And Then Came A Lion (Lions and Lambs Book 1) (18 page)

Susannah alternated pacing in front of the living room window and staring out. Sunday came far too quickly. The butterflies had started that morning the moment she woke, and they continued to build to the point she felt close to panic. She’d decided not to attend the barbeque and had tried to call Rachel several times, but her best-friend-suddenly-turned-traitor, hadn’t answered. Well, she’d just have to tell her she wasn’t going when she came to the door.

Of course, Rachel had seen through Susannah’s suggestion to meet them at their place. It would have given Susannah an easier opportunity to back out at the last moment. Part of her wanted to meet this Val, another part was terrified, and what if she imagined it all? What if the old Indian hadn’t really told her to read the scriptures and this was only a false promise, just the product of her desires?

Frank and Rachel pulled into the driveway. Susannah squared her shoulders, might as well go. As Rachel said, what did she really have to lose?

She locked the door and hurried down the steps to the car.

Frank had the back door open. “You don’t mind riding in back with Billy and Molly?”

“Not at all.”

The two kids talked non-stop all the way to Ginny’s. That suited Susannah. The chatter kept her mind off other things.

The moment Susannah stepped out of the car The Menagerie McCrae surrounded her. Rachel snickered, and Frank rolled his eyes. The next second, Billy and Molly exited the vehicle and Susannah was dismissed. She smiled. Sometimes that was a good thing.

Two other couples sat in lawn chairs underneath the huge shade trees. Ginny, the quintessential hostess, flitted back and forth between the house, the buffet table, and her guests.

“Susannah! Rachel!” She hugged both women and turned to Frank. “It is so nice to finally meet you. Let me introduce you.”

In spite of honest effort, the only name Susannah remembered was Dave, Ginny’s brother, a nice looking man, not much younger, or older than Ginny, yet definitely taller. Of course, almost everyone was taller than Ginny.

Ginny leaned close. “Val’s on his way. He should be here any moment.”

Susannah felt her heartbeat accelerate.

As if reading her mind, Rachel squeezed her hand and smiled. “What is meant will be.”

Susannah nodded.
True. Now stop worrying, and just relax. Enjoy the afternoon. What was the song? Que Sera, Sera?

Hearing a commotion from the side yard, Rachel dashed off to investigate what possible trouble the cherubs, mixed with The Menagerie McCrae, had devised.

Ginny’s eyes glinted with mischief. “He’s here.”

Susannah swallowed. She wasn’t ready. She thought she was, but she wasn’t. She needed an escape. As if on cue, Rufus came bounding up with a ball.

“Rufus! My hero!”

She scooped up the ball and carried it over to the side yard. Rufus caught her toss on the fly and raced back. Susannah picked up the ball and tossed it again. Rufus repeated his ball retrieval. Only this time he ran past her toward Ginny and an unfamiliar man, obviously Val, coming in her direction.

Oh Lord, I’m not ready for this. I should never, never have agreed.
Exactly what was bothering her so much? It was the effort. A new relationship required a great deal of effort both emotionally and physically and she didn’t have much of either. She was tired, drained. It took all of her energy to follow through on the old Indian’s directions. There wasn’t time, or energy left for anything else. She would be polite, say hello, and that would be that. In another hour, Rachel and Frank would be ready to go, and that would suit her just fine.

Val wasn’t drop dead, model handsome, yet there was something about him. He moved differently than most men. He had a swagger, an attitude of confidence in his movements, and something else she couldn’t quite grasp.

Ginny beamed. “Val, this is Susannah, my newest employee.”

Susannah extended her hand, pleased to see it wasn’t shaking, noticeably anyway. “Hi.”

He returned her handshake, firm, but gentle. “Pleasure.”

No lingering release, respectful, professional.

Ginny added. “Susannah’s just returned from six weeks in Africa.”

Val raised his eyebrows. “Africa?”

Susannah nodded.

“Yes, she went over as a volunteer for a relief group. Now, I’d also like you to meet the others.” With a wink to Susannah, Ginny steered Val toward the rest of the guests.

Rufus mysteriously reappeared in front of her.

“Traitor.”

He wagged his tail and dropped the ball at her feet. “Just a few more. And, you’re still a traitor.”

Another tail wag.

After a few more throws, Susannah sauntered over to Rachel and sat in the empty chair next to her.

Rachel leaned closer. “So?”

“So, what? I said hello. End of conversation.”

“Really?”

“Really. And that’s just fine. I’m too tired for these relationship games.”

Rachel sat back. “I see. This really has you upset, doesn’t it? Then, don’t worry. Just enjoy the afternoon, and we’ll all go home.”

“That’s my plan. Where’re the cherubs?”

Rachel pointed toward the side yard. Billy and Molly were taking turns throwing the ball for Rufus.

Susannah felt something touch her ankle, Tiger Lily. Without invitation, the cat sprung into her lap and settled in.

Rachel smiled. “You certainly have a way with animals. Tiger Lily hates everyone, even Ginny. Careful, you might inherit a cat.”

Susannah shook her head. “Absolutely not. I couldn’t torture Buddy like that.”

“Don’t look, but you are definitely being noticed.”

“By whom?”

Rachel looked at her.

“Oh.”

“He’s coming over.”

“Coming over
here
?”

“Just relax, remember this is only a group of people gathered for a barbeque. Keep that in mind and forget the rest.”

“Yes, but then in one respect, this is different. There’s more at stake here than just my heart. What if he can help with the children?”

Rachel nudged her.

“Is this seat taken?” Val gestured toward the empty chair next to her.

Susannah shook her head.

“So, you spent six weeks in Africa. What did you think of the continent?”

“Well, I loved it. I’d go back in a heartbeat if I could. You know, they say Africa has a magic about it, and they are so right….”

Rachel glided away. Susannah didn’t notice. The sun sank lower toward the horizon, shadows lengthened, guests thinned and they still talked.

Susannah looked up as Rachel walked over. “Frank and I are heading out. No reason for you to leave, Susannah. Val, you wouldn’t mind taking her home, would you?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

Before Susannah could protest, Rachel disappeared around the corner of the house.

“Would you rather go with them?”

“No, I’m not ready to leave yet, unless I am keeping you.”

“Not at all. In fact, I know we’ve just met but I’d like to continue our conversation beyond tonight. May I ask you out for dinner next Sunday?”

The words flew out of her mouth before she could stop them. “I’d like that.”

Ginny strolled over. “I’m making coffee. Would the two of you like some?”

Simultaneously they both answered. “Cream, no sugar.”

It was a sign, right out of her favorite movie. Now she really was being silly.

Ginny laughed and Susannah blushed.

Val looked confused. “Did I miss something?”

Ginny shook her head. “Not a thing. I’ll bring your coffee.”

An hour later, Vale escorted Susannah to his car and opened the door for her. He climbed in and back out to the main road. Susannah gave him directions and their conversation continued. They were still talking while he walked her to the front door. He also insisted on opening the door.

Val endured Buddy’s exuberant greeting and then handed her the key. “I really enjoyed tonight and am looking forward to next Sunday.”

“Me too.”

“Okay, goodnight. Be sure to lock the door after me.”

“I will.”

Susannah watched Val back out of the driveway. Was this what she wanted? The man was easy to talk with, and there was an uncanny amount of common interests, down to the personal preferences, like coffee. Was it a sign, like in her favorite movie, or was her imagination in overdrive?

She locked the door and set the deadbolt.

“Susannah, do you love me so little?”

She turned around. Mark was standing in the foyer. How was that possible?

“Susannah, do you love me so little?”

“What do you mean?”

“What happened to the traditional year of bereavement? I am barely in my grave and you are entertaining other men.”

Susannah narrowed her eyes. The face was Mark’s, but the voice wasn’t.

The eyes flashed red.

Susannah took a step back.

It stepped forward.

The door pressed against her back. She shook her head. “Go away.”

It smiled. An inferno of emotions engulfed her: shame, guilt, fear, doubt, hate.

“No!” Susannah pushed away from the door. “I believe in God Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in His Son, Jesus Christ. You may destroy my body, but you can’t have my soul!”

The thing uttered a horrific howl and vanished.

Susannah sank to the floor, shaking and crying. “How can I fight a spirit?”

The old Indian appeared next to her. “You don’t, Susannah, God does. All you need is faith.”

***

The demon’s tortured howls followed it back to its dark abode. So close, she had come close to accepting its disguise ― and the accusations. However, there were other weaknesses to exploit, and he would try them all until she succumbed. Then he could move on without interference, increasing his hold on this portion of the human race. They would begin the spiral downward toward the complete subjugation of the earth and all the creatures that trod upon it. Man was weak, easy to entice, to delude, to deceive, and in the end to exploit and conquer. He would see who would stand and who would fall.

Rachel leaned back in the rattan chair, her eyes open wide. “No.”

The women, at Ginny’s insistence were sitting on the small patio behind the shop having tea and scones.

Susannah sipped her tea and nodded. “I know. Even I have a hard time believing it.” She cradled her mug in both hands and leaned back against the cushions of her chair. “For the first time in my adult life I slept with all the lights on.”

“I wouldn’t have stayed. Why didn’t you come over?”

“It was late. I was tired, but I’m not ever really alone.”

“Right, but he seems to show up after the fact.” Rachel shook her head. “But why Mark?”

Susannah shrugged. “Meeting Val has stirred up all kinds of feelings, including guilt.”

“Guilt?”

“Yes. It claimed I didn’t love Mark enough to fulfill the traditional one year bereavement period.”

“You fulfilled your vow to love until ‘until death do us part’. The Bible states there are no husbands and wives in heaven. And just because you love someone else, doesn’t mean you didn’t, or don’t, love Mark. You can love more than one person at the same time.”

“I know, here.” She pointed to her temple. “But, here,” She touched her heart. “I still miss and yearn for what I lost and replay that awful night, wishing I could change it.”

“You should talk to our pastor.”

“Maybe.”

Rachel touched her arm. “Susannah, be very, very careful. This isn’t a game. Just last Sunday, our pastor spoke on how too many refuse to believe the devil is real. He
is
a roaring lion, searching the world for those he can devour, and it sounds like he’s now roaring at your doorstep.”

“I know, but the old Indian told me my faith would be enough.”

Ginny bounced out of the shop and plunked down in one of the wicker chairs. She picked up a mug, poured tea, and sat back. “I understand you and Val are going to dinner Sunday?” Her smile couldn’t have been any wider had she been auditioning for a certain striped feline in a famous fairy tale. “You guys look so serious. Did I interrupt something?”

Rachel glanced at Susannah. Susannah shrugged.

“Susannah had a bad experience last night after Val dropped her off. She might need an exorcist.”

Ginny’s broad smile faded. “What?”

Susannah explained.

Ginny set her mug down. “Wow.”

Rachel said, “But God sent the disciples out in twos. I think Val is very much a part of this. You and he just don’t realize that, yet.”

“But I’m not a prophet or one of the disciples. I’m just me, floundering around trying to make a difference in a few lives and doing a poor job of it. Just look what happened to Mark. If I knew more…”

“Stop. That was an accident. It could have happened regardless of that pursuit.”

“You don’t believe that any more than I do, but I have to accept what I cannot change. So, one way or the other, I need to first convince Val I’m not a nut, then drop the bomb, and then hope there is something left after the explosion.”

Rachel refilled her mug and set back against the cushions of her chair. “I think you are looking at this only one way, when there are numerous views. Have you considered God may have sent Val not only to be your companion in your fight against these monsters, but also to help
you
heal, to be literally your companion? And that you just might be God’s gift to him as well?”

Susannah shook her head. “I doubt that. I am more of a curse than a blessing, just look what happened between Mark and I, even before the accident.”

“Stop that. Just keep an open mind. Don’t overlook a blessing because of preconceived beliefs ― or unnecessary guilt.”

“Well, I did accept his dinner invitation, and we’ll just see where it leads, and how long he stays after I shatter all of his perceptions about this world.”

And hopefully there won’t be any uninvited guests to make things any more complicated.

She drained the rest of her tea and stood. “If it’s all right, Ginny, I think I’ll head home. I promise to hit the gardens early in the morning.”

“Certainly. Go get some rest.”

Rachel held out her hand to stop her. “Are you sure you want to go home? You can stay with Frank and I, or ―” She looked at Ginny. “I am sure Ginny wouldn’t mind if you stayed there.”

“No, I prefer to go home. It is still my home and I refuse to allow anything to run me out.”

Susannah drove straight home. After Buddy’s enthusiastic greeting, she stepped into the foyer. The heavy, oppressive feeling and the slithering, scratching noises she had heard since coming back from Africa were gone. The house was silent, an empty, hollow silence.

She went into the kitchen, made coffee, and stepped out onto the deck. A vibrant rainbow arched over the panorama of the city. She flashed back to Africa, the falls, and God’s promises. What choice did she have but to trust?