Sinister Secrets on Sunset Hill

By Carol Dold

Sunset Hill was a tiny, quiet town with an aerial view of all the surrounding cities. It was peaceful. Bad things just didnt happen there. On those summer evenings when the sky was lit up in striking colors of gold, pink, and orange, folks were sure that God must live there, too. And when the lilac trees were in full bloom and that heavenly scent was carried by a breeze, you knew you had found paradise.
Was it a homicide or a suicide? Jennifer asked her friend, Alice, whose neighborhood had just been rocked by the news of a dreadful death.
A woman in her early thirties, Katie Percival, had been found lifeless lying in a pool of blood in her basement. It was Alice, herself, that had discovered the grizzly scene.

This book is so much more than just another murder mystery. Its so much more than just entering a world of fantasy where you become the detective.
Instead, it is the story of some ordinary people who found some extraordinary grace in the midst of some very tragic mistakes.

Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504903660

Carol Dold

This author is in love with life—my life in Jesus Christ. Every day is a new adventure and a new opportunity to share him with others. My entire life revolves around the relationship I have with God through Jesus our Lord. And I have it because of his grace and mercy. I am also blessed to have my wonderful husband at my side, sharing all the ups and downs that have come our way, and we've learned more from our mistakes than anything else!

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Sunset Hill was a tiny, quiet town with an aerial view of all the surrounding cities. It was peaceful. Bad things just didn’t happen there. On those summer evenings when the sky was lit up in striking colors of gold, pink, and orange, folks were sure that God must live there, too. And when the lilac trees were in full bloom and that heavenly scent was carried by a breeze, you knew you had found paradise.

Was it a homicide or a suicide? Jennifer asked her friend, Alice, whose neighborhood had just been rocked by the news of a dreadful death.

A woman in her early thirties, Katie Percival, had been found lifeless lying in a pool of blood in her basement. It was Alice, herself, that had discovered the grizzly scene.

It was ruled a suicide, Alice told Jennifer, making a pot of coffee. "She died May 7th just eight months after her daughter died. There was a revolver next to her sprawled out body and a suicide note written in her own handwriting that read, Life is too hard without Brenda.

Jennifer’s eyes began to fill with tears. Can you imagine dying in a gloomy basement all by yourself? What a lonely place to take your last breath.

Alice didn’t seem as sympathetic. She wasn’t very friendly these past eight months, she remarked, handing Jennifer a cup of coffee and some tissues to dry her eyes. In fact, around Christmas I took a fresh apple crumb pie over and she slammed the door in my face.

As the girls stirred cream and sugar in their coffee, Alice went on to say that the day she discovered the body, the mailman had accidentally put Katie’s letters in her box. She decided to go drop them off.

Alice happened to notice that Katie’s side door was slightly ajar. When she rang the doorbell and no one answered, she assumed that she must be downstairs doing laundry. The stairway leading to the basement was right by the side door. She stepped inside calling Katie’s name as she went down not wanting to startle her. That’s when she discovered the body.

That horrific scene is vividly etched in my mind, Alice told Jennifer. She was lying on the floor dead in a pool of blood dressed in a black negligee. And she was wearing one red monogrammed anklet with the letter ‘T’ outlined in black in the shape of a heart. Alice thought it was peculiar that one of her socks was missing.

Jennifer continued to dab her eyes and asked Alice if she knew the woman well.

Alice told her that Katie had lived alone since the death of an adopted child eight months earlier.

Her daughter, Brenda, was her life, she shared. She was just a little girl when she passed away. Apparently, she had an allergic reaction from some medication the doctor prescribed. It took her life.

Alice thought it very odd that Jennifer’s eyes began welling up again with tears at the mention of Brenda. Suddenly, she began sobbing. Alice reached over for a couple more tissues. She handed them to her and patted her on the shoulder while trying to think of something encouraging to say.

Are you going to be okay? she asked. You’re taking this news pretty hard.

It took several minutes for Jennifer to compose herself. Then she asked her friend to go on sharing about the deceased neighbors.

Before Katie’s daughter, died, Alice continued, I remember babysitting that little girl one evening. That was before her mother became bitter and antisocial.

Alice told Jennifer that Brenda’s fourth birthday was coming up on September 5th and that Katie wanted to go shopping.

Of course that was September of last year, Alice said. She wanted her daughter’s gifts to be a surprise so she asked me if I would watch her for a couple hours.

Alice remembered seeing Katie’s car full of helium balloons of every color. And the back seat was bulging with presents, Alice told her. You would have thought she was buying for the whole neighborhood! She even purchased a gift for me. I thought that was very generous of her.

Even with all the gifts and balloons, Katie had not planned on having a big birthday celebration. In fact, she had indicated to Alice that she didn’t have any family or friends in the area. (Of course, dear reader, this will later prove itself to be untrue.)

Alice went on to say that she was invited to have cake and ice cream with them and watch Brenda blow out her candles and open her gifts. She mentioned that Katie planned to have a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting decorated with yellow daisies and pink ballerinas.

I was looking forward to seeing Brenda blow out her candles, she sighed. But that never happened.

Why? Jennifer asked, still very teary-eyed. Did Katie change her mind about having a little party for her?

Alice hung her head looking at the floor. No, she replied, reluctantly, then looking up. Her daughter died two days earlier — before she could celebrate her birthday.

Why is Jennifer becoming so distraught over two people she doesn’t even know? Alice wondered. I know she is a Christian who loves Jesus and loves others but this is a little much.

Alice had known Jennifer Parker for a couple years and they had become the best of friends. She had never seen her behave this way. Not once had she ever seen Jennifer conducting herself in an unstable manner.

The two had first met at a lady’s prayer group at Pleasant View Christian Assembly in Davison, Massachusetts. They were invited by a mutual friend named Julie who lived there. Neither Alice nor Jennifer attended there on a regular basis, though, because they preferred a church closer to home.

Jennifer not only lived in the large city of Masonville, Massachusetts, she fellowshipped at Heart’s Harbor Pentecostal Church also located in that city.

Alice lived in the tiny village of Sunset Hill just south of Masonville.

After Jennifer invited Alice to Heart’s Harbor, she started coming regularly. Both of them were faithful followers of Jesus Christ honoring Him on a day-to-day basis.

Alice was a fifth grade teacher in the Elmwood Elementary School in Milford, which was just east of Sunset Hill.

Jennifer was a real estate agent whose office was in Masonville not far from her home.

As the two of them sat there at Alice’s kitchen table, Alice went on telling her teary-eyed friend about the brief relationship she had once had with her deceased neighbors, Katie and Brenda. I can’t believe they are both gone, she said, sadly. Even though I didn’t know them well, they will still be greatly missed.

Alice had just taken some gingerbread cake out of the oven and the aroma filled the room. She topped off their coffee cups as she waited for the cake to cool. She noticed that when she put it on the table along with a bowl of whip cream that Jennifer, who would normally devour a large piece of her freshly baked cake, barely took a bite. In fact, she seemed to be off in another world.

After Jennifer left, Alice thought over their conversation. I know Jennifer is a committed Christian but she certainly over-reacted to the news about the deaths of Katie and her daughter. Alice thought that, even for a Christian, her emotions were way over the top — especially when she didn’t even know Alice’s neighbors. Maybe Jennifer is dealing with some of her own issues, she concluded. I better start praying more earnestly for her.

A few days later Alice was talking to her friend, Sue McIntosh, who also lived in Sunset Hill. Sue was also a friend of Jennifer’s. Her resale shop was within walking distance of Alice’s place.

Alice began sharing how emotional Jennifer had gotten over the news of her neighbors’ deaths. Don’t you find that strange? she asked.

Well, sometimes a child’s death can really leave an impact, Sue answered, softly. And it was also shocking to hear about the mother’s suicide.

Alice felt a little embarrassed wondering why she hadn’t experienced some of these same emotions, especially when it was her own neighbors. Maybe I’m becoming callous and hardhearted, she thought.

Still, she couldn’t get it out of her mind how strange it was that Jennifer was so emotional. She had never seen her have that same reaction to other horrific circumstances. In the two years they had known each other, there had been any number of tragedies that had befallen various members of their church. Some of these included children and young adults whom they both knew well. Yet, Jennifer had never broken down crying over those.

Such was the case with a church member named Mary Dalton, a friend of Jennifer’s, whose youngest son, Edward, had died that past winter. He had attended Heart’s Harbor with his mother, but Jennifer had not broken down sobbing over his death.

Both Alice and Jennifer knew Edward well. They had even been over for a couple barbecues and had all gone swimming in Mary’s pool.

But then tragedy struck during the middle of winter. Edward had gone ice fishing with some of his buddies. Regrettably, when he stepped on a thin patch of ice it broke and he was suddenly sucked into a cold, watery grave.

Alice recalled that, even though Jennifer was stunned by their pastor’s announcement, she had remained composed and had not been nearly as affected by the news of his death as she was the deaths of Alice’s neighbors, Katie and Brenda.

Alice and Jennifer had, of course, both shuddered to think about the terror Edward must have felt. They could picture him in his dying moments frantically fighting for survival. His bloated body was found later that spring.

You just never know when your number is up! Alice had woefully remarked to Jennifer the day they heard the news.

Proverbs 27:1: Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Isaiah 55:6: Seek the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near…

Jeremiah 8:20: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

Hebrews 4:7: …TO DAY IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS.

Proverbs 1:24: Because I have called…..

Revelation 3:20: ….I stand at the door and knock…

Hebrews 2:3: How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.

Hebrews 10:31: It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

II Corinthians 5:11: Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men….

Jeremiah 29:13: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

And now, dear reader, before we get back to Alice and Sue’s discussion about Jennifer’s anguish over Katie’s and Brenda’s deaths, I would like to tell you a little more about Mary Dalton and her other family members.

Mary was a sweet soul, a widow, whose husband had died many years earlier. She had borne three children, two of which were still surviving.

Tom, the oldest, was married and living in Montana with their three children. Mary recalled that when he had first mentioned his plans to go to Montana and buy a house, she misunderstood and thought he was buying a horse. What did you name it? she asked.

Tom laughed. I call it ‘Big Mortgage, he said. It’s a four-bedroom, ranch style with a finished basement on eighty acres.

Tom and his family loved living there; and, until recently, he hadn’t experienced any major conflicts.

Mary had just talked to him a few hours earlier and he was pretty upset when she called. He went on to explain his dilemma. A close friend of his had asked if he could store a few items in his garage while having some repairs done due to flood damage. His friend assured him he would have his belongings out in two weeks.

Tom left his garage door unlocked while he was at work so that his friend could get his things in. When he arrived home, however, what was supposed to be only a few items ended up being the equivalent of a small storage unit about half the size of Tom’s garage! It was so stuffed with boxes, tools, sporting equipment, camping equipment, and Christmas decorations, that Tom could barely move amidst the clutter. However, he didn’t want to ruin the friendship so he kept his mouth shut.

Two months later, however, his friend still had made no attempt to move anything. One of the items was an old toilet which was continually in the way of Tom’s lawnmower.

Tom contacted the fellow to tell him what an inconvenience the toilet was and to gently remind him that the promise he had made for two weeks had now turned into two months.

I had to put your commode out back behind my garage, he admitted, because every time I get my mower out, it’s in the way.

Tom was stunned when his friend became enraged. I paid $600 for that toilet! he said angrily, and you didn’t have any right to move it outside where rust could corrode the handle.

Tom could hardly believe it when the guy informed him that he was taking him to court.

You don’t have a leg to stand on! Tom hollered. What a flimsy excuse to fleece a friend!

And you won’t even have a toilet to sit on! his friend warned, when I get done fleecing you for disrespecting my stuff!

As the commode crisis continued, both Tom and his friend started hurling threats. And that was not the only thing Tom hurled. Your junk with all be out at my curb tomorrow morning for garbage pick up he yelled, so if there’s anything besides your toilet that you treasure, you better get over here on the double and get it out of here!

Eventually, a fist fight ensued and Tom’s wife had to call the town sheriff to separate the two.

When Tom’s former friend followed through on his threats and the two men wound up in court, Tom ended up having to pay several hundred dollars in damages for the items he had thrown out to the road.

Well, that’s what I get for being a good Christian buddy, he said to his wife. I should have never let him use my garage!

No, Tom, his wife scolded, That’s what you get for being out of control. We should have handled this through the court and legally evicted his toilet!

One day while Tom was still fuming over the toilet tiff, the Lord spoke to him. Tom, don’t you remember when you promised Me that you would remove that marijuana from your back porch and that porn from your computer? It’s been around much longer than your friend’s belongings were.

I Corinthians 6:19-20: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. [See I Peter 1:18-19]

Romans 6:13: Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Romans 14:22: ……Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

John 15:14: Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Johnn 14:23: Jesus…said….If a man love me, he will keep my words…………….

I Corinthians 6:20: For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

I Corinthians 10:31: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

I Peter 1:15-16: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Mary Dalton also had a 28-year-old-single daughter, Iris, who lived down state. Mary had not known until a year earlier that she was actually a grandmother to four grandchildren instead of three.

Iris had terminated a pregnancy back when she was 20 and had not told her mother. She was in the last trimester when her fiancé dumped her. Iris didn’t want to raise the child alone or have any reminders of him. The baby had to go.

Amazingly, the tiny infant survived the abortion just long enough for her to hear him cry a few seconds. After that her baby boy never made another sound except for the little thump when he dropped into the pail.

When Iris heard him cry, she was shattered over what she had done. She quickly lifted herself up just enough to catch a fleeting glimpse of what looked like a mutilated body and a limp and lifeless little hand.

At 26 years of age, Iris was still plagued with ongoing guilt over what she had done. However, that was about to change.

A woman was hired in at the group home where she worked as a replacement for someone who had quit. One day, while they were having lunch together, the woman told Iris about God’s saving grace. It was then and there she received healing, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

I know you’ll take wonderful care of my baby boy, Lord, Iris prayed, and someday I will be able to tell him that his mother truly repented.

Iris rarely came up to visit her mother because she didn’t drive or even own a car. When she did come, it would typically be on a bus which she also took to work each day. In fact, that was her only means of transportation.

Iris was very good at keeping in touch with her mother, though, and usually called every evening just to make sure that she was alright.

Mary’s son, Tom, didn’t call often but he knew Iris would keep him posted if anything went awry. Because Tom was already financially set, he told his mother that when she passed on, he would like her home and property to be given exclusively to Iris if Mary’s plans were to divide it between the two of them. Therefore, with her husband gone and Edward gone, Tom and Iris were the sole survivors. As a result, Mary had it set up in her will that Iris would take ownership of the home after her death.

CHAPTER 2

As Alice went on talking to Sue about Jennifer’s morbid interest in Brenda’s and Katie’s deaths, she also mentioned Eric Hanson, another member of their church. Jennifer had not cried over the pastor’s announcement of his tragic accident either. All she said was that going around a sharp corner on that country road at 60 mph wasn’t the brightest thing he ever did.

After his vehicle hit a tree, it looked like an accordion that had been played one too many times!

Miraculously, however, Eric had survived although he remained in critical condition for weeks with numerous broken bones, internal injuries, and a number of large gashes of torn flesh that made his body look like a block of shredded cheese!

That evening when Alice got home she was again pondering the conversation she’d had with Jennifer a few days earlier regarding Katie and Brenda. But her thoughts were interrupted with the phone ringing.

Oh. Hi, Aaron. What’s up? she asked her brother, holding the phone with one hand and wiping her kitchen counter with the other.

I wanted to let you know I passed my first college exams with a 4.0 average! he said excitedly. Not bad for somebody who is 30 and starting their career a little late in life."

Alice was thrilled for him. Way to go, brother! she said enthusiastically. I guess you got all the brains in the family! Sorry, though, that you don’t have a lick of sense when it comes to women. Are you still dating Cheryl?

Aaron hesitated and then admitted that he was still seeing her.

Cheryl had cheated on him twice and had also broken up with him at least a half a dozen times. But Aaron would always take her back.

I guess I can’t resist her big brown eyes and bouncy pony tail, he told his sister.

Cheryl was a 29-year-old divorcee but she looked like she was still eighteen.

Alice decided that perhaps she would leave the lecture for another day. She certainly didn’t want to rain on his parade, especially when he had done so well on his exams.

By the way, how did your friend, Tex, do? she asked, trying to shift the conversational ball off of Cheryl.

Aaron became a little quiet. Not so good, Alice he told her. Something is really bothering him and it’s not just his grades. He was sitting on my couch the other night and suddenly he started trembling. I tried to console him but nothing helped. He had his face buried in his hands and I heard him mumbling that he had done something very bad. I’ve never seen him act like this before.

Alice was sorry to hear that while at the same time letting her brother know how proud she was of his own academic achievement.

Both Aaron and Tex worked together as roof repairmen and had both decided to enroll in college.

I’m thirty and I’m not getting any younger, Aaron complained to Tex. I don’t want to still be roofing when I’m fifty. My back is already starting to bother me.

Tex agreed that maybe it would be a good idea for both of them to further their education and find other jobs.

Alice continued encouraging her brother to keep up the good grades. Oh, she added, I’ll be sure and pray for your friend, Tex. Hope things improve for him. Then, with a loving goodbye she got off the phone.

Speaking of exams, I need to get my own students’ papers graded, she said to herself.

One of her pupils, Tim, was really struggling. She planned to get in touch with his dad to see about recommending a tutor. She hoped that with the additional help, she wouldn’t have to hold him back. Alice knew how much that could affect a child’s self esteem.

Tim had been shifted around to several foster homes. But recently his biological father had come into the picture and managed to get custody.

From what little information Alice had managed to squeeze out of him, Tim’s father seemed to be trying to make up for lost time. In fact, he had become very attentive toward him.

My dad always comes to my little league games, Tim told her. And he plays catch with me in the back yard.

Nevertheless, the various foster homes he had been in and the missed days of school had taken their toll. He was way behind academically.

When Alice finished grading her other students’ papers, she plopped on her couch with a large piece of juicy red watermelon. Time for the teacher to take a break, she said to herself, cutting off a big chunk and popping it in her mouth. Thank you, Lord, she whispered, this is so sweet and delicious. Then her mind wandered off to what she was going to wear to the field trip the next day. I think my black slacks, plum colored top, and white jacket will do nicely, she said within.

Before Alice turned in for the night, she made some notes in her daily journal. She loved keeping track of answered prayer and little blessings she had seen hidden in her day-to-day activities.

That had to be You, Lord, that helped me find my car keys this morning. I thought I had searched everywhere, but then you reminded me where to look. And sure enough, there they were! I must have dropped them by the trash can last night when I tossed out those plastic soda cups and got those packages I left in the back seat of my car.

II Kings 6:1-7: And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye. And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with my servants. And he answered, I will go. So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

(Dear reader, if God can cause an ax head to be recovered, He can also cause some lost keys to be found!)

CHAPTER 3

I have the perfect place just for you, Madeline. Jennifer told one of her clients over the phone. It’s an exquisite, four-bedroom home with a beautiful brown brick fireplace in the family room. It also has another fireplace in the master bedroom upstairs. And, she added, it has that woodsy country setting on the lake that you’re looking for. I can show it to you later this afternoon if you like."

Around 2:00 p.m. she met the prospective buyer. After showing the client the house, the meticulously landscaped property, and emphasizing all the fine features of the two-story home, she offered to let the interested party have some time to wander through the place on her own. Take all the time you need, Madeline, she said, cheerfully I know that buying a home is a big decision.

Jennifer’s client was dressed to the hilt, obviously wearing the finest any clothing store had to offer. Her alligator shoes matched her purse and she looked impressive from head to toe. Jennifer noticed her exquisite necklace and earrings and was sure they must be more than just costume jewelry. She could also tell by the shiny gold Cadillac in the driveway that she was not hard up.

Even though Jennifer had a good income herself and had learned the ropes of being a real estate agent, she had not been born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She’s probably been rich all of her life, she thought. She wouldn’t have a clue of what it’s like to wonder where your next dollar is coming from.

About ten minutes later, after one last walk through the house, the woman announced that she was finished. This is the one, she said, smiling. I’m ready to make an offer.

Madeline, you look like a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it, Jennifer teased.

The woman giggled. You might say that, she agreed. Jennifer was surprised when the woman suddenly opened up and began sharing her life story.

When I was a young woman, I did that very thing. I saw what I wanted and went after ‘it,’ she said. In this case it was the extremely handsome janitor at the company where I was working.

Jennifer was equally surprised when she heard the word janitor. Somehow, it didn’t fit the profile no matter how handsome he was.

My parents were completely against our relationship and forbade me to see him, Madeline told her. They wanted me to marry a doctor, a lawyer, or a CEO, but certainly not a janitor! I was living on my own and when I refused to quit seeing him, they wanted nothing further to do with me. When we married, it was a long time before my parents and I laid eyes on each other again.

If I’m not prying, Jennifer asked, how much time elapsed before you saw them again?

Fifteen years, my dear, she answered, seemingly unaffected by their absence. My husband and I were at an exclusive party in another city. To our surprise, in walked my mother followed by my father! This party, dear, was not just any party. Only millionaires were invited.

The woman could read Jennifer’s thoughts. How could a janitor make that kind of a salary?

I know what you’re thinking, dear. My husband worked two jobs and put himself through med school. He went on to become a very successful neurosurgeon. But early in his career he was not that wealthy. One of his operations, however, included a prominent businessman here in Massachusetts. Because of the delicate nature of the surgery, and because of my husband’s extraordinary skill in this type of risky procedure, the operation saved his life. The patient was so grateful to my husband that he made him the sole beneficiary of his will. A few years later he died of a massive heart attack and we discovered that he had left his entire fortune to my husband! He had never married nor had children. As a result, we became multi-millionaires overnight.

Jennifer’s eyes were as big as saucers. Your mother and father’s jaws must have dropped when they saw you there!

Yes, Madeline told her. "But they thought we were intruders and were going to hit them up for some money. When they discovered that my husband was a neurosurgeon, they tried to rekindle the relationship, but I wanted nothing further to do with them nor did I want them to meet their teen-age grandson.

Ironically, however, my father needed brain surgery a few years later and it was my husband who performed the operation! Not bad for a janitor, hey?"

Jennifer grinned.

We only have one son, Madeline said. We want to surprise him with this house. When he finds the right woman he will be all set to have a family. Right now he’s engrossed with religion and we’re hoping that it’s just a passing fad. It’s just not fashionable in today’s world to be subscribing to that line of thinking!

Hebrews 2:3: How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation……

Jennifer knew that, if the woman realized she was as devoted to her own faith as the son she had just mentioned, she might storm out of there angry. If I mention Jesus, it might cost me this sale, she said within. Nevertheless, the woman’s soul was of far greater value than the sale of the house.

Since you brought up the topic…..have you ever thought about your soul? Jennifer asked. We will all stand before our Lord Jesus one day.

The woman immediately became defensive and sarcastic. I think, my dear, she exclaimed, abruptly, that inquiry about one’s ‘s-o-l-e’ is a question you should reserve for a shoe salesman!

Jennifer felt in her spirit that no more should be said. It was obvious that Madeline was not about to listen. She felt pleased, though, that she had not compromised her faith just to make a sale.

The woman glanced at Jennifer’s left hand. She noticed she wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. My handsome son is around your age, she shared. You’re a beautiful young lady and if I wasn’t worried about the two of you eloping and running off into the sunset babbling about God, I would introduce you. But the good Lord knows, I can’t tolerate that!

Jennifer found it amusing that the woman was referencing the good Lord when she was completely opposed to any discussion of Him!

Jennifer had another appointment at 4:00 pm. On her way, she stopped at a coffee shop. I’ll have a small caramel macchiato, she said to the cashier handing her a five dollar bill. A few minutes later she received her coffee. Thank you, she said, putting her change back in her purse and heading out the door.

The hot coffee felt soothing as it went down her throat and the taste of the caramel and whip cream sent a rush to her senses. Jennifer always watched her weight and was a slim size six but whip cream and caramel — and Alice’s homemade breads and cakes — were always something she allowed herself to indulge in. And whenever she was at her friend, Sue’s shop, she never resisted the urge to leave without a cookie in her mouth.

When Jennifer arrived at her destination, she noticed Andy and Marsha, her clients’ car already there. The couple, who were newly married, were excited about purchasing their first home.

They told her they were looking for a very modest sized home in the city near their workplaces. Not long afterwards, they found just the right place.

This is ideal, Marsha told Jennifer, thanking her. In fact, to us it’s like our own little love nest.

Actually, the former owner of the home had inherited it from her mother. Interestingly, the owner had not only been born there, she had also gotten born-again there!

John 3:1-3: There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God:: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

(To be born again, dear reader, is to be born of the Spirit by repenting of your sins, inviting Christ Jesus into your heart, acknowledging that He is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for your sins, and rose again the third day. Your first birth is mortal flesh; your second birth is an immortal, spiritual birth provided through the grace of God alone.

Acts 4:12: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. [See John 14:6 & Philippians 2:10-11]

In front of the pale yellow, aluminum-sided two-bedroom home was a white picket fence and a small pond with a couple of ducks swimming about.

Things, however, did not go well for the new owners, Marsha and Andy. There was trouble in paradise – big trouble. The couple were getting their own feathers ruffled more than the ducks! That’s because Andy started chasing other women before the ink had barely even dried on their marriage certificate. Consequently, they were arguing continually. Finally, Andy backhanded Marsha, walked out, and said it was over. She was devastated.

Take your dog with you when you leave! Marsha ordered him, hurtfully. I’m not going to dog sit while you chase other women!

Marsha already had her own two dogs to take care of which she’d bought from a breeder before they were married.

Her husband, however, continued to ignore her requests to pick up Smokey, his German Shepherd. He planned to get him eventually but he knew Marsha had a soft spot in her heart for animals and would continue to take care of him.

Three dogs, however, were just too overwhelming for her without him around to help. I am not taking care of your German Shepherd any longer! she threatened one day. If you don’t come get Smokey, he is going off to the dog pound. Marsha didn’t want to take him there but she didn’t know what else to do.

Lord, she prayed, please help Smokey. I don’t want to take him to the pound but I just can’t take care of him anymore. I already have a handful with my two dogs and he keeps whining for Andy.

Actually, Andy had no intention of picking him up any time soon. He was getting some fiendish glee from burdening Marsha with the dog. It was his way of getting even for being served with divorce papers and a restraining order.

One evening, however, things backfired on him.

I’m coming over to get some more of my stuff, he told her, in a surly tone.

Andy, there is still a restraining order against you, Marsha informed him. Unless you are here to pick up your dog along with the rest of your things, don’t bother coming.

Andy had planned to sneak over and get his tools out of the garage hoping Marsha wouldn’t see him because he didn’t want to take the dog yet. His behavior, however, was so suspicious that, after one of the neighbors noticed him lurking about and dodging back and forth behind the shed, they called the police.

Moments later, an officer was questioning him. Andy remembered what Marsha had said, that if he was there to get his dog, he could come. Otherwise, anything else would be a violation of the restraining order.

Therefore, he did some quick thinking and some quick talking. I’m here to pick up my dog, he told the policeman. I thought I left his leash in the shed.

Andy had never put any of Smokey’s things in the shed but he thought it sounded convincing.

When the officer knocked on Marsha’s door, he asked her if there was a man fitting his description who was there to get a dog.

If not, he told her, I am going to take him down to the station for questioning.

Oh! Yes! Marsha replied, quickly shoving Smokey out the door.

Later, she thanked the Lord. I couldn’t have thought of a better idea to get Andy to pick up his dog!

Most of Jennifer’s clients came with less drama. But a fair number of them did come with stressful situations.

Hello! Bill and Sandy, she said, cordially, when they arrived for an early evening appointment to look at a house.

Jennifer noticed that the young woman was pregnant. Her stomach looked so large on her tiny frame.

I see that you’re expecting very soon, she said, smiling.

Yes, the couple nodded.

If I wasn’t so busy with my job, I would almost envy you, Jennifer teased.

To her surprise, Sandy, the pregnant client, was very transparent. It’s bitter-sweet, she revealed.

Jennifer looked puzzled. Not the right time? she asked, not wanting to seem too nosy.

No, just the opposite, Sandy replied, following Jennifer into the house after she unlocked the door. Surprisingly, the young woman continued talking openly about their dire circumstance.

The doctor informed us that, because of certain complications, our baby will most likely be born deformed. She told us that in the best interests of the child and all involved, she highly recommended an abortion.

I can certainly understand why you were upset, Jennifer sympathized. "After all, your baby is a child no matter how compromised his or her condition."

Yes, she nodded. And we told our doctor that we felt it would be in the best interests of our child to let it go on living! And, she added, we told her without apology that whatever package our baby arrives in, it will be loved to the fullest by God and by us! We believe in abort—S-H-U-N — not abortion!

Good for you! Jennifer exclaimed. She knew she was talking to somebody on the same page as herself. She did not even agree with abortion in cases of rape where the victim became pregnant. She felt the baby should not be punished with death because of something criminal the perpetrator had done.

The couple was shocked by their doctor’s blatant disrespect for life — even in a society where thousands of abortions were performed by the hour.

We were righteously indignant, the father of the child remarked. We told the doctor that our baby is not just some disposable paper cup to be tossed away.

I agree, Jennifer echoed. Life comes from God and every child is precious.

After Jennifer finished showing the couple the home, she could tell that it did not meet their expectations and offered to show them some other places.

Job 33:4: The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Isaiah 45:12: I have made the earth, and created man upon it…………

Jeremiah 1:5: ……….I formed thee in the belly………..

Psalm 139:14: …..I am fearfully and wonderfully made…..

Galatians 1:15: …….God, who separated me from my mother’s womb…..

(Notice, dear reader, it should be God who separates us from our mother’s womb not the abortionist!)

One day, when Jennifer had just finished showing another client a home, her phone rang. Surprisingly, it was Andy. He told her that he had not forgotten what she had shared about the Lord when he and Marsha had purchased the house on Cedar Road. (Jennifer always seized any opportunity to share the gospel with her clients and was always attentive to the Lord’s leading and timing.)

Marsha and I split up, Andy admitted. She’s filed for divorce. I thought maybe you could talk to her on my behalf and put in a good word for me since you are a Christian and she’s a Christian.

Andy admitted that he had caused the demise of the marriage.

You see, I was totally immature. Marsha had just found out a couple months after we married that she had breast cancer. I couldn’t handle the idea of being with a disfigured woman so I dumped her. But I realize now that marriage isn’t about having someone with a perfect body. It’s about honoring your vows and showing love and respect to someone you’ve already committed yourself to. I miss Marsha. I miss hearing her voice. I miss the life we started together. And then he added, You know, after hearing how she’s handled herself through all this, I think I love her even more than before she was diagnosed.

With God’s intervention and Jennifer’s willingness to get in touch with Marsha, it wasn’t long before Andy was setting next to her on the couch again – with Smokey in between them!

CHAPTER 4

I hope Tim’s father is home, Alice said to herself, dialing his number. His son really needs tutoring in order to catch up with the other students.

When Kevin Andrews, Tim’s father, answered, she explained the dilemma. Mr. Andrews, I really feel that with the additional help Tim could catch up. And since you’ve entered the picture, he seems anxious to learn.

Kevin was glad to hear that but he had no idea whose help to enlist. I just don’t know anyone that I could trust leaving him with. He can be a handful, he said, apologetically, because of the emotional abuse he’s been through.

Normally, Alice did not become personally involved in her student’s lives nor cross a professional boundary line. But she knew Tim had the ability; and if steered in the right direction, his full potential could be brought out. As a result she decided to help him. She told his father that she would voluntarily work with Tim each day for a half hour after school was dismissed.

For Alice this was quite a sacrifice because she treasured what little time she had left to herself. Although she was not married, her teaching profession, personal devotions, church activities, and household responsibilities absorbed nearly all of her time. Nevertheless, she felt Tim’s future was worth investing in. Her teaching profession was more than a job. It was a ministry.

Ephesians 6:8: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Hebrews 6:10: For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Proverbs 13:21: ….to the righteous good shall be repaid.

Alice called Jennifer to tell her she would be busy over the next few weeks helping a student catch up.

How about you? Any sales? she asked.

Jennifer shared that a wealthy client had bought a house but explained that the expectant couple she’d told her about had changed their minds about buying a home right away.

Jennifer also mentioned Marsha and Andy. They’re back together! she announced. And the Lord let me play a role in their reconciliation.

Alice was glad to hear that. Sounds like Andy is more mature than I gave him credit for, she admitted.

Jennifer knew Alice had a lot of things on her agenda but she wanted to get together. Do you mind if I drop by and we have a quick lunch together? she asked. I know you’re busy but I won’t stay long.

Alice didn’t know it but there were some disturbing issues churning in Jennifer’s mind that she needed answers for.

Of course, Alice replied, cheerfully. Come on over.

Jennifer stopped at the deli and picked up some sandwiches and soda for the two of them.

When Alice opened the door, she teasingly scolded Jennifer. You didn’t have to bring anything, she explained. I have plenty of stuff in the fridge we could have fixed.

I know, Jennifer replied, but I wanted to treat you. Now hush, and enjoy your sandwich. I got you a Reuben with some pickles on the side.

Thanks, Alice smiled, unwrapping it. I can’t turn down my favorite sandwich!

Jennifer asked Alice to update her on all the latest news on her end. Afterwards, she again mentioned the expectant couple that had decided to wait on purchasing a home.

"They decided that with the possibility of a deformed child coming, it would be better to temporarily move in with one or the other of their parents.

Alice agreed that was a wise decision. They may need the additional help, she said.

Jennifer wondered if it would be appropriate to call them a few weeks after the baby was born just to see how things were going. If the baby is born deformed, I could let them know I’ll be praying for them.

Alice agreed that it would be a good idea. People need to know that others care, she told her, and especially in a situation like that.

I won’t mention anything about houses for sale in their area, Jennifer said. I wouldn’t want them to think I had an ulterior motive.

Speaking of ulterior motives, Alice couldn’t help but wonder if Jennifer might have something further on her mind that she might want to talk over in person.

But Jennifer shifted the topic of conversation to Alice and began asking about her classroom’s recent field trip.

Did you enjoy that trip to the taffy factory? she asked. I imagine the kids really liked that!

Alice told her that the students were intrigued and fascinated with the whole start-to-finish process of packaging the taffy. She was also