A Moment of Weakness

  With everything in him, Luke wanted to object. But this wasn’t the time. Landsford had the right to establish his case before the judge. Also, he’d stolen Luke’s assertion that the club was voluntary. Rightfully so. In recent years and cases, even voluntary participation in a Bible study or prayer group had been ruled unconstitutional.

  Even sitting in a school-owned desk to discuss things of God constituted a violation of church and state according to some previous cases.

  Landsford was wrapping up his presentation. “My client and I would like to ask Your Honor to rule in favor of the plaintiff, thereby ordering the defendant to cease and desist all further Bible study or prayer group meetings at Hamilton High. In addition, we would like it established that if Mr. Quinn does not comply with cease and desist orders, he will face court sanctions and possible jail time.”

  There it was. Luke couldn’t believe it. He had heard a rumor that Landsford was threatening to invoke imprisonment for people who dared bring up God in a public space. It was another case of perception versus reality. Say it often enough and such a thing could become truth.

  The possibility made Luke feel sick. He glanced at Wendell. The man looked more nervous than he had at the beginning of the hour. “It’s okay. The guy’s just posturing.”

  Wendell kept his eyes on Landsford. “Okay. I don’t plan on going to jail.”

  Judge Wells looked at Luke. “The defendant will respond to the complaint.”

  Luke noticed that Andy Nelson didn’t look up. He kept his gaze squarely on the table he shared with Landsford. Not sure if it made any difference, but Luke also thought the plaintiff looked sick to his stomach.

  Luke was on his feet. He ignored the three folders Wendell had given him as he approached the bench. This was no time to take a chance. “Your Honor, this is a very high-profile case, as I’m sure you know.”

  “Go on, Mr. Baxter.” She raised her brow, as if to say Luke had better not waste her time. “How would the defendant like to respond?”

  “Not guilty, Your Honor.” Luke took a quick breath. “I have students willing to testify in this case. Students who deeply wish to continue meeting on a voluntary basis to discuss matters pertaining to the Christian faith.” He folded his arms and stood facing Judge Wells.

  “Which is a violation of church and state.” Judge Wells looked stern. If there had been any doubt that she was on Andy Nelson’s side, there was none now.

  “That is not our opinion.” Luke needed to get to the point. “I can promise you this, Your Honor. If you rule in favor of the plaintiff today, without a jury trial, we will appeal.” He let that sink in for a moment. “We will appeal all the way to the Supreme Court.”

  Of course, when Judge Antonin Scalia died, appealing all the way to the Supreme Court wasn’t as hopeful as it once had been. Yes, the new administration had filled his seat with a conservative judge. Regardless, Luke’s best chance was right here in this courtroom with a jury trial. Regular citizens.

  Judge Wells looked down at her docket and then back at Luke. Her eyes grew beady and dark. Clearly, she didn’t appreciate being challenged this way. “Do not threaten the court, Mr. Baxter.” She raised her brow and stared at Luke. “Is that understood?”

  “Yes, Your Honor.” Luke kept a straight face. The admonition angered him, but he couldn’t let that show. He had no choice here. He had to say and do whatever was legally allowable to win this case for Wendell Quinn.

  For the United States and the future of the Constitution.

  Finally, with an exaggerated breath, Judge Wells looked from Luke to Landsford and back again. “The court will hold this matter over for trial.”

  Good thing. Luke maintained his professional composure. Wendell deserved a jury trial. His entire educational career was at stake, not to mention the hearts of the student body at Hamilton High.

  Across the aisle, Landsford huffed and slammed a document on the table. He shook his head, making a show of the fact that in his hardly humble opinion a jury trial was absolutely not necessary.

  Judge Wells noticed Landsford, but she didn’t call him out. Instead she checked her docket again. “Jury selection will take place next Wednesday morning at nine. I’d like to start the trial the following Wednesday. This case needs to be wrapped up well before Thanksgiving.”

  Luke responded. “Yes, Your Honor. Thank you. Those dates work for my client.”

  The plaintiff had the right to ask for more time to prepare. But this was where Landsford’s arrogance worked against him. He clearly saw this case as an easy win. Nothing worth preparing for. Precedent would be enough. “Yes, thank you, Your Honor.” Landsford gave Luke a sarcastic sneer. “Those dates work for my client, as well.”

  Judge Wells banged her gavel on the bench. “Five-minute recess until the next hearing.” She stood and disappeared through the door behind the bench.

  Luke turned to Wendell and shook his hand. “Well, we got past the first hurdle.”

  “We got a jury trial.” Wendell grinned. “That means the students can testify.”

  “Whoa.” Luke chuckled. “Probably not. We can only respond to what’s brought against us. We have a lot of work ahead.”

  Wendell rolled up his sleeves. “I’m ready.”

  Jordy and Cami came to the railing that separated the spectators from the courtroom participants. They congratulated Wendell and Luke. Jordy looked at Luke. “We needed a jury trial if we’re going to win, right?”

  “Well . . . yes. A jury trial means the case will be decided by someone other than the judge.” Luke was thrilled with the win today. A quick smile broke through his professional demeanor. “Which is a whole lot better for your dad.”

  From the corner of his eye, Luke saw something that dimmed his enthusiasm. While they were talking, Cami’s father and the man’s attorney slipped out the back door, caught up in what looked like a one-sided conversation. Landsford babbling about the easy win, no doubt.

  But as he left the courtroom, Andy Nelson never even spoke to his daughter.

  It wasn’t until Luke was home that night, sitting at the dinner table with his family, that it occurred to him just how brave Wendell was. Tommy had been asking him about the case. “You got a jury trial, so that’s great, right?”

  “It is.” Luke loved his oldest son’s interest in law. He had a feeling when the time came, Tommy would be a very good attorney indeed. “We have a long road ahead, though.”

  “Tell me about this principal. Wendell Quinn.” Reagan set her fork down and folded her napkin on top of her plate. “What’s his motivation for all this?”

  Luke thought about his clients. Most were just regular people who believed they were owed the chance to practice their religion. Since that was what the Constitution guaranteed. But some were more stubborn than faithful. They just wanted to make a name for themselves or take on the establishment.

  “Wendell is one of the good guys.” Luke smiled, thinking of the conversations he’d had with the man. “He stands to lose everything in all this. His job, his reputation. Even the woman he loves. She broke things off as soon as he started the club.”

  “Wow . . . I didn’t know that.” Reagan reached for Luke’s hand. “That’s awful.”

  Tommy leaned in, listening. “That’s what I love about all this, Dad. The passions people have for what’s right.”

  Luke looked at his son. “That’s what I love about it, too.”

  Malin and Johnny excused themselves from the table to finish catching frogs in the backyard. Something Luke had grown up doing. “I’ll be out there in a few minutes,” he promised them.

  “No one catches frogs like you, Daddy.” Johnny grinned. He had the same blond hair Luke had when he was a boy. The family resemblance was a coincidence, since Johnny was adopted. But that didn’t matter. All three of their kids were theirs. Period.

  Luke turned back to Reagan and Tommy. “I guess I’m just now seeing how brave Wendell Quinn really is. I mean, this isn’t ju
st a case to him. This is his life at stake. The career he’s spent all his years building. The relationships that matter most to him.”

  “What about his son? He’s a football player, right?” Tommy squinted. “He’s one of the best players in the state. Jordy Quinn.”

  “That’s him.” Luke thought of the similarities. “He’s like you, Tommy. He backs his father, no matter what. He’d take the witness stand, fight the opposing attorney. Whatever he has to do.”

  “What a beautiful thing.” Reagan stood and picked the plates up from the table. “I hope you can win.”

  “Dad will make it happen.” Tommy grinned and stood to help his mother. Luke did the same. As they walked into the kitchen, Tommy fist-bumped Luke. “You always win these cases!”

  You always win. It was a statement that stayed with Luke while they cleaned up the kitchen and as he hunted frogs with Malin and Johnny. It stayed with him as the kids went to bed and he and Reagan turned in for the night.

  What if he didn’t win this time?

  You can do this, Lord. But precedent is completely against us. You know that. I don’t want to let them down, but . . .

  He was brushing his teeth when he felt the Lord respond.

  One, My son. One.

  The words seemed to appear on the surface of Luke’s soul. Strong and clear. One. He finished brushing his teeth and stepped out onto the back deck, just off the master bedroom. Luke walked to the railing and stared into the night sky. “One, Lord?”

  And then like the cool night breeze it hit him. One. Luke had told Wendell they’d need a host of miracles in order to win this case. Well, now they had one. Which was why Luke needed to trust in God, not just now, but through the entire upcoming trial. God was capable of one miracle. Which meant He was certainly capable of more.

  As many as it took to vindicate a brave man like Wendell Quinn.

  • • •

  ANDY NELSON WAS getting used to the feel of an empty house, but that didn’t mean he liked it. Andy’s twin girls, Ensley and Ellie, were staying with Andy’s sister a few miles away. He had explained that Cami was gone, and with work and the trial, he wouldn’t be able to care for the girls. They needed a more stable environment until things settled down. His sister had been happy to help.

  On Twitter, Andy followed a host of news services. He sat on the sofa in the living room and pored through the feed. One after another, the story was still trending. Sensational Religious Freedom Case Set for Trial . . . Angry Parent to See His Day in Court . . . Trial Set for Parent Offended by School Bible Study.

  Andy turned off his phone. Yes, the case was sensational. He had known it would be the day he called the newspaper. His attorney had told him they’d win the case. There was no doubt in the man’s mind.

  Good thing, Andy thought. He was just glad the guy was working for free. He certainly had no money to pay a lawyer. Andy stood and wandered to the front window. He should feel overjoyed about all of it. The slam-dunk case, the free lawyer.

  A trial meant more eyes on the case. More people who would be served notice. Bible study and prayer were not allowed in public places—especially not schools. Period. The more people who knew, the more they would stay away from such things in the future.

  All of which should make Andy thrilled. Ecstatic. The faith his ex-wife had tried to shove down their throats would eventually be extinct if this sort of case continued to gain public attention. Eventually people would be too afraid to even talk about Christianity.

  Andy looked over his shoulder toward the kitchen. He needed another shot. Beer was a thing of the past. Too much time drinking for the same effect. Jack Daniel’s was a whole lot quicker. He’d already had three shots since he got home from court.

  His boss seemed to understand about the work Andy would need to miss. “No educator should be reading the Bible with his students,” his boss had said. “Nothing could be more against our legal system.”

  The man had given Andy literally as much time off as it took to see the case through. Today Andy got home hours earlier than he would have if he’d been working at the airport. He took a nap, tried to eat a can of tuna and then found the bottle of Jack.

  Weirdest thing was how Andy was feeling. He should be beyond happy. The best attorney in the nation represented him. Landsford was going to win and Andy was going to be vindicated, and together they were going to earn the respect of everyone from Andy’s boss to high-profile politicians. Every media outlet would love Andy Nelson.

  But Andy didn’t feel a bit of that thrill.

  He felt old and tired and sad.

  The bottle stood like a beacon on the kitchen counter. Not a beacon of hope, exactly. More a symbol of darkness. The alcohol didn’t make him feel better. It just made him not feel at all. He moved from the window to the kitchen counter. Another drink. That’s what he needed. He poured the liquid and held it to his lips. A quick tilt of his head and another shot down.

  Cami.

  That’s what was bothering him. Andy knew it, of course. Deep down he had known it every day since she left. He walked to the back bedroom, her bedroom—at least until the day he blew up at her.

  He had been crazy that day. Crazy with anger and betrayal and frustration. He wanted her to know just how upset he was over the Bible study club. Andy sat on the edge of her bed and felt the beginning of tears.

  He’d accomplished that, for sure. Cami was so aware of the way Andy felt, she couldn’t get out of the house fast enough. He took a slow breath and stared at the photos on the corkboard that hung over Cami’s bed. Cami and a group of friends at the prom last year. Cami and her sisters at the park.

  Cami and Audrey, her unfaithful mother. Andy hated that picture. So what if the woman was Cami’s mother. Audrey didn’t deserve to have her photo on Cami’s wall.

  “I wasn’t going to hurt you, Cami girl.” His voice was soft. Like his heart was speaking all on its own. “My fist was always going for the wall. Not for you.”

  He lay down, his head on her pillow, and closed his eyes. I’m sorry, Cami. I never meant to scare you. I’m so sorry. The tears came harder, forcing their way out from between his eyelids. What sort of wretched man was he? And how come Cami would believe in a God that destroyed families?

  Andy blinked his eyes open and rubbed his fists over his eyelids. Was that what had happened? God had destroyed his family? Andy sniffed and sat up again.

  His wife had gotten the wild idea one day that she would start taking the family to church. When Andy refused, she took Cami and Ensley and Ellie. That went on for almost a year before Andy found out about the affair.

  Even now the situation sickened Andy. An affair with a man from church? Audrey said the man left the congregation after that. He walked away from church and his family and his reputation. Ran off with Andy’s wife.

  Cami and her sisters had no mother because of what God had done. At least that’s the way it seemed.

  If God was real, then He wouldn’t have wanted Andy’s wife to have an affair. And He wouldn’t have wanted a Christian man to leave his family and his church for another woman. Of course not. In fact, a God like that would probably be on Andy’s side. Feeling sorry for Andy because of what had happened.

  He sat up and reached out, touched another photo on the corkboard. Cami when she was just two years old. Bright smile, lopsided braids. A mouthful of baby teeth. Suddenly something occurred to Andy. After what he’d done to Cami a few weeks ago, she had every right to call the police on him.

  She could’ve filed charges against him. Charges of child abuse or domestic violence. That would put a twist in the case everyone wanted to talk about. Suddenly Cami would be the victim and he’d be the tyrant. Refusing to let her read the Bible. Refusing to let her pray. Threatening her with violence for wanting a life different than his.

  A chill started at his neck and ran down his back and arms. Why hadn’t Cami said anything to the police? What in the world reason would there be for her to not say
something? The club she loved so much was going to be shut down, and here she had information about her father that could throw the entire case into disarray.

  Principal Quinn and the school district would win if people knew what Andy had done, how in his anger he’d almost hit Cami. Andy lay back on Cami’s pillow again. He was so sorry. And again he was struck by a realization. There was only one reason Cami would spare him that sort of humiliation and punishment.

  Cami didn’t hate him. She truly believed in God. Faith in Him led Cami to take the higher road. The truth grew inside Andy. His daughter wasn’t out to get him. She didn’t want to see him suffer. He covered his face with his hand. Cami only wanted to learn how to live right. Learn a little more about God.

  A sick feeling grabbed at Andy’s stomach. What if Cami was right? What if there really was a God? If that were the case it wouldn’t matter what happened with the trial. Andy would lose and he would lose big. Here and in the next world.

  For all eternity.

  Andy climbed out of bed and walked to the hallway mirror, the one Audrey had hung when the two of them were still married. Andy stared at himself. Before Audrey left, he had been the most clean-cut mechanic at the airport. A guy who cared about shaving and keeping his hair short and neat.

  Now his stringy hair hung down to his collar and his beard looked scrappier all the time. On top of that, his arm was still throbbing. The spot on his bicep where he’d gotten a new tattoo this past Saturday.

  Andy turned so he could see his arm better. He had asked the tattoo artist to use an angry font. Whatever that meant. Something full of rage. Andy surveyed the guy’s work and couldn’t help but approve. The tattoo was dark, solid, one-inch block letters, and the message was as bold as the text. A message that—if there was a God—would keep Andy Nelson out of heaven for sure. The message held two words, words that defined him now.