The Fall of the Prodigal (18 page)

“Go away, Nigel!”

“Can't. Your man's been holed up in jail for the past two days. We have to go see a judge. They waited this long before the paperwork went through.”

Michael's in jail?
Verona's heart hammered.
Whatever.
She did not care. “Let him rot for all I care. He's not my man!” She looked heavenward. “And, why won't anyone listen to me when I say I'm off this case?” Verona said through the locked door.

“Open the door,” Nigel pleaded. “I've got to see for myself you're all right.”

Hearing genuine concern, Verona acquiesced. She winced at his stunned expression. Her eyes were swollen from crying. Her hair stood on its ends like fiery darts. She lowered her eyes. “Come in.”

“As the saying goes, you look a hot mess.” Nigel plugged his nose. “Go freshen up. We need to have a good friend-to-friend chat.” He wandered through her living space and picked up the blanket she had slept on.

Verona had indulged in her own pity party. She could not have children. Michael had children. She could not have children. Michael had children. And, so it went.

Self-conscious, Verona hurried to take a shower. She washed her hair twice. Ten minutes later, she donned a pair of slacks and a sweater. Then she rejoined Nigel.

Nigel nodded. “Glad you tamed the animal. I need to speak to a human being.”

Verona threw a pillow at him. Nigel grabbed the small square before diving into the conversation. “Quitting is not the answer, and you know it. You've come too far to turn back now.”

Nigel was right. She had a reputation to maintain and should not have allowed her personal feelings to carry over into her professional relationship. However, when it came to Michael, the tiger became a simpering kitten. Truth be told, Verona was tired of hearing herself talk about quitting. She was vested in the man and the case. She could not back down.

“Okay, no more talk of quitting from me,” Verona said.

“Great! Now let's deal with the big elephant in the room. I'd have to be blind not to see how you feel.”

She nodded. “I broke the cardinal rule. I fell in love with Michael. Everyone can see it but him.”

“Maybe he does know but isn't ready to acknowledge it. Tiger, the man is fighting for his life. He has a baby mama coming out of the woodwork with two children in tow. He has a lot going on. Now is not the time to bail. You can't say you love someone and leave him high and dry in his greatest moment of need.”

“But, the feeling is all one-sided,” she argued.

“I don't think so. Right now, this isn't about how Michael feels. It's about you and how you feel. Do you only love those who love you back? I don't think God would approve of that kind of thinking.”

“You're right, Nigel. I didn't see things that way,” she admitted. God loved her and did for her every day whether she returned the love or not.

“Say that again?” he teased.

Verona knew what he wanted to hear but deflected. “Fill me in on the latest with the case.”

“You haven't watched the news?” Nigel's eyes bulged. “Your beloved Michael was arrested for violating probation. He had Mindy in his suite.”

She sprung forward. “What!” First Lauren, then Mindy. Verona could not keep up with the number of women waiting in line. She should rejoice she had escaped being a proverbial notch on Michael's belt.

“I don't know what Mindy was doing there. The cops must have been keeping him under surveillance. As soon as Michael and Mindy exited his building the police had handcuffs waiting. There was a throng of media present to capture his being rearrested.”

“How convenient.”

“Much too convenient for my liking. Did you ever hear from Frank?”

Verona tilted her chin toward the manila envelope on her end table. She had lacked the drive to open it. Selfish, she knew, but she was not thinking straight.

Nigel's long fingers curled around the envelope. He gently slid his index finger under the flap. “Still sealed.” He ripped it open. “Verona, this man has you off your game. There was a time when nothing messed with your job.”

Verona did not grace him with a comeback. Nigel spoke the truth. She was off-kilter. She could not get her groove back for nothing. Love had her all in limbo and she hated it. “What does it say?” she asked, as his eyes skimmed the documents.

“Frank confirms Colleen's story. However, the real jackpot is right here,” Nigel said, lifting the business card stapled to one of the pages. “This is Dr. Forrester's information: Mindy's psychiatrist.”

Anticipation crept up her spine. “We need to know what Mindy's on. We could prove her an unreliable witness, or unstable. It all depends on how many prescribed medicines she's been taking and for how long.”

“Get dressed. We're meeting with Keith within the hour at Michael's place.”

“Why there?”

“The police obtained a search warrant. They feel they have a right since Mindy went there from the hospital.”

“Give me five minutes.”

It was actually ten minutes before Verona was composed and able to slip her feet into her Manolo Blahniks.

“I think Michael was set up. In fact, I know it. The question is who and how?” Keith stated as soon as they'd arrived. He touched his chin. “Mindy has been seeing Dr. Forrester on and off for the past eight years. If anybody can give us the who, and the what, she can.”

“And the why,” Verona chimed in. The bustle around her was impossible to ignore. How what seemed like twenty cops fit into the room was beyond her.

Nigel was not able to see past the commotion. His head was turning left and right. “They're tearing this place up. Michael is going to go ballistic when he sees his rug.”

Verona followed Nigel's gaze. She pointed to the circular stain spreading across the white Persian rug. One of the officers had spilled coffee. He had not seemed too sorry about it, either.

“I'll hire a cleaning service once they're gone. It'll be as good as new,” Keith offered.

Verona shook her head. “That rug will never be the same. I'll look it up and order a replacement. How is Michael doing?”

“Not good,” Keith said. “I was only able to see him for a few minutes, when I filed the release papers. I'm hoping they'll release him into my care.”

“That's highly unlikely. He might be stuck in there until the trial,” Nigel said.

Keith lifted his chin. Verona knew he was about to preach. “I'm trusting God to do the impossible. I know Michael's innocent. I'm searching for evidence from that angle.” He patted his pants pocket. “At least I managed to swipe Michael's cell phone before they could. Someone's been blowing up his phone for the past hour. I'm curious to know who's been calling.”

Verona was not in the mood to hear about Lauren's calls. She knew it had to be her. Who else could it be? Rolling her eyes, Verona changed the subject. “Speaking of God, isn't tonight Bible Study?” she asked, glancing at her watch.

Keith followed suit and checked the time. “I've already called Gina to let her know my change of plans. She's more than capable, as you've seen. Are you going?”

“Yes, I had planned on it, but I think Michael's situation takes precedence.”

He bent over to address her. “Verona, I'm a pastor first. I'm concerned about your soul. Gina's been looking forward to seeing you. So, go. Nigel and I have this covered.”

When she opened her mouth to argue, he emphasized, “Go.”

Verona picked up her purse to leave.

However, an announcement captured the attention of all three occupants: “We've found something!”

The officer held in her gloved hands a round latex object. “We will get this over to the lab immediately,” she said.

Verona's eyes widened and she dropped her purse.

 

“Mindy was here,” she whispered. “You don't think Michael . . .”

“He wouldn't be so stupid,” Nigel said. Verona felt he was all bluff.

She shook her head. Michael had done the unthinkable. He had slept with Mindy.
The idiot.
He had just blown his case. Everything he had fought for was in the tank. In a daze, Verona grabbed her purse and exited. She had no idea where she was going. She knew one thing. She had to get out of there.

Glad she had not driven, Verona hailed a cab and settled into the seat. For the millionth time in her life, Verona wished she had never laid eyes on Michael Ward. Never fallen in love. Her heart splintered into a million pieces. She released a sob. The cabbie gave her a worried glance, but she waved him off.

“Where to, miss?”

As tears streamed down her face, Verona contemplated. She had no one. She was alone, all by herself.

No. You're not alone. You do have people who love you,
were the immediate counteracting thoughts.

“Miss?” She heard the cabbie's questioning tone. Nevertheless, her thoughts reigned.

That's right. She wasn't alone. Suddenly, Verona knew where to go. She took a brave gulp and said, “Take me to the airport. I'm going home.”

He was alone.

All alone.

Michael shivered in his cell, still dressed in his pajamas. At least he had been placed in a holding area by himself.

“Oh, God.” Michael acknowledged His presence. “I've messed up big time.”

Michael looked over at the Bible, which Keith had dropped off for him. He had asked Keith where he could find the story of Joseph. He picked it up and opened the Bible to Genesis. Once he located it, Michael began to read.

Michael read and read. He paused after Genesis 37 to ponder on the Word.

So, Joseph's brothers sold him out? Michael visualized Joseph being betrayed by his brothers. Brothers who were supposed to love him, but instead were jealous of what he had. Goose bumps rose on his flesh. “Huh, I can relate.” His voice echoed.

Keith had his share of women, but he had wanted Gina, and he had gotten her, too.

Michael opened his eyes and waited for the bitterness to rise. To his surprise, he felt nothing but sadness. He went back to the scripture, curious to see how the story would unfold. At the third verse in chapter thirty-nine, he paused. A line struck him. He read the words, “the Lord was with him.” Michael voiced the words aloud.

God was with Joseph all the way.

Michael felt a light breeze, a shiver, a sigh, before a thought tickled his ear.
If God's present, you don't need anything else, especially not rescuing.

“I can't argue with that logic,” Michael said, not realizing the Holy Spirit guided him.

He kept reading. The more he read, the more he admired Joseph: the dreamer, the visionary. Michael saw vestiges of himself. He sped through the chapters with a hunger that surprised him. He was stunned at Joseph's willingness to forgive his brothers. Tears streamed down his face at the family reunion that ensued.

“What a lofty thought,” Michael said. “But, somehow it's comforting.” For the first time in his life, Michael felt surrounded by a powerful presence. He was not alone. He acknowledged a higher power greater than himself. The fact that Joseph had been accused of rape, a crime he did not commit, was too much to ignore.

Michael reopened the Bible and flipped through the pages to chapter thirty-nine. There was another voice that had stood out. It was the latter part of verse nine. “‘How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?'” Joseph's question was achingly similar. Although this had nothing to do with God, Michael could not have betrayed Bill by sleeping with Mindy. His honor was rewarded with a false rape accusation.

However, Joseph had not dwelled on the past. He did not worry about what he could not change. Instead, Joseph prospered. Whether it was in the dungeon or in the presence of Pharaoh, Joseph stood apart.

Michael took a deep breath. Closing his eyes, he uttered, “God, I need you with me like how you were with Joseph. Amen.” Those few heartfelt words did him good. When Michael opened his eyes, he knew no matter what happened, he would be all right.

He banished thoughts of bedbugs and critters and went to lie on the small cot in the corner. He rested his head on his hands. There was no way he would put his face on that pillow.

 

 

“Are you a modern-day Joseph?” a voice boomed behind him.

Michael jumped awake. He looked at Terence Hayworth as if he were an extraterrestrial being.
For a man of six four, how does he move so quietly?
Michael raised his eyebrows. “How did you get in?”

“I'm clergy, remember? I've counseled many wayward youths.”

“What about grown men who know better?”

Terence approached and sat behind the middle school–sized desk. His large Bible took up most of the small square.

Michael was still ruminating how Terence had brought up the very person in the Bible he had been reading about earlier. “What made you mention Joseph?”

“Seeing you here alone in your cell,” Terence answered. “Joseph had many high moments only to be struck low again. It was usually because of something he didn't do.”

Michael clenched his fists. “I didn't do it, Terence. I didn't touch Mindy and I didn't invite her over to my place. I didn't do any of it. I don't know why this is happening to me.”

“I do.”

Michael narrowed his eyes. “Did God tell you? Is that why you're here? To offer an explanation for why my success is now flushed down the toilet?”

Terence shook his head. “I don't know why all this is happening but God has a way of revealing things in His time. I will share some things about Joseph, though,” Terence said. “Joseph was betrayed by someone he least expected. Then he was thrown into a dungeon because he decided to maintain his integrity. Joseph more than anyone could've have tossed his beliefs aside. Instead, he chose to cleave to God and trust Him.” He zoned in on Michael. “That's what you need to do. Place your heart and your life in God's hands. Trust Him.”

“But, that's just it,” Michael pleaded. “I've forgotten how to trust. I want to trust God,” he said, pointing to his head, then his heart. “But, in here, I'm still trying to do things my way.”

“How's that working for you?”

Michael looked around his cell and humped over. “Not too good.”

The conversation halted when they heard a noise from behind.
What now?
Michael heaved a sigh of relief when Keith came into view.

Keith dragged a desk next to Terence. “I didn't know you'd be here.”

“I had to come by to offer a word of encouragement. We were talking about the story of Joseph,” Terence said.

Keith nodded but didn't say anything. Michael supposed it was because Keith didn't want to be compared with the brothers who had betrayed their own flesh and blood. Instead he said, “Nigel sends his regards.”

Michael asked, “What about Verona? I thought she would be here.” He strove to project an “I don't care” attitude. But, he did care. A lot.

“Verona left.”

Why wasn't he surprised? Michael gave Keith a look urging him to elaborate.

“She ran off when the cops searching your apartment found a used condom in your bathroom.”

Whoa! Say what?
Michael stood and walked over to the edge of the cell. Gripping the bars, he spat, “It's not mine. I haven't had any in a long time.” A thought caused him to rock back on his heels. He shook the bars. “Get me out of here! Mindy set me up. She came over and asked to use the bathroom. That's when she must've dumped it. I don't believe this is happening,” he railed.

“Michael, keep calm. God is on your side,” Terence advised.

He did not want to keep calm. He wanted to holler and scream with frustration. Michael reined in his emotions and bid Keith to continue.

“Honestly, brother, it doesn't look good. I believe you. However, the evidence condemns you,” Keith said.

“I don't give a row of pins what the evidence says. You know me, Keith. I didn't do this. I didn't touch that girl,” Michael shouted.

“Then why did you let her in?”

Michael slinked against the bars. He rested his head on the metal rail. He felt the beginnings of a major headache. His stomach growled. After several seconds, he faced Keith and Terence. “I admit as soon as I shut the door behind Mindy, I realized it wasn't my smartest move. It was three o'clock in the morning and I was concerned about her. She threatened to kill herself.”

“How did she even get access to your penthouse?” Keith asked. “She needs a special card or your permission.”

Why did Keith sound suspicious? Michael spoke through clenched teeth. “I worked with her father. Bill and I were good friends. They used to come over for dinner and business. With all the upheaval going on, I didn't think to change my visitor list.”

“I'm asking what everybody will be thinking and asking,” Keith said. “Your answers are good.”

“That's because they're true,” Michael countered. He strained to keep the sarcasm out of his tone.

“They've sent the sample to the lab. I'm sure they'll find someone else's DNA. In the meantime, get comfortable. It looks as if you won't be getting out anytime soon.”

Unbelievable! Fury straightened Michael's spine. He knew exactly where to lay the blame. “All this wouldn't be happening if Tiger had done her job and cleaned up my visitor list. She should be here working her magic to get me out of here. I can't believe she's deserted me.”

“Blaming Verona doesn't make any sense,” Terence interrupted. He opened his Bible and turned the pages, searching for a verse.

“Terence is right, Michael. I've tried. There isn't a judge who's ready to release you until the DNA results are in. I've pulled some strings to expedite the process, but it's a waiting game,” Keith said.

Terence located his scripture and said, “I'd like to share Romans 8 verse 28. It says, ‘And we know all things work together for good to them that love God.' Michael, I know I'm not in your shoes. I'm not sitting where you are but I would want someone to tell me God will work it out somehow. That's the word I'll leave with you. You're going through a storm right now. But at any moment, God can calm the waves with a single word.”

Michael nodded. He heard what Terence was saying but his faith was limited. “Thank you,” he politely responded. Terence prayed and said his good-byes. As soon as he was gone, Michael asked Keith, “Did you manage to grab my phone. Or, did the cops nab it in their raid?”

“I have it,” Keith confirmed.

“Thank God.” Michael lifted his hands. “At least God has my back with something.”

Keith squinted his eyes. “Why? What's going on?”

“Besides finding Suzette Combs, I gave Frank another special assignment. One I fear is going to bite me in the behind.”

“Oh, yes. Speaking of Suzette Combs, you've been locked up so there was no way for you to know the cops found her. A lucky tip led them to her hideout. Suzette was holed up in some rat-infested motel in Las Vegas. You know that money is gone, right?”

Michael laughed. “I'm sure Frank hated tracking her to a dump. He'll probably bill me extra.”

“That Frank is one good investigator. I'm guessing you didn't use him to find Lauren,” Keith said.

Michael shook his head. “No, he wasn't available at the time.”

“What did you have him do? I'll fix it.”

“I hired Frank to find Martin Weston. The punk Lauren's dating.”

Keith came to stand toe to toe with Michael. He whispered, “I don't believe you had your goon go after Martin. He's a good man.”

Michael could not help it. He cracked up. “He doesn't exist.” Michael took pleasure in seeing genuine shock reflected across his brother's face. There was not much that surprised Keith.

“I don't understand. Lauren said . . .”

“Lauren has been feeding us lies.”

Keith shook his head. “I don't understand why she would.”

“Simple. She knew it was only a matter of time before I reentered the picture. She wanted to cover her bases. For some reason, she wanted us all to think she was dating someone. When I called Frank to tell him to abort the mission, he texted me to say there wasn't a mission for a man who didn't exist.”

“But if the cops see your texts . . .” Keith's eyes shone with understanding.

“Exactly. They'll tie this in to Mindy or who knows what else. At this rate, I won't be surprised if they blame me for any and everything.” He knew he was having a pity party but Michael felt he deserved one.

Keith did not. “No need to become a martyr. I'm sorry this is happening to you. But, I'm not sorry it has united us. If it weren't for this case, you and I would still be at odds with each other. You wouldn't be back in my life. So there are positives.”

Michael gestured with his hands. “I don't think I needed all this for it to happen.”

“You were so high. God had to bring you low. If he hadn't . . .” Keith said, “But I prayed for you. I prayed God would lead you home. Soften your heart.”

Michael mulled over Keith's words. How could he regret what God was doing to his heart? His humor kicked in. “Please rethink setting God on me next time. I can't take His lessons.”

Keith chuckled. “God has your back. He won't leave you. When we walk through valleys, He's there.”

“Save the message for the pulpit, brother. Put your lawyer hat on and get me out of here.”