Endure the Night

By Cynthia Crowner

Eve Marie Steele discovered the hard way that her marriage was in trouble-the other woman told her. On the most important night of her career, Eve learned her husband had been unfaithful, shattering her entire life into a million pieces.

Peregrine Steele insisted that Eve's job as a Christian counselor had left him vulnerable, but a careless mistake couldn't destroy their marriage. He wanted his wife, he wanted his marriage and he was determined to fight for both. He convinced Eve to stand by him in his fight against a lawsuit as well. Perry was charged with sexual harassment. He vowed the woman had been the pursuer-which proved to be true when the woman began stalking Eve and Perry.

Eve retreated to their home in St. Michaels, Maryland. The lovely old Victorian house was a haven-until the house was burglarized.

Yet, finally, through the sleuthing skills of Eve's bible study class, a few body guards tossed in here and there, and the local law, Eve and Perry managed to endure the night. They discovered how much God loved them, and found joy in their love for each other-and their new baby.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 30, 2007
• ISBN: 9780595909100

Cynthia Crowner

Cynthia A. Crowner is a retired teacher and a lifetime resident of Annapolis, Maryland. She is a member of the Annapolis Fellowship of Christian Writers for whom she has conducted workshops on character development; plot structure, timelines, and poetry. She contributes to her church newsletter, which is circulated among members and missionaries around the world.

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Endure the Night

Copyright © 2007 by Cynthia A. Crowner

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any

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permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in

critical articles and reviews.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and

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Contents

Acknowledgements

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

I offer praise and thanks to God that He never closes one door without opening another.

I offer my thanks to my husband Calvin, to our executive pastor, Dan Smith to Jeri Sweany and Steve Babecki, and to the Annapolis Fellowship of Christian Writers.

CHAPTER 1

I Corinthians 13:7 Love … beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Eve Steele stood on tiptoe searching the crowd for her husband Perry’s dark head and broad shoulders. The hotel ballroom was packed. It was nearly seven twenty and the festivities would begin at seven thirty. She had practically begged to get Perry’s agreement to attend this night’s event. He had prom-ised—so she knew he would show.

Eve had stopped trying to hold conversations with the Foundation’s guests. She was too distracted. She walked over to the table which held a fountain and reached for a cup of fruit punch.

How do you do, Miss Woods? How can I help you? Would you like something to drink?

No. Thank you, but no. I really just wanted to ask if you would have lunch with me at the Armbrewster tomorrow. I’ve already made a reservation. I’d much prefer that we talked there.

I’m sorry. I’ve made arrangements for a meeting during lunch tomorrow. Could I have you meet with Ruth Fuller? Ruth is my associate and knows as much about the Foundation as I do. If you’ll just tell me which organization you represent, I’m sure I can arrange things for tomorrow.

The woman frowned at her. No. You don’t understand. I don’t represent any organization. I represent myself and Perry.

You work for Perry? I don’t understand.

You don’t recognize my name, do you?

"No, Miss Woods, I don’t. You said you work for Perry?’

Yes. But that’s not the reason you and I need to talk. The woman took a deep breath. "Listen. I’m sorry. This was wrong of me. I know this is an important night for you, but it’s the first time you and I have ever been in the same place at the same time and I just couldn’t wait any longer.

I do work for Perry, but there’s more to our relationship than that. We’ve been seeing each other for almost a year. Perry loves me and I love him.

Eve sucked in her breath. She stared at the woman until she could hardly see her. The tears started to spill down her cheeks.

Eve? Excuse us! We have to get to the head table. Ruth Fuller smiled apologetically at the young woman in the bright red dress and led Eve away by the arm. What’s wrong? Are you all right? Are you sick?

Yes.

Oh, honey. What rotten timing. Do you want me to get someone to cover for you? Maybe you should lie down.

No, thanks, Ruth. I don’t think lying down will help. Eve moved to the head table and sat down. She placed her hands on both sides of the chair to keep from falling off.

The guests who had been milling around just seconds before moved to take their places at the round, white linen-covered tables. The lights dimmed, then came back up. Then the lights lowered again to just accentuate the candles.

Eve felt two hands on her shoulders.

Sorry. I couldn’t get away. Peregrine sat next to her. He had leaned down to whisper to her, but didn’t turn to look at her.

A fork tapped a crystal goblet, then the voice of the Foundation president filled the air. He offered his own greetings then introduced Eve Steele. She had been asked to offer the official welcome.

She hadn’t moved.

Perry touched her on her thigh. Eve, wake up. You’ve just been announced.

She rose slowly and moved to the lectern.

There was an enthusiastic round of applause.

Eve looked out onto hundreds of faces. She saw glittery dresses and jewelry, flowers and candlelight. Then she saw one face. The face of Melinda Woods.

She looked up at the ceiling and started to speak. "Thank you, Dr. Corey. Thank you all for coming—and welcome. Tonight marks the 25th anniversary of one of the most honored and best supported foundations on the East Coast of the United States.

One thousand sponsors have given their money, time and services to honor you; our donors, our clients, our friends.

She saw Melinda Woods smile at her.

I don’t know how to tell you what I feel . what I feel .

She fainted.

I suppose that’s one way to get the attention of your audience. Stare them in the face for ten seconds, then drop like a rock. Perry was rubbing her cheek with the back of his hand.

Eve turned her face away.

What’s wrong? Didn’t you eat anything today? I suppose you worked nonstop until it was time for you to sit at the head table. Should I get you something to eat?

Peregrine?

What?

I need to ask you something.

What is it? Are you going to ask me if your dress rose above your knees?

He was mocking her.

No. I have an important question, Peregrine. Have you been unfaithful to me?

He didn’t answer her.

She sat up. She moved away from him, and tried to stand up.

Lie still. You want to fall on your face again? Perry’s voice was deep and curt.

No, Perry. I just want to go home.

No, you don’t. This is your big night. You’ve been working for ten months to put this thing together. The least you can do is put your feelings aside and come through for five hundred of your closest friends.

Perry took her by the arm and pulled her to her feet. Come on.

No. I can’t do it. Please let me go.

Go where? Where do you think you’re going, Eve? His voice was harsh.

I just want to go home.

And then what? We scream and shout at each other and hurl accusations? Is that what you prefer to acting like a grown up in front of your friends?

Peregrine, I hurt. I hurt. I hurt. I hurt. She stood straight and stiff, her body intermittently wracked by tremors, the tears streaming down her face.

I’ll take you home.

There was only one way out. That led past the ballroom where the anniversary celebration was being held. Peregrine held onto Eve’s arm and practically dragged her past the double doors of the ballroom. He looked inside and noticed several heads turn discreetly then nod gently to them. Then he noticed one face. He swore softly, which at any other time would have brought a scolding from his wife.

Perry put Eve into the front seat of his car. He looked across at her and noticed that she was shivering. He took off his jacket and put it across her shoulders.

Please take it back. I don’t want your jacket.

You’re shivering. You’re in shock. You need to keep warm.

I don’t want your jacket, Perry. It smells like you, and the smell is making me sick. Please take it away.

He swore again, but he took the jacket away. He tossed it onto the back seat. He wouldn’t be needing it. He started the car and turned on the heat. He pulled at his tie until the black loops dropped and then he pulled out the top two studs of the shirt to his tuxedo.

Neither of them spoke during the twenty minutes it took to drive home. He parked in front of the house. When he turned off the engine, Eve opened her door and walked up the front steps. She looked at her hands searching for her purse, but it wasn’t there.

She waited in front of the door like a statue while Perry used his key to let her into the house. She looked down at her feet and noticed two fallen leaves, still green but hard and dry, too weak to hold out against September’s march into fall.

Peregrine shoved open the door and waited for her to walk inside.

Still she didn’t speak. She turned toward the stairs. She stood looking up for several seconds before she mounted the steps and walked to their bedroom.

Perry paced back and forth across the entry for several minutes, then he took the stairs two at a time. When he walked into the bedroom he was surprised to see her lying on the bed. She hadn’t removed her gown or her shoes or her jewelry.

She lay curled in the fetal position sobbing. The rust colored silk pooled around her body and one small foot in a silver slipper peaked through the folds of her gown.

Eve, at least let me help you get undressed.

She didn’t answer. The racking sobs continued until he couldn’t stand the sound anymore. He walked out into the hallway, but came back into the room to collect some clothes. I’ll sleep in the room across the hall. He pulled the door closed behind him.

Eve lay there long after he had gone. She had never felt so alone. Oh, God, where are You? Why won’t You answer me? Father, I disobeyed your law, but I’ve confessed, Father, and I’ve asked Your forgiveness? When will You forgive me? She cried herself to sleep.

At six thirty the next morning, Peregrine walked into the master bedroom. Eve wasn’t in the bed. He checked the bathroom and the walk in closet. She wasn’t in their bedroom.

Perry ran down the steps looking into rooms as he worked his way through the entire house downstairs. He found her on the patio.

Eve?

Yes?

Are you all right?

No, Perry, I am not all right.

Look, I’m sorry. I saw Melinda Woods. I knew when I saw her sitting there that she’d told you. I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say to you.

Actually, I don’t know what to say to you either. Of course, ‘good-bye’ comes to mind. I suppose there will be a lot of ‘good-byes’ spoken today.

What are you talking about? We have to talk about this thing. I know I made a stupid, stupid mistake, but there is no ‘good-bye’ for us. We’ve always promised each other .

Peregrine. This cancels out the promises. This cancels out everything.

"What the . what are you talking about? This cancels nothing, except perhaps this farce we’ve been living for the past ten months. It’s time to take a long hard look at our marriage.

"I lay awake most of the night trying to figure out where we go from here and the only place we can go is for help. We’ll see someone, not one of your counselors, but someone who’ll help us stay together.

I don’t want that woman, Eve. There was never any question that I’d leave you for her. Perry was pacing back and forth across the stones of the patio. His navy terry cloth robe hung open on his tall fit body. He wore only the bottoms to his pajamas beneath the robe. His feet were bare and his thick dark hair was uncombed.

You did leave me for her, Perry. You’ve been lying with another woman. You ended our marriage, Perry.

Eve, listen to me. I don’t want to lose you.

Why not?

What kind of a question is that!

It’s a reasonable question. I’m not sure I even understand what you’re saying. You can’t lose something you never valued very much in the first place. You don’t really lose something that you’ve discarded.

Stop this.

You told her you love her.

If she told you that…

"Words you’ve never said to me, Perry. I hoped you would someday but you never did. But you said them to her. And she believed you. And I believe you, too. You wouldn’t have said the words unless you meant them.

"Peregrine, I married you because I loved you. I accepted that you didn’t love me. You never professed it, so I knew you didn’t feel it. But you married me and you gave me your word.

Don’t you understand? When you broke your vows to me, you took away the only thing you’d ever given me.

I don’t love her. I don’t even like her. She was a one night stand and she knew it. Eve …

A one night stand doesn’t last a year! She clapped her hands over her mouth. Speaking the words aloud made it all seem even worse.

All right! I admit I was with her more than once, but I haven’t been seeing her. At least, not on purpose. And I haven’t known her for a year. I swear it!

I don’t believe you. How can I believe you? Oh, God! I can’t bear this. I can’t live with you. I’m leaving, Perry. It’s your house. I only lived here as your wife, and I’m not that anymore. I have to leave.

Eve. Don’t do this. Don’t do this! He had just yelled at her. He tried to quiet his voice. I don’t want you to go. I’ll do whatever I have to to stop you. And this is so-o-o your home. This place belongs to both of us. You made it a home. I just made the payments on it. Give me another chance.

She stood and looked at him. To do what, Peregrine? To destroy what’s left of me?

She turned and walked back into the house.

When he went back up the stairs to try to reason with her, he walked into the room to find her packing. She had placed three open suitcases on the bed and was filling them with her clothes and toiletries.

I don’t want you to go. He started taking things out of the suitcases. When she placed more clothes in the cases, he swept the cases from the bed. Stop it! I will not let you leave me!

Why, Perry? Why can’t I go? I don’t want to stay here. I can’t bear to be in the same room with you. Why won’t you let me go?

You’re my wife. I want you. And I intend to keep you. I need you to stay. Nothing can work without you. It will all be wrong. He tried to reason with her but she kept packing.

Stop it, Eve! Don’t you understand? You’re the reason I work so hard to be the best. It won’t be winning if I don’t have you.

She stood staring at her husband. She’d never seen Perry lose control. He was always the one who made the rules, and too often the only one who knew the rules to the games he played. She turned away from him. Then we both lose.

She went to her closet to collect her clothes. I have to get dressed. It’s getting late.

What?

I have to get dressed, Perry. I have to get down to the office.

"You’re going to work? Our lives are falling apart and you’re going to work?

The devil take that job! That’s what got us into this mess!"

She froze. It is?

Yes!

My work bothers you, Perry?

Yes. It bothers me, he said through his teeth.

I didn’t know. You never told me that. I went to work because there were so many empty hours for me to fill. I’m sorry, Perry. I didn’t know.

Well, now you know, Eve. What are you going to do about it?

"I’ve already done it. I called late last night and left a message for David Lamb. I told him I had to resign. He’s away for a few days, but I imagine he’ll check his messages before he starts his day. I hope he checks.

He’ll need to find someone to replace me before he moves to his next project. I won’t be able to take over from him when he leaves.

What did you say?

I said Pastor Lamb will need to replace me before he leaves.

What do you mean, before he leaves? When is he leaving? Perry stood transfixed.

He leaves in two months, Perry, at the end of his contract year. Pastor Lamb was here for twelve months to help the foundation re-organize. He’s done everything he promised the board he’d do including training our staff. I just feel so sorry that he and everyone else on the board have wasted their time and money on me.

I don’t know what you’re talking about. He stood staring at her. Are you telling me that David Lamb is leaving? And that he only agreed to stay here for one year? You knew that? You knew he’d be leaving after one year?

Of course I knew. I was part of the team selected to learn his program. I told you that before I started, Perry. You agreed that I could work for the foundation instead of continuing as a volunteer. I talked to you about it before I signed on as a paid employee.

I don’t remember your telling me any of that.

There are a lot of things you don’t remember, Peregrine. You forgot you were married to me.

She picked up her clothes and went into the bathroom. She locked the door.

When Eve walked back into the bedroom, she was fully dressed, except for her shoes. She sat on the bed and reached down to pull on her dark brown knee-high boots. She walked to pick up a brown silk scarf from the floor where Perry had shoved the contents of one of the drawers. She tied the scarf around the neck of her cream colored turtlenecked dress and turned to look for her purse.

She moved things around, lifting and returning, searching for the purse.

Perry walked back into the bedroom. He was fully dressed. He looked up from the band of the gold watch he had been trying to close.

What are you looking for?

My little silver purse. My keys are in it.

It’s in the room across the hall. I brought it home in my pocket last night.

Thank you. She made a wide sweep around him to get to the door.

Don’t do this. Don’t treat me like a pariah. If you knew why I’d done what I’ve done … He reached for her.

No! Please don’t touch me, Peregrine. If you touch me, I’ll fall apart.

Eve? His voice was soft.

Yes.

I will not lose you. I told you. None of it means anything without you. I can’t let you leave me. She can’t hold a candle to you.

Stop.

Do you want to know what first attracted me to you? And what still attracts me to you?

She didn’t answer.

"It’s the way you say my name. No one says it the way you do. You always breathe on the ‘grin’. When you say Peregrine, it’s the sweetest sound in all the world.

It was the thought of losing you—fear of never hearing you speak my name again that got me into this mess. I will not lose you. He turned and left the room, but he came back to the door. I’ll have to take you to get your car. It’s still at the hotel.

She stood staring at him. She seemed disoriented. She had forgotten about her car. She had forgotten everything except that her life as Peregrine Steele’s wife was over. Another sign that God had not forgiven her.

Come on. I’ll drive you to the office. We’ll let the people there know that you’ll be quitting, then we’ll go pick up your car.

She didn’t move.

He called her name. Eve?

I heard you; I’m coming.

He walked down the steps behind her. She was unnaturally stiff. She walked as though she were in pain. It made him sick to realize that she was in pain and that he was the cause.

Perry hadn’t put the car away the night before, so it was parked at the front steps. He opened the door for her and then closed her in. He walked around the front of the car and got behind the wheel. He didn’t start the engine.

Before we go, I want to know something. Why did you quit your job?

How could I stay? It would be dishonorable. What can I possibly say to a woman who’s trying to get her life back together? Mine is falling apart.

You could tell her to be patient. You could tell her it takes a lot of work. You could tell her not to give up—no matter what.

I could tell her I know what it feels like to die inside from swallowing acid.

You could tell her her husband just might feel the same way.

She raised her voice. I can’t tell anyone anything, Per … She couldn’t bring herself to speak his name.

And he knew it.

Look, we have to do something about this. We’ll get through the trivia this morning and we’ll go someplace and talk. We could go to the Armbrewster. It’s your favorite place.

So that we can have lunch with your second wife? How convenient since she’s already made a reservation. And how very civilized. The only thing is I don’t feel very civilized. I surely don’t feel like dealing with what you consider the trivia that used to be my life. I feel like screaming! She turned her face from him and looked through the window to the house.

I don’t want to come back here, she whispered.

You will come back, Wife. You’ll come back if I have to drag you back.

Perry started the car. It took all his self-control not to go careening out of the driveway. He put the car in gear and drove them to the office building adjacent to the church.

There she is. Right on time. I told you, if she’s back on her feet, she’ll be here.

Ruth grinned at Eve. Then she noticed Perry. Good morning, Mr. Steele. This is a surprise. It’s been a long time.

How are you, Mrs. Fuller? It has been a while. I didn’t get to see you last night.

No. And speaking of last night: How are you, Eve? Are you okay, now?

Actually, I need to talk to you, Ruth. But I think it would be best if we got everyone together. I have an announcement to make.

I win. It’s a baby. One of the voices called from behind Eve.

Both Steeles turned blood red.

You be quiet! You’re always going off half-cocked. For once I wish you’d get the shells properly loaded in your brain before you fire off your mouth! A male voice sounded off this time.

Eve, I think you’d better set these people straight and the sooner the better. Perry’s downturned mouth telegraphed his distaste.

Could we please meet in the conference room in five minutes? I need to go to the office to get a few things, then we’ll talk. Eve didn’t look at any of the staff. She walked stiff and fast to her office.

Perry followed her.

Perry looked around at the neatness of her office. There were book shelves along two walls. On the wall near the only small window were two desks, turned so that the occupants would sit face to face. He looked at the desk which Eve approached.

He moved to look at the photograph she had placed on the end of her desk. It was of him. He didn’t recall having posed for the picture. It showed him in a thoughtful pose sitting at what was clearly the desk in his own office. His face rested against his fist, his eyes focused to his left, away from the photographer. His left hand held a pencil he’d been worrying. His cuffs were rolled back and his tie was askew.

I don’t remember this picture.

I took it. I’d been waiting in the reception area for you to finish a meeting and when people started to walk out, I walked in. I’d been on a field trip to the museum that day and I had my camera on my shoulder. I snapped you before you realized I was there.

Waiting for me? What do you mean, waiting for me? Why didn’t you just walk in?

Your secretary wouldn’t let me. She looked up at him. It was Melinda Woods, wasn’t it? I didn’t even recognize her last night. I’m really dumb. Incredibly, remarkably dumb, aren’t I?

Melinda Woods is not nor has she ever been my secretary. If she was in the office that day, then she was probably temping for Mrs. Fair. He started toward her but she backed away.

I’d better get a move on. I’m keeping the staff waiting. She collected her laptop, a few folders and her keys. She had left the picture, but Perry picked it up and put it in his pocket.

Perry followed her down the hall. He and Eve both stopped suddenly when a tall dark haired man entered the hall from another office. Perry glared at the man. Eve whispered his name. David!

Hello, there. I can tell you’re surprised to see me. His voice was deep and melodious. Deeper than Peregrine’s. But quieter than Peregrine’s.

Eve, I don’t think your husband and I have ever been formally introduced. Would you do the honors? David Lamb flashed a smile that might have made him millions if he’d gone into modeling instead of the ministry.

Oh. That’s true. I hadn’t realized . Pastor David Lamb, my hu . this is Peregrine Steele. Perry, Pastor Lamb.

Peregrine nodded. Mr. Lamb.

Peregrine! It’s not mister. It’s Doctor Lamb or it’s Pastor Lamb, but it’s not mister! Eve sounded a little breathless. That ticked Perry off.

Actually, I’ll answer to David just as fast. He lowered his eyes and looked at Eve. I got your message last night. I decided I could delay the meeting in Atlanta for a couple of days. Did something happen at the celebration last night that I should know about?

I… yes … no … yes. But, it didn’t .I mean it wasn’t related to the church or the foundation; it was personal. She was flushed and the tears had started to well.

Pastor, I’m holding the staff in the conference room. I think you’d better come to hear what I have to say to them. It may save us some time. I’m sorry . I know this is … well, it’s awkward, but I need to explain. Well, I’ll try to explain as much as I can. Her voice trailed away.

Come. David Lamb pulled her arm through his and led her to the conference room.

Perry followed. He watched the way David Lamb supported his wife. He resented the man like poison.

Here she is. Okay. What’s the big announcement? And what’s Pastor doing here? Cheney Phillips was a bubbly forty-five year old who had never grown past adolescence.

Cheney. Be quiet, please. Let’s just wait until we’re all seated and ready to listen. Ruth tried to bring a little calm to every situation.

Eve took a deep breath, sat at the table next to Ruth and indicated the space next to her for Perry. She looked at the faces of the people with whom she’d worked or volunteered for