by Lori Wick
Chapter after chapter fell away. The feeding of the 5000, Jesus walking on the water, the healing of the blind man, the raising of Lazarus—all became real to her. Page after page revealed Jesus as Shepherd and Lord. With tears pouring down her face, Charlie arrived at the final chapters where God’s perfect Son was mocked and crucified for the sins of all men.
By the time Charlie read the last verse in the last chapter, she had cried until her head hurt, and she was wrung dry. She told herself she had to get up and watch for Sean, but before her mind could make her body obey, she fell into an exhausted sleep, with Sean’s Bible held in her embrace.
thirty-seven
The men rode out of town with the sun at their backs. There was little talk, and Sean by necessity took the lead. Their pace was steady for about 20 minutes, and then Sean eased off as the terrain became rocky.
Hartley chose his meeting place well; it was secluded from three directions. The hair at the back of Sean’s neck stood on end. He knew that Hartley could have them in the sight of his rifle at that very moment. Since he had been the one to betray Hartley, Sean knew he would be the first to die.
But all was quiet. They rode into rocks that resembled a small canyon with no sign of anyone or anything. With plenty of sunlight still available, they completely scouted the area. Had it not been for the fear of Hartley showing up and surprising them, the entire trip would have been anticlimactic.
Sean left his note in a conspicuous place, and the three rode home by way of what was to be the meeting place two nights hence. They didn’t tarry and were back in town just at dusk. Witt asked both men to his home in order to go over their plans one more time.
It was well after dark before Sean rode toward home. Seeing from a distance that all was dark, he stopped and checked first with Lora and then with Sadie. He went back home with his heart pounding in his chest. The fear that Charlie might be harmed made his anxiety over Hartley seem a small thing. Without bothering to attend his horse, he tied Buddy outside the house and entered, his heart pleading with God for the safety of his cherished wife.
The lantern light flickered over the bedroom walls as Sean’s hand trembled. He had come in and called Charlie’s name as he lit a lamp, and then after a quick peek into the living room, walked with dread toward the silent bedroom.
Even in the dim light he could make out her puffy eyes and the signs of tears. He set the lantern on the nightstand, turned it high, and eased down beside her. Sean didn’t try to remove the Bible from her grasp. He just put his arms around her and kissed her softly on the cheek.
It took a few moments for her to come fully awake and then she only blinked at him, as though she believed herself to be dreaming. One moment she was staring at him, and the next the Bible had fallen to the side and her arms had his neck in a stranglehold. She was sobbing uncontrollably.
“My darling Charlie,” Sean crooned softly.
“Are you all right . . . are you really all right?” Charlie gasped through her tears, touching his arms and chest as though checking for injuries.
“I’m fine. We didn’t even see Hartley. I just need a bath, since I smell like sweat and horses.”
“Sadie won’t mind,” Charlie hiccuped, thinking they would do anything he wanted, just as long as he was home, safe and sound. “We can go right now.”
Sean laughed to himself at her enthusiasm. She had never been easily offended by unpleasant odors before, and he wondered at her nearly frantic state. She grew very quiet on the walk to Sadie’s, and Sean told himself he was going to hurry so they could get back home and talk.
Charlie, still agitated, was trying to scrub the skin off Sean’s back when she broke her silence.
“I wanted to wait until we were back home, Sean, but I’ve got to talk to you.”
“All right,” he agreed with some relief.
Scooting around the side of the tub, Charlie stayed on her knees and leaned so close to Sean that she soaked the front of her dress. He watched in confusion as fresh tears puddled in her eyes and she began.
“They killed him, Sean—they killed Jesus Christ. He had healed them and fed them and proven to them over and over that He was the Son of God, and they still crucified Him. Why, Sean? If He’s really God’s Son, He could have saved Himself. Why didn’t He?”
Sean’s wet hands came up and tenderly cradled her face. His heart was beating so fast he was breathless.
“Because we needed a Savior. Our sin debt to God had to be paid. He loved us enough to be that Savior. Man’s sin placed a ravine between God and man, but God in His infinite love bridged that ravine with His own dear Son.”
“Oh, Sean.” Charlie’s tears began in earnest.
Sean’s water was quite cold by the time Charlie was done crying and talking about all she had read. She apologized to him several times, but the night was hot and he only smiled. Did she really think a little cold water was important in light of her meeting Jesus Christ? But that wasn’t the only question on Sean’s mind, and he waited only until they were home in bed before he broached it.
“Charlie, in all your reading, did you understand that you, Charlotte Donovan, must make a decision?”
“You mean the faith and believing you were talking about before?”
“Yes. I don’t want to push you; I just want to make sure you understand.”
“I do understand, Sean, but I don’t think you do. I haven’t been a good person and Jesus, well, He’s God’s Son. I don’t think He really wanted me—”
“Charlie,” Sean called her name softly. “I want you to listen to John 3:16 and 17 again.”
“I’ve read those verses through several times.”
“I’m sure you have, but I want you to hear them one more time: ‘For God so loved Charlie, that he gave his only begotten Son and if Charlie believes in him, Charlie will not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son to condemn Charlie, but that through him, Charlie might be saved.”’
Sean watched her face closely. He saw her struggle, her desire to be loved and accepted, but he stayed quiet and prayed.
“I didn’t even believe He existed for a long time.”
“That sin and all others were covered on the cross where He was crucified.” Again Sean waited and prayed.
“Do you really think He loves me?”
“Absolutely.”
Charlie gave a small nod, as though confirming in her mind what she must do. Sean helped her with the words, and in a soft, confident voice she prayed, telling God of her sins and confessing her belief in His Son.
Charlie finally knew peace as she fell yet again into exhausted slumber, this time in her husband’s arms. Sean, very mindful of starting Charlie’s tears again, held his own until she was asleep.
“I would have waited years, Lord,” Sean cried in the dark. “But You’ve given me another of Your miracles. For this, I thank You.”
Sean followed his wife into slumber a few minutes later, but not before he pictured himself and Charlie in the Hawaiian Islands, living and working with the island people he loved so well.
thirty-eight
Charlie’s face was puffy in the morning, but the smile she gave her husband when he kissed her awake was beautiful. They were up a little earlier than usual, and Sean answered many questions about the Bible as they readied for work.
Over breakfast the questions continued, and then Sean knew he had to mention Hartley. He prayed that with her newfound faith, Charlie would turn to God with her fears.
“Charlie, I need to tell you some things.”
The seriousness in his tone immediately arrested her attention, and even though alarmed, Charlie listened.
“It’s true that we didn’t see Hartley yesterday, but we did set up another meeting time at a different place.”
“How could you have done that?”
“I left him a note.”
“When do you meet?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“Is Duncan
going with you?”
“Not this time; for the plan to be successful both he and Witt are needed here in town.”
“You’re going out alone?” Charlie’s voice was strained.
“Yes. It has to be that way.” Sean reached across the table and claimed Charlie’s hand. “Would you like me to explain what’s going on?”
Sean could see that it took an effort on her part, but she nodded. He explained the situation calmly, and Charlie’s mouth dropped open in surprise.
“Whose idea was this?”
“Mine. After working with Hartley, I have a pretty fair idea of the way he thinks.” Sean shrugged and then became serious. “Now, long before dark tomorrow night, I’m going to deliver you to Lora’s or Sadie’s: The choice is yours. But after I take you there you must not leave.”
“Oh, Sean.” Charlie looked as helpless as she felt, but Sean was relentless.
“There will be no discussion on this, Charlie. You can’t go with me, and you can’t follow me.” His look was very stern, and Charlie knew he was right. She would probably get in the way and get them both killed.
“Now, where do you want to go?”
“Lora’s,” Charlie said with resignation. “She knows more of what’s going on, and I know she’ll pray with me if I ask her.”
Sean’s smile was a picture of tenderness. “Speaking of prayer, why don’t we ask God right now to protect both of us in the next few days?”
Charlie nodded, and Sean thought his heart would burst as he heard her sweet voice in prayer. She talked to God as she talked to anyone else, only now there was an element of confidence in knowing that she was very loved.
Even though they were now running a little late, husband and wife followed their prayer time with a long embrace before heading out the door for work.
If Lora hugged Charlie once she hugged her ten times when she shared the news of how she came to know Jesus Christ. The older woman cried, and just as Charlie expected, Lora was more than happy to pray with her.
Their conversation was animated during the hours they had together. The fact that their husbands might be in danger hung in their minds, but Charlie was full of questions that Lora was happy to answer. They both felt God’s presence and His blessing in the time they shared.
Sean Donovan was nowhere near as calm as he appeared to be. He had ridden out to the meeting place just as the sun was setting and leaned against a tree as though he had all the time in the world. He was in fact praying until he thought his heart might burst.
“I can hardly believe I’m in this position, Lord. It could have been me. It could have been me they’re trapping right now. So many of the choices I’ve made have been for myself and not You. Thank You, God, for sparing me and giving me another chance.
“Please protect Duncan, Witt, and the others as they put their lives on the line tonight. Please protect them. And Hartley. Oh, God,” Sean groaned, “if only I could talk to him about You. I don’t know if he would listen, but I’d just like the chance. Help the men to bring him in without harm.”
Sean would have prayed on and on if his thoughts had not been interrupted by the sound of approaching hoof-beats. Thinking the entire plan had backfired, he came away from the tree with the rifle cocked and ready. He sagged with relief when he heard Duncan call his name. The older man reined in his horse and sat looking down at Sean in the moonlight.
“It’s all over.”
“Hartley?”
“In custody.”
“So he’s alive?”
“He was wounded, shot in the arm, but he’s very much alive. It was over so fast I didn’t see any point in letting you sit out here much longer.”
“Was anyone hurt?”
“Only Hartley. He was alone, and it all happened just like you said it would. He came in the back door, and with his attention riveted on Witt’s silhouette in the moonlight at the front of the bank, he never even heard me approach.”
“How did he get shot?”
“After he felt my gun at his back he turned and started to draw. His eyes looked a little wild with shock, and I can’t say as I blame him. He must have been certain we would all be out here waiting with you.”
Sean nodded with resignation. “I want to talk to him.”
“I don’t see any problem with that, but I think I should warn you—he’ll hang, Sean, as sure as I’m sitting here, Hartley will hang.”
Sean said nothing to this. He swung himself up into his own saddle and followed Duncan back to town.
“I heard you had found God, but I just couldn’t believe it.” Hartley’s mocking voice was like a whip over Sean’s back.
The men had been talking for about 20 minutes, and Sean could see that Hartley still believed himself invincible. Any attempt Sean made to discuss God or eternity was met with open contempt. He couldn’t really blame him, but it hurt. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the worst of it.
“You’re completely unrepentant,” Sean commented to the older man, his voice soft with pain.
“Now you sound like a preacher,” Hartley sneered through the bars, and turned away.
Sean could see the conversation was over. He was turning away himself, but before Sean could leave Hartley made it clear that he didn’t want to see him again. Sean really couldn’t blame him, but it hurt more than he could have imagined.
“He was a bank robber before the two of you ever met, Sean. Try to keep that in mind.” Lora’s words and gentle manner were like a balm applied to an open wound. “You did not make him choose the life he did, and even today when he had a chance to discuss eternal things, he again made his choice.”
Sean thanked her softly and held his wife’s hand a little tighter. Sean had turned down refreshments in the Duncans’ living room, needing for the moment only to sit and be ministered to emotionally.
“When is the trial, Duncan?” Charlie wanted to know.
“Tom should be here by Thursday, so the proceedings should be no later than Friday afternoon.”
There was little conversation after that, and finally, a little before midnight, Sean and Charlie both received hugs from Lora and went home. They stopped outside the front doors of the livery long enough to post a note, stating that they wouldn’t be open before noon. It was wise planning since they both slept until 11:00 A.M.
thirty-nine
Sean seemed preoccupied for the next two days. He and Charlie prayed together at every meal and then before bed, but his heart was so burdened for Hartley (and how clearly he remembered being in the jail cell himself) that he was a bit quiet and withdrawn.
Charlie didn’t know what to say or do for her husband, so she too was quiet. Quite unexpectedly, Kaitlin came to the rescue by sending a box just for Charlie.
“Lunch is here, Sean,” Charlie called to her spouse, who went immediately to wash up for the meal. They had thanked God for the food and begun to eat when Pete’s son, from the general store, arrived with the box.
“My dad asked me to bring this over. It’s for you, Charlie, from Santa Rosa.”
Charlie didn’t do anything more than look at the box, even when the boy placed it at her feet and went on his way. She glanced at it several times, and then felt her husband’s eyes on her.
“Aren’t you going to see what it is?”
“I think I’ll wait until after lunch.”
Sean was a bit surprised that she wasn’t more curious, and for the first time since Hartley had been caught he realized how little conversation they’d had in the last two days.
He was on the verge of telling her his feelings when they were interrupted by a customer who wanted his horse shod. The afternoon gave no time for anything save hard work. Again, conversation between man and wife was delayed.
At closing time, Charlie went to the house to set the table for supper, and Sean closed up the livery. He took one final look around before heading toward the door, and that’s when he spotted Charlie’s box. He tucked it under one arm and went to have his me
al.
The box wasn’t mentioned until after the supper dishes had been washed and dried. It had been Sean’s night to wash, and Charlie, thinking he had finished up and gone into the living room, turned away from hanging her drying towel to find he was sitting back at the kitchen table, the box next to him, watching her.
She looked decidedly uncomfortable, and Sean’s mind raced to figure out why. And as Charlie had done so many times past, she put Sean’s questions to rest with the first sentence out of her mouth.
“Why do you suppose your sister sent me a box and not you, her own brother?”
“Well,” Sean thought a moment. “She already sent me one, and there’s nothing else I really need.” He smiled encouragingly and pushed the box in her direction.
Charlie looked unconvinced. She touched it tentatively and then with a quick look at Sean, opened the top.
“Oh, my,” Charlie breathed as she held up very feminine linen undergarments and bed attire. There were two shifts, a camisole, a nightgown, and a pair of bloomers. Charlie stood fingering all of them for some minutes before she remembered Sean.
“Oh,” she said in dismay as she held the nightgown in her arms. “There’s nothing for you. I really thought there would be.”
Sean’s eyes twinkled as one dark eyebrow lifted. “On the contrary, I think everything in there is for me.” He laughed softly and pulled Charlie into his lap when she blushed to the roots of her hair.
“Why didn’t you want to open the box?” he asked as Charlie leaned against his chest.
Charlie sighed. “The past few days have been so hard for you, and I wanted to do something to make them easier. Instead, all I’ve done is sit back and watch you. Then this box arrived not addressed to you, and I thought that might make you feel even worse.”