Angel For Christmas

by Caroline Clemmons

  Over the years, Jacob had forgotten how frightened he and Mike had been as kids. He’d pushed those recollections to the back of his mind in favor of successes. Being around the children here rekindled memories of that time. Their worst fear had been being separated.

  Their company—the one he founded—had been a struggle at first but then had taken off. Within three years, they were multi-millionaires then billionaires. No one was more surprised than Jacob. He’d been ultra-cautious for a few years, afraid something would snatch success away from him.

  One day, he’d realized he had investments and back ups and even if he lost half, he’d still be wealthy. That’s when he’d begun to live the good life. More level-headed, frequently Mike had cautioned him to limit his excesses.

  Mike had said they shouldn’t have planes, didn’t need as many cars, and one house each was enough. He’d been right, of course. Here Jacob had none of those things. At least he’d been there, done that, and had experienced the exhilaration success inspired.

  Now he had a different challenge. He sure hoped he was up for this one. There was no failing this time without dire repercussions.

  He was polishing the hall floor when Dr. Stephens left for the day. She was the last one out again. Didn’t she have a social life?

  Working toward her office, he made certain no one else was around before he turned off the machine. He took out his keys and opened her door then sat at her desk. The room still held her fragrance, something subtle and floral.

  Her computer was off and he hadn’t a clue of the password, but he was at home in front of a monitor. After a few dead ends, he had the children’s home finances up on the monitor. Dismal was all he could say.

  Interest on the loan was criminal, but her father had negotiated that. Negotiated being a poor choice of words. Fell into Welwood’s trap would be more accurate.

  If the gala didn’t produce big bucks, this place was sunk. He turned off the computer and pulled the list of names toward him. He added a few more names then called the first one.

  “Hi, Ken, this is Jacob Porter. Haven’t seen you since that charity tournament in September… You improve that golf score yet?... Hey, your son Joey’s going to catch up to you in a few years.”

  After a few minutes of chit-chat, Jacob hung up and added 5K to the name. Before he could dial the next name, he felt the hairs on his neck prickle. He raised his head to find his boss glaring at him from the doorway.

  She stormed inside. “So you’re the one who added those names and amounts last night. What are you doing here? Why are you tampering with private papers on my desk? Are you working for Welwood or Harper Development or someone else?”

  He stood and faced her. “I’m working for you.” He gestured to the list. “Why else would I be adding attendees to your gala and raising money for your children’s home?”

  She advanced on him and scooped up the papers. “An unlikely explanation. How does a janitor even know the people whose names you added?”

  That was hard to explain and he floundered a minute. “Well, you know I worked for Richison Incorporated. They dealt with these people and I had occasion to meet them.” That didn’t sound reasonable to him but was the best he could come up with on the spot.

  She threw the pages on her desk and stood with hands on her hips. “As a janitor, you impressed them enough to get them to donate huge amounts?” She took a step toward him. “Are you even a janitor?”

  He held out his hands at his sides. “Of course I am. Look at me. You’ve seen me cleaning this place. What else would I be?”

  She shook her pretty head. “I don’t know but something’s not right. I-If those names you added actually donate the amounts listed then I’m grateful. I’m puzzled, though, and I’m definitely not trusting you.”

  “Hey, I’m on your side and trying to help you.”

  She crossed her arms over her admirable chest. “Are you? Or, are you working against us?”

  He walked around the desk to where she stood. “Dr. Stephens, I’m only trying to help. I saw the list and, I admit, I was curious. Maybe I shouldn’t have read anything on your desk. But, when I scanned the names, I noticed you left off some surefire donors.”

  Her eyes teared up and he was afraid she was going to cry. Aw, no, please, no. He had no idea what to do with a weeping woman.

  She sniffed and raised her chin. “I didn’t know those people would care about a private children’s home in Serenity Springs. We’ve never invited them before.”

  “Don’t you think it’s time you did? Why don’t you let me help you with this? I’m already working here anyway.”

  Beautiful blue eyes narrowed, she stared at him and chewed on her bottom lip for a few seconds. “A-All right, since you know how to contact these important people, that makes sense.” She pointed at his chest. “But, I’ll be watching you, Jacob Porter, whoever you are.”

  He pushed a piece of paper her way. “Why don’t you give me a number of how much money you need? Then I’ll know how hard to push how many people.”

  She wrote two numbers and added them. “The top one is the mortgage my father took out and the second one is approximately how much we need to operate for a year. You can see the total is staggering.”

  Wow, would he be able to help that much in less than a month? He had to. “Not impossible, even at this late date. Talking about orphans near the holidays opens wallets.”

  She’d crossed her arms again. She still glared at him but her eyes had lost their hardness. “What do you suggest?”

  “Let’s go over your plans for the event. You have an orchestra for dancing, a guest entertainer, what?”

  Blue eyes wide and moisture darkening her long lashes, she shook her head. “We can’t afford those things. Our children’s choir will perform. We plan to set up tables in the gymnasium. We’ll move the bleachers out, of course. Three of the teachers are in charge of decorating.”

  He gaped, unable to believe what he’d heard. “You’re not planning a high school prom or a PTA banquet, Dr. Stephens. This is for high rollers.”

  She blushed prettily, but he’d upset her. “It’s a little late to tell me that.”

  “Not necessarily. Let me think about this tonight. In the meantime, I’ll call a few more people and increase your turnout.”

  He walked to the copier and made a duplicate of the list. After handing her the original, he folded the other pages and put them in his shirt pocket. She stood frowning at him as if she didn’t believe he was on the up and up, not that he blamed her.

  She raised her chin again. “I never wanted this end of working at the home. I’m a child psychologist, not a business manager. Filling both positions has overwhelmed me.”

  “No wonder. One person doing two full-time jobs is impossible. In spite of my situation here, I’m good with this sort of thing. Let me take part of the burden so you aren’t overloaded.”

  Her blue-eyed gaze held question. “I have no idea why I should trust you with sensitive information. Well, to be honest, I don’t trust you, but I don’t seem to have a choice about our working together on this.”

  “Believe me, Dr. Stephens, I won’t let you down. We can raise the money you need and then I’ll get out of your hair.”

  She frowned. “Get out of my hair? What do you mean?”

  Had he lost his mind? He shouldn’t have said anything about disappearing. “Aw, I meant that I won’t be a pest. Right now, I’d better finish the hall and get home in time to make some phone calls.”

  He smiled at her and went back to the floor polisher. Sensing her staring at him, he kept his head down and concentrated on his work. At least, he tried. How could any man ignore a beautiful redhead watching him?

  Chapter Four

  Suzi scrutinized the man who was supposed to be the home’s janitor. Who was he really? She didn’t care what information was included on his application, this man was no custodian.

  Was his plan to help raise the money and then
disappear with all of it? Jacob appeared to be a fine, upstanding man but that was naïve. Wouldn’t a capable thief do the same?

  Realizing she clutched the list in her hands, she laid the papers on her desk. Fatigue weighed down her body. She stood and headed home for real this time.

  The large home in which she lived was only a short walk. She’d never lived anywhere else, even while attending the university and working on her doctorate. Her father had insisted he couldn’t bear living without her company.

  But, never had she participated in the business end of the home. Whenever she’d asked questions, her father had patted her and told her to let him take care of the figures and for her to take care of the children.

  Well, Dad, look where that plan landed us.

  She should have insisted when she suspected things were going wrong. Her father had become even more obsessed with controlling the accounts so only he knew the financial situation. Even his secretary, Valerie, had no clue.

  She opened the door and locked it behind her. “It’s me, Paddy.”

  Her housekeeper, Orla Patrick, came from the kitchen drying her hands on her apron. “You’re late today, but supper’s waiting.”

  “Mmm, smells wonderful.”

  She followed the middle-aged woman to the kitchen. At times, Suzi wanted to weep for the people who would be out of jobs and a home—herself included—if she failed to raise the money they needed. At last, though, she held a glimmer of hope.

  Paddy set two plates of food on the table. “And did you catch whoever was messing about in your office?”

  Suzi sat down and flicked her napkin across her lap. “I did and you’ll never guess who it is—the new janitor.”

  After a short blessing, Paddy asked, “What would the likes of him be doing adding names to your party?”

  “Strange as it sounds, he has connections with important people. He says he’ll even get more pledges this evening.” She used her fork to scoop up a bite of meatloaf.

  The housekeeper looked askance. “I’ve never heard of such. What kind of man is he?”

  “He’s handsome and well-spoken.” Suzi shook her head. “Valerie and I think he looks more like he belongs in a suit and tie.”

  Paddy laughed. “And, what does that sort of man look like?”

  Used to her long-time housekeeper’s cynical humor, Suzi smiled. “He has this commanding way about him, as if he’s used to being in charge. He used to work for that billionaire who died recently… Jacob Richison. Funny, they both have the same first name.”

  “Funny business all around, if you ask me. You be sure he can’t steal the funds raised at this fancy event you’re planning. That’ll be enough to tempt any con man.”

  “I hope he’s not that, Paddy. For the first time since I realized the mess the school is in, I’m encouraged. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all the people he mentioned really do donate money?”

  “If they do, I’ll be dancing a jig with you, Suzi Q. I’m aware the situation has driven you sick with worry.”

  She tilted her head. “My health isn’t seriously affected yet, but I do accept my responsibility to all the children and the staff, and that includes you. If the bank takes over, you and I will be out of a home as well.”

  “I’ve not forgotten, dear. I can go live with my sister, so I’d not be without a roof over my head.” Paddy gazed around the room. “Still, I’ve lived here for forty years, since I came to work at age fifteen. This old house and my nice apartment off the kitchen are my home.”

  Suzi had been speculating what ifs. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I suppose I’d get an apartment and set up private practice as a child psychologist.” She shook her head. “But, all that takes money, plus building a practice takes time.”

  Paddy patted Suzi’s hand. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, dear. What you really need is a nice man to love you and treasure you for the fine woman you are.”

  Suzi sighed at Paddy’s usual comment for any problem. Find a husband—advice Paddy hadn’t followed for herself.

  “One hasn’t appeared knocking on the door. Besides, I don’t need a man to take care of me. If I found one, I’d want him to be a partner.” She gave a shake of her head. “Pointless to speculate on someone who doesn’t exist.”

  “You go and take life easy until bedtime. What looks like a book arrived for you in the mail today. I laid the package on the family room coffee table.”

  “Lovely, exactly what I need to distract me. Will you join me later?”

  “Not tonight. I have Christmas handwork to do and the light’s not good enough in that room. Plus, I don’t want a certain person poking her nose into what I’m making. I’ll go to my sitting room.”

  “Then goodnight, Paddy. I’ll see you in the morning.” She wondered what Paddy was making. Suzi hoped it wasn’t another ugly sweater like last year’s. She loved Paddy like a mother and wore the odd things the dear woman created for her, but she took them off as soon as she was in her office.

  Suzi had already purchased and wrapped gifts for Paddy and Valerie. She’d think of something for the teachers and other staff closer to Christmas. Of course, there would be token gifts for each child. Her stomach knotted and acid poured in like an open spigot when she considered the cost the gifts represented with the foreclosure hanging over her head.

  Who’d play Santa this year now that her father was gone? She couldn’t help smiling, recalling how much Dad had hated his role but how his protruding stomach had fit the Santa suit. Whoever she found this year wouldn’t have time to learn the children’s names. Enough worrying, she unwrapped her new book and escaped into the story.

  ***

  Jacob made a few more successful phone calls from work, then left. He drove by the mall and, on a whim, decided to visit. Inside, the crowds and noises appealed to him. Made him recall the hectic life he’d led before his crash.

  No point missing his old life. With all the decorations around and music drifting through the air, he couldn’t help being happy. He strolled along studying people, something he’d always enjoyed.

  Near the center of the mall, an angel tree stood. As he drew nearer, he realized the names on the cardboard angels were from the Serenity Springs Children’s Home. Several shoppers studied names and talked about what that child needed.

  Jacob scanned the cards and found Missy’s. Smiling, he chose the little girl’s angel. He knew next to nothing about children, but someone had kindly listed suggestions and sizes and colors.

  Going from toy store to department store, he bought each item on the list. In the toy store, he found a two-foot rag doll with curly brown yarn-hair. Although the doll’s hair was in pigtails, she reminded him of the little girl.

  Would Missy like this one as much as her current doll? He couldn’t resist getting the large toy for her. Maybe he should keep it separate from the things he bagged up to place in the bin provided near the tree.

  And, that’s what he did. After all, there wasn’t a doll on the list of things Missy needed. But why wasn’t there? He would have thought every little girl wanted a new doll for Christmas.

  He felt strange carrying a large rag doll home but he tucked the thing under his arm and kept strolling the mall.

  A passing woman smiled at him. “Your little girl’s going to love that.”

  “I hope so.” What did it hurt if the woman thought he had a child? Working at a children’s home was as close as he’d ever come to having one of his own.

  By eight o’clock, he’d had his fill of people for one evening. Ambling along, he hummed a tune then realized he’d chosen one of the carols that had played in the mall. What a sap he’d become. Felt kind of good, though.

  When he reached his truck, he stowed the doll behind the seat and climbed in. The happy people and cheerful decorations he’d seen in the mall had lightened his mood. Maybe he should get a little tree and put it in his apartment.

  Why not? He pulled up to a discount stor
e and went inside. After loading up on decorations, he stopped at a place with all sizes of trees for sale and bought a small spruce and a stand for it.

  He lugged all his packages into the apartment then carried in the tree. Good thing he didn’t buy a larger one, because this one took up most of his living room. First the lights went on and then he added ornaments. Last was the angel on the top of the tree.

  He laughed to himself. The treetop angel had a sweet, innocent expression that didn’t look anything like Gabriel or Michael. Maybe he should have gotten a star instead. No, he liked the effect of the angel holding her little candles that lighted. Her net wings didn’t begin to resemble feathers, but they were nice.

  Standing back from the tree, he admired his efforts. Looked pretty darn good to him. Except, there were no presents. The fact struck him that he wasn’t well enough acquainted with anyone to give them a gift.

  Maybe he should get Dr. Stephens and Mrs. Barlow and Nurse Gray each a token gift. First, he’d better figure up his bank balance. What he had left would have to last until Christmas Eve.

  Jacob sat at his kitchen table where he could enjoy the tree. The colored lights gave the room a festive appearance. The tree was visible in the window. People walking by and standing in the parking lot could share the sight.

  He opened his checkbook and entered his expenses for the evening. Not too bad, unless he had expenses he hadn’t expected. He looked at the phone. Should he call and ask?

  With trepidation, he punched Gabriel’s name and waited for an answer. The booming voice left no doubt he’d disturbed the angel.

  “I need to ask about expenses. Is the money in the bank for me to spend down here? Are there things like utilities I’ll get bills for?”

  Gabriel’s voice filled the room. “Jacob, you’re still worrying about money? Have you learned nothing?”

  “I’ve learned a lot but I don’t want to be broke and cheat people because I’m unable to pay my obligations.”

  A sigh that sounded like a windstorm greeted him. “The money is for your use. Your bills are paid except for whatever you use for meals, entertainment, and fuel for your vehicle.”