Lamp Unto Her Feet

by Paula Mowery

  Trevor’s brow wrinkled. “Well...yeah. But that didn’t matter.”

  A lump rose in her throat, and she swallowed. “I hope you won’t regret that decision. I mean, I wouldn’t want to stand in the way of your career.”

  He sighed and rubbed his hand over his stubble-haired head. “Kenzie. I don’t regret my decision. And I won’t.” His tone held a bit of frustration.

  “How do you know?”

  He clasped her shoulders with his hands and gazed directly into her eyes. “Because I’m supposed to be with you.” He moved his hands to cup her cheeks. “Trust me. I made the right decision.” He inched his face closer to hers. “I love you.” His lips pressed to hers and then he kissed her chin, cheek, and ended with her forehead.

  Some of the tension oozed out, reacting to his tenderness.

  “No more doubts.” He planted a kiss on her nose. “OK?”

  She nodded.

  He cocked one eyebrow.

  She couldn’t help but smile. “OK.”

  “Now, this is where I almost flunked out of kindergarten.”

  Kenzie eyed him.

  “I’m serious. You can ask my mom. I pitched such terrible fits, she had to come pick me up.”

  Kenzie chuckled. “She needed to make you tough it out.”

  “Yeah, she finally got wise to that tactic and made me stay.”

  “Good for her. It can be hard to leave a screaming child, but in the end, it’s the best thing to do for everybody.”

  “Spoken like the wise teacher you are.” He smiled.

  “It may seem wise, but when you’re the one who has to endure the tantrums you ask yourself—what was I thinking when I took this job?”

  They both laughed.

  Her heart warmed as Trevor pointed out the important places from his childhood. She could imagine him as a tow-headed boy, tromping through his neighborhood to the park and the baseball field he frequented.

  Back at his parent’s house, Kenzie sat in the family room doubled over with laughter as Trevor’s father spun story after story about his son. The doorbell chimed.

  Mr. Wallen’s brow wrinkled. “Hmm, wonder who that could be?” He disappeared into the hall and returned with Kent, still dressed in his police uniform.

  Kenzie’s stomach twisted.

  Kent clutched his cap and raised it toward them. “Evening all.” His gaze stopped on Trevor. “I needed to try one more time. I still have a spot open for you.”

  Kenzie swallowed at the lump in her throat.

  Trevor shook his head. “No, man. I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

  “Even with the offer of advancement and more money?”

  Trevor stood. “Yes, but I’m honored by your offer.” He extended his hand and Kent grasped and shook it.

  Kent glanced at Kenzie. “You must really have him hooked.” He grinned.

  No words would come. She simply nodded. Was she holding him back from something he needed to pursue?

  Trevor returned after walking Kent out and fixed his gaze on her. “Don’t even go there.”

  She shrugged. “What do you mean?”

  “You promised no doubting.”

  She bit her lip and sighed.

  Trevor’s mother clasped her hands in front of her chest. “Have you talked about the wedding?”

  Kenzie eyed Trevor.

  “Not specifics, Mom. But you’ll be one of the first to know.” He winked at Kenzie.

  17

  Kenzie scanned her classroom, readied for the new school year. Twenty little bodies would fill the rug in two days. Why did the summer break need to pass so quickly?

  She extended her hand and stared at the diamond sparkling there.

  “Had quite a summer, huh?”

  Kenzie jumped. Her neighboring Kindergarten teacher, Miss Barnett, leaned against her threshold.

  “Yeah. I was just thinking about how I hated it to end. I won’t get to see Trevor as often.”

  Miss Barnett’s brow furrowed. “Why not? You don’t live together?”

  “Well, no. We’re not married yet.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Oh, I forgot. You’re one of those goody-goody religious types.”

  “I don’t know about that, but I am a Christian and I don’t believe in living together...”

  Miss Barnett cut her off. “Yeah, yeah, spare me. To each his own.”

  Kenzie nodded. “Got your room all set?”

  “I think so. I’m not ready for summer break to be over either. Can’t go out as much. Have to wait for the weekends.” She fluttered her fingers and disappeared down the hall.

  Kenzie let out a heavy sigh. Last night’s Bible passage from Mark focused on not hiding her Christian faith. Nana’s message still rang clear.

  Don’t hide it. Being a Christian isn’t something to turn on and off. It’s something you are.

  Nana had no idea how unpopular this Christian life was when she penned those words. She folded her arms on her desk, dropped her head onto her arms, and groaned.

  “That bad?”

  Kenzie’s head popped up. “Lila.”

  “Come on. Let’s get some lunch.”

  Lila joined Kenzie at their favorite booth at the Chinese Buffet.

  “I wish we were in the same school. Sometimes you just feel like everybody is against you.”

  Lila folded her arms on the table. “Like who?”

  “It’s the religion battle.”

  Lila nodded. “I think that’s a common battle these days. I understand completely.”

  Kenzie reached across the table and patted her friend’s hand. “I’m glad I have you.”

  “I’m glad you’re here.”

  ~*~

  Trevor massaged Kenzie’s shoulders. “I totally understand where you’re coming from. There are some guys who are Christians, but several I work with everyday aren’t.”

  “I don’t force anything on them.” She shrugged. “I don’t preach to them.”

  “No, but just like your Nana’s note said, if we live it, people encounter it. Like my dad always told me, ‘The Bible and living it out is offensive to the world.’”

  Kenzie nodded and averted her gaze to the floor.

  “What is it?” He touched her chin and coaxed her to look at him.

  “I’m a little concerned about the next section I read from Nana’s Bible.” Her brows furrowed.

  “You want to show me?”

  She rose from her spot on the couch and slipped into her bedroom. When she returned, she held the book open and pointed at the highlighted verses. Trevor scanned the scripture and Nana’s words. No greater love than a man to lay down his life for his friends. Trevor was somewhat familiar with the verse. The scribbled note spoke of ultimate sacrifice. His chest tightened. He looked into Kenzie’s eyes.

  She sighed. “I can’t help thinking about the father from last year. The one with the gun.” She paused. “Would I have the courage?”

  The knot in his chest cinched tighter and heat welled up around his neck. At that moment, he wished he could stand guard outside her classroom every day. No one would hurt his Kenzie. His heart pounded. He inhaled and slowly exhaled, slowing his heart rate a bit. Grasping her hands, he gazed into her eyes. “Sweetheart, don’t worry about him. He’s probably still in jail for the load of other crimes he was carrying. And anyway, you lay down your life for those kids every day just by putting your all into teaching and loving them.”

  She leaned in and wrapped her arms around him. Trevor drew her closer and propped his chin on her head. Wouldn’t hurt to check on that gunman for his peace of mind.

  18

  Trevor marched up to the dark house. A faint sliver of light squinted through the window ahead of him but no blaring music greeted him as had been reported. Still, he would need to inform the residents of the complaint filed by the neighbors. Trevor eased up the two steps onto the porch and rapped his fist on the door. Rustling and shuffling erupted inside.

  “Police
. Open up.” Trevor stayed alert.

  Suddenly the door splintered and exploded in his face, knocking him off the porch and onto the yard. His shoulder and neck burned. Stars floated across his vision.

  “Trevor. Trevor.” Voices yelled but faded into the distance. His ears rang. He was losing consciousness, pulled down though he resisted. Kenzie. I can’t leave Kenzie.

  ~*~

  Kenzie bolted upright in her bed. Her cell phone vibrated on her nightstand. She blinked to focus. Two o’clock in the morning. She swiped the phone and answered.

  “Kenzie Murrah?” A deep male voice called.

  “Yes.” She swallowed. “This is Kenzie Murrah.”

  “This is Captain Young with the Morristown Police Department. I’m sorry, ma’am, your fiancé, Trevor Wallen, has been shot. He’s in critical condition at Physician’s.”

  Air caught in Kenzie’s throat and her whole body shook.

  “Ma’am. Ma’am? Are you all right?”

  A sob escaped. “I...he’s still...”

  “Miss Murrah, do you need someone to drive you to the hospital?”

  Her mind scrambled. “I don’t know. I suppose I can call my friend, Lila.”

  “Miss Murrah, I’m sending an officer for you. You don’t need to be driving.”

  Kenzie nodded. “Yes. OK.”

  “Just dress and wait for him. He’ll be in a cruiser.”

  “Yes. Thank you.”

  “Ma’am. I’m sorry. We’re all praying for Trevor. He’s a good man.” The Captain’s voice trailed off.

  Tears flooded her cheeks. This must be a nightmare. She scurried to her closet and flung it open, grabbing the first thing she spotted. Pulling on the jeans proved difficult with her body trembling. She pushed her arms through the sleeves of the T-shirt Trevor had bought her while in Colorado. A sob slipped out. She slid her feet into a pair of sandals and tamed her hair into a ponytail.

  She grabbed her purse and looped it over her arm and stood guard at her front window. She spotted the cruiser and hurried to lock her door and scramble down the stairs as the car skidded to a stop.

  An officer jumped out and opened the passenger side door for her. She recognized him. “Thank you, Officer Clevenger.”

  He pushed her door shut and jogged around to the driver’s side, scooting into his seat. “Don’t forget your seatbelt. I’m gonna take it a bit fast.”

  She snapped the buckle into place. Though the hospital was close by, the trip seemed to take an eternity.

  Officer Clevenger sped to the hospital entrance and hopped out. He opened her door and reached for her hand, easing her to her feet. She was thankful for his support since her legs threatened to buckle at any moment.

  Entering the Emergency Room waiting area, Kenzie scanned the room which was filled with uniformed officers.

  “Miss Murrah.” A familiar voice spoke to her right. She turned.

  “I’m Captain Young who called you.”

  She mustered a nod.

  “I’ll let them know you’ve arrived.” The Captain marched up to the counter.

  “Do you need to sit down?” Officer Clevenger leaned near and steered her to a nearby seat.

  Kenzie sank into the chair and closed her eyes, squeezing them tight. No, God. I need him.

  “Miss Murrah?”

  Her eyes shot open. The Captain sat next to her and laid his hand over hers. “As soon as they can come for you, you’ll be able to see him.”

  “What happened?” she squeaked out.

  The Captain glanced at Officer Clevenger and then back at her. “All I can say is that what was at first just a complaint call, turned out to be more. When we were made aware of that, we sent backup. But the shooter has been apprehended.” His jaw firmed and his chin jutted forward. “I contacted the Wallens.”

  “Good.” She was thankful she wouldn’t have to break this news to Trevor’s parents. Questions begged to be asked, but her mouth wouldn’t form them. But he’s still alive.

  “Captain?”

  Kenzie’s head snapped up. A woman clad in teal scrubs stepped closer as the Captain rose to his feet. Kenzie joined him.

  “Sir, you can come back for a moment.”

  “And me?” Kenzie hopped forward.

  “Fiancée, right?” The woman’s brows rose.

  Kenzie nodded and cleared her throat. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Follow me.”

  The Captain offered her his arm. She gladly clutched it. They weaved through rolling equipment and bustling hospital personnel.

  “Here we are.” The nurse gestured toward a doorway and paused. “But only for a moment.”

  Captain Young nodded. “Thank you.” He patted her hand on his arm and led her inside.

  She gasped at the sight of Trevor stretched flat on the narrow bed with tubes running in all directions. Tentatively, she reached her hand toward him and rested it on his arm. Her knees threatened to fold. She still clung to the Captain’s elbow in case she lost control and went down.

  Trevor’s face was pale despite the dried blood on his cheeks and in his hair. His forehead and chin bore gashes. A tube protruded from his mouth. Kenzie could only stare. Her chest ached and her stomach churned.

  Shuffling steps on the floor tiles pulled her attention away from Trevor. A short, stocky man clad in a white coat stepped to the opposite side of the bed. “Ma’am. Captain.”

  “Doc, what are we looking at?”

  Kenzie riveted her eyes on the doctor and waited anxiously for his answer to the Captain’s question.

  “Nicked artery from the bullet. Lacerations and head trauma from the explosion of the door and impact. Time will tell.” The doctor glanced at Trevor. “We’re transferring him to Intensive Care Unit.”

  Time will tell what? Their first nurse escort breezed into the room. “You need to leave now.”

  “Leave?” Kenzie’s voice squeaked out in protest before she could catch herself.

  The nurse’s face softened. “You’ll be able to visit him upstairs in the ICU.”

  Tears spilled unbridled down her cheeks. She stared at Trevor’s wounded face, which blurred with the continuing tears.

  Captain Young turned her toward the exit, but her head pivoted, keeping her gaze on Trevor until they were back in the walkway area.

  Her stride slowed. She didn’t want to be away from Trevor’s side. There was nothing she could do, though with all her heart she wished she could. The Captain obviously sensed her reluctance to leave. He slipped an arm around her waist and urged her back to the waiting room. Several officers stood when they entered. She shuffled back to her former seat and eased down.

  Captain Young’s hands cupped her shoulders and he looked into her eyes. “He’s in good hands. And I’m not only speaking about the doctor.” His brows rose as if to punctuate his statement.

  Kenzie clasped her hands in her lap and shook her head. Yes, Trevor was in God’s hands, but that didn’t mean he would live. Did it? In that moment, deep in her spirit, she begged God for Trevor’s life. She’d never experienced such desperation. Trevor was her Boaz and her expected end, right?

  The Captain grabbed her hand and squeezed. “We’re going to pray, OK?”

  “Of course.”

  Several officers huddled near on their knees, bowing with eyes closed. Kenzie could hardly concentrate on praying with those men humbled in prayer that way.

  At the end of the prayer, the group stood and nodded her way one by one. All she could do, so overcome with their gesture on Trevor’s behalf, was whisper a thank you. They sat for several hours, waiting. Some of the policemen left to go on duty or home to their families while others arrived to take up their vigil.

  At eight o’clock the next morning, Kenzie pulled out her phone and texted Lila. Within twenty minutes, her friend burst through the Emergency Room doors. Kenzie flew to her and fell into her embrace, fresh sobs erupting. Finally, she calmed and pushed back to explain.

  Lila tugged Kenzie’
s hand. “I’m so sorry.”

  The two returned to Kenzie’s seat. The Captain slid over, giving Lila his seat.

  “Lila, this is Captain Young. Captain, this is my good friend, Lila.”

  The two shook hands.

  “Ladies, would you like some coffee?” The Captain offered.

  “I don’t think I could.” Kenzie shuddered.

  Lila patted Kenzie’s arm. “You need to eat and drink something. Trevor needs you strong.”

  Kenzie’s bottom lip quivered.

  Lila glanced up at the Captain. “If you could locate a diet soda and maybe a granola bar?”

  “Coming right up.” The Captain whirled around as if on an important mission.

  Kenzie choked down the granola bar and drink despite her queasy stomach. The doctor from last night strolled toward them. Kenzie shot up from her chair.

  “We’ve got him stabilized enough to transfer him upstairs”.

  Kenzie swallowed at the knot in her throat. “Stabilized enough?”

  The doctor gazed into her eyes. “Yes. As I said last night, the head sustained quite a bit of trauma. I want to keep him sedated and still.”

  “Will I be able to …”

  “The ICU has set visitation times.”

  Kenzie drew in a sharp breath and let it out.

  The doctor’s expression softened. He brushed her arm. “There are exceptions to the rules.” He smiled.

  She nodded.

  “Take the elevators up to the second floor. Turn to your right. You’ll see the ICU lounge.”

  “Thank you.” Kenzie’s voice came out breathy and weak.

  The doctor nodded and darted back the way he had come.

  Kenzie looked Lila in the eyes. Her friend grinned and reached for Kenzie’s purse, tucking it under her arm. “Let’s go.”

  Kenzie, Lila, the Captain, and two other officers hunkered down in one corner of the ICU lounge.

  More waiting.

  An hour passed. A young man dressed in baby-blue scrubs stepped in the middle of the waiting area. “Trevor Wallen’s family?” He scanned the room until he spotted waving hands from their area. He slid closer. “Miss Murrah?”

  “Yes. I’m Miss Murrah.”

  “Dr. Hardin said to allow you to come back for a few moments when Mr. Wallen was settled.”