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After waiting over two hours for a verdict, Judge Perry sent everyone home. Zack speculated the jury had just enough time to select a foreperson and discuss liability. He doubted whether they’d deliberated long enough to consider damages. Jennifer and Father Bill spent the time renewing old acquaintances.
Jennifer was happy that the judge called it a night. She couldn’t wait to bring Bill home and see her sons’ reactions. Following their abuse, the boys were cold to anyone associated with the church. With Bill, it would be different. He was there for them in the aftermath of their father’s death. He became a constant in their lives. They loved him and trusted him. Then, he left them.
Will they hold a grudge or blame Father Bill’s leaving Lakes for what happened with Gerry? Has Father Gerry ruined things for the boys and any priest, even Bill? Her questions would be answered shortly. As Jennifer and Bill drove home, they talked about the boys. Jennifer explained their symptoms and Dr. Rothenberg’s diagnosis and prognosis. Bill just listened. He never let on he knew everything.
They pulled up on the driveway. The boys were in front of the house, tossing a football. They ignored the truck, figuring Mom was home, no big deal. The tall, handsome priest exited the truck from the passenger side. Both boys saw him and shrieked with surprise and joy. Kenny ran to Bill and hugged him around the waist, followed shortly by Jake, who joined in a group hug. The boys completely ignored Father Bill’s collar. He was not a priest or an agent of the church. He was Father Bill. Kenny and Jake loved him unconditionally. He put an arm around each boy, and the entire family walked into the house.
Zack drove back to his place alone. He felt abandoned by Jennifer after Bill’s arrival. While he was not surprised she was thrilled to see Bill, he was unprepared to be entirely ignored by a woman he had feelings for on such an important night. He assumed he and Jennifer would await the verdict together. After seeing Bill, wrapping her arms around Bill, she completely neglected Zack. Jennifer and Bill walked arm in arm out of the courtroom and never looked back.
Fuck! Zack felt like a jilted lover, replaced by his predecessor. He knew better, of course. How could he be jealous of a celibate priest? What of the boys? Bill was back in their lives. Was a relationship with Zack even possible? If the boys didn’t care about Zack, why would Jennifer? He felt a migraine coming on. He arrived home. His telephone was ringing. He fumbled with his keys, inserted them in the lock, and burst into his house to grab the phone before the caller hung up. He was pleased to hear Jennifer’s voice.
“Zack, with all the excitement over Father Bill, I forgot all about our date tonight. God, did I even introduce you two? Anyway, I brought Bill home. He’s with the boys now, telling them his wonderful news. You should have seen their reaction when they saw him, Zack. They were my boys again, like none of this ever happened. Not even his collar bothered them. Bill will bring Lakes and faith back into the boys’ lives. I know he will. That’s half the battle. Zack. If you have faith, you can accomplish anything.”
“I know you believe that, Jen. It’s one of the things I love about you. This is wonderful news. I’m so happy for all of you. You deserve tons of happiness.”
“Do you want to come over?”
“I don’t think so. Let the boys have their evening with Father Bill. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Are you sure? I’ll miss you.”
“I’m sure, Jen.”
“Whatever the outcome, thank you for everything. You were wonderful. You’re the one positive thing to come out of this whole miserable experience. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“If you have faith, you can accomplish anything,” Zack chuckled.
“I’m serious. You’re still my knight in shining armor. And, Zack?”
“Yes, Jen . . .”
He wanted desperately to hang up. She was torturing him, tossing him bones to make him feel good.
“When you’re ready, I’d like to discuss the what-if scenario.”
Tears began to form. Does she mean it? Is this just another bone?
“Seriously? You’re not jerking me around, are you?”
“No, Zack. I’d like to talk about it.”
“Well, then, we will talk soon. See you tomorrow.”
“Zack?”
“Yes?”
“Are you all right? You sound blue.”
“I’m fine, Jenny, just exhausted. It’s been a long day.”
“A long week and a half, you mean. Get some sleep. You probably haven’t slept in over a week.”
“It certainly feels that way.”
“Well then, I won’t keep you from your dreams any longer. Goodnight, Zack.”
“Goodnight, Jen.”
Zachary hung up the receiver and sat for a long moment, hand still attached to the receiver. He wondered if this was the beginning for him and Jennifer or the beginning of the end. Time will tell.
He hoisted himself up off the sofa and trudged into the bathroom. He turned on the shower as hot as the nozzle would turn. Slowly, he began to peel off his clothing, tossing articles haphazardly here and there. The air became thick with steam, and Zack began to sweat. He didn’t notice. In the next few days, he’d receive his verdict. Win or lose, he feared Jennifer would soon be gone. He stood under the cascade, head down, until the water turned cold. Jennifer was correct, as usual. The money didn’t mean a damn thing.
