by DiAnn Mills
The reverend waved his hand. “Don’t, Travis. Let’s talk to Morgan and Grant before we act rashly.”
Travis understood the wisdom of the reverend’s words, and reality yanked him back to the roots of common sense.
“The reverend’s right,” Bonnie whispered.
Listen to them. Trust Me.
Trust You? When an innocent boy will suffer for a crime he didn’t commit?
“All right,” Travis said. “I’ll get Zack, and then we’ll see about justice. God will right this. I’m sure of it.” He bore his gaze into the sheriff’s face. “I know you’re doing your job, but I promise you that Zack is innocent.”
“Yes, sir. I hope you’re right. Looks like he’d made some good changes after that Sunday in church.” Deep lines fanned from the sheriff’s eyes. No doubt, arresting Zack ate at him, too.
Bonnie blinked back the tears and glanced at the reverend. “It’ll be all right,” she said. “I’m sure of it.”
“God knows our Zack’s heart,” the reverend said.
Travis made his way to the back of the church with Bonnie at his side. His earlier words of having her beside him now needled him. He assisted her down the church steps and on across to the parsonage.
“Go ahead and cry.” He pulled out a handkerchief—the only way he could help.
“Not now. I want Zack to see me strong in my faith and in his innocence.”
That’s my sweet lady. “Which one of us should tell him?”
“You are the one who’s helped him through his troubles. I think he’ll take it best from you.”
Travis nodded and knocked on the door. Jocelyn opened it and offered a sad greeting.
“I’m sorry about the church,” she said.
“We’re all suffering because of the damage,” Travis said. “Can we see Zack?”
Confusion settled on her face, but she merely turned. “Zack, Brother Travis and your mother want to see you.”
“We’ll talk to him out here,” Travis said.
“What’s wrong?” Jocelyn said.
“Hell has come to Kahlerville,” Bonnie said.
Before anyone said another word, Zack appeared in the doorway. “Does Sheriff Arthur have any idea who broke the windows?”
“Oh, the person did more than that,” Travis said.
Zack shook his head. “The man needs to be shot. What else has been done?”
Staring into the boy’s eyes, Travis realized right then that his original sentiments about the matter were true. “The hymnals are torn, the Bible from the pulpit is gone, and the pulpit overturned. When I righted it, I saw a chunk broken off the end.”
“What can I do to help?” Zack said. “Is the church fit for prayer meetin’ tomorrow night?”
“We’ll make do.”
Zack peered at Bonnie. “Mama, you aren’t saying much.”
When tears moistened her eyes, Travis wrapped his arm around Zack’s shoulder. “Lester has been up to no good.”
Zack’s eyes widened. “He did this?”
“No, not exactly. Possibly.” How did Travis tell a good boy that he’d been accused of something he didn’t do? Would this undo Zack’s progress, or was Travis showing a lack of faith?
“What are you not telling me?” Zack’s gaze darted between Bonnie and Travis.
Travis squeezed his shoulder. “He accused you of it. Before sunrise this morning, he went to see the sheriff. Said he saw you break one of the windows.”
Zack stiffened. “Me? I was in bed.” He sucked in a breath. “He’s getting back at us, isn’t he?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Am I going to jail?”
Travis hated to respond.
Zack’s expression changed to anger. “I could kill him with my own hands.”
“Zack—”
“I don’t care if it’s wrong, Brother Travis. He keeps hurtin’ folks, and it’s never gonna end.”
Travis tightened the grip on Zack’s shoulders. “I promise you that Lester will be stopped. Don’t you know I’d gladly go in your place if I could?”
Zack blinked back the emotion. “What will happen to me?”
“For now, go with Sheriff Arthur. Your mama and I are heading to see your uncles. We’ll figure out a way to get you out of there.”
“How long will it take?” Zack said.
“I hope a matter of a few hours. Pray, Zack. God is with you.”
“I think God is mad at me for the bad things I’ve done.”
“No, son. What is happening to you is not from God. But He will use it for you to grow closer to Him.” Perhaps Travis should listen to his own advice.
Zack finally looked at his mother. “I’m real sorry about this, Mama. Folks are going to be talking about you even more.”
Bonnie shook her head and hugged him. “I don’t care what anyone says. My love for you and my belief in your innocence are far more important.”
Zack shook his head. “Let’s go, Brother Travis. I’m real mad right now at Lester. I don’t think things can get any worse.”
Travis glanced at Bonnie. He read the terror in her eyes. Things could get worse. Much worse. This proved Lester was capable of anything. He reached out and touched her fingertips, when he longed to draw her to him.
“We’ll get through this,” he said. “I’ll do all I can.”
Chapter 26
“Lester what?” Morgan stood from the chair, his eyes blazing like hot coals.
Bonnie wanted to soothe him, but compassion for Zack ran even stronger. She swung her attention to Travis and then to Grant.
“You heard right,” Travis said. “How do we get Zack out of jail?”
“Lester’s gone too far this time,” Grant said. “He can ride the twenty-five miles to another doctor to patch him up once I’m finished with him.”
Morgan’s red face displayed the thoughts hammering in his brain. “Let me have the honor, little brother.”
Bonnie tapped her fingers on Morgan’s desk. “You two can tear Lester apart after you figure out a way to get my son out of jail.”
“I imagine the sheriff would release him to me as long as I accept responsibility for his actions,” Morgan said. “That’s probably a good idea since I could keep him at the ranch and away from Lester.”
“What about with his mother?” Bonnie said. Sometimes she thought her brothers didn’t understand her position in all of this. Zack was her son.
“Considering the problem at the livery when he ran away from you, I doubt if the sheriff would agree to releasing him to you. Good ole law-abiding Lester would make sure the whole town knew that Zack was released to his mother, who couldn’t handle him.”
“I’d gladly take him,” Grant said, “but he’d be confined to the house like a criminal.”
Bonnie gasped. She didn’t mean to, but the implication of the word criminal scraped at her heart. “When will all this end? Has anyone thought about going to Lester and asking him what he wants?”
“I have,” Grant said. “Remember I hid the knowledge about his sons from the whole town until he stepped over the line with the law. Maybe it has something to do with that.”
“Don’t think so,” Morgan said. “Lester would just as soon do away with all of us because we stand up to him, but I think Bonnie is what he wants. We’ve discussed this all before.” His gaze penetrated through her. “Be careful, little sister. He knows he can get to you through Zack.”
The thought made her want to throw up, but the idea wasn’t new. “I’m going to talk to Rosie again. I think she’s on the verge of telling all she knows.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m ready to tell Sylvia about the wine, and I understand she may take Lester’s word for it all. But at least I can plant
a seed of suspicion in her mind.”
“Do you want me to escort you to the Hillmans’ home?” Travis said. “What if Lester is there?”
“This discussion will be woman to woman. I refuse to believe she’s blind to his actions.” She studied Travis before speaking. “Has anyone told you that Lester bought those stained-glass windows?”
Travis grimaced. “So our friend looks even more the saint.”
“Lester’s smart, and whatever he’s schemed has been carefully planned,” Morgan said. “Right now, I’ll see what I can do about getting Zack out of jail.”
“I’m heading back to the church to clean up glass,” Travis said.
“And I have patients to see.” Grant swung a grin at Bonnie. “Despite the mess we’re in, I can’t help but tease. If you blow a hole through Lester, make sure no one’s around.”
Morgan chuckled. “And I’ll give you legal advice—free.”
“Although you two are incorrigible, you’re still the best brothers a girl could ask for.”
A short while later, Bonnie knocked on the door of Lester and Sylvia’s stylish home. Lester was always adding and changing something to the two-story structure. Of late, a hexagon porch had replaced the previous one, and the brick home had been given green wood trim that twisted and curved in every area imaginable. Various shapes of stained-glass windows had been added when Lester purchased the ones for the church. She’d heard Sylvia speak of replacing much of their furniture and rugs. The Hillman home stood as the regal envy of Kahlerville. Bonnie took a deep breath and noted the chill.
She didn’t dare do this in a place where anyone could overhear their conversation, and she regretted the need to tell Sylvia about Lester’s behavior. Seemed like the poor woman had suffered enough from Lester’s actions. Before Bonnie had a moment to contemplate the mental state of Sylvia Hillman any further, Daisy, who worked as a maid for the Hillmans, answered the door.
“Hello, Daisy. May I speak with Sylvia?”
The young woman invited her inside just as Sylvia walked into the hallway. Surprise registered in the older woman’s eyes.
“My dear Bonnie, Lester told me about Zack. How your heart must be breaking. Please come in.” She turned to the young woman. “Daisy, you can continue in the kitchen.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Daisy neither smiled nor offered another greeting.
Bonnie stepped inside and noted the elegant furnishings. But fine things did not make a person happy. “I apologize for calling unannounced. The devastation at the church has distressed all of us. My brothers and I, along with Brother Travis, feel Lester mistook Zack for the culprit.”
“But Lester’s sure.” Sylvia touched Bonnie’s arm. “My sympathies to all of you in this grave matter. And we shared so much hope for Zack.”
“Thank you.” Bonnie took a deep breath and vowed not to take her anger out on this sweet lady. “We will not give up until we find out who committed the crime.”
“Let’s visit in the parlor. I see you’re very upset, and I want to help. We can pray that the resolution to this will be the end to Zack’s rebellion.”
Bonnie bit back a retort and followed Sylvia into the gold and deep purple parlor. “Everything has been changed since I’ve been here. It’s lovely.” The heavy drapes kept out the sunlight, but a cheery fire warmed the room. A three-tiered crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, and an elegant rug dressed the floor.
She wanted to cry, not tell this woman about her and Lester’s indiscretion.
“Would you like coffee or tea?” Sylvia said.
“No. Sylvia, I have a confession to make.”
The woman tilted her head. Even in the shadows of the elegant parlor, the woman’s face paled.
“All I ask is that you let me finish before we discuss the matter.”
“Certainly.”
Suddenly Bonnie wished she hadn’t gone this far, but it was too late. Best the truth come from her. “After Ben died, you and Lester were some of the first people of Kahlerville to check on me. I appreciated your caring at a time when my loss was almost more than I could bear.” She swallowed hard. Her throat scratched raw. “I remember stating that I had difficulty sleeping. In the course of the conversation, Lester suggested I try a little wine before retiring. He stated the apostle Paul suggested Timothy use a little wine for his health. It seemed like a good idea, so when Lester brought me a bottle, I accepted.”
Sylvia’s face stiffened. She shook her head. “I don’t recall all of that conversation, only the part where you spoke of being unable to sleep.”
“Perhaps you were with the children at the time.” Which was true—some of the time.
“I see.”
“About two months ago, God shook me soundly, and I realized the habit had to stop. I spoke with Lester and told him I no longer needed wine.”
“And what did he say?”
Bonnie’s stomach rolled like storm clouds. “He thought I—I might still need assistance in going to sleep.”
Sylvia wrung her hands in her lap. “Did you collect the wine at the bank?”
“No, Sylvia.”
“Then he delivered it to your home?”
“Yes.”
“Without me?”
“Most times.” Bonnie dampened her lips. “Juanita was always present.”
Sylvia appeared to study her hands, then raised her gaze. “Bonnie, I know my husband better than you may think. He is very attracted to beautiful women.”
“Oh, Sylvia, believe me, nothing ever happened except the exchange of wine.”
“I believe you. You are too fine a woman to allow the charms of a married man to lure you. If it were otherwise, you would not be here today.”
“Thank you,” Bonnie whispered and noted her irritated throat felt worse. “I care for you very much, and although this confession may damage our relationship, I could not go on another day without being perfectly honest with you.”
“I appreciate your honesty, but this is very difficult.” Sylvia blinked and glanced into the red-yellow glow of the fire.
“I think I’d better leave.”
Sylvia continued staring into the fire. “I need to be alone.”
“I ask you to forgive me. I’ve received forgiveness from God for using wine to mask my grieving and for neglecting my children. I also asked Him to forgive me for accepting the bottles from a married man. Now I ask you.”
Bonnie arose from the chair. Her skirts rustled stiffly, like the tension between her and this dear woman. The moment she climbed back into her buggy and lifted the reins, she remembered someone else who might be able to help.
*****
Travis always looked forward to Wednesday night’s prayer meetings. This special time offered countless blessings to those who attended. He believed offering prayers for each other was a vital part of every Christian’s spiritual life.
Tonight Zack was the one in need, and the thought of his charge being blamed for the damage to the church nearly brought Travis to tears. Definitely to his knees. He stood and faced the congregation with broken windows on both sides of them and prayed for God to give him the right words.
“Folks, this is a grim occasion. Here we are looking forward to the Christmas celebration, and our building is vandalized. The Bible that has rested on the pulpit of our church is missing.” He held up his own worn Bible. “This is still the Word of God, and the gospel will be preached regardless of the building’s condition. What’s worse is that one of our own has been accused of the crime. Zack is in the custody of his uncle Morgan until those of us who love him are able to find the person who has done this horrible crime. I’m asking—no, I’m begging—for prayer tonight. I believe Zack Kahler is innocent of any wrongdoing. I am convinced that someone else broke the windows, tore our hymnals, and took t
he Bible. I’ve prayed that whoever has the Bible is reading it and that the Holy Spirit will bring another soul into the throngs of heaven.”
Travis surveyed the crowd. Sylvia and Lester were there, and the pews were filled except for Bonnie and her children.
“Not so long ago, Zack came forward to publicly acknowledge his decision to live the rest of his life for Jesus. Many of you remember the angry young man who came to live with me. He grieved the loss of his father and had a bushel of sadness and regret weighing on his heart. I realized only God could change him, and He did. During the recent twister, Zack, his brother, sister, and I were caught outside with no shelter. God spared our lives while trees fell around us. That was when Zack reached out to Jesus. He was saved from the twister and from the wrath of God. Now I’m asking God to save him from injustice. Would you join me in this prayer?”
Some of the folks scowled. Couples exchanged glances. One man nodded, but Travis couldn’t tell if his look was for or against Zack. Lester stood, and Travis feared what he planned to say.
“You all know I saw young Zack throw the rocks. Because of me, the boy was put in jail. What I want to say is that I don’t know why he chose to destroy the house of God, but I will pay for all the repairs.”
How was Travis to respond to that? He nodded at Lester. “Thank you for your generous offer.”
Jake Weathers slowly pulled himself up on shaky limbs. “I’ve seen a change in young Zack. I haven’t much money, but I’d rather see what little I have be used to replace hymnals and fix broken windows than send a boy back to the misery he knew before finding Jesus.”
Bless you, Jake.
“He needs to be punished for this tomfoolery. After all, Lester Hillman saw him break one of the windows,” Eli Palmer said. “My boys never did half the things Zack Kahler has done. And to think his father was the best sheriff this town ever knew. The poor man must be twisting in his grave.”
“I believe Lester made a mistake, and whoever did this could have been passing through town. It was before sunup,” Travis said. “To show my sincerity in the matter, take the repairs out of my pay instead of allowing Lester to carry the burden of the repairs.”
