by Lori Wick
“You’re welcome. It was clear?”
“Yes.” Carlyle smiled. “You didn’t elaborate, but I assume you scared Pup Jennings nearly out of her wits when you grabbed her.”
McKay smiled in return. “I’m afraid so. I saw no other way to handle it.”
Carlyle studied him for a moment. It was going to be hard for him to say what he was about to, but Nick Wallace had taken a true aversion to this young agent, and with that in mind Carlyle knew it was best for all concerned. However, he knew how much he would miss him.
“Are you still interested in a posting closer to Longmont?”
“Yes, sir, I am. I guess I’ll always be a small-town boy.”
“Well, something has come up—two posts actually. One in Evans, which wouldn’t put you closer to Longmont but would get you out of the big city.”
McKay nodded. “And the other?”
“Boulder.”
McKay let his head fall back for just a moment, his eyes on the ceiling. Boulder. DidYou hear that, Lord? He said Boulder. Thank You, heavenly Father. Thank You, Lord of all. McKay looked back to see Carlyle watching him.
“I take it you’re interested.”
“Yes, Carlyle, I am. In Boulder, specifically.” Carlyle was about to go on, but McKay had more to say. “It sounds like just what I’ve dreamed of, but may I give you my decision Tuesday?”
“Yes. I’m in charge of this posting, and you have first choice. I won’t make a move until I hear from you.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it. I did tell you that I’m taking Monday off ?”
“Yes, and then two weeks at the end of the month or possibly the first two weeks of September.”
“Yes.”
“Well, that’s all for now,” Carlyle told him by way of dismissal. “Plan to see me when you get in Tuesday. I’ll expect your answer then.”
“Yes, sir.”
McKay exited, knowing that if there had been any way to see Pup right then, he’d have done it. He wanted to skip from the room. He wanted to stand on the roof and shout to everyone that God’s provision went beyond anything he could ask or think. He had completely forgotten that he’d told Carlyle he would eventually like to get out of the big city. He loved Denver—it was a great place to live—but the small-town warmth of Longmont and many other small towns he’d visited in the state was never far from his mind.
Back in his office, he forced himself to focus on the letters he was writing, which confirmed a few more facts for the case. His inter-office speaker sounded. It was Sam Binks, Nick’s new assistant, calling to say Nick wanted to see him. Without even hearing Nick’s voice, McKay knew something was up.
Not having seen Nick the night before, McKay nevertheless had a premonition that this man, whose relationship with Pup was so intense, was ready to have it out with him. He walked to the head-man’s office, his heart asking only one thing of God: that he would maintain his testimony before Nick Wallace.
“Sit down,” Nick instructed as soon as he let McKay into the office. He had indicated the comfortable area of the office, the section with the small carpet, sofa and chairs, but McKay was not fooled. This was not going to be a warm, good-to-see-you conversation. Nick’s face told him he had things on his mind.
“First of all,” Nick started as soon as they’d both sat down. “I want to thank you for all your work on this case; it’s been invaluable. Much as I appreciate your efforts, I still want you to stay away from Pup.”
McKay was relieved that he’d been expecting the worst. His face was more impassive than he felt when he respectfully asked, “Why is that, sir?”
“Because she’s young,” Nick said firmly. “Not in age but in experience. She’s never had a man interested in her before, and quite frankly it’s turned her head.”
McKay didn’t believe that no one had ever shown interest in Pup, but for a moment he didn’t reply. There was so much he could say, but not all of it was wise. He tried again, keeping his voice even.
“Have I done something that makes you think my intentions toward Pup are not honorable?”
“Of course you have!” Nick was becoming agitated. “She’s leaving the treasury, and for what? To go off with a man who may or may not be interested in marrying her.”
These were serious accusations in McKay’s mind, but again he forced himself to remain calm. The type of man Nick had just described was a reprehensible creature. If McKay had chosen to, he could have been quite offended. He knew he wasn’t that kind of man; if only he could convince Nick Wallace of that fact.
“Have I made myself clear, McKay?”
“I believe so, sir. Do you care to hear anything I have to say?”
Nick nodded immediately. Nothing would change his mind, of this he was certain, but it was only fair to let the man talk.
“With all due respect, sir, I think you’re selling me short. I know that you’ve called me in here today out of concern for a woman who is very dear to you, but have you considered Pup’s happiness? She has the same right to have a husband as any other woman.”
“Husband?”
“That’s right, sir. I’m sorry you’ve had the impression that I’m just playing games with her. The truth of the matter is, I’m in love with her.”
“Have you asked her to marry you?”
“No, sir, I haven’t, but—” McKay tried to explain, but Nick wouldn’t let him.
“You can’t have her,” he said bluntly, and McKay knew it was time to put things on the line. Nick glowered at him, but McKay looked steadily back, determined to have his say.
“I have no wish to antagonize you, sir. I realize you can fire me in an instant, but I’m still going to tell you that you don’t own Callie Jennings.” Nick’s expression grew black, but McKay kept his cool. “Her days with the treasury department are numbered, if not already over.”
“The only thing that’s over is this discussion,” Nick said, coming suddenly to his feet. “I don’t think I need to see you to the door, Harrington.”
McKay stood as well. “No, sir, I can find my way. But I hope you’ll do just one thing—I hope you’ll listen to her. I hope you’ll give her that much. If you do, I know you’ll find that Pup’s decision to leave her job has nothing whatsoever to do with me.”
Nick was so still he could have been made of stone. McKay didn’t say another word but turned to the door. Nick didn’t believe for a moment that McKay wasn’t the reason … but if he didn’t buy that argument, why couldn’t he get the words from his mind? Nick eventually went back to his desk, but more than an hour passed before he got any work done.
Out in the hallway, McKay walked slowly back to his own office and shut the door. He didn’t think he’d lost his job, but it was probably pretty close. He didn’t return to Carlyle’s office but he could have. Whether or not he and Pup had a future together, he would need to take the position in Boulder for the future security of his job.
The kitchen at the Wallace household was a busy place. Pup had taken it into her head to bake for McKay. Miranda was dubious but let her at it. However, when she watched the second eggshell go into the bowl, she had to step in.
“That’s two,” she said firmly.
“Did I drop another one?” Pup scrutinized the bowl and saw it, fishing it out with a long spoon.
“Now what else have you put in there when I wasn’t looking?”
The younger woman sighed. “I don’t know. Why did I think that being in love would suddenly make me a good cook?”
Delighted laughter came from the doorway. Camille had come in just in time to hear this.
“You can laugh, Camille,” Pup told her with a frown. “You bake and cook well. Nick’s never found an eggshell in his muffin.”
“What I don’t understand,” Camille replied, still amused as she joined them and looked into the bowl, “is why this sudden urge?”
“I just think McKay would enjoy it.”
“Tell me something, Callie; has Mr. Harring
ton already tasted your cooking?”
“Yes. Many times.”
Camille shrugged as if the point was already made.
“What am I missing?”
The mistress of the household shook her head in tender exasperation. “He’s already fallen for you, Callie. There must be something else that attracts him.”
Pup just stood there. Camille had never seen her like this. She was always so sure of herself, never at a loss. Now she stood over a large batter bowl and looked uncertainly down at the contents. Earlier she’d seen her at one of the front windows, looking out like a child waiting for her papa to come up the walk.
“I guess I’ll just clean this up and forget it.”
“No, you won’t,” Miranda cut in. “I’ll clean it up, and I’ll even make something out of it. That way you can tell Mr. Harrington that you helped.”
The phrase made Pup feel like a five-year-old, but she wasn’t going to turn down the offer. She thanked the competent cook and housekeeper and left the room with Camille. The older woman spoke as soon as they were in the dining room. She had been laughing and having fun in the kitchen, but now her voice was serious. It brought Pup firmly back to earth.
“Will you help me with something today, Callie?”
“Sure. Anything.”
“Will you help me find a church?”
Pup could have wept. Here is my friend searching desperately to understand what is going on inside of her, and all I can think about is McKay, she thought. Camille is right. McKay doesn’t care if I can cook.
“I know of a church for you,” Pup said softly. “And I’m sorry I didn’t think of it before.”
“Do you really, Callie?” Camille’s face was full of yearning and hope.
“Yes. It’s the church McKay attends. He told me about it.” She had a sudden thought. “Go get ready to go out, Camille. I’ll tell Miranda we’re leaving.”
“Where are we going?”
“The church. I’m not sure of the name, but Adair MacKinnon is the pastor. We’ll find it today, and then come Sunday morning, you’ll know right where it is.”
Camille, as refined a lady as had ever graced the streets of Denver, looked like an excited child. Her mouth opened but no words came out.
“I’ll be right back!” she finally managed, grabbing the front of her skirt and taking the stairs on a run.
Pup returned to the kitchen, and noticing that Miranda had already cleaned up her cooking disaster, informed the housekeeper of their plans. When she went to get her own things, Camille was already descending the stairs. Seeing how thrilled Camille was, Pup wasted no time. A moment later the women went out the front door.
“Do you think this is it?”
“Yes,” Pup answered, her eyes on the tall stone building with the short round steeple. She turned and paid the hack driver, thanking him kindly before he went on his way.
“Should you have done that?” Camille asked as the carriage pulled away. Camille led something of a sheltered life, making it easy for her to forget how adept Pup was at taking care of herself.
“Let the driver go?”
“Yes. What if no one is here?”
Pup was not sure why, but even though it was a Friday morning, she believed the church would be open. She did not admit this to Camille; instead, she replied, “We’ll just go up and check the door.” Her voice was matter-of-fact. “If it’s locked, we’ll sit here on this bench and talk awhile.”
“How will we get home?” Camille asked, thankful that it seemed to be a safe neighborhood.
“Just like we got here. We’ll walk up the street until we spot a hack for rent.” Pup looked into her eyes and smiled. “Come on, let’s go try the door.”
Camille’s heart pounded in her chest as they mounted the steps, and she thought it might stop altogether when, with a low groan, the heavy wooden door opened under Pup’s hand. She pulled it wide so Camille could enter in front of her, and with only the slightest hesitation, they walked in.
The interior was a pleasant surprise. It was well lit with huge side windows, and the wood of the pews and pulpit was a light, warm brown. It wasn’t a huge church, seating perhaps 120 people, with a choir loft behind the pulpit that would seat about 20 more. The women were walking slowly up the center aisle when a deep voice filled the room.
“Good morning, ladies.”
Both women stopped. Coming down the aisle toward them was a large man, his broad, smiling face instantly putting them at ease.
“Good morning,” Pup answered; Camille seemed incapable of speech.
“I’m Pastor Adair MacKinnon.” He put his hand out. “Welcome.”
“Thank you,” Pup replied, shaking his hand. “My name is Callie Jennings, and this is my friend, Mrs. Camille Wallace.”
Adair shook Camille’s hand as well.
“What brings you to the Barton Street Bible Church this morning?”
“A friend of mine, McKay Harrington, attends here, and he told me about it.”
“Ah, McKay.” Adair knew he was meeting the woman herself. “How is McKay?”
“He’s doing well. I saw him last night.”
Adair’s smile encompassed them. “Do you ladies live here in Denver?”
Pup looked to Camille, thinking she would at last speak up, but she still stood like a small, uncertain child.
“Mrs. Wallace lives here,” Pup filled in. “I’m just visiting from Boulder.”
“Boulder. That’s a pretty area.”
“Yes, it is. Pastor MacKinnon, what time do services start on Sunday?” Pup asked.
“Ten o’clock. Do you think you might be joining us?”
Refusing to answer, this time Pup looked to Camille. Camille didn’t seem to notice—her eyes were still on the pastor. He was regarding her as well.
“I have questions,” she stated softly.
“Oh? That’s all right.” The pastor’s voice was welcoming. “About the church?”
“No. About Christ and salvation.” It had clearly cost her to say the words, and Pup wanted to thank the man when he smiled.
“Will you come and sit for a time, ladies?”
Camille looked at Pup for the first time since entering. The younger woman nodded her head, and both followed the pastor as he led the way to the front. He directed them to the first pew. They sat side-by-side and watched as he brought a chair over from under one of the windows. He put the chair in front of them and sat down. Pup didn’t know where he had gotten it, but there was also a Bible in his hand.
“Now then, Mrs. Wallace, what can I help you with?”
Nerves overcame her. Fiddling with the rings on her hands, she managed to ask, “Is it really so simple as belief ? I’ve read parts of my Bible just recently, and it talks about belief in Jesus Christ. Is the path to God so simple?”
The pastor looked at her with serious eyes, his mind moving fast. “Your question is a good one, Mrs. Wallace, and I want to answer you honestly—even if it’s not what you want to hear. Are you willing for this?”
Camille nodded without hesitation.
“It’s a serious move, salvation is. It’s more than just agreement or acknowledgment. The person you’re putting your trust into is not a treasured aunt or cousin, it’s the God of the universe. And He’s going to have expectations. He’s going to help you, but there will still be costs—sometimes dear ones. The path is narrow. Anything that comes between you and making God your God has got to be moved aside. Belief, yes, Mrs. Wallace, but I’d be leading you down a rosy path if I didn’t tell you there’s more, much more.”
“In other words there might be some who won’t be pleased with my decision?”
“Exactly. And your life may not be comfortable because of that. When Jesus preached and taught in the different towns, He confounded people. They were flabbergasted at what He was asking them to give up and to do. It’s no less true today, even though we can’t look Him in the eyes or touch His hand.”
“So I shou
ld give great thought to this?”
“I think great thought on this matter would be very wise indeed.”
She was silent for a time, but Pup noticed some of the apprehension had left her face. “If I don’t believe today, this moment with you,” she finally asked, “can I still come on Sunday?”
“Absolutely, Mrs. Wallace.” His warm smile was genuine. “It would be our pleasure to have you—visiting like you have today or joining us for services. And I am available if you have more questions.”
Camille wanted to weep with relief. She knew what was holding her back, and indeed it still was, but knowing that she would be welcome here took a great load from her shoulders.
Camille stood, now more in charge than Pup.
“Thank you, Pastor MacKinnon. I shall be here Sunday.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”
Pup shook his hand as well, and Camille led the way back up the aisle toward the door. Once outside they stood and surveyed the street. Pup looked at her friend and found her face resolute.
“I’ve never done a thing in all my married life without Nick’s permission, Callie,” she told her quietly. “He’s never had any interest in church, and I’ve gone along because I was comfortable doing so. I can’t think what he’ll say when I tell him I’m coming Sunday, but I’m going to do this. I’m going to do exactly what Pastor MacKinnon suggested. I’m going to give this great thought and make sure I know what I’m doing.”
Pup squeezed her hand but didn’t speak. Pastor MacKinnon’s words had touched her as well. She needed constant reminders that her God was the God of the universe. She couldn’t hear it often enough. Her heart was humbled and awed, and she asked God to strengthen her in His grace and to help her understand Him more and more. Indeed, she was so intent on her prayers that she was barely aware of Camille leading them down the street and when she saw a carriage, even waving the driver to the curb.
45
Pup had prayed about Nick’s response off and on all afternoon. She had felt herself beginning to worry and worked at not trying to do God’s job. Camille spent quite a bit of time in her room, and Pup had prayed for her as well. Now, however, the only person on her mind was Nick. The moment was upon her. Nick had been in fine humor during dinner, and Pup knew she was going to have to put up or shut up.
