* * *
The week went by too fast. Tony arrived at her house at ten on Thursday morning.
“Do you mind if we take my truck?”
“What, tired of my little car?”
“No, I want to stop at a storage unit in Oshkosh before we see my family. I have a few things left I need to load into my truck if you’d be willing to help me?”
“So you really didn’t want my company today, only my muscles?” Tony grinned. “Well, I’m okay with that.” He flexed his bicep and frowned when his jacket muted the effect.
Renata had already put a tray of cut-up vegetables in the truck, and Tony helped her climb into the driver’s seat and got in on the passenger side.
“Do you realize I’ve never been driven by you before?”
“Does it make you uncomfortable?”
“No. Matter of fact, I think I could learn to like this.” His right foot came up to rest on the dash as he rotated to watch her drive.
The journey north on Highway 41 was crowded with holiday traffic. They turned on the radio to listen as they rode and sang Christmas songs.
“You know, Tony, your voice isn’t as bad as you think it is.”
“It’s nothing compared to yours, Renata. Have you thought of singing on a worship team?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never done anything like that before. I sang in choir in school, but that was years ago. But a worship team? I’m not good at finding harmonies.”
“Talk to Pastor Dan, I’m sure he’ll explain the audition process and how rehearsals are run. Maybe you could even sit in on a few. I think they meet on Monday nights. You have a gift, and it would be a shame not to use that to bless the rest of the church.”
“You’re sweet. I’ll pray about it. Part of me still feels like my past is a barrier to doing things like that.”
“You’ve been at the church long enough to know sometimes God uses our most broken places to shine His light, Ren. How many losers did He use in Scripture? Moses had run away, and was a murderer. David committed adultery, Peter denied Christ. It would appear God prefers to use people who fail, and are willing to be humble, instead of those who are perfect and filled with pride. Having said all that, you were not the sinner in your situation. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I will consider it and talk to Dan.”
“Good. Although I will suffer if you join a team.” He gave her a pouty face.
She glanced at him and laughed. “Why?”
“I won’t be able to sit next to the most beautiful woman in church during the services.”
“I could sit with you during the message.”
“I suppose that would be a consolation, but I’m not sure if it’s enough.”
“What would be enough, Tony?”
“I’m not sure. You aren’t even on a team yet, and I’m already missing you.”
“Part of your charm, Tony.” Renata smiled as she glanced at him.
“You think I’m charming?” Tony grinned back at her and winked. “That’s encouraging.”
“You are incorrigible.” She glanced over at him, scanning him from head to cowboy boots.
“Oh, no, big words. Does that mean I’m in trouble?” He wiggled his eyebrows. He had seen her look, and she liked what she saw. For some reason that made him feel good.
“No, no trouble at all, except I’m going to make you lift all the heavy boxes.”
“As you wish.”
“You know, I kind of like The Dread Pirate Roberts.”
“Argh! Ye have a liking for pirates?” Tony responded. They both laughed.
They reached the storage unit and Tony was surprised there were not many boxes. Remembering how Mick’s attack had injured her back, he made sure she didn’t lift anything too heavy. If she noticed him watching over her, she didn’t mention it. They worked together, emptied the unit, and filled the back of the 4x4. They put a tarp over everything in case of rain or snow. He tied it down. They had worked well as a team. Tony smiled. He liked being with this woman. He gave her a hug before lifting her up to the driver’s seat. “I was expecting there to be more.”
“When Mick died, I gave a lot away and sold off as much as I could. I didn’t want things that reminded me of him. I sold his brand new 4x4 and bought this truck. I also sold his import sedan. I had an old, broken-down American-made sedan that was close to twenty years old that I gave away.”
Tony climbed in on his side and shut the door as she started the engine. “He drove brand new fancy vehicles while you had an old beater?”
“Yup. Only the best for Mick. I got the crumbs. Well, at least in private. In public he liked to look like a generous benefactor.” Renata drove the truck out of the storage unit area.
“Did he leave you in debt?”
“No. It took a while for the life insurance to be paid out as they had to have an investigation into his death, given that I had filed charges against him. As if I were able to kill him from my hospital bed? Selling the cars helped me get through. When I indicated a plain pine box would be sufficient for my husband’s funeral, his family anteed up the cash to pay for something better. I know, I sound cheap. He had financially tied me up for too long, and I wasn’t about to let him have every stinking penny in death. It took a few months to sell our house, but I even managed to unload that which, given this economy, was a miracle.”
“That had to have been a rough time.”
“That’s an understatement. The police investigation was emotional enough. I refused to plan his funeral. His family did that. I didn’t attend. I was still in the hospital. I had a private ceremony for Angela. In time, the police cleared me of any wrongdoing in his death and the insurance paid out. I had money left over after paying off the mortgage from the house. I invested and used some of that to help me move to Milwaukee.”
“Stephanie said you had bought new furniture when you moved.”
“When I moved, I had only what fit in the back of this truck. That’s how much stuff I unloaded in advance. My first purchase was a custom mattress. I’ve never slept so well. I bought new living room furniture to replace the used stuff Stephanie had. Funny that she worked in a furniture store yet owned hand-me-downs. I started from scratch in many ways. Even my wardrobe is new. Before that, I dressed in thrift mart finds because he gave me such a limited allowance and only allowed me to work a few hours a week at a C-Store a few blocks away. I had to make sure I was home when he got out of work with a hot meal prepared and ready to do his bidding. When he died, I no longer had to wear long-sleeved, baggy clothes to hide my body and my bruises.”
“You were more of a slave than a wife.” Tony frowned. If Mick was alive now, Tony would be tempted to do the man serious harm.
Renata pulled over to a curb and put the truck in park. They were next to a public park. She unbuckled herself and turned in her seat to face him. Tony raised an eyebrow and turned toward her.
“Tony. I’m scared. I’ve not seen my family since I was in the hospital when they came to try to talk me out of pressing charges against Mick. It wasn’t a pleasant experience.”
Tony reached over to grab her hand.
“I’m here. Tell me how I can help.”
“Pray for me?”
“I would be delighted to.” Tony reached for her other hand and held them as he prayed for Renata and the visit with her family. “Lord, calm Ren’s heart and give us wisdom in the words we say today. Let us model your grace to this family, and protect Renata from the words that might come her way.”
“Amen,” Renata whispered.
There were several cars outside the house when they arrived. Renata pulled up behind a mid-sized Japanese import. Tony took in the wealth and polish of the vehicles. This family valued material things. The split-level house itself was modest. Tony leapt down from the truck, grabbed the veggie tray, and came around to assist Renata.
“Into the lion’s den. Are you ready, Ren?”
“More like it’s the
fiery furnace, but it’s now or never. I knew I would have to face these monsters sometime.”
“You are not alone.” Tony pulled her to his side and kissed the top of her head. Lord, help me protect her.
CHAPTER TWELVE
They entered the house without fanfare. The men were in the family room watching the Packer game.
“Well, if the prodigal hasn’t returned.” Rosie Hennison came forward and gave her daughter a perfunctory peck on the cheek.
“Hi, Mom, I want you to meet my friend, Tony.”
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Hennison.” Tony stretched out his hand in greeting, and she ignored him. He let it drop and shrugged.
“Hmmmph. I know you told me you were bringing someone, but I couldn’t believe you would replace Mick so soon. It’s an insult to his memory.”
“Yeah, glad to see you too, Mom,” Renata murmured as she walked past her mother into the kitchen to lay out the veggie tray, only to find one already there. “Why would you ask me to bring a veggie tray and make up one yourself?”
“I wanted to make sure we had enough. You can put yours in the refrigerator.”
Renata did so. “The men are upstairs watching the game?”
“Yes,” Mrs. Hennison replied as she walked away from them.
“Come on, Tony, I’ll take you to the family room to meet my father and brothers.”
Tony let her lead him upstairs to a large room where a big-screen television was playing the Packers game and four men lounged, nursing beers.
“Hi, guys, I wanted to introduce you to Tony.”
They responded with grunts, although they did look over at where the two of them stood at the side of the room.
“Tony, this is my father, Richard Hennison, my brothers Richard, Ronald and Roland.” As she introduced each one, they glanced at Tony and raised a beer.
Ren’s father stood and barely glanced at Tony as he came over to shake his hand. “You wanna beer? Renata can go fetch one for you.”
“No, thanks.”
“Well, sit down and watch the game.”
Tony glanced at Renata, and she nodded that he could sit to watch the game. She knew he loved his football.
Tony found a seat off to the side and sat back to watch the game and check out the men. They watched in lazy silence, taking turns at hurling insults at the referees and making minor groans at bad plays.
Richard glanced over at Tony. “You doin’ my sister?”
Tony coughed in shock at the question. “I have more respect for her than to discuss that kind of topic with anyone.”
“She’s not giving you anything? She became such a prude. Sorry, man. Thought you looked strong enough to take what you wanted. Pansy.”
Another brother, he thought it was Ronald, sneered at him. “She’s a man-eater. Remember that song? I think they wrote it about my sister. At least that was what Mick always said. He had to go hunting to get away from her nagging. She sucked the life out of him.”
“Don’t all women?” The third brother asked. “Don’t get me going on my wife.”
The other men mumbled agreement and returned their focus to the game.
Tony looked at Richard in disbelief and chose to ignore the insults. They were baiting him to see what he would do. Inside, he boiled at the language directed at the girl he loved. She had not exaggerated her family’s dysfunction. If anything, she had minimized it. He wondered how long he and Renata would stay.
* * *
Renata had gone down to the dining room where her sister-in-laws visited. She was not close to any of them, and Theresa, Susan, and Karen gave her a cool reception. They had six children between all of them, who were presently playing in a game room in the basement. Renata sat and listened to the women talk and was saddened to realize she had nothing in common with any of them. She didn’t fit in here with these people. Much of their conversation centered on work, kids, and comparing their spouses. Eventually, Theresa, married to Richard, the oldest son, spoke to Renata.
“Saw the man you brought with you. He doesn’t look too bad. Nothing like Mick, though. Is he any good in bed?”
“He’s just a good friend, not that it’s any of your business.” Is that all anyone thinks about? She chastised herself for her own hypocrisy. She struggled with thinking about Tony in that way. It was difficult. He was a good-looking man with a heart of gold.
“He’s probably not even interested. Look at her, skinny and not much on top to tempt a man.” This was Susan, Ronald’s wife. She was on the frumpy side and light on top herself, which made this comment ironic. “It’s amazing Mick even married her. Explains why he sought comfort from other women. At least one of them was there for him as he died.”
Renata rolled her eyes. These were well-trod conversational gambits with her family. She chose to change the subject. “Karen, is Roland moving up in the police force?”
This sent Karen off on a rabbit trail of the various crimes and accidents her husband had been working on. Soon, Theresa boasted about her husband’s success as a new car salesman at Bergstrom’s up in Appleton. Susan jumped in to compete with how many clients her husband gained after tax season, working as a CPA for a local accounting firm.
Before they steered the conversation back to trashing Renata, she asked questions about her nieces and nephews. Rosie took over bragging about her grandchildren until a timer went off in the kitchen, indicating the last hot dish was ready to come out of the oven. Mom had cooked and cut the turkey the day before. It was warming in a slow cooker. The food was set out buffet-style on the kitchen island and the men were encouraged to come down, fill a plate, and take it up to the family room to watch the game. Tony trailed the men downstairs and made his way to Renata’s side.
“You doing okay?” he whispered, leaning toward her. She drew strength from his physical presence.
“It could be worse. How are my brothers treating you?”
“I have seen better manners in drunks at the bar in the restaurant. I’m holding my own.” He motioned to the family members, including rude children butting in line and making demands. “Is this really how they do Thanksgiving?”
Renata nodded as they hung back to let others get in line.
“No prayer. No sitting around the table to share a meal—”
“What, Tony? And miss the Packer game? My mom timed this so it would be halftime and you all would be less irritable at being called down to eat.” Renata grinned up at him. “It is what it is, Tony.”
He nodded as they got in line and filled their paper plates. They didn’t even use real dishes and utensils for a special occasion. Renata followed him upstairs, left her plate on a side table, and went to get sodas out of the fridge for them both.
The game continued with minimal responses from the Hennison men, and Tony tempered his as well, only occasionally looking at Renata to indicate his disbelief at how mild their cheering was and how obscene their insults were when a play didn’t go well. The Packers were winning, and in his family, this would have been a noisy celebration with safe language any kid could hear.
Finally a commercial break. “So, Renata…” It was Roland, her youngest brother, who worked as a police officer. “I’m surprised you dared to show your face back here. You know, there are still some out there who believe you had planned a ‘hit’ on Mick and resent you for it.”
Renata remained silent as her appetite fled. She set her plate aside. Tony’s muscles tensed where their thighs touched.
“Well, sis, for the record, I still believe you are a murderer and a liar.” He glanced at Tony.
Renata placed a staying hand on Tony’s thigh and squeezed his knee gently. She sensed the anger coiled within him, like a snake ready to strike. Would Tony leap to defend her physically? She hoped not, although the fact he was incensed on her behalf was a balm to her wounded soul.
Ronald, the accountant, chimed in. “I’m surprised the insurance paid out like they did. Mick’s family has been talking about suing y
ou.”
“On what grounds?” asked Renata, her voice devoid of any emotion. Her attorney had assured her this was over. She was free, and the money was hers. They could sue, but it wouldn’t go anywhere. She had pictures to prove the abuse and medical records as well.
“They say you cheated on him, which was how you got pregnant, and you got caught by one of your pimps, were beat up, and blamed it on Mick.”
“And what do you believe?” she asked.
“I think they’re probably right. You always acted all timid and pure. What a farce.”
Renata’s dad spoke up. “Come on, men. She’s still your sister. Have a care.”
Roland looked at him. “You mourned Mick as much as any of us did. He was a good man, and she dragged his name through the mud, insulted him by refusing to attend his funeral, and now dares to bring her latest lover to a family gathering. Why shouldn’t we speak up?”
The game resumed without an answer. Renata collected her own and Tony’s plate and returned them downstairs. He rose and followed her.
* * *
“Can’t keep your hands off her can you? She’s got you wrapped around her finger, too. She’s worthless. Watch your back.” Disgusting noises and raucous, drunken laughter followed.
Tony had made it across the room, but pivoted to greet the speaker of these words, Renata’s oldest brother, Richard.
Tony struggled within himself. He could see Roland watch him. As a police officer, he could easily arrest him if he dared pummel the eldest son as he longed to. He didn’t doubt the rest of them would make quick work of him in retaliation, and then who would be there for Renata?
He glared at Richard until the man dropped his eyes. The others refused his gaze. Tony stalked out of the room, hands clenched and breathing heavy. He found Renata in the kitchen, washing dishes. He came up behind her and put an arm on her shoulder. She glanced up at him, and he could see the hurt in her eyes.
“Let’s go. I don’t want you here for a moment longer.”
Renata nodded, rinsed the dish she had washed, wrung out the dishcloth, and dried her hands.
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