“That would be Chad,” Livvy said to Kate. “You saw him the other day while you were waiting for me to get free for lunch.”
Kate nodded. “Right, and I met his brother, Corey, at the pharmacy.”
Livvy frowned. “I’m a little surprised by Joe’s outburst. I’ve never known him to be so...”
“Nasty?” Kate supplied the adjective.
Livvy smiled. “Yeah. It’s unusual. Cat Brainerd is one of the nicest people I know. You’ll have to meet her sometime, Kate.”
Kate nodded, not sure she wanted to meet anyone remotely connected with Joe Brainerd.
They bid their friends good-bye and headed for the Honda, Paul holding her a bit closer than necessary.
“I feel betrayed, Paul. Some of those people are Christians. Some are even members of Faith Briar.”
“Everyone is entitled to their opinions, Katie.” Paul kissed her forehead. “I’m thinking some of these folks are being driven by fear, and that can overcome their desire to do what they know is right.”
“Like Renee. You should have seen her out at the campground with those children. She seemed really determined to help them. Nothing scares her.”
“Might be a good idea to talk to her and find out what’s really going on. She was all for the Faith Freezer Program going ahead.”
“So you talked to the board members?”
“I did. We’ll do what we can to help as long as we need to and as long as our supplies hold out. Danny is good with it as long as we remember our current obligations.”
“Of course.”
The news about the church board lifted Kate’s spirits, but they sank again as she told Paul about Troy Eaton, aka Charlie Mayer. Kate had thought about him off and on all day. Was Troy really the bank embezzler, or was it a case of mistaken identity? The authorities probably had it right. After all, they did have other ways to determine a person’s identity—fingerprints for one, and DNA for another.
“You’re still thinking he’s a good guy?” Paul asked.
“Not exactly; it’s just this gut feeling I have. He seemed so sincere.”
“There are a lot of charismatic crooks out there, Katie. And a lot of great cons. That’s why they’re successful.”
“I suppose you’re right. I should just admit I was suckered and let it go.”
“You probably should, but you won’t. Why don’t you go to Chattanooga on Monday and see for yourself? Talk to him and see if you feel the same way.”
“Thank you.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “That’s exactly what I aim to do.”
KATE LAY AWAKE LONG into the night, shedding tears for the homeless and for those who wanted to get rid of them. She couldn’t seem to get past the anger she felt for Joe Brainerd and the others who’d been so rude.
Of course, she couldn’t duke it out with Joe, but maybe she could change his mind. Tomorrow was Sunday. Maybe she could ask Livvy to go with her to the Brainerds’ home after church. Cookies or a pie or maybe some banana bread would smooth the way.
God brought a lot of people to Kate’s mind that night. She prayed for Ned Castile and for Troy Eaton/Charlie Mayer. She asked for help in getting enough people to back the plan to help the homeless. She prayed for Claire’s safety and Ellen’s patience.
Claire and Ellen. That was one mystery she really wanted to solve.
Chapter Twenty
On Sunday morning, Kate didn’t want to get up. Normally she would have been percolating by at least six, wide awake and excited for a new day. This morning, after such a disappointing Saturday, she felt worn down.
Paul kissed her and smoothed her hair. “Tired?”
“Hmm.” She sighed. “More disappointed than tired. I’m almost afraid to think what might happen next.”
“I understand. People can be disappointing, but if you truly believe God is in control, you can deal with the setbacks.”
Kate sighed again. “I guess what hurts the most is that some of our own parishioners are against helping the homeless.”
“I know, but we can’t let a few naysayers destroy our passion. If God is telling you to move forward, then he’ll make a way.”
Kate hugged him. “Thanks for the reminder.”
Paul kissed her forehead and tossed aside the covers. “Much as I’d love to lie here and commiserate with you, I need to get ready for church.”
Kate watched him head for the bathroom, and when she heard the shower going, she climbed out of bed and wrapped herself in her favorite snuggly bathrobe. Maybe some coffee would perk her up and lift her spirits.
Kate headed for the kitchen. She ground the coffee beans and filled the dispenser with water. While the water dripped through the freshly ground beans, sending out a delectable smell, Kate mixed up pancake batter with a blue tint. Blue pancakes were a favorite with her grandchildren. She set the batter in the fridge for later.
Coffee done, Kate poured a mug and snuggled down in her favorite rocking chair to read her Bible and the morning’s devotional. The Scripture was one she’d read many times: Matthew 25:35–40.
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”
The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
The meditation for the day reminded Kate that the Lord is compassionate and stresses time and again that his followers should have compassion as well.
Kate set her books aside and drained her mug, more convinced than ever that she should forge ahead with her plans to help the people camped out at Ash Grove.
Paul came out of the bedroom dressed in his preaching clothes, a dark gray suit with a white dress shirt and tie. Pouring himself a travel mug full of coffee, he smiled at Kate. Glancing at the still sleeping boys, he kept his voice low. “You look like you’re feeling better.”
“I am. The Word confirmed to me that we should continue the Faith Freezer Program to feed the homeless, even if the entire town disapproves.” She shared her Scripture readings with him.
He crossed the living room and kissed her. “Good for you, Katie. You know I’m behind you 100 percent. So are Danny and Livvy.”
Kate nodded. “Lars and Marie too, and I’m sure there are others.” Pushing herself out of the chair, she said, “I’d better get some breakfast going.”
After a brief hug, he gathered up his briefcase and coffee mug and headed for his pickup. He liked getting to church early on Sunday mornings, and today was no exception.
Aleeda came out seconds later to wake the boys. “Àndale mis hijos.” When they were up, Aleeda came into the kitchen to help get breakfast on the table.
Scott and Nate loved the pancakes, smoked turkey sausages, and scrambled eggs.
After breakfast, Kate showered and dressed while Aleeda washed the dishes and got the boys ready for Sunday school.
Once at church, Kate settled into her routine pastor’s-wife role, practicing the anthem of the day with the choir and greeting people before the service as they came in. Lars brought Marie and her little girl, Sophie.
“How are you this morning?” Kate asked.
“Wonderful.” Marie glowed, and judging from the smile on Lars’ face, Kate suspected that their relationship might be getting serious. Bringing them to church was a big step. Though she didn’t comment, Kate wondered if she and Paul would be doing some premarital counseling before long.
Or not. An earlier thought nuzzled its way into her mind. Kate frowned at the thought. Hadn’t Marie said something about a husband? Yes, out
at the campground when they first met. Among the questions she’d asked was, “Can you bring back my husband?”
Did that mean he was dead, or away from home looking for work? Maybe she was divorced...or married to Troy?
Maybe you should mind your own business, Kate Hanlon. Besides, it’s not as if you don’t have enough to think about.
One of those “thoughts” involved Joe Brainerd, the man from the previous night’s town hall meeting. Kate was having second thoughts about visiting him today. Seeing him again was about as appealing as walking into a hornet’s nest. Still, she felt she should try to make peace.
Kate caught up with Livvy after church and told her about her plan to visit the Brainerds. “As much as I’d like to avoid the man, I’m thinking maybe I could talk to him and meet his wife. Do you think she feels the same way about helping the homeless?”
Livvy shrugged. “I don’t know, Kate. I’d be surprised if she did.”
“Would you like to come with me?”
“Um”—Livvy waved at her husband—“I’ll ask Danny if he minds.”
“Good idea. I should check with Paul too.”
AFTER LUNCH KATE PLACED a gift basket of nicely wrapped cookies and banana bread in the backseat of the Honda and drove down Smoky Mountain Road, turned right on Ashland, past St. Lucy’s, and on to Livvy’s house on the corner of Ashland and Sweetwater.
Livvy had promised to print out a map, since the Brainerds lived on a farm between Pine Ridge and Copper Mill. She climbed into the car, map in hand.
From Sweetwater Street, they made a left onto Pine Ridge Road, and after two miles, Livvy directed her to take a hard left onto Moss Creek Road. The gravel road had a lot of ruts, and Kate worried about her Honda being damaged. Trees and shrubs on either side of the road were bathed in dust. Kate could see a bath for the Honda before the end of the day.
“How much farther?” Kate asked.
“I think I see a mailbox up ahead.”
Kate slowed and realized she was following a barbed-wire fence. “Do they raise animals? I’m not seeing any pasture.”
“I don’t know. I haven’t been out here before. I always meet Cat in town.”
The oversized mailbox had been painted with a cascade of morning glories and bore the name Brainerd. At a Y in the road, Kate turned right into a narrow driveway that opened into several acres of pastureland, where cows, llamas, horses, and sheep grazed together.
A full-sized pickup that needed washing sat in the driveway. The older two-story house looked welcoming. The peaceful scene certainly didn’t fit the man she’d seen the night before. A couple of hounds rose from their lazing spots on the porch and barked halfheartedly.
The women stepped out of the car. Kate reached in the backseat for the basket. The dogs wagged their tails from the top of the steps.
The door to the house opened, and there the peacefulness ended. Joe Brainerd stepped out onto the porch with a rifle in his hands.
His hard gaze shifted to Kate and then to Livvy, then back to Kate again. “What are you two doin’ out here?”
Kate lifted the basket. “We brought some goodies. Is your wife home?”
He raised the rifle and got them in his sights.
Chapter Twenty-One
Cat ain’t here, and we don’t need none of your charity. Now I suggest you get off my property before I decide to pull the trigger.”
“Hey, Dad, who’s here?” Corey stepped out onto the porch and froze. “Dad! What are you doin’? That’s Mrs. Jenner and Mrs. Hanlon.”
“I know who they are.” Joe kept the gun aimed in their direction. “They were just leavin’, weren’t you, ladies?”
“I guess we were,” Livvy said. “You tell Cat we were here.”
Corey seemed frantic. “Dad, please. You can’t just...”
“Get back inside. If I want your advice, I’ll ask for it.” His steel-coated voice did the job, and Kate feared for the boy, who ducked back into the house.
SHAKING MORE FROM ANGER than fear, Kate maneuvered the car around in the driveway and headed out the way they’d come in, raising a tornado of dust as she went. When she reached the end of the road, she almost careened into a shiny black Cadillac Escalade. The driver swerved to the side and frowned as she passed him. He wore a cowboy hat, so she couldn’t see much of his face. She probably should have stopped to apologize, but her foot didn’t seem to want to let up on the pedal.
Livvy looked back. “I think I need to have a talk with Danny. Joe looks and acts like an abuser. Funny, though, Cat is so nice and seems to have it all together.”
“This was a stupid idea.” Kate drove a lot faster out than she had in, wanting to put as much space as possible between herself and Joe Brainerd. “I’m going to report him.”
“To the sheriff?”
“Don’t you think I should?”
“I doubt it would do any good, Kate. He ordered us off his property, and let’s face it, we probably should have called first.”
“You’re right about that. I guess I thought dropping in seemed more neighborly.”
“To most people around here, it would.” Livvy twisted in her seat. “What’s say I break out the cookies. They smell heavenly.”
Kate’s anger eased with just three cookies and a prayer. When she dropped Livvy off, Kate gave her the basket. Livvy’s work schedule didn’t give her time to do much baking—not that she wanted to—and she did love Kate’s goodies.
KATE GOT HOME AT THREE THIRTY and found Aleeda curled up on the sofa with a book and Paul playing touch football in their small backyard with Scott and Nate.
Aleeda set the book down. “Someone named Sheila called while you were gone.”
“Oh good. Did she leave a message?”
“Yes. She said she got your call but can’t get away for dinner this coming week, but she’d try to call you and set up a time later.”
“Thanks, Aleeda.” Kate opened the sliding-glass door and waved. “Hi. Just wanted to let you know I was home.”
“Hey.” Paul waved back and tossed the ball to Scott. “Sorry, guys. I give up. You’re too fast for me.”
He came inside, wiping his forehead with the lower edge of his T-shirt. “How’d the visit go?”
“Not so good.” Kate still felt shaky from the bizarre encounter.
“Tell you what. Let me shower and change, and we can take a walk. You can tell me all about it.”
“I’d like that.”
While Paul showered, Kate drank a glass of water and sat in the living room with Aleeda. She considered telling Aleeda about Joe but knew it would only upset her. And right now Aleeda looked at peace.
“Paul and I are going for a walk,” Kate volunteered. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. Your husband is an angel. He took care of the boys the whole time you were gone and insisted I rest.”
Kate smiled. “He’s one of a kind.”
Aleeda held up a notepad. “I wrote down some places where I can go tomorrow to look for work.”
“Good for you.” Kate was proud of her but knew she’d miss Aleeda when the right job came along. She rather liked having her at home.
Paul came out a few minutes later wearing khaki walking shorts and a short-sleeved cotton shirt in a blue plaid that brought out the blue of his eyes.
While they walked on one of their favorite trails by the creek, Kate told him about Joe’s threats and the gun.
Paul squeezed her shoulders. “I shouldn’t have let you and Livvy go out there alone. The guy sounds dangerous.”
Kate wasn’t so sure. “He’s angry about something, that’s for certain. I’ve decided to pray for him, but the Lord’s going to have to help me with that.”
“I’m glad, but just the same, I’d rather you didn’t go out there again.”
“I don’t think you need to worry about that.”
Leaving her concerns about Joe and his family behind, Kate listened as Paul shared more details from his retr
eat.
“A silent retreat would do you good, Katie.” He chuckled.
“What are you laughing at?”
“Just thinking. I can see you finding some kind of a mystery to work on. Besides that, I’m not sure you could remain quiet for three days straight.”
Kate slapped his shoulder. “You’re challenging me, aren’t you? I ought to take you up on it.”
“I suppose, but I really do think you’d enjoy it. Everyone needs a retreat like that once in a while. Even the Lord took time out to reflect and pray.”
Actually a three-day silent retreat sounded rather nice. Maybe once she cleared up the mystery surrounding the countess, determined whether or not Troy Eaton was indeed Charlie Mayer, felt she’d done all she could to help the homeless, and finished the stained-glass window, she’d look into it. Maybe.
On their way back to the house, Kate and Paul stopped in at Emma’s Ice Cream Shop for ice-cream cones. Except for a rather large bump in the road, which she and Livvy had survived, they’d had a pleasant Sunday.
MONDAY MORNING, Kate woke at her usual time, refreshed and ready to accept any challenges that might come her way.
The night before, she had made a definite decision to drive into Chattanooga to visit Troy Eaton. At a little after eight, Kate called the jail and was told that he was still incarcerated. Kate had no idea why she couldn’t leave it alone, but the thought of Troy being a criminal ate at her. Like a dog with a bone, she tried to bury it, but her mind kept digging it up.
She got the okay to visit him and planned to leave as soon as she’d talked with Aleeda and run a few errands in town.
“Oh, Kate, before you leave, I thought I should show my list of things to be done this morning.”
“You made a list already?”
“Last night.” Aleeda grinned. “With the boys in school, I can dust and vacuum, catch up on the laundry, and bake some cookies and bread.”
“That sounds perfect. You’re so organized, you put me to shame.”
Strangers in Their Midst Page 12
