by DiAnn Mills
Sylvia gasped. “Lester, we’re in church.”
“Can’t think of a better place to talk about the reputations of God-fearing people,” Lester said.
“I understand you were the first to hear it,” Travis said. “Where did the rumors begin? I want to talk to that person so the lies will stop.”
Lester pointed to the three young women. “Right there. Said they’d witnessed the indiscretion. Can you imagine? Here you and Mrs. Kahler volunteer your time to see to their physical and spiritual needs, and they spread gossip.” He patted his wife’s arm and leaned in closer to Travis. “Sylvia and I have tried to direct them toward the ways of our Lord, and look how they repay us.”
“That will be another matter for me to talk about,” Travis said. What was Lester attempting to do? At times, he doubted the man’s sanity.
“Tell Brother Travis the rest of what we’ve decided,” Lester said to Sylvia.
She took a deep breath, and Lester supported her waist. “Unless the situation changes in the next month, I will have to cease my work there. I plan to tell Jenny in the morning.”
“Her resignation also means a withdrawal of financial support,” Lester added. “We believed in what we were doing at Heaven’s Gate, but it has become a thankless and weary job.”
“I understand,” Travis said. “And I’ll share your decision with the young women in question.”
Lester toyed with the brim of his felt hat. “Come along, Sylvia. Brother Whitworth has plenty to do this evening.” He took his wife’s arm and nodded at Travis with a smile that more resembled a sneer.
The man puzzled Travis. He couldn’t figure out why Lester involved himself with such treachery. Was it the money? He already had more than anyone else in town. Travis took in a deep breath. I should be trying harder to reach him for the kingdom of God. His past efforts had been met with contempt, but Travis refused to give up on him.
While the Andrews and Kahler children enjoyed cobbler at their grandparents’, their parents visited in the back of the church. Travis approached Rosie, Laura, and Daisy. He had noted Daisy appeared to be the shyest of the three, and she rarely made comments in Travis’s presence. Her timid personality kept others at a distance, or had she given up on life?
“Have you reached a decision?” Travis said of the three.
“What did Lester want?” Laura’s pallor told of her fright.
“He and Sylvia are concerned about none of you having any money to pay for the expenses at Heaven’s Gate.”
Rosie nearly stiffened. “How dare he when he refuses to pay us for all our work?”
“I’m trying to figure out the same thing.” He glanced into the face of each young woman in turn. “Sylvia plans to resign from her work there if the money situation doesn’t change.”
“Lester can then do anything he wants without her finding out,” Rosie said.
“Another reason why he must be stopped. If you’re ready, we can see the sheriff now. Morgan and Grant Andrews have homes large enough for all of you.”
“I want to stop him,” Rosie said. “He’ll only continue beating me.”
Laura slid her a sideways glance. “I’ve tasted his fists once too often myself. I’ll go to the sheriff as long as Brother Travis can keep us safe.”
“What if he starts beating Mrs. Hillman instead of us?” Daisy’s large dark eyes held the haunting story of agony and defeat.
Rosie shook her head. “I hadn’t thought of that. I couldn’t bear to have her hurt.”
“We deserve what happens to us,” Laura said, “but not Mrs. Hillman.”
“You’re wrong,” Travis said. “What’s stopping him from beating her now? Has he abused all of you?”
Each young woman nodded.
“Then put a halt to this now,” he said.
Rosie and Laura exchanged glances, but Daisy looked away.
“Daisy, I believe your friends are willing. What about you?”
“I can’t.” Daisy’s gaze focused on the stained-glass window, the one depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
“Why not?” Travis said. “Are you afraid?”
“Not for me. Mrs. Hillman has been like a mother to me. Better than mine ever was. I can’t expose Lester or humiliate her or have him angry enough to hit her. I can’t. I refuse. Besides, Mrs. Hillman loves her no-good husband.” She stood and, without looking at Rosie or Laura, whisked past them and on to the door.
“Daisy, please,” Travis said. “Let’s talk a little more.”
The young woman paused for a moment, then continued out of the church.
“We can’t go to the sheriff without her.” A sob escaped Rosie’s throat. “I’m sorry. Maybe she’ll change her mind. God help me, but I understand how Daisy feels.” She stood, and her body trembled. Laura joined her.
“You have no idea what Mrs. Hillman means to us, Brother Travis,” Laura said. “We are condemned if we stay, and we condemn Mrs. Hillman if we leave. I’d like to do what you ask, but all of us fret over that dear woman.”
Travis stared long after the young women left. Desperation and a fear for the residents of Heaven’s Gate, who loved Sylvia more than their own lives, yanked at his heart and mind. He had a miserable feeling about the outcome of this situation because it looked like no one was willing to testify about Lester’s evil nature.
A hand clamped on his shoulder. “From the look on your face, it appears they’re too frightened of Lester to stop him,” Grant said.
“They are,” Travis said. “Rosie and Laura would go to the sheriff tonight, but Daisy loves and respects Sylvia too much to risk her getting hurt or humiliated. Sylvia is the reason the other two are hesitant.”
“There will be a special crown in heaven for Sylvia Hillman.” Grant turned and motioned to Jenny. She stepped to his side and hooked her arm into his. “I’ve told Jenny all that we’ve discussed. We’re trying to figure out if there is anything we can do since the house belongs to us. As of yet, nothing has come to mind. We had no luck in speaking to the girls, either.”
“Prayer is all we can do,” Travis said. “And hope the girls change their minds. I do understand how they feel about Sylvia, but it doesn’t make the situation right. Although they have such low opinions of themselves, they are risking their lives for the sake of a beloved woman. How many others in this church would be willing to sacrifice their lives for another?”
Morgan and Casey walked toward them. “I can guess tonight’s outcome,” he said. “Am I assured in believing none of us have given up?”
“We can’t,” Travis said. “Lester is pretty confident right now that no one will expose him. He’s done a good job of preying on those who cannot hurt him, but I believe if we bide our time, he’ll make a mistake. Right now, would you join me in a prayer for guidance and wisdom? I’m real concerned about those young ladies.”
Chapter 25
The following Tuesday, Bonnie drove Michael Paul to school on her way to her day of volunteering at Heaven’s Gate. She wore her coat, knowing by mid-afternoon she’d shed it for her shawl. Usually Lydia Anne came with her, but today Juanita kept the little girl. The two planned to bake bread, which suited Bonnie fine. Lydia Anne didn’t need to see or hear any nasty lies that might arise as a result of Lester’s bidding.
Miss Scott ignored her when Bonnie bid Michael Paul good-bye. The gossip about her and Brother Travis weighed heavily in the air, and Miss Scott fancied Travis in a big way. Bonnie had seen the way Miss Scott stared at him. The memory made Bonnie feel really sorry for the woman.
Not that Bonnie blamed Miss Scott. Last night she’d lain awake wondering if Ben was disappointed in her. She loved him then and she loved him now, but Bonnie’s thoughts lingered on the preacher, whose real appearance under that beard had proved a mystery to everyone. She’d fallen for
his heart.
Before fulfilling her responsibilities at Heaven’s Gate, she wanted to see Zack and Brother Travis. The food from Thanksgiving had probably disappeared, and she had a ham and canned vegetables in the back of the wagon.
The thought of more gossip entered her mind, but she pushed it away. Those who insisted on spreading rumors would continue, and those who knew her as a moral and upright woman would understand she had a need to see the preacher who cared for her son. However, she hoped Zack or Brother Travis would see her coming so she could avoid entering the house.
Zack met her outside before she had time to jump down from the buckboard. Good. A prayer answered.
“On your way to Heaven’s Gate?” Zack said.
“Yes, but I brought you a ham and some vegetables first.”
He grinned. “The food you sent from Thanksgiving is gone.”
“I figured as much.”
Zack snatched up the ham and two jars of vegetables. “I’ll be right back for the rest.”
The front door slammed, and she looked up to see Brother Travis. Zack held up the ham.
“I’m saved again from your cooking,” her son said. “There’s more in the wagon.”
Brother Travis wasted no time in gathering up the rest of the canned vegetables and a loaf of bread. His gaze met hers, and she sensed her cheeks flush warm.
“Thanks, Bonnie. You know just when we run out. I can cook, and I’m not that bad. It’s simply not the fine meals you and Juanita prepare.”
Zack hurried back and took the remaining items from Brother Travis. “Grandpa is expecting us this morning. He’s going to help me with Latin.”
“I have plenty of time, if you’d like for me to drive you gentlemen to the parsonage,” she said.
Zack shook his head. “Mama, I’ll drive the wagon if it’s all right with Brother Travis. A man doesn’t allow a woman to do all the work.”
“I’d be honored.”
Travis chuckled. “Let me grab my hat and Bible.”
Luckily, it was early enough that few folks were out and about. Bonnie’s idea of avoiding gossip meant not to be showy. One minute she cared what folks thought and said, and in the next she wanted to shake her fist at them. Lester walked by and tipped his hat. Instantly she swallowed her relief. The whole town would hear their fill of lies.
At the parsonage, Brother Travis tied the horses to the hitching post. “Zack, why don’t you visit with your grandpa? I’ll be inside shortly.” He tossed a smile Bonnie’s way. “Do you have a moment to help an overworked preacher look through the hymnals for Christmas music?”
She couldn’t think of anything better. They ambled toward the church.
“Christmas will be here before we have time to appreciate the cool weather, and I want to have lots of music on Christmas Eve.”
“With solos?” She stifled a laugh.
“Yes.” He didn’t muffle his laugh. “But I’m not doing the selecting.”
“Who is?”
“Each person who wants to sing a solo will do so in front of the choir. They will choose, not me. I also want the children to give us a glimpse of the first Christmas in a little play. Having Michael Paul sing is at the top of my list.”
Just when she was ready to offer her help with the children, he stopped cold. She trailed his gaze and saw that one of the stained-glass windows was broken, shattered.
“Oh my,” she said. “How did this happen?”
“I don’t know, but I aim to find out.” He took long strides to the church and up the steps two at a time. Swinging open the door, she saw him startle. He swiped his hand over his face as though he couldn’t believe his eyes.
“What is it?” She hurried his way.
“Trouble.”
She followed him inside. His gaze swept around the sanctuary. Frustration seeped from the pores of his face, then pain as though he fought the urge to cry. The stained-glass window on the opposite side had been broken, too, its shards of glass sprinkled across the wooden floor. Torn hymnals lay strewn about—in the aisle and on the benches—and the pulpit teetered precariously on its side.
Travis walked to the front of the church and set the pulpit upright. He avoided Bonnie’s intense scrutiny and appeared to fight his own private war. His eyes narrowed.
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “Who would do such a thing?”
He shook his head. “And why? Destroying property belonging to the house of God? May He have mercy on whoever has deliberately done this.”
She picked up an open hymnal to reveal its torn pages and placed it on a pew. “I’ll go get the reverend. Maybe he saw someone.”
“No need. I’m here,” the reverend said from the back of the church. “I saw your wagon and then the broken glass. I haven’t seen anyone whom I could suspect.”
“I’ve shaken hands with defeat and despair before,” Travis began, “and this is near the top of the list.” He stiffened as though keeping his feelings in check. “I could simply be tired from dealing with all the problems of late.” He picked up two more hymnals.
“I’ll go fetch the sheriff,” the reverend said.
“Reverend, I’m sorry,” Travis said. “This is the church you started for the community. I have no business feeling sorry for myself. After all, this is God’s church. Imagine how He feels.”
“We’re both upset,” the reverend said. “I can’t believe someone could be low enough to damage the house of God.” He sighed wearily. “I’ll be back in a little while.”
Bonnie wished she could disappear. The sight of Travis and the reverend visibly grieving ripped at her heart. They should be alone to deal with their sorrow. The reverend’s boots on the church steps sounded like the slow thud of a funeral dirge.
“Would you like to be alone?” she said.
Travis turned and offered her a slight smile. “Next to God, you are the person I really need right now.” He shook his head. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Not at all. I’m humbled.” Her fledgling feelings and his must be the same. How strange. How very peculiar.
“I haven’t been this angry in a long time.”
“You have every right to be. I’m furious—and saddened.” She made her way up the aisle toward him, walking around hymnals, torn pages, and pieces of glass.
“The windows won’t be replaced until Christmas or after, and stained-glass is costly, but it will still be the celebration of our Lord’s birth. Tomorrow night’s prayer meeting will be well spent.”
She released a sigh. “After all the turmoil we’ve endured, this happens. I wonder when God will call a halt to the ugliness plaguing our little community.”
“God has a lesson for us. I’m sure we’ll understand in His timing.”
He returned to the pulpit. “The Bible is missing.” He searched the floor. “Surely it’s not destroyed.”
“Who could be so evil?” she said.
“Only someone who hates the people of God.”
In the moments following, Bonnie and Travis picked up the remaining hymnals and the pages. They sat side by side and pieced the songbooks back together until they heard men entering through the back of the church. The reverend and the sheriff talked in low tones. Travis stood to meet them.
“Sheriff Arthur, thank you for coming. Mrs. Kahler and I are attempting to put the church in order, beginning with the torn hymnals. And the Bible from the pulpit is missing.”
“We have a witness to the vandalism,” the sheriff said. “He saw the culprit who broke the windows.”
“Who did it?” Travis’s voice echoed deep.
“Zack Kahler.”
*****
Travis reached Bonnie before she collapsed. Once he righted her on a pew and the reverend tended to her, his gaze flew to
the sheriff.
“Zack did not do this. Whoever accused him was mistaken.” He nearly said he’d stake his salvation on it but thought better of it.
“My . . . my son loves the Lord. He’d never damage the church,” Bonnie said.
Her blanched face mirrored Travis’s heart. His devotion to Zack was that of his own son. “He knows the Lord. It’s impossible.”
“The witness is a model citizen in our community.”
“Who?” Fear snaked up Travis’s spine.
“Lester Hillman. He came by my house before sunrise this morning. Said he usually rides to a secluded spot while it’s still dark to pray and think about the day. That’s when he saw Zack throw rocks at the window.”
Bonnie abruptly rose from the pew and stomped toward the sheriff. “How could he tell it was Zack if it was dark?”
“Calm down, Bonnie,” the sheriff said. “I asked him the same thing. Lester said he called out to the boy and recognized his voice. I hate to do this to you, but I’m gonna have to put Zack in jail until this is resolved.”
“You will not.” Bonnie whirled around to Travis and then to the reverend. “Stop him. We know Zack didn’t do this. Lester is lying. He’s . . . he’s trying to destroy us.” Her sobs burst like cannonballs piercing the air.
Travis fought the urge to draw her into his arms, but the reverend comforted her instead. Lester. He’d found yet one more way to plague them.
“Where is Zack?” the sheriff said. “No point in hiding him. It’ll only make matters worse.”
No one chose to reply, so the sheriff repeated his request. “I can swear in a few men to find him.”
“No. I’ll get him,” Travis said. “I hope you remember that he’s a boy, not a grown man. Certainly not a criminal.”
“But he’s committed a crime against the town, the church, and God. You, of all people, should see the seriousness of his actions.”
“I do,” Travis said. “But I believe in his innocence. And I have a good idea who is responsible.”
“Who, then?” Sheriff Arthur said. “I’ll go question him now and get this settled.”
