Infinite Chain

By Amanda McNeill

Who was Cassandra Timmerman?
It was hard to accept, but Mallory’s Aunt Cass was a channel for two spiritual entities. Mallory found the key to the padlock on desk drawer and discovered Cassie’s “special project,” thousands of pages of channeled material. This was the reason Cass bought a computer when she was 74.

As she sorts through Cassie’s papers, Mallory looks through an antique photo album and sees a photo of Cass, her brother Eliot (Mallory’s father,) and another woman. On reading the back, she learns that this is Cassie’s older sister Penelope. Cass had never mentioned having a sister. Temple offers to look for Penelope online, telling Mallory she could have cousins she’s never met.

While Mallory is in Haven, an arsonist burns her store in Prairie Hill. Sacred Space was a store for the spiritually minded, providing not only inspirational books for all faiths, but candles and incense, yoga supplies, prayer beads, and meditation cushions. The primary suspect was a recently hired clerk who was openly hostile toward the merchandise and staff.

Jordan Fogarty, one of the real estate agents showing Mallory properties for a new store, suggests the fire could be connected to her aunt’s death. She calls the detective investigating the fire, and shows him the last entry in Cassie’s last journal, which proves Jessica Archer did not jump from the bridge in Haven. Lt. Stapleton wants to read all the journals. Mallory calls Iris, the assistant director of the library in Haven and one of Cassie’s staunch allies. Iris agrees to collect the journals and meet Mallory halfway between Haven and Prairie Hill. They meet at a diner and Iris tells her she was followed. Mallory calls Stapleton who has her apartment watched.

Mallory returns to Haven to finish her aunt’s affairs. The library is vandalized, the electronics and plumbing destroyed, and books stolen. A few days later, there is a book burning in a church parking lot. Is there a connection between the person who killed Cass and the destruction in the library?

In Prairie Hill, Fogarty finds the perfect place for her to reopen the book store. He tries to hide the deep feelings he has for her. His two daughters apply for jobs at the store and encourage Mallory to spend time with their father. They want him to move on after the death of their mother, but Mallory doesn’t want another needy man.

Temple researches Mallory’s family and finds that Aunt Penelope is still alive. Why didn’t Cass ever say she had a sister? Iris tells Mallory she has lived for all these years without Penelope and her daughter, why would she need them now?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda McNeill
• Release date: Jun 5, 2015

Book preview

Chapter 1

On awakening she checked the clock. It was nearly eleven. I’m late for work! Then she remembered there was no store, thus no work. She remembered what Adrian had said about not returning to the hospital until afternoon. She showered, made tea, and searched the refrigerator for something to eat.

She meditated for thirty minutes, then went to the hospital. Ross had been moved to a room. Graham was with him.

He’s stable but comatose, said Graham when she inquired. The doctor said he could wake up in ten minutes or ten days or ten weeks. Adrian’s taking this hard. Last night he kept up a brave front, but when I arrived this morning, reality had hit him. He didn’t want to leave, but I insisted he rest.

Her other employees, Hope and Tara came in. They stood around the bed, distraught and silent.

One of the nurses suggested talking to stimulate him, said Graham. It doesn’t matter what we say as long as we keep talking.

We should be able to do that, said Hope.

I can’t believe this is happening, said Tara. She took Ross’s hand. Ross, wake up, you’re late for work. We’re all late for work. She smiled when she said it, but a sob choked her and she turned away.

Graham held her as she cried. It’s all right, Tara. We’ve all cried and we’ll all cry many more times before this is over.

Hope took a turn. Ross, this is Hope. Mallory’s here and Tara. Graham’s been here a long time. We’d like for you to wake up. We have a lot to tell you and we want to know what happened to you.

Ross, this is Mallory. I drove from Haven last night. Hope called me… She stopped short wondering how much she should say.

They spent their time talking with each other and urging Ross to awaken. There were moments of strained silence. Shortly before two, Ross’s spouse Adrian arrived. He hugged Graham and went to Ross’s side, grasped his hand, and kissed it.

I hoped you’d be awake by now, Ross, said Adrian. When are you coming back to me? Adrian wept. Graham put his arm around him.

He’ll wake soon, I’m sure of it, said Graham. Head injuries are tricky. Be patient.

Adrian wiped his face. You’re right, but the waiting is hard.

Graham hugged him. I’ll see you at home later.

After Graham had left, Adrian spoke to the women. You don’t have to be here, he said, but I appreciate it.

I can’t stay long, said Tara. I have to leave around four-thirty. I promised my brother I’d watch the children while he and his wife go out. It’s their anniversary. I have an exam in the morning, so I won’t be able to come until after that.

Adrian hugged her. You’re a sweet heart. You do whatever you have to do. I know you care about Ross or else you wouldn’t be here.

He turned to Ross and held his hand, whispered in his ear, and stroked his face. All of your lady friends are here, he teased. Should I be jealous? He smiled at the women.

A tall man in a suit entered the room. I’m looking for Mallory Timmerman, he said.

I’m Mallory Timmerman.

The man reached into his pocket and showed her a badge. I’m Lieutenant Stapleton from the Prairie Hill PD. I have a few questions about the fire at your store. Is this a bad time?

Mallory looked at Adrian. Go ahead and conduct your interview, said Adrian. We’re all anxious to have this resolved.

And you are…? asked Stapleton.

Mallory made the introductions.

Good, said the lieutenant. I have questions for all of you. The fire marshal has determined that the fire was set deliberately. I spoke to the man who pulled Mr. Boudreau from the building. He said when he entered, the fire was burning in several places, indicating it started in more than one place. The fire marshal has also recovered two gas cans from inside the building. Did you have gas cans in the store?

No, said Mallory. We have no need for gasoline in a book store.

I didn’t think so, said the lieutenant. Do you have any idea who’d want to burn your store?

I do, said Tara. Bernice was a major player. Mallory hired her a few weeks ago. She was a terrible worker and she despised us. We found hate tracts in dozens of the books after three of our customers called to tell us.

What’s her last name?

Booth, said Hope.

Do you have an address for her?

Yes, began Mallory, on file at… She stopped herself. No, I don’t.

I do, said Tara, digging in her back pack and extracting a slip of paper. Here.

Why do you have her address with you? asked Stapleton.

I wanted to drive by her house so I could see what kind of a place a person so full of hate lived in, said Tara. But I couldn’t find it.

You couldn’t find her house?

There was a park where the house should’ve been.

A bogus address. Why did she hate your books?

"Sacred Space provided materials for many spiritual paths, said Hope. But for someone like Bernice, there was only one way. Everything that fell outside her purview was evil and needed to be expunged."

It was a wonderful place to work, said Tara. Our customers are great.

There were picketers at your store for several days before the fire. I have stills from Channel 7 video. Do you recognize any one? He handed the photos to Mallory. The signs the pickets carried sickened her. Satan Dwells in Sacred Space, One God-One Way, Hate the Sin-Hate the Sinners, and Blasphemers Will Burn.

That’s Bernice, said Mallory, showing the picture to the lieutenant.

Hope looked at it. Yes, that’s her. Ross fired her. In less than an hour, the pickets were there. That can’t be a coincidence.

Adrian looked at the photos. These people are Christians? I’ll never understand Christianity.

Most Christians wouldn’t condone this kind of behavior, said Tara. A lot of our customers are Christians.

Still… said Adrian.

Tara sighed. I don’t get it either.

Mallory thought of Mike, her husband, and the sect he embraced that destroyed their marriage. She wondered if he was involved.

It sounds like the pickets and the fire were planned, said Stapleton.

What do you mean? asked Mallory.

She and her group planned to burn your store before she applied for a job.

She called me a faggot, mumbled Ross. That bitch called me a faggot.

They rushed to the bed. Ross opened his eyes and looked around. Where am I?

Adrian stroked his hair. "You’re in the hospital. Someone burned the store. Steve from the Wine Emporium pulled you out. Do you remember anything?"

Bernice came in the back door with some men. They had gas cans. They were surprised to see me. Two of the men attacked me. Bernice was screaming, ‘Kill the faggot!’ When I was on the floor, she kicked me. I don’t remember what happened after that. He closed his eyes. I feel like hell.

That’s understandable, said Hope.

Weeping, Tara took Ross’s hand. I’m glad you’re awake. We’ve been so worried about you.

What day is it? asked Ross.

It’s Sunday afternoon, said Mallory.

There’s one more thing I have to ask, said Stapleton. We want your permission to tell the media that Mr. Boudreau has died.

The others gasped. Why?

We believe the perpetrators will tip their hand if they believe there’s no witness.

If that’ll help bring these people to justice, said Adrian, I’ll agree to it. Ross?

Ross’s eyes were closed. Whatever it takes, he muttered.

Thank you, said Stapleton handing out his business cards. Don’t mention this to anyone. Go along with the story that he died. Could I have your contact information? I may need to speak with you again.

They gave him business cards and scraps of paper. After he left, their attention focused on Ross. A nurse entered and checked his vital signs.

Perhaps some of you should go home, he suggested. He needs rest.

You have a test in the morning, said Adrian to Tara. Go home and study.

Mallory told Hope to go home and spend time with her family.

Hope and Tara kissed Ross and left. Mallory and Adrian remained at his bedside, hardly daring to believe he had returned to them. When Ross slept, they returned to the chairs.

I’m sorry about your store, said Adrian. I can’t understand why people choose to be evil.

I hadn’t thought of them as evil, said Mallory, but I can see how someone could.

There are varying degrees of evil, said Adrian. In this case, these people embrace morality over decency.

What do you mean?

Following a strict moral code doesn’t make someone a decent person. The obsession with morality can inhibit one’s inclination toward decency. Morality is subjective and it’s usually irrelevant if it comes from an ancient holy text. Is it really so difficult to discern right from wrong? Do we really need to study hate-filled, antiquated tomes to find out how to live today?

What a fascinating concept, said Mallory. Being decent is a more lofty goal than trying to coerce others to accept your version of morality.

Adrian smiled. If you choose to be a decent person you can, I believe, avoid the inevitable pitfalls of morality.

Mallory was astonished by Adrian’s insight. I’m glad you said that. I’ve learned something important.

Adrian smiled. It’s nothing so radical. Decency trumps morality.

They sat quietly for a moment. How long have you known Ross? asked Mallory.

We’ve known each other for fourteen years, but we’ve been together for eleven. We were both in other relationships. My partner left me and Ross’s partner was killed in an accident. Being together felt right. We both wanted stability. We saw each other frequently and after several months we decided to commit. We’ve been happy together. A few years ago, we bought a duplex. Lowell and Graham live in the other unit. We’re a happy family. What about you, Mallory? Are you married?

I’m divorced. Mallory told him about the sect they had joined and Mike’s transformation under the influence of the pastor. He could be involved in the fire.

Surely you’re wrong, said Adrian. Did you see him in the detective’s photos?

No, but that doesn’t mean he’s not an organizer.

How long ago did you divorce? His initial religious fervor would’ve cooled by now, or at least be more balanced.

I haven’t seen him in seven years.

Adrian patted her hand. Surely he wasn’t involved.

I’d rather he not be.

Do you mind if I call Graham and Lowell? They’ll want to know Ross is awake.

Go ahead.

Adrian left the room. Mallory moved to the bedside. Ross opened his eyes.

You should go home, he said. Adrian’s here. Graham and Lowell will be here soon and you’ll be the fifth wheel. You have other things to do, like finding a building for the store.

You think I should reopen? she asked.

What else would you do? What else would I do? He smiled and winced.

I’m sorry about what happened to you, she said.

I’m sorry about the store.

Nothing is permanent, said Mallory.

"It still hurts to lose it.

Mallory nodded, fighting back her tears.

Ross grasped her hand and kissed it. We’ll get through this together. Now go home. I’ll tell Adrian I insisted you leave. Don’t forget…I’m supposed to be dead.

His words jolted her. I’ll try, she said. How close did that come to being true?

Chapter 2

Mallory drove home, shaken by his flip comment. I’m supposed to be dead. She struggled to focus on her driving, arriving home exhausted.

The number 4 flashed on her answering machine. She pressed play and dropped into a chair.

I know you’re home, said Roger. I heard about the fire on the news. Call me. She deleted it.

The second message was also from him. Don’t you have a minute to pick up the phone and call me? Before she could listen to the third message, the phone rang. She expected to hear Roger’s voice; she was surprised to hear Hope.

They chatted about Ross, then Hope got to the point. This is a bad time to ask this, but there is no good time. Should I look for another job?

I don’t know. I need time to think. Ross told me to reopen.

He did?

He said I should leave so I could look for a building. What do you think?

You should do what Ross says.

Mallory smiled. Perhaps, but I need a few days to think about it. I’ll let you know.

She hung up, glad Hope had called and that she and Ross were so loyal.

The last two messages were from Roger. She deleted them without listening.

Before she could rise, the phone rang. The caller ID revealed that it was Roger. I have to talk to him sometime.

I’ve been trying to reach you all afternoon, he said.

I’ve just returned from the hospital. Ross…

I know. He died. You could’ve called me from the hospital.

I’ve had a lot on my mind.

But not me?

I can’t take any more of his whining. I just walked in the door. Ross is dead, my store, my livelihood, is nothing but ash. I’ve spoken with the police. They think another employee may be responsible for the fire.

I can come over.

No. I’m exhausted. I need to think. I need time alone. I can’t deal with your pettiness.

I’m sorry I called. He hung up.

The last thing I want or need is to listen to his complaining.

She went to her bedroom to meditate. She rose after thirty minutes feeling calmer, but a darkness accompanied her.

She was inspecting the contents of the refrigerator when she heard a knock on the door. I told him not to come. She looked through the peephole and gasped. Mike! What’s he doing here?

She opened the door. What a surprise, was all she could say.

I stopped by to tell you how sorry I am about your store.

I appreciate that, she said, not convinced of his sincerity.

I’m sorry about your manager.

She caught herself before she revealed Ross was alive. For all she knew, Mike could be involved with Bernice and her church. It’s a great loss.

I thought you’d need someone to talk to.

The last person I need to talk to is you. How thoughtful, she lied. Come in.

I saw on the news that protestors have been in front of your store for several days. From the signs it appears they had some religious affiliation.

Mallory told him about Bernice, and how Ross had fired her after pamphlets were discovered in the books. Tara told me the name of the group. Something about a sword.

The Holy Tabernacle of the Savior’s Sword? asked Mike.

That’s it. Do you know them?

They’ve made a name for themselves in Prairie Hill. They’ve been around for at least ten years, but they have a new leader. They’re the hardest of the hardcore religious militants. They take literally the verse in Isaiah about every knee shall bow. They’re creating their own world through threats and coercion. They tolerate no way other than their way, which is their strict interpretation of scripture. They’ve caused trouble many times: they demand prayer in public schools, they object to the teaching of evolution, the want the Ten Commandments posted in government buildings, and they’ve erected crosses in public parks. They picket women’s clinics, theaters, and book stores. They make life hell for any person or group that doesn’t conform to their theology. There’s no flexibility, no give and take.

Mallory couldn’t believe this was the same man to whom she had been married; the man who claimed to be head of the household and expected her obedience in what she did, what she thought, and what she read. She was surprised to hear him say anything disparaging about a radical religious group.

Mike blushed. You can’t believe I said that, can you?

Mallory felt herself redden. The part about no flexibility and no give and take seems like a foreign concept to you.

Mike smiled. I’ve changed, Mal. I was stupid and arrogant. The sect I was in fell apart. The leader was irrational. I got out and sought counseling…

Real counseling?

Real counseling. I joined a mainline denomination. I’m a lay pastor at my church.

I’m glad you got counseling and joined a real church. You were on fire for the Lord.

"I was on fire all right. I saw what the other men in the sect had and I wanted that. I was jealous of their zeal. I wanted to experience that. I couldn’t pull it off. I was a phony.

It was the darkest time of my life, he said. You left me and then the sect started its long, downhill slide. The leader tore it apart, unintentionally, I believe. He had some mental health issues. I stopped going, and no one missed me.

I’m sorry to hear that. Are you happy now?

I have a good job, I’m active in my church, and I’m seeing someone.

Is it serious?

I’d like it to be. How about you? Are you happy?

I was, until I lost Ross and my store. If I’d been here, it might not have happened. I’ve been in Haven. Cassandra died.

I’m sorry, Mal. She was your only family. Was she ill?

She was murdered in her kitchen. Someone struck her in the head with a flashlight.

Murdered? Do the police have any leads?

The police in Haven are a joke. I’m not sure the sheriff’s department is any better. Cass kept a journal. Several persons didn’t appreciate her charitable activities. She mentions the problems she had with various individuals. I hope I can determine who killed her by reading her journals.

Any suspects?

One stands out above the rest, but there’s no real proof. He sells real estate and is considered a pillar of the community. Cass believed he killed his wife. The chief of police refuses to address any complaints about him. He’s untouchable.

Don’t say that. No one is untouchable. I’d guess he’s arrogant.

To the max, said Mallory.

One slip will be his downfall. It’s inevitable.

You think so?

I guarantee it.

How can you be so sure?

I’ve been there, Mal. I was arrogant and I lost everything. Are you hungry?

Uh…yes, but I have nothing in the fridge. I’ve been gone over a week.

There’s a new Chinese restaurant a few blocks from here. Let me treat you. You need a break.

This isn’t the same man I divorced. He’s an impostor! I don’t feel like going out.

I’ll have something delivered. Before she could respond he whipped out his phone and placed an order. It’ll be here in twenty minutes. As he put his phone away, he scowled. I’m sorry. That’s something I did when we were married.

What?

Ordering without asking what you wanted. You still like the broccoli chicken with lo mein and extra egg rolls, don’t you?

Yes, I do.

Good. Old habits are hard to break. Can you forgive me?

Yes, she said, not wanting to ruin the evening. I can.

His reaction amazed her. He’s changed, but can I trust him?

As they waited for the food, they chatted. Mike told her about his work with a charitable organization. I learn something every day, he said. Not just about how the organization works, but about people and what they need beyond food and shelter. I’m feel blessed.

Mallory smiled. Indeed you are. Cassie’s philosophy was all about service: love and service, here and now. I didn’t know how many projects she’d started until I spoke with the pastor of her church. He made her sound like a saint.

When the food arrived, Mike paid for it while Mallory set out water and forks. They ate in silence for several minutes.

This is good, said Mallory. The vegetables are hot and crisp.

The rice is fluffy, said Mike. They gave us soy and sweet and sour sauces. They sampled each other’s food.

It’s all good, said Mallory. Thank you for suggesting this. Thank you for coming over. I was feeling pretty low.

"I wasn’t sure you’d want to see me.

I confess I was shocked. I thought it was someone else.

Were you expecting someone? asked Mike.

No. When I got home this afternoon, there were four messages from Roger. Before I could listen to all of them, he called again. He knew I’d returned to Prairie Hill, and he was upset because I hadn’t called him. He wanted to come over and I didn’t want him to. He hung up. When you arrived, I thought it was him.

Are you serious about him?

While I was in Haven, I realized how much he drains me. I decided to stop seeing him.

Good, you don’t need another needy, demanding man in your life.

Mallory smiled, surprised by Mike’s disarming comment. No, I don’t.

Are you going to rebuild your store? he asked.

Mallory set down her fork. It’s too soon to decide. I’m still in shock. One of my employees asked if she should look for another job, so I have to decide soon.

Would you like my opinion?

Mallory didn’t answer. Is this why he came? To dump some twisted biblical crap on me?

I don’t blame you for your hesitation, but I think you should reopen as soon as you can.

You do? This was not what she expected to hear.

Militants burned your store and killed your manager. If you don’t reopen, they win. Freedom of religion takes a body-blow, not to mention freedom of speech.

He really has changed!

Chapter 3

The next morning, Mallory rose and made coffee, still thinking about Mike’s visit. He thinks I should reopen! He was never that supportive when we were married.

She turned on the television. The lead story on the Channel 7 news was the fire at her store and the death of her manager Ross Boudreau.

"Saturday afternoon, fire broke out at Sacred Space, a book store in the historic Olde Towne District of Prairie Hill. The store was closed when Steve Cabot of the Wine Emporium next door smelled smoke and stepped into the alley to investigate. He saw smoke coming from the adjacent building and the car of one of the employees parked by the door. Assuming someone was inside, he entered the store and found Mr. Boudreau in the rear of the building. Mr. Cabot pulled Mr. Boudreau outside and summoned emergency vehicles. We learned that Mr. Boudreau died yesterday due to injuries sustained in the fire.

Mr. Cabot said when he entered the building, the fire was burning in several different places, an indication that the fire had been set. Protestors had been marching outside the store for several days. Police are looking into a possible connection. This is Nick Murphy with the Channel 7 News.

Mallory sat on the sofa, crying in anger. Why are some people so filled with hate? What makes them so arrogant that they cannot accept that there are other spiritual paths? She remembered what Adrian had said: How can some people embrace morality but reject decency?

Crying only made her more miserable. She washed her face, poured a mug of coffee, and reheated the Chinese leftovers for breakfast. As she showered, she planned her day: go to the homeless shelter, visit Ross, go to the store. Something was missing: the satisfaction of going to work.

Before she left, she unloaded the boxes of papers from her car, stashing them in her bedroom. She brought in the binders and the remaining journals and put them on the table.

The staff at the homeless shelter was happy for her donation of linens and coats. They even took the boxes of canned food. Then she went to the hospital and made her way to Ross’s room. As she opened the door, Lowell stirred.

Good morning, he whispered with a smile.

Good morning. How is he?

He’s healing. They’re going to get him up today. His doctor says he may be able to go home by the end of the week.

I’m relieved, said Mallory. I almost believed the news this morning when the anchor said he’d died.

I heard it last night and nearly cried. I understand why the police want the arsonists to believe he’s dead. He’s the only witness and they’re trying to protect him. But hearing it is disturbing.

How long have you been here?

Not long. Graham just left. The staff says we don’t have to be here all the time. Tonight we may all stay home.

He’ll need a lot of care when he gets home, said Mallory.

True. He won’t be able to use crutches because of his broken ribs. It’ll be a long time before he’ll be close to normal.

I’m so sorry about this.

You needn’t be. Bernice manipulated you. If you hadn’t hired her, she and her group would’ve found some other way to attack the store. Don’t take this wrong, but this isn’t entirely bad. Those people will be in jail a long time, no longer a threat to society.

My ex-husband told me they’ve been a force in Prairie Hill for a few years.

You spoke with your ex? That must’ve been awkward.

And strange. He came to my apartment last night to tell me how sorry he was about the store and about Ross. I didn’t believe he was sincere, but he’s changed, or so he told me. He isn’t the same man I divorced. Adrian was right. He seems to be more balanced. The sect he was in disintegrated. He got counseling and joined a mainline church.

Are you convinced he wasn’t involved in the fire?

Mallory hesitated. I want to believe he wasn’t involved, but many of the things he said were so uncharacteristic from what he was like when we split. He acknowledged that and apologized for being stupid and arrogant.

Lowell looked amazed. He’s changed. No one who is stupid and arrogant would admit to being stupid and arrogant, even to try to convince you he wasn’t.

Mallory laughed. I hadn’t considered that, but I’ve never known anyone who was stupid and arrogant who stopped being stupid and arrogant.

Relish it, said Lowell, you may never experience it again.

Mallory laughed. Probably not.

What’s so funny? asked Ross.

Mallory said her ex visited her last night, said Lowell.

That’s not funny, said Ross.

What Lowell said about it was, said Mallory. She described the visit from Mike and how she thought it was Roger.

I don’t understand what you see in Roger, said Ross. He’s no good for you. You’re better off without him.

Is that the pain medication talking, Ross? said Lowell. That’s rude.

It’s rude, but it’s true, said Ross. I’m sorry, but you need to know.

Pain meds or not, I’m glad to hear you say that. I’m breaking up with him. I can’t stand his whining and pettiness.

The few times I’ve seen him, I’ve noticed he treats you abominably, said Ross. You don’t have to take that. Dump him.

Ross! said Lowell.

I will. I know I’m doing the right thing.

You’ll be happier, said Ross, and if you’re happier, the staff will be happier.

Mallory laughed. Whatever makes you happy, Ross.

Dumping Roger will make all of us happy.

You’ve discussed this with Hope and Tara?

We’ve expressed our concerns.

I wish you’d mentioned it.

We couldn’t. Lowell’s right. It’s rude and it’s not our business. Could I have a drink, please? Lowell held the glass while Ross drank through the straw.

How are you feeling? asked Mallory.

Like I’ve been kicked. I’m uncomfortable even if I don’t move, and it hurts to breathe. They’re going to get me up this afternoon. I can hardly wait.

You know it’s for the best, said Adrian. You don’t want pneumonia.

Indeed not, said Ross. I’ll have a hit from the morphine pump bef… His voice trailed off and his eyes closed.

Lowell and Mallory sat down and let him sleep.

Are you going to reopen your store?

I don’t know. Everyone has encouraged me to. Yesterday, Ross said I should look at commercial properties. I can’t imagine he’d come back to work for me after what happened. Mike told me to reopen and Tara and Hope need to know if they should look for other work. I know I have to make a decision, but I can’t believe the store is gone.

You’ll know what to do and when to do it, said Lowell. It’ll come when you least expect it, and you’ll know it’s right. No doubt.

Mallory stayed for over and hour, chatting with Ross during his wakeful moments. Lowell told her how he appreciated her visits.

You wouldn’t have to come. You have a lot on your mind.

Ross is on my mind, among other things. I feel responsible for what happened to him.

He doesn’t feel that way. It was a plot. A crime was committed. There’s nothing you could’ve done to prevent it. Go home and think about nothing but what you want to do.

Thanks, Lowell. I will.

Mallory left the hospital and drove to the supermarket. She bought mostly fruits and yogurt. As she was leaving, she wondered if the management at this store would tolerate a group like the Brave Christians skulking in the parking lot. She doubted it. In this city, someone would run them down.

At home she put her groceries away and made a salad for lunch. She wanted to sit, but she knew that Ross and Lowell were right; she needed to do something. She called her insurance agent and told him she had to file a claim.

I’ve started the paperwork, said Keith. I’ve conferred with the fire marshal and Lieutenant Stapleton. They’re convinced it was arson.

Am I covered?

Yes. There’s evidence pointing to the pickets being involved. The police are investigating them. I’m sorry about this.

Thank you. It’s hard to understand how someone can be so convinced that their way is the only way.

If we knew that answer, we’d solve all the world’s problems. What are your plans?

I don’t know. I have to decide soon. My employees need to know if they should look for other work.

You should consider what else you can see yourself doing, said Keith. Call a few real estate agents and ask to look at some commercial properties. Something may have a strong appeal for you.

That’s a good idea. It won’t hurt to start looking.

I hope to have a check to you soon.

She hung up, glad for Keith’s input, and wondered what she should do. She locked the door, unplugged the phone, and meditated.

After thirty minutes she rose, clear and focused. She plugged in the phone; it rang immediately.

I’ve been trying to call you, said Roger. Did you unplug your phone?

Yes.

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