On the Wings of Hope

By D.G. Waugh

This books contains three stimulating stories of human struggles. Miriam struggle as she takes care of her young nephew, Johnny , whose father, Paul Simeon she suspects of being responsible for her sisters untimely death. Her sisters last letter indicated that there was enough information to have Paul and his gang arrested. She cringes while watching Johnny act nervous and edgy when he is around his father. What does that child know, she asks herself. Is her new friend, Mrs. Worth justified in believing that Paul and his co-hort, Stubby are planning to get rid of both of them? The second book, Dont Wake a Sleeping Lion has Esther struggling with trying to find a way to escape from her kidnappers. She and her co-worker were on the trail of a series of missing persons. How do they handle the death of one of their members as he is found beaten until he is almost not recognized? The third book is called Beth Young Beth struggles over her fathers anger at God for taking his wife. She weeps as she watches him raise his fist toward heaven. Its interesting to see how she tries to intervene in her fathers life. In the meantime, while praying for him, she finds that the boy next door, who is the towns trouble maker needs prayer Her aunt tries to convince the eager child to be patient. The second part of Beth has her grown up into a teen and she and the boy next door are praying for each other. God is good...all the time

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 31, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462899050

D.G. Waugh

The author is the mother of three daughters, eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She and her husband were born and raised in Pennsylvania , but soon after their marriage moved to New Jersey, where they lived until his death, four years ago. Presently she is residing in Virginia with her daughter and husband. She loves sitting on the porch observing the beautiful blue ridge mountains, and watching a herd of deer gracefully moving back and forth.

Book preview

Chapter One

ARMOR OF GOD

Miriam Justice was entertaining second thoughts concerning this plane trip she was embarking on with her brother-in-law, Paul Simon, who was sitting across the aisle from her, with his objectionable-looking companion Stubby Gutin.

That cigar-smoking Stubby is even worse than Paul. Both are so deep in the drug racket with that so-called Boss Man . . . Stubby’s uncle . . . Maybe Paul doesn’t take the drugs, but he is in them . . . Almost as bad. She did snort this time. Stubby looks like he’s always on drugs. Not only does he reek of smoke, but I wonder if he ever takes time to clean himself. Does he ever change his untidy clothes? She frowned. At least Paul looks clean, well dressed, and makes a good appearance. Probably why they use him and give him that gorgeous mansion to live in. Paul makes a good impression when he meets with his cronies from the gang. He claims he’s on a business trip, she grunted… Business . . . Hah!

Before leaving for the airport, she’d seethed at her parents. I hate to have to babysit on these so-called business trips. It would be easier if we took Johnny home to live with us. I hate to be near Paul. I still believe he was responsible for our Elaine’s untimely death… think he’s meeting with one of the two gangs that are fighting each other in Blackstone.

Don’t try to read too much into this trip, her father said, trying to calm her.

When she settled back into the plane’s seat, her anger was roused again by the thought of going to Blackstone. The newspapers, radio, and television were talking about the wars between two gangs in Blackstone. I’m sure Paul belongs to one of them. She shuddered. Even though, she thought, he resides in California, his headquarters could be in that infamous place. She frowned, thinking it was rightly named: the hearts of the gangs were black and hard as stones. Those greedy bums take control of cross-border flow of drugs, goods, counterfeit money and take advantage of innocent people. The criminal organizations have stretched themselves into many activities, enlarging their wealth and power. The media is constantly reporting the increase of violence, gambling, prostitution, extortion, and human suffering in Blackstone. Heavens, I hope Johnny and I will be safe in this place. Her negative thoughts came to a stop when she realized her nephew was annoying several of the passengers with his unpredictable behavior.

Paul turned and motioned for her to do something about this problem. Paul is thirty-five, tall, slim, with broad shoulders, a hint of gold in his thick dark red hair. His well-shaped lips seldom smiled. If he did ever smile, Miriam frowned, it never reaches his eyes.

Greed and coldness is always mirrored in his brown eyes, she repeatedly declared to her parents. There were hints of his criminal involvement in making money, even as a teenager. In spite of his soft-looking face and quiet ways, he is one cold dude. She shook herself to stop thinking and worrying over his so-called business trip. Why do I always give in when Paul calls me to babysit? she questioned herself. Because I love and feel sorry for my pale, thin, and nervous Johnny. He’s never been the same since his mother’s death . . . a year ago already. Does he know anything? Is this why he is edgy and jumpy around his father?

A smiling stewardess stopped Miriam’s train of thought as she brought the pale fraught-faced squirming boy back to his seat: his aunt adjusted him on her lap, holding him tightly. She used this measure of calming down the unstable eight-year-old child. It usually worked.

Miriam is a petite, slender twenty-five-year-old, with silky shoulder-length hair the color of mahogany. Her twinkling black eyes, as dark as anthracite coal, are her outstanding feature. But her ready smile takes over when she’s advising her customers at her popular dress shop in a busy mall in Philadelphia, where her self-assurance is instantly recognizable. Her customers trust her to help them select fashionable styles, a trifle expensive, but they agree the fit is always perfect. She enjoys this business, and it shows by her ready smile and pleasant conversations. Wish I could be at ease now as I am in my shop. But Paul shakes me up, she mused. And that sloppy Stubby, who never stops eating . . . She almost gagged at the sight of the gravy running down his shirt.

Before leaving on this trip, Miriam remarked to her parents, Paul is unstable as a cloud driven by storm winds. He looks like he promises much and delivers nothing.

Johnny, who was still snuggled in her arms, stirred; and she held him until he fell asleep, then gently maneuvered him into his own seat near the window. He opened his eyes for just a moment, and they smiled at each other. He recognized the love shining in her honest eyes.

When the nervous spells occur, Paul, who recognized that his sister-in-law had a way of reducing the stress in his child, the genuine love she had for him usually called her. I can count on her, he admitted to Stubby, who merely gave a lopsided grin.

She often complained to her parents, Some people are as useless as a dried-up spring of water. Yes, Paul has a cunning way of keeping me at his beck and call . . . to be used by an evil man is utterly maddening. Why does he neglect his own son? No, that isn’t true, she admitted to herself. He does have Johnny’s interest at heart—by providing tutoring, expensive clothing, a beautiful mansion, and vacations to all parts of the states. Johnny wants for nothing . . . except for Paul to show his son love, she thought.

Just as Miriam started to drift off to sleep, she heard the seat across from her squeak as Paul stood. Johnny stirred and watched his father reach into his jacket to give Stubby a paper with directions, but his son misinterpreted the action; and he lowered his head, clamped his eyes shut, and looked like he shrunk a few inches.

Johnny, it’s all right! He doesn’t have a gun with him. At least I hope he doesn’t. Oh, bite my tongue, she moaned to herself. Her teeth bore down on her lips, an icy chill swept over her, she felt her face flush, and there was a tingling at the end of every hair, as Paul gave her a long and stony stare. I really did it this time, she thought. What did I see reflected in his eyes? Was it hate, scorn, or spite?

His lips remained unmoved.

Before Paul walked toward the back of the plane, he bent over to her and whispered, Why do you say things like that, Miriam? His voice was soft; nonetheless, she felt threatened: outer numbness, inward shaking, and an insidious slow-sickening weakness. Unconsciously, she grabbed hold of the armrest to find support. When she saw Johnny cringe, Miriam remembered the reason he was frightened when Paul reached into his jacket.

Leaning back into the seat, she recalled a frightening time during one of her visits to Paul’s home to see Johnny. Just as she and Johnny approached the bottom step of the wide circular staircase, loud screaming erupted from the den; the door burst open, with Stubby fighting and shoving a burly-looking man out toward the front door. He was resisting Stubby. Then Paul stomped angrily from the den, reaching into his jacket and pulling out a gun from the holster, and he aimed it at the struggling man. Stubby managed to shove him out of the door, with Paul following still aiming at the target. Loud gunshots were heard. Johnny ran screaming up the stairs to hide in his bedroom closet.

The dark-haired woman realized that Paul’s son was just as afraid of his father’s gun as she was of him whispering orders to his cohorts.

As soon as Paul returned to his seat, the bulldog-looking man stood to get a drink, saying in his gravelly voice, That dame should have her pretty legs broken!

She’s my sister-in-law. Paul was adamant in his correction.

So you never notice her legs! he sneered. Why don’t you get a broad, like my Kitty, to take care of your boy?

Most of the choices I have made for Johnny come from her because she is very wise in her selections on how to raise him properly.

Marry her then, you fool. Then everything is free, not only her advice. His puffy broad face had a twisted appearance, and his lopsided grin was almost obscene.

Paul had always been honest with himself, with his wife Elaine and friends, that he was lucky to have married such a fine, proper lady. He realized she was too good for him. When he was young, he never liked the girls his friend picked.

For some unknown reason, Miriam glanced over to her left, noticing a kindly-looking, matronly woman with a small hat perched on top of her varied-colored gray hair watching her with concern. Mrs. Worth, a missionary, didn’t miss what had transpired between Paul and Miriam; and she seemed to have caught a keen understanding of the formidable situation. Without smiling but nodding slightly to Miriam for one brief moment, the woman gave out an assurance of trust, and there was a strange meeting of two minds, quickening Miriam’s composure. Miriam settled back into the seat. Her nephew didn’t miss the sudden paleness and tenseness of his aunt as he held her hand. For his sake, she smiled, with more confidence than she actually felt. Johnny turned to look out of the window.

In response to Stubby’s last smart remark, Paul repeated, She’s my wife’s sister, for heaven’s sake. When he turned to his grubby red-faced companion and whispered into his companion’s ear, Martha was more shaken by that than by his last words to her. If she really knew what Paul whispered to Stubby, she would not have been so fearful.

Shut up! Don’t talk so loud! In fact, don’t talk to me the rest of this flight! His face showed no reaction as he gulped the rest of Paul’s food.

Suddenly Miriam’s overactive mind flashed before her, and she pictured a menacing mouth moving and executing evil instructions into someone’s ear. It was like a fast motion movie, constantly showing ominous lips whispering into ears. Did I just fall asleep and dreamed that? she asked herself.

She could still see the eerie picture flashing back and forth, almost like fireworks. Then some slight noise jarred her out of her half dreamlike state.

Why am I so upset over Paul whispering to that man? Out of the blue sky, a recurring dream rushed into her memory. Always in these dreams, some malicious person was whispering to someone. In the dreams, the identities were never revealed; faces were always dimmed by ominous shadows. The lips were cruel, sometimes snarling, other times mocking; and Miriam would awaken moaning in terror. She tried reasoning to herself; a dream is only a figment of the imagination. After I wake, or in fact while I am sleeping, nothing bad ever happens. How foolish of me to overreact. But today wasn’t the first time that I saw Paul whispering an order. When was it? Oh no! She winced when she recalled the instance.

I am in trouble, real trouble . . . I’m marked . . . for . . . she hated to admit that she was marked for death. The truth had been repressed, and now it emerged like a surging flood of many rivers. There is a time coming, when Paul will get rid of me . . . and maybe even Johnny. Can a man do this? Well, if he can kill his own wife, why not? Surely, Paul knows that I suspect he is responsible for my sister’s death. He knows that his own son suspects him of having done harm to his mother.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Stubby handing her a drink of juice. She drank it quickly. If I don’t calm down soon, there might be a real emotional outbreak from me. Is there anyone to help me of this madness? For the boy’s sake, I have to compose myself. I am not going to allow Paul to know how upset and suspicious I am. I won’t beg him for my life.

Settling back once more in the seat, she let her thoughts recapture the time when her sister Elaine first met Paul. Their parents vigorously opposed the dating because of his well-known involvement with drugs and stolen goods. The tall, lean, and handsome man was too smart to use drugs or to participate in the actual thefts; but he was used as the lookout man. Regrettably Elaine was charmed by the soft-spoken man with the noble-looking features. At least he did marry her, and that was a feather in his cap, Miriam reasoned. Too many thugs discard the woman or the baby or both. That’s probably the only honest deed he ever did, she conceded. After their marriage, the couple moved to the West Coast, and the only contact during those years was by letters. Two years later, Elaine bore a son, and she wrote often of him; it was obvious both parents were proud of Johnny. He was the apple of their eyes.

Eventually, Elaine’s letters revealed regret, distrust, then fear. She admitted to her parents she had enough evidence to convict Paul, Stubby, their cohorts, and the big boss, who was Stubby’s uncle. She listened to their conversations on the telephone or as they met in the den. Paul must have been aware of this because soon after that particular letter, her sister wrote nothing more on that subject, almost as if she were afraid. In the next letter, Elaine hinted she was considering a divorce for the sake of her child. And she continued writing to her family concerning Paul’s constant unsavory companions in and out of her home. She feared the influence it would have on Johnny when he became older. These men, Elaine wrote, were always scheming together, making precarious plans concerning money, or evading pressure from the government. In one letter, there were hints that she had enough. Somehow Paul must have gotten suspicious of her wanting to get a divorce, and he forbade her to ever consider that undertaking. Both Mr. and Mrs. Justice and Miriam thought it sounded like an outright threat. Eventually, Elaine’s letters fell off the following months.

One dark and dreary day, with threats of a storm approaching, a postcard arrived from her sister. The handwriting looked shaky, and her sister admitted her health was going downhill.

It was another month before they heard from her, and she seemed rather unclear about wanting Miriam to visit her. They read between the lines and knew that she needed help and moral support. There were many days of uneasiness between Miriam and her parents, but they knew Miriam had to go to the West Coast. Elaine needed help, but they were frightened for Miriam. Finally, there was a long-distance telephone call from Elaine.

I need help, she pleaded. Please… please, Miriam, come and help me.

I must go now. How can I refuse her? She sounded strange, fearful, that someone was listening in on the conversation.

You could be walking into that den of thieves. Miriam’s father’s brow was furrowed as he gave her a last warning as she boarded the bus to the West Coast.

Chapter Two

DEN OF THIEVES

The tedious bus trip… oh, how she wished she had taken her parents’ advice to go by plane; however, she spent a great deal of the time either chatting with her neighbor in the seat beside her or studying the price list of the new spring clothing for her deluxe dress shop. Leafing through several fashion magazines kept her mind off the upcoming visit to her sister and Paul. It’s been years since I’ve seen either of them, she admitted to the friendly young lady.

After the usual process of exiting the bus, locating the luggage, Miriam hailed a taxi, giving her sister’s address to Harry, a very friendly man who whistled every time he stopped for a red light. Harry had a few funny stories to relate, kept her laughing with his cheery banter, and she became less anxious. She recalled her father’s parting words, to be careful, that she was going to be in a den of thieves.

By the way, ma’am—Harry turned to look over his shoulder—did you know that Pasadena is in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, and it overlooks the San Gabriel Valley? If you stand on the hills at the right spot, this city looks like a lumpy sea of green trees, with church spires poking through. We have an unusual number of churches here for our size. Miriam observed the air of prosperity created by the substantial buildings, the pretentious homes, generous foliage, and the winding flowered-edged streets.

As they rode past streets lined with small shops, Harry announced, Here’s the center of our shopping district. This here, he said pointing, is Colorado Street and Fair Oak Avenue. She was impressed as they passed leisurely through the residential district, homes with carefully manicured gardens, mansions and estates with sunken gardens, and huge swimming pools and tennis courts.

Here we are, madam, Harry said as he turned into a wide driveway with red brick walls on each side. Huge defiant white lions stood on top of each wall. Driving on the well-paved hundred-foot driveway, Miriam was overwhelmed by the spacious splendid and stately brick home with two pillars flanking highly polished mahogany double doors. She was sure that her driver had taken her to the wrong address, and Harry smiled broadly at the lovely dark-haired beauty, who sat motionless while he opened the door for her.

Are you sure this is the house?

What’s the last name, madam?

Simon… Paul Simon.

Yup, young lady, he assured her. This is a mighty fine estate, all right. It belongs to Paul Simon and is well known in these parts.

It’s absolutely breathtaking, she admitted. She had no idea that her sister lived in such a superb home. While getting out of the taxi, Miriam noticed an old thin stooped-shouldered man trimming the well-kept shrubbery. Harry carried her suitcase to the door while humming. The overwhelmed Miriam pulled the bronzed knocker several times, as the driver got into his taxi, still humming. Two impressive extremely large wreaths with colorful flowers, berries, and ribbons hung on both double doors.

My sister never mentioned all this prosperity! Even a gardener! Miriam was even more taken aback when an older woman wearing a gray cotton dress with a full white apron opened the door. She was a huge-sized woman with a mulish-looking face who snapped her greeting with a scowl. Later Miriam learned she was the full-time housekeeper. No one mentioned she was Stubby’s sister.

You’re Miriam, ain’t ya? Elaine just told me ya’ was coming. She ran her fat hands over the apron, as if to wipe away her annoyance.

Miriam’s dark black eyes opened wide, observing a dark mahogany table against the sky blue painted wall where a blue Chinese plate stood at one end and a lovely bouquet of dried flowers in a blue vase at the other end. There were several small heart-shaped frames containing pictures of Johnny in the middle of the table and a recent picture of Paul, her sister, and Johnny. Miriam noted two large portrait on the wall with exquisite gold frames and lights above them.

Miriam watched an angular woman wearing a nurse’s uniform descending the wide circular staircase. She was tall, bony, with a square jaw, and was staring coldly at Miriam.

This here is Elaine’s sister, Ms. Slaughter, the housekeeper’s snappish rough voice addressed the nurse, who continued to stare icily toward the guest. She shook her red hair resulting in it falling into her angry flashing eyes and with one stroke of her bony fingers pulled it back.

While the guest was being led to her sister’s room, she counted a total of six bedrooms before being ushered into one of the most matchless feminine bedrooms. Elaine seemed to have just gotten out of bed and was putting on a turquoise housecoat, matching both the bedspread and the drapes.

Miriam, it’s so good to see you! You look great. I’m so glad you came! They embraced.

Elaine doesn’t look well, so small, thin, and pale, Miriam reflected dismally.

Come, sit here. They both reclined on a delicate velvet turquoise love seat.

I’m so happy and relieved, dear sister. This is the first time I have felt relaxed in months. She smiled, and her dark eyes sparkled. Both sisters had dark hair the color of mahogany; Elaine wore hers short, while Miriam wore hers at shoulder length.

Yeah, this is the first time I’ve seen Ms. Elaine smile for a long spell, the nurse, Ms. Slaughter, interrupted. They continued their animated tête-à-tête, concentrating on their parent’s health, Miriam’s work, the trip, and small generalities. Finally, Elaine asked the nurse to check if Johnny was awake from his nap, to meet his aunt, and to bring him in to Miriam.

What a good-looking boy you are! his smiling aunt exclaimed admiringly at her nephew as he stood in front of her.

You have accomplished a good job in raising him. His appealing manners intrigued Miriam. No wonder you are proud of him. She received his hug and a kiss on the cheek. What big brown eyes you have, such long eyelashes, and these precious freckles. He captivated her and immediately became friends.

This is so good… seeing you again! Miriam’s voice wavered, and tears were running down her cheeks. I didn’t expect it to be like this, she added truthfully. Your home is absolutely out of this world.

You were afraid to come? Elaine smiled weakly, holding her sister’s hand, and her eyes were blurred with threatening tears. I do understand, Miriam, how you felt about coming here. And I appreciate it, really. Several tears rolled down her pale cheeks. She stood up, quickly brushing away the tears, and went over to her small writing desk, bringing back a photo album. The nurse ran over to Elaine as she started to sway slightly.

Better lie down, dear, she suggested while removing Elaine’s housecoat, helping her back into bed. Hmm, Miriam reflected, Elaine is really weak. She hasn’t been up that long to be dizzy. The nurse took the boy out for some sunshine and exercise, leaving the sisters alone in the bedroom.

This is a good time for us to have a serious talk. What is really wrong, Elaine? she ventured to ask, coming close to the bed.

Ever since I wrote that letter to you about wanting a divorce, Paul and his cronies have been watching me. It’s gotten worse. It must be Paul intercepts my letters and found out my true feelings! He’s cold and distant toward me and leaves me alone for the most part. Elaine shivered as if a sudden unpleasant thought came to her mind.

He doesn’t trust me, that’s it. After he told me not to get a divorce, he obviously mistrusts me.

You know, Elaine, this could be all nerves on your part. Stress does a lot of damage to our systems. I’m here, and I want you to relax. The nurse returned to give Elaine her pills. Miriam was curious about the name of the medicine she was giving her sister.

I don’t know, she sounded gruff. Her doctor prescribes them… and I didn’t inquire.

Sometimes medicine has an adverse affect. Suppose she stops taking them for a while, and we can see if she is better off without them, Miriam suggested.

Several hours later she was informed by the harsh-looking Ms. Slaughter angrily swinging the door open, announcing in her raspy voice, The doctor is here and wants to speak to you!

My, thought