To Fill a Home

By Pat Nelson Klud

Todd and Jenny are enjoying married life. They have to wonder where God is when a fly in the ointment suddenly changes everything.

Kathleen Reynolds finds a man she thinks she can love, but she is hesitant and doesnt know why.

Blanche just wants to be left alone, but that isnt enough to satisfy her deepest longing.

Joans prayers sometimes seem to take forever to receive answers. She wont give up but cant help wondering if some of them will ever come to pass.

Having a home filled with love, understanding, and laughter seems to escape the grasp of so many. Discover how faith and prayer change the ones who embrace them. Learn how their circumstances are affected when they dare to believe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jan 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490864921

Pat Nelson Klud

Pat Nelson Klud (which rhymes with food) met her husband, Leon, in college. For more than twenty years, she was a leader in Aglow International—the last eight and half as President of the Northern Virginia/Washington DC Area Team. She and Leon live in Springfield, Virginia. They have a son and daughter, both married, and one grandchild.This is her first novel.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

M r. J sat back in his chair, a huge cigar clamped in his teeth. Surveying his little kingdom gave him a sense of satisfaction at how well he was doing. By hook or by crook, as he’d heard it said, he was amassing a small fortune.

With others to do his dirty work, he could always claim no knowledge of their activities. They were sworn to secrecy at threat of their lives, so he didn’t worry about squealers. Money and power got him what he wanted, whenever he wanted. It spoke loudly in his circles, and he planned to keep it that way.

A knock at the door interrupted his musing.

Yeah, who is it? he demanded.

The eye of one of his lackeys peeked around the door. You wanted to see me, Boss?

Yeah, come on in, Tiny, he said offhandedly, motioning for him to remain standing.

I have something I’d like you to do for me.

Anything for you, Boss, the not-so-bright lug of a man replied.

Mr. J went on to outline his plan for Tiny who nodded as if he got everything.

Finally, he demanded, You got that?

Sure, Boss. Anything you say, Boss, the huge man replied while he tried to remember everything he’d just been instructed to do.

Do I need to call in someone else for this job, or can you handle it? the intimidating man sneered.

I can do it for you, Boss. No problem. Leave it to me, Tiny replied. Anything else?

Naw, I think you got the gist of what I want. Let me know when the job is done, was his reply as he got up from his chair.

Okay, Boss. You got it. I’ll let you know as soon as that guy is taken care of. You can count on me, Boss, Tiny said with a small grin as he lumbered out of the well-appointed office.

Sighing, Mr. J settled back in his chair again. Another unfortunate situation handled—or would be—as soon as he got word of the termination of one of his non-paying debtors. Unfortunately for the poor sap, his excuses had run out. No one should presume upon Mr. J’s kindness. Enough was enough. There is no place for forgiveness, was his motto. You owe, you pay. As simple as that. Or suffer the consequences.

A smile of satisfaction crossed Mr. J’s face. With Tiny’s limited brain-power, whatever he asked of him, the poor schlep was willing to do. What an asset!

The next day, Tiny’s knock on his door bade him entry.

Well, is it done?

Yeah, he never knew what hit him, a proud Tiny boasted.

Did anyone see you? Were you followed?

Naw, Boss, I know how to cover my tracks. He handed over the money, and when he turned around, it was all over, he said, giving Mr. J an envelope.

Looking inside, Mr. J quickly counted the money, he then asked, No one came running at the shot?

That’s the best part. I used a knife. Nice and quiet.

You’re sure he’s dead?

Oh, yeah. Some poor sap came along about a half hour later and found the guy. I watched from around the corner when the cops came. Saw him wheeled away on a stretcher, sheet over his face. He’s a gonner, all right, the big man bragged.

Good work, Tiny. I won’t forget. There will be a little extra in your pay this week.

Aw, thanks, Boss. You don’t have to do that. Taking care of your problems is my job, said the embarrassed goon.

You earned it.

Anything else I can do fer ya?

No, not now. I’ll let you know when I need you.

Okay, see ya, said Tiny as he walked out the door with his head held up.

For Tiny, being useful instead of feeling like he was worthless made his day. He was always careful when he did what the Boss wanted, just as he’d been taught. No one was going to get past him if he could help it. He knew he didn’t have the smarts that the Boss did, so following orders made life simple. Do it.—and he did it. No thinking involved.

Meanwhile, Mr. J breathed a little easier knowing that nothing could be traced back to him. The dead guy couldn’t talk, and Tiny wouldn’t. He was home free.

* * *

Blanche DuPree looked at her watch for the tenth time in less than thirty minutes. Where is that guy? He was supposed to be here an hour ago.

She hated waiting for people. Wasn’t her time worth anything? Where did he come off making her wait until he decided he was good and ready to show up?

Getting up from the desk chair in the dingy office, she headed out to the front of the nightclub. Maybe he had come in and was waiting for her out there. Unlikely, but a possibility.

She surveyed the room of the mostly ragtag group of men ogling the girls on stage. Joey, behind the bar, was filling an order for another round of drinks.

When she reached him, Joey looked her way but said nothing.

Have you seen Benny this evening? she asked with an edge in her voice.

Can’t say that I have, he answered with a shrug.

He was supposed to meet me an hour ago, but so far, no show. He didn’t come in and then leave, did he?

If he did, I didn’t spot him. What do you need with him anyway? Is he in trouble? asked the nosy bartender.

Benny Jones was the so-called owner and manager of the nightclub that Blanche and he owned. She was his silent partner. Her late husband, Sid, had left it to her with debt that would choke a horse. Even with a few improvements, the place was barely making enough to pay for the food, drinks, and most current bills. If she didn’t get some big cash soon, this place would be history.

None o’ yer business. Let me know if you see him. I gotta talk to him ASAP.

Yeah, replied Joey.

Blanche headed to the office again, wondering where her wayward manager could be. He usually did what he said, eventually. He was in last night. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

When she became the owner of the club, she partnered with Benny, putting him in charge of the hiring and firing of the waitresses and the bouncers. He wasn’t the most reputable character; but so far, he’d proven himself up to the job. This wasn’t the first time he’d left her hanging, though, but he always had a good excuse when he finally owned up to his misdeeds.

As she contemplated what may have happened to Benny, she thought back to the beginning of her life as a nightspot co-owner. Sid had run the place like a well-oiled machine. Back in the day, it was the place to be. Over the years, the neighborhood had gone into decline to the point that the customers were of what could be called lower class. Where they got the money to spend was beyond her, but it was money nonetheless. She wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth, as they say.

Her life had seemed to be one mistake after another. Her first husband had run out on her as soon as she told him she was expecting. The second guy wouldn’t marry her. He only lasted a few months.

When Sid came along, she thought for sure that she had finally found some stability. Even though he was an abuser, he did provide a place to live, food, and a little extra spending money. She did whatever she could to make him happy. That didn’t always work, but at least she tried.

When Sid was killed over a drug deal gone wrong, she was left to pick up the pieces. Little did she know, the good front he presented was covering a world of lies.

That was two years ago. She tried her best to keep the place open and running. As the neighborhood declined, so did her clientele. It was harder and harder to get good help, too. No nice girls wanted to work for her. That left the ones that had thrown away their scruples and were willing to do anything as long as they got a paycheck.

Checking her watch again, Blanche thought to herself, When I get my hands on that guy, he’s going to wish he’d told me where he was going.

The phone rang around eleven. Benny gave a profuse apology and said he was on his way. His excuse didn’t hold water, but she wasn’t about to question him. If she did, he might not even show up at all.

An hour or so later, she heard a ruckus out front and decided to sneak a peek out the door of the office. It had a wide view of the bar area. She saw three uniformed policemen questioning Joey and the waitresses.

Not knowing what was going on, but not wanting to be a part of it, she left by the back entrance before anyone would notice. Joey would be able to cover her tracks if necessary. She never could tell when he was lying or telling the truth unless she saw the twitch above his left eye. She hoped the cops would just assume it was a facial tic and ignore it.

I’ll find out tomorrow what’s going one. No need to get involved tonight, she decided.

CHAPTER 2

T odd bowed gallantly as he looked down at his petite wife. My lady, he said, picking up his new bride and carrying her over the threshold. Welcome to my parlor said the spider to the fly! Todd teased. He wiggled his eyebrows as he slowly released her to her feet.

Todd and Jenny Chambers were returning from their glorious one-week honeymoon in the Bahamas.

I don’t want to ever leave your parlor, Jenny whispered into Todd’s ear as she reached up and planted a small kiss on his check.

Once Todd had placed Jenny’s feet back on the floor, they entered the living room together. Jenny took a look around the living room with its decidedly masculine décor. With a little imagination, and a lot of love, this place would become the home she had envisioned.

Where shall we start? she asked Todd as he brought in their suitcases, placing them on the floor near the stairs.

In the bedroom? Todd suggested slyly. Jenny’s face turned bright red and she placed her hand on his arm. Later, she promised shyly.

Quickly changing the subject, Jenny suggested, If you’re not too tired, we can sit together and open our gifts. I’m excited to see what we got! I could unwrap while you write down each item and who gave it to us.

With paper and pen in hand, gifts piled high around them, and glasses of iced tea for refreshment, they began. Jenny exclaimed, I can’t believe that so many people gave us such nice gifts. Todd nodded his head in agreement as he wrote the information for the gift on his growing list.

I never expected people to give us so many of the things I put on those registries, he admitted. Those items were only there for people to choose from, not get everything that was listed! he added.

Going shopping will be a lot of fun! Jenny squealed at the pile of gift cards and checks.

How can you say that? What more do we need? It looks like a store exploded in here already! Todd delightfully replied.

Oh, I can always find something we need! One of the stores even carries grocery items, Jenny beamed at her new husband. He had a lot to learn about women and shopping!

And when either of us is too tired to cook, we can enjoy eating at one of these great restaurants, Jenny added, fingering the gift cards.

Ah, I can hear it now: ‘I’m tired, let’s eat out.’ Todd joked.

Jenny giggled, Not often, just once in a while we can treat ourselves through the generosity of our friends.

Yes, ma’am, I gotcha, Todd agreed.

Let’s decide where to put all these lovely things, Jenny suggested. Stashing the kitchen items and linens, Todd commented, You know that I am more than willing to help with the household chores.

Thanks, Jenny responded

Anything for you, Todd replied with a huge smile.

Whew, I’m hungry, Jenny exclaimed, once they were finished cleaning up. Let’s see what we have to eat.

Todd’s mother, Esther, had stocked their shelves, refrigerator, and freezer with more food than they could use in a month! How she appreciated her thoughtfulness.

Jenny commented, When I was a single, working adult, quick meals or take-out were more the norm than recipes and ingredients. These new cookbooks are challenging.

Turning to Todd, she continued, I hope you’ll understand while I practice putting together a decent meal. I know you learned how to cook from your mother, so between us, we will not starve! This is definitely going to be an ‘equal-opportunity’ marriage.

I couldn’t agree with you more, Todd said, pulling her into a long embrace.

Reluctantly releasing her he asked, What looks good?

I think we’re in for one of the casseroles that your mom left here, she offered.

Later, with dinner and dishes out of the way, they settled into the living room to rest and relax.

Jenny picked up her women’s magazine and began to go through it slowly, circling things she wanted to keep or recipes she wanted to try. Meanwhile, Todd sorted the mail and newspapers.

The quiet in the room didn’t need to be filled with conversation. Since pleasing their partner was more important, it wouldn’t be all that hard to give up some TV or reading time to engage in conversation—or other things!

After an hour or so of sorting, reading, talking, and reminiscing, Todd said, heading to the stairs, I’m ready to call it a day.

I’m with you. Jenny had learned quickly to love having this big, strong man beside her while she slept. Sharing sleeping space had not been as difficult as she had imagined.

I’m so thankful that you thought ahead to get this king-sized bed. With your height, anything less would have been quite crowded.

Taking her hand, Todd closed off this wonderfully busy day with prayers of thanksgiving.

Turning out the light, Jenny snuggled up to Todd and fell asleep as he gently snored beside her. She was getting used to this!

CHAPTER 3

A stern-faced Miss Templeton, Sally Burnett’s supervisor, stopped by her desk one afternoon to ask her some questions. She was tall, slender, in her late forties, with slightly gray hair pulled back in a bun at the nape of her neck and dark brown eyes. She was younger than Sally, yet she had obviously worked hard to earn her position as head of the department.

Although Sally was well-equipped to do this job, she sometimes felt inadequate under Miss Templeton’s scrutiny. She was a tough taskmaster who expected perfection in everything that Sally and her coworkers did—no exceptions or excuses. Sally wondered what had her wound so tight that she couldn’t recognize that humans do make mistakes.

What is the extra period doing on this sentence, ‘Miss Terrible’ (as she was called behind her back) demanded.

I just missed it in my rereading of the transcript, and my computer didn’t flag it for me, responded Sally with less trepidation than the first few times this had happened.

I do not, repeat, do not, accept mistakes in the work we do here. Do you understand? Re-do this page immediately, and put it on my desk as soon as you’ve finished. I must submit this information no later than 4 PM today, and it’s now 3:30. Do you think you can do that? she said with a frown.

No problem, Miss Terr…, er, Templeton. Right away, ma’am, Sally responded. Be nice, be nice, be nice, she kept telling herself as she took the page from Miss Templeton’s hand and swiveled around to her computer screen. Why do some people make such mountains out of mole hills?

As Sally found the file, corrected the error, and sent the page to her printer, she wondered again what made it so hard for Miss Templeton to be gracious and kind instead of so demanding. Maybe I have been placed here for a chance to help her become more human. She would pray even more for her, asking the Lord to give her the right opportunities to show love and compassion even when she didn’t feel like it. Help me, God.

* * *

Regardless of the difficulties with her boss, Sally’s new job as a legal secretary had turned out to be a real blessing. It was at the same research and development firm where Jenny Chambers worked. All of her years of working for estate lawyer, James Johnston, had given her much more experience than she had realized. She was more than able to utilize her know-how in her new responsibilities.

She was left adrift for a couple of weeks after Mr. Johnston’s untimely death from a heart attack. With Jenny’s encouragement, she had applied for and gotten this new job. God had carried her through the tough times, and she was thankful for this new experience.

Sally’s son, Randy, had been out of touch for many years after leaving home at seventeen. He had reconnected with her just two years ago, a seemingly decent young man, who treated her with respect and love whenever they were together. She had continually prayed that he would find redemption and make a dramatic turn in his life.

But it had not turned out as she had expected! He was in prison for breaking and entering, as well as selling stolen goods. Now she understood his reluctance to give her any more information about his life.

At first, after they reconnected, Randy didn’t show any interest in spiritual things when Sally would bring them up. Eventually, he did attend church with her a few times. The fact that Randy had come to the Lord the very day that he was arrested still amazed her at God’s timing. This was an answer to her more than ten years of prayers.

Sally was grateful for her blessings in spite of the circumstances. One day, Randy would be out of prison, would possibly find a nice Christian girl to marry, and she would someday be a grandma. All in God’s good time, she thought, as she began filling out another form for her job.

Most of the people in the office were kind, showing her compassion and understanding because of the things she had faced. Fortunately, none of them caused her any grief over it, for which she was grateful.

Her good friend, Joan Travis, a person committed to prayer, had helped Sally through those first days and weeks after Mr. Johnston’s death and Randy’s arrest.

Joan’s advice to Sally came soon after Randy was led away in handcuffs. Why don’t you ask your church for the name of a lawyer who could help?

As a result, Tom Burwell had proven to be a great advocate for Randy. As a Christian, he wanted what was fair and just, but also what was best, considering what Randy

Reviews for To Fill a Home

[Kathy Gresser · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pat is a great author, a true page turner, enjoyable!