The Chase: a novel

By Mario Busacca and Hoyt A. Byrum

The Chase is a story about a man who has been poisoned against religion but who, unknowingly, is desperate to find a meaningful relationship with God. His quest to find purpose and meaning is influenced by his wife, his best friends, and a pastor he meets along the way. The Chase leads the reader through some pivotal de

• Language: English
• Publisher: Koehler Books
• Release date: Jul 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781646633753

Mario Busacca

Mario Busacca is the owner of KeyStone Strategies, a leadership consulting firm that specializes in helping people reach their full potential through an understanding of leadership skills. His over thirty-five years with NASA provide him with insight into teams and relationships. As a former religious skeptic, he brings the perspective of the unbeliever to this work. Mario is a quiet, well-mannered person-when he's asleep. The remainder of the time, he is busy teaching Improv, writing and learning the fine art of cooking.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Tony was a runner. He could not tell you why he ran, but he knew he simply had to run. Sometimes it felt like he was running towards something, sometimes like he was being chased. But regardless, he had to run.

He wasn’t really built for running. At 6’1" and 210 pounds, he was a bit heavy for the task. He didn’t always enjoy the running itself. More often than not, he simply needed to burn off energy. And he usually felt better after he ran.

He had started running while in the Army. As an officer, he figured he had to set an example for the other men. So because they had to run, he ran. It also fulfilled some deep-seated need in him. It was something he could do on his own and measure his progress directly. The farther and faster he ran, the more he felt like he had accomplished something. He was in control. And being in control was all-important to Tony.

On this particular day, he was running to address his anger and frustration. He felt hurt and betrayed. He had been passed over for a promotion at work. A promotion he thought he deserved. So he ran, hard and fast. He hardly noticed the cars on the street or the people that he passed by, which was unusual for him, as he liked being around people. He got his energy from being around people.

But today, all he could see was the president of the company announcing giving the promotion to Charlie Prescott. Sure, Tony had to admit that Charlie had been with the company longer, but, dammit, Tony thought that he deserved it more! After all, he worked harder than anyone else, in his opinion. But here was another turn in the road to his advancement. And he was angry. So he ran.

He passed the shops and businesses in the downtown area without any thought of how they had been upgraded recently. He had lived in this town most of his life. He had met his wife here in high school. He was proud of how the town had grown and how it had become a center for several engineering firms, one of which employed him.

But today, none of that mattered to him. Today, it was all about how he had been glossed over. Finally, he ran out of energy. He stopped near one of the recently landscaped town squares and caught his breath. He looked at his watch and realized it would be dark soon. So he turned back and jogged home. He had to be more careful, as the night crowd was coming out. He worked his way through the crowds, being careful not to run into or upset any of them. Tony made it home before the streetlights turned themselves on. He stopped at the front door and tried to compose himself before he went in.

As he walked through the door, his wife, Beth, was sitting in the front room reading. Beth was a tall woman herself. At 5’10" with long red hair, she attracted glances wherever she went. And while she was normally soft-spoken, when she did speak, people tended to listen. She was a senior executive in a local accounting firm.

She and Tony had been married eight years. They were the perfect complement for each other. He was the emotional one who tended to react to both the good and the bad more viscerally. She was the more even-handed one. She took things more in stride and had a calming effect on Tony when he overreacted. She put her book down and looked up as he came in.

Did you have a good run, honey? she asked.

I guess. I burned off some energy at least, he said somewhat sarcastically.

Oh, did something happen at work today? Tony had left for his run before she had gotten home. But Beth knew him very well, and seeing him with his attitude, she knew he must have had some issue on his mind.

Yeah. Charlie Prescott got the promotion. The president announced it today at the all-hands meeting, he said.

Oh. I’m sorry. I know you had your heart set on that.

Yeah, well. Not happening.

Tony went into the kitchen to get a bottle of water. Beth called after him, Aren’t you going to ask me how my day went?

Tony came back into the living room with his bottle. He took a long drink and said, Oh, sure. How was your day? But before you answer, don’t you think that I deserve that promotion? I mean, I work my butt off for that company!

Of course you do, honey. She set her book on the end table and waited for him to continue, as she knew he would.

I mean, it doesn’t seem fair. It’s just like when I was in the service. You remember, I was up for that promotion to captain, and they passed me over?

Yes. I remember.

Well, you know, if I had gotten that, I would likely have stayed in. But once you get passed over like that, it’s a sign that it’s time to go. I wonder if that’s what’s happening here?

Oh, I doubt that. This company has been pretty good to you.

Yeah, that’s true, though it doesn’t seem that way at this moment. He drained his drink and started to walk back into the kitchen.

You’re not thinking about leaving the company, are you? she called after him.

I don’t know. Maybe. I’ll have to think on it. It just seems like I haven’t been treated fairly, you know? Tony walked back and stood in front of her almost pleading for some confirmation from her.

I understand, Tony. You do work hard. You deserve to move up in the company. I’m sure you will, eventually. But they have treated you well. Haven’t you been given some pretty big and important projects lately?

He nodded reluctantly.

You just have to have a little more faith, dear.

I know you’re right. But, you know, I’m tired of waiting for ‘eventually.’ And as for ‘faith,’ pffft. He made a raspberry sound. I think maybe I need to look at my future plans and reevaluate.

Yes, you may have to do that. But . . . She paused and looked up at him.

Tony looked down at her. What? But what?

But you’ll have to think about it now.

Now? What are you talking about?

I have some news that may affect your thinking.

Tony stared at her. Does this have something to do with your day?

Yes. Yes, it does. I went to see Dr. Jamison today.

Your gynecologist? Oh, yeah. You mentioned something about that. Is everything okay?

She smiled a knowing smile. Yes. You may want to sit down for this.

Tony just stood there. She continued, Okay then. I spoke with Dr. Jamison about that fertility treatment.

Tony abruptly sat down on the nearest chair.

What?

Well, we talked about it, remember? I said that we may have to do something if I’m going to get pregnant. I’m not getting any younger.

So you have said. Repeatedly.

Is this a problem?

Well, maybe. I mean, kids. They would change our whole life, uhm, lives.

Of course they would. But I thought we agreed that we needed to start soon.

You mean, YOU agreed. He moved forward on the edge of his seat. Look, Beth, I know that you want kids. You’ve always been upfront about that. But I don’t know. Isn’t it good with just the two of us? And if I have to make a job change to move my career forward, well, kids might make that harder. And then there’s your career. Wouldn’t you have to put that on hold?

Tony, you are so stubborn sometimes. I thought that we agreed on all of this. She stopped and looked at him for a long time. Finally, she said, I have made myself very clear. I think we should have children and the time is getting closer. So if you really don’t want to have any, then . . . she paused looking for the right words, then I really need to know that soon.

She stood up and started to pace around the room. Then abruptly she stopped pacing and stood directly in front of Tony. Looking down at him, she spoke in very even tones.

Tony, I have something to say, and you need to listen. Let me make this perfectly clear. I am going to have children and I desire to have them with you. And I desire to have them soon. I’m not waiting for some career advancement that may or may not come. I am not waiting until the finances get better. And if you don’t get on board, well . . . Her voice trailed off. Do you get what I am saying? She walked away from him and turned to look at him from across the room.

Aw, Beth. Don’t get like that. Of course, I get what you are saying. If you really, really want kids then, by all means, we should have them, eventually. I just don’t know if now is the right time.

On the contrary, now is exactly the right time. And we need to do something about it. She stood with her arms crossed, waiting for his response.

You mean like right now? He started to get up and looked towards the bedroom.

No, that’s not what I mean, silly. She walked over to him and put her hands on his shoulders. I mean that we need to see if this treatment that the doctor talked to me about is the right one to use. That’s all.

Oh. Yeah. Sure.

All right, then. It’s settled. Now you go in and get cleaned up and I’ll get dinner. She kissed him on the forehead and walked into the kitchen.

Oh, boy, thought Tony. I guess we’re moving forward now.

CHAPTER 2

Several days later, Tony was running again. As usual, he was running toward something, or rather, someone. In this case, it was his longtime friend and confidant, Dave Worthington, who was waiting at the pub to have a drink with him. Dave and Tony went back all the way to grade school. They did everything together. Well, almost everything. But we’ll get to that later.

Dave was 6’2", with deep blue eyes and blond hair. Tony was always envious of those eyes, as his were brown and, in his mind, not very interesting. He and Tony had gone through school together, including college. Then Tony had gone into the military service, and Dave had chosen the Peace Corps. When they finished their respective tours, they both moved back to their hometown and spent much of their time together.

The town was not too large. The downtown area had been revitalized over the last several years in a sort of 1890s look. It now had all sorts of shops and stores. The new look was rather quaint, Tony thought. And he was rather proud of it. As an engineer in one of the larger local firms in town, he had been asked to be on the review committee that oversaw the planning for the downtown revitalization. The streetlights resembled old-time gas lamps, which had been Tony’s suggestion, and the color schemes of the buildings were very controlled. Tony rather liked that, being the control freak that he was. He always wanted to know what the next thing to do was, and he wanted to have a say in it. And he had enjoyed working with the local community leaders.

As he arrived at Charley’s Brewpub, he opened the door to the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. Dave and Tony had been going to Charley’s since they were old enough to drink. It was a family sort of place, catering to the local crowd, decorated along the lines of an old English pub. The menu was a little more varied, but you could always get bangers and mash for lunch or dinner. They also made a great shepherd’s pie, which was one of Tony’s favorites, and they had a large number of different kinds of beers on draft. Tony knew all the waitstaff by their first names.

Tony walked in and immediately felt at home. He spied Dave over in their favorite booth, the one with a good view of the two big-screen TVs, and walked over to him.

Well, it’s about time! said Dave.

Oh, you haven’t been waiting that long.

Tony slipped into the booth across from Dave and signaled to the waiter to come over.

Hello, Mr. Hunter, said the waiter. How are you today? Would you like your usual?

Just great, Jimmy. I hope you are well? Jimmy nodded in agreement. Good to hear. Could you please bring us a couple of shots of Scotch to go with the drafts?

Right away, Mr. Hunter, Jimmy said as he placed a coaster on the table in front of each of them then went to get the drinks.

Dave looked at Tony, Scotch, huh? What’s the issue?

What do you mean?

Well, usually when you drink Scotch, there’s something you’re working through.

You know, my problem is that you know me way too well.

True words, said Dave.

Jimmy returned with the drinks, set them on the table, and said, There you go, Mr. Hunter. What’s the issue today?

Tony looked up at him then back at Dave. Are my habits known to everyone in the bar?

Oops, sorry, Mr. Hunter. It’s just that you don’t usually drink Scotch . . .

Tony cut him off, . . . unless I have some issue on my mind. Yeah, Dave just reminded me.

I didn’t mean to offend, said Jimmy.

Tony smiled and waved his hand at Jimmy. No offense taken, Jimmy. It’s nice to know that I’m such an open book.

Uh, okay. Uh, let me know if you need anything else. He turned and walked away.

Good kid, that Jimmy, said Tony.

Yes, he is. Dave paused and looked intently at Tony for a moment. "Soooooo, what is on your mind this evening?"

Tony downed his Scotch in one gulp.

Beth is pushing for kids again.

Ooooh. That issue.

Yeah, she actually went to the doctor to get information on fertility treatments! I mean, she is getting really serious, Dave!

Tony shifted around in his seat. He felt very uncomfortable. I don’t think I’m going to be able to put her off much longer. Actually, the whole kids and family idea is really Beth’s. I would have been just as happy to have it just the two of us. But Beth and I get into bed at night, and she will say, ‘Hey, do you hear that?’ and I say, ‘What? I don’t hear anything.’ Then she says, ‘But it’s so loud!’ I say, ‘What is it?’ and she says, ‘It’s my biological clock ticking, you dummy. It’s time to start working on children!’

Dave was laughing so hard he couldn’t drink his beer and spilled some on the table.

Oh, you find that funny, do you? said Tony.

Yeah, it’s hilarious, actually.

"Well, it would change my whole life. My whole life plan. Kids would, uh, will change everything, if we have them."

Your life plan?

Sure. You know, career, moving up in the organization. If I have to spend time and money on kids, it will hurt my career. I mean I’ve already been passed over for promotion twice now.

It doesn’t have to, Tony. You can still have all of that. And your career isn’t that far off track. You can’t expect to be at the top until you get a little more experience. You just have to have a little faith.

Oh, great, you are going to hit me with the ‘faith’ card, too? You and Beth. Don’t go all religious on me right now, okay? I need some real advice here, so please keep your church philosophies to yourself. You and Sarah can do all that stuff all you want, but you know my history with that. I don’t believe it. I don’t need it. I don’t want it. The church did nothing for me or my family when we most needed it. There is no God up there watching over us. So leave it alone, for today at least, okay?

Dave smiled and put his hands up in submission. He had heard Tony’s position many times before. Okay, okay. No preaching today. But I will pray for you, of course. They were silent for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Dave broke the silence, So what are you going to do?

To be honest, I’m not sure. This is really important to Beth. We are going to have to make some decisions. I’m just not sure how.

Dave said, You know, you have said in the past you thought the idea of children wasn’t terrible.

I suppose. But man, it’s a scary thing. Being totally responsible for another person like that. I’m not sure I’m up to the task.

Tony, you can do anything you put your mind to. I’ve seen you do that more times than I can count.

Yeah, but with kids, it’s not the same. He looked at Dave, who was smiling at him. Look, with you and Sarah, it’s different. You both always wanted kids. And you are great parents to Katie. But with us, what if I don’t do a good job?

Tony, all I can tell you is that it’s always a work in progress. And I know that you would, uh, will be a great father.

That’s all you have for me? I was hoping for a little bit more.

I’m afraid that’s all there is, my friend. Dave finished his beer and smiled at Tony.

Tony finished his beer and got Jimmy’s attention.

Jimmy came over to their booth and said jokingly, Can I get you another round, or was one drink enough to resolve the problem?

Dave spoke up, No, Jimmy. Tony here is going to have to go home and work on it some more. So we probably need to have the check.

Jimmy looked down at Tony and said, Aw, it’s okay, Mr. Hunter. Please say hello to Mrs. Hunter for me. And I have faith that you will do whatever it is you need to do.

Tony looked at Jimmy, then at Dave, and threw up his hands. I’m surrounded by ‘Believers’!

CHAPTER 3

The next day, Tony and Beth were getting ready for work. Their bathroom had separate sinks for each of them and they were across the room rather than right next to each other. This was by design, as Tony did not want to get in Beth’s way when she was getting ready.

It also meant their backs were to each other most of the time. This also worked for Tony, as Beth had the annoying habit, at least Tony found it annoying, of wanting to talk about serious life things early in the morning. She, being a morning person, was ready for such discussions. Tony, not so much. It took him a while, maybe after a run and then some strong coffee. Even though he wasn’t a morning person, the running helped him clear his head and get moving. But that usually didn’t deter Beth. The fact that she had to turn around to get his attention was a good thing, as far as Tony was concerned. But this morning, she wanted to talk.

So, what was it that Dave said last night that you didn’t want to talk about? she asked.

I never said I didn’t want to talk about it, as he picked up his toothbrush.

Oh, so now we’re going to do the tooth-brushing delay?

No, it’s just time to brush my teeth, and I know how you hate it when I talk with my mouth full of toothpaste! He immediately started to brush his teeth vigorously.

Careful. You’ll wear off the enamel. Okay, I can wait. You’ll tell me when you are ready.

Beth started brushing her teeth as Tony finished. He turned and watched her and sighed heavily. He knew there was no getting out of this discussion.

Okay, Dave said he would pray for me, uh for us, Tony blurted out.

Oh, horrors! Not the ‘I will pray for you’ threat! Whatever shall we do? She put her hands up against her cheeks in mock shock.

Knock it off, will you? Look, I told him how I’m afraid that I won’t be a good parent and that being a parent would affect my career. I had hoped he would give me some, well, more valuable advice.

Oh, like what?

Heck, I don’t know! If I did, I wouldn’t need the advice. He turned around and started lathering his face with shave cream.

So what else did he say, apart from the dreaded ‘Prayer Threat?’ She made the quotes sign with her fingers.

He basically said that you have to learn as you go along and that I would be a great parent. And that I ‘should have faith.’

Does sound like he blew you off, she said sarcastically. She paused to look at him and realized he was really troubled. Look, she walked over to him and put her hands on his shoulders from behind. What else could he say? I’m sure he believes that you would, uh, will be a great dad, as do I. But we all have to work through all of this in our own way. And you won’t be alone. Remember me? I’m along for the ride as well. And as for the praying thing, he truly believes that will help. Frankly, so do I. I’ve been doing my own praying as well.

I know that. You believe that religious flap just like he does. Sorry that I take no stock in it. It gives me no comfort. You knew that when you married me. He started shaving.

Yes, I did, but I think it may . . . someday. But until then, just trust in the two of us. We will be doing this together.

Okay, just so long as you guys don’t try to force this prayer stuff on me.

Oh, I think we know better than that. She walked back to her sink. All right then, as long as we all understand each other, she finished.

Yeah, but what about my career? Or yours, for that matter? Tony asked.

Our respective careers will be just fine, dear. Have faith!

Right.

They both finished getting ready for work. They had a cup of coffee together, kissed each other goodbye, and went their separate ways.

Tony was an engineer in a large company. They had offices in several locations around the country. At his particular location, they occupied a fairly new building. It was only five years old. It was set up like many such offices, a set of cubicles in the center that were surrounded by offices for the management staff. The offices had windows, but the general area did not. Tony occupied one of the many cubicles, not having yet been promoted to management. Tony would have liked an office just because he would have been able to close his door when he really needed to concentrate, but he made do with what he had.

At about ten o’clock, Jerry Conway, Tony’s supervisor, called Tony into his office. He told Tony to sit down and closed the door.

Tony started to become a little nervous. Jerry didn’t often close his door. He watched Jerry go around his desk and sit down. Tony waited.

Jerry said, Look, Tony, I know you are disappointed about not getting the promotion.

Yeah. I am.

Well, it’s history now. But I wanted to make sure that you understood why.

Okay, said Tony.

You see, Charlie has somewhat of a history with the clients that he will have to be dealing with. They like him and will work well with him. Like it or not, that’s how this business works. It’s not always about skill or talent.

Seems a bit unfair.

Whoever said it was going to be fair?

No one, I guess, Tony replied.

In any case, that’s how things work, and that’s how you move up. So to help you along those lines, I want to put you in charge of the Sievers’ project.

Tony sat up in his chair. You mean that big new office complex downtown?

Yep. That’s the one. It’s just getting underway, and while Charlie was on the proposal team, he won’t have time for it as part of his new duties. And I think you are just the man to lead this one. It will be a big challenge and may require some travel and extra hours. But you will be out there in front of management. Do you think you are up for it?

You bet I am, Jerry! Thanks for the opportunity. I won’t let you down! He stood up and reached out to shake Jerry’s hand.

I know you won’t, Tony, Jerry replied.

Tony walked back to his cubicle. His feet barely touched the ground. This was his big chance! He would put all his energy into this project. Then he sat down and thought about Beth. This may put a damper on her plans for having kids, he thought. But he loved Beth and did want her to be happy. Maybe he could do both? He wasn’t sure if he could. Clearly, they were going to have to make some tough decisions. But Tony was very sure about one thing: he was going to give this opportunity his very best shot.

CHAPTER 4

For the next three months, Tony spent almost all of his time on the new project. He stayed late at work, often bringing work home as well. He ate and breathed the project. And it showed. Today, he had briefed top management on the progress, and they had all been very pleased. They had approved his proposed budget with no changes. That was highly unusual in his experience. He could hardly wait to get home to tell Beth the news.

Tony, that’s wonderful! exclaimed Beth. I am so glad the project is going well. I knew you would do great, she said as she sat across from him at dinner that night. We should do something to celebrate.

You know the project is getting to the point where soon there will be some more travel and probably some overtime, Tony said.

Of course. Beth got up and went around the table to hug Tony from behind. I am proud of you, honey. She squeezed him again and started to clean the dishes off the table. Uh, we have something else to celebrate.

Oh. What is that? He got up to help with the dishes.

Well, the fertility treatments are going well.

Oh? Tony turned back to the table to get the last of the dishes and stopped. He slowly turned around. By ‘going well,’ you mean there are no bad side effects?

That, too.

Too?

Yes.

Beth, what are you trying to say?

She turned around and leaned against the sink. She smiled and said, They are working. I mean, they worked. Uh, I mean that we have procreated!

Procreated? Is that what we are calling it now?

She laughed. I know that sounds silly now that I’ve said it out loud. But yes, I’m pregnant! She did a little jump for joy and waited for Tony’s reaction.

Uh, are you sure? You know sometimes those tests are not accurate. When exactly did you find out?

"Oh, a few days ago. But I wanted to be sure, so I went to Dr. Jamison’s office and they confirmed it. I didn’t want to distract you from your project at work until I was