“Not my fault. I was tempted above what I was able to withstand.”
“I think God promised He’d provide a way of escape if we were ever tempted that much.”
River laughed. “Okay, I was weak. Mrs. Weyland got up before I did and prepared an incredible breakfast for me. I couldn’t say no.”
Tony put the car in gear and started down the street. “I thought you didn’t like breakfast.”
“I didn’t think I did. But she changed my mind.”
“Okay. I forgive you for not waiting for me.”
“Oh, Tony, I forgot. We were going to have breakfast together. We can still stop. I’ll drink coffee and watch you eat.”
“Wow, that sounds relaxing. I’ll just grab some doughnuts on the way into the office.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I am.” He glanced down at the car’s beverage holder. “I picked up your favorite coffee from that coffee house you like. Cinnamon dolce latte.”
“Now I feel even guiltier.”
“Good,” Tony said, grinning. “I’m avenged.”
“You’re silly.” River picked up her cup and took a drink. “Yum. Thank you.”
“So, are we taking this case?”
“I’d like to,” she said. “I need more time to go through the rest of April’s notebook, but I feel a connection to her, and I’m interested. I really want to find out what happened.”
“I agree. I’m not sure we can find her, but I’d like to try.”
River turned the radio up a little bit. One of her favorite Christian bands, Casting Crowns, was playing a song that really ministered to her. When it was over, she turned the volume down. “My father wants to visit,” she said.
“You told me he’d asked if he could come,” Tony said, “but you didn’t sound very positive about it.”
“I wasn’t, but then you started talking to me about forgiveness. I think you ruined all my arguments.”
Tony smiled. “I’m not sure I can say I’m sorry.”
“You shouldn’t.” She sighed. “I haven’t decided what to do. Not because I’m not willing to forgive him, but I’m not sure what his visit might do to my mother.”
“I assume Mrs. Weyland knows about this request?”
“Yeah, she talked to my father yesterday. He told her.”
“What does she think?” Tony asked.
“She’s not sure either. She says my mother is trying to find her way back to God, and that this might go a long way toward that. But it could also go really wrong. It could set her off. I know she’d hate it if she said or did anything in front of my father that might cause her embarrassment.”
Tony picked up his coffee and took a drink before putting it down. “I guess you have to weigh those two outcomes against each other.”
“What do you mean?”
Tony looked over at her. “I can’t tell you what to do, River. This is your decision. You need to pray about it.”
“I understand, but I’d really like to hear your opinion.”
“I guess I’d shoot for the chance your mother and father could forgive each other over a temporary upset she may experience. Does that make sense?”
River thought about his response for a moment before saying, “Yeah, it does. And maybe I could tell him I’ve forgiven him too. It might mean a lot to him, and it could also help me to finally let go of the anger I’ve held against him for so long.” She was quiet for a moment. “It sounds like the benefits could far outweigh a possible temporary disadvantage.”
Tony shrugged. “Like I said, it’s not my business, but I think you’re right.”
River had expected this reaction, but for some reason, she’d just needed to hear him voice it. Maybe she didn’t trust herself enough to make the final decision.
Tony turned onto the road that led to Nathan’s apartment complex. He pulled up to the gate and rolled down his window so he could speak to the guard. It was a different man, but it stood to reason that the person who watched the gate at night wouldn’t be the same one assigned to the morning schedule.
“Can I help you, sir?” the man said with a smile.
“We’re here to see Nathan Hearne,” Tony said. “River Ryland and Tony St. Clair.”
As soon as Tony mentioned their names, the man’s expression changed. “I’m sorry,” he said sternly. “I’m not supposed to let you in. Mr. Hearne asked that you give me the items you’re supposed to drop off. He left this letter for you.”
Tony took the letter and frowned at River. He slid the letter out of the envelope. Then he read it and passed it to River.
I’ve decided not to go forward with this investigation. Please return everything I gave you, including all of April’s belongings. I need my laptop and phone this morning. April’s laptop, phone, notebook, and drawings need to be dropped off with the guard by 5:00 p.m. today, or I’ll contact the police. Nathan Hearne.
“What in the world?” River said. “What should we do?”
