Treasure in the North Tower

By Rhonda Nichols

Sometimes hard or even horrendous events come into our lives that cause us to wonder if God really even cares and if there really is a purpose behind our pain. Treasure in the North Tower explores these questions in a story of love, loss, mystery, and intrigue as it follows a young woman named Judith Hunter through several unforeseen events that alter the course of her life forever. While struggling to cling to her beliefs and overcome her own doubts, Judith meets a handsome FBI agent named Jack Connors, who has lost all faith in God. Jack’s wife had been murdered five years earlier in an unsolved museum heist. As a result, Jack abandoned his faith and coped with his loss by burying himself in work, but when artifacts from the museum heist are discovered in a tower of Judith’s new home, the two find out firsthand that Romans 8:28 is true. God really does work all things together for good to them that love him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9781532057779

Rhonda Nichols

Rhonda Nichols writes to inspire, instruct, and entertain women and men with stories of suspense and drama. Based on scripture and Christian principles, her books encourage both believers and non-believers to trust God for guidance and help in all circumstances. Treasure in the Caribbean, the sequel to Treasure in the North Tower, continues to challenge readers to remember that God is in control as “... a very present help in time of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

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Copyright © 2016 Rhonda Nichols.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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King James Version

Scripture quotations from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-5320-5776-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-5777-9 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 12/21/2018

Contents

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12

Epilogue

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

—Romans 8:28

1

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T he not quite rhythmic hum of the old car’s engine was the only sound to accompany Judith on the drive home. Usually, she would have music blaring from the radio and be singing along, but today she just wasn’t in the mood. Briefly checking her reflection in the review mirror, she swiped at the mascara smudged under her lashes and sighed. Almost home. Just a little farther and I can take off these shoes, pull off this dress, and just vegetate on the couch. A fire in the fireplace would be nice, but with the day this has been, I would probably end up burning the house to the ground. Today would surely set a world record of some kind in the ‘if something can go wrong it will’ category, Judith concluded.

She should have known how this day was going to go when she got out of bed this morning. Half asleep, she didn’t bother putting on house shoes, and on the way to the bathroom, wrapped her little toe around a chair leg. As she hopped back to the bed on one foot, her hand hit the glass of water she kept on the nightstand, sending it flying and soaking the bed. By the time she stripped off the wet linens, leaving the mattress exposed to air dry, she was late for work. All of this coupled with a broken fingernail and dropping the car keys in a mud puddle, didn’t compare with the announcement at work that, due to restructuring, she was no longer needed.

All of a sudden large drops of water began pelting the windshield, making it nearly impossible to see the road. Of course it’s starting to rain! she hissed in frustration and began fumbling with the windshield wiper control knob. Suddenly, her attention was snapped back into focus by what sounded like a gunshot!

What the…?

The car suddenly jerked to the right, and it quickly became apparent that what she had heard was the sound of a front tire blowing out! She tightened her grip on the steering wheel, and fighting against the pull of the deflated tire, wrestled the car back into control.

Braking gently, Judith then managed to get the car stopped and off the highway. Now what? With trembling hands she put the car in park and turned off the engine. Canceling that auto club membership last month didn’t sound like such a good idea now.

Okay, just breathe Judith took a calming breath and pushed the hair back from her face. You’re okay. Nothing’s damaged, and you’re not hurt. It’s just a flat. So what if you’ve never changed one before? How hard can it be to change a tire anyway? People do it every day. Her gaze fell on the glove box. The owner’s manual! Surely there are instructions in there.

Opening the glove box, she found the owner’s manual easily enough, but as she began to read, a crease formed on her brow that quickly deepened into a scowl. Part of the jack is in front, under the hood? Who comes up with this stuff anyway? she growled in exasperation.

The sound of a vehicle slowing caused her to look in the rear view mirror. She watched as a large black pickup truck pulled in behind her. Out stepped a tall man with broad shoulders. Adjusting his Cincinnati baseball cap, he made his way through the rain to her car.

Judith rolled down the window enough to talk to him, but not enough to let him gain access. I’ve been watching too many cop shows, she thought with a shake of her head. Better to be cautious than take a chance of being car jacked, or worse.

Watching his approach in the side mirror, she thought he somehow looked vaguely familiar. When he bent his six-foot tall frame over to peer in the window of her old compact car, a blond curl escaped from under his cap and fell forward across his forehead.

The puzzled look on Judith’s face melted into one of recognition. He’s the neighbor that lives two houses down! I saw him out washing his truck last week. That same lock of hair fell, in just the same way, when he bent to scrub the tires.

A flood of relief washed over her, and she swallowed the lump of fear that had begun to choke her.

Looks like you’re having a little bit of trouble, he said with a smile.

That would be an understatement! The exasperation in Judith’s voice was evident and caused the man’s smile to widen.

Well, just sit tight and I’ll get this tire changed in a jiffy. He started to straighten up, but upon hearing Judith say something, he leaned back down. I’m sorry, what did you say?

Looking up at him she repeated, This book says part of the jack is up under the hood, and part of it is in the trunk. Why anyone would put it there, I’ll never know. Who would look for a jack up front in the engine compartment? It must have been someone’s idea of a sick joke. You not only have the inconvenience of changing a flat, but you have to go on a treasure hunt to find all the parts first.

Chuckling, he said, Well, you just pop the trunk so I can get the spare, and I’ll use my own jack. I know where all of it is and how to use it.

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

No problem, he said as he reached up and touched the edge of his cap, Always glad to help a damsel in distress. He started to straighten again then leaned back down when he heard Judith continue talking.

Aren’t we neighbors? she asked.

Are we?

You live in that little white house down there on the corner, don’t you? she asked, pointing down the street.

Yes, I do. You live on this street too?

Nodding her head, she replied, Two houses back this way from yours."

Sorry I didn’t recognize you. I travel a lot… with my job… I don’t know any of my neighbors. I’m certainly glad to meet you, though. I’m Jack Connors.

I’m Judith Hunter, and I’m very glad to meet you, especially today! Her brown eyes reflected the relief that was obvious in her voice. She lowered the window a little more and extended her hand. He brought his hand up to shake it and inadvertently, flung water onto Judith’s face.

Gasping when the cold water hit her, she jerked her hand back and hit her elbow on the steering wheel. Ow! she said as she opted to rub her elbow and let a drop of water slide down and drip off the end of her nose.

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Jack had an almost irresistible urge to reach in and catch that little drop of water, but refrained. I’ll just get that tire changed. He turned away quickly, determined to hide the laughter that was threatening to erupt.

Smiling broadly, he walked back to his truck thinking. Maybe I should spend more time at home getting to know my neighbors. Seems I have a very interesting one living just two doors down. His smile faded. I don’t have to travel all the time. It’s not like I’m the only one who could make those trips. Maybe Sis is right. Maybe I do use my job as an escape. The thought seemed to take root and grow in his subconscious.

As Jack reached the back of the car, Judith pulled the trunk release lever and the trunk lid popped open. Raising the lid further, he pulled up the spare tire and checked to see if it had air in it. Yes it does, thank goodness, he thought.

Leaving the tire leaning against the inside of the trunk, he walked back to his truck, his thoughts returning to the past. It’s just that the house seems so empty without Sandy, he rationalized as he opened the lid on the toolbox that stretched across the back of his pickup. He reached in and pulled out the jack and a four-way wrench. You would think, after five years, the pain would not be so crippling. He retrieved the spare tire from the trunk and trudged through the mud to the right front side of Judith’s car.

He had rarely accepted assignments that took him away from home while he and Sandy were married. They had shared three years of marital bliss. A marriage made in heaven, or so he had thought. But if so, why then did God allow her to be killed in that bungled robbery at the museum?

Bending over he placed the four-way wrench on the lug nut. A hard counterclockwise jerk on the wrench broke the first one loose and he continued his musings, If only I had been there. Working his way around the tire, he broke each lug nut loose in succession. If only I hadn’t stopped at the office to pick up work to take home. He slid the jack under the car and began to ratchet it up high enough to remove the flat tire. All the what ifs. He had gone over them hundreds of times in his mind, but it made no difference. Sandy was still dead and his pain just as great.

He shook his head as if to clear the thoughts and tried to concentrate on changing the tire. Working as though his life depended on it, he soon had the flat tire off and the spare on in its place. The physical exertion helped to release some of his pent up anxiety and, true to his word, he had the tire changed in just a few minutes. He picked up the jack and four-way wrench and, rolling the flat tire ahead of him with his other hand, walked back around the front of the car to Judith’s window.

Thank you so much. How can I ever repay you? Judith asked.

Leaning down level with her window, Jack grinned, Well… my sister is planning a Tupperware party next Tuesday evening at seven. If you could come, I’m sure she would appreciate it, and we’ll call it even.

Sounds like a small price to pay, I’ll be there. I could use a few things anyhow.

Great! She lives in the house between us.

All right then. Thanks again.

With a nod, he turned and hurried back through the rain toward his truck, stopping long enough to put the old tire in the trunk of Judith’s car and shut the lid. Maybe I should check out that Tupperware party, he thought as he put the jack back into his toolbox. I have a feeling there’s a whole lot more behind that pretty face than meets the eye. He took hold of the door handle then paused and turned for one more look when he heard Judith’s car start.

It would sure make Sis happy, and I know I would enjoy it much more than the blind dates she arranges for me, he concluded.

Smiling, Jack opened the door and climbed back into his truck.

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Judith checked her side mirror for traffic and pulled out onto the street. I certainly can’t buy much, she mused out loud as she drove the short distance home. Now that I’m unemployed, I’ll have to watch every penny.

Jack drove past just as she was turning in the driveway, and she gave a little wave. Nice man, she murmured, and offered up a quick prayer. Bless him for helping me, Lord.

She was finally home and relieved that the rain had let up a bit. Surprise at seeing the mail carrier at her door had both of Judith’s eyebrows raised in speculation.

Wonder what she has? Judith asked herself. I don’t remember ordering anything.

The postal carrier had just turned to leave when she saw Judith’s car pull in and paused to wait on the top step out of the rain.

Judith put the car in park and turned off the engine. Grabbing her purse from the seat next to her, she shoved the car door open with her shoulder.

Hello. Nice day for ducks, she called out, as she stepped around the car door and shut it with her free hand.

Yes, it sure is, the carrier replied with a laugh.

Judith limped up the walk, as fast as her screaming little toe would allow, and onto the porch.

I have a certified letter for you, the carrier said. If I can just have your autograph right here- she pointed to a line on the card - and print your name on this line - she pointed to the next line down - I’ll go quacking merrily on my way!

Judith chuckled as she signed and printed her name on the form then exchanged it for the letter. Thanks, and be safe out there.

You’re welcome. I will, she said as she dashed down the steps and back through the rain to the mail truck.

Judith looked down at the letter in her hand and a scowl creased her brow. The return address was from a law firm. Thinking the worst, she moaned, What now, am I being sued? Wouldn’t that be the perfect ending to a perfect day?

Unlocking the front door and pushing it open with her shoulder; she dropped her purse, keys, and the mail onto the table in the foyer. I can bring in that box of stuff from my desk later when it’s not raining and my toe isn’t hurting so. It won’t hurt a thing for it to sit in the car overnight. Besides, I don’t feel like going through it right now anyway, she thought as she closed and locked the door.

Struggling to get free of her coat, she made her way down the hall to the bedroom. She draped the wet coat over the bedpost and kicked off both shoes. One shoe landed in the closet and the other just outside, requiring a second kick to send it in. The dress was next. It landed on the back of a chair, where it would have to wait until later to be hung up. Judith then quickly peeled off her stockings and slip and tossed them onto the chair with the dress. Pulling on an old pair of comfortable lounging pants and a soft cotton T-shirt, she glanced in the mirror and said, Now, I’m ready to vegetate.

With a satisfied nod, she turned from the mirror and started back down the hall. The sound of her bare feet slapping against the wood flooring combined with the shock of the cold when she stepped off the soft carpet of her bedroom sent Judith back into the room to scrounge around under the bed for the old house shoes she had carelessly kicked off that morning. She found them just under the edge and pulled them out.

There you are. You might be old and ugly, but you sure are comfortable. Sliding her feet into the well worn-slippers, she sighed and once again made her way out of the room and headed down the hall.

Her first stop was the kitchen, where she filled the kettle with water, set it on the burner, and turned the heat on under it. Opening the cabinet door, Judith took out her favorite mug - one of the few things she still had that her mother and dad had given her. "Bask in the Son Shine" was printed on the side in bright yellow letters. They had brought it back to her from a church retreat.

I could sure use a little ‘Son Shine’ today, she murmured as she reached for the tea canister and removed