The Price of Trust (26 page)

"What did he say?" she said, extremely agitated.

"He said a lot of things," he answered evasively, trying to help her back upstairs.

"I'm not going back up there until you tell me what he said," she said, crossing her arms. "Just tell me."

"Well, he knew that you're sick, that I was here, and that he really wanted to talk to me." He stared at her oddly for a second. "He said that you told him that our wedding was off and you two had patched things up. He also said that you knew now that I couldn't ever give you the things he could or take you the places he could and that you didn't think you could live on a farm with a hick like me."

"Do you believe him?" she asked weakly, her face pale.

"Should I?" he asked, looking at her squarely.

"No." She groaned, afraid that he wouldn't believe her. "He's just trying to break us up and make you think that I don't love you." She looked at him helplessly. "Please, Joe. You've got to believe me." Weakly, she put her hands on his chest, desperate to know what he was thinking.

He pulled her gently into his arms. "Will you do me a favor?" he asked, gazing down at her. She nodded. "Don't answer this phone anymore. Don't even call out on it. I want him to wonder if you're gone, okay? Will you promise that?"

"Okay," she said shakily. "But…"

He put his finger over her mouth, hushing her. "I'll take care of it," he said quietly, hugging her. "I'll buy you a cell phone when I'm in the city today. That's the only phone I want you to use for now, okay?"

"Joe, I can't ask you to do that for me. It's not right."

"For what? Taking care of you? You better get used to it, dear. That's my job now, and I'm going to do the best I can."

"Joe," she began.

"I'm not going to change my mind, so you might as well get used to the idea. You already promised, remember?" he said, teasing her.

"What did I promise?" she asked innocently. "I don't remember a thing. It must have been the flu talking."

He led her toward the stairs to her apartment. "Yes you do and you know it. You might as well get used to it."

"I know. I just don't feel right letting you do this. Are you sure it's the right thing to do?" she asked, stopping stubbornly in front of the stairs.

"Would you rather keep getting phone calls and take a chance that it might be Ian, or would you like to know exactly who is calling?"

"There's your dad," Carly said, interrupting him. She walked with him to the front door.

"Don't try to change the subject, girl," he said, allowing her to lead him. "And you're not really 'letting' me do anything. If I remember correctly, you're arguing with me as much as you possibly can." He pulled her close and kissed her forehead. "Now, get back upstairs. You're burning up."

"Tell your parents I said hi. Thanks for coming by," she called weakly as he walked out the door. She locked the door behind him, waved good-bye, and shuffled back upstairs, feeling better just because he had been there with her.

"Well, did I give you enough time?" Tom asked jovially, waving to Carly as Joe shut the door behind him. "How's she doing?"

"Yeah, you gave me enough time. She's pretty sick, but she's handling it well. She doesn't complain and cry, but I can tell she's not doing too well. Thanks for stopping by today," Joe said, preoccupied with his thoughts.

"You're welcome," Tom replied. He glanced at Joe. "Everything okay? You seem a little worried over there."

"Are we going to Billings today?" Joe asked suddenly, taking Tom by surprise.

"I thought we were heading that way, unless you've changed your mind."

"No, I really need to go. I've got to make a stop at the mall though if you don't mind."

"Sure," Tom said simply, knowing Joe would tell him what was bothering him when he was ready. It wasn't long.

"She got a phone call today," Joe began a few minutes later, looking out at the frozen world. Tom looked at him in surprise. He hadn't expected that to be the problem. "It was Ian. He said that he wanted to talk to me, not Carly." He turned his attention to Tom. "Dad, he knew I was there. He knew that you dropped me off and that Carly was sick. How does he know so much?"

"Sounds to me like he's either having her watched, or he's here in town."

"I thought the same thing. He told me that they had patched things up and gotten back together, but she just hadn't told me yet," he said glumly, looking out his window again. "And that I could never afford to give her everything she wanted."

Tom let out a low whistle. "So that's what's bothering you. Well, that might be partly true."

Joe looked at him in surprise, a scowl firmly in place. "You think they got back together?"

"No, I don't think she's like that. She loves you, and she's very happy with you. What I meant was that I don't think you'll be able to give her everything that he could. Did you tell Carly what Ian had to say?"

He looked uncomfortable for a moment before answering. "I didn't tell her exactly what he said, no."

"Why not?" Tom asked gently, keeping his eyes fixed on the road.

Joe turned his attention back to the window. "I was afraid of her answer."

"You were afraid that she was going to tell you that everything was all over?" Joe nodded silently. "Why do you think she'd go back to a guy that beat her and controlled her every movement? Do you think she liked that kind of attention?"

"No," he answered after a slight pause. "I'm afraid that it's just too good to be true."

"What's too good to be true? Your relationship with Carly? Do you think that God, the Creator of the universe can't make a woman that will love you with all her heart? Do you think that God can't make a woman that's happier with her soul mate than with material things that the world has to offer?" Tom asked kindly.

Joe was silent.

"Joe, when Amy treated you the way she did, she hurt you so deeply that you seem to think that all women are like her. That's just not true."

Tom glanced sideways at him and clapped him on the shoulder.

"You've got to let Amy go. Get her out of your mind. Forget her and ask God to help you trust Carly and give you two the best marriage possible. He can do it, but you've got to ask first. Just look at your mother and me. We weren't always as happy as we are now. In fact, we were headed for a divorce, but then we got saved and gave it all to God. He turned everything around and did a better job than I ever thought possible. Now I couldn't live without your mother, and she feels the same about me. We're best friends. God's just waiting for you to ask and believe him, but you have to make that choice first."

"I never knew you and mom had marital problems," Joe said softly, looking at him. "You both always seemed so happy together."

"Every marriage has problems; it's just how those problems are dealt with. If you try to take care of everything on your own, you're going to lose. You've got to give it to God and ask him to help you both be who he wants you to be. I wasn't always worried about being a good husband, in fact, I was pretty selfish. But after I got saved, there was a big difference in the way I handled things and in who I was, but I still had to give all my problems to him. Just because I got saved, all my difficulties didn't just magically disappear. In fact, some of them got worse."

Tom smiled ruefully at the memories. "Not everyone was happy that we got saved. Most of your mom's family accused us of becoming 'Jesus freaks,' and my parents weren't too happy about it either, but when they saw the difference in our lives, they wanted to know more about God. They both received Jesus as their Savior before they died."

"I'm afraid," Joe said honestly. "Amy was sneaky at the beginning of our relationship, and I don't want to make the same mistake."

"Do you think Carly's not afraid of you?" Tom asked simply. "She's been through quite a bit with this guy Ian. He's treated her very badly, and she's probably wondering if you're going to end up like him. But she seems to be willing to take that chance. She knows that God can and will take care of everything. Now it's your turn."

"I never thought of it that way," Joe said thoughtfully. "You're right. I love her too much not to trust her."

Tom smiled. "It'll make your marriage a whole lot better too."

"Carly!" Joe shouted desperately, shaking her vigorously as she lay motionless on the bathroom floor. "Carly! Can you hear me? Wake up!"

He tried to pick her up and carry her to her bed, but she was too heavy. No matter how much he strained, he couldn't seem to even lift her arm. What was wrong with her?

He looked around wildly at the apartment, noticing for the first time that it wasn't the same neat and tidy apartment he had left earlier. This place was trashed. The refrigerator door hung on one hinge, the oven door was cracked, and the kitchen table had been broken in two. The door to the apartment looked as if someone had kicked it in. Why hadn't he noticed that when he came in?

"What happened in here?" he asked, still trying to shake her awake. Frantically he felt for a pulse. Not finding one, he ran downstairs looking for the telephone. Someone had ripped it off the wall, leaving just a wire hanging where it should have been.

Why hadn't he brought the cell phone to her earlier? Why had he waited? He ran to Sam's office, hoping to find a phone in there. It too had been smashed into tiny pieces. He had to get help for her, but everything seemed to go in slow motion. He couldn't run fast enough, he couldn't find a phone, he couldn't help Carly. What was wrong?

"Joe!" Todd said loudly, shaking him awake. "Joe! Wake up! You're having a nightmare!"

Joe sat up, scanning the room for Carly's lifeless body. Instead, he saw his own disheveled room, the blankets and sheets strewn on the floor, his pillow beside them.

"What? What are you doing in here?" he asked dazedly, still trying to get his bearings.

"You were having a nightmare," Todd said shakily. "You were hollering and yelling, nearly scared me to death. I'm surprised Mom and Dad didn't hear you." Todd sat down next to him. "What was it about?"

"Carly was dead." Joe shuddered involuntarily. "Her apartment was all tore up like someone had broken in. I've never been so glad to be awake before," he said thankfully. "What time is it?"

"Twelve thirty," Todd said. "Sounds like a pretty bad dream. You okay?"

"Yeah," he said quietly, rubbing his eyes. "I hope she's okay."

"It was just a dream. She's fine; you'll see. Try to get back to sleep," Todd said, getting up to go back to bed.

"Todd," Joe said before he left. "Do you believe that dreams have meanings?"

"Well," he said thoughtfully. "I suppose I do. When I dream about food, I'm hungry."

"I'm serious. Do you think that something bad could have happened to her tonight?"

"You just had a bad dream. She's fine, just go back to sleep. Good night," he said from across the hall.

"Sorry I woke you up," Joe said, unable to shake the helplessness he felt.

He lay back in bed and tried to relax. He tossed and turned, plumped up his pillow, willing himself to think of something else.

Nothing worked. He was wide awake. He got up and went downstairs into the dark kitchen, leaving the lights off so he wouldn't disturb his parents. He helped himself to some milk and sat down at the table, allowing himself to think about the nightmare he'd had. Was it a sign? Was God trying to tell him something? Was Carly in some danger? Worry gnawed at him. Doing the only thing he could, he lay his head down in his arms and prayed.

Lord, I don't know if this dream means anything, but I feel a strange uneasiness. I'm afraid for Carly. Will you please keep her safe and let me know what I can do to protect her? I love her so much Lord. I don't want to lose her. Please keep her safe
.

He fell asleep, the unfinished prayer dying on his lips, his milk untouched. But God is faithful, even to the unfinished prayers of his people.

"Why in the world are you sleeping at the table instead of in your bed?" Tom said loudly the next morning, scaring the wits out of Joe and making him jump. He rubbed his eyes and looked at the kitchen clock.

"Is it really five forty-five?" he asked groggily. "I didn't think I fell asleep."

"I guess you did." Tom laughed. "What, were you afraid we would eat breakfast without you?" He slapped him on the shoulder and started some coffee. Soon, the welcoming aroma filtered through the air.

Joe inhaled deeply. "No." Joe grinned, feeling a little foolish. "I had a nightmare." He stood up and stretched, trying to work out the kinks in his back and neck.

"A nightmare? Oh I know. You were dreaming about all the outrageous cell phone bills you're going to receive." He winked as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "Want some?" he asked, offering a cup to Joe.

"Not yet." He smiled, thankful for the peace God had given him. "I'm just a little anxious for Carly, that's all. I'm going to run up and get ready to do my chores," he said as he trotted up the stairs to his room, passing Todd, who was just coming into the kitchen.

"Joe's up early," he remarked, opening the refrigerator door and helping himself to a glass of orange juice. "I thought he'd sleep in this morning." He took a big swallow.

"Yeah, I heard," Tom said thoughtfully, sitting at the table. "I guess he had some sort of nightmare."

Todd sat down across from him. "That's an understatement. I had to go in and wake him up. I'm surprised you and mom didn't hear him. He was loud. Kicking and yelling. About scared me to death. He dreamed that Carly was dead. It was pretty weird." He took another swallow of his orange juice, emptying his glass and pouring more.

"That doesn't sound too good. Did he tell you anything else?"

"Just that someone broke into her apartment and trashed it," he said simply. "But I was too tired to talk much about it, so I told him she was fine and that he needed to go back to sleep. Why?"

"Yesterday, when he was at Carly's place, that Ian guy called and talked to him. I think it shook him up more than I thought."

"Ian called and talked to Joe? Why?" Todd asked, dumbfounded.

"I guess to try and cause problems is all I can figure. He succeeded too. He seemed to know an awful lot about what goes on with Carly. I don't know if he's having her watched or not, but Joe's afraid that she won't be safe where she's at."

"I don't blame him," Todd said uneasily. "What's he going to do?"

"I don't know. I haven't got that far," Joe answered from the doorway. Tom and Todd looked at each other, embarrassed. Joe poured himself some coffee and sat at the table with them. "What do you two think I should do?"

"Do you think he's here?" Todd asked.

"No. If he were in town, he would have caused a lot more problems than he has. I think he's having her watched." Joe took a cautious sip of the hot liquid.

"Well, if he's not here, you don't have much to worry about. I'd worry when he was here, if he even comes out this way. I think he's just trying to scare you and Carly. He's all hot air," Todd said confidently, leaning his chair back on two legs.

"I don't know," Tom shook his head. "I think you're right to be concerned. This guy knows too much to just be hot air. If he wasn't interested in her anymore, he wouldn't have her watched. No, I think he's a threat. Maybe you two should get married right away."

Joe shook his head, discouraged. "She doesn't want to get married without having a place to stay. I thought I could stay at her place for a little while, but to be honest, it would drive me crazy. Anyway, she'd be left alone in town while I came out to work on the house. I need to get more of that house done so we can get married and move in, then he won't know where she is."

"Why is this guy so obsessed? I'm not trying to be mean or anything"—Todd looked apologetically at Joe—"but she isn't the only woman in the world. I'm sure he could find another woman, especially one that likes his money."

"That's probably why he wants her so bad," Tom interjected. "Carly's the only one that doesn't want him, and that bothers him. It's like a hunt. It's not necessarily that he loves her; it's just that she got away. In fact, if she would have stayed and married him, they would probably be divorced right now. Sounds to me like nobody's ever said no to him before."

"That's pretty much what Carly said," Joe said, finishing his coffee. "He doesn't like to lose. She's pretty sure that he's got another girlfriend, but he just won't give her up and leave her alone."

"So that's it then. Your plan is to just work on the house," Todd said flatly, looking him squarely in the face.

Joe set his mouth in a grim line. "No, I'm going to work my butt off on that house. She said she'd marry me when the bedroom, bathroom, and part of the kitchen were done, so that's where I'm concentrating."

"I'll help," Tom said, standing up and taking his coffee mug to the sink. "I'm ready whenever you are."

"I'll help as much as I can too," Todd said. "As much as you've helped me get my place ready, I figure I owe you at least an hour's worth of work." He laughed as Joe punched him in the arm.

Joe swallowed the lump that was in his throat and grinned.

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"Dad, I'm finished! I'm going to run into town to check on Carly," Joe said, wiping his hands on his overalls when the chores were finished. "Do you need anything?"

Tom glanced up from the horse he was brushing. "I don't, but you might want to check to see if your mom does. Drive careful, the roads are pretty slick."

"I will," he said, heading out the door.

"Joe!" Todd said, following close behind him. "Can I hitch a ride with you so I can see how Kelly's doing?"

"Sure, just be quick," he said shortly, trying to hurry. As much as he tried to hide it, he was still pretty worried about Carly and could hardly wait to see her.

"I will," Todd said, hurrying to his room to change his clothes.

Joe hung up his overalls, washed his face and hands, put on his baseball cap, and waited impatiently for Todd to reappear.

"Hi, Mom," he said, sitting down at the table. "I'm going into town today, so if you need anything, let me know."

"I can't think of anything really. Well—oh, never mind. Are you going to eat lunch here, or in town?" she asked kindly, busy about the kitchen.

"I was thinking about eating in town, but I don't know now. Todd's coming along, so I don't know what he had planned." He drummed his fingers on the table.

"We'll eat in town," Todd said quickly, coming into the kitchen and grabbing his coat. "See you later, Mom." He kissed her on the cheek and followed Joe out the door.

"Bye!" Joe said before Todd shut the door.

They rode into town in silence, Joe preoccupied with his worries, and Todd was unwilling to interrupt.

"Do you want me to drop you off at Kelly's?" Joe asked edgily. He wasn't sure which he wanted to do first. He really was anxious about Carly, but he also knew that Todd wanted to see Kelly.

"I'll go with you," Todd said simply. "If she's feeling better, we can all go to get Kelly and then to lunch, if that's okay with you."

"Sounds good," Joe said, grateful for Todd's concern and loyalty. He pulled into a parking space and turned off the truck. He grabbed the cell phone he had bought for her and climbed out of the cab. Todd got out on his side, ready for anything that Joe might need him to do. Joe knocked on the door and peered inside, covering his forehead to cut the glare on the glass. Irritated, he knocked on the door a little harder.

"I will be so glad when we don't have to do this anymore," he said crossly as Todd took a step back to look up at her window.

"Carly," he called, cupping his mouth. Looking at Joe, he said, "Maybe she's still sick and can't hear us."

Joe's face was gray with worry and frustration. He walked around to the back of the store to check the back door. Locked. He banged on the back door, knowing that would get her attention if she were able to hear him. After a few minutes, he walked back to the front where Todd was continuing to knock.

"Nothing?" Todd asked, trying to keep the worry out of his voice. Joe shook his head grimly, getting back inside the truck.

"I think I'll take you over to Kelly's now." Starting the truck, he backed out and turned toward Kelly’s place, throwing slush and muck up like a rooster’s tail behind them.

They were just passing Sam and Sue's house when Joe had an idea. Hastily, he pulled into their driveway, put the truck in park, and jumped out before Todd could ask what he was doing.

He stalked up to the side door and knocked. Almost immediately the door opened and Carly walked out, wrapped in her heavy winter coat. Todd breathed a sigh of relief. Without a word, Joe grabbed her hand and pulled her into the truck, placing her between him and Todd.

"Hi, Todd," Carly said, a bewildered look on her face. She looked at him questioningly. He shrugged, not wanting any part of the situation.

"What's wrong, Joe?" she asked, turning to look at him.

He didn't answer.

"Joe!" she said, tugging a hand away from the steering wheel as he drove over to Kelly's place. Still no answer. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," he answered evenly, not looking away from the road.

"Okay," Carly said uneasily. "So how are you today, Todd?" she asked, her voice catching.