“You make it all sound so easy,” Parker said, while sitting back in his chair, his eye cocked while studying Matt.
“Hey, I’m not a high-risk criminal, nor are my men. This shouldn’t be a hard sell to your people or the State Attorney.”
Soon, Parker’s eyes became more alert and his head nodded.
“Are you in a position to start the negotiation for me?”
“You’re a smart man. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t know the answer.” Suddenly he pushed himself up from his chair. “I’ll speak to my people and get back to you. But, I’ll warn you, the immunity does not apply to future crimes. And, if you’re lying about not using weapons, or we find out you harmed someone, the deal is off, understand? That goes for your cohorts, as well, okay?”
After Matt grinned, he nodded. “Yes, of course.”
“I’ll place a few calls.” While walking Matt to the door, Parker said, “I’ll phone you tomorrow. By the way, did all your crimes occur in San Diego?”
“No. Some took place out of state or out of the country, but the insurance owners lived in San Diego.”
“I’m not sure how that’ll fly. I’ll do what I can.”
Matt stopped. “That shouldn’t be a problem. Our deal involves international issues. By the way, the only other person I’ll implicate is Luke Percy. That man referred all those who wanted to commit insurance fraud.” Matt watched for his reaction, but he had none.
Matt reached for Parker’s hand, “It’s been a pleasure meeting with you again. I hope we can work something out.”
Just as Matt was walking down the hall, he spun around with a large grin. He felt lighter, as if a weight was lifted. Although he was pleased with how things went, he knew not to celebrate until he received his call from Parker.
Once he was home, he scouted through the yellow pages for churches nearby. One had a service that night at seven. He decided to attend.
As he drove to La Jolla to meet with Jack, he was pleased with himself for making some significant steps in the right direction.
He was determined to change, even if it meant doing jail time. When he arrived at the meeting place, Jack was at a table waiting. He quickly stood to greet Matt, “So, tell me. What’s going on?”
“What do you mean?”
“You look like the dog that finally caught up with the cat.”
While grinning, he said, “Let’s order, then talk.”
Soon a slightly overweight, middle-aged waitress came to the table. She had brittle red hair and deep facial lines.
“What can I get for you, fellers?”
“Just coffee for now.”
Soon she returned with coffee, but her hands shook while filling their cups. Later she returned to take their orders, and slowly moved out of sight.
While Jack listened to Matt giving the updates on the case, he was intrigued that it included a spiritual change as well. He rubbed his temples while saying, “Wow. That’s a lot to take in. Talk about a turn-around, it makes me feel dizzy.”
As Matt chuckled, he said, “Actually I feel pretty good knowing I’m doing the right thing.”
“I’m both surprised and impressed. After listening to you, I can tell you’re doing this for yourself, not the woman. That is amazing.”
“If I don’t change for me, it won’t stick -- I know that. It hit me, the only things I have control over are my choices and how I react to my problems. If I continue making the same mistakes, they’ll eventually destroy me.”
“It’s about time you came to your senses,” Jack said, while leaning back in his chair with a broad smile.
“Okay. Now, I need to ask you something,” Matt whispered. “How did you justify helping me fence stolen goods all those years?”
“Fear, if it wasn’t me helping you, you may have ended up with the wrong people. Tell you one thing, it was hard on me.”
“You’re a solid friend, Jack. I’m sorry for taking advantage of you.”
*
After Matt returned home he called Abigail, but had to leave a message. At that moment, he was energized and decided to clean the house. When he heard himself humming a tune, it surprised him. As he glanced at the clock, he realized he was running late for the seven o’clock church service.
While Abigail sat and watched her sister lying hooked up to equipment, she listened to the beep, beep, beep, over and over again. She covered her eyes.
How can Mother stand to watch her like this day after day?
The pale green walls felt as if they were closing in. She went to the window to look at the ocean. The water lacked its usual sparkle. When she glanced over her shoulder, she saw a book her mother left. She walked over to her sister’s bed stand to retrieve it. As she flipped to the marked chapter, she read it out loud hoping her sister could hear and enjoy the story.
After reading several chapters she placed the book on the table, and watched her sister. She wanted to tell her everything and said, “What can I do Alisa? I love him so much. It kills me to end our romance before it begins.” As she watched her unresponsive sister, she touched her forehead and started praying for her recovery.
When finished, she said, “I know. A double-minded person shouldn’t expect anything from the Lord. Okay, I’ll try to stand firm,” with a tear filled face she kissed her hand, “I miss you, Sis, and I love you so very much.”
On her way to the car, she decided to phone Carry. When she answered, she said, “Boy, do I need a friend right now. Can we get together?”
“When and where?”
“One hour, at the Prado restaurant in Balboa Park.”
“Sure.”
“You’re a good friend. There’s no doubt. When I need you most, no questions asked, you’re there for me.”
“You would do the same for me,” Carry said.
While driving though Balboa Park, Abigail enjoyed the beauty of all the trees and flower gardens. Although she parked on the lower level, she enjoyed her walk up the hill and admired the unique architecture of the embassy buildings. She passed the magnificent outdoor stage and the Oriental Gardens. She had never gone through them.
Perhaps I’ll take the kids next week.
Once she reached the restaurant, she sat and waited for Carry. Suddenly she tapped her shoulder.
“Oh, you startled me,” she said with a giggle.
They followed their young hostess to a table on the patio.
While searching her friend’s face, Carry said, “So, what’s up? It’s that guy again, right?”
“You rat, you know me too well.”
“What’s wrong?”
“My head and heart are conflicting,” she said while looking away.
“What does your head tell you?”
“Never see him again.”
“And your heart?”
“To fall into his arms and never let go.”
“Even if he is a thief, you still want him in your life?”
“He won’t be one for long.” Abigail said leaning forward. “Today he’s going to talk to the FBI.”
“What do you mean?” Carry put her drink down. “When did he decide to do that?”
“Recently he said in order to have a new start he can’t be worrying about his past.”
“It might be a ploy to get you. Or, did you even think of that?”
“No, I haven’t.” Abigail dipped her chip into the hummus.
“Why?”
“Because he didn’t call me, I called him, and he had already made that decision. In addition, not once has he tried to convince me to see him.”
“Not yet, you mean,” she said, with a scornful tone.
“So, tell me, you’ve never fallen for the wrong guy?” Abigail asked, with a smug face. She sat back in her chair glaring at Carry.
“You know the answer. That’s why I’m so cynical,” Carry said. “But, going back to you, what changed? You were so firm about your decision. So, why doubt your resolution? Do you want to date him?”
“Believe me, I want more than to date him, my cynical friend, he’s great with children, and I enjoy being with him. And, most importantly, he turns me on. And, that’s difficult to pass up.”
Carry laughed. “Spoken like a true woman.” Okay, now tell me what God’s saying to you?”
“Not much. So I’m relying on His word, which said to only marry someone with the same beliefs.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“Trust God and try really hard to stop obsessing about the man of my dreams, the man I may never have.”
“Now, who’s the cynical one?” Carry grinned and patted Abigail’s hand. “I know this is difficult for you, but I don’t want to see you get hurt or have any regrets.”
“I know.”
When Abigail returned home, she was utterly exhausted. So she flopped on the couch, placing her feet on the table. She closed her eyes, just for a few minutes. A half-hour later, she woke up and saw the answering machine flashing. After listening to it, she quickly returned Matt’s call. Subsequently they conversed with some small talk for awhile. She then asked, “So how did things go at the FBI office?”
“After doing everything I could, it’s still up to Special Agent Parker. However, he did show interest and said he’ll call me tomorrow.”
“I’m happy for you. I hope you get what you want.”
“Before you hang up,” he said, “I need to thank you.”
“What for?”
“Because of you and the children, I now want to settle down and have my own family. When you rejected me, it broke my heart and hurt me deeply. However, I still want to have what is good in life, and to become a better man.”
“You’re a good person Matt. Don’t go selling yourself short.”
“So are you, Abigail. It’s amazing that you have placed your faith above your heart.”
“What do you mean?”
“When we’re together I see that you want to be with me, and I feel your body respond to my touch. Yet, you stick to your convictions. That’s impressive.”
I guess you don’t realize I want to yell, TAKE ME!
But, she managed to hold her tongue and silently yearned to be with him.
Matt sensed she was vulnerable, and wanted to protect her so he said, “Before I say goodbye, I want to thank you for making me want to become worthy of someone like you.”
After their goodbye, she quickly phoned Carry for strength.
“If they don’t offer him immunity, what do you think he’ll do?” He’s a schemer, that’s for sure.”
“Is that your pessimistic nature, I hear?”
Carry was silent for a minute, yet had to laugh, “You got me, but right now I find it hard to know how to be supportive of you.”
“Everything within me wants to see him, but I can’t. Although, we’re such a good fit in so many ways, my foremost desire has always been to share my faith with my man.”
“Do you think we’re being too picky?” Carry said.
“What do you mean?” Abigail said as she settled into her chair.
“Look at our ages, neither of us ever married.”
“Yes, we’re picky,” Abigail said. “But look at our friends. Many have been married, had children and are now divorced, raising them alone. The others have remarried and are complaining about having trouble adjusting to a blended family.”
“There’s a saying that many people get married while they’re waiting for the right person to come along. Perhaps, there is truth to that.”
On her way to visit her parents and the children, she hoped that Matt was telling the truth and not what she wanted to hear. Like when he said, “It was my first glimpse of God’s grace.” Although she wanted to believe him, she knew it would take a miracle to turn an Atheistic Thief into a Reformed Christian overnight.
When she pulled into her parents’ driveway, she saw her dad sitting on the porch with Danny. The boy ran to the car to greet her with his arms open, saying, “Aunt Abigail!” After hugging, she said, “I missed you so much.”
Looking at her father, she waved and yelled, “Hi, Dad!” When she reached him, he stood to give her a bear hug. “Any news about Sis?”
“No,” he said, with sadness in his eyes.
“Where’s Lisa?”
“She’s in the kitchen helping her nana.”
“I bet she’s talking Mom’s ear off.”
He grinned and nodded.
While he stood holding the door open, Abigail thought he had aged. Although he was putting on a happy face, it was a feeble attempt. She entered the house and went directly into the kitchen.
“Aunt Abigail. You’re here!” the child said while jumping into her arms. “I missed you.”
“What are you two up to?” Abigail asked.
“I’m helping make banana bread, Nana’s teaching me.”
Elizabeth came over and embraced her daughter and kissed her cheek. Quickly, she returned to the sink while clearing her throat.
Soon Abigail came up behind her mother and whispered, “Can I help with anything?”
“Yes, you can reassure me that your sister will come out of her coma.”
“With prayer, it is possible Mom.”
“Okay. You can tell me about your friend Matt.” When Elizabeth turned, her eyes sparkled, and her dimples were showing.
“What do you mean?”
“Lisa talks about him.” She said while glancing at Lisa. “Don’t you, dear?”
Lisa nodded.
“And, we saw the telescope he bought Danny.”
“Yes, he has been very kind to the children.”
“Was he kind to you, too, dear?”
“Yes. Very kind to me, as well, Mother!” she said with a bite.
“So, have you been out with him alone?”
“I can’t believe this. I’m thirty years old and being interrogated by my mother!” Her face was flush as she stated, “Yes, once for dinner.”
“When will you be seeing him again?”
“Never! Now please change the subject.” Abigail spun around and marched out of the kitchen. When she reached the living room, she took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She felt angry.
Why do I let her get to me?
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, Dad.” she said while trying to inhale and exhale on a count of ten. Once she calmed herself, she said, “Have the doctors said anything at all about Alisa’s recovery?”
“Same old thing, she can hear us, but can’t respond. And, it’s anyone’s guess if or when she’ll come out of her coma.”
“Are you satisfied she’s getting the best care?”
“Yes. We think so. If the hospital is good enough for John Wayne, it’s good enough her. Besides, Scripps Green Hospital is the best in our city.”