The Legacy: Book Two of the Lane Trilogy. Vicki Inc. Andree
someday they will.” David started the car and drove back to take Lyza home. After passing the security gates and reaching the massive teak front doors, David hugged Lyza. “It’s been wonderful spending time with you, Lyza. Thank you for giving me a peek into your life and sharing this evening with me.”
She started to say something. He placed his finger lightly on her lips. “Good night, Lyza.” He kissed her on the forehead and walked back to his borrowed car.
***
Red glowing numbers on the digital clock in the hallway read eleven. Cook entered the first door on the right. “Sorry, I’m late. I thought everybody might be gone. This is as early as I could get away from the benefit. I had to make sure the caterers and staff finished serving.”
Eight bleary eyes turned toward her. Evelyn stood and offered Cook a chair at the table. “We’re not used to staying up so late, but we knew tonight would be important, and we have the room all night if we need it. The pastor here is very supportive of any groups meeting for Bible study or prayer, whether they are part of his congregation or not.”
Cook looked around the room at her prayer group. “Thank you for staying. All I can say is that God will surely bless you.”
Doris set a cup of coffee in front of Cook. “Now tell us all about the orchids benefit. It’s always so exquisite. I want to hear everything.”
Jack held up his hand. “Please, Doris, it’s late. Can’t you have that conversation another time? We’re here to pray.”
“Well, we’ve been praying for the last two hours. We’ve prayed for your family. We’ve prayed for everyone’s concerns, and we’ve even prayed for you, Beverly.”
Cook smiled. “Thank you, all of you. I appreciate all the prayer I can get. Don’t ever stop. Doris, let’s meet next week, and I’ll tell you all about the benefit then. Jack’s right, it’s late, and tomorrow is going to be a busy day.”
Jack leaned back in his chair. “Thank Heaven. At least Beverly’s thinking tonight.”
Doris looked at Evelyn and Jane. “Are you girls all right with meeting next week for a gab session?”
They nodded.
Cook opened her calendar. “How about Tuesday night, seven o’clock, at Chick-fil-A?”
Everyone agreed and made notes for themselves.
Cook put her book back in her purse and looked at Jack. “You’re welcome to come. You know that, don’t you?”
He laughed. “I know it. Thanks, Beverly. I think I’ll pass this time. How can we pray for you and the Lane family tonight?”
“For over thirty years, I’ve prayed for this family to find Jesus. We’ve had so much answered prayer over the years, but nothing in regard to their salvation. You know, I felt it was my mission when I first went to work for them. Over the years, I’ve gotten discouraged many times, but with friends like you and the good Lord, I’ve stood firm in the gap for them. Remember, when Lyza was in that horrible plane crash, God answered our prayers, and she was one of the few survivors.”
Jane added, “And even the newscasters said it was a miracle. Six people lived, and I think around two hundred eighty perished.”
“Yes, it was a miracle. Then she was in that coma, and we prayed her through that. God is faithful. I’m excited about the change in her. She’s not the ambitious, driven personality she used to be. I see a peace about her, and I wonder. She’s holding something back, and I wonder if I dare ask.”
Doris put her hand over her heart. “You mean you think…?”
“I have a feeling. It’s only a feeling, but the other day I saw her on the grounds sitting under a tree, reading. I couldn’t see for sure from that distance, but I think it was a Bible. If something’s happened, it would be difficult for her to be open about it.”
Jane spoke up. “Because the family is Jewish, and they think Christianity is a lie.”
“Exactly. And who knows how her father would react? He blames Christians for his parents’ death at Auschwitz. If he knew I was Christian, he would fire me instantly.”
Evelyn shook her head. “After all you’ve done for them? I mean, practically raising the twins and even moving into their estate to take care of them as adults? You’re the one he called after the plane crash and had you move back into the Lane estate while Lyza recovered. Beverly, don’t you think, after all these years, he’s figured it out?”
Cook smiled. “Trust me. He doesn’t know. He doesn’t even know my real name is Beverly. I’m ‘Cook.’” She started laughing. “I’m sort of like the dishwasher or some appliance. I’m useful, I’m dependable, I’m familiar, and I don’t argue. Really, he’s much too busy with the corporate world to check me out. Another thing, I’ve been with them since before my twentieth birthday. In some ways, he thinks of me as family. I’m the only staff he talks with, and that happens rarely.”
Jane laughed with the others. “What an exciting life you lead.”
Jack interrupted the laughter. “I hate to put a damper on this party, but let’s pray. I need to get to bed.”
“Before we pray, I want to thank all of you again for staying. The Lord says in His Word that where two or more are gathered, He is in their midst. So He is with us now.”
Cook bowed her head, and everyone followed. “Most gracious heavenly Father, You are Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords. We worship You in spirit and truth. We thank You for Your provision in all things, and we are thankful that You want to hear our concerns. Tonight we come to You with the Lane family on our hearts. I feel like the persistent widow, Lord; I keep coming back, asking for the same thing again and again. All of us here tonight agree on this request. We ask for the salvation of the Lane family. Reveal Yourself to them in an unmistakable way they can’t ignore. Make Yourself real to them. Take the blinders off their eyes and let them see their Savior, Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. If they aren’t ready, prepare them, Lord. Make them ready, and we beg You to do it soon. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.”
Chapter Three
The white-haired gentleman held out his hand. “Good morning, Pastor, that was a great sermon. You’re an inspiration.”
“Well, thank you, Mr. Helms. You know where it comes from.” David looked skyward. They stood outside the small community church where David Gabriel preached.
A small congregation of about seventy people ambled out of the white building. Pastor David shook hands with each one of them and spoke to them individually and personally. He knew his congregation and felt a deep and profound love for each of them. “Hello, Mrs. Ginnis, glad to see you this morning. How is that little grandson of yours?”
“Oh he’s growing fast, getting bigger every day.”
He ruffled the seven-year-old boy’s hair. “I can see that! How ya doin’, Jaden?”
“Good!” They high-fived, and Jaden caught up to his grandmother.
David saw one of the church deacons approaching. Jim, who’d been recently appointed, looked concerned. “What’s on your mind, Jim?”
“Could I speak to you in private?”
David looked around to see that everyone had left. “Sure. Let’s go to my office.”
Jim followed him back to a tiny room filled by an ancient walnut desk, bookcases overflowing with books, and two chairs.
“Have a seat. How can I help you?”
Jim started slowly. “Well, Pastor, it’s really not me who needs the help.”
“Oh? Well, tell me what’s going on.”
“Now I’m not one to read those gossip rags, I want