The Fall of the Prodigal (27 page)

“That's my son,” Verona breathed into her mother's ear. They were seated together in front for Sunday morning worship. She cupped her mouth, overcome with emotion. “Why didn't somebody tell me my baby could sing?”

Her mother smiled. “His range is unbelievable. Whenever he sings, we say there's an angel among us today.”

Verona nodded. “I can see why.”

Elijah wore khakis and a dress shirt and he'd dyed his hair blond. Because of the many colors he'd tried out, it looked reddish brown. She was glad the horrid blue streak phase was over, for now.

The church stood to their feet, praising God when Elijah was finished singing. He lifted his face toward heaven in worship. Seeing a young man standing in awe before God made the church go wild.

Verona jumped to her feet, her chest puffed and her smile wide. This is why she had brought Elijah into the world. He was meant to give God glory. This was her “Hannah” moment. She saw him as the next Smokie Norful or Hezekiah Walker. “Bless him, Lord!” For the first time in her life, Verona was at peace with the Smith's raising him.

Elijah gestured to the crowd to settle down. “Everybody in here knew me from when I was knee high. Now, I've been fortunate to have two of the best parents a boy could want or need. But, I've waited fifteen years to meet my birth mother and see her face. I've heard how she did know me and loved me. But people, I was two. That's news to me.”

Several people chuckled at his ramblings.

Elijah continued, “A few weeks ago, my wish came true. My mother, Verona Stachs, is here today with my Nana and Pop Pop.” He whipped his head to point to his grandfather.

Elijah then pierced Verona with a look she knew well. It mirrored her own. “Mother, I've been hearing from everyone how you used to sing back in the day.”

Oh, no. He was putting her on the spot. Verona shook her head to Elijah hoping he would heed the hint.

“I'm hoping you'd come and sing with me up here. Praising God is how I give Him thanks for giving me you.”

When he put it like that, how could she resist? Verona swallowed. It had been years since she sang in front of such a large crowd. Mount Moriah boasted approximately 3,000 attendees for each of its three services. Her mother touched her cheek. “Go on, dear. Go sing with your son.”

Her son.

Verona's vocal chords were rusty, but there was no way she would not satisfy his request. His eyes compelled her. She willed her baby deer legs to steady as she wobbled her way up to where Elijah stood. His eyes looked glassy from unshed tears.

He was on the brink of manhood. His intelligence and mannerisms made her proud. She took the cordless microphone he offered and leaned over to whisper, “It's been a long time. Don't sing any of the modern songs.”

Elijah mouthed, “I got you,” before laying his hands across the keyboard. Within minutes the tune to “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” resonated throughout the sanctuary. Lyrics and melodies came back to her as she cued her son to begin.

When he sang the first word, “Why,” tears shimmered against her eyelids. Her hand shook slightly as she joined in the second line. Together they sang the timeless words to the sentimental song. As she sang, it was like God was talking to her. Her memories rolled before her like a vision of how He had been there with her all along. Not once had she been alone. Nothing she had accomplished had been done without Him.

Humbled, Verona stretched her hand toward Elijah, beaming when they blended and harmonized the chorus. Their duet could compete with Mary Mary or any other top artists who had sung together for years; that was how well they sang together. Verona felt joy bubble up within her and closed her eyes. She had forgotten singing had been her secret weapon. A line from Nehemiah 8:10 came back to her:

When they ended with the final note, there was silence. Verona opened her eyes and saw handkerchiefs and tissues wiping faces and noses. Then suddenly, thunderous applause filled the sanctuary. She tilted her body to eye her father, knowing it was time for him to preach.

Her eyes widened when she realized he was stretched out on the floor. Fear leapt in her throat. Verona scuttled up to the podium. The other ministers beckoned that Noel was okay. Knowing her cheeks had to be brick red, Verona made her way to her mother's side.

“I thought . . .”

Louisa gave her a whimsical smile. “It's been awhile since you've seen somebody laid out in the Spirit.”

Verona nodded wishing the earth would open up and swallow her. Wait, strike that thought. She was not trying to go down there anytime soon. The musicians started playing a tune and people started stomping and handclapping. Her mother did a praise jig and the brethren around her cued her on. Verona followed suit with an awkward step or two before deciding to sit this praise session out.

She kept her eye on her father, exhaling when he finally took his place at the podium. “Forgive me, church, seeing my daughter and grandson did my heart good. God is good,” he choked out. “But, I know you need a Word to take with you. Today, I'm going to speak briefly about the story of the prodigal son.”

She should have known, Verona thought in bemusement, crossing her arms. How fitting.

“I know how that father felt when his child left home for parts unknown. I imagine how he must have prayed many nights, worried and concerned. He must've looked out the window, or whatever they had back then, and stood there for hours hoping to spot his child.”

Oh, man.
Verona lowered her head. This was too much. It would be impossible for her to remain dignified. She imagined all eyes were on her because they were burning holes in her skin. She fiddled with the buttons of her Oscar de la Renta dress and lowered her eyes not trusting herself to make eye contact with anyone.

Louisa shoved several tissues in her hand. “Thanks, Mom,” she whispered.

“Imagine at the precise moment he was about to give up all hope, out of the blue, his child returns. Imagine the relief he experienced. Imagine the burden he carried in his heart suddenly being lifted.” Noel cleared this throat.

Verona heard her mother sniffling beside her. In fact, she was quite sure there was not a dry eye in the house. She felt a hand grasp her hand on her left side. Elijah. Verona leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Brothers and sisters, I know God is pleased when we return home to Him. Angels in heaven rejoice when one person decides to accept Him in their life. Is there anyone here today who wants to come home? Come as we sing ‘All to Jesus I Surrender.'”

Verona listened to the words of the song and could not hold her tears. She had made amends with her parents; now it was time to make amends with God. She stood. Inch by inch, she made her way to the front of the church. She lifted her hands. In one smooth motion, Verona fell to her knees.

It was time. She was coming home.

Monday had not come fast enough. Michael undid John and Olivia's seat belts from their newly purchased car seats. He had hightailed it over to Keith's as early as he could without arousing Lauren's suspicions. She thought he was taking them to Chuck E. Cheese, and he would after talking with Keith.

Josie opened the door. Her eyes sparkled when she saw the children. She ushered them into the kitchen for some treats. Michael practically sprinted into Keith's office.

“I'm engaged to both Lauren and Verona,” Michael announced after knocking and hearing he could enter.

Keith's head snapped up from the book he had been reading. “How did you manage to do that?” Without waiting for a reply, he continued, “I'm glad I didn't open my big mouth and mention your engagement to Lauren in church last week.”

“I did ask Lauren, first. However, when I went into Tiffany's to pick up the ring, I saw one that screamed Verona's name. I had to get it. I had to ask Verona to marry me. I've been fighting it, but I know she's the one.”

“You can't stay engaged to two women,” Keith ordered, stern-faced. He beckoned to Michael to close to door. Michael complied before easing into the chair across from Keith.

“You have to break things off with one of them,” Keith reiterated.

“I know. I tried. I went to Lauren's Friday night and told her I couldn't marry her. She threatened to kill herself and the children if I left her.”

Keith slid away from his desk. “She said kill? As in intent to harm and you're just now telling me this?”

“I called but it went to voicemail. I've been glued to Lauren's side ever since. I haven't let John and Olivia out of my sight.” He rubbed his head. “It wasn't what she said; it was how she said it that has me in torment.”

“How did she say it?” Keith questioned.

“She didn't scream or yell. In fact, she growled the words in this low, menacing tone.”

“Listen, there's too much going on with people today to dismiss that as a harmless threat. I think we need to alert the authorities. Even if Lauren wasn't serious, those words should've never left her mouth.”

“I agree, but I'm not trying to get her in trouble.”

“Then she never should have fixed her mouth to say something so despicable. We need you to pursue emergency custody.”

Michael wavered. “I don't know, Keith. She's John and Olivia's mother. How would that look if I stole them from her?”

“You wouldn't be stealing them. You'd be rescuing them from potential harm. How many mothers have you heard hit the news for driving their kids into the ocean or something? Too many. Well answer this, how has she been acting? Did she apologize for her statement?” Keith's eyes narrowed to slits.

Michael backtracked over his and Lauren's conversation. He shook his head. “No, she didn't apologize. I did. I backed down with the excuse of cold feet. Once Lauren heard that, she went right back to the wedding planning. She didn't skip a beat.”

Keith narrowed his eyes. “Is she bipolar? How well do you know this woman?”

Michael shook his head. When he met Lauren years ago, Michael had been heartbroken over Keith and Gina's betrayal. For him, Lauren had been a tool for his revenge. And she had been a crazy good bed partner. He squinted his eyes. Somehow, he was a magnet for psychos.

“I don't know if she's bipolar. I know her in the biblical sense,” Michael said. He pulled out his cell phone and speed dialed Frank.

After a couple rings, Frank picked up. “Frank, I need you to gather all you can on Lauren Goodman. I need it yesterday.”

Michael disconnected the line. By then, Keith had grabbed his coat and waited for him by the door. “Let's go to the police station and get an emergency custody order. John and Olivia are safe here. I'll warn Josie not to let Lauren in the house if she comes by.”

“I don't think she will. She believes I'm at Chuck E. Cheese.”

Keith nodded. “Have you told Verona any of this?”

“No. I was hoping to have it handled before she returns.”

Keith stopped and put a hand on Michael's shoulder. “If you love her and she's the one you want to marry, you need to tell her. Lauren doesn't sound stable. She might decide to go after Verona when she finds out the truth.”

Michael gulped. He had not thought of that. “I really made a mess of things, didn't I?”

“Hold the remorse,” Keith advised. “Lauren had everybody fooled but God. That's why, in my spirit, I believe you should take her at her word.”

The brothers entered Keith's vehicle. Michael's heart thumped in his chest. “I hope we're not overreacting.”

“Better to overreact than to have regrets.”

Keith was right. “Now I feel as if I waited too long,” Michael said.

“No point in second-guessing. You did the right thing by not leaving her. I know it may seem as if I'm being dramatic but, believe me, you don't know how many cases there are that don't make the news.”

“When Lauren said those words to me, it took everything within me not to strangle her with my bare hands.” Talking about it brought Michael's anger back to the surface.

“She'd be picking her teeth up off the floor if those had been my children.”

“Pastor Ward, I don't think that's a godly response,” Michael teased, although he appreciated Keith's honest reaction. It made him human.

Keith acquiesced. “You're right. God looked out for me by making sure I wasn't present at the time. Once I'm assured the children are safe, I'll try to pray for her.”

Michael chuckled at Keith's choice of words. If it's one thing he could appreciate about his brother, Keith was real. “I'm glad you're here with me,” he observed.

His brother smiled. “I'm glad you're here. Period.”

 

 

“Give me my kids, Michael!” Lauren screamed. “I know you're in there. So come outside! I'm not leaving without my children. John! Olivia! Mommy's here.”

Keith had been expecting her. He opened the door and stepped outside. He kept his tone neutral and said, “Lauren, I'm going to ask you to leave. You made an awful threat against yourself and your children. It's late and John and Olivia are sleeping. You can hire an attorney and protest the judge's decision, but you need to leave.”

She shoved her hands in her pocket. Keith backed up, wary. He should have stayed inside. Lauren could be packing and he was easy target.
Lord, I invite your presence. Keep me safe and from all harm and danger.

She shivered. “Keith, I love my children. Please let me see them. I need to take them home.”

Gently, he said, “I'm sorry, Lauren. I can't.”

In an instant, her demeanor changed. Lauren let loose a string of profanity and screamed at the top of her lungs. “I want my children! I want them! I'll come back and blast this place apart if you don't give them to me.”

Wow.
She was “out of this world” crazy. She was “kill her kids and everyone in his home” kind of crazy.

Keith sprinted up the steps and sailed through the screen door. He needed her to enter his home. After that, anything that transpired would be self-defense. Gina was standing by the door with Trey's bat in her hands. Keith put his hand over his lips, urging her to remain silent.

Lauren picked up some of the stones that lined his driveway and flung them at the door. Keith clenched his fists. This was a woman who would make him fight her like a man. He turned and said, “Lauren, if you don't leave. I'll call the cops. The neighbors are probably already on the phone.” Thankfully, he only had a couple of surrounding homes in the vicinity.

The commotion must have awakened Michael for he strode toward the front door. Keith tried to hold him, but he pushed past Keith.

Michael stormed over to Lauren. “It's one-thirty in the morning. Go home. Now. We will talk later on today.”

The young woman sobbed. “I miss them,” she said. “Please, Michael.”

Michael moved to hug her but she reared back and spit in his face. Turning on her heels, Lauren stomped to her car. “This is not over,” she sneered flinging the ring off her hand and tossing it in the bushes. “You're going to be sorry you did this to me, Michael. After all I did to be with you. I can't believe this is how you repay me. You wouldn't even have children if I didn't . . .”

Suddenly, she stopped. Jumping in her car, the tires squealed under her outrage as she spun off for parts unknown.

Michael remained rooted in that spot for several minutes. Keith went out to him. With troubled eyes, Michael asked, “If she didn't what? What did she do?”

“Don't take too much stock in the words of that troubled woman,” Keith advised.

“I won't rest until I find out what she meant,” Michael promised, with a distinct edge to his tone.

Keith sighed, feeling weary.
Lord, I need you.
“Wait to see what Frank finds out before you do anything.”

“What if she comes back?”

“If Lauren knows what's good for her, she'd better not.” His patience was worn thin. If she did show her face, he would not be as nice like this time.

As they made their way back into the house, Michael tried to defuse the tension with humor. “I'm sure this engagement is over now. She threw a twenty thousand dollar ring into the bushes like it was an old piece of chewed-up gum.”

“Cancel her access to your penthouse if you gave her a card. An angry woman makes a vicious, vindictive enemy.”

“Tomorrow, I'll get a restraining order.” Michael yawned.

“That's a mere piece of paper to people like Lauren. You'll need more than cops in your corner. You'll need the hand of God.”