13

Wednesday morning, the big, old church loomed as Chryssie walked up the sidewalk. This one had been built when churches were grand structures of art. Maybe she should have chosen a more modern-looking church, but this was the closest one to her apartment. At the doors, she stopped. Was this the right thing to do?

She’d spent last night trying to figure out her next move but couldn’t come up with a plan. When she woke up this morning, she felt compelled to talk to someone about this new found relationship with God. Chryssie opened the door to God’s house and went in.

Two hours later, she walked out with a smile and wet hair—and a Bible.

Even though the church had seemed ancient, the preacher had been kind and patient.

She looked at the Bible. There was so much to learn, but she knew all that she needed to know for now: God loved her and He wouldn’t forsake her.

Not the way her mother had.

Not the way Marv had.

Not the way Zack had.

The preacher assured her that God was real and loved her, but he’d also told her that just because she was a Christian didn’t mean everything would turn out the way she wanted. Life would still be filled with disappointments, problems, and even tragedies. But she wouldn’t have to face them alone.

God would be with her always. Others might break their trust with her, but the preacher had assured her that God would do no such thing. God could be trusted.

****

Time to fix things. There was no going back on confessing to a murder she hadn’t done in order to keep Gabriella safe. Right or wrong, she was willing to stand by that confession for the very same reason. But she wasn’t willing to let Marv control her for the rest of her life.

Chryssie pulled her car into the lot behind the bar. Her hand shook as she pulled the key from the ignition. She was terrified. But she had to take a stand now or let Marv ruin her life forever.

With God’s help she still might be able to salvage something good. After all, she’d have her nursing license within a few weeks. Dr. Lasky had called her that morning to tell her she’d passed the exam. She’d be able to find a good job. And that meant a new start for her and for Gabriella. Somewhere far away from Marv.

As she passed the back door, she jiggled the knob. Locked. She walked around the building. As she approached the front door, her dread grew with each step. Maybe she should think about it some more. Pray about it. Her hand reached for the door handle, but she hesitated, no longer sure this was the right thing to do.

Marv had said she didn’t have to work until Friday.

Maybe she should take that time to come up with a plan—a real plan. She turned to leave. And ran into a body. Taking a step back, she looked up.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite pain in the neck.” Stan bared his teeth. His hand reached toward her.

“Back off. Don’t touch me.” She took a step away. What was he doing here? She’d never seen him before at the bar. Was Marv getting more brazen? Or was the man following her?

“I’ll do what I want. ‘Cause the boss owns you just like he does me.”

She had no plans to let that happen. Chryssie turned and opened the door. The dimness of the bar was in sharp contrast to the bright sunny day outside. Marquetta stood at the bar. Her back was turned to Chryssie. Was Marquetta part of it too? Did she know the truth about Marv?

Marquetta turned and saw Chryssie. She dropped the cleaning cloth and ran to wrap her arms around Chryssie. “Oh, girlfriend, why didn’t you tell me what happened? You must have been terrified.”

“I still am. But everything’s going to work out.”

Marquetta’s dark eyes narrowed. “I don’t know how you can say that.”

“It was self-defense, that’s why. The detective said I probably won’t even be charged, but that’s up to the D.A., not her. But that’s what she’s recommending. At least that’s what she told me.”

“Well, thank God for that. Did he hurt you? Are you OK?” Marquetta’s eyes filled with tears and her voice shook. “I’m so sorry all this happened. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Marquetta wasn’t part of Marv’s organization, she was sure of it. Chryssie felt peace descend. Thank you, God. “I guess I was in shock.”

Marquetta hugged her again. “I can just imagine.”

She’d need to find a way to warn Marquetta that she should change jobs before Marv got his clutches into her as well. “Is Marv here?”

“In the back room.”

Stan had stood by during her conversation with Marquetta. He hadn’t made any secret that he was listening. Was he to be her shadow from now on? Well, not if she had anything to say about it.

But Stan didn’t follow her to Marv’s office, which was really just a back room in the bar. It had office equipment but also a few tables. Marv sat at one of the tables reading the newspaper. He smiled when she walked in. “Chryssie, I didn’t expect to see you today. I told Zack to give you the message that you didn’t have to work until Friday.”

“I’m not here to work.”

“No problem. What would you like to talk about?”

His lackeys were reading the paper at another table, their faces hidden.

“I’m not here to socialize either.” She kept her voice low.

His smile faded.

And so did her nerve. But only for a moment. This was too important to back down. “I’m not coming to work on Friday or any other day. I quit.” She placed the new phone on the table. “I won’t be needing this either.”

“That’s not the way this will work,” his voice was cold enough to send a chill up her spine.

She met his stare, ignoring the fact her palms were sweating. “That is the way it will be. I’ll stand by my confession. But that’s it. Then I’m done with you and this place.”

He stood up.

She struggled to keep her gaze and her heartbeat steady.

“You’ll be done when I say you’re done.” He stepped closer.

“I won’t be bullied by you, Marv. I don’t care what you do to me. I’m done working here.”

He stared at her, his face void of any emotion. Then he pointed at the two men sitting nearby.

A moment later she was in one man’s clutches while the other shut the door leading out to the main bar area. The man who closed the door was Zack. Bobby, a part-time bartender, was holding her arms tight. She squirmed to free herself, but failed.

Zack didn’t meet her gaze.

Marv walked in front of her.

She kicked out, but he simply moved out of the way.

“The sooner you accept this new reality, the easier it will be. For everyone. You will keep working here for now.” His fist moved at lightning speed and connected with her stomach.

She moaned. Bobby’s hands let go, and she slipped to the floor.

“If you want to get a part-time nursing job that’s fine. But you will continue to work here part-time as well.” Marv nudged her with his foot. “You’re making this way too hard on yourself, Chryssie. I’m a good employer. You know that. So just accept the situation.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “For Gabriella’s sake.”

Chryssie’s heart dropped.

He’d won.

“Zack. Take her home. Bobby, you drive her car home. The two of you stay with her until I say so. Don’t let her out of your sight. Either of you.”

“But I got things to do.” Bobby whined.

“Fine. Stan can spell you later. And I’m sure Zack won’t mind some alone time with her.” He laughed. “Don’t make her do anything she doesn’t want to do.”

Zack helped her up.

She smacked his hand away. “Leave me alone.” She stood up on her own and then faced Marv. “You win. I’ll do it your way. But I don’t need a babysitter.”

He must have seen the defeat in her eyes. “Fine. See you Friday night. Be on time. Sorry, Zack. She’s on her own.” Marv pointed a finger at her. “But don’t make me regret trusting you.”