Hazards on the Hardwood (Hazards and Hijinks) (15 page)

Francois still had ideas running around in his brain about how he was going to smooth over things with Taffy. He figured he probably had messed up the dance partnership pretty well with this “Caroline” situation. He would call her tomorrow and see if they were still going to dance together or if he should get a new partner.

“I’ve done it this time! What was I thinking? But, Caroline is so gorgeous and rich, too! Our money might look very nice together!” Francois had been stirring around the notion of finding a debutante-kind of lady to advance his position in New York Society, however, this wasn’t the 1800s and class didn’t amount to much these days. Everyone seemed to be in the “ME” generation and didn’t really care how much money people had as long as they could buy their fancy cars, the latest in elegant fashions, iPhones, tablets, home theaters and any other electronic gadget available out there in cyberspace. With all the social networking sites, people didn’t even have to leave their homes to communicate. Everything was instantly at a person’s fingertips right there on the monitor or smart phone.

Francois said his “goodbyes” to Caroline as she climbed out of the taxi. She exited hurriedly and softly said, “Good night,” running up her steps to the front door. It seemed as though she couldn’t get out of his presence quickly enough. He made a gallant effort to remain in good spirits as the cab drove off pointed toward his home.

“Oh well, I hope she will at least want to see me again.” He said to himself.

Reaching his apartment, Francois handed the cab driver a twenty plus tip, closed the taxi door and walked up the stairs and let himself in. “Ah home at last. What an evening! I hope Taffy enjoyed herself. She DID looked gorgeous in that dress.” He thought as he kicked off his shiny black shoes and loosened his tie. “What I need now is a cup of coffee.”

Francois was in for the night and as he sipped his cup of coffee, he thought about what a mess tonight had been.  He had a quick notion to phone Taffy and give her a piece of his mind, but then dismissed that idea as soon as it came into his brain.

“Don’t rock the boat, the tempest will blow over,” He smiled and thought about the “two” ladies he’d managed to charm!

* * * *

After finishing their dessert, Taffy and Nicholas had one last dance. Nicholas took care of the check, got Taffy’s coat and they went outside to the curb. The city at night was always lit so beautiful, twinkle lights, the small shops with designer fashions displayed in the bright windows.

“You know what? I think we need to top off the evening with something special,” Nicholas said as he reached in his jacket pocket for his phone. He pulled up an app for the nearest carriage ride available. “Surprise Taffy. We’re taking a carriage ride around Central Park. What do you think?”

Her eyes lit up. She hadn’t expected to finish off the evening with such a wonderfully romantic treat.

They grabbed a cab and drove to Central Park. Other couples were boarding the carriages and it was a magical atmosphere.

“This is beautiful.” Taffy said, “I’m so glad you decided to do this.”

“Yes I thought it a perfect ending to a wonderful evening. You are such a delight to be with.” Nicholas poured out his feelings before he could put on the brakes.

They climbed into the carriage and settled in for a comfy ride through the streets of New York. Nicholas put his arm around Taffy and asked, “Are you warm enough?”

“Yes I’m toasty and warm. Thanks again, for treating me to such a great night.”

Nicholas and Taffy didn’t talk much on the ride, both lost in thoughts of their own; hoping that each other felt the same way.

After their carriage ride, Nicholas helped Taffy out onto the street and held her hand as they walked toward another cab. This evening was one both would think about for a long time…

Taffy reached her apartment first, gave a light kiss on Nicholas’ cheek and climbed out of the cab. She looked back at him sweetly as she let herself in her apartment.

Nicholas gave her a wave and went home happy and content.

Taffy couldn’t wait to get in the door, get some hot tea and sit down and read the note Nicholas had given her.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the envelope and read:

“Dear Taffy,

I’ve not known you very long, just a few moments at the previous dance competitions and at Starbucks. You have a delightful personality and a smile that brings joy to the heart!

God has a way of connecting people that is completely mysterious and amazing. I truly believe He has brought you and I together for a special purpose.

Thanks again, for agreeing to share a special evening with me. I look forward to many more.

Fondly,

Nicholas”

Taffy took in a deep breath and her heart started beating rapidly. Was this preacher man in her future? Her destiny? Had, as he noted, God put them together?

Her dreams tonight would be filled with sweet images of Nicholas and his kind words.

She finished her tea, pulled back her covers and sank into a deep pleasant sleep.

27

Willie was restless as he waited to be sprung from his so-called prison. “Hey will someone let me out of here! Let me out!” His yells and pleas reached no one’s ears. “Where is everybody?” He shouted.

The guys that had put Willie in his make-shift jail were busy lining up their strategy for grabbing the baby. “This is going to be tough. They’ve moved somewhere else. The baby’s got people protecting her. We’ve got to come up with another plan on how to get her.” One of the guys took the lead and was more aggressive than the others.

“I think we should scrub it and let Willie do his own dirty work,” said the other fellow. He seemed course and mean. Had a villainous attitude.

“Let’s get back there and let Willie go. Forget this nonsense. Tell the boss it’s a wash!”

They climbed in a beat-up green SUV and headed back where they had imprisoned Willie.

Willie was going nuts just waiting. “You guys, this is enough. Just let me go.  I’ll get my daughter my way!”

He heard the chain on the door being unlocked. Two grungy looking guys walked in dressed in baseball caps, well-worn jeans, smelling of cigars and beer. “Whew at least you could have taken a shower before you came here.” Willie attempted jokingly. “Speaking of a shower, I need one and also some breakfast. What took you guys so long? Let me out of here and let me figure it out myself.”

“That’s exactly what we’re going to do, Willie…let you go. We’ve had enough of this spy stuff. We’re headed back to Vegas. You’re on your own from here on out.”

They released him and he walked back out into the street, shielding his eyes from the brightness. He didn’t even know what day it was or what time. “How long was I in there?”

He was free to go get his daughter. The guys had given him a slip of paper with an address where they last saw the little girl.

Willie still had a little change in his well-worn jacket pocket; finding enough for a bus ride, he sat on a bench and waited. The bus drove up in a few minutes and he jumped on and paid the driver. Sitting back, absently watching the streets and buildings whoosh by, he thought about his life. He’d not been doing that great lately. What was he thinking? Maybe he should re-evaluate his life and get off this roller coaster mess of an existence and settle down. Those thoughts were rolling around in his head as he reached the street written down on the piece of paper. “What am I doing here?” He said to himself. “Is this really the way to have a family?”

He sat there staring into space and missed his stop. He started crying quietly. Willie kept riding around for what seemed like an hour or so. Finally being shaken from his thoughts, he pulled the cord and the bus stopped miles away from his planned destination. He exited the bus and tears were cascading down his weathered face.

He saw a bench with a sign on it saying, “Jesus is the answer. Visit Good Haven Community Church.” He made a mental note of the church’s address listed on the bench and started walking.

Knowing what he needed to do, he walked to a pay phone and dialed Sophie’s number. He knew it would be tapped but he didn’t care. What he had to say was important and he might get off easy without being arrested.

He looked around and didn’t see a pay phone around so he just kept walking.  Somehow, he’d find a way to call her and talk to her.

Willie’s heart seemed to beat faster as he thought he might need to find a “safe place” and someone to talk to. He’d never cared much for all that “religious” stuff when he was growing up; recalling his grandmother was always trying to get him to church on Sunday mornings. He offered up lots of lame excuses when she would softly plead with him to join her. Those thoughts brought up now seemed to hurt him, making his heart sad.

Walking faster, the cold nipping at him on that brisk Sunday morning, “If only I had some cab fare I could get there faster,” he thought as he stepped up the pace.

Snow was starting to fall, melting on his nose and eyelashes. He sighed deeply, “I have been such a fool; trying to ditch the only family I ever had. Sophie will never ever take me back unless I prove to her that I can hold down a job. That I can support her and Zoe,” His thoughts kept coming like the snowflakes hitting the pavement.

He had really made a mess of everything. “I will show her. I will get her and Zoe back and we will once again be a happy family,” he said with resolve.

Life would never be the same for Willie again; he was determined to become a better man, husband and father.

Arriving, later than he’d hoped at the church, he walked humbly up the stairs to the large, heavy wooden door. The wrought iron hardware was slick and cold due to the snow. There was an informal service taking place. Walking in quietly, he heard singing. “I’m late,” he said as he tried to find a place to sit in the back.

“Welcome, friend. Come in and sit down. There’s plenty of room up here in the front,” the pastor said with an inviting tone in his voice. 

He wanted to turn and run out of the building but something inside him told him “No Willie, this is for you and your family. You need to stay and listen!”

He walked shyly to the seats in the front, knowing all eyes were on him. He wanted to crawl in a hole but felt he needed to do this. He found a seat close to the front and scooted toward the center of the row.

People smiled warmly at him and didn’t make rude remarks or snide comments as he stepped gently over them to get to his seat. “Good morning,” one courteous woman spoke. Another said, “Glad you’re here today.”

He was shaking as he took his seat. “I feel so out of place,” he thought to himself as he faced forward to hear what the preacher had to say.

“My dear people, today we are going to read from First Corinthians thirteen, verses one through thirteen. Paul talks to us of what love, real love is. Please follow in your Bibles. I’m reading this morning from the New International Version.”

He read out loud to the congregation and Willie listened intently.

“1 Corinthians 13:1-13: If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels…love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…never fails…
and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

After the sermon, the small choir sang a tender invitational hymn and Willie’s heart was touched deeply by the words. He felt a tear start to fill his eye and fought to keep it from falling on his cheek. Wanting to once again, run out of the church, he looked around to see if anyone was staring at him. The people surrounding him were singing sweetly and glanced at him kindly. “No one seems to be judging me or condemning me here,” he thought as he picked up a song book and tried to follow along.

The church service concluded and Willie wanted to slip out the door quietly but he was surrounded by people wanting to introduce themselves and shake his hand. “I’m Mrs. O’Hara and I’m so glad you’re here this morning!”

“Good morning sir, I’m Jennings Miller.” Another person spoke and shook his hand vigorously.

The people just kept coming up to him and there was no way he would escape now. Then the pastor confidently approached him with a hand extended, “I’m Pastor Kincaid. What is your name sir?”

“Willie O’Brien.”

Nicholas stood there trying to hide his shock. He felt his face pale for a moment then gained his composure. “Glad to meet you Willie. Might I ask if you would like to join us in the fellowship hall for some refreshments and a cup of our finest hot coffee?”

Feeling like it would be an insult not to, Willie agreed to follow the crowd into the fellowship hall and he then prepared for all the greetings and handshaking that would definitely be a part of the ordeal.

He noticed that ever since he’d introduced himself, the pastor seemed a little reserved…he wondered why?

As Willie entered the hall there were chairs set up in rows and tables with various sweets and relish trays. On a smaller table was a large container with coffee and a smaller one that he assumed was hot water for tea. He made his way over to the coffee and poured himself a cup. Then, walked over to the refreshment table and grabbed a plate. He didn’t want to seem too eager but he hadn’t really had much to eat in a few days. In fact, he was starved!

Nicholas walked over to him hesitantly, “So you say your name is O’Brien. Do you have family in this area?” he asked.

Willie’s hand began to shake uncontrollably. “No sir, uh, I don’t have anybody…just me.”

“That’s odd, I was just talking to a lady named ‘O’Brien… Sophie O’Brien.”

Willie looked squarely into the pastor’s eyes and said, “Sir, that is my ex-wife.”

There they stood, staring at one another, not uttering one word. Both of them were in a state of shock. Nicholas knew he’d have to say something and maybe had only one shot at it, boldly asked, “I realize I’m being a bit forward here, but I’ve talked to your family recently and I’m curious to see what you are planning to do to fix the situation that has developed. This is very dangerous territory and from what I’ve heard, you are in the company of some very bad people.  I’ve also been told that you mean to kidnap your daughter.  Is there truth in that statement, Willie? Why, if you want to be part of a family, would you put that very same family in harm’s way?  The police are looking for you; they think you intend to hurt your family and take your daughter by force. This is not the way to resolve the situation, Willie.  God doesn’t want any of you hurt or in trouble with the law.  There are ways to solve this issue.  I want to help you!”

“I’m aware of that…very aware. I was held in some dark and dirty place for a few days by some of my so-called friends. They locked me up, went to find Sophie and Zoe and finish the job themselves.  I had a feeling it wouldn’t have bothered them one bit to hurt my family in the process. But for some reason they didn’t follow through and returned, freed me, said I needed to do my own dirty work, and then they let me go. I don’t know why they didn’t go through with the kidnapping. I have a feeling the fellow I was originally in contact with had something more lucrative to do and thought my job was too small.  He’d bigger money on his mind.”

Nicholas thought for a while before he spoke again. He knew that this conversation would be considered confidential and was careful not to say anything inappropriate or untrue.

“May I offer some advice to you, Willie?” Nicholas asked.

“Yes Preacher…go ahead. I’m sure I need a lot of fixing!” Willie knew he would have a tough road ahead and was ready to start fresh.

“The first thing I need to ask you Willie is if you have a clean and safe place to stay. Also, you probably need some regular meals and a temporary job while you get back on your feet.” Nicholas didn’t know what Willie’s response would be but he said a quick prayer.

Willie just listened and didn’t really know what to say. He just kept quiet while Nicholas talked to him.

“Also, in order for your life to really turn around, your heart has to be changed. You basically need to give your life and everything in it…to God.”

In the secret places of Willie’s heart he knew that the preacher spoke truthfully and frankly, his life had been terrible and lonely because his heart was in a dark place.

“Preacher, it’s true my life is in the gutter, my family hates me and I need a reason for living.” Willie’s eyes were welling up once more with tears.

“Willie I have some things around this building that could use a handyman’s touch. Are you any good with a hammer and nails? I was going to hire one of the other men in the congregation, but I strongly feel the Lord wants me to help you. I would pay you and there is a room upstairs that you could stay in until you get on your feet. What do you say?”

“I have no choice but to say ‘yes’…thanks so much for giving me a chance, Preacher!” Willie’s heart beat rapidly and the tears in his eyes became tears of joy!

“God works in mysterious ways Willie. It was no accident that he brought you to this church service today and that we have people we know in common. Now how about you go upstairs and get settled. I notice you didn’t have anything with you as far as luggage. There are some used clothing items up there in a storage closet and I’ll serve you some lunch after you settle in. Welcome home, Willie.”

* * *
*

Nicholas had a strange feeling that God wanted him to help Willie reconcile with his family but didn’t know exactly how it could be done. “Lord, this is your doing…You will need to give me direction.” He prayed fervently.

Knowing that he couldn’t divulge anything personal about Willie to Sasha or Sophie, Nicholas had to find a tactful way to let them know that the “kidnapping” was not taking place and that baby Zoe was safe.

Sophie had been through so much already. The ordeal had cost her trips to lawyers, interviews with FBI and policemen, restraining orders and running to safety and hiding in someone else’s home. “This will be difficult to handle but God willing I can do it!” Nicholas said as he started preparing lunch for Willie.

Willie looked around his temporary living quarters, thankful that he finally had a decent place to call home for a while. Smiling as he opened the closet, seeing some fresh, clean, used clothing hanging on the rack, he prayed, “Thank you Lord for bringing me here and for that nice man helping me.” That was probably the first real prayer Willie had uttered that wasn’t a prayer of desperation.