Lightning and Lace

chapter 12

Bonnie listened to Sylvia explain the Bible lesson to Rosie, Laura, and Daisy. She focused on the woman’s serene face and how her passion for the Lord came through every word. What a wonderful woman to lead these ladies in biblical ways. How could such a godly woman have such a horrible husband? She’d do anything for Sylvia. The woman deserved a special mansion in heaven for what Lester had put her through and what she’d done for others.

Bonnie thought back over Lester’s visit. For the first time, she questioned if Sylvia was aware when he came calling at the Morning Star without her. Suddenly Bonnie felt dirty. She should have mentioned those times to Sylvia in case Lester had omitted telling her. Bonnie’s past dealings with him hadn’t been morally or spiritually right. All she could do now was step forward as a proper woman. Back in the beginning when Ben had first died and her life had been consumed in grief, she had thought Lester wanted only to help.

“Paul told Timothy to take a little wine for the sake of his health,” Lester had said. “It’s a biblical statement. Something you can bank on.” He chuckled. “Seriously, I heard you tell Sylvia that you were unable to sleep. A glass of wine in the evening would help you rest. Your children need a mother who is able to perform the responsibilities of both parents.”

And so it began.

I’ve been very foolish. She’d been a willing party to not letting Sylvia know about his gifts of wine.

“Sylvia disapproves of drinking except for medicinal purposes,” he’d said. “I didn’t tell her about the wine, and I suggest you keep the information to yourself.”

Naturally, the woman would have objected, and deceiving her was wrong. Why hadn’t Bonnie used a little common sense? The thought of the implications not only churned her stomach but also needled at her conscience.

Lester’s previous visit had come close to frightening her. Why had he become so insistent after her refusal of wine. Why so eager to find a military school for Zack? Why should he care? If he truly was living for the Lord, he wouldn’t have visited her without Sylvia or given her that first bottle of wine. A gnawing suspicion caused her to feel slightly queasy. Did Lester want her dependent upon him? Why?

She nearly gasped. He’d been involved with the woman who’d owned the brothel. They’d had two sons together. Surely Lester wasn’t looking for another adulterous relationship. If she had gotten to the point of needing the wine on a daily basis, then she’d be beholden to Lester. He could demand whatever he wanted from her, and she’d be forced to comply. She’d come dangerously close to being in that position. How utterly disgusting. Poor Sylvia. Lester didn’t deserve his wife’s kindness. She was devoted to him, the love clearly written in her eyes.

“Mrs. Kahler,” Sylvia said. “Would you like to answer Rosie’s question?”

She hadn’t heard a word. How humiliating. Bonnie moistened her lips. “I’m a little uncomfortable in responding.”

“Please, don’t be.” Rosie brushed back her silky black hair. “I know the type of life I lived before Jesus entered my life. I simply want to know if the woman at the well will be in heaven.”

Bonnie’s heart thumped against her chest. “I believe only Jesus knows the answer to that question. But if the woman was sincere in repenting of her sins and her desire was to live in obedience to His ways, then she will be with us in heaven.”

The sadness on Rosie’s face brightened. She’d gone through so much pain from the beating. How sweet to see a glimpse of happiness. Whoever had hurt her needed a taste of a horsewhip, and Bonnie would gladly oblige.

“Thank you,” Rosie said. “One day, that woman and I will have much to talk about and much to thank Jesus for.”

Bonnie slipped from her chair and bent to Rosie’s side. She took the young woman’s hand. “I pray your life grows in the joy that only comes from our Savior. You deserve so much, Rosie. The future will be brighter for you because of your faith.”

“Do you really think so? I feel forgiven, and I talk to our Lord . . . .” Emotions appeared to consume her. “I talk to Jesus all the time.”

“He lives inside you. I can see it in your face. Soon you will be healed, and your life will grow brighter. I’m sure of it.”

*****

Just as Travis set aside his Bible and notes for that evening’s prayer meeting and turned his attention to Sunday’s sermon—when he would officially become the pastor of Piney Woods Church—he heard a knock at the door. With his mind whirling with what he thought God wanted him to say on Sunday, he stumbled to answer the door. Do I use Hebrews 11, the chapter about faith? Or do I use Romans 8 and talk about what it means to be a true believer?

“Afternoon, Brother Whitworth. Can I have a moment of your time?” Lester Hillman smiled as though a rancher had just deposited a huge sum of money into his bank.

Travis swung open the door. “Sure, come on in.”

“Is Zack here?”

“He’s doing schoolwork on the back porch.”

“Looks like you’re doing a fine job with him. He needs a firm hand.”

“He’s doing well. Sometimes understanding accomplishes more than discipline.”

“Can we take a little walk? This is private, and I wouldn’t want the boy to hear our conversation.”

Travis made his way to the back porch and let Zack know he’d be gone for a little while with Lester. Zack glanced up, his dark eyes stormy, but he said nothing. Later Travis planned to ask why. Their relationship had eased into more silence than communication, which was better than listening to Zack’s rebellious comments and Travis having to decide how to handle the situation. However, he was no closer to finding out why the boy insisted on taking a wayward stand against authority.

Outside, the two men walked in silence several feet from the house. Curiosity had nearly gotten the best of Travis.

“What can I do for you, Lester?”

“It’s a delicate matter, and I need your word that no one finds out that I revealed this grim information to you.”

“I’m a man of God. Only He would cause me to repeat your words.”

“Thank you. I’m real concerned about Bonnie Kahler. She’s takin’ to drinking.”

“Are you certain?” Travis recalled Zack’s accusation about the same thing. He hated the thought of her indulging in spirits.

“Oh, yes. Sylvia and I visit the Morning Star on occasion to check on Mrs. Kahler and the children. We’ve seen her in such a sad situation that she slurred her words and could barely stand. I think her Mexican housekeeper is raising the children, and goodness knows what they are learning from the ranch hands. My guess is Zack picked up his bad ways from those men.”

“That is very unfortunate. Are you asking me to talk to her?”

“I believe she’d be angry. At least when my dear Sylvia tried, she lost her temper and denied drinking at all. My dear Sylvia doesn’t know I’ve come to you for assistance, and I don’t want her to know, either. She works so very hard at Heaven’s Gate that this would upset her greatly.” He paused and stuffed his hands into his trouser pockets. “I hate to think what this would do to Bonnie’s parents and brothers. They are such fine families and contribute greatly to our community.”

“Other than prayer and a possible confrontation, what do you think I should do?”

“Sylvia believes Bonnie is unfit to continue working at Heaven’s Gate. She’s afraid liquor will be brought into the home, and it would be very easy for the young ladies there to slip back into old ways. We certainly don’t want the home to become another brothel. Excuse me, Brother Whitworth, but I don’t think my conclusions are wrong.”

“I see, and yes, a situation such as you speak of would be a problem.”

“That is where we feel you could be of assistance.” Lester’s tone sounded as if every word pained him. “We’d like for you to dissuade her from volunteering at the home.”

“Why me? Shouldn’t a decision of this serious nature come from Mrs. Jenny Andrews, who owns the home? Besides, I’ve never seen any indication of Mrs. Kahler’s drinking or of her behaving in a manner that isn’t appropriate. Her family has not mentioned this to me, either.”

“Heaven’s Gate utilizes volunteers from Piney Woods Church. You are now the overseer of that much-needed ministry. Mrs. Andrews delegated the responsibility of running the home to the reverend right after it was built.”

“I can’t dismiss Mrs. Kahler unless I see for myself that she is unable to fulfill her duties. In my opinion, you should take your concerns to Jenny Andrews and to the reverend and Mrs. Rainer.”

“Why, Mrs. Andrews is very busy with her family and assisting her husband in his medical practice, and the reverend and Mrs. Rainer are too old to deal with any more problems in their lives. They are very distraught about Zack and appear to be consumed with worry about him.”

Why did Travis not believe a single word of Lester’s declaration? “I understand all you’ve told me, and I appreciate your concern about Mrs. Kahler in light of your wife’s devotion to Heaven’s Gate. But I will not tell her that her goodwill to those living at the home is no longer needed.”

Lester stiffened. “Then you give me no choice. My wife’s peace of mind means more to me than life itself. If you refuse to help in this matter, I will be forced to withdraw all of my financial support from the church.”

Anger buzzed in Travis’s ears. “I’ll not be threatened. The Lord will provide for our church with or without your money.”

“Perhaps Piney Woods needs a pastor who can better lead its members.”

“That’s not your decision to make.”

“But my money speaks for me.”

“I believe the good people of Piney Woods can tell the difference between being led by money and following the Lord. Good day, Lester. I have a sermon to prepare.”

Travis turned on his heel and headed back to the house. Bonnie Kahler drinking? A bad influence on those living at Heaven’s Gate? Miss Juanita raising the children? What was the real reason why Lester had come by? What did he have against Bonnie? She’d been quite upset with Lester the day Travis visited the Morning Star. She’d been trembling when Travis first arrived, and her face had been drained of color.

If she truly had a problem with strong drink, then a drive out to her ranch with the reverend and Mrs. Rainer was in order.

Up ahead, Zack leaned over the porch railing. His lanky frame was but a hint of the man to come, a handsome lad with dark hair and eyes that must have been his father’s. A twist of something Travis had never felt before left him sad and longing. The idea of marriage and one day a family had gone by the wayside. But he hoped that someday God would bless him with a wife and children despite his many faults. He waved at Zack. No point letting the boy know Lester had made him angry.

“What did he want?” Zack said.

“Church business. Did you get your reading done?”

“Yes, sir.”

Travis’s eyes widened, and he grinned. “Sure do appreciate the kind words.”

“I’m hungry.”

Travis laughed. This was the first time the boy had been civil—even if his stomach was the reason. “So am I. Let me see what I can cook for us. Your grandpa sent some of his famous biscuits.”

“I could make a whole meal on them.”

Travis swung an arm around Zack’s shoulders, and the boy didn’t flinch. “I’ll slice some ham and fry it up and bring out the apple butter.”

“I’ll get the plates and pour some buttermilk. Brother Whitworth?”

“Yes, but Brother Travis sounds better between us men.”

“Thanks. I—I don’t like Lester Hillman. He’s not what folks think he is.” He shrugged. “I know he helps out with the poor folks, but he’s not like the men in my family.”

Travis didn’t know how to reply. Especially when he had sensed a few flaws in the man’s character himself.

“Do you have a good reason?”

Zack shrugged. “He shouldn’t look at Mama the way he does.”

Suddenly Lester’s demands about Mrs. Kahler’s supposed drinking problem made sense. An accusation spread over Travis’s mind like a creeping vine that choked everything it touched.