“Whatever you think is right, Officer.”
He studied his notes a moment and then looked around. “My guess is that there aren’t any. If he’s a pro, chances are he wore gloves.”
Laura wrapped her arms around herself to calm down. Beth shook her head at the futility of the situation.
Officer Patrone turned to leave. “Ma’am, someone will make a few extra patrol sweeps during the night. If you need to, you can 9-1-1 on your phone or cell phone and someone can be here in a few moments. “
As Ted Daniels got ready to go, Beth smiled brightly. “I’ll see Officer Daniels to the door, Laura.”
Laura nodded absentmindedly, “Thanks for your help, Officer, we feel a lot safer with the police keeping an eye on things” Was it Uncle Ray?’
Ten minutes later, the patrol car drove away. When Beth came in she had a silly grin on her face.
“He’s not married. His father was an officer on the police force and is retired. Ted went to the police academy after he got out of the Marine Corps.”
Laura listened with a smile on her face and then began to laugh. “He gave you his life history in ten minutes?”
Beth blushed. “We just talked.”
“Well, it seems pretty obvious that you two weren’t discussing the weather.”
Beth sat down heavily on the couch. “This is so strange. I just met him tonight and I feel like I’ve known him for years.”
“Are we talking love at first sight?”
“Oh, Laura, of course not, it’s just that smile of his. It turns me to butter.”
“Is this my I-could-care-less-about-men friend? What happened to the girl who could take ‘em or leave ‘em?”
Beth jumped up and headed for the kitchen. “I think we need to put dinner together, I’m starved.”
As Laura broiled the steaks, Beth took the partially cooked potatoes out of the oven and put them in the microwave, then began to toss a salad.
Laura asked a blessing on the food and for protection on the house, and they ate dinner in silence, both of them lost in thought. Laura understood her friend’s feelings. She’d felt the same way the moment she met Alan. Turning her attention to the break-in, she contemplated the implications of someone looking through the house. What could he have been looking for? Would he come back? Were she and Beth in any danger? The thoughts tumbled over themselves as Laura tried to have it all make sense.
They watched Laura’s favorite movie, “Sleepless in Seattle” to take their minds the events of the evening. Later, when they were crawling under their comforters on the couch, Laura realized Beth was still frightened also.
“Beth, you know what I’m thinking, but I don’t know for sure.”
“That it could be your uncle?”
“This is so crazy. Who else would break in the house?”
Beth shook her head. “I don’t know what to think. It’s scary.’
“I’m glad we’re sleeping in here again. I just feel better being together.”
Laura reached out her hand and took Beth’s. “We are God’s children, under His protection. Let’s just pray and trust Him to watch over us.”
“Lord, you know what has happened and that we are both apprehensive. We put ourselves under Your care and rest in Your everlasting arms. Send your angels to watch over us, Lord, and help us to trust in You. Your word says in Psalms that we can lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone cause us to dwell in safety. We rest in the assurance of that Psalm tonight and thank you for Your care, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Beth sighed and slipped down under the comforter, almost covering her head. As Laura turned out the light and slipped under her own covers, Beth stuck her head out again.
“You set the alarm, right?”
Laura lay back and stared at the ceiling. What was it that Ginny was saying about Uncle Ray being in the house before he went to prison? Why would he come back after all those years and then sneak out again?
Slowly it came to her. Was it possible? Could he have---? Suddenly she knew what their mysterious burglar was looking for.
Chapter Eighteen
Laura waited for Beth to finish getting dressed. She’d gotten little sleep, alert to every sound, and contemplating the break in. It was a long night.
Just before they left the house, Laura straightened up the living room and Beth plumped up the pillows on the couch just in case they had visitors after the service.
Visitors. Laura couldn’t get last night out of her mind, the apprehension like a tangible thing in the house. Will he come back, maybe while we’re at the memorial service? She had heard of people who dealt with panic after being robbed. Her sense of comfort and safety in the house had been violated and erased. She’d never again feel safe in the house by herself unless they caught whoever had broken in.
As Laura checked and locked a door or window, Beth went behind her, double checking everything. Laura made sure she locked the kitchen screen door and the inside door and the hook was in place. All was as secure as she could make it.
They locked the door into the living room from the entry room and then Beth warmed up the SUV while Laura set the alarm code and secured the front door.
Beth glanced sideways at her as she got in the car. “You okay?”
“As okay as I can be. I guess I just have to trust the security service and hope our burglar doesn’t decide to come back.”
“We’ve done all we could. God’s watching over us, Laura.”
“I know.” In silence they drove out the gravel driveway and towards the Community Church.
Sam Matheson tightened his tie and surveyed the figure in the mirror. It would be his first time in church in two years, and for another memorial service. He intended to go in memory of Estelle DuPont, but was that the real reason? Don’t go there, Sam.
Slipping on his suit jacket he vowed to just concentrate on paying respect to a very special woman who had affected his life.
Estelle DuPont never told anyone about the evening he’d appeared on her doorstep, drunk and beside himself with grief. He was beyond anger. He’d ranted at God until he was spent. Why he’d come to her house he couldn’t be sure but his heart sensed a haven and something to hang on to. Estelle DuPont dealt with a drunken husband and had no cause to take him in, yet what he saw in her eyes when she opened the door wasn’t anger or pity, but compassion. She put an arm around him and gently helped him into the house.
“Come in, Sam. Sit down here on the couch. It’s going to be all right.”
She’d led him to the couch, blubbering incoherently as he sank down putting his, head in his hands. She listened quietly as he ranted on. There were no platitudes, no recriminations, no pat Scripture verses, she just let him get it out of his system. When he’d quieted down, she went into the kitchen and heated some homemade chicken noodle soup. Sam hadn’t eaten in two days and in spite of his reeling head found he was hungry. When he finished the soup, weariness came over him like a great weight and he leaned back against the cushions. She spoke soothingly to him and brushed the hair from his eyes.
Remembering the scene, Sam shook his head as he looked at the neatly dressed man in the mirror. He must have been a mess that night, unshaven and he hadn’t bathed in three days. His clothes probably reeked. Mrs. DuPont didn’t bat an eyelash, just fed him the soup. He felt like the little boy who’d come there years ago for hot chocolate and home-made cookies.
Sam found himself still on her couch when he woke up the next morning. She’d covered him with a warm blanket and taken off his shoes. He looked over and saw her asleep in the nearby recliner chair, her open Bible on her lap. She’d sat with him all night, praying no doubt. When he got up to leave, she awoke, but he couldn’t find the words to thank her. She just patted his arm and said, “You’ll be all right, Sam. God knows your heartache. He cares.”
He nodded slowly, gave her a warm hug, and went home. He took a shower, threw the clothes he was wearing in the trash and cleaned up his house.
It had been his lowest ebb, and he slowly crawled upward from there. Mrs. DuPont called him from time to time to see how things were going and let him know she was praying for him. There was something about her unwavering faith that finally put his feet back on the path to normalcy.
Now, stepping out into the unexpected sunshine, Sam looked up at the trees and the mountain behind the house. What had changed? He looked at the view and thought of Marcy, but the dull ache of pain wasn’t there.
He gazed up at the mountain a long time. “Good morning, Lord,” he whispered and climbed into his truck.
Deke Brucker owned one good suit. At least it fit him well. He’d gotten a haircut and shaved carefully. The mustache made him look a little debonair. He wanted to make a good impression on Laura Kingsley today at the services. If he played his cards right, he could create just the right opening to be invited to the house.
He was pleased with himself over the successful search of the DuPont house, congratulating himself at not being seen. Maybe throwing the paper towels into the trash was a risk, but he’d pushed them down towards the bottom, so the chances of someone seeing them were pretty slim. Still, he probably should have taken the evidence with him. He shrugged, too late now.
He patted his pocket where he’d put the yellow slip of paper. What did the combination open? He’d been in enough situations over the years to trust his instincts, and saved himself more than once. He couldn’t shake the thought that the answer to his questions could be found in that house. It had to be there. Maybe the girl knew the location of the safe, maybe not. She didn’t live in the area. He’d gotten a local paper and read Estelle DuPont’s obituary. It said the niece came from San Diego. Why did the old lady have to die before I could talk to her? Old ladies were a specialty of his. He knew how to pour on the charm. He’d even wormed money out of a few. They all thought him such a nice boy.
Deke snorted in disgust. He had just this weekend, unless he ingratiated himself to the girl. After all, they were cousins. Her uncle was his father. As a plan formulated in his mind, he slicked back his hair and whistled. He had a feeling this could turn out to be a good day, even if he had to spend an hour or so in a church.
Ginny put on her hat and added a dab of lipstick. She’d been praying for Laura Kingsley but hadn’t been over again since they had dealt with Esty’s clothes. Laura had her friend Beth and wasn’t in the house alone. Ginny saw the letters tied with the ribbon in Esty’s drawer when Laura opened it, but when Laura closed the drawer again, Ginny kept quiet. Laura would read them later. Then, Thursday afternoon she’d had a chance to answer Laura’s questions. Considering the news she’d imparted to the girl, she shook her head sympathetically. Esty’s niece had a big load to carry on her shoulders. Then Ginny smiled. Laura knew the Lord, and that would be her strength.
George came into the bedroom. “Did you hear the goings on at Esty’s house last night, Ginny? Two police cars, one of them Joe Petrone’s. I wonder what happened.”
Ginny turned her blue eyes on him. “George, were you peeking out the window? I’m sure Laura will tell us if there is something serious. We mustn’t be nosy neighbors.”
“Humph. I just worry about those two girls.”
She patted his arm. “You are an old dear.” She put her arm in his and they started towards the front door. “Let’s go help Laura get through this day.”
Chapter Nineteen
Laura looked out at a packed church. Her aunt really did know a lot of people. She went over the service briefly with the pastor, met the soloist and couldn’t find anything she wanted to change. Just before she sat down in the front row with Beth, she glanced out over the pews. Mr. Devers and his wife were in the second pew. Ginny and George Morgan, and Pete Wilkins and his wife sat next to them. Then she noticed a young man about her age sitting alone at the end of the family pew. He had hair the color of fresh straw and his face, with a blond mustache, appeared pleasant-looking. He returned her perusal with interest.
She turned and sat down, concentrating on what she wanted to say about her aunt. Suddenly there was a stir in the congregation and as Laura turned to see what was happening, opened her mouth in surprise. Her mother was sailing up the aisle like a grand duchess. She spotted Laura and waited at the end of the pew for Laura and Beth to move over. Laura rolled her eyes. Gloria Kingsley was a master at grand entrances.
Laura started to say something but her mother merely smiled, seated herself gracefully and looked towards the front of the church. Reva Morris stepped forward to sing. Beth looked straight ahead, seemingly engrossed in the program but nudged Laura’s arm. Laura nudged her back. They’d find out what Gloria was up to later.
Reva’s voice soared in the church like that of an angel, sending goose bumps up Laura’s arms. Pastor Bridges gave a wonderful eulogy and she marveled at his words about the aunt she thought she knew, a person who cared about others in spite of the sadness in her own life.
Suddenly the pastor introduced her and Laura walked up to the podium. She took a deep breath and smiled at the congregation.
“As I look out on this church, filled with family,” she directed a pointed gaze at her mother, “friends, and so many unfamiliar faces, I feel truly blessed to know how many lives my aunt touched. Growing up, her house in the forest, as someone called it, became a haven for me. Like her Sunday school classes, I loved the cookies and hot chocolate, and fishing on the lake in her old rowboat. We toasted marshmallows in the fireplace and one day she led me to Jesus, my Savior. Those loving moments changed my life forever. Aunt Estelle was like a beautiful quilt with each of us adding our lives like the various squares that fit it together. When I went away to college, I didn’t come as often as I would have liked, and when I got my first job, it seemed so easy to get busy with work and let the months go by. I have her letters of encouragement that helped me stay strong in my faith. I thought I knew my aunt, and yet, this time, since I have returned, I’ve learned a lot more about her. The poetry she wrote, the kind deeds she did for others without expecting anything in return. I learned she had a nickname, Esty. All these little things are like gifts to me, to help me remember and cherish the person she was. As we come together to honor her memory, I know she is with her Savior. That she’s walking and talking with him, and one day, for those of us who loved her and believe, we’ll see her again. That is the hope that we carry in our hearts. Thank you all so much, for coming.”
She returned to her seat and Beth reached over and pressed her hand. “Good job, girlfriend” she whispered.
The pastor nodded to one of the ushers who carried a portable microphone and watched for hands raised to speak. Laura waited, hoping she wasn’t the only one who would say something. Ginny Morgan got up and with tears shared the friendship that she and Esty had enjoyed for over thirty years. Several others stood where they were and shared something Estelle DuPont had done for them or how she had touched their lives. As Laura turned to listen, she noticed Sam sitting a few pews back with a couple she realized must be his father and mother. Sam caught her eye, held it a moment and then slowly stood up.
He looked down at his shoes and then finally up at the congregation. “As most of you know, I haven’t been around here for a while. I know I’ve had your prayers, but today I’m thinking of the prayers of Mrs. DuPont. I’m thankful for my parents, for their love and support, but they couldn’t reach me, though I know they really tried. One dark night, Mrs. DuPont’s faith and encouragement helped me overcome a difficult time. As my Sunday school teacher, like Ms. Kinglsey, she led me to the Lord. I came today to remember her, and what she did for me. She was a great lady and in so many ways, showed us what Jesus was like. Today I’m thankful for her life and in thinking of that life, realize I have a way to go to live up to her belief in me. With God’s help, I hope to do that. “
He quickly sat down, and Laura heard soft murmuring and sensed heads nodding in approval. Laura could feel the love reaching towards Sam and for his sake, she felt glad
. Whatever he’d gone through had passed and he was facing the world again.
When the service ended, Gloria stood and allowed an usher to lead her back down the aisle. Laura and Beth quickly followed. When they were clear of the sanctuary, Laura turned to her mother.
“I’m glad you decided to come, Mother. What changed your mind?”
“Estelle was my sister, darling, I just realized that whatever our differences, she is gone now, and I should in all good conscience say goodbye in a proper way.”
Somehow Laura had the feeling that there was more to her mother’s appearance than being a devoted sister, but her mother merely smiled benevolently and moved away to visit with some people she evidently knew.
Beth watched Gloria walk away. “Your mother is certainly unique.”
Laura grinned at her friend. Beth and Gloria locked horns from the first time they met. Beth was outspoken and Gloria didn’t like anyone to disagree with her ideas, no matter how polite they were about it.
“I know you two don’t get along, but can we call a truce, for today?”
“Oh, I promise to behave. I’m going to get some punch and look over the food table. See you in a bit. Looks like you have a few people to greet.”
Laura looked past her friend and realized several people were waiting to talk to her. She found herself shaking hands with some people and where appropriate, hugging others. Mr. Devers introduced his wife, Trudy, and Pete Wilkins introduced his wife, Emily, and finally, she found herself facing the young man with the mustache.
He put out his hand with a smile. “My name’s Deke. I realize this may surprise you, Ms. Kingsley, but we’re related. I’m Ray DuPont’s son.”
Laura’s eyebrows shot up. “Ray DuPont? My uncle?”
Deke shrugged self-consciously, “I know this comes as a shock. Knowing my father had another family was a shock too.”
Laura took his hand, her mind reeling with questions.. “I’m so glad to meet you, Deke. We never knew what happened to Uncle Ray. Is he still alive?”
House of the Forest Page 10
