait. You talked to the reverend about my boys?” Why the idea bothered him so much, he couldn’t say. The reverend was a good man and not prone to overreacting. Well, unless you counted the time he’d made the boys repaint the church steeple. But that was only because they’d splattered it with eggs.
“Not just yours, but all the boys in town. The ones who, well, you know…act up.”
“And what did the reverend say?”
“That prayer is the answer. That, surely, if David could take down the mighty Goliath with five smooth stones, I can handle a roomful of small boys.”
“You’re thinking of pummeling them with stones?”
At this, she began to giggle. “Sheriff, you’re so funny. Truly. Besides, you know I don’t believe in corporal punishment, so stoning is definitely not an option.” Another giggle escaped. “To be honest, I’m relieved to see that you’re taking this news so well. I thought perhaps my disciplinary action might offend you.”
“Offend me? What do you mean? What disciplinary action have you taken? I’ve not heard.”
Her smile shifted at once to a frown. “They left me no choice. I had to expel your boys from school for the next three days.”
“They’ve been expelled?”
“Well, of course. You heard the part of the story where they locked Calista inside the water closet and wouldn’t let her out. That is a direct violation of the code of conduct found in our student handbook. You received a copy at the beginning of the school year, did you not?”
“Oh. Well, yes, I suppose I did.” But I never read it.
“I’m sure Mayor Albright will insist upon the disciplinary action. Besides, they’ve got to spend some time away to learn a lesson. This will be good for them…in the long run.”
“Agreed. But I’m more concerned about the short run right now. I have to work. Where will they stay during the day?”
“I haven’t got a clue, but I feel sure you’ll figure something out. Perhaps your mother will care for them. It’s only three days, after all.”
Gene released a slow breath. “I don’t think so. Not this time. She’s…” How could he finish the sentence? His mother didn’t have the stamina to spend all day with the boys. Nor did he. And if they kept up this sort of behavior, no one else in town would help him out either.
No, it looked as if his options were dwindling rapidly. And if he didn’t do something soon, there would likely be no options left.
Chapter Four
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH UNRULY YOUNG’UNS—Most folks take one look at my uniform and think I’m a tough guy. Truth be told, I’m softer than my mama’s feather pillows where children are concerned. Maybe it’s because I was such a ruffian myself, as a boy. My tip for keeping things under control with children is simple: stay calm. Just because they’re out of control doesn’t mean you have to be. If you need to blow off steam, do it in another place before confronting the child. That way you’re not likely to scare anyone, yourself included. Even the rowdiest boys and girls settle down after a while. Usually. And if they don’t, then divert their attention by playing “Cowboys and Indians” with them. Always works for me…and gives me the perfect excuse to rope ’em to a chair.
—Charlie Lawson, Deputy Sheriff, Daisy, Oklahoma
Gene took a seat at his mother’s dining-room table, his stomach rumbling as he took in the sight of his favorite foods—roast beef, mashed potatoes, and fried okra. After a hard day at work, he could hardly wait.
His mother busied herself, filling Jacob’s and William’s plates with food. Not that the boys seemed to be paying attention. No, they were far too busy punching each other’s arms to notice.
He shushed the boys then made his announcement. “I’ve got some wonderful news.”
“What’s that, son?” His mother looked his way, still holding William’s plate in her hand.
“I’ve received a letter from the missions board in Gulfport. They’re sending someone to take Mrs. Wabash’s place. She is on her way even now.”
“Really?” His mother’s eyes widened. “Did they… I mean, does this person know what she’s walking into?”
Gene reached for a slab of roast beef, unwilling to answer the question just yet—at least the question his mother meant. The new director, whoever she was, certainly didn’t have all the details. If she did, she’d likely run for the hills.
“I know the orphanage needs some work,” Gene said instead. “It’s in such a state of disrepair. The roof needs to be replaced, and the steps leading up to the front door are rickety. But don’t worry. We’ll get it done sooner or later.”
His mother grunted. “The building needs work, to be sure. But I wasn’t referring to that. I just wonder if this poor woman has any idea what sort of children await her.”
Gene made up his mind not to demean the boys and girls, even if others struggled with them. “I feel sure she’ll settle in nicely.”
William and Jacob continued to squabble—William now frustrated with Jacob for having more food on his plate—and before long, they were out of their chairs and turning the corner of the dining room into a boxing ring. Jacob caught William’s shirtsleeve and gave it a tug. A ripping sound followed. That, of course, only served to make William madder. He grabbed his brother’s arm and twisted it behind his back.
In the scuffle, one of them managed to catch the hem of the tablecloth on the buffet and nearly pulled down the silver service.
Gene rose and moved their way, grabbing each by the shirtsleeve and gazing intently into their freckled faces. “Boys, this is not the time or place.” He gave them each a little nudge toward their chairs and they sat, but not before scowling at each other and muttering a few words under their breath. Gene put the silver back in its place.
“You were saying?” Gene’s mother folded her napkin and placed it on her lap. “She will settle in nicely, you think?”
Gene grunted then continued filling his plate. “I’m sure she will grow accustomed to the children with time.”
“Time…and strong drink.” His mother smirked before taking a bite of her mashed potatoes.
“Very funny. And just for the record, she doesn’t drink. She made that plain in her letter. She appears to be temperate in every respect.” He took a bite of the potatoes, grateful for the excuse it gave him to not say anything more on the subject.
“I was teasing, of course.” His mother dabbed her lips with her napkin. “Though these children could drive a person to drink, no doubt about that.”
As if to prove the fact, the boys took to fighting again, and their chairs shimmied across the floor. William knocked Jacob out of his chair with a loud smack to his cheek. Jacob responded with an exaggerated yelp.
“Ow!” Jacob rubbed his arm.
Gene glanced at the boys. “Tell him you’re sorry, William.”
“You’re sorry,” William said, before punching Jacob again.
Gene scooted his chair back. “I’ve had just about enough of this.”
“Just about?” his mother said. “Or enough? There’s a pretty big difference between the two.”
He remained in his chair, frozen in place by her words. How did one go about filling in the gap between “just about” and “enough,” anyway?
The boys dove into round three, and before long they’d landed in a heap on top of each other.
A familiar voice rang out from the front hallway. “Am I late for supper?”
Gene looked up to discover his deputy, Charlie, entering the dining room. With one swoop, Charlie reached down, gathered a boy in each arm, and plopped them into their seats. This move appeared to render the boys speechless. For a moment, anyway.
“For that, you get an extra-large helping of roast beef and two pieces of pie!” Gene’s mother gestured for Charlie to sit, and she began to fill his empty plate.
“I can’t wait.” He rubbed his hands together, a crooked smile lighting his face.
Gene cleared his throat. “Charlie, I’ve got a job for you.”
“Oh?” The young deputy glanced his way. “You need me to protect the town from harm? Or save females in distress?” He squared his shoulders and flexed a bicep, which made the boys laugh.
“No. I need you to make sure the children don’t burn down the orphanage between now and when the new director arrives in a few days.”
“Ah.” Charlie took a bite of the roast beef and leaned back in his chair. “So, you’ve located someone gullible enough for the task, then? Do tell.”
Gene cleared his throat and took a swig of milk to wash down the accusation in those words. “Yes, a new director is on her way,” he managed. “But in the meantime, I need someone who’s reliable to keep an eye on things. They’re just children, after all. I’m not asking you to guard inmates.”
“Hmph.” Charlie rolled his eyes and raked his fingers through his disheveled blond waves. “Looking after the orphanage isn’t exactly child’s play. I think I’d rather wrestle thieves and robbers, if you don’t mind.”
“Look at it this way,” Gene’s mother said with a twinkle in her eye. “If you do agree to watch over the orphans, you’ll be wrestling potential thieves and robbers.” She filled his glass with milk. “That’s got to count for something.”
Gene groaned. As if he didn’t have enough trouble with Molly. Now his mother too? Didn’t she realize the boys were listening?
On the other hand, they didn’t appear to be listening at all. Jacob had taken to kicking William under the table, and within seconds they were wrestling it out on the floor below. The whooping and hollering picked up and the table began to wriggle a few inches this way and that way as the boys took out their anger on each other.
Gene sighed, took another bite of his potatoes, and
asked Charlie to pass the rolls.
Rena arrived at the crowded Gulfport train station early in the evening, ready to set off on her adventure. Behind her, Reuben droned on, giving her a lengthy list of dos and don’ts. She’d grown weary of it. Now that she had arrived—at the train station, anyway—it was time to get about the business of traveling. From this point on, she would be on her own. Well, not really on her own, exactly. The Lord would lead her every step of the way. And she would follow, no matter how difficult.
With Virginia’s hand firmly linked in hers, they made their way through the noise, the smells, the people, toward the train. Reuben lugged her bags, his cheeks growing redder as they walked. A porter, a tall fellow in a black suit and cap, promised to see them delivered to her private car right away, and Reuben passed them off. Rena had fussed over the idea of a private car, but her brother had insisted. Now that she saw the crowd, she understood. Having a bit of privacy would be worth whatever price her brother had paid.
Her nostrils began to burn as the scent of burning coal filled the air. As she breathed it in, her throat burned too. And what a horrible, bitter taste! She reached for a handkerchief and pressed it to her face as a coughing fit began. Then her eyes started stinging, probably from the smoke. They filled with water, and she dabbed at them with the hankie as she struggled to catch her breath.
Reuben turned her way and waited until she regained her composure. “Now, Rena, I want you to mind who you speak to while you’re on the train. You never know about people, particularly the men. And when you arrive in Daisy, please see to it that someone telephones us. I will be very concerned if I don’t hear from you.” He gestured to Virginia and added, “We will both be concerned, I mean.”
“Yes, Reuben.”