Lightning and Lace

chapter 31

After Christmas, Travis settled in to creating sermons and having Bonnie read them so she could give her opinion. It gave her an opportunity to apply the techniques about writing from his gift and for her to see if she enjoyed what she learned.

The time together also took its toll on his heart to the point where he wished he hadn’t asked her to help him. Every moment made him feel like he was on the losing end of a tug-of-war.

“I think this sermon needs more scripture,” Bonnie said. The two sat on Travis’s front porch. Although it was a bit chilly, she refused to set foot inside his house even if her son was there. “I corrected a few misspelled words.”

He chuckled. “Two weeks ago, you didn’t say a word about my spelling.”

“That’s because I assumed you knew how to spell those Old Testament names and cities.”

“Don’t tell Zack. He thinks I never make any mistakes in my writing.”

She laughed, and oh how he treasured the musical sound. “What should I ask for in order for me to keep quiet?”

A kiss would ease this heart.

Bonnie must have read his thoughts, for her face reddened. He’d not trade a minute of the time spent with her. “Bonnie, I’d give you about anything you wanted.”

She nibbled on her lip and focused her attention on the paper with his sermons. “I like the part where you suggest folks memorizing more scripture to keep God’s Word buried in our hearts.”

He should apologize. He’d most likely offended her, and she didn’t have the heart to scold him. But what stayed foremost in his mind was the murderer who walked the streets of Kahlerville. Either Lester had killed Rosie, or he knew who had. Laura and Daisy avoided Travis, and Bonnie reported that the young women were sullen and said little. Travis prayed for answers and kept his eyes and ears open.

*****

“I wish the sheriff could have found out who killed Miss Rosie,” Zack said the following morning as the two took their early walk. The weather had dropped to freezing the night before, and the brisk pace helped warm them.

“You and a whole lot of other folks,” Travis said.

“When my uncles, you and I, Mama, and my papa’s family think Lester had something to do with it, why doesn’t the sheriff arrest him?”

“No proof, son. Unless someone comes forth with information that ties him to Rosie the night she was killed, we have nothing but suspicions.”

“I wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night worrying about Mama. She’s made Lester plenty mad.”

“Thomas is there with her.”

“I know, and that makes me feel better. Sure wish she was more like my aunt Casey. You can be sure Lester would never cross her. Have you talked to Mrs. Hillman?” Zack sank his hands into his pockets.

“Once, right before Thanksgiving when several of us gathered pecans at Morgan and Casey’s ranch.”

Zack’s question twisted in Travis’s thoughts. He’d been thinking about talking to Lester’s wife again. Their conversation that day in November had gotten interrupted. Maybe now, she might feel like talking. Especially when she’d told them how she loved the residents at Heaven’s Gate.

“Brother Travis, are you listening to a thing I say?”

Travis snapped back to Zack. “Sorry. I was thinking about Sylvia.”

“Maybe God wants you to pay her a visit.”

He chuckled. “Has anyone ever said you can be quite persuasive?”

“A few.” Zack grinned. “I might be a preacher yet.”

“All right, you win, Brother Zack. After breakfast, you work on your studies, and I’ll spend time praying and then go see Sylvia.”

Shortly after nine thirty, Travis walked to Heaven’s Gate where Sylvia volunteered a few hours most mornings. He often wondered what she did there every day since Laura worked at the bank and Daisy helped take care of Sylvia and Lester’s huge home in the afternoon. Most likely, being at Heaven’s Gate gave her purpose. However, Lester had just given notice that she’d not be volunteering past the end of February.

The overcast day brought a cold wind out of the northwest, and a sprinkling of rain chilled Travis to the bone. He hoped the dreary weather did not contribute to Sylvia’s mood during their conversation.

Hesitantly, he knocked on the door. An empty hollow sound met his ears, like the spirits of those who lived inside. They were afraid, and no one should live in fear. The verse from 2 Timothy 1:7 came to him: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Ofttimes, Zack reminded him of young Timothy from the Bible, and Travis did sense God calling the young man into the ministry. Or maybe it was wishful thinking on his part. Whatever lay ahead for Zack, he’d be a success.

The door opened, and Sylvia greeted him. Her flushed face disturbed him, and the quivering smile she offered did little to settle his concern.

“This is not a good day for a visit,” she said.

“Is there something I can do to help?”

In the background, he thought he heard weeping. He sharpened his hearing while determined to engage Sylvia in more conversation.

“No. Nothing. But thank you for your kindness.”

“Are you or one of the young women ill?”

“Daisy is feeling poorly, and I’m tending to her.”

He listened. “She must be in a bad way, because I hear her crying. Perhaps Doc Grant should take a look at her.”

“No,” Sylvia said much too quickly. “She’ll be fine.”

Uneasiness crept all over him much like the sensation he’d felt just before the twister struck. “I’d like to talk to her.”

“I can’t let you do that, Brother Travis.”

“I could pray for her. Or possibly read scripture.”

Sylvia stiffened. “She’s not up to visitors.”

“Has she been beaten?”

She pressed her lips together for a moment. “Why ever did you ask such a thing?”

“Sylvia, too many women are hiding things in this town. Afraid of someone or something. My guess is Daisy is in a bad way. I wish you’d let me come in. I really want to be of help. Have you forgotten who found Rosie’s body? How many times was she beaten before someone killed her?”

“I can take care of Daisy just fine.”

“Sylvia, I don’t mean to be rude or a nuisance, but I’m not in the mood to bury another one of the young women from Heaven’s Gate.”

“Surely you don’t think I had anything to do with Rosie or—”

He shook his head. “No, but I think Daisy knows more than what she told the sheriff about Rosie’s demise. Maybe you do, too.”

“I don’t need to listen to this. My Lester—”

Travis realized he’d gone too far. Seemed like all the pent-up anger about what was going on at Heaven’s Gate and Lester’s evil nature had caused Travis to sprout horns. “I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. I believe your only role in what has been going on here is protecting those you love. I am terribly sorry for my harsh words.”

He whirled around and retraced his steps, but instead of heading home, he walked on toward the church. He needed to get right with God for his outburst. He wasn’t a sheriff, or a lawyer, or a doctor. He was a preacher, and his calling meant tending to the spiritual needs of his flock, not condemning other folk who didn’t live up to his expectations. For certain, Lester would have him thrown out of Piney Woods Church after hearing he lashed out at Sylvia.

Travis hesitated outside of the church. He didn’t deserve to step within its holy walls. The agony of disappointing God thundered against his senses. The screams of a hundred demons pronounced him unfit. You do not love God. You do not love His people.

A wave of sickness swept over him. Memories of the days in Tennessee slammed into his thoughts.

For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

Trembling like a leaf in the wind, he grasped the door handle and entered the Lord’s house. The silence pounded in his ears. Bile rose in his throat. He despised himself. Courage and strength pulled his gaze to the cross, the symbol of what Travis’s sins had cost his heavenly Father.

Somehow he managed one foot in front of the other to the altar and there lay prostrate on the floor. He begged forgiveness for what he’d said to Sylvia. His words to her had not been righteous indignation in upholding the gospel but revenge against Lester. How he’d hurt God.

Travis prayed for Sylvia and Lester. He begged for a heart to love Lester and to see him through the eyes of God. His entreaty moved to all the folks involved in the evil he’d seen of late. He called each person by name and asked God to protect them and draw them closer to Him. Then he wept. He prayed for Lester and the men who abused Laura and Daisy. Travis pleaded for guidance in the hours and days ahead—the unknown. Not since his church in Tennessee had shut him out had he shed so many bitter tears for his own actions. Today, like so many times in the past, he questioned why God had called such a sinful man into the ministry. Folks looked up at him to be a representation of Jesus, and look how he treated them.

He needed to produce fruit, not the sour grapes sickening his spirit. That’s what pleased God. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance . . . .” Travis couldn’t offer good fruit if he did not love others as himself.

His prayers ended, but he couldn’t bring himself to move. Scripture came to mind. Words from hymns comforted him. With his eyes tightly closed and his heart heavy with his own worthlessness, Travis sensed he was not alone. Without opening his eyes, he realized he was feeling the presence of the almighty God. Peace whisked him up and held him as though he were wrapped in a cocoon. Forgiveness had been granted, and once more Travis recommitted his life to the will of God.

“Brother Travis? Are you all right?”

The voice of Jocelyn Rainer ended the communion. Part of him wanted the time with God to continue, and the other part understood he must get on with His work.

“I needed forgiveness,” he said.

She stayed in the back of the church, and he appreciated her discretion regarding his misery.

“Would you like to be left alone?”

“No. I’m finished.” He pulled himself to his feet and faced her at the opposite end of the aisle. “Sometimes I wonder how God puts up with me.”

“We all question that.” She laughed lightly, and he smiled in response. “The reverend often asks the same thing. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re a man, not God.”

“I just hurt a wonderful lady, and I don’t think my apologies eased her damaged spirit.”

“I’m sure she’s forgiven you.”

“I’ve never seen an ounce of selfishness in Sylvia Hillman. Makes me downright ashamed of myself, but the damage is done.”

“Let God heal the problem.”

“Sounds like you were privy to my prayers.” He walked toward her.

“It’s a universal one.” She smiled again. “How about a cup of coffee before you take on the world? Got a few biscuits left from breakfast, too.”

Wisdom. Jocelyn Rainer held more in her little finger than he’d earn in a lifetime of preaching.

“You’ll be fine,” she said. “Many of us are praying for you.”

“I appreciate your soothing words. Just what I needed to hear. Some days I think I have more in common with the apostle Peter than Jesus.”

“But look what Jesus did through Peter. He learned to love himself because Jesus used him in a mighty way.”

Travis chuckled. “I see your point.”

“I don’t need to know what went on with you and Sylvia, but I do think she needs to open her eyes to what is happening in this town.”

*****

Bonnie had a few minutes to spare before picking up Michael Paul from school, so she decided to stop at the parsonage. The reverend was upstairs taking a nap when she and her mother sat down to chat.

“I understand you’ve been helping Brother Travis with his sermons.” Mama’s eyes held a special gleam in them. “He told me about it this morning while we enjoyed a cup of coffee and a couple of the reverend’s biscuits.”

“I’m only practicing what I learn from the book he gave me at Christmas.”

“Hmm. Seems like an excuse for him to spend time with my daughter.”

Bonnie wrinkled her nose and laughed. No point in hiding the obvious, even if Travis had never said a word about the two of them. “Hush, someone will hear you, and then the good folks of our town will have more to talk about.”

“How are the plans going for Juanita and Thomas’s wedding?”

“Oh, very good. I’ve made a list of guests, although Juanita and Thomas want only a few people there. We’re nearly done with her dress, a very pretty blue.”

A knock at the front door stopped any further discussion about the upcoming wedding.

“Goodness, what a busy place this is today,” Mama said. “I hope whoever’s here doesn’t want the reverend. He gets cranky without his full nap.”

“Do you want me to chase them away?” Bonnie said.

Her mother shook her finger. “Never mind. I’ll handle it.”

Bonnie stayed in the kitchen, knowing that the reverend received most callers when serious illnesses and death occurred. The hum of voices grew louder until she chose to find out what was going on.

“Lester, this time you’ve gone too far. Does Sylvia know what you’re doing?”

Bonnie held her breath. What was Lester up to now?

“I haven’t shared this with her yet.”

“Why do you persist in spreading rumors and causing trouble?”

“I expected you to stand up for Brother Travis since he’s carrying on with your daughter.”

Bonnie had heard enough and hurried to the door. “What is going on?”

“Lester is letting us know that he plans to approach the deacons about church discipline for Brother Travis. He feels he is not a fit preacher for Piney Woods. The rumors about you two are disturbing too many of the church members.” Mama’s face flushed red.

“What about church discipline for you?” Bonnie stepped between Mama and Lester. Disgust oozed from the pores of her skin.

“Are you going to hit me again, like the last time I pointed out a truth?” Lester shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and leaned on the side of the door. “Watch out, Mrs. Kahler, you might be the next one to face the good people of Piney Woods Church. After all, you are the one involved with Brother Travis.”

Bonnie dug her fingers into her palms to keep from wiping the smirk off Lester’s face.

“I think you’d better leave,” the reverend said.

Bonnie whirled around to see her stepfather standing on the stairway.

“I’m only informing you of what I’m doing. Seems rather obvious to me that the church is vandalized and a young woman is killed soon after Brother Travis comes to town. I heard from one member that Brother Travis might be covering up Rosie’s murder, and some folks think Zack’s a part of it too. If I were him, I’d resign before facing church discipline.”

“You’re not Brother Travis,” the reverend said. “Take your lies elsewhere.”

“I want the address of his former church. The deacons will want to know everything about him.”

“I have the correspondence if they want to read it. But all you’re getting from me is a request to leave my home. And if I ever hear of you accusing my grandson of murder again, I’ll write the next newspaper article.”

Lester nodded and left. Silence clung to the hallway like cobwebs longing to be swept away. Bonnie was too angry to speak.

“He’ll never get folks to remove Brother Travis,” the reverend said. “He’s the man God brought to us and the man God will protect. I’ll go tell him now.”