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Tilly and Dusty devised a plan to find Ray’s ex-wife and reunite him with his daughter. But first, they needed to learn more about their relationship when they were a family. They wanted to make sure Ray’s daughter was safe. There could be more to the story than they initially thought. To gather information on Ray and locate Ray's ex-wife in Florida, they contacted Garrett, their favorite private investigator. A greater understanding of their prior lives requires them to delve into their family history.
Garrett used all his contacts to locate Melinda in Miami, and it didn’t take long for him to get the information he needed. He traveled to Florida, but when he arrived at Melinda’s house, there was a police car and someone from Child Protective Services in the driveway. Garrett grimaced and wondered whether it had anything to do with Ray’s daughter, Sarah.
As it turned out, a nosy neighbor contacted the cops after hearing a youngster weeping. When the police checked on the home to investigate, they discovered Sarah was alone in the house with no supervision. Child Protective Services was called and placed Sarah in their custody. Officers located Melinda and her husband playing bingo at an Indian casino about 50 miles from their house, and arrested them. They faced allegations of child negligence, child endangerment, and other offenses. CPS was attempting to identify Sarah’s next of kin, but they could not locate her father, Ray, because he had moved from place to place.
Garrett went to Child Protective Services and gave them his business card. He informed them that he was a private investigator looking for Melinda and her daughter. Garrett told them where Ray was. CPS set an emergency hearing for Ray to come into their office to determine whether he was fit and proper to have custody of his daughter. Garrett advised them that the hospital would not release Ray until he was better, and that they should make alternative arrangements to send someone to the hospital to do their own examination. CPS agreed to postpone the hearing until Ray was released from the hospital.
***
RAY APPEARED AT HIS custody hearing. He was trembling and sweating heavily. Because of the unusual circumstances of the case, the court excluded the public from the hearing.
Ray knew he had nothing to offer except his love for his child. He hoped the court would see that he would go to any length for his daughter. He prayed that the fact that he had no means of supporting her right now would not prevent the court from giving him custody of his child.
Moments later, the bailiff finally called his case. The hearing had begun. CPS expressed their concern that Ray did not have a permanent home, and he moved from one location to another. He didn’t have a job, so how was he going to provide for his child? Where would they live?
Ray caught the judge’s attention as he turned his head.
"We want to make sure Sarah has a secure place to live,” the judge said. “CPS is correct. Why should we give her to you when you don’t have a place to live or a job? How are you going to support her?"
Ray sighed heavily. They were correct. How could he provide for his daughter when he couldn’t even provide for himself? Before speaking, he cleared his throat.
"Your honor, I’m sorry if this appears to be a poor situation. But I’ll work hard and go to any length to keep my daughter. Please give me the opportunity to be a father to my daughter. I love her."
"We understand your current predicament, but we are focused on the child’s needs and best interests. I hope you understand our concern and position. Where will you go if we let Sarah live with you? Where are you going to sleep? You’ll need to provide us with something concrete."
Ray stayed silent for some time. He was at a loss for words. He accepted he would never get custody of his daughter again.
Suddenly, the door flung open, drawing the attention of everyone.
"Excuse me, may we please approach the bench, your honor?" a female voice said.
Ray turned around, surprised to see Tilly and Dusty there. He thought they were in Italy, but it overjoyed him to see them. God knew how desperately he needed moral support.
"And you are?" inquired the judge.
"My name is Matilde, and this is Vedasto Bonaventura, my husband. We are Ray’s friends, and we are here to tell him he and his daughter will stay at our Malibu beach property."
"How long will it be? I’m sure you can guess what kind of situation I’m in. I can’t just hand Sarah over to her father because you said they’d be staying with you. And even if we established where they’d be staying, what about Sarah’s education, food, and other necessities?"
"Your honor, I understand what you’re saying. You are correct. Their stay at our Malibu beach property is only for a short time."
"I thought so," answered the judge.
"No, your honor, you don’t understand. Their stay at our vacation house was temporary until they moved into their own place."
"What? I don’t understand," the judge remarked.
Ray gazed at them, perplexed.
Tilly did not respond to the judge. Instead, she handed Ray a white envelope.
"What is this?" he asked, confused.
"Open it," Dusty suggested with a smile.
Ray couldn’t believe it when he opened the envelope and found a million-dollar check from Tilly’s foundation.
“Tilly, what does this mean?” Ray asked.
“What is it?” the judge inquired. “Can I see it, please?”
Ray’s hand trembled as he handed the envelope to the judge. When he saw the amount on the check, his eyes widened.
"Your honor, if you don't mind, my husband and I would want to keep this information confidential. This is something we don't publicize,” Tilly said.
"All right, go on," the judge said.
"We have a private foundation that rewards deserving individuals with a million-dollar gift," Tilly told the judge. "We selected Ray as our next recipient because he deserves it."
Tilly then turned to Ray.
“Ray, we were supposed to give you the check last night before your hearing, so that you could prove to the court that you can financially support your daughter. Our flight was delayed, and we didn't arrive until this morning," Tilly explained. “Ray, you’re a good man. Don't listen to anyone who says otherwise."
Ray sobbed. "Is this for real, or is it all a dream?"
"It's all true, Ray. For you and your daughter's future," Tilly replied.
Ray wept again. He never dreamed that someone like him, who was down on his luck and everything seemed going wrong in his life, would receive such a blessing. It couldn't have happened at a better time.
"I don't know what to say."
"Just keep doing what you're doing, Ray. You are a good person. Never forget that you are a hero," Dusty said.
The judge eventually spoke up.
"This private foundation you're talking about seems too good to be true, Mrs.—What was your name again?"
"My name is Matilde, and this is my husband, Vedasto Bonaventura."
"Matilde and Vedasto Bonaventura? I'm familiar with your work and charitable endeavors. I had no idea you had a private foundation. What you are doing is a good thing. I wish there were more people like you who shared their wealth with the less fortunate. Keep up the good work," the judge added.
"Ray is a fine man, your honor," Dusty said. "He is a hero."
"Ray Griffin?" the judge said, taking a peek at his court folder. "Is this the same Ray Griffin I read about in the paper?"
"Yes, your honor. That would be me," Ray answered.
"I thought you looked familiar. I was in Los Angeles a few weeks back and read about your courageous acts. I must compliment you. You placed your life in peril to save those ladies."
The judge took a brief pause. There was no question in his mind that Sarah would be better off staying with her father.
"Ray showed the court that he had the financial ability to care for his daughter. The hearing is over, unless CPS has anything to say?" the judge inquired.
"No, your honor. We feel Sarah is in excellent hands with her father."
"All right, the court is adjourned," the judge remarked. "Wishing you the best of luck, Ray. I know Sarah is in good hands with you. I’m confident that these wonderful people will see to it.”
“We’ll make sure of it, your honor,” Dusty said.
“Thank you, your honor. Thank you very much,” Ray said, weeping.
As soon as they brought Sarah into the room, Ray burst into tears. As they held each other, the father and daughter shed tears.
“Ray, I wasn’t sure how long your hearing would continue, so I booked us a room at the Hotel South Beach. Then we’ll all return to Los Angeles tomorrow to take you and Sarah home,” Tilly said.
“I don’t know what to say, Tilly. You gave my daughter back to me.”
“That’s not all,” Dusty said. “I’ve heard you can play a mean guitar. Our friend, Adam, is the band manager for Eruption, and he wants to see you play. If you’re as talented as you sound, he’d want to hire you as their lead guitarist.”
“Oh, Dusty. This is like a dream come true. I’m freaking out right now.”
“Ray, relax. You don’t want to have a heart attack, do you?” Dusty laughed. “You don’t have the job yet. You must still audition, just like everyone else. So, do well and make us proud. Through hard work and dedication, you will succeed."
“Amen to that,” Ray said. “I promise I will not let you down.”
***
RAY GRIFFIN MADE HIS life look idyllic again, enjoying quality time on the beach with his daughter, Sarah. She laughed and frolicked as she ran barefoot in the sand.
It was good to smile again, and Ray had Tilly and Dusty to thank for that. He never thought his life would change in the blink of an eye. He only did what was right. Sure, he prevented a crime from happening, apprehended the perpetrator, and rescued his roommates and landlady until the cops arrived, but he never imagined that a simple act of kindness would lead to something big. He finally lived his dream.
He glanced at Sarah, building a sand castle. His mind drifted back to the way it was before his family fell apart. Going to the beach was something they enjoyed doing on weekends. He was happily married and on solid financial footing. When he lost his job and put his finances in order, he discovered Melinda’s extravagant spending and how they were up to their ears in insurmountable debt, which ruined them. He couldn’t keep up with paying the bills, and the prospect of homelessness terrified him. His wife left him the moment his unemployment checks stopped. She married a pawnshop owner the minute their divorce was finalized. Melinda was a vindictive woman, and he thought he would never see his daughter again. That was no longer the case, thanks to Tilly and Dusty.
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Sarah call him.
"Dad, let’s go for a swim."
Ray and his daughter raced across the beach and dove right into the water. Sarah swam over to her father to show him her swimming ability. They spent the day frolicking in the water, building sand castles, and collecting seashells on the beach. It was the perfect day for father and daughter bonding.
Meanwhile, Melinda served her time in a women’s correctional facility. Her cell was tiny and dingy, with a small window that limited the view and light. She had a difficult time believing she had done anything wrong or accepting that she had actually harmed her daughter. She had many issues in her life, but she denied she had a problem.
One day, the inmates watched a pre-recorded concert of Eruption in the recreation room. When a solo guitarist played, everyone cheered. He was fantastic. Melinda, who was sitting in the first row, was also cheering. Her eyes widened when the host introduced Ray as the lead guitarist. She was shocked. Ray was a celebrity. How did that happen? She couldn’t believe Ray was now rich and famous. She should kick herself for being so dumb. Otherwise, she would still be married to Ray and live the good life she deserved if she weren’t so materialistic.
Melinda apologized to Ray in a letter. She made amends with Ray and Sarah, hoping to reconcile with them and reunite the family. But Ray only offered her friendship. His complicated connection with Melinda was now a thing of the past, and they could finally move on from their troubled relationship. New beginnings excited him, as was the prospect of meeting a new woman to share his life with.
Melinda cried uncontrollably, and the only thing she could do was accept the reality of the situation. Their marriage was shattered because of her indiscretions. Everything that occurred to her was her own fault.
***
THE ARENA WAS PACKED with shouting fans. The opening act for Ray and his band, Eruption, was a group of senior citizens playing guitar. They were the same performers from the park in Las Vegas who had chipped in and given Ray $50 and an old guitar. Ray returned the civility they had showered upon him as a token of his gratitude. They sang Roy Orbison’s "Oh, Pretty Woman," followed by Chuck Berry’s "Johnny B. Goode." The audience erupted in excitement. The classic oldies still captivated people.
When the band Eruption came on, everyone was on their feet, dancing, applauding, and cheering. They roared even louder when Ray did his solo act. He was the best guitarist anyone had heard of in a long time.
Tilly and Dusty were also shaking and screaming at the loud music. Sarah was backstage, swaying to the music and snapping her fingers. Everyone had a terrific time. The event was a huge success, and people shouted Ray’s name as it ended. His performance catapulted him to superstardom.
Tilly and Dusty knew this was only the beginning of Ray’s incredible rock-and-roll adventure. They could see how it thrilled Sarah to be back with her father and finally have a place to call home. Ray was no longer a down-and-outer. Ray was living proof that anything was possible. He had conquered many challenges in his life, but with a friendly attitude, determination, perseverance, and desire to succeed for the sake of his daughter, any dream, no matter how big or small, could bring amazing results.
***
