Wishing Pearl Page 28

  Oh God. “What’s going on?” Part of her didn’t want to know.

  “Officer Stapleton found your mom and Charles. They’re in the house. Charles has her in the attic, and there’s kind of a standoff. She’s okay though.”

  “A standoff? What does that mean?” Olivia shook Tammy’s hand off her arm and stood to her feet. “Does he have a gun?”

  Ben nodded.

  “But she’s still alive? You’re sure?”

  He nodded again. “Mark’s waiting for backup to arrive.” Olivia dropped on her knees to the carpet again and prayed out loud. “Lord, You know what’s happening right now. You know what’s happened in the past. Please don’t let evil win. Please protect my mom. I’m not saying this as an ultimatum—I’m really not trying to bribe You. But the fact is, it’s the only way I’ll know You’re even interested in me. I thought so yesterday—but now this happened. You can make something big come out of this, though—something that makes me know for sure You’re up there and You’re on my side. Just … just save her. One word from You—one nod to an angel to help her out of this—that’s all it would take. Please.”

  What was it that Ben had told her to say? “I t–t–trust You, Lord.”

  It sure didn’t sound like a typical churchy prayer. But a flowery prayer full of thees and thous wouldn’t have been real coming from her at that time, and He would know that. The best she could do was to speak from her heart. If God was who people said He was, that’s what He’d want anyway.

  Still on her knees, Olivia glanced up at Ben. “What will I do? What if something happens to her?”

  Tammy crouched down beside her. “Let’s not think about that right now. Have faith, Olivia. Let’s trust God to protect her.”

  “Based on previous experience, that might not be the best plan.” Olivia shook her head. “I’m holding out hope though. I’m trying to trust.”

  Ben jumped like he’d been awakened. “I’m going to go alert the prayer chain. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. Too shocked, I guess.” He hurried from the room, already pressing buttons on his cell phone.

  Olivia collapsed back against Ben’s desk with her legs splayed out in front of her. She leaned her head back and stared straight ahead.

  Tammy got up and went to a chair. She sat forward with her elbows on her thighs and rocked in her seat, praying quietly. BANG!

  The door burst open, and Donna, Patty, Skye, Tricia, and Ju-Ju came barreling in.

  “We just heard.” Ju-Ju dropped down beside Olivia. She put her arms around Olivia’s shaking shoulders and pulled her close. “Shh. Don’t worry, chica.”

  Tricia looked at Tammy with a question in her eyes.

  Tammy shook her head. “Nothing yet. Prayer teams are rallying all over the country by now, if I know Ben.”

  Olivia let her head fall against the desk. Waiting was the worst part. Shouldn’t they have gotten to Mom by now? Shouldn’t she have heard Ben’s phone ring out in the hallway? No news was good news, right? Maybe not in this case—maybe the longer things went on … Olivia had to shake her head to clear the thoughts. She tried not to keep going to that dark place, but it was difficult. She almost couldn’t imagine a favorable outcome—she’d never had one before, so why expect one now?

  Ben paced back into the office, his hair seeming even more silvered than it had been that morning. His eyes were drawn and his face gaunt. He seemed to be taking it as hard as Olivia—a strangely comforting thought for her, since she was used to carrying the weight of the world by herself.

  He stepped over to Olivia and squatted down to eye level.

  Tammy scooted her chair to the side a few inches—in better line with Ben’s face—and stared at his lips.

  Ju-Ju clutched Olivia’s hand tighter.

  Skye took her other one.

  Wait. He’s not just coming to me to offer comfort. He has something to say. It’s not good news. Olivia’s stomach turned and threatened to empty. Judging by the lack of a smile and a sense of urgency, Olivia already knew the words that would come from Ben’s lips. She’d heard them too many times. They amounted to one simple truth.

  Olivia, you lose.

  Her shoulders slumped even more, and she hung her head. She’d run out of tears.

  “Liv. The situation has ended.” Ben sighed. “Your mom is okay. She’s going to be just fine.”

  Olivia raised her head slowly, not believing what she’d heard. “She’s what? She’s okay?”

  Ben nodded with a hint of a smile. “She’s not hurt at all.”

  Thank You, God.

  “Thank You, Jesus.” Tammy raised a hand toward heaven.

  Ju-Ju grinned, and Tricia squealed.

  Not so fast. “But why do you look so upset?” Olivia asked Ben. Here comes the bad news.

  “Charles shot at the police officer. Thankfully, he missed. But Officer Stapleton had to shoot him.” Ben closed his eyes. “Charles is in critical condition and is being transported by LifeFlight right now.”

  Olivia nodded and looked at the floor.

  “What are you thinking right now?” Ben gave up his crouch and sat down beside her.

  “Honestly?” Olivia shuddered. “I’m wondering if God is mad at me for hoping Charles dies.”

  Ben nodded. “I had a feeling you’d say that. You know what? You’re human.”

  Olivia felt some slight relief even at those few words.

  “God forgave you, and He expects you to forgive others—even when they don’t ask for that forgiveness—and even Charles. But that will come in time. It’s a process He’ll work in you.”

  Olivia nodded. Enough about Charles. “I just can’t believe my mom is okay. When can I talk to her?”

  “Officer Stapleton said he’d finish taking her initial statement and then call me back.” Ben looked at his watch. “I’d figure maybe ten more minutes.” Just as his words trailed off, his phone rang. Ben glanced at the display and handed it right over to Olivia.

  “Hello?” She gripped the receiver.

  “Livvie Love?” Mom’s voice sounded weak.

  Olivia gasped. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Mom. I was so worried.”

  “Olivia. I’m … I’m just … I’m s–s–s–sorry.” She coughed a sob. “I can’t believe … what you’ve … b–b–been through, and it’s all my f–f–fault.”

  “Shh, Mom, don’t even think of that right now. Just take care of yourself. We’ll talk about all that later.”

  “They’re taking me to the police station to give a statement.” Mom’s breathing was ragged. “Hold on, Liv. They’re telling me something.”

  Olivia heard rustling, like her mom had covered the phone with her hand. The muffled background voices were indistinguishable. Olivia picked at a burn in the carpet while she waited. She imagined the hole came from a rebellious teen who’d lit up a cigarette right in front of Ben and then dropped it to the floor in defiance when he told her to put it out.

  “Liv?” Mom let out a shuddering breath when she came back on the line. “It’s over.”

  “I know, Mom. You’re safe.”

  “No, I mean it’s all over.” She drew a sharp breath. “He’s dead.”

  Olivia nodded. “Are you okay with that, Mom?” I know I am.

  “I don’t have much of a choice. It’s not the real Charles I’m going to grieve over; it’s the ideal of what I’d hoped for.” Mom sighed. “I have some real soul searching to do.”

  “We both do.”

  “I have to go with Mark now. I’ll call you later, okay?” She started sobbing again.

  “Okay. I’ll be praying for you. Just get through all of this and then get some sleep.” Olivia paused. “I love you, Mom.”

  But it was too late. She’d already hung up.

  Olivia stared at the lifeless phone in her hand. Had the past few hours, weeks, months, years been real? Or were they all just one big nightmare? Was it over?

  Her body jerked when she felt a light touch on her sh
oulder. Ben. She’d forgotten that she wasn’t alone in the room. She looked around at her friends—her family—and then back to Ben’s eyes. “It’s finished.”

  Chapter 33

  Maybe life wasn’t meant to be easy. Maybe that’s what made Olivia’s search so difficult. She’d been looking for something that didn’t exist. Demanding something she’d never been promised. Olivia stared at the ceiling, wishing she could take a nap. She needed to forget the past few days, forget about the concert she’d missed, forget about all she’d lost, even for just a little while, to make the time go faster.

  She should have been at practice already. It broke her heart to have to stay home. Not only did she miss the music and the time with the orchestra, but she missed spending time with Justin on the ride down. Well, the Justin she’d thought he was anyway.

  “Yo, Liv.” Ju-Ju poked her head into the bedroom. “Ah! You scared me.”

  “Sorry about that. Um … would you come with me? Ben wants you for something.”

  Sigh. She wanted nothing more than to sleep away her sorrows and heal from the past week’s events. That wasn’t going to be possible apparently.

  Olivia shuffled along after Ju-Ju. “What does he want? Do you know?”

  “I have no idea. You know Ben. It’s all a big mystery.”

  “Right.” The last thing she needed was any more drama. “Here. He said to come into the dining room.” Ju-Ju pointed down the hall and let Olivia go first. When they arrived at the door, she swung it open wide and hundreds of people yelled.

  “Surprise!”

  Olivia stumbled back like she’d walked smack into a wall of noise.

  Ju-Ju grabbed her elbow to steady her.

  Olivia surveyed the room in dazed silence. Okay, maybe there weren’t hundreds of people packed in here, but there had to be close to fifty. Who were they, and why were they surprising her?

  Mr. Gables? What was he doing here? Why wasn’t he at orchestra practice? Olivia’s conductor stood in the center of the group, holding—wait. What was that he had hidden behind his top hat? An oboe? He held what looked like a Marigaux—one of the priciest and most professional oboes on the market—or at least an excellent replica. Where had he gotten that?

  Having trouble adjusting her eyes to take in the full scene, Olivia only then realized that many of the people in the room were fellow orchestra members. Her eyes moved to Ben. “Can someone explain what’s going on?”

  “Mr. Gables, why don’t you do the honors?” Ben waved his arm with a flourish.

  “Miss Olivia, I have several things I’d like to say to you, if I may.”

  Olivia nodded then remembered her manners. “Yes, sir.”

  “You are a rare student, a brilliant oboist, and a pure heart. I knew the moment I heard you play your oboe that God had a special plan for you. I hoped I’d get to be a part of it, and now I do.” He smiled down at her like a kindly father. “Following the tragedy of what happened to you the other day, the Denver School of Fine Arts dipped into its specialty fund to purchase this spectacular instrument for you.” He held out the oboe.

  Olivia gasped. “I’d hoped maybe you were offering me a loan until I could find a decent used one somewhere. But this is mine?” She took it with hesitant fingers, unsure of how or where to hold it so she wouldn’t leave fingerprints.

  “Ah, so you do recognize its value?” Mr. Gables’s grin boasted his pride in his student.

  “Of course. It’s a Marigaux.” Olivia shook her head. “How can I? It’s too much.”

  “No. No. It’s not too much. You haven’t heard the terms.” He winked.

  “Terms?” Olivia had to force herself to focus on his words while she held the amazing French-made oboe in her hands.

  “Yes, my dear Olivia. With the acceptance of this gift, you are agreeing to attend the Denver Fine Arts Academy next year on a full scholarship.” He grinned as the whole room erupted in cheers.

  The whole room, that is, except for Kira, who stormed out the doors in a huff. Her stomps up the stairs shook the floor. Donna followed her.

  “Anyway”—Mr. Gables shook his head in disdain and twisted his slick mustache between his fingers—”I’m jesting about the oboe requiring your attendance at the academy. It’s yours regardless. But we would like nothing more than for you to graduate from our hallowed halls and bring honor to the name of the Denver Fine Arts Academy when you go on to do great things.”

  Olivia wiped her eyes, but the tears continued to flow. “I never … No one ever … How can I ever thank you?”

  “Don’t thank me. Turn all your gratefulness to Jesus. He’s the One who gave you life, and He gave you your incredible talent. He deserves the praise, Miss Olivia.”

  She nodded. I wish my mom were here.

  Ben stepped forward and cleared his throat. “Now, will you play for us?” He brought a chair to the center of the room where Olivia stood and motioned for her to sit.

  In a daze, Olivia perched on the edge of the seat, turning the instrument over and over in her hands. What a thing of beauty. She moistened the attached reed and then played a tuning note. Her stomach flipped at the sound that escaped. She closed her eyes and began to play.

  The first few measures filled the silent room. Then one by one, the audience began to sing along.

  When sorrows like sea billows roll;

  Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

  It is well, it is well with my soul.

  When she finished the song, everyone offered congratulations and the room began to clear. The girls had chores to finish and dispersed in different directions. The musicians filed out one by one to climb on the bus and head back down the mountain. Olivia shook Mr. Gables’s hand. “I truly can’t thank you enough, sir.”

  “Your presence for another year is thanks enough, young lady.” His dark eyes twinkled. “Now, go practice.”

  “Yes, sir.” Olivia grinned as he walked away. Right behind where Mr. Gables had stood sat Justin. Her grin faded just as quickly as it had appeared. Hidden like a coward. Olivia would have hidden, too, if she’d treated someone so despicably. She folded her arms across her chest and clenched her jaw.

  “That was awesome, Liv. I think of that as our song.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  Justin scrambled to his feet, his face white.

  “Olivia? What’s the matter? What did I do?”

  Boy, he was a great actor. “Tell me the truth, Justin Bradley. I’m going to ask you one time—God is your witness. Did you ever say one word about my scar to Kira?”

  Justin’s eyebrows knitted together in apparent confusion. “That’s what this is about? Yeah, I said something to her, but—”

  “That’s all I wanted to know. Thanks for at least being honest about it.” Olivia jogged for the door, trying not to cry until she escaped into the hallway. “I have to go.”

  The last thing she saw as the doors swung shut was Justin’s wide eyes and open mouth.

  Olivia ran to her room and collapsed on her bed with her brand-new oboe tucked in beside her—where it would stay. She was too tired to cry, too worn out to think.

  Sleep.

  Olivia opened her eyes to startling pitch-black silence. She squinted and tried to see if anyone else was in the room. Skye’s bed looked lumpy, and Tricia’s long arm hung down from her bed, her hand resting on the floor. What about Ju-Ju? Was she in the bed beneath Olivia?

  Ju-Ju stirred and let out a snore.

  How had she slept through their coming in and getting ready for bed? She peeked at the clock on the desk. Already five o’clock in the morning. Her alarm would go off in an hour, and there was no way she could fall back to sleep after sleeping more than ten hours. She sat up slowly and swung her legs over the side, letting herself down to the floor as quietly as possible. No sense waking everyone else up.

  The little light on the desk gave off only a small amount of light, so Olivia clicked it on. She carefully pulled out the top desk
drawer and reached in for a few sheets of paper and a pen. Settling into the desk chair, she thought about how to convey what she’d needed to say for a long time.

  Dear Mom,

  I love you.

  I just wanted to tell you that, and I hope you believe I mean it. Not only that, but I forgive you. The forgiveness I’m extending is as much for my sake as it is for yours. It’s so I can be free of the anger—free of the bitterness and resentment I’ve had toward you for things you’ve done or haven’t done over the years.

  There, that feels so much better already.

  I want to move on, Mom. I want us to move on. I’m sorry you’re alone because I know you don’t like to be. But I’m so glad you’re safe. I don’t know what I would have done if …

  I made a deal with God. Did you know that? I told Him that if He saved you, if He brought you back to me, I’d give my whole life to Him because I’d fully believe, with my whole heart, that He cared about what happened to me.

  He cares about you like that, too, Mom. You once knew that. In fact, you once taught me all about the things of God. I remember now.

  Would you do me a favor? Would you please go back to church? And really think about getting counseling. You have a lot of junk to get through. We’ll face it together as much as we can, but some of it you’ll need to do on your own. Promise me you’ll reach out and find a way? And that you’ll go to church?

  I have one other request, Mom. And it’s a big one.

  Move to Denver. Please? Why don’t we just start over here? A new place, new home, new scenery. There’s no reason not to. What’s left for us there? Alicia said she’d help you get a job at the hospital if you want to work. Plus I just found out yesterday that I have a scholarship for next year. I’ll be able to graduate from Denver Fine Arts Academy—what a dream come true for me!

  Why can’t we take what the devil meant for evil and let God turn it around for good? Ben said that God loves it when we give Him the chance to do that.