Leesa's Story: Book Three of the Lane Trilogy

By Vicki Andree

Christian Fiction.

Leesa finds herself dethroned as head of L. L. Lane Unlimited. Her anger and bitterness towards Bill and Lyza lead her into temptation. Will Leesa humble herself enough to change before she hits rock bottom?

Chuck O'Malley shows up, adding to her misery, and Leesa decides that Christians ruined her life. Thanks to her new friend, Lennie, her life turns around. Is love shining through?

Will Cook's prayers for Leesa be answered, or is the Lord teaching her about patience and grace?

• Language: English
• Publisher: eBookIt.com
• Release date: Apr 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781456611729

Book preview

rewrites.

Chapter One

The baby’s wail drowned out the dead man’s voice. Leesa rolled her eyes and grimaced as Lyza held baby Levi to her shoulder, patting him softly on his back until he quieted and sighed.

Aaron Stern, Father’s attorney and executor, restarted the DVD. On the screen at the front of the room, Lawrence Lane, dressed in a dark blue Armani suit, revealed his last will and testament. "Since my beloved Lana passed several months ago, life has not been worth living. When the doctors told me cancer had invaded my body, it was a blessing. I have left a written will, but I felt it necessary for you to see and hear me make my last will and testament, as I expect all of you will be surprised.

"To my twin daughters, Lyza and Leesa, I leave my love, and the firm belief that they will use what I gave them while I was alive to help make a better world. I leave them the benefit of their education, the business savvy I taught them, and the wisdom of how to use them…

And finally, let it be known that all my worldly possessions, all of L. L. Lane Unlimited, and all my hopes for the future of the Lane name go to Levi Lawrence Lane, the newest member of the Lane family. Levi, you were named for my father who died in a Nazi death camp. Be blessed and honor his name with your life. May you go forth into a life of learning, love, and good deeds.

A vein in Leesa’s forehead throbbed. She wanted to throw something. Instead, she clung to the chair with white knuckles. I’ll never forgive him. He told me to take over. He told me it was all mine. For months, I’ve knocked myself out running the business. How could he? He disowned that turncoat. She glared across the table at her twin sister, Lyza, who held the fussy little brat.

Lyza stared at the screen. I—I don’t understand. Can you play it again? Father disowned me. She positioned baby Levi on her shoulder and gently patted his back. There, there, Mommy’s here. Everything’s all right. Levi stopped crying and curled up against her.

Leesa glanced around the attorney’s conference room. Aaron Stern sat next to her. Across the table, Lyza and her husband, David, took turns holding the baby. Tension filled the room as four adults stared at the screen. The fifth person in the room wailed again.

Leesa straightened and snarled, You snake. I don’t know how you pulled it off, but you got everything. She gathered her purse and cell phone, stood up, and stomped to the door. She paused to sneer. Good luck, Sis. You’re going to need it.

Leesa stumbled to her bright yellow convertible. She fumbled with the car keys; they hit the asphalt. Bending down to pick them up, she hugged herself. I feel sick. I hate that woman and her little brat. A Jew-killing Christian, that’s what she is, and Father disowned her for it. What happened? What made him change his mind? I could throw up right now. I’ve got to get out of here.

After snatching the keys off the hot pavement, Leesa stood, jerked open the car door, and flung herself into the driver’s seat. She turned on the ignition and gunned the engine. Her tires squealed as she left the parking lot.

Once on the street, she popped the gears, leaving another patch of rubber. Within a minute, she reached eighty miles per hour—just as she passed the police cruiser in a school zone.

Red lights flashed in her rearview mirror. Her rage flared. She mashed the accelerator to the floor.

***

Earlier that morning, Officer Blake’s day had started out badly, with a fight over money—again. His wife threw down the gauntlet, giving him an ultimatum: either he could hand over his check each month or he could take over the bills. She didn’t even make coffee. He was late to check into headquarters, his head throbbing from caffeine withdrawal. What’s the matter with her? She knew I wanted to go to Vegas last weekend.

As Blake walked into the morning briefing, his superior officer looked up from his notes on the podium. That’s the third time this week, Blake.

Blake forced his mouth to stay shut. Thanks. Did you have to say it in front of everyone?

His superior officer added, Don’t force me to make an example of you. Consider this a serious warning.

Feeling like a whipped dog between his wife and his boss, Blake took a seat at the front of the group of officers. Yes, sir.

The superior officer continued the briefing. Yesterday, my daughter almost got hit by a car speeding in a school zone. She’s a smart kid and got his license plate number. I went to the house myself and arrested the guy. I’m making it a priority to police school zones this week…

Blake could barely concentrate. He disliked his superior officer, and that morning’s encounter didn’t help. If I didn’t need this job, I’d quit. I would. But I have to feed my family.

***

After Leesa left, Lyza sat at the conference table, shocked. I don’t believe it.

Aaron Stern placed printed forms in front of her. You’re the parent of the sole heir; therefore, you’ll be responsible for maintenance and distribution of the inheritance. I’ve inventoried the conglomerate, the home estate, and various other investments.

He placed a large expanding file on top of the forms. This file contains transfer forms, lists of possessions, and other documents necessary to fulfill your position as guardian of the estate. I can recommend an accountant.

Lyza protectively cradled the premature Levi. Father disowned me. I thought he was through with me.

David took the baby. Maybe he regretted shouting at you, making you trip over that chair and have Levi prematurely. Your father must have changed his will before our last meeting with him.

Her father’s frail body had lain in a hospital bed, in his own bedroom. She’d watched in awe as he repented of a life of unbelief, saying he saw angels filling his room. I felt his peace. Thank God he finally realized how much God loved him, before he passed on.

Lyza looked at David. Obviously, he never told Leesa about the change. She’s been running the company for months. She must feel betrayed. I’ve never seen her act as ugly as she did today. She’s changed. I’d thought she honored Father’s decision to disown me because of his authority and out of respect for him. I thought after he was gone, we could be sisters again. But today she looked angry… and greedy.

David strapped Levi in his carrier. What are you going to do?

Lyza picked up a pen to sign the stack of papers in front of her. I can’t turn my back on our son’s inheritance. Father’s running my life from the grave. I have to go back to Lane Unlimited. Someone has to run the business. From what Bill told me, things have gotten out of hand. Leesa’s made so many changes that employees worldwide spend more time job hunting than they do taking care of business.

David wiped drool from Levi’s mouth. We prayed for reconciliation with your father, and God blessed us with that and so much more. You can do this.

Lyza put her elbows on the table and sank her face into her hands. You know this isn’t what I wanted. All I want to be is a pastor’s wife—to have a home, and have babies, and make dinner for my husband, and go visit sick people, and go on mission trips.

David snapped the baby carrier into the stroller. He approached her and put his hand on her shoulder. We’ll figure it out. Honey, everything’s going to be all right.

Lyza patted his hand. I hope so. I don’t think you understand how this will change our lives.

He kissed the top of her head. Change our lives? Of course it will. But we have some control over how it changes our hearts. You can run L. L. Lane Unlimited. The employees respect you. They know your keen business sense and drive from before you quit.

***

The yellow convertible sped through a red light. Officer Blake switched on the siren and called for backup. The blond woman driving stomped her brakes with both feet, screeching to a stop. Blake yanked the wheel to the right to jump the curb and narrowly missed hitting the convertible, stopping next to it.

He jumped out of his car and pulled out his gun. Get out of the car! Put your hands up, and get out of the car!

She sat, not moving, tears running down her face.

Keeping his gun trained on her, Blake yanked open her car door. Get out. Put your hands up.

She raised her hands. He pulled her out, pushed her to the ground, holstered his weapon, and cuffed her.

You can’t do this to me. I’m Leesa Lane. Let me go.

Blake ignored her plea and pulled her to her feet, still cuffed. He turned her to face him.

She glared at him. You didn’t have to do that. Police brutality. Get these cuffs off.

He blandly reminded Leesa of her rights. You have the right to remain silent; you have the right to an attorney. Anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law.

What?! she screamed. I ‘have the right to an attorney’? You bet I have an attorney. I’m going to sue your pants off. Get your hands off me. Do you know who I am?

He continued in his business tone. I don’t care who you are.

He shoved her towards his police car as the backup car rolled to a stop next to them.

The window lowered, and Officer Norris asked, Everything here under control?

Blake hauled Leesa toward his car. I got it.

Leesa shouted, Kiss your jobs good-bye! I’ll have both your badges!

Officer Norris jumped out and opened the door for Blake to force Leesa into the back seat, shoving her head down. Watch your head.

How dare you!

Blake had enough. "How dare I? How dare you. How dare you go eighty miles an hour in a school zone endangering the lives of children? How dare you run a red light at a busy intersection? You could have killed someone and even your own sorry self." He slammed the door.

Officer Norris nudged Blake and nodded at the yellow convertible. See that license plate?

The personalized California plate said, LANE.

Blake climbed in the driver’s seat and shut his door. So what? She’s got a personal plate.

Officer Norris looked behind Officer Blake’s head. Oh, yeah. It’s Lane, all right. You just busted one of the Lane twins. You know, L. L. Lane Unlimited.

Blake’s headache kicked him. He needed coffee. Okay, but she’s busted for sure. For a moment, we had a high-speed chase going. She was going ninety when she ran that light. I’ll testify to it.

***

Aaron Stern strode into the Los Angeles County Courthouse after refusing to bail Leesa out the previous morning. She needed to spend a night in jail and get a dose of reality. Racing through a school zone is serious. They assured me she’d be in a cell by herself. She’s going to be livid, anyway.

The judge pounded her gavel. Los Angeles County versus Leesa Lane.

Aaron approached the judge as an officer brought Leesa forward to stand next to him. She glared at him through unkempt hair and smeared mascara. How dare you leave me here overnight.

He whispered back, Are you all right?

She rubbed her arms. They put me in solitary confinement.

Aaron lifted one eyebrow. You can thank your lucky stars for that. He directed his attention to the front of the room.

Mr. Stern, you’re the attorney of record for Miss Lane. How do you plead?

He straightened. Not guilty. Your honor, Miss Lane was distraught at the time. We agree that she shouldn’t have been driving.

The judge looked down her nose at the sheet of paper in her hand. The police report says she stopped after running a red light in excess of ninety miles an hour. A high-speed chase ensued, after he clocked her doing eighty miles an hour in a school zone and she refused to pull over. Counselor?

Aaron removed his glasses and looked at the judge. We beg the court’s mercy. My client has no record. She had no alcohol in her system. She passed the drug test. Her father recently passed away, and she’s been under an extreme amount of pressure since then. She’s not a flight risk. We ask for her release and pardon.

The judge let the paper drop out of her hand and float to the top of her desk. The pardon, she’s not getting. We’ll release her on fifty thousand dollars bond into your custody.

Aaron protested, But, Your Honor—

No ‘but’s, Mr. Stern. Work it out with the D.A., or I’ll see you in court a week from Monday. Next case.

The bailiff motioned for the officer to unlock Leesa’s cuffs. The officer escorted Leesa and Aaron to the records room, where Aaron filled out forms and signed for the responsibility of Leesa until her court date. He put down the pen and faced her. Don’t miss your court date.

Leesa rubbed her temples. Stop talking to me like I’m some lowlife criminal. Don’t do me any favors. I had a bad day. It happens.

Aaron picked up his attaché case. You’d better change your attitude. You’re in trouble. I don’t know why you called me; I’m not a criminal attorney. You could have any attorney in town. If you want my help, shut up.

Leesa frowned. A criminal? Is that what you think I am?

Aaron held the door open for her. You’re incredibly naïve for a thirty-two-year-old woman who just spent the night in jail.

Chapter Two

Cook’s prayer team gathered at Doris’s home. Cook sat in the wingback chair near the fireplace. "Leesa didn’t show up for breakfast this morning. I don’t think she came home last night, so I don’t know what happened at the reading of Lawrence’s will yesterday. My prayer was that the twins would be reconciled. Maybe she spent the night with Lyza. God can do anything.

I’m still celebrating answered prayer for Lawrence’s salvation. Praise God. I know, I know, you must be getting tired of hearing me talk about it. She chattered on while her four prayer partners listened politely. God is at work all around us. All these years that I’ve worked for the Lane family; I knew the Lord wanted me to be faithful and keep praying for their salvation. Now both Lyza and Lawrence are believers.

Jack commented drily, Well, Lawrence is dead.

Cook leaned forward. No matter. He made his confession of faith, and you know what that means.

Doris confirmed, He’s with the Lord in heaven. And Beverly, none of us get tired of hearing about it. Remember, we’ve prayed with you—not for thirty years, but for many years. The only sad thing is that Lana died before she found the Lord.

Yes, Cook shook her head. Lawrence and Lana really loved each other. I feel so bad about her death, but we trust God for His wisdom. I mean, she had plenty of chances. She took it hard when Lawrence disowned Lyza for converting to Christianity. She dealt with disturbing issues by running off to the jungles and looking for her precious orchids. Who knew she’d get bitten by a viper and die while in Ecuador? I hope she didn’t suffer.

Doris waved hands above her head. Praise God for His wisdom! We’ll keep praying for Leesa’s eyes to be opened. Does anyone else have a prayer request?

I want to pray for my nephew, Jack said immediately. He’s starting his own business, and I’m not sure he’s ready for such an endeavor. He hasn’t been able to get a job, so he feels like he has no other choice.

What kind of business? Cook asked.

Jack scratched his head. Handyman. He’ll do anything. At least he’s talented in that area. That guy can fix anything, and if he can’t fix it, he can make it. Hope it works out. He needs income soon, like yesterday.

Doris said, I could sure use some work done around here. It’s impossible for a widow like me to keep up maintenance on this old house. Have him give me a call. We’ll pray for him for sure. But it sounds like he’s on the right track.

Evelyn added, I could use some help, too. After he’s through with Doris, have him call me.

Jack smiled gratefully. You don’t have to do that. He can find his own clients. He has to learn to get out there and shake the bushes.

Doris frowned. Jack, you know me better than that. I need help, and I wouldn’t spend money I don’t have just to do you a favor. I need someone to help me out.

Me, too. Evelyn handed him a card. If he’s willing to do yard work, I have a ton of that.

Doris gave Jack a slip of paper. He’d better call me first.

Jane wrote her number on the bottom of a sheet in her notepad and tore it off and handed it to Jack. He can call me when he gets a chance.

Jack looked at the women. Really? I can’t believe it! He’s going to be thrilled.

Cook held out her hand. Give me his number for if Leesa ever needs something extra done on the estate. Usually the staff takes care of anything. At least if I have his number, I can give it to anyone who might need help.

Jack reached for his wallet. Thanks, Beverly. I know the Lane estate has its own staff. He doesn’t have cards yet. Here, let me write his number on the back of one of mine.

Doris put a tray with a pot of coffee, five cups, and condiments on the coffee table. I’m trying a new Kona blend this morning, so imagine we’re in Hawaii. Here’s creamer and sugar cubes.

Cook helped herself to the coffee and passed the pot to Jack. All right, we need to pray for Jack’s nephew and his new company. What else do we have?

Jane cleared her throat. We need to pray for my sister. She’s left her church. It seems there’s been a scandal with the pastor, and the church is split. She will not stay, but her heart is broken. She loves those people.

Evelyn leaned forward. The pastor had an affair?

Jane stirred her coffee. We aren’t here for gossip. I’m not going to talk about it. The thing is, she loved that church. It’s her family. Some will stay, and some are leaving. She’s leaving because the pastor is being allowed to continue as senior pastor.

Jack slapped the table. He’s preaching? Is he getting counseling?

Jane took a sip of coffee. I don’t know the details, and that’s not what the prayer request is about. The request is for my sister to find another church home.

Doris put a plate of Oreo cookies on the table. All right, no gossip here. My neighbor needs prayer. Yesterday she asked me to put her name on our prayer list. She’s going in for a second mammogram. Pray that this one comes back clearly normal. What do you have to add, Beverly?

Jack picked up an Oreo. Hold up a minute. We need to pray for that pastor and the situation. We may not know what happened, but God does.

Doris agreed, You’re right about that. Add the pastor to the list. Okay, Beverly.

Cook shrugged. "Everything is settling down. Leesa’s busy running the company. Lyza’s busy being a mother and pastor’s wife. Yesterday the Lanes all met at the attorney’s office to hear Lawrence’s last will and testament. Too bad he died on his deathbed and didn’t have a chance to write Lyza back in the will.

Leesa said that Lawrence’s attorney insisted they all be there for the reading of the will. Lyza was looking forward to seeing Leesa again. She misses the sister she used to have. Anyway, things are settling down. Maybe the twins are family again. Jack, why don’t you pray tonight, and we’ll agree.

Everyone bowed their heads, and Jack led them in prayer. "Dear God, we thank You for being in our lives. We are grateful for Your many blessings. I’m especially thankful for the response my prayer partners had tonight regarding my nephew’s newest endeavor. We just pray it turns out well for him. I ask Your blessing on him. Give him strength, wisdom, and direction.

"We pray for Jane’s sister. I know how difficult it is to leave one church family and search for another. Help her find a place where she can worship You in spirit and truth and feel welcome and become part of the family. We pray for the pastor of the church she’s leaving. Open his eyes to You, Lord; help him see his sin and repent. Heal him, restore him, and heal his church so that You may be glorified. And, Lord, we ask for Doris’s neighbor to get good results tomorrow; we pray everything good for her. We pray for the Lane family, as we always do. Lord please work in their lives. We ask that You bring Leesa into the Kingdom to Your glory. She needs You, Lord. All of us do.

Thank You for our prayer group. Thank You for loving us. Teach us how to love You back. In Jesus’s name, amen.

After the group Amen, Cook kept her head bowed. Lord, You are so faithful. Thank You, Jesus!

Doris wiped away a tear. Thanks, Jack. That prayer inspired me. How do we love Him? Sometimes it seems so difficult. He knows everything we think and feel. But how do we love Him back?

I know. Jack shrugged. It’s a hard one. I just want to stay in His will. Sometimes I think I could do something to show Him how much I love Him, but then He already knows and… it’s confusing.

Cook stood. I need to leave. Leesa didn’t come home last night. I think she stayed at her father’s estate; she been doing that some nights. I want to be there when she gets back. But Jack—one way I show Him how much I love Him is by doing something for someone else. We are His ambassadors here on earth. If we help someone out, give someone a cheerful word, even smile at someone, I think that’s a way to love Him.

***

Four days later, Leesa met Aaron Stern at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. Mr. Stern directed her to a small office off the main lobby. She sat in the leather chair across from him.

Mr. Stern opened a manila file folder. The D.A. has made an offer, and I think you’d do well to consider it. You should be in jail and we both know it. Hear me out before you say anything.

Leesa folded her arms. I’m listening.

He read from an official form. You are being charged with speeding in excess of eighty miles per hour through a school zone, running a red light, resisting arrest…

Leesa straightened. Resisting arrest? That’s a lie.

He paused for a moment, then said softly, I asked you to listen. Do you want to hear what they’re offering? Or do you want me to leave now?

She pursed her lips. Go on.

Mr. Stern looked her in the eye. Your disrespect for the arresting officer didn’t help you any. He is willing to testify to all of the above, including the fact that when he turned on his flashing lights, you accelerated. When he added the siren, instead of pulling over, you continued your acceleration, causing him to engage in a high-speed chase and call for backup.

Leesa smirked. He was a jerk.

And you were an idiot. Don’t interrupt me again.

She pursed her lips again. She wanted to walk out, but her survival instincts told her to sit and listen to the court’s offer. I don’t deserve this. No one gets it. I’m the victim here.

Mr. Stern picked up the official document. "The county of Los Angeles is willing to forgo the mandatory sentence. The only reason you aren’t going to jail today is that