It was too risky.
She needed to get back to the apartment to gather more of the kids’ things. A few more toys, maybe even their small TV and DVD player.
What she really wanted was to move her family back home, but she couldn’t. Not until the police caught the man who was after her.
The kids squabbled over what kind of cookies to make as she pulled out flour, sugar, and other basics. Their voices provided background chatter for her mind, which kept compiling things she needed to do.
In addition to getting some things for the kids, she needed to ask Zander for an update.
James’ cellmate.
Maybe she ought to speak with him. If he knew something, and would tell her about it, it might help Zander close the case. Then she could reclaim her life and try to find a new job.
Not that she knew what she’d do.
She was an art school dropout. Other than the janitorial gig she’d done for the school, she had no work history for the last nine years. She hadn’t had to work when James had been providing for them.
Sure, she could draw, but how many jobs called for artistic abilities? Every one that she could think of would also need some other additional, formalized training. If not a degree.
Zander’s comment about being a sketch artist played through her mind.
Well, might be worth following up with him the next time she saw him.
“Chocolate chip!” Pete’s emphatic voice brought her back.
“Choc ‘ip.” Becca parroted.
“Peanut Butter!” JJ countered.
“‘Nut ‘ter.” Becca echoed.
“Guys.” All three heads turned to her. “It’s really going to depend on what they have here.”
Somehow, she doubted they’d have chocolate chips. In the entire time she’d been here, they had yet to eat anything that wasn’t fairly natural. Lots of fruits and veggies, rice, beans, homemade breads – even the pastas they’d had were made with minimal processing. Meat didn’t appear to be a part of their diet.
Part of her craved a good beef taco or some fish and chips.
She pulled out an unopened jar of peanut butter – all natural, of course – and opened the next cupboard. A bag of chocolate chips greeted her.
Huh. Surprise, surprise.
She turned to her kids. “How about peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips in them?”
“Yeah!” Pete grinned and Becca clapped her little hands. JJ simply nodded.
As she set the ingredients on the counter, she prayed Zeke would get home soon. This was, at best, a two hour distraction. After that, she didn’t know what she’d do.
₪ ₪ ₪
Zander looked around the trashed apartment.
While Rafe had never been the cleanest person, this was extreme, even for him. Garbage piled on the counters in the tiny kitchen. Papers were strewn across the floor. A nearly empty beer can sat next to four crumpled cans on a coffee table with so many can rings that it looked polka dotted.
With a sigh, he opened the box of trash bags he’d picked up on the way. Boxes would have been preferable, but these were cheaper.
A tap at the door signaled that his help had arrived.
He opened the door. Elly, Josiah, Zeke, Bethany, and her kids all crowded the narrow hallway.
Stepping aside, he let them into the living room, which immediately felt too small. “Thanks for coming, guys. This should go really fast with all of us.”
“We’re happy to have something to do.” Bethany nodded at her kids. “Some of us have been going stir crazy lately.”
Honestly, he was a little concerned about the kids being here. If Rafe was into drugs, no telling what they’d encounter and he didn’t like the idea of the kids finding used needles or getting into some kind of unknown powder.
Maybe packing Rafe’s clothes would be the safest option for them.
He made eye contact with Bethany. “I don’t know what kind of things we’ll find here. What if they help you pack up his clothes?”
She nodded. “Good idea.”
Zander handed out trash bags and they all split up. Zeke tackled the living room, Elly and Josiah took the kitchen, and Zander headed for the small bathroom.
An hour and a dozen trash bags later, Zander stood in the living room and surveyed the apartment. “I think we got it all.”
At least they hadn’t encountered any drug paraphernalia. Although that likely just meant Rafe had it with him.
Still, he was glad the kids hadn’t been exposed to it.
Two bags of garbage sat over by the door. Josiah grabbed them. “I’ll take these to the dumpster.”
Zander nodded and assessed the rest of the group. “The moving van I rented is at the curb. Let’s get this stuff loaded up.”
At least Rafe didn’t have much furniture. A bed, dresser, worn loveseat, and coffee table wouldn’t take up too much room. It should fit nicely in one corner of the basement of his apartment building, assuming his landlord would let him use that.
The flat screen TV, the only thing with any real monetary value, he’d keep in his apartment.
Unless…
He looked at Bethany. “You guys want to put the TV on the boat? Might help keep the kids entertained.”
Relief flooded Bethany’s eyes. “I would love to, if that’s okay…?”
She turned to Zeke, who nodded. “It’s a good idea and we have plenty of space.”
Obviously, Zeke’s definition of plenty of space was vastly different from his own. Six people living on a boat was a bit cramped in his mind.
Well, to each his own.
He handed a bag to JJ. “Can you carry that for me?”
JJ hefted the bag then reached for another one. “I can get two.”
“You sure can. You’re strong!”
The declaration earned him a broad smile. Turning to Zeke, he nodded at the loveseat. “Help me with the furniture?”
With Zeke on the far end, Zander backed down the hallway. At least Rafe was on the ground floor.
The loveseat took up half the van. Maybe he should’ve sprung for a truck instead.
He turned and found Elly standing behind him holding the coffee table. Taking it from her hands, he shook his head. “Hon, don’t hurt yourself. Zeke and I can get the big stuff.”
She cocked her head, the copper curls he loved so much bouncing. “That wasn’t even heavy.”
It didn’t matter that she was right. It was the principle behind it.
The coffee table fit perfectly across the cushions of the loveseat. He placed it upside down, legs sticking into the air. “We could use some of those bags to go on top of that.”
She nodded and headed back toward the apartment.
Twenty minutes later, the back of the van was packed and Rafe’s apartment was empty.
Zander surveyed the group around him. “Thanks, guys. Let’s grab some pizza before we go unload this. I’m buying.”
Good thing the pizza joint up the block was reasonably priced.
Taking Elly’s hand, he led the way.
After ordering three large pizzas, he gave JJ and Pete a few coins for the arcade games nestled in the corner of the pizza parlor. Becca followed the boys, with Zeke and Josiah trailing behind, but Bethany hung back.
“So, about James’ cellmate…” Bethany drew in a long breath. “I think maybe I should talk to him.”
Yes! If she could get the man to open up to her, it might provide the break they needed.
Still, she’d been through a lot. “Are you sure? Some of the things he tells you might not be easy to take.”
She straightened slightly, her jaw clenching as she gave a tight nod. “I already know my husband,” she grimaced slightly, as though the word left a bad taste in her mouth, “was an addict who abandoned his family, spent time in prison, and was murdered, presumably for his drug use. How much worse can it get?”
A lot worse.
Prison changed people. James could have become
a dealer, a killer, a thief, or even a victim of crimes himself.
He kept the words inside.
No point in making her anxious about things that may not have happened.
“Well, I was planning to stop by to see the warden tomorrow anyway. How about if I pick you up and you can come with me?”
“As long as I can find someone to watch the kids, then yes.”
Elly leaned forward. “I’d love to watch them.”
“Okay, then. What time?”
“Ten?” He looked at Elly, who affirmed that the time worked for her, then back to Bethany.
“I’ll be ready.”
Zander folded his hands on the table and leaned in. “Okay, a few things you need to know. The less skin you show, the better. I recommend long pants and a shirt with a high neckline. Nothing that’s too tight. The inmates wear orange and the guards’ uniforms are khaki and black, so avoid anything with those colors. Don’t wear jewelry. Be sure to bring photo ID.”
Her eyes had steadily widened as he spoke. “That’s a lot of rules.”
“Designed to help keep you and everyone else safe.” Uh-oh. She was looking like a rabbit, ready to dart away at the first opportunity. “I know it sounds scary, but please try not to worry. You’ll be fine. And I’ll be there to walk you through it all.”
Bethany offered a tentative smile. “Okay.”
Her tone said it was anything but okay, but at least she wasn’t backing out.
Yet. She might think it over tonight and cancel in the morning.
“Oh, did you ever find out if there’s a sketch artist job open?” Hope lined the question.
As much as he hated to crush it, he shook his head. “No sketch artist jobs. But there is an opening for a file clerk, if you’re interested. It’d be a foot in the door and a chance to prove yourself.”
“How do I apply?”
Huh. Just like that? “It’s online. I’ll bring you the information in the morning.”
Then he’d put in a good word for her. It might not help, but he’d do what he could.
“Thanks. I should go check on my kids.” She rose and crossed the restaurant.
He sighed.
The investigation was stalling. He felt it. They needed whatever information Marty had, and Bethany stood the best chance of getting it.
Elly squeezed his hand. “Don’t worry. She’s stronger than she knows.”
“I hope she realizes that.” He looked at Elly, taking in her high cheekbones, flawless skin, and the copper curls that had first drawn him to her.
Then he had gotten to know her, and who she was inside was even more beautiful than what was on the outside.
How could he love her so deeply in such a short time? It hadn’t even been a month.
Although it had been a really intense month.
He reached his free hand up and ran his fingers down the smooth skin of her cheek before claiming a quick kiss. “You’re something special, you know that?”
A gentle smile curled the lips he longed to kiss again. “So are you.”
While he wasn’t sure what she saw in him, he thanked God she saw something.
“And Zander. Remember to pray for Bethany. God is bigger than her fear.”
Prayer. Elly’s default setting always seemed to be his afterthought, something he needed to change.
No time like the present.
Hey, God. Could You give Bethany peace about going tomorrow? And maybe loosen Marty’s tongue so he’ll talk to her? Thanks.
While he didn’t know if God would answer his prayers with a “yes”, he felt more peace. For now, that was good enough.
At church Sunday the pastor had talked about worrying and one verse had stuck with him. Something about not worrying because tomorrow would have enough trouble of its own.
Life had taught him the truth of that verse and something told him tomorrow would be no exception.
₪ ₪ ₪
Night had descended with a weight Zeke felt in his spirit.
The bus jolted down the street, approaching the stop where they would all disembark. It was only a short three block walk to their pier from the bus stop. They were almost home.
So why was he so unsettled?
Lord?
No answer.
He sighed. God would reveal it in His timing.
After unloading the van at Zander’s place, Elly had ridden with Zander to return the van and collect Zander’s car.
The rest of them had caught a bus toward the marina.
Honestly, Elly and Zander would probably arrive at the boat before they did.
He scanned the bus. Becca was almost asleep as she sat in Bethany’s lap. Bethany listened to Pete, who was excitedly rambling about the racing video game he’d played at the pizza place. JJ sat beside his brother, looking bored. A few rows away, Josiah conversed with a man in blue scrubs whose eyes betrayed his fatigue.
If Josiah hadn’t been talking to someone, he might’ve been able to tell Zeke if he had a reason to be concerned.
Unusual spiritual activity could signify something big happening.
But, of course, only Josiah could see the spiritual plain. More than that, even though he could see it, he didn’t always know what it meant.
The bus screeched to a halt at their stop. Zeke helped Bethany round up her kids while Josiah wished the man a blessed evening.
They stepped off the bus.
The crisp fall night enveloped them. A foghorn, long and low, sounded in the distance. The wind carried the salty scent of the bay up the street to them.
No one else walked the sidewalk.
About a dozen blocks away, Zeke knew the streets teemed with life, even at this hour. But not in this neighborhood.
The warehouses on this block gave way to shipyards on the next, all of which had closed their doors several hours earlier.
His foreboding grew with every step, yet he saw no reason for concern.
Lord? Please.
Watch.
The word resonated in his head.
Okay. He could watch. And pray.
As he prayed for safety and God’s protection, a car drove by on the street ahead. Zander.
Relief glimmered through him. At least if something happened, Zander was nearby to help.
They reached the road running alongside the bay. The marina waited ahead.
Minutes passed without incident.
They crossed the street and stepped into the parking lot.
Maybe he was just being overly paranoid.
Zander and Elly appeared on the other side of the security gate. Huh. They’d already had time to get to the boat and come back?
The TV. They must’ve taken that on board.
They arrived at Zander’s car at the same time Zander and Elly did. Zander popped the trunk and removed a few bags. “I stopped at my sister’s house on the way for a few movies and some games for the kids.”
Bethany stared at the bags. She seemed to struggle for words for a few seconds. “You – you didn’t have to. Won’t she need those?”
“She has five kids, so there’s no shortage of toys. They won’t even miss these.”
“Thank you.” A beautiful smile crossed Bethany’s face. “This will really help pass the time.”
The group crossed the parking lot.
Zeke looked around. Still no sign of trouble, but the feeling would not go away.
He sidled up to Josiah. “Hey. Something’s off. You see anything?”
Josiah’s steps slowed. Then stopped. He rotated, his narrowed eyes scanning the surrounding area before resting on a large oak tree at the edge of the lot. “There.”
Zeke stared at the tree. Was someone there?
A hint of movement.
“Zander?”
Zander turned and Zeke nodded at the tree.
A shadow lifted something long and narrow. What was that?
The bags hit the asphalt with a thud as Zander’s gun cleared the holster. “Get do
wn!”
Seventeen
A loud crack splintered the quiet.
The car window right behind Bethany shattered.
Zander shielded Elly with his body, pulling her behind the closest car. Josiah scooped up Pete and Becca and raced the few feet to the nearest building.
Bethany grabbed JJ’s arm and pulled him toward a van parked in the next row over.
Zeke glanced back at the shadow. Still there.
And, by all appearances, taking aim.
He sprinted toward Bethany. If he could get between her and the shooter…
Another crack.
Pain ripped through his right shoulder. He bit back a cry and propelled Bethany and JJ behind the van as a third shot shattered the silence.
The bullet thudded into the back of the van.
Another gunshot echoed. It sounded different. He looked around to find Zander half crouched, his own gun out.
Now that Zander was returning fire, maybe the person shooting at them would leave.
He hoped.
Stickiness oozed through his fingers. He glanced at his shoulder to find his hand clamped over the injury. He didn’t remember grabbing it, but instinct must’ve kicked in.
Now he understood why people called this gunfire. It burned.
He looked over at Bethany and JJ.
With one hand curled around JJ’s head, Bethany held the boy close. A tremor rocked JJ’s little body as he pressed into her.
“Are you guys okay?”
Bethany looked over at him, eyes wide, and nodded. Her gaze dropped to his shoulder and her lips parted. “Are you–?”
He shook his head and nodded at JJ before mouthing okay.
While she looked unconvinced, she didn’t press him any further.
A siren started in the distance.
There’d been no new gunshots since Zander had fired back. Was the man gone?
Yes.
The Lord’s confirmation sent a shudder through Zeke.
Man. That’d been close. To think he’d almost ignored the Spirit’s prompting. That could’ve proven deadly for one of them.
Likely Bethany.
A mistake he’d be sure not to make again.
Broken is the Grave Page 18