Riding Out the Wreckage: The Father Michael Trilogy, #3

By Hilary Walker

Father Michael is in his new house and open to receive visitors, starting with a long overdue dinner for Catholic horse trainer, Jack Harper and his family. Then, at the behest of his bishop, he plays host for two months to the handsome seminarian and ex-footballer, Reverend Paul Mattick.

In swift succession, the priest is faced with a series of crises, including the impending death of his father.

When a suicidal parishioner begs for help, Father Michael brings him to Jack's farm, where a week-old foal singles him out for attention.

Meanwhile, Jack's son Joe has lost his Christian faith. The teen is suffering a painful ulcerative colitis flare and now his beloved horse, Duke, is badly injured. How could a good God inflict such things on him?

Lucy, a lively teenage girl, enters Joe's life. But his parents worry; her Christian family is not Catholic. Father Michael reminds them that heaven is open to other denominations.

Using Jack's horses, Reverend Mattick's sports background and the collaboration of the nearby Lutheran church, Father Michael pursues his mission to save souls, alleviate distress – and lose some weight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hilary Walker
• Release date: Feb 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386503767

Hilary Walker

British born bestselling author Hilary Walker writes uplifting Christian fiction that transports readers into the healing world of horses. She lives on Hilton Head Island with two British bulldogs and her husband, who hopes she'll get interested in golf.  No luck so far. Instead she rides competitive dressage on her homebred Welsh cross gelding, and enjoys taking him on the trails.

Book preview

RIDING OUT THE WRECKAGE

The Fallout from Loss of Faith

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HILARY WALKER

Riding Out the Wreckage:

The Fallout from Loss of Faith

By Hilary C.T. Walker

Copyright 2019 Hilary C.T. Walker

Cover Design: Hilary C.T. Walker

All Rights Reserved

WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published in the United States of America.

* * *

Disclaimer

––––––––

The author and publisher are not responsible for the reader’s use of the information contained in this book.

Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

This book is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to his/her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

For Those Who Struggle

With their Christian Faith

A Very Quick Word Before We Begin

This third book in The Father Michael Trilogy has taken a long time to materialize.

In 2018 I moved to South Carolina from Southern Maryland and it proved a real disruption to my writing! It’s been an interesting transition from a state where the most dangerous animal is a fox to living in close proximity to alligators.

Most of the horse scenes in this book are based on my own experience. In particular, you will read about a foal who struggled hard in the first few days of his life. That is the story of my gutsy gelding, Cruz Bay. His dam was my beautiful then 21- year-old mare, Rubesca, who is sadly no longer with us and I am very grateful to have her son.

The Catholic Church is going through tough times right now but I hope that, in spite of it, you still enjoy the book.

God bless and happy reading!

Hilary Walker

[e-mail]

Hilton Head Island

South Carolina

P.S. I’d be very grateful if you could leave a review when you’ve finished this book.

P.P.S. Visit my website to get a free copy of another of my books when you sign up for my newsletter:  https://hilarywalkerbooks.com/

Contents

A Very Quick Word Before We Begin

Chapter One: An Invitation

Chapter Two: House Proud

Chapter Three: Call for Assistance

Chapter Four: A Hairy Muzzle

Chapter Five: Robert’s Dogs

Chapter Six: Peaceful Lakes

Chapter Seven: An Unusual Therapy

Chapter Eight: Duke’s Disaster

Chapter Nine: A Mother’s Intuition

Chapter Ten: Starbucks

Chapter Eleven: A Bulldog Morning

Chapter Twelve: Mother & Son & Skype

Chapter Thirteen: Vet Checks

Chapter Fourteen: Asking a Favor

Chapter Fifteen: An Ecumenical Meeting

Chapter Sixteen: Bringing Horses into It

Chapter Seventeen: Joe & Lucy

Chapter Eighteen: The Deacon Arrives

Chapter Nineteen: Reverend Paul Mattick Meets the Harpers

Chapter Twenty: Riding Out the Wreckage

Chapter Twenty-One: The Aftermath

Chapter Twenty-Two: Mr. Shepherd’s Decline

Chapter Twenty-Three: Independence Evening

Chapter Twenty-Four: Sam Wilson

Chapter Twenty-Five: No Rest for the Weary

Chapter Twenty-Six: Ecumenical Meeting

Chapter Twenty-Seven: A Busy Day

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Mr. Shepherd Dies

Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Good News

Chapter Thirty: Reflection

Chapter Thirty-One: The Colt

Chapter Thirty-Two: Viewing & Talking

Chapter Thirty-Three: The Funeral

Chapter Thirty-Four: Run for Hunger

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Discover Other Books by Hilary Walker

Connect with Me

Giveaway Contest

Chapter One: An Invitation

Midday on Saturday, 3rd June

The black stallion reared vertically in the outdoor arena as Father Michael drove alongside in his blue Toyota. The rider, his dear friend Jack Harper, was about to be seriously injured.

The priest slammed on the brakes and rushed out of the car. Hastily hoisting up his black soutane, he slid between the fence boards.

It was Saturday, the barn manager’s day off and Jack wasn’t supposed to be riding here alone without Luca here to help him. What was he thinking? And why was he on such a dangerous horse?

Thank God I arrived when I did!

Occupied with moving into the beautiful house bequeathed him by a grateful parishioner, the priest hadn’t been to Jack’s farm, Harpers’ Reunion for several weeks.

He suspected his friend hadn’t missed him one bit. Whenever the pastor appeared in person or his caller ID came up on Jack’s cell phone, it heralded an unwelcome request to help a beleaguered parishioner and Father Michael was painfully aware of his frequent reliance on Jack’s assistance.  

But this time he was on a happier errand.

He progressed slowly up the farm’s beautiful driveway, admiring the pristine green fields on either side. They were presently devoid of horses. It was a hot summer in Maryland this year and the equines were resting in their stalls, munching on hay in front of cooling fans. When evening came and the temperature dropped, they’d be turned out to graze overnight.

Normally, Saturdays were Jack’s easy days. Instead of riding, he gave the horses massages and performed gentle, stress-relieving techniques on them. I want them to know I’m not all about sitting on their backs, he’d say.

But here he was, sitting on a horse murderously intent on killing him. The priest watched in horror as the rearing animal threatened to lose its balance.

Jack had lost his stirrups and his legs were clinging onto the gelding’s sides. He leaned forwards to clasp his arms around the horse’s thick neck and Father Michael wasn’t sure how long the man could hold that position as the animal seemed to stay upright for an eternity.

The horse trainer didn’t maintain rein contact. That would only have caused the black monster to fall over backwards, and things were dangerous enough already.

The cleric stood there hopelessly waiting – but for what?

Then the horse did something totally unexpected. Instead of coming back on all fours, he hopped up and down on his hind legs to get rid of his rider.[1]

Afraid as he was for his friend’s safety, the priest nevertheless marveled at the animal’s athleticism.

He’d never seen Jack come off a horse. The man must have fallen many, many times – it was part and parcel of horse riding – but he’d never witnessed it and was now about to observe a horrible accident.

He thought of Laura, Jack’s bride, and his newly reunited son, Joe. How was he going to break the news to them?

Holding his breath without even realizing it, he felt the man’s pain as he waited the horse out.

Jack then noticed the priest. Here! Take this! he shouted, and threw his whip past the horse’s head onto the ground.

Father Michael picked it up. What for? he yelled back.

Hit his belly!

Dear God! thought the terrified pastor.

Before he could think himself out of it, Father Michael advanced towards the horse’s shoulder, keeping away from his front legs, and raised the whip. He winced and struck the animal’s underbelly – once, twice, three times – then darted away swiftly.

The surprised brute came crashing down, with Jack’s legs wrapped around his barrel. The tall blond took up the reins and urged the horse forwards, not waiting to put his feet back in the stirrups.

Thanks, Father! he called over his shoulder as the angry stallion took off at full gallop.

Father Michael dashed to the entrance gate and closed it.

The pair made several laps of the arena before the furious steed showed any signs of tiring. But when he did, Jack made him go forwards again to make it clear that any slowing of pace would be on his terms and not the horse’s. It was a method that Father Michael had used in his own riding days.

Eventually, Jack coaxed the black animal into a civilized trot. Scratching the muscled shoulder in reward, he said, Good lad, that’s better.

The previously rebellious stallion lowered his neck and snorted several times as his gait became more rhythmic and relaxed.

The pastor was amazed at how quickly the trainer could switch from dominant to amenable with a disobedient horse. He never showed resentment for past misdemeanors and gave his mount a clean slate to start all over again.

Relieved at this outcome, Father Michael leaned back against the fence and offered up a prayer of thanksgiving.

Jack ended his ride by walking the horse in large circles near his parish priest.

You gave me a bad scare, there, Jack!

I didn’t mean to, Father.

What on earth were you doing on that horse alone, with no one there to help you? Today is supposed to be your day off!

"I know, I know. But this horse has been here for several days now and hasn’t – hadn’t put a foot wrong."

What do you mean? What’s he here for?

Exactly what you just saw – rearing. But he hadn’t done it at all with me so far, so I wanted to keep riding him until he did.

I hope you satisfied your curiosity! Father Michael said with feeling.

Jack grinned. Yep!

I don’t know why you’re smiling. Things could have ended really badly, you know.

Sure, but God sent you here to help me, didn’t He? The lean man changed the subject, his eyes suddenly narrowing. "Why are you here, anyway?"

I want to invite you and your family to dinner tomorrow night. I’ve practiced the menu recipes and I think I’m ready to host a meal now.

Jack squinted at the pastor. You got everything Joe and I can eat?

He and his son suffered from ulcerative colitis and their diet was very restricted, a fact the priest knew only too well.

I sure have!

"Then I have only two things to say: one, it’s about time you had us over: and two, don’t you dare tell Laura what just happened here."

Chapter Two: House Proud

Late afternoon on Sunday, 4th June

The next day Father Michael stood in the front doorway of his new house, reciting a succession of Hail Marys as he watched Katie the Golden Retriever and her sidekick, ’Flex the black lab mix assiduously dig up the flowers in his beautiful front garden.

Coming through the gate behind Jack, Laura and Joe Harper, the two dogs had been drawn to the beautiful blooms by the intoxicating scent of fresh mulch on the plant beds.

The priest regretted including the dogs in his invitation. "Get out of there!" he yelled.

"Well, that’s a fine way to greet your guests!" Jack cried.

Father Michael grimaced, pointing beyond the family trio. I’m not talking to you! Look what your dogs are doing!

The three Harpers turned around.

Oops! Joe said and called them off. But several blooms had already met their demise: there was a large hole and the carefully trimmed edge of the lawn was now covered in dirt.

As Joe stooped down and grabbed both animals’ collars, the pastor thought he saw the teenager flinch, then dismissed the idea.

I’m so sorry, Father, Laura said. We’ll replace the flowers.

No need, said Father Michael, that’ll teach me to get attached to nice things. He turned to her husband. Just put a big donation in this Sunday’s collection basket and we’ll call it quits.

I don’t see why I should, Jack retorted, one of the culprits belongs to you.

You’ve raised him very badly and are therefore to blame for his bad behavior.

Unrepentant, Jack pointed to the big expanse of garden. Now you have the space, you’re very welcome to take him into your new home and retrain him.

But then I’d be depriving Robert of quality time with Joe at your farm. By the way, where is Robert? He does know he’s invited, too, right?

His mom is bringing him. He’ll be here any minute.

Good! Now come inside!

Robert was Joe’s friend and a competent dog trainer. ’Flex had been rescued for him by Father Michael, who until recently had been paying all his expenses, but now the teen was making money helping people with their dogs and contributed to ’Flex’s upkeep. The canine currently lived at Harpers’ Reunion. Robert’s father was allergic to dogs, and the priest’s previous lodging – a tiny apartment – had been too small to accommodate the canine.

Even with a house and enough outside space, Father Michael knew the dog was better off with Katie at the Harpers’ farm. He suspected that Jack felt the same way.

He ushered them into his new residence. I’m looking forward to showing you around.

It was five weeks since Father Michael had inherited the spacious house which, strictly speaking, belonged to his church, Our Lady of Sorrows, but was for the exclusive use of her parish priest.

What a change from his tiny apartment! His mother could now visit and take a well-earned break from worrying about his father. After a stroke paralyzed his left side, Mr. Shepherd’s home had become Peaceful Lakes Assisted Living in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Predictably, Jack Harper hadn’t allowed Father Michael to enjoy his new home without comment.

The horse trainer had played host to the priest’s never-ending list of people in need of help from the equines at his farm. The pastor himself had eaten many meals with the Harpers, and once stayed in Jack’s cabin by the lake for two weeks, keeping a troubled priest friend company.

It’s payback time, Father, Jack repeated constantly after the cleric inherited the house. When are you having us over?

Would you at least give me time to move in? the priest pleaded back.

One huge advantage of not having yet been to the pastor’s house, Jack noted to him out loud, was that Father Michael daren’t bring any more waifs and strays to the farm until he had invited the Harpers over.

And now Father Michael stood proudly in the doorway of his brick house as the tall Jack walked into the entryway with his pretty, much shorter wife Laura and their son Joe. The lad’s tousled blond hair was the spitting image of his father’s.

Here’s your house-warming present. Laura gave him a large blue gift bag, its handles tied together with ribbons of a lighter shade.

Thank you both! You really shouldn’t have.

Don’t I know it! Jack snorted.

Laura dug him indignantly in the side with her elbow.

With a benign smile, Father Michael peered into the bag and saw two bookends with an archangel on each. They’re beautiful! I definitely have a place for these! Now welcome to my humble abode.

He led them inside. Come into the kitchen. I can check on the roast before I give you the grand tour.

The aromas emanating from his oven were very inviting.

It smells delicious! Laura commented.

Thank you! Father Michael put on an apron sporting the words ‘WHAT PART OF ‘IT’S NOT READY’ DO YOU NOT GET?’, donned a pair of large oven mitts and opened the door of the cooker. Looking good, he said. O.K. let me show you around.

The ground floor was open plan. With the dogs padding behind them, the three Harpers followed Father Michael to the breakfast nook leading off the kitchen.

Across from it, over a half wall, the sitting area boasted a massive, ornate marble fireplace. Though not presently in use, it formed the focal point of the room. On each side large west-facing French windows afforded a view of the back lawn and the afternoon sun streaming in. Father Michael opened the left set of doors and they all walked onto a wide patio area.

He indicated the wicker furniture. I thought we could drink our coffee out here after dinner.

This is fabulous! Laura said.

The priest couldn’t help beaming. It is. My mother’s going to love this place.

When are you inviting her up?

Very soon. He showed them back inside. Here’s the guest bathroom.

Joe said quickly, I’ll use that right now, if you don’t mind, and disappeared into the little room.

Father Michael pretended not to see Jack and Laura exchange glances. The master bedroom is downstairs, too. He opened double doors from the sitting area into spacious sleeping quarters with an en suite bathroom.

This is sheer luxury! Laura exclaimed. It’s giving me ideas for our place.

Our house is just fine, thank you, Jack said.

But surely you don’t want to be upstaged by our parish priest? Laura tilted her head with a winsome smile.

I don’t feel at all upstaged, her husband replied tartly.

Now, now, Father Michael reprimanded. Remember, this house belongs to the church, not to me.

Jack said, I do have to admit, this is a great place. I hope you get to enjoy it for a long time.

Thank you, so do I.

Joe rejoined them, looking a little embarrassed, but the adults feigned not to notice.

Father Michael cheerfully said, Let’s go upstairs.

They inspected the two bedrooms and bathrooms on the upper floor and descended the stairs.

Robert’s footsteps could be heard on the kitchen flagstones. Hello? Anyone here? he called.

Hey, Robert! Joe yelled over the bannister, this place is awesome! Lemme show you around!

’Flex rushed down the stairs and greeted his owner enthusiastically. Both dogs went on another trip round the house with the two teenagers while Father Michael poured the Harper parents a glass of wine. He put some snacks on the round breakfast table and invited his guests to sit down.

You can admire my cooking from a safe distance, he told them.

Twenty minutes later the five of them sat in the dining area to enjoy roast chicken, quinoa and roast potatoes, steamed broccoli and cauliflower.

Katie and ’Flex sat under the long table, hoping for scraps which Robert forbade anyone to give them.

The only thing marring the occasion was Joe’s frequent disappearances to the bathroom. Eventually Laura felt compelled to say, We’re pretty sure Joe is flaring again, Father, but he hasn’t told us yet.

Yeah, he is, Robert said. Since you noticed anyway, he told me a couple of days ago that he’s back to square one. The short teenager paused. He thinks it’s all the stress of breaking up with Alice.

That makes sense, Jack said. Suffering the same disease, he knew only too well that in addition to eating the wrong foods, stress can bring on a painful ulcerative colitis flare. I’m sorry, Father. This is a great meal and you’ve gone to such lengths to prepare foods that Joe can eat.

No problem. I only hope you can help him get over this one quickly.

There’s no ‘quickly’ about it, unfortunately. Although we’ll work on it. He took Laura’s hand and squeezed it.

Joe returned, looking embarrassed again, and the others changed the subject.

When the meal was over, they moved outside to the patio and Father Michael brought coffee for Laura and