One Falsely Accused

By Ethel McMilin

As a lonely widow, Kathleen often visited her husbands
grave. But after meeting Richard and dating him for a short
time, Kathleen knew that once again she was in love. In
only a few months they decided to marry. When she met him she
had no idea he was a wealthy man but that didnt impress her. It
was his kindness she appreciated. Once they returned from their
nine-day honeymoon, Richard informed her that he had to take
one last trip for his job and hed return in two days. She waited for
his return but Richard never came back. Why?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469167282

Ethel McMilin

Ethel and Jack have been married 58 years. They have 5 children, 16 grand-children and 20 great-grand children. Ethel retired from the Bureau of Land Management as a computer specialist and took up the hobby of writing. She has 17 novels published. www.mcmilinchristiannovels.com lists the names of her novels and information about them. Some of the novels have been converted to E-books as well. One novel with its sequel is about Alaska where the McMilins lived for 14 years. If you want to know about the great state of Alaska, read the novels.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

A WEDDING CEREMONY

KATHLEEN MILLER WALKED slowly over to her husband’s grave in Collinwood. For two years she had visited the grave at least once or twice a month. Now there were some changes coming in her life and she had an idea that her visits here would be limited. She knew that her deceased husband could no longer advise her but it felt good just talking to his tombstone. Sure it was silly, but it made her feel better. Whenever she sat down by the tombstone, Kathleen often thought of all the good times that she and Duane had during their marriage.

They had one son and had enjoyed raising him. When he was older, they wanted another child, but the doctor informed her that she could have no more children. She remembered how disappointed she was. Duane talked about adopting a child but their names didn’t come up on the adoption list until after Duane died. Then the child care personnel were reluctant to give a child to a single mom. No matter how hard she argued, they wouldn’t agree to let her adopt a child.

Kathleen knew that she needed to stop thinking about that. She had so little money then, it would have been hard to raise a child by herself on her income. She looked back to the tombstone that had Duane’s name, date of birth, and date of death—all so final.

The widow knew that Duane wasn’t there in the grave—just his body was. She remembered back to the last thing he said to her as he was dying. It was something like, I’ve found a friend and Savior. Now you… And that was all he could say. He was unable to finish the statement. The automobile accident had been so rough on his body that he couldn’t survive the damage done to it.

As he was dying Duane had smiled at her as if he wanted her to know what he meant. She didn’t, but she was glad that her husband died with peace written all over his face. She could use a little of that peace.

Duane had just gone to the neighborhood store for some groceries but he always took his time and visited with people. He especially liked Pastor Johnson even though neither of them attended his church. She often wondered if it was something the pastor had said that made Duane say those last words. She wished she knew what he meant by them. He had found a friend. Duane was very likeable and had lots of friends. But he had found a Savior. That was a religious expression.

The widow wondered how many times she had gone over that whole situation. For the past two years, it had nagged at her. Well, it was in the past. She supposed that she could go and talk with Pastor Johnson, but she was reluctant to do that. She wasn’t ready for a sermon and she was sure that was what she would receive if she visited the minister at his church.

Today’s visit to the grave was for a specific reason. Kathleen had met a man with whom she could so easily fall in love. She wanted to tell Duane and yet she knew the whole thing was silly. But somehow it made her feel better to talk it over with her deceased husband. Who knows but perhaps he could hear her? Maybe wherever he was he was listening.

What do you think, Duane? Should I go ahead and marry this man? I’ve only known him for a little over two months but I feel as though I’ve always known him. He has definitely swept me off my feet. I like everything about him. He reminds me a little of you. Yes, I’ll give it more thought and not rush into anything.

Kathleen was sure that Duane said yes. It was a game that the lonely woman played for the past two years. She’d ask questions and wait until she figured out what he would probably say. If someone heard her, she knew they’d throw her into the loony bin but there was no one at the graveyard but her.

She drove home slowly. Even with Duane gone, the last two years hadn’t been all that bad. Her son, Jerry, visited her often and he and her daughter-in-law, Phyllis, always took her on their vacations and appeared to enjoy her company. She loved the trips. She had a good job in a department store and enjoyed meeting the customers.

Now she was about to marry a man and everything was going to change. Richard was his name but some people called him Rick. They were both in their 40’s. Richard A. Holden was his full name. She didn’t know what the A stood for, but then she didn’t need to know.

Everything about Richard and the way he did things, she liked. It was strange as she took no interest the past two years when other men tried to make dates. But Richard was different from any of the other men that pestered her to go out with them. He was so gentlemanly and she liked that. Duane had always been a gentleman.

Tonight Richard was going to take her some place new. He wouldn’t tell her where. When she asked about dress code, he told her to dress nice but not fancy. It was a casual date. Where did he intend to take her? She trusted him but at the same time, she was very curious—one of her downfalls.

As Richard drove into the driveway, Kathleen was watching from the window. Her heart gave a leap. He was so handsome with his dark curly hair and pretty blue eyes, so kind, so entertaining. How could anyone not love Richard?

She waited until he rang the doorbell and then stepped outside. She had her jacket and purse with her ready to go some place but she didn’t know where.

Richard smiled. Aren’t you even curious about where we’re going?

Are you kidding, I’ve been trying all day to think where you’re going to take me. I just can’t imagine, she confessed.

After we leave this first place, then I’m taking you out to dinner. But we need to go there first. Richard had a serious look on his face. Kathleen was hoping it was some fun place but now she wondered. He was a little too serious for that.

Okay, she stated reluctantly. He didn’t even give a clue as to where they were going. But their dates had always been fun and so she wasn’t worried. She knew Richard would never take her some place that wasn’t quite proper.

When he drove into the parking lot of a church, she looked at him. Now she knew why he didn’t say anything. He wasn’t sure where she stood on church stuff. But she’d go into the church with him just to please him. Yes, if he thought it was important, she would go. But it was a bit unusual for Richard to go to church. That was something that they never discussed.

I want to explain something to you. At lunch yesterday, I met Rev. Johnson. He joined me at my table. He had some very important things to tell me. Kathleen, he told me about a friend and Savior I could have just for asking. Richard paused.

Kathleen had a shocked look on her face. That was what my husband said when he was dying. He told me he had found a friend and a Savior. I never knew what he meant and he died before he finished the statement or the explanation.

I think we should go in and find out, Richard remarked. What do you think?

Yes, I agree that we should. I always wanted to know what Duane meant by that statement, she exclaimed. I suppose I could have gone to church and talked to the pastor but I was just a little uncertain about doing that.

I think I know what he meant. He meant that he had found Jesus as his Savior and his friend. That was what Pastor Johnson was saying. It made me want to find out more about this friend. Tonight is a Bible study and he promised to address this subject. I wanted to listen to the study with you. Richard looked at Kathleen as she nodded her head in agreement. He reached out and took her hand.

As the two stepped inside the church, an usher directed them to a side room. Evidently the Bible study was held in a different place other than the auditorium. They joined the others that were sitting around different tables enjoying a cup of coffee or some soft drink. There were some cupcakes and cookies available. Richard poured a cup of coffee for himself and one for Kathleen and they both took a cookie.

Pastor Johnson came into the room with a pleased look on his face when he saw Kathleen and Richard. He gave them a friendly nod and then asked everyone to bow their heads so they could pray before they started the Bible study. Both Kathleen and Richard did as he asked.

Kathleen had never heard anyone pray like this minister did. Pastor Johnson was so earnest in what he said. It wasn’t a memorized prayer nor was it read from a book. She knew the prayer came from his heart.

When the Bible study was over, the pastor asked if there was anyone who would like to ask him some questions privately. They could go into another room and he’d talk to them. Richard raised his hand so Kathleen followed suit.

When they were settled in the other room, they knew it would be a few minutes before the pastor came in. Richard felt that Kathleen was very nervous about all this. Honey, he’s just a man. If we don’t like what he says, we don’t have to stay. Just be calm and listen. He smiled at her and held her hand.

I know, but I did like what he said in the Bible study. If I could have a life like what he pointed out in his study, I’d jumped at it. I’d love to have peace in my life instead of this constant turmoil. I’d like to know where I was going when I died.

So would I, Richard admitted.

About that time they heard the pastor open the door and he stepped into the room and greeted the two. I’m pleased that you want to learn more about our Savior, the minister remarked.

While they both asked questions, Richard did the most asking and Kathleen mostly just listened. He seemed to be asking all the questions to which she wanted answers. She kept wiping the tears from her eyes. She wanted this peace the minister talked about. She wanted this salvation that the pastor told her was hers just for the asking.

Would you two like me to pray with you both to accept Christ as your Savior? the pastor asked.

Yes, Richard declared. Kathleen nodded in agreement.

The pastor led them in prayer and then remarked, I want you to repeat after me, Lord, please forgive me for my wrong doings.

They repeated that.

Lord I believe that you sent your son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. And that Jesus arose on the third day and is now in heaven.

The two repeated what the minister said and they were thinking about it strongly as they repeated the words. The pastor had them repeat a few more lines. They both felt that something had happened to them but they were not quite sure what it was.

Now I want to give you each a Bible and I want you to start in the New Testament and read it carefully. You’ll find everything I explained to you right here in the Bible. You can read the Old Testament later. It’s about history and the prophets, but you’ll enjoy that more once you have read the New Testament. In each Bible I’ve marked some special verses and listed them inside. Now, if you two have any question, please call me anytime, even if it’s in the middle of the night. And I want you to pray when you go to bed at night. Talk to God the same way you would talk to me. He doesn’t want fancy rhetoric, He wants an honest heart.

The pastor shook hands with both of them and they walked out of the church and into their car. Neither one said anything as they were both deep in thought. Kathleen watched Richard as he drove to the restaurant. She knew that he too was thinking about what had just happened to them.

After the dinner was served, Richard asked, Do you mind if I pray over the meal? My mother always prayed before we ate and if we’re going to try this new walk, I think we should start out right. With that Richard bowed his head and prayed a short blessing over the food. Kathleen was pleased.

Once they had finished their dinner, Kathleen asked, What do you think? I feel so peaceful about what we did. It was so simple. But I really meant it when I repeated the minister’s prayer. How do you feel about it?

I feel the same way. I have a peace in knowing that I have a friend and a Savior to call upon when I’m in trouble. I believe this is the most peaceful I’ve ever felt in my life, Richard commented.

Me too, she whispered.

After Richard took her home, Kathleen sat and thought about what had happened. She made ready for bed and then sat down and read the first chapter in the New Testament. Then she kept reading until she had finished the whole book of Matthew. She was getting sleepy so she put the Bible away and determined she was going to read it through before the year was up.

The Bible was much more interesting than she thought it would be. And the pastor was right. Everything he explained to them was found in the Bible. Jesus did die for her sins. He took a terrible beating for her. It was hard for her to understand why God would allow His Son to go through something like that. He must love the people He created very much in order to sacrifice His Son for their sins.

Kathleen made a stab at praying. She asked God to help her to learn how to live this new life that she and Richard had started on. Then she said amen. She wasn’t quite sure what else to say.

Kathleen was anxious to read some more the next day but she did want to be wide awake when she read the Bible. She had heard people say that the Bible was outdated. Well it seemed pretty up dated to her. It was so different than what she had thought it would be.

CHAPTER 2

THE ACCIDENT

KATHLEEN SLEEPILY THOUGHT about Richard and their plans. She had to admit that they had only dated for two months when they decided to get married. What was the rush? But then why not marry right away? She knew she loved him very much and she could tell he loved her. Her friends told her that she should find out a little more about him. He had practically told her his life’s story up to a point although he never mentioned his occupation. What more could she asked of him?

Since it was a second marriage for both of them, they decided to elope and not tell a lot of people what they were going to do. They certainly were old enough to make up their own minds. Ever since she lost Duane, someone was telling her what to do. Well, now she was going to do what she felt would be good for her without asking for anyone’s advice.

When Richard explained that he had to go on a business trip right after their honeymoon and he didn’t think he could take her on this particular trip she told him that was okay with her. She had visited Richard’s home and it was spacious to say the least. Kathleen could hardly wait until she was the housewife in that mansion of his. It would take some time to go through the house and see everything she wanted to see. He had some expensive pictures scattered throughout the house and some very valuable antiques. That she noticed on her quick trip to his home one afternoon.

Richard had mentioned that he often had company. But the house had six bedrooms—that’s a lot of company. At first she wondered how she would manage to keep the house clean with it being so huge. She was very happy and much relieved when she was introduced to Bessie, the housekeeper. She was told that the woman came every day to keep the house in order.

Then she met Marlene, the cook. She was just a little intimidated with all the household help. Her three room rented apartment was certainly nothing like this place. She wasn’t quite sure what she was going to do with all that help but she knew Richard would help her ease into the new situation.

Kathleen did wonder what she was going to do with her time if she didn’t have to go to work, clean the house, cook, or even wash clothes. Well, she always wondered how the upper half of society lived. Now she was about to find out.

When the cook introduced her to the chauffer she knew she was out of her element. That was like the last straw. What kind of a business did Richard have that he could afford this fabulous house and the household help and even a chauffer? She’d ask him one of these days. Kathleen didn’t want to appear as a snoopy wife, but she’d like to know what business her prospective husband was involved in just incase someone asked her one day. All she knew was that he owned a company and supervised whatever went on. She wondered what company he owned.

Walking over to the window, she looked out at the beautiful grounds that surrounded the home. There was a groundskeeper working in the yard. Everything was in perfect order.

When she was first dating Richard, the widow had no idea that he had a mansion like this. She had no idea he had lots of money except for the fact that he always dressed so nice and his suits looked very expensive.

Tomorrow they would leave for Reno and have a quick marriage. That’s all she wanted and she was glad that that was all that Richard wanted. He had a fabulous ceremony with his first wife, but she passed away years ago and he never remarried. He was so good looking that Kathleen wondered why he had never remarried. He had money, looks, dressed fabulously, and was a gentleman. She couldn’t imagine how he had managed to stay single.

Even more so, why did he pick her out to marry when there must have been lots of women in his style of life he could have chosen? Why hadn’t he remarried sooner and married one of those wealthy women? It didn’t matter. He loved her and she loved him and maybe that was why he didn’t marry—he never loved any of the women in his environment.

Kathleen thought back on how they met. She was sitting in the park having a sack lunch and feeding the squirrels. It was a pleasant day and a Saturday so she didn’t have to go to work. Richard happened to walk by and then turned around and asked: Can I help you feed the squirrels?

What could she say but yes? He introduced himself and they talked for two hours. She felt that she had known Richard for always. Then he started coming into the department store where she worked buying some trinket she was sure he would never use. He regularly came in and talked with her trying not to interrupt her work. If there was a customer around, he always stepped back and let her wait on the customer. No way did he want to get her into trouble.

That’s when they began to date. It wasn’t long before she was engaged to be married. It all happened so quickly. But it all seemed so right.

She smiled to herself as she thought about it all, but she was having a hard time sleeping. Getting married tomorrow made her a little nervous and she just couldn’t go to sleep. It was a long and restless night. When morning came, the prospective bride didn’t even remember going asleep all night. Why didn’t she just take a sleeping pill? That would have been better than fighting to sleep the entire night.

Kathleen pulled the covers