LITMIR.BIZ

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out of her hand and float to the top of her desk. “The pardon, she’s not getting. We’ll release her on fifty thousand dollars bond into your custody.”

      Aaron protested, “But, Your Honor—”

      “No ‘but’s, Mr. Stern. Work it out with the D.A., or I’ll see you in court a week from Monday. Next case.”

      The bailiff motioned for the officer to unlock Leesa’s cuffs. The officer escorted Leesa and Aaron to the records room, where Aaron filled out forms and signed for the responsibility of Leesa until her court date. He put down the pen and faced her. “Don’t miss your court date.”

      Leesa rubbed her temples. “Stop talking to me like I’m some lowlife criminal. Don’t do me any favors. I had a bad day. It happens.”

      Aaron picked up his attaché case. “You’d better change your attitude. You’re in trouble. I don’t know why you called me; I’m not a criminal attorney. You could have any attorney in town. If you want my help, shut up.”

      Leesa frowned. “A criminal? Is that what you think I am?”

      Aaron held the door open for her. You’re incredibly naïve for a thirty-two-year-old woman who just spent the night in jail.

      Chapter Two

      Cook’s prayer team gathered at Doris’s home. Cook sat in the wingback chair near the fireplace. “Leesa didn’t show up for breakfast this morning. I don’t think she came home last night, so I don’t know what happened at the reading of Lawrence’s will yesterday. My prayer was that the twins would be reconciled. Maybe she spent the night with Lyza. God can do anything.

      “I’m still celebrating answered prayer for Lawrence’s salvation. Praise God. I know, I know, you must be getting tired of hearing me talk about it.” She chattered on while her four prayer partners listened politely. “God is at work all around us. All these years that I’ve worked for the Lane family; I knew the Lord wanted me to be faithful and keep praying for their salvation. Now both Lyza and Lawrence are believers.”

      Jack commented drily, “Well, Lawrence is dead.”

      Cook leaned forward. “No matter. He made his confession of faith, and you know what that means.”

      Doris confirmed, “He’s with the Lord in heaven. And Beverly, none of us get tired of hearing about it. Remember, we’ve prayed with you—not for thirty years, but for many years. The only sad thing is that Lana died before she found the Lord.”

      “Yes,” Cook shook her head. “Lawrence and Lana really loved each other. I feel so bad about her death, but we trust God for His wisdom. I mean, she had plenty of chances. She took it hard when Lawrence disowned Lyza for converting to Christianity. She dealt with disturbing issues by running off to the jungles and looking for her precious orchids. Who knew she’d get bitten by a viper and die while in Ecuador? I hope she didn’t suffer.”

      Doris waved hands above her head. “Praise God for His wisdom! We’ll keep praying for Leesa’s eyes to be opened. Does anyone else have a prayer request?”

      “I want to pray for my nephew,” Jack said immediately. “He’s starting his own business, and I’m not sure he’s ready for such an endeavor. He hasn’t been able to get a job, so he feels like he has no other choice.”

      “What kind of business?” Cook asked.

      Jack scratched his head. “Handyman. He’ll do anything. At least he’s talented in that area. That guy can fix anything, and if he can’t fix it, he can make it. Hope it works out. He needs income soon, like yesterday.”

      Doris said, “I could sure use some work done around here. It’s impossible for a widow like me to keep up maintenance on this old house. Have him give me a call. We’ll pray for him for sure. But it sounds like he’s on the right track.”

      Evelyn added, “I could use some help, too. After he’s through with Doris, have him call me.”

      Jack smiled gratefully. “You don’t have to do that. He can find his own clients. He has to learn to get out there and shake the bushes.”

      Doris frowned. “Jack, you know me better than that. I need help, and I wouldn’t spend money I don’t have just to do you a favor. I need someone to help me out.”

      “Me, too.” Evelyn handed him a card. “If he’s willing to do yard work, I have a ton of that.”

      Doris gave Jack a slip of paper. “He’d better call me first.”

      Jane wrote her number on the bottom of a sheet in her notepad and tore it off and handed it to Jack. “He can call me when he gets a chance.”

      Jack looked at the women. “Really? I can’t believe it! He’s going to be thrilled.”

      Cook held out her hand. “Give me his number for if Leesa ever needs something extra done on the estate. Usually the staff takes care of anything. At least if I have his number, I can give it to anyone who might need help.”

      Jack reached for his wallet. “Thanks, Beverly. I know the Lane estate has its own staff. He doesn’t have cards yet. Here, let me write his number on the back of one of mine.”

      Doris put a tray with a pot of coffee, five cups, and condiments on the coffee table. “I’m trying a new Kona blend this morning, so imagine we’re in Hawaii. Here’s creamer and sugar cubes.”

      Cook helped herself to the coffee and passed the pot to Jack. “All right, we need to pray for Jack’s nephew and his new company. What else do we have?”

      Jane cleared her throat. “We need to pray for my sister. She’s left her church. It seems there’s been a scandal with the pastor, and the church is split. She will not stay, but her heart is broken. She loves those people.”

      Evelyn leaned forward. “The pastor had an affair?”

      Jane stirred her coffee. “We aren’t here for gossip. I’m not going to talk about it. The thing is, she loved that church. It’s her family. Some will stay, and some are leaving. She’s leaving because the pastor is being allowed to continue as senior pastor.”

      Jack slapped the table. “He’s preaching? Is he getting counseling?”

      Jane took a sip of coffee. “I don’t know the details, and that’s not what the prayer request is about. The request is for my sister to find another church home.”

      Doris put a plate of Oreo cookies on the table. “All right, no gossip here. My neighbor needs prayer. Yesterday she asked me to put her name on our prayer list. She’s going in for a second mammogram. Pray that this one comes back clearly normal. What do you have to add, Beverly?”

      Jack picked up an Oreo. “Hold up a minute. We need to pray for that pastor and the situation. We may not know what happened, but God does.”

      Doris agreed, “You’re right about that. Add the pastor to the list. Okay, Beverly.”

      Cook shrugged. “Everything is settling down. Leesa’s busy running the company. Lyza’s busy being a mother and pastor’s wife. Yesterday the Lanes all met at the attorney’s office to hear Lawrence’s last will and testament. Too bad he died on his deathbed and didn’t have a chance to write Lyza back in the will.

      “Leesa said that Lawrence’s attorney insisted they all be there for the reading of the will. Lyza was looking forward to seeing Leesa again. She misses the sister she used to have. Anyway, things are settling down. Maybe the twins are family again. Jack, why don’t you pray tonight, and we’ll agree.”

      Everyone bowed their heads, and Jack led them in prayer. “Dear God, we thank You for being in our lives. We are grateful for Your many blessings. I’m especially thankful for the response my prayer partners had tonight regarding my nephew’s newest endeavor. We just pray it turns out well for him. I ask Your blessing on him. Give him strength, wisdom, and direction.

      “We

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