Love's Return_A Christian Romance

by T. K. Chapin

  “Do you still worry?”

  She nodded gently, but there was a hint of guilt and shame in her expression. “I want perfect trust, but the enemy is always attacking. These robberies of the construction site work on two different levels. In one way, it feels like this shouldn’t be happening—maybe it’s a sign? It’s not going smoothly like it was in the beginning. But in another way, it feels just like the devil is attacking us with his fiery little darts because we are doing the right thing.”

  “Sounds like a tough spot.”

  She nodded, and just then, the front door opened. We all turned our heads.

  A man walked into the living room and smiled directly at Serenah.

  “This is Charlie,” Serenah said excitedly as she stood up.

  Chapter 16-Jessica

  SERENAH AND CHARLIE HAD BEEN married for over five years, but they acted like newlyweds. The light kisses, the hand-holding. It wasn’t over the top, but it was enough to make me long for something like it. To my surprise, seeing them together and interviewing the couple somehow made me think more about Kirk. It made me wonder if I would have not just let him go without saying something, anything, if our lives now would be any different. Why couldn’t he have just called me? I wondered, a bit of frustration laced with my thought since giving him my card days ago.

  After the interviews with Charlie and Serenah, they put Emma down for a nap. Jax came over to me on the couch while I finished up my notes and sat down beside me.

  “Ma’am,” he said, adjusting to face me. “I believe WIN might be able to help them with security at the construction site. I can’t make any promises, but Winston, the owner, lives up in Newport and is a believer in God, and this is right up his alley.”

  Raising an eyebrow, I said, “That’d be great. Why didn’t you say something?”

  “I can’t promise it’d happen. I didn’t want to say anything in front of them. I’d love to take a look at the construction site and get some key information I can take back to Winston when I propose it to him.”

  Nodding, I said, “All right. I’ll make sure we get a chance to get over there today before we leave.”

  The front door opened and the sound of suitcases hitting the tile echoed into the living room. Slipping my notepad into my purse, I stood and Jax joined me. Once the guests were ushered to their room, Serenah and Charlie returned to us in the living room.

  “Could we see the construction site?” I asked.

  Charlie nodded. “Absolutely. Let’s go now. Serenah can stay here and I’ll take you over.”

  We all three piled into Charlie’s truck to make the short trip down the road to where the plot of land where the church was being built sat. Pulling into the dirt parking lot, I saw the church building. They had already built the foundation and most of the walls, but spray-painted graffiti littered the sides of the church. My heart broke at the sight of it.

  Getting out of the truck, Charlie and I approached while Jax took off to do some sort of perimeter check.

  “How could people do this to a house of God?” I asked as I shook my head, approaching the building.

  “It’s evil, that’s what it is. I feel so bad for Serenah. It makes her wonder if we’re really doing the right thing. To me, it only strengthens my confidence that we are.” Charlie led me over to a pile of timber back behind the building. Pointing it out, he said, “There was almost three times as much last night before Joe left.”

  “Joe is?”

  “He’s the builder, contractor for the whole thing.”

  My wondering look gave me away. I suspected.

  “I’ve known Joe for a long time. It’s not him.” He glanced around the plot of land and at the church. “Who’s doing it? I’m not sure, but I have a feeling it’s a group. There’s no way one person can haul that much timber.”

  My eyes surveyed the area. “You talk to neighbors?”

  “Yep. Not a word on anybody seeing anything.”

  “The police?”

  He frowned. “Nope. They opened a small investigation and questioned some people in town but no solid leads. Joe and I have tried taking turns staying up all night, watching the church, ready to call the police if anyone came, but it’s like they were aware we were there and never came. Soon, we just couldn’t keep up with our daily lives if we stayed up all night watching the place, so we gave up and they figured it out, then started stealing again.”

  As I continued with Charlie into the structure of the church, I almost told him about WIN possibly being able to help but held back in case it fell through. I felt for Charlie and Serenah. They wanted to serve the community and help give people a place to worship God, but they were hitting a hard roadblock outside of their realm of control. My heart twisted at their heartbreaking story, but the fact they didn’t give up was inspiration to me, and I knew it meant the readers would also be inspired. As we walked, I thought about how often we, as Christians, find ourselves in what appears to be a hopeless place, struggling to understand the meaning of it all. It’s a place we all come to at one time or another in our lives, and Charlie and Serenah were smack in the middle of it, kind of like how I was with my stalker.

  Chapter 17-Kirk

  “JUST THE GUY I WANTED to see,” Winston said as I attempted to walk by his office on my way to the workout room at the WIN offices. Stopping, I backed up and partially hung into the doorway to make it look like I was extremely busy and on my way somewhere. He didn’t care.

  He motioned me into his office with a wave of his hand.

  Taking a seat, I raised my eyebrows. “What’s up?”

  “As you already know, you’re still on suspension after clocking that guy the other night with Jax. I’ve been debating on what to do with you.”

  My head hung, eyes finding my workout shoes and the floor. I had acted foolishly and from a place of emotion instead of logic outside the bar when I slugged him. Luckily, the guy didn’t press charges, but it didn’t save me from the consequences at work.

  “I’m lucky to still be an employee here and I thank you for keeping me on.”

  “You bet you’re lucky! If you weren’t as good as you are, I would’ve fired you, Dekker.”

  It stung to hear the words I suspected were already in my boss’s head. I looked up to him almost like a father.

  He slid a piece a paper across his desk. “I have some volunteer work I believe you’re best suited for out of anyone on the team. There’s been a string of robberies and vandalism at a church construction site and I want you to figure it out.”

  Raising an eyebrow, I smiled. “Sweet, investigative work.”

  “Not exactly. Your primary role will be standing guard at night. It’s when the robberies have been happening.”

  “Graveyard shift?” I asked, leaning in with raised eyebrows. “Seriously? Why not install some cameras and catch the bad guys on tape?”

  “Yes, seriously.” Winston leaned across his desk. “Cameras won’t deal with the issue. You will. Plus, I think working some nights might give you some perspective. This place is important to me. The owners also now run the inn where my wife and I had our honeymoon over two decades ago. Basically, don’t screw it up.”

  Staring down at the informational sheet on the church out at Diamond Lake, I thought about the fact that the gig would be protecting a church. Being a believer in Jesus, I liked that part. It being graveyard, though, annoyed me. I enjoyed my sleep and I preferred it to be during the night. I had once done a graveyard shift back when I was a cop. I only made it a week before I requested to be changed back to days. I was lucky when they honored my request. I hadn’t been a cop for long.

  Chapter 18-Jessica

  AFTER AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER out at Diamond Lake, I wanted to visit with Kelly, Pastor Randy’s wife, from Lifeway church. She had given me her phone number the night I’d had the run-in with my stalker. She was ecstatic that I called and wanted to meet for a cup of coffee downtown. I suggested Milo’s.

  As
we took our seats at a table, she asked right away how things were going.

  “I hired a bodyguard, so it’s brought a measure of comfort.”

  Finishing a sip of coffee, her eyes lit up. “Oh, good! Praise the Lord. I was so worried about you when I dropped you off at your friend’s house. I went home praying for you as I drove and I haven’t stopped.”

  I smiled, and thankfulness washed over me. Even though we had barely met, she was praying for me. “I appreciate the prayers. Can I be honest?”

  “I’d prefer it if you were.”

  I laughed. “It’s times like these I wish I had a boyfriend.”

  “You don’t have one?” Kelly asked, surprised to hear it.

  I looked down at my coffee. “Nope.”

  “I’m not sure why I assumed you did.” She paused, looking me over briefly. “I guess I just figured since you’re such a pretty girl and so kind-hearted.”

  “God just hasn’t brought the right guy into my life. I was dating a guy a couple of years ago. Things seemed good for eight months … then he developed a drinking habit. He ended up hitting me, so I left.” My eyes widened and my face reddened as I covered my mouth. “Why am I saying this? I’m so sorry. Too much information.”

  Kelly shook her head. “It’s okay. I think we all have a bad boyfriend or two from our pasts. God has someone out there for you, Jessica. Just you wait and see.”

  Smiling, I said, “I know, and I’m mostly okay with that. Sometimes, it’s just hard.” Taking a drink of my coffee, I tried to wash down the feelings of self-pity that had come to the surface.

  “It’s natural to have a desire to be with someone. You just have to make sure you don’t settle for just anyone. It’s amazing you left the jerk who hit you. A lot of women never get out of an abusive relationship unscathed, or at all. It was incredibly brave of you.”

  “Thank you.” My mind drifted to Diamond Lake, to the church, and then to Lifeway’s church. “I met a couple struggling to get a church built for a while. They keep having people steal supplies and vandalize the property.”

  “Getting things started is so hard. Randy and I have had our fair share of struggles over the years, and it requires a lot of trust in God to see it to the end. I’m so sorry to hear they’re being robbed. How are they doing?”

  “They’re okay, still holding onto their faith and trusting God.”

  She nodded slowly. “That’s the only way to get through the valleys.”

  “Isn’t that the truth,” I said, a smile coming to my lips. As we continued to chat about both churches, I was brought to the realization that her friendship wouldn’t have ever happened if I wasn’t attacked. I didn’t want to have a run-in with my stalker, but I was joyful for the friendship that had blossomed from it.

  Chapter 19-Jessica

  ON SATURDAY MORNING, I AWOKE still thinking about the church out on the lake. Deciding to make a few batches of cookies to take up to Joe and the construction crew I got busy in the kitchen and then headed out to Diamond Lake. At my old church in Albany, when the construction workers were building our church, I recalled how my mother would take treats out to them. I tagged along several times. I’ll never forget the look in those workers’ eyes when they saw the freshly baked treats.

  Arriving at the construction site, I found the crew toiling away in the cool October morning. A man came out to meet me as I got out of the car.

  “Hello, miss. To what do we owe this pleasure?” he asked. Taking off his hard hat, he extended a hand to shake mine.

  We shook hands and then I handed him the plate of brownies and cookies. “I’m Jessica with Faith Builders Magazine and I just wrote a piece on what’s going on out here. My heart was broken over the stealing going on and I wanted to cheer you all up with some treats.”

  He smiled. “Well, thank you. I’m Joe. I got word from Charlie this morning that there will be someone out guarding the construction site nightly starting tomorrow, so we’re already in good spirits. I do appreciate your bringing these treats, though, and I’m sure the guys will too.”

  Thrilled at the news, my eyes lit up. “That’s awesome. It should help.”

  “I sure hope so.” His eyes turned back to his crew and the church building. “I’d better get back to work. I don’t like them having to do it without me. Thanks again for the cookies! I’ll make sure they all get some.”

  “You’re welcome. It was nice meeting you. Have a good day!”

  Turning around, I headed back to my car with a smile on my face and joy in my heart. The construction site would be safe from any more breakins, and all thanks to the good-hearted Winston over at WIN. I was already seeing how God was working things for good since my incident with my stalker.

  As I got back in my car, it hit me that the thieves could strike tonight. My stomach flipped at the thought. It’d be a shame to be hit once more before being securely protected.

  Tossing the idea of coming back tonight, I felt torn in two different directions. On one hand, I was just a girl who had to have a bodyguard and security cameras just to feel safe. On the other hand, this wasn’t the situation with the stalker. It was different. The stalker was after me, specifically. These thieves were just after the supplies and causing issues. It would be a simple phone call to the police if I saw anyone tonight. Going back tonight could end up being stupid, but I couldn’t shake the idea.

  Chapter 20-Jessica

  THAT NIGHT, I DRESSED IN all black and drove out to Diamond Lake. The adrenaline coursing through my body kept me alert and ready as I made it to a spot on the side of the road a few blocks away. Getting out of my car, I hurried through the ditch and up toward the construction site. Arriving to a hidden area behind a large tree, I took off my backpack and got as comfortable as possible in the dirt and shrubs. A floodlight shone down on the otherwise dark area of the construction site, illuminating the building entirely but only shedding pieces of light around the building. Charlie had told me previously that he installed the light after the first breakin.

  An hour came and went and my eyes weighed heavy as the adrenaline left my system. A chill in the air nipping at my cheeks was the only thing keeping me awake. Pulling out the foiled heating blanket, I wrapped myself in it, praying it didn’t send me tumbling to slumber.

  My eyes grew heavier as my body warmed beneath the blanket.

  A vehicle pulled up.

  My fatigue melted away and my pulse raced as I scrambled out of the noisy blanket. Fumbling through the dark, I grabbed my backpack and worked with trembling hands to get the front pocket open to get my cellphone.

  The vehicle turned off and a man emerged.

  Reaching around in the pocket for my phone, I noticed only a single set of footsteps through the gravel.

  Checking another pocket, it dawned on me that I hadn’t placed it into my backpack after I checked my messages in my car.

  The footsteps grew louder through the gravel as they made their way toward the light.

  My heart racing, I leaned forward and waited to catch a glimpse of who it was.

  The footsteps stopped.

  Pulling my head back, I tried not to move.

  Suddenly, the footsteps continued, this time in my direction.

  Fear consumed me and I began to back up slowly.

  He started to run.

  Turning quickly, I dashed in a sprint as fast as my legs would carry me.

  Heart pounding, I tried to get away, but I heard him getting closer and closer.

  Please, God, help me! I prayed as I felt like an idiot for coming out here.

  Catching up to me, the man grabbed ahold of the hood of my sweatshirt and yanked. I stopped instantly, falling to my backside and having the wind knocked out of me.

  “Who are you?” He shouted as he lowered down to his knees beside me.

  With tears streaming from my eyes, I tried to focus on him. Blinking the tears away, I saw his face.

  “Kirk?”

  Chapter 21-Jessica
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br />   SILENCE MINGLED WITH CONFUSION THE next few moments. He sat nearby, rubbing his forehead, trying to wrap his mind around it all. My pulse rapidly slowed.

  “What are you doing here, Kirk?” I sat up, then continued, “You’re not the one stealing from the construction site, are you?”

  He shook his head. Gaining his composure, he rose to his feet. In the low light of the moon, I spotted a wedding band on his hand. “No, it wasn’t me. I’m starting a gig tomorrow night watching this place and I wanted to come check things out tonight.” Flashing me a confused look, he tilted his head and looked at me. “My question is why are you here, Jess? And you’re dressed in all black?”

  “I’m a reporter for a magazine.” He grabbed my hand, helping me up to my feet. Wiping the dirt off my black jeans, I said, “I did a story on the couple who own this place and heard the security guard wasn’t starting until tomorrow. I was worried the thieves were going to strike tonight. So—wait—you work with WIN?”

  “Yeah, I work for them. A better question is what on earth were you thinking coming out here? It’s not safe.”

  We heard movement behind us back at the construction site, the sound of lumber being moved. Worry gripped my soul. Kirk immediately took off back toward the direction of the site, flying on the tips of his toes with full confidence as he weaved between the trees. Following him, I came back to my spot near the tree and watched from safety.

  Kirk tackled a man to the ground. He wrestled with him, each throwing punches and letting out groans. There in the still of the darkness near the entrance of the site, I saw another man approaching. Seeing the man clearer, I saw that he held a bat. My stomach flipped as I saw him quickly approaching Kirk.