A Woman Loved by God

By CL Wells

Krystal is now a young adult, and slowly burning out.

Consumed by work, she divides her time between a homeless shelter and an animal rescue. The people closest to her see the inevitable crash coming, but Krystal ignores their warnings. When the handsome guy she likes finally looks her way, she finds she isn’t ready for the challenges of falling in love, but she’s helpless to stop it.

When one of her clients at the homeless shelter winds up dead, Krystal blames herself. She feels her faith slipping. Torn in so many places and unsure of who to trust, she struggles to find her footing.

But she has one soul by her side that neither judges her nor offers advice – a special owl named Thaddeus.

A dramatic tale with a twist of suspense and enough romance to make your heart flutter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lillie's Flowers & Phillip Publishing
• Release date: May 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463565032

CL Wells

C.L. Wells is a JANE-OF-ALL-TRADES, with a passion for writing and animals. She lives in Kansas with her family, which includes a fat doggie who is not named Toto and a cat who moonlights as an escape artist. Feel free to ask her about the ‘escape artist.’ She plans to write about it someday. She would love hearing from you.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Krystal swung her car into the only empty spot in front of the convenience store. Like every morning, T & G’s was slammed. Customers, bundled up like Eskimos, pressed their chins down into the warmth of their scarves as they hurried to and from their vehicles. Their breath formed white puffs in the frigid air, like baby dragons who hadn’t quite mastered the flame.

Having a heated garage was a privilege Krystal didn’t take for granted. This morning’s ice-cold wind had yet to touch her cheeks. Unfortunately, the teleportation device she needed to beam her from her car to inside the store hadn’t been invented yet. If she wanted coffee, she had to get out.

Nothing, including the worst winter she could ever remember, would come between her and her morning cuppa joe, as her friend, Walt, used to call it.

I need to buy a coffee pot.

Immediately, she dismissed the thought and blamed the cold weather for numbing her brain. She loved this place and her morning routine. All the employees knew her name and she theirs. Tom & Gerry’s had been around forever.

As she opened her car door, the cold blasted her. A man rifled through one of the garbage bins at the front entrance. Shivering against the winter air, she watched him. Yanking her gloves out of her pockets, she tried to take a deep breath, but her nasal passages had already frozen over. She pulled the gloves on held her hands over her nose in a weak attempt to warm it.

The man used one hand to sift through the trash while his other hand clutched a handful of the dirty jeans he wore. Clearly, the pants had been fashioned with a much larger person in mind. Without a belt, he couldn’t let them go, or they’d be around his ankles before she could blink. His soiled T-shirt, obviously shrunken from a tumble in an overly hot dryer at some point, was much wider than it was long, and barely covered the waist of the jeans he gripped. However, his ill-fitting clothing wasn’t the worst of it. The poor guy didn’t have a coat on! He’s got to be freezing to death!

With robotic movements, the man pulled a large foam cup marked with the red T & G logo of the convenience store from the belly of the can. He checked the bottom of it before peering inside. Apparently, he approved because he then used his pinky finger to open the door to the convenience store and limped inside. He seemed to be favoring his left leg and rolled his right foot to the outside as he walked.

Krystal waited a couple of beats before pulling her debit card from her wallet and slid it under her coat and into her back pocket of her jeans. After dropping her wallet back into her messenger bag, she tucked it under her front seat, grunting at the tight fit.

Krystal peered through the driver’s side window to double-check.

At least it’s out of sight.

Hiding her bag was a precaution she always took if there was a chance she’d be giving a stranger a ride. She completely trusted God, but that didn’t mean bad things would never happen. Safety was always a factor.

Pressing the button on her key fob to lock the doors, she dashed inside.

Morning, Krystal. Didn’t think you were ever going to peel yourself outta that car. I’m surprised you haven’t flown south already, Sue called out. This winter is the coldest we’ve seen in a long time.

Krystal smiled absently in Sue’s direction as she scanned the store, purposely ignoring the aroma of coffee that greeted her.

Where’d he go?

The man seemed to have disappeared into thin air. Had he slipped out while she was tucking her bag away?

There’s no way.

She ran a hand over her hair and stood squinty-eyed in thought.

Whatcha looking for, dear? Sue asked as she waved over the next person in line.

Krystal checked all the aisles. They were short enough, and he was tall enough she would’ve instantly seen him had he stood in any of them. She scanned the short span just in case he’d crouched down in one of them, but nope.

Oh, nothing, I guess. Krystal fingered the loose bundle of braid resting on her shoulder. Playing with her hair while thinking had become a habit over the years. Undone, it would hang nearly to her waist.

Sue cocked an eyebrow at her. Doesn’t seem like nothing.

Krystal shrugged. She loved Sue, but the older lady’s persistence annoyed her at times. Fortunately, a customer buying thirty dollars in lottery tickets claimed Sue’s full attention.

Disappointed, Krystal assumed she must’ve read the situation wrong. Normally, as long as she stayed tuned in, God guided her whenever there was an opportunity to help someone. While her gift of discernment had kept her out of harm’s way on many occasions, it also told her when to act. Blowing the breath out she didn’t know she’d been holding, she glanced around again as if the man might suddenly appear out of thin air if she kept looking. She’d been certain this was a time to act.

At the coffee station, her first choice of flavors was being brewed, so she settled for her second choice, labeled, Happy Almonds. Patty, the manager, had an offbeat sense of humor and used her label gun to give anything she could a new name. For instance, caffeinated coffee read, Will have you hoppin’. Today, the decaf read, Just not the same.

Where’s Patty? Krystal called out to Sue.

Had to run to the bank.

Krystal nodded, silently forming an ‘O’ with her mouth.

Too distracted to look for more of Patty’s new labels this morning, Krystal could only focus long enough to pour the coffee into her cup and not on the counter. Mission accomplished. She set the pot back on its burner and glanced around the store again.

If the poor guy had left on foot, he’d be a human icicle by now. She decided she’d pay for her coffee and drive around to see if she could find him. Having a plan gave her the oomph she needed to get moving. If she couldn’t find him, she’d be able to let it go and accept she’d read this one wrong.

For some reason that never made any sense to her, the lids and coffee condiments were on the opposite side of the island from the coffee pots and cups. As usual, she forgot to grab them before pouring, so afterward, she always ran the risk of some random person bumping into her and causing it to splash everywhere. It hadn’t happened yet, but it could.

Once again, she made it to the other side unscathed. While reaching for a cup sleeve, she read the label that said, Use this and don’t sue us. She almost laughed, but spotted the man coming from the back of the store.

He’d been in the restroom.

Duh. Why didn’t she think of that?

His face, still rosy from the cold, had a sad expression. Even from a distance, she could see his lips were chapped.

He stopped at the drink station by the tea brewers. At the top of the tea brewers sat a spout with a bright red handle and the word HOT printed in bold white letters. The man leaned with his waistband pressed tightly against the counter to free his other hand so that he could get hot water without losing his pants. However, to do it he had to bend down some since his waist was higher than the counter. His long legs and injured foot made him wobble.

Krystal opened her mouth to offer assistance when an agitated clerk, named Ray, stalked over. Krystal didn’t know him well since he’d only started working there a few weeks ago.

Even so, he’d seemed nice enough, until now.

Wait a minute, Ray huffed and grabbed the handle, pushing the man’s hand away. You hold the cup, and I’ll get the switch. Keep a hold of your pants.

Krystal didn’t like Ray’s tone, but the man obeyed without a word.

Hot water leaked through a small hole in the cup the man must’ve missed upon inspection. It splashed on his arm causing him to release the cup, which landed on the floor, spewing the rest of its contents into the air. Jumping back, the man yelped, and Ray cussed.

That’s why you shouldn’t get them out of the trash! Ray gestured toward the cup as he stomped over to pick it up.

Krystal cleared her throat and took a step forward. Would you like a cup of coffee? She wished she’d spoke up a bit sooner. Maybe this fiasco could’ve been avoided.

The man turned around to face Krystal briefly before dropping his gaze to the ground. His cheeks changed from splotchy pink to stop-sign red. Younger than she’d initially thought, she guessed him to be around thirty. His receding hairline gave a different impression at first glance.

He shifted under her gaze. Krystal realized she was staring and obviously making him uncomfortable. She held her cup up to reiterate her offer.

Finally, he said, Yes, please.

Are you hungry?

Yes, he answered quickly.

Well, pour yourself a big cup of coffee, and then we’ll get some other things together, okay?

Thank you, his voice cracked, and Krystal wondered how long it’d been since he’d spoken aloud. Hours? Days? Weeks?

With her hip against the counter, Krystal watched as the man limped toward the other side the coffee island still holding onto his pants. The sole of one shoe slapped against the tile floor. Surprised he hadn’t walked right out of them, leaving a pile of leather and threads, Krystal’s heart wrenched. She sent up a quick prayer for him.

Lord, bless him and guide me.

Dumbfounded, Ray the clerk, stood motionless on the sidelines. When Krystal directed a small smile his way, his shoulders sagged. He appeared so crestfallen, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for him even though he’d been harsh.

She pivoted on her heel to head to the back of the store when Ray spoke. She turned back around.

That’s really nice of you.

It’s no big deal, really.

The distraught glance Ray threw her way revealed an inner struggle. She gave him a lopsided smile before walking away. Ray hadn’t been nice today, but she could see what was happening here, and there was no reason to make Ray feel any worse. He did a fine job of feeling bad all by himself.

Krystal traipsed to the back of the store toward the coolers. Already certain she’d be late, she didn’t see a need to rush. Perusing the choices of water, she selected two twenty-ounce bottles. She wanted to get larger sizes but didn’t want the bag to be too heavy. The man needed to carry it and manage to keep his pants up at the same time. On the way to the front, she spotted medicated lip balm and grabbed two packages.

Do you need a ride? she asked, walking up behind the man who stood on the other side of the coffee station again. He started when she spoke. Sorry, didn’t mean to make you jump.

He slowly turned around just enough to face her as he carefully placed a lid on his coffee single-handedly.

No. He shook his head as he spoke. I have to meet someone in a couple of hours. It’s near here.

Are you staying somewhere?

Well… His eyes went to the floor, and the tips of his ears reddened, The man I’m meeting is going to help me check into a place. It’s … It’s a halfway house.

That’s good, she said, and patted his shoulder. It felt much too bony. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. We all need help sometimes.

Happy he’d eventually have a roof over his head, she wondered how he’d stay warm until then. Thinking it over, she knew she didn’t have anything in her car that’d help him for the next couple of hours. Maybe he’d take her coat despite its regal purple color. It was long and would cover so much of him that he wouldn’t be indecent if his pants did fall.

She wouldn’t tell him it was her favorite coat. As skinny as he was, she knew it’d fit him. No risk of it being too small.

What’s your name? She asked.

Jesse.

Nice to meet you, Jesse. I’m Krystal.

He gave a slight nod, and sat his cup down so that he could shake her hand without letting go of his jeans. In spite of his attire, his hands were clean.

I appreciate this. He turned away, and she saw his internal struggle as clear as if it played on a TV screen. He cleared his throat, and ran his free hand over his neck as he sucked in a breath.

What’s his story?

Look, Jesse. Krystal began unbuttoning her coat. I know it’s girly, but I want you to take my coat.

Obviously mortified at the thought, Jesse’s eyes widened to the size of plums as he waved his one free hand in rejection of the offer. I can’t take your coat.

Krystal wanted to laugh but didn’t. Clearly, he wouldn’t be caught dead in her long, lady-like, purple coat. Sighing, she shifted to her weight to her other leg and prepared to reason with him, delicately, of course. But dead is what he’d be if he was exposed to this weather much longer. Maybe I should take him to work with me…

Take mine then, Ray said from behind them. He held his own winter coat. Krystal’s smile spread, and her heart warmed. Take this too, Ray offered the belt in his other hand, his own now gone from his waist.

Jesse’s shock caused Krystal’s eyes to glisten. Watching the exchange nearly caused her heart to burst out of her chest. She had understood God correctly!

Clearly more excited about the belt than the coat, Jesse’s eyes went from dull to bright at the sight of the belt.

Thank you. Thank you very much, he breathed as he wrapped the belt around his waist and hooked it in the last loop with room to spare. Relief spread over him like frosting. The lines in his forehead relaxed, and his eyes softened.

Thank you, Ray. Krystal wrapped her fingers around his forearm for just the briefest moment.

Ray blushed. It’s nothing.

Oh, but it’s everything.

Ray shoved his hands into his pockets and looked at Jesse. I’m sorry for my attitude earlier. I didn’t mean to take out my problems on you.

It’s okay, Jesse said, as he stretched out his hand. The two men shook hands. I appreciate this. All of it. Jesse peered at Krystal from under his lashes then glanced back at Ray.

The change in both men’s dispositions was nothing short of miraculous. Jesse stood straighter, and though it didn’t last long, he made eye contact. Ray’s grumpy attitude earlier had dissolved. She liked the Ray that stood near her now much better. Relaxed shoulders and soft eyes that might cry any minute.

Jesse blossomed instantly after securing the belt around his waist. A smidge of his dignity had been restored, and Krystal wondered at what changes she would see if more of it was given back.

Krystal gathered up some beef jerky while Jesse heated a burrito in the microwave. She spotted cold sandwiches in a separate cooler and selected a turkey sandwich then grabbed a bag of chips off a round spin rack. They placed all their items on the counter along with the water and their coffees so she could pay.

Krystal borrowed a pen from Sue and asked her for a piece of paper. Sue hit a button on her register and receipt paper slowly sputtered out, groaning in complaint.

Jotting her number down while Sue rang everything up, Krystal pulled her card from her back pocket and handed it to Sue. She handed Jesse the paper with her cell phone number on it. I’d like to help you get some clothes that fit if it’s okay. Once you’re settled, give me a call, and we can make some arrangements.

I’m told the people who run the house will assist me with that. Jesse’s eyes darted around, and he seemed unable to look her in the eyes for more than a moment at a time.

Well, keep my number… just in case. Krystal tilted her head to the side and smiled. Call me if you need anything. Okay?

All right. He lifted his head, meeting her eyes. The sadness and weariness visible again as his eyes dimmed and shoulders sagged.

Krystal sat in her car for a moment and watched Jesse cross the parking lot to the sidewalk and head west. Was this whole experience more for Jesse or for Ray? Probably both, she decided. God is a phenomenal multitasker.

Though she had a prestigious client waiting, Krystal didn’t rush. She didn’t think he would mind her tardiness since he didn’t know she was coming.

CHAPTER TWO

I’m here, Krystal called out as she hung her coat on the hook behind the door. Fred sat in his usual spot on the large metal desk. Hi, Fred, Krystal cooed, scratching him behind his ears. He leaned into her hand. How’s, my baby? She cupped his triangle face and kissed him on the nose. He tolerated it and answered with one raspy meow before pulling away.

Fred was a rescue who didn’t appeal to most people. He didn’t like to frolic and play like other cats. His scarred face and ripped ear spoke of a rough past, but his story would never be known. Most humans would consider him boring, but Fred was a misfit and Krystal wouldn’t have him any other way.

Bout time, Randy said as he stepped into the room, making a show of looking at his watch. Sir Thaddeus got here about a half hour ago. He’s feistier than our normal intake. Very talkative. Asking all kinds of questions that I can’t answer.

Krystal grinned.

Sir, huh?

Oh yeah, Randy said, "he’s Sir-tified."

Krystal groaned.

That bad? Randy grinned sheepishly.

Bad, bad. She winced and shook her head. Well, I doubt I can answer all his questions, but I’ll go see how he’s settled in.

Walking through the tiny lobby-slash-office area and into the hall, she pushed on the first heavy door to the left and entered the sunlit room. Warm, musty air greeted her, causing her nose to wrinkle against the odor.

Sir Thaddeus met her eyes instantly. Krystal stood still, taking him in. She’d drawn those big yellow eyes once back in high school. But in person, the owl was divine. His natural menacing glare left her awestruck.

Then he blinked. His long eyelashes fluttered like a flirting damsel’s.

Krystal melted where she stood. Whoa, was all she said.

Black and tan feathers chased each other down his body and under his bandages. A thin strip of white ran up his chest and speckled his face. She took a wide step to the left, and his entire head followed her. Another significant side step to the right and his neck glided in her direction so his eyes could follow once again. His round eyes penetrated her soul and left her feeling like she stood on sacred ground.

Hi, handsome. You’re not as big as I thought you’d be, but your personality sure makes up for it. And shouldn’t you be sleeping right now?

Thaddeus let loose a string of ta-whit-woos and other hoots and whistles. The movement caused a feather storm.

Doc said he’s not fully grown yet, Randy said from behind her in his usual booming voice.

Krystal started. Randy! For a big guy, you’re sure light on your feet. How did I not hear the door?

Just call me twinkle toes. But I came in right behind you, Randy said chuckling.

I think you like sneaking up on people.

Not my fault your head is always in the clouds.

I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, Krystal said, trying to sound offended and waved him away.

Krystal studied the malevolent Sir Thaddeus. The Great Horned Owl began to rock from side to side by alternately picking up his feet and spreading his left wing wide. Feathers stirred from below, and more seemed to fly off his body, leaving him in a soft gray cloud. Several feathers landed on Krystal’s sweater. Plucking one off, she rubbed it between her fingers. Feels like velvet, she whispered in awe. Wow! Krystal’s mouth fell open at the sight of Thaddeus’s feet as he danced in the kennel. Those talons!

Yep, they could pluck your eyeballs right out.

Randy, she said dryly, are you reading Stephen King, again? You always get overly dramatic when you’re reading horror.

Randy shrugged and pointed at Thaddeus. Hey, these guys are straight-up carnivores. Sitting on a branch is the nicest thing they do with those claws.

So how’d we land an owl?

Thaddeus hooted.

A beautiful owl that is, Krystal cooed in response.

Well, I can see he’ll be sissified in no time.

He’s still a baby for goodness’ sakes, she said, maintaining her tone.

Randy rolled his eyes up heavenward and sighed. Anyway. He tapped the eraser of his pencil on the clipboard. Wildlife Center is full, and we’re the nearest licensed facility. His care won’t be difficult though. Doc said he was pretty dehydrated when they got him. Has tissue damage on his wing from being stuck in some chicken wire so he couldn’t fly and therefore couldn’t hunt.

Poor guy, Krystal said, gazing at Thaddeus’s hypnotic eyes. You’ve had it rough, huh? Thaddeus gave a short hoot in response. Are they all this engaging?

Randy put his palms up and shrugged. They had to get fluids in him first and get his body back up to par so he can heal, Randy went on. Now he’s ready to eat real food.

Well, what are we supposed to feed him? I’m not sacrificing anything.

Don’t worry. The rescue brought mice…

I’m good. Krystal shuddered. Don’t need to know. You can feed him. Thaddeus let out a screech that made her jump. Is he hungry now?

Probably. Randy checked his watch. And the food is frozen. I have to warm it up in hot water. It’ll be a bit before I can feed him. I’ll set more in the bottom to thaw for later.

Gross. Krystal rubbed her hands together. I’m going to start feeding the animals. You know, the ones whose food comes dry … in a bag.

You do know that dry food has meat from, you know, other animals? And last I knew, you’re not a vegetarian.

I might be after today, Krystal shot back.

Oh! Randy held up his index finger and then pointed it at her. The volunteers should be showing up soon to start their morning walks for the dogs.

Okie dokie, Krystal said, pivoting on her heel before heading toward the door.

Apparently, Thaddeus didn’t appreciate being left out of the conversation. He protested loudly, and Krystal whipped back around. His range of sound was quite impressive. She laughed when he began rocking again and causing a storm of debris to rise from new and previously shed feathers. It reminded her of a toddler’s tantrum.

Careful, guy. You don’t want to work those bandages off. Krystal put her hands on her knees as she bent down to peer in the cage. Thaddeus had gauze wrapped around his entire body pinning his right wing down. Krystal wondered if he was uncomfortable. Are they normally this active?

Randy exaggerated a sigh at Krystal’s questions. I dunno. As you know, we typically have dogs, cats, sometimes rabbits … oh, and Chester!

Yes, Chester. Krystal smiled, remembering the baby squirrel who’d been orphaned. Using a non-toxic paint, they’d sprayed his tail red during his release. The last time she saw him, he’d approached her, though he’d grown warier since being on his own. But that was good. He needed to be wary. Haven’t seen him at all since it’s been so cold.

I bet he’s just fine. Randy held the door open for Krystal. "Just