Since I may not get to post anymore until after the holiday's. Here's 2 chapters.
Chapter 13
Katie rolled down the taxi window and could smell the ocean several miles before reaching the condo. The minute she saw the water, she knew she had picked the perfect spot for a vacation. The condo was right on the ocean and was beautiful. She unpacked and went for a nice long walk on the beach.
Katie loved waking up and watching the sunrise on the ocean. That is when she would go for her morning walks. During the day she would swim, sunbathe, and even tired wind surfing. The time was so relaxing and peaceful. She had left everything behind. No worries. After dinner, she would sit with a nice cup of herbal tea and watch the sunset.
After three days, Katie realized that there was no way for Mark to contact her if she was needed. She had left her cell phone at the ranch and there was no phone in the condo. So she decided to find a phone and check in.
Mark answered the phone.
“Well, I am just checking in. How are things?”
“Everything on the ranch is fine. How’s the beach?”
“Wonderful as always. Anything going on?”
“Well, yes. Actually I was hoping you would call. Your father called yesterday.”
“He did? What did he want?”
“I am not sure. He didn’t say much but said that it was really important that he talk to you, soon.”
“I guess I better call him. Thanks Mark. Take care and I’ll call in a few days.
“Okay. Have a great time. Bye.”
Katie immediately called father. “Hey Daddy.”
“Hello Katherine. It’s about time.”
Katie knew something was wrong, her dad never called her Katherine. “What’s wrong Daddy?”
“I think you should come home right away.”
“Why, what’s wrong?”
“I can’t tell you now, just get home!”
“Okay. It will take a few days, I am in South Carolina.”
“JUST GET HOME!” With that he hung up.
Katie called the airport to get a flight the next morning, then called Mark and told him about what her dad said. Mark agreed to pick her up at the airport. They chatted a bit then said goodbye.
The next morning, Katie was on the plane headed home. Her vacation was great but way too short. So many thoughts ran through her head about what was wrong with her father; the worst one being that he was dying. She tired not to think about that one.
It was dinnertime when Katie and Mark pulled in the driveway. Everyone welcomed back Katie. She was so tired that she ate and immediately went to bed. She would have to drive to her father’s house tomorrow, and she wanted to be well rested.
The next morning it was raining. Katie woke up the same time she always did. As she began packing some things for the trip, she realized that she was dreading it. Her father was usually great, but since Katie’s move, he has changed. She didn’t like the way her father had changed. It seemed as if he wasn’t her father anymore. He no longer seemed to care how Katie felt, where she was, or what she was doing. Finally, she decided that she would confront her father about this and hopefully get to the root of the problem.
The drive was a good one despite all the rain. As she pulled into the drive she noticed that her father wasn’t the only thing that had changed. The place seemed run down. The grass hadn’t been mowed in several weeks. The house needed numerous repairs, and the entire place wasn’t the one she left several months earlier.
Her father stepped out on the porch dressed in old raggedy clothes, looking as if he hadn’t shaved in over a month. Katie had never seen her father like that. He was always in a suit and tie or slacks and a sport coat and defiantly always clean shaven.
“Hello Daddy. How are you?”
“Never mind that Katherine. Get in the house.”
Katie felt a sudden fear as she walked in. She had no idea what was going on and was afraid to find out. As they sat down, for the first time in her life Katie saw a strong pain and fear in her father’s eyes.
Tears came to his eyes as he started to speak. “Katie, this is hard for me to say and is probably hard to hear, but I am going to give it to you straight. Don’t say anything. Please just listen until I am finished. I know you saw how I was changing before you left and how much things have changed now. So many things have happened in the last several months. I took on a case that I knew was a tough battle. It was very controversial and one that no one thought I should take. However, I felt like I was the only one that could and would handle it. The case became very stressful on me. My client was obviously guilty of the crime and it was a very serious one. I did everything I could to help my client find a way out. There were even some things that weren’t quite kosher with the law. I did things that I shouldn’t have done to the records and case and I was convicted of several charges. My client was found guilty and so was I. They immediately disbarred me and convicted me on several counts. I never regret what I did but am now bankrupt and might even face jail. I am sorry only because I feel I have hurt you and let you down. Please forgive me Princess.” As he finished he began sobbing.
Chapter 14
Katie started to cry too. She went over to console her father. After a few minutes, she finally began to speak. “Daddy, there is no reason to apologize to me. You are the one that is hurting. I can understand why you did what you did. Even though I don’t know the details, I know that it was what you felt you had to do. I am here for you and will help you however I can. Daddy, I will love you no matter what. I promise.”
Her father looked at her and smiled through his tears. “Katie, you are exactly like your mother.”
They hugged and then decided to get something to drink to settle themselves down. Katie began telling her father everything that had happened since she left. He seemed very interested and excited. As she spoke, Katie could see him swelled up with pride at all she had done.
He later asked her how things were going with the situation of Billy’s death. She told him how everything was going and that she felt she was getting closer. Then she told him about Brian and him going to jail. She said that it had slowed things down and really hindered her finding the truth. Her father told her that he would help anyway he could. Katie thanked him with a smile.
They talked the rest of the evening and late into the night. Finally, Katie fell asleep on the couch. Her father covered her up and kissed her goodnight. The next morning, Katie woke to the smell of sausage and eggs, a smell she loved and could not resist.
Over breakfast they finished talking about her father’s case. He still wouldn’t give her details on what he did and she didn’t push it. She did ask when he would know his sentence. He told her that his hearing was the next week and that the possibilities were having his license taken away permanently, up to $150,000 in fines, three months to three years in prison or any combination of those.
Katie told him she would stay until the hearing but he refused to let her. He told her that for her sake, he didn’t want her there and for her to get the things she wanted and return to the ranch. She never disobeyed her father so she did exactly that. He promised to call and let her know the outcome. They said their good-byes, hugged, and Katie left with both having tears in their eyes.
Katie stopped down the road because she couldn’t see to drive through the tears. She sat on the side of the road crying for over an hour. Katie realized she had become bitter and angry with her father over his recent actions and that he was really the one struggling. She asked God to forgive her and to help her be a better daughter. She also prayed for her father and for God’s mercy on him. Katie continued to pray the rest of the drive back to the ranch.
As she pulled in the driveway to the ranch, she saw a beautiful rainbow that seemed as if it was directly over her house. She realized that God was showing her that He had heard her prayer and was reminding her of His promises. She was overcome with joy and peace.
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