Shelter from the Storm. (Chapter 16)

Mac Davenport wheeled his old Ford 4x4 pickup

into the driveway of his home and was enthusiastically

greeted by his mastiff dog Cornelius and his Siamese
cat Kato. Mac immediately knew what they wanted.
 "Yes, lads, I know,"  he said to them as Cornelius
hopped with his forelegs and Kato rubbed against
Mac's calves, "you're hungry. I'm right on it."
 Mac had just returned from the dismantling the track
and getting the fellowship hall back to its original
arrangement with the help of Gary Canfield, Wilfred
Templar and a few other men of the church.  Mac
remained after everyone else left to check the church
and make sure it was secure before heading for home.
 Mac now had one more task to do and that was to
feed Cornelius, Kato and his rabbits.
 Mac undid Cornelius' chain and followed Mac to the
back door with Kato darting ahead and waiting by the
door ahead of Mac and Cornelius.
 "Kato,"  Mac chuckled, "you must learn patience."
   Mac and his 'lads,' as he sometimes calls his two
pets, entered into Mac's small home and Mac began
the task of feeding Cornelius and Kato.
 After he finished with Cornelius and Kato Mac was
getting ready to head back outside to feed the rabbits
when his cellphone rang. He pulled it from the case
he had clipped to his right side, opened it and answered
with, "Hello?"  It was Karen.
 "Yes, Karen?"



Karen Williams was in her room getting ready for bed
when she decided to call Mac.  She wanted to tell him
what a great night it was for everyone including her. It
was also about her concern for Julie Benson and Alex
Hobbs.
 She pressed Mac's cell number which she got from
a church directory which was given to new members
courtesy of Jenny Garrett of the Newberry Community
Church Welcome Ministry of which Mac Davenport
himself was minister.
 "Hi, Mac,"  Karen answered.
 She paused a moment, then answered with,  "I just
wanted to call and tell you what a great night it was
at the pinewood derby. Everyone really had a good
time tonight!"
 Pause.
 "Oh no. Not at all. I love church events like this."

 Pause.

 "Yes, there is. It's about those two kids; Julie and

Alex?"

 Pause.

 "How long will she be there?"

 Pause.
 "Well, anyway, I couldn't help but notice that Julie

seemed a bit preoccupied during the race."

 Pause.
 "I did.  I thought she looked a bit dismayed."

 Pause.

 "Oh, that's great. I'll check my email and I will

definitely pray for them and their mom, too!"

Pause.

"Okay, Mac. I'll see you Sunday! 'Bye!"

 Karen went over to her small desk across her room,

opened her laptop and checked her emails and sure

enough an email prayer request which was sent out

by Gary was on her list. After clicking on it and

reading it, she turned the laptop off, closed it then

went over to her bed, knelt down beside it and

began to pray for Julie, Alex, and their mom.  

Mac closed his cellphone and put it back in its

case and proceeded with the task of feeding the

rabbits.  Cornelius and Kato were still chowing

down on their meals as Mac headed back out.

This concludes Chapter 16.

Shelter From the Storm. (Chapter 15)

At the Canfield home Brian Canfield and Alex Hobbs were in their
room with Alex looking up and admiring his trophy he won at the
Newberry Community Church's pinewood derby. His pinecar
was next to it. They were both getting ready for bed. Brian saw
Alex looking up at the trophy, shook his head and just grinned.
 "Still admiring your trophy and car, Alex?" Brian asked.
 "Ya," Alex turned to look at Brian as he answered him.
 "I did the same thing when I won, too." Brian said as
he patted Alex on his shoulder, "It was a great night for me
as well."

 Over in Dawn and Julie's room Dawn and Julie were talking
about the pinewood derby as well.
 "Alex was so thrilled he won," Julie said of her little half-brother,
"that he clung to his trophy and car like they were his soul
possessions."
 "It was the first time he ever won anything is why."  Dawn
answered.
 "I know it is," Julie answered back, "We both never been to
something like that before."
 Dawn noticed that Julie started to get somewhat uneasy after
she just said what she said. Julie somewhat choked up when
she said the word 'before.' A sniffling sound followed and that
was when Dawn rushed to her side.
"Julie," Dawn exclaimed, "What's wrong?"
"I don't want to leave you ," Julie sobbed, "You've all been
so good to me and Alex and I don't want to leave."
 " You won't," Dawn replied, hugging her, "God has
brought you to us, remember?"
 "I know," Julie sniffled, "I-I thought about how nice it is
being with all of you and then what it was like back home."
 Julie buried her face on Dawn's shoulder and cried some
more.
 Gary and Vera were walking down the hallway to get ready
to turn in when they heard Julie's sobs as they approached
the door to Dawn and Julie's room. Vera was the first to
walk in followed by Gary.
 "Julie," Vera exclaimed as she came to her side, "What's
the trouble, honey?"
 Dawn answered first, "She says she doesn't want to
leave us."
 "You aren't," Vera said.
 "But what when Mommy gets out?"  Julie sobbed,  "She'll
come for us and take us away."
"She can't do that," Vera reassured her, "Children's services
won't allow her to."
 "They won't?" said Julie, looking up at Gary and Vera.
 "No, Julie," Gary put in, "It's a long story, but your mom
is going to be going through a lot, and she won't be able to
take you back, not for awhile, anyway."
 "Oh."
 "Gary," Vera said, looking toward her husband while she
held Julie to comfort her, "We need to all get together and
pray for the kids, their mom, and the outcome of all this
right now."
 "I'll get Brian and Alex,"  Gary replied and walked out of
the room and to Brian and Alex' room.
 Vera went to the dresser nearby and pulled a tissue from
a tissue box that sat atop it and wiped Julie's cheeks with
it and then said, "We're all going to pray for your mom and
this situation she is in and for you and Alex as well. God is
going to work this out, okay, honey?"
"Okay," Julie answered.
 Gary came back in with Brian and Alex and informed them
of the reason for the prayer gathering. Alex looked over to
his half-sister and noticed from the puffiness of her eyes and
the reddened cheeks that she had been crying. Alex then
immediately went over to her and hugged her. "Don't cry,
Julie," Alex said, "It be awright."
 "Yes, it will," Vera added and then everone in the room
held each others hands and Gary lead the family in prayer:


 "Oh heavenly Father, we all come together in Your
precious name and we pray for the situation that
Julie and Alex' mom is in and that you work this
situation according to your will. We also ask that
You protect her and watch over her and also for
your comfort and protection on Julie and Alex
while they are here in our care. We earnestly
pray that you work all this out for your glory.
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen."


With the prayer concluded and some brief reassurances
from Gary and Vera, Julie and Alex turned in, followed
by Brian, Dawn, and their parents.  Vera bid the girls
good night before she turned and left the room and
then did the same with Brian and Alex as she and Gary
passed by their room.


 Outside the Canfield home and across the street opposite
their home a lone vehicle, a 1980s vintage Chevrolet S-10
Blazer in a dark brown paint scheme was parked by the
curb, its engine running. It stood there for maybe five minutes
sitting there at the curb as the driver, the sole occupant of
the old SUV, appeared to be looking in the direction of the
Canfield home. The driver's figure was obscurred by the
darkness outside save for a street lamp that was still burning
at the house at the right of the Canfields' which barely
silouetted the head of the driver. The outline suggested a male
with a ball cap. Five minutes had passed and the Blazer pulled
from the curve and drove off into the night.



This concludes Chapter fifteen.

Shelter from the Storm. (Chapter 14)

The day of the Newberry Community Church Pinewood Derby
had come to pass and the fellowship hall was alive with activity
as the children , as well as a few adults, eagerly and anxiously
waited for the race to begin.
Mac Davenport and Gary Canfield checked the track to make
sure all fastenings were tight. Mac used his old pinewood racers
as test cars to test the track. To his relief and satisfaction, it all
checked out.
 Wilfred Templar, a fellow greeter, manned the weigh station
using a scale specifically made for pinewood cars to make sure
they were at the correct weight of six ounces or under.
 At a table near the track the pinecars were lined up on top of it
along with the children participating in the race.
Brian and Dawn Canfield, Julie Benson and her younger half-
-brother Alex Hobbs, the twin boys Toby and D.J. and the
rest of the church children waited anxiously.
 Mac walked to the center of the room to announce the
beginning of the race.  Mac addressed the crowd:

 "May I have your attention please.  First I want to thank all
of you for coming to our tenth annual Pinewood Derby and
to thank those of you who helped in bringing this event about.
Now if we can all please stand as we begin the event by
singing our national anthem."

 And with that those that were sitting immediately stood up
and hands were placed over hearts as everyone present from
adults down to the children began to sing the Star-Spangled
Banner. Everyone turned to the American flag that stood
next to the stage on the far end of the vast room of the
fellowship hall as they sang out the anthem.
When the singing ended, cheers and clapping followed
and then Mac Davenport once again addressed with,
"Racers," then a little louder with, "START YOUR
ENGINES!"
 As if on cue, the children grabbed their cars and lined
up at the starting end of the track, with Mac standing
next to the starting line to release the cars down the track.
 Wilfred stood at the finish line ready to declare the winning
racecar of each heat.
 The first racers at the track were Julie Benson, Alex Hobbs
and Eric Nelson.  Julie with her VW Beetle in Herbie the Love
Bug colors and stripes and those plastic eyes for headlights,
Alex with his red pick-up with its roll bar and black stripes,
and Eric Nelson with a bright yellow Ferrari sports car.
Mac placed the cars on the starting line; the cars held in
place by wooden pins.
 Mac announced the racers of the heat, then with his hand on
the catch-release called out, "Heat number one!" and released
the catch trigger, sending the cars racing down the track and
toward the finish line.
 Wilfred eyed the cars all the way down to the finish line with
Alex's racer the first to reach the finish line with Julie and Eric's
cars following immediately after. It was a close first heat.
Wilfred picked up Alex's car to signify it was the winner in
which Mac then anounced, "Winner of heat number one goes
to Alex Hobbs!"
 Alex shouted and jumped for joy on hearing his name called.
Mac patted the boy on the head and said, "Good job, little guy!"
 Next were were the twin boys, Toby and D. J. Holmes and
Violet Werkman.  Mac placed each of their cars on the starting
line and called out with "Heat Number Two and sent the cars
down the track, Wilfred picking up Violet Werkman's car; a
green open-wheeled roadster.  Violet, like Alex before her,
jumped and shouted for joy also.


 Seated next to each other in metal folding seats placed next to
the track were Vera Canfield, Karen Williams, and Jenny Garrett.
They were conversing with one another between heats.  Karen
observed the children by the race table and noticed how Brian and
Dawn were at the end. She then turned to Vera.
 "Vera," Karen spoke,  "I noticed how Brian and Dawn chose to
be at the end of the line."
"Yes,"  Vera replied,  "They've been at this so long they decided
to let the less experienced go first."
"And they didn't have to be told or reminded of that,"  Jenny put
in,  " Brian mentioned about their decision to me after the last race
we had last year."
"That's correct," said Vera, "In fact, Brian and Dawn have become
so good at building their cars and racing they felt their skills would
be too competitive for the others."
"And they didn't have to be reminded?" Karen wondered, eyebrows
raised slightly.
"No, although Gary and I both agreed with them."
"You and Gary are bringing up two wonderful children."
The conversation stopped briefly as Mac announced Heat
Number Three and attention was turned toward the track as
Mac released the cars of the third heat. The conversation
resumed after the winner was announced.
 Karen had thought about the conversation she had with
Mac after she met him at the cemetery where they both
happened to meet when Mac was visiting the grave of
his deceased parents and she, her deceased older brother.
Mac and Karen got together at the Corner Diner after
they both left the cemetery and she remembered the
part of their conversation when Mac mentioned his
hobby of building wooden model antique cars.
"Vera," Karen asked,  "Did Mac teach them their car
building skills, by any chance?"
"Oh yes," Vera answered,  "He and Gary are both
skilled at woodworking. Gary with the track and Mac
with the cars."
 "I see.  Mac did mention to me one time that he likes
to make wooden antique car models."
"Yes."
"Karen," Jenny spoke up, " Mac even made Wilfred
 a wooden model of an antique double-deck bus as
a welcoming gift when Wilfred first came to our church."
"Really?" Karen then remembered the time when the
Canfields invited Karen and her mother to dine with
them after their first visit with Newberry Community
Church.
 Karen remembered the one topic of their dining
conversation of when Wilfred was a stranded
motorist and Mac happened to come along
and offered assistance to Wilfred.
 "Yes," Jenny went on,  "Wilfred was so moved
by that, too. He said his breakdown on the
highway was a blessing in disguise and that Mac
was a godsend."
"So Wilfred's been here ever since?"
"Yes."
Karen thought, Yes, Mac was indeed a godsend; in
a lot of ways.



As the race was in its final stages as it was coming down
to the top three contenders; Alex Hobbs, Julie Benson
and D.J. Holmes.
 Mac then announced the final heat of the race which
would determine the winner.
Alex, Julie and D.J. approached the racetrack and
Mac placed their cars on the starting line. The room
became suddenly quiet as everyone waited in suspense
to see who the winner of the Newberry Community
Church Pinewood Derby would be.
"The final heat," Mac announced, then released the
final three cars down the track, all eyes locked on
the pinecars as they made their way down the track
for the last time. The three cars seemed to race neck
and neck until at the last section of track the red pickup
belonging to Alex Hobbs gained the lead and reached
the finish line first. Wilfred held up the winning car and
Mac announced, "The winner of the tenth annual
Newberry Community Church Pinewood Derby is
ALEX HOBBS!"
Alex's eyes went as wide as hard-boiled eggs when
the winner was announced and then he jumped up
and down excitedy then ran over and hugged Mac
around the leg.
"Congratulations there, buddy!"  Mac said as he
rubbed Alex's head, "Stay here while I get your
prize."
 Mac went over to a table where the prizes were
kept and picked up three trophies, one for the
winner one for the second and third place
racers.
 Mac walked to the center of the room with
everyone standing as Mac announced the
winners:

"Grand prize goes to Alex Hobbs! " Mac
held up the twelve-inch tall gold trophy
with a pinecar-shaped piece on the top
and called Alex over. Jenny Garrett
came over with her digital camera and
snapped pictures of Mac handing the
trophy to Alex then got one of just Alex
and his trophy. Mac then announced the
second place winner:


"Second place goes to Julie Benson! C'mon
over, Julie!"  Mac then handed a six-inch
silver trophy with the same pinecar shape
on top and Jenny repeated the same photo-
shoots as she did with Alex.
 Mac then announced the third place winner:


"Winner of third place is D.J. Holmes!"  D.J.
went over on hearing his name and Jenny
again repeated the photoshoot process as
she did with Alex and Julie.


There was clapping for all three winners as
each had been announced. Jenny then got
with the three kids and took pictures of the
three of them together holding their trophies.
Jenny then had the kids get with their families
and get their pics taken together.
Mac looked on with great satisfaction as
pictures were being taken and noticed
how Alex Hobbs looked to be in seventh
heaven as he held his trophy and pinecar.
Mac looked toward Alex and thought, That's
what it's all about.
 Karen walked over to Mac as he was
getting ready to dismantle the track and
kindly stated, "Mac, you really made
somebody's day today. Alex looked as
if he was in seventh heaven!"
 Mac thought in amazement, Wow! This
gal can read my mind!  He then said aloud
what he just thought before Karen came over,
"That's what it's all about."
"It really is,"  agreed Karen,  " and it seems
that everyone I talk to that mentions you
always has something nice to say about you."
Mac blushed a little in spite of himself and
thought, Aw, cut it out Karen.
Karen noticed Mac's face got slightly red
and with that knew Mac wasn't being
falsely modest.
 Mac couldn't think of anything to say to
Karen's kind statement, although he did
greatly appreciate it. All he could get out
was, "I'm just a big softie, I guess."
Karen replied with, "You have a heart for
the Lord, that's what."
"Now there is definitely that, too."
  Just then all the children came over to Mac
to thank him for bringing about the race, some
hugging him, and some shaking his hand. The
parents of the kids who participated came over
as well to thank him and added a few kind words.
After all was said and done and everyone was
leaving, Karen turned to Mac and again stated
kindly, "I believe you made everyone's day, Mac!"
"I guess I did,"  Mac humbly replied.



This concludes Chapter Fourteen.

Shelter from the Storm. (Chapter 13)

At the Williams' house Neva was checking the oven to see

how the roast was coming while Karen set up the dining

room table. Richard was seperating the dinner rolls

and putting them in a serving basket.

 Richard looked at his watch and said,  "Mac should be

here any time now."

 "It'll be a few more minutes on the roast, dear," Neva

replied as she closed back the oven door.

 "Table's all set,"  Karen called from the dining room.

 Just then the doorbell rang.  Karen knew that it was Mac

and called back toward the kitchen where her parents were

with, "I'll get it!"

 Karen looked down at her front and realized she was still

wearing her apron that she wore while helping her mother

in the kitchen.

 "OOPS!" Karen gasped, "This isn't presentable!"  She

reached behind to undo the apron strings while heading

toward the kitchen and quickly laid it over a chair by the

kitchen table.  She quickly fluffed her hair as she made her

way back out of the kitchen and toward the front door.

 Richard and Neva watched as Karen quickly went in and

out of the kitchen and noticed how she quickly laid her apron

over the kitchen chair and then fluffed her hair.

 When she had gone Richard and Neva looked at each other

in amusement and smiled.

 "You know something, Richard?"  Neva spoke up first.

  "What, love?"  Richard acknowledged.

 "I think our Pumpkin really likes Mac."

 I think she does, too"

 Mac stood on the front steps of the Williams' house as he

waited for it to open. He looked to the right and saw above

the wall-mounted mailbox the black metal italic-style lettering

that read  The Williamses.  Mac liked the way it was titled.

It has a hospitable, down home charm to it, he thought.

 Mac immediately took his gaze off the lettering and to the

door when he heard it click.  The door swung open and

Mac beheld Karen standing at the door with her trademark

warm and bright smile. Mac noticed she was wearing a rose-

-colored stretch velvet dress.  Seeing that made Mac realize

he made the right choice by wearing his dark blue blazer over a

dark blue and white polo shirt. Of course Mac never had a problem

with formal or even semi-formal. It went with being a church greeter

and the way he was brought up.

 "Good evening, Mac,"  Karen greeted, "Please come in. My mom

and dad will be right out."

"Thanks, Karen,"  Mac replied, "It's a pleasure to be here."

As Mac followed Karen in to the living room, he caught the aroma

of a roast roasting and reminded him of family dinners with his
adoptive parents.

Just then Richard and Neva walked into the living room with

Richard the first to come foreward towards Mac.

 "Mac,"  Richard called out, holding out his right hand, "Glad

you could come this evening. "Welcome!"

"Thanks for having me, Richard,"  Mac answered, taking Richard's

  hand.

 Neva followed right behind and held out her hand as well which Mac

also shook. 
"It's so nice you could come," she said,  "Can we get you

something to drink?  We have coffee, hot cider, and iced tea."

As soon as Neva mentioned hot cider, he began to smell the
sweet aroma of it along with the roast.

 "Hot cider, please."  Mac requested.

 Before Neva could answer, Karen said, "Coming right up, Mac."

Karen headed toward the dining room entrance, turning her head

back and smiling at Mac as she dissappeared into the dining room.

 "Have a seat, Mac," Richard said, extending his hand toward the

sofa  that he was standing in front of.

 "Thank you,"  Mac replied, taking a seat on the plush hunter green

sofa. He noticed that the living room had colors of green and brown,

the same earthy colors he liked as well.

 Just then Karen called from the kitchen.

 "Mom? Dad?" she called out, "Can I get you anything while I'm at it?"

 "I'm good, dear," Neva called back.

  "I am, too,"  added Richard.

  Mac continued looking over the living room decor when Neva said

  to Richard,  "I think the roast should be ready now. You two relax

 while I get things ready, okay?"

 "Anything I can help with?"  Richard offered.

 "No, dear,"  Neva said,  "Keep Mac company until we call you." 

 "Okay, Neva."

 Richard and Mac watched Neva leave for the kitchen with Karen

passing her as she came back into the living room with Mac's hot

cider.  She was holding a dark green insulated coffee mug with

both hands, one under the cup and the other on the handle as she

carefully handed it to Mac.

 "Careful," Karen cautioned Mac, "It's hot."

 "Thank you, Karen,"  Mac answered.

 "You're very welcome, Mac."

 Karen smiled down at Mac as she turned and headed back to

the kitchen and after she had gone Richard opened up the

conversation.

 "Karen told me there was some kind of trouble with the mother

of two kids who attend the church,"  Richard started,  "She got

arrested for drunk driving, wasn't it?"

 "Yes she did,"  Mac answered, "It was her third offense, too."

  "I see.  Aren't the two kids the ones Gary and Vera pick up

on their church bus route?"

"Yes they are," said Mac,  "In fact, they have temporary

custody of the children right now."

 "That's good to know. I take it they have no other close

 relatives?"

"Not that I can tell.  Children's Services was very gracious

in arranging custody with the Canfields."

"I'd say they were."

In the kitchen Neva donned her oven mitts and opened the

oven door of the range and lifted out the roast with Karen

assisting. They placed the roast on the counter

"Karen," Neva addressed,  "Would you please go and tell Mac

and your father dinner is ready?"

"Okay, Mom,"  Karen turned and headed to the living room,

fluffing her hair again as she did before greeting Mac at the

front door.

 Neva watched as Karen left and noticed that she fluffed her

hair again as she exited the kitchen.

 Neva thought, She really likes him.

Mac and Richard were still conversing when Karen came in

through the dining room and announced that dinner was ready.

"Let's eat, Mac," Richard said as he got up from his chair with

Mac doing the same.

"I'm right behind you,"  Mac replied as he followed Richard and

Karen to the dining room.
Richard motioned for Mac to the seat where he would be sitting
which Mac went over and stood behind it. Richard then went in
to the kitchen to bring the roast out as Karen and her mother
came out to take their places at the dinner table.
 Mac looked over the dining room with its brass chandelier that
hung over the dinner table and the dark cherry wood china cabinet
that stood in one corner of the room.  A bay window framed in
dark wood on the opposite end of the dining room entrance
gave a view of the back yard and the bare trees of late fall.
 Beautiful view, Mac thought to himself.



At the Canfield household dinner time was getting underway for
the Canfields and their two temporary additions, Julie Benson and
Alexander Hobbs as Gary and Vera busied themselves in the kitchen
as Brian, Dawn, Julie and Alex helped set up the dining room table.
Brian then called toward the kitchen, "Mom, Dad, we're all set in here."
"Kids, take your places," Gary called back, "here we come."
  Alex was about to take a seat when Brian placed a hand on his
shoulder and said, "No, no Alex. Wait until my Mom and the girls
take their seats first."
"Oh,"  Alex replied, "laydeez seat furz?"
"Right."  Brian answered back.
 We're in their home now, Alex," Julie reminded her half-brother as
 she patted him on the head, "We must follow their rules now."
 "Alex," Brian added,  "my mom and dad had to remind me several
times when I was your age."
 "Mommy ne'er toh me dat,"  Alex said,  "Ma na' homush."
 It's okay, Alex,"  Dawn put in,  "Just watch everthing Brian and I
do. That might make it easier for you, okay?
" 'Kay,"  Alex answered.
 Just then Gary came out with the main dish, which was meat loaf
with Vera following with the side dishes.
With everything set, Vera, Dawn, and Julie took their seats in which
Gary, Brian and Alex followed.
Gary then asked everyone to bow their heads and then prayed a
prayer of thanksgiving which went like this:

"Father, we give thanks for the food we are about to receive and
also for our quaility time together, but also for allowing us to have
Julie and Alex with us and we all pray for their mother while she is
away and that the incident she is involved in would bring her closer
to getting to know you. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus,
Amen."

 Alex, after hearing Gary say 'amen' repeated the word.  Julie patted
Alex' head again and said, "It's gonna be all right, Alex.  I just have
this feelin' that it will."
 "That's right, son,"  Gary put in,  "God has away of turning something
bad into something good."
"I hear 'dat in Sun' schoo.' "
 "I believe something good has come out of it right now,"  Brian said,
You're here with us!"
That brought a smile to Alex' face which spread to the rest of the
group.
 "That is so true, Brian," Vera added, "And I think they needed to
hear that!"
 "There you go, Alex,"  Gary grinned then said, "Okay, let's eat!"




The Williamses and Mac Davenport bowed in a word of thanksgiving
just as the Canfields had just done with Richard leading.
 Richard Williams prayer went like this:

 "Heavenly Father, we thank you for the food we are about to receive
and also for Mac Davenport for allowing him to be our guest this evening
and most of all for bringing him into our lives and using him to bless us by
adding another saved soul to two others who already know you. I thank
you that I am that additional soul.  Thank you for your mercy and grace
in Jesus' name, Amen."

"That was so beautiful, Dad," Karen remarked warmly, "And so true, too!"
 Karen looked over across the table where Mac sat opposite her and
smiled her thanks and Mac blushed a little in spite of himself.
 Mac sensed where this relationship with Karen was going and he started
thinking that this dinner invitation he received was more than a token of
thanks for saving Richard from near death.  Were they trying also to bring
him and Karen closer together? Mac wondered if this invitation was
Karen's idea.
"Mac?" Karen addressed him from across the table, "Are you all right?"
 "Huh?" Mac snapped from his reverie, "Oh yes, I'm great. I was just
thinking back after hearing your father's prayer."
 "I see."
 "We've all been thinking back on that day," Neva put in,  "We wouldn't
be sitting together like we are now if it weren't for that day."
 Mac then began with, "Though my days as firefighter/EMT were long
gone, I believe God still had use for me as far as the skills were concerned."
"I totally agree, Mac," Richard answered as he carved the roast, "Maybe
that's why I ended up across the road from your house."
"Could be,"  said Mac, "But the bigger picture I think was to bring you
to Christ."
"Again, I totally agree."
"So do I," Karen added, "Totally!"
As plates were being passed around and everyone settled in to dine, Mac
reached for his coffee mug and discovered it was empty.
Neva was the first to notice but Karen was the first to offer Mac a refill,
asked to be excused, and came back with the coffee pot and poured it
into Mac's cup as Mac held it up to her.
"Thank you, Karen,"  Mac replied, sensing the reason for this little act
of courtesy.
"You're very welcome, Mac," answered Karen with a smile.
Richard and Neva noticed how quick Karen was to respond to Mac's
empty coffee mug and how she couldn't keep her eyes off of him while
at the dinner table.
 Richard thought, She's never acted this way toward a guy before, she was
always reserved about dating or courtship.
Neva then thought, She really likes him.
Mac and the Williamses settled in to dine with conversations ranging from
the Canfields and Julie and Alex, to the pinewood derby and each other's
past life experiences.



This concludes Chapter 13.  

Shelter from the Storm (Chapter 12.)

Mac Davenport and Gary Canfield brought out Julie Benson and

Alex Hobbs to meet Officer Frank Hunt.  Mac calmly reassured

them they were not in trouble when he and Gary brought the kids 

over to Officer Hunt.

 As Officer Hunt watched Mac and Gary bring the two children 

outside to see him, he knew he would have to get down to the

kids' level so as not to make them feel intimidated.  While they

were not in trouble, he was going to have to tell them that their

mother was.  He felt his stomach go into a knot as the two men

and the kids came over to him.

 Mac actually spoke first by making an introduction.  Hunt was
glad he didn't have to speak first.

 "Julie, Alex," Mac announced, keeping his tone pleasant, "Meet

Officer Hunt."

Officer Hunt immediately stooped down to their height to introduce

himself and also to put them at ease.

"Hello Julie,"  Hunt said jovially while slightly tipping his campaign-style

police hat with his left hand while holding out his right, "Hello, Alex. Nice

to meet you, I'm Officer Hunt."

"Hi, policeman," Alex answered, taking the outstretched hand somewhat shyly.

"Hi, Mr. Hunt," Julie responded, unsure of this meeting with this policeman. 

 As Mac and Gary looked on, Gary leaned toward Mac and whispered, "Let's

pray silently that the Lord puts the words in Officer Hunt's heart and mind so

as to make the news easier for the kids to take, alright?"

"You got it,"  Mac whispered back.  And with that Mac and Gary bowed
their heads and closed their eyes and prayed silently as Officer Hunt talked
with Julie and Alex.

Brian and Dawn Canfield were still busy at the work table with Brian

overseeing the work of the other children doing their pinewood derby

cars. An eight-year-old African-American boy, who was a grandson

of an elderly African-American man Brian's dad picked up on the

church bus route, came over to Brian.

Brian looked in the boy's direction and acknowledged with, "Yes, Eric?"

"I can't get my wheels to turn fast,"  Eric replied.

 Brian took the model Eric handed to Brian and tried the wheels and sure

enough, were a bit tight. He examined the bottom of the pinecar and knew

immediately what the problem was. Improperly installed single metal axles.

"It's your axles," Brian answered, "You have to install these axles just right

or your wheels won't turn freely." Brian then reached into a tool kit next to

him and picked out four nail-type axles and then instructed, "Here's four

nail axles. Remove those other ones and replace them with these."

 Brian then demonstrated to Eric on how to install the nails and wheels

by turning his own car on its side and lightly tapping the wheel's center

hub to show how to hammer the nail and wheel into place.

"Don't hammer it hard,"  Brian reminded Eric, "Or you'll have the same

problem.  Got it?"

"Got it," Eric said, Thanks, Brian."

"No problem, Eric."

 As Brian watched Eric leave he found himself  looking at the main entrance

where his dad, Mac, Julie and Alex went out. He found himself getting uneasy

as his sister did earlier. He quickly turned his attention back to the activities

at hand. But his attention was immediately turned back again when he heard

the door open up. Mac, Julie, and Alex came in but Gary wasn't with them.

 Dawn also noticed this and said to Brian, "Dad's still outside."

 Just then Brian and Dawn saw Mac beckon them over to where he, Julie

and Alex were standing.

"Let's go, Sis," Brian said to Dawn, "Mac wants to see us."

 Brian noticed that Julie and Alex appeared somewhat tense, but as he and

Dawn came up to Mac, Julie and Alex were, Julie and Alex smiled on seeing

Brian and Dawn.   Alex ran over to hug Brian with Julie doing likewise with

Dawn.

 "What's up, Uncle Mac?"  Brian wondered, a little confused as to the

reception he and Dawn received from Julie and Alex.

 Mac stooped to Brian's height much the same way as Officer Hunt did with

Julie and Alex outside the fellowship hall, and replied with,  "Brian, your dad

is outside talking with the police. Their mom is in some kind of trouble and

your dad is trying to fix it so Julie and Alex can stay with you , Dawn and

your parents."

"Cool."

 "I hope so, too.  Now you and Dawn take these two over to the table to

complete their projects, alright?"

"Okay, Uncle Mac."  Brian then took little Alex by the hand and led him

over to the work table with Julie and Dawn right behind them.

 Brian then turned to his sister Dawn and said with a wink, "Told you

they'd be back in."

 "Yes," was all Dawn could say.

 A few minutes later Gary Canfield came back in with a look that

registered relief.

Vera then went over to Gary with Karen doing likewise with Mac.

Brian and the others watched his parents, Mac and Karen gather

together as if in conference.  He turned back to resume the pinecar

projects and saw that Dawn, Julie and Alex were focused on the

conference across the room.  Brian knew this and said, "Don't you

worry about them, just go on and complete your projects." He then

reassured them with,  "I can already see that everything is going to

work out just fine."

 And this time Brian did feel reassured.

This concludes Chapter Twelve.

Shelter from the Storm. (Chapter 11)

Brian Canfield watched as Alex Hobbs painted his pinecar body that Mac

Davenport cut for him not too long ago while Julie Benson was already

putting the decals on hers. She had a new VW Beetle shape not unlike

the old model racer Dawn Canfield had though Julie created her own

template. Julie liked the Beetle shape as well as Dawn.

 Brian also noticed it and said to her, "Julie, I have some spare eyes

which you could use as headlights, just a thought."

"Thanks," Julie replied enthusiastically, "That'd be cool."

 Across the table from Brian, Dawn, Julie, and Alex the

twin boys, Toby and D.J. were attempting to apply the wheels to

their cars when Toby nearly jagged himself using a nail axle when

attempting to put it on.

Brian looked over just in time to stop Toby from poking himself

as he tried to insert the axle into the pre-cut slot on the body block.

"Toby", Brian called out as he quickly walked around the table,

"Don't do that. You'll poke yourself. Let me help you with that."

"I can get it!" Toby insisted when his father stepped in.

"Toby," his father said firmly, "Let Brian help you with that. He's

right, you'll hurt yourself."

"Yes, sir,"  Toby said meekly.

Mac was cleaning sawdust from the scroll and band saws and

saw how Brian was quick to react to save the boy Toby from

hurting himself. It confirmed that he made the right choice of

allowing Brian to supervise the car assembly activity.

 It reminded Mac of his pinewood derby days at the church

when he was Brian's age and he, like Brian, was asked to

supervise the pinecar assembly activity.  He was glad to

have kept two of his old pinecars as keepsakes. They

served as an inspiration to the children in the activity

at present.

 After gathering all the sawdust and depositing it in a

receptacle kept next to the work table, he decided to

step outside for some air.
 As Mac opened the door and stepped out into the
parking lot he saw a black and white Dodge Charger
patrol car bearing the Newberry Police Department
markings pull in to the lot. Mac watched it as it pulled
in and slowed toward where he was standing.
 Mac, on seeing the police car, immediately started
to guess as to why it pulled in.
Let me guess, Mac thought uneasily, Their mom got
arrested.
The Dodge pulled up next to Mac and Mac saw that it
was Officer Frank Hunt getting out of the cruiser.
 Mac started with, "Yes Frank?  What can I do for you?"
 Frank answered with, "Would you happen to have two kids
by the name of Julie Benson and Alexander Hobbs here?"
 "We do, Frank," Mac replied,  "Is their mom in trouble?"
 "I'm afraid so, Mac," Frank answered sadly, but before
Frank could go any further Mac held up a hand.
"Frank,"  Mac said, "I'll go in and get them. It might go
easier on them if me or someone else here tells them about this."
 "I quite understand," said Frank and then he asked, "Would any
one here be able to look after them?"
 "I know of one who might be able to," Mac said, "Please stay there
and I'll tell them."
 "Thanks, Mac."
Mac headed toward the door of the fellowship hall, his stomach almost
in a knott over what he had to do.
 Officer Hunt watched Mac head back inside and as he went in Hunt got
back into his cruiser and looked back up at the picture of his eight-year-old
son clinging to the sun visor as his son seemingly smiled down on him. He
wanted to remind himself that he was a father while getting into any
incident that involved children.


 Mac made his way to the table where Julie and Alex were working
on their kits along with the other children. But first he went over to
tell Gary about what had just transpired, talking low enough so no
one else, especially the children, would here.  He didn't want to
alarm them.
"Oh, no," Gary gasped softly, doing his best to keep it low, "I had
a bad feeling about this!"
"I got Officer Hunt outside now,"  Mac said,  "I thought it best that
I came in and went out there with them. It might make it less stressful
for them."
 "I'll go out there with you, Mac," Gary insisted,  "They know me as
well as they do you."
 "Alright. We both go out with them, then."
 Mac then went over to where Julie and Alex were and spoke with them.
Julie and Alex followed Mac and Gary outside.
 Brian watched as Julie and Alex went outside with Mac and his father
and suddenly got the feeling something was up. Dawn also suspected
a similar feeling and turned to Brian and said, "I think something's wrong,
Brian. Dad and Uncle Mac looked kinda serious."
 "I think so, too, Dawn," Brian said, "But Uncle Mac and Dad will handle
it. And besides," he went on, "We're needed here."
Dawn looked toward the door where Mac, her dad and the kids went out
through, worry in her eyes.  Brian, ever the older brother, firmly but gently
clasped his left hand on top of her head and gently turned her stare back
toward the table.
 "It's going to be all right, Sis,"  Brian reassured her and then reminded her,
"Remember how we've always been praying for them?"
"Yes."
"God is in control of this, too.  Just wait, they'll be back in here."
Brian continued to supervise the other kids' activities while silently praying
about the possible but unseen incident involving Julie and Alex.  He was
also hoping he wasn't being foolish in his reassuring his sister that Julie
and Alex would come back inside.  He became uneasy at the feeling
that he may have just made a liar out of himself by giving his younger
sister a false assurance.
 I hope I don't have to repent of what I said, Brian thought uneasily to
himself, fighting the urge to look back at the door just as Dawn had done.


This concludes Chapter Eleven.

Shelter From The Storm. (Chapter 10)

Officer Frank Hunt was responding to the report of a drunk driver in

a red Dodge Intrepid and was cruising Newberry Road in search of the

reported vehicle.  When Hunt typed in the license plate number that was

radioed to him, the name of Reva J. Hobbs came up on his onboard

computer screen.  He shook his head in disgust.  This would be her

third DUI charge according to the report.

 "You just lost your license, Hobbs,"  Hunt muttered to himself,  "Don't

you ever think about your two kids?"

 Officer Hunt then headed to the home address that was displayed along

with her name, not looking foreward to what he had to do, the matter

made worse with her kids having to see it.

 He radioed dispatch as to where he was headed and with the call

acknowledged, headed down Newberry Road and to Sunrise Road

where Sunrise Trailer Park was located.

  Officer Frank Hunt also radioed for backup, just in case there was

any additional trouble.  He had responded to enough domestic violence

 incidents and other calls involving alcohol and/or drugs to expect the

unexpected.

 Hunt was also aware that Reva worked at County General Hospital

and units were probably headed there as well.  He hoped she was

there and not at home.

 Hunt then thought to himself,  Who watches her kids?

He hoped they were somewhere else, too.  In all his twelve years as a

police officer for the town of Newberry, he loathed any call that involved

children.

  Frank Hunt then looked up at a picture of his own son which he kept

clipped to the sun visor of his police cruiser and thought about him.

 Frank was a divorced man with his ex-wife awarded sole custody of

their eight-year-old son; whose name was Tommy. He had visitations

two weekends a month which was all the court would allow but he

loved his son more than anything and made those weekends with him

count. 

 As he neared the entrance to Sunrise Road, he glanced up at the picture

of his son Tommy, who very much resembled his father and said to it as

he turned on to Sunrise, "I love you, son."

 Hunt wheeled the Dodge Charger patrol car into Sunrise Trailer Park

and slowly began cruising around the court and began shining his

cruiser's windshield post-mounted spotlight around the court in search for

Lot Twelve, the trailer where the Hobbs woman resided. He hoped her

kids weren't home.

 When he finally found the lot the officer noticed the trailer was empty.

The car wasn't there. As he got out of the cruiser he went to the front

door and knocked a few times with no response.

In a trailer across from Lot Twelve, an elderly woman peeked through the

venetian blind of her living room window when she noticed a flash of bright

light momentarily shine through the cracks between the blinds.

 The woman was wearing a drab pink bathrobe and her gray hair was done

up in rollers and had been reading a paperback book when she saw the flash.

She quickly looked up from her book, got up and peered out and saw the

police car in front of Lot Twelve.

 "Oh my lands,"  The woman exclaimed, "She's in trouble!"

 Then the woman suddenly remembered how a church van had pulled in not

long after she saw the Hobbs woman leave.  She saw the two kids get in the

van. She remembered that it had the name of Newberry Community Church

on it. She decided to step outside to inform the officer of the kids' whereabouts.

 Officer Hunt made his way back to his car and as he neared it he got a call

from dispatch saying that the Hobbs woman had been picked up at County

General. Hunt acknowledged the call and as he was about to leave he saw

an elderly woman standing next to a trailer across the lot from him waving

to him as if to get his attention.

 Officer Hunt went over to where the woman was standing to see what the

matter was.

 "Yes, ma'am," Officer Hunt politely called out, "Can I help you?"

 "If you are here for those two children,"  the woman replied, "I think

they'd be at that Newberry Community Church.  I seen the bus with

the name of the church on it."

 "I see.  Were the children there alone, ma'am?"

 Yes, but not for long. The bus came maybe ten minutes after their mother

left. One thing strange, though."

What's that, ma'am?"

Their mother took off like a robber in a getaway car."

"I see.  May I have your name and phone number please?

 The woman gave her name as Alma Monroe and after she gave Officer

Hunt her phone number she went on to say that the bus which she spoke

of came by to pick them up every Sunday.

 Hunt thought after she said that, The kids may still be at the church.

 Officer Hunt thanked the Monroe woman and then radied dispatch as to

where the children of the woman now in custody were at present.  He 

suddenly realized with regret after he radioed in the childrens' whereabouts

that his unit was closest to Newberry Community Church. He would have

the misfortune of breaking the news to those poor kids.

 "Tonight I hate my job," Hunt muttered softly to himself as he got back

 into his car.

This concludes Chapter Ten.

Shelter from the Storm. (Chapter 9)

As the racer assembly night for the Newberry Community Church

Pinewood Derby continued on, Mac took a break from attending

the band and scroll saws as Gary offered to step in.

Mac went over to an old church pew sitting over by the wall near

the kitchen which was now being used as a bench and sat down.

At the same time Karen decided to take a break as well as Vera

stepped in to relieve her in the refreshment area.  Karen took with

her two cups of diet cola and went over to the pew where Mac 

was sitting. When she  got there she handed one of the drinks to

Mac which Mac accepted.

 "Thank you, Karen,"  Mac said.

 "You're so welcome, Mac," smiled Karen and the sat down next

 to him.
 Mac looked over toward the activity by the work tables and then
back at Karen. Karen smiled and waited for Mac to speak.
 Mac started with, "I notice now that my supervision isn't needed
as much. I'm impressed how Brian was helping the others and
guiding them."
 Karen responded with, "You mean like he was helping that one
little boy?  Alex, is it?"
"Exactly.  Brian and Dawn are kind of like the original participants
when we brought this thing about.  They never missed a race."
"I see. They're kind of like,___ veterans?"
 Uh-Huh. Something like that."
 Karen looked at Mac as she brushed some strands of  hair back
from her face with her hand and then spoke again.
"Mac,"  she went on,  " I noticed since coming to church here how
kind you are to the children, having activities like this, and being
nice to them."
"It's the way I am,"  Mac admitted, shrugging slightly, "Comes from
being an only child I guess."
" I kind of felt that way too after my brother died."
"That's understandable. We had neither any sibling to look up to or
to watch over."
"Exactly.  I think that loneliness kind of got bigger while living away from
home. It was such a godsend to be able to come back home."
 Mac began to realize after what Karen just said how much of a godsend
it really was.
 Mac looked at Karen and replied with,  "I believe it was a godsend, too."
 "I'm glad you agree," Karen smiled.
 "I have to admit," Mac went on, "I thought about you quite a bit while I
was laid up in the hospital along with your father."
 "And I have to admit I thought about you a lot, too."
 "I never said anything about this until now, but I believe that there was
another reason behind that accident your father had."
"I think there was, too."
 Mac then heard Brian Canfield call Mac's name and Mac looked toward
where Brian was  then back at Karen. But before he could speak, Karen
beat him to it.
 "I think you're still needed," Karen chuckled sweetly.
 "I think you're right," Mac answered then said to Karen, "I tell you what.
 Let's continue this when I see you at your parents' house this Friday. Will
that be all right."
 "That'll be fine, Mac,"  Karen replied.
 Karen watched Mac as he headed over to the work table to see what
was needed of him. 
 Karen thought as she watched Mac talk with Brian and the other children,
You're right, Mac. I believe there was another reason.


This concludes Chapter Nine. 

Shelter from the Storm. (Chapter 8)

The driver of the box delivery truck bearing the A-1 Automotive

logos on its sides was getting ready to get back in his truck when

what sounded like several auto horns sounding and he looked 

toward the direction of the sound and saw three vintage vehicles

pull in toward him. The first one was a  red 1964 Ford F-100

pickup truck with a white cab roof. The truck was sporting mag

wheels.

 The vehicle following behind it was a  light green 1962 Buick
Special station wagon, one of those unforgettable compact
wagons of early 1960s suburbia.  The old wagon had chrome
exhaust extentions coming out from just under the rear bumper
which gave the car a burbling sound. This car also had dark
red flames on its front fenders almost extending to the front
doors.

 The third vehicle was even stranger-looking, like a ghost out
of the past. It was a World War II-era VW Beetle that was
painted in the drab sand color of the German Afrika Corps
and stood up higher-than-usual for this was a 4x4 used in its
time to traverse rough and sandy desert terrain. 
It had the split oval rear-window that was a characteristic of
1940s VWs. 
What was more interesting was that the driver of the historic
VW was wearing the matching-era German helmet also
painted in the Afrika Corps color, though neither the helmet
nor the car bore any of the insignias.

 It's the Car Kooks, the driver thought to himself.  He heard
 that title was given to the drivers of these vehicles by Mac
Davenport, as he, the Car Kooks, as well as Mac Davenport
all were employed with A-1 Automotive.

 The driver of the Ford F-100 stepped out and came toward
the driver of the box truck. The F-100 driver was a average-
-heighted Hispanic man wearing a well-worn cowboy hat and
drab denim blue bib overalls over a red plaid shirt.

 "Hey, Carlos,"  The box truck driver said finally,  "You cruisin'
around in yer toys, you Gus and Mike?"

 "Like yea, man," Carlos answered then asked, "You have a late
delivery, Joe?"
 "Oh yea," Joe replied unenthusiastically, "And I nearly got
broad-sided a few miles back."
 Just then the two other men caught up with Carlos with the
fellow in the German helmet the next to speak.
"You wouldn't be talking about a beater red Dodge sedan
would you, Joe?" the VW driver asked.
"Yep, I sure am, Mike."
The driver of the old Buick wagon, an African-American man
wearing a chauffer's cap and a drab black blazer against faded
jeans and classic black sneakers then said, "Yeah, it nearly
collided with me. I noticed it was some blond woman behind
the wheel."
 "I already reported it to the cops, Gus,"  Joe said, "That
woman looked like she been drinkin.' "
"You get the license plate number?"  asked Mike.
 "I did and I gave it to the cops."
 "I hope they find her, too,"  Gus said.
 "So do I."  Joe then pointed east where the Dodge was
headed.
 "She was headin' in the direction of County General," Joe said.
    No sooner had Joe said it than when he saw a Newberry police
car head in that same direction, no doubt looking for the vehicle he
just reported.


This concludes Chapter Eight.

Shelter from the Storm. (Chapter 7)

Mac was just finishing carving the body of the model for Alex Hobbs (designed

under the supervision of Brian Canfield) when Wilfred Templar came over.

"Mac?" Wilfred addressed him.

 Mac turned to him and replied, "Yes, Wilfred?"

 "I am going to pick up the pizza now, it should be ready."

 "Good deal. You need someone to come with you?"

 Wilfred was about to reply when Jenny Garrett stepped in to volunteer. 
 "I'll go with you, Wilfred,"  answered Jenny.

 "Are you sure, my child?" Wilfred responded.

 "Yes, Wilfred."

 "Very well, dear Jenny; Let us be off then."

 "Thank you, Wilfred,"  Mac said, "You too, Jenny."

  "We shant be long," Wilfred assured them.

  Mac waved at them both then got back to work carving the pine car blocks

with the last ones being Dawn and Brian's models.  Brian volunteered to

be last in line. Mac took note of that, too.

 You're a fine boy, Brian.  Mac thought.

  Mac began sweeping sawdust off and around the bandsaw when Karen

came over to him and handed him a plastic glass of diet cola. 

 "Here,"  she said to Mac, "I thought you could use this.  You've been hard

at it."

 "Ah," Mac acknowledged, "Thank you, Karen."

 You're welcome."  She smiled at him admiringly, noticing how he worked

with the children and in getting the build night together. 

 Mac took a drink of the diet cola Karen offered him and when he tasted it

he said to her, "How did you know I drank diet pop?"

"Oh, I have my resources," Karen chuckled.

 "I guess you do," said Mac, "Thanks."

 "Mac?" Karen said.

 Yes, Karen?"

 "My dad was wanting to know if you could join us for dinner a our house

Friday of next week."

 "Oh?"

 "It's his way of saying thanks for saving his life and leading him to the Lord."

 "I see." Mac had kind of seen this coming. Not that he was expecting it, but

he found himself seemingly getting close to something of a relationship with

Karen, and he found himself thinking of her more and more. He then replied

to Karen's request with, "I think that's nice. When do you want me over?"

 "Is five-thirty okay for you?"

  "Works for me."

  "Great!  Thanks Mac, Mom and Dad will be thrilled!"

 "Tell them I said thanks."

 "I sure will, Mac and I thank you, too!" And with that Karen turned and

made her way back to the concession table, turning her head to grin at him

as she walked away.

 Mac responded in kind then proceeded with his task at hand. Mac now

realized the relationship was growing yet again with this dinner invitation

by Karen's father.
 Mac thought, Lord, did you send her father my way for reasons other
than just so he wouldn't die lost?

 Mac was getting this idea that the Lord had used her father's near-death

incident to bring Karen into his life.


 Thirty-five minutes later Wilfred and Jenny had returned with the pizzas
with Mac and Gary jumping in to help bring them in. Setting the pizza boxes
on the table which had the drinks on it, Mac began leading a prayer of thanks
and with that done, a line formed at the pizza table with the youngest girls at
the beginning of the line, the foremost being Julie Benson.
 While standing at the rear of the line, Wilfred began speaking to Mac and
Gary.
 "I must say, Mac," Wilfred began, "I heard an interesting story from another
customer at Mr. Tony's while Jenny and I were there."
 "What did you hear?" asked Mac.
 "First, I'll start by being thankful Jenny and I were not out on the motorway
at the time this incident happened."
 "Why? What happened?"
 Wifred went on with,  "The customer I spoke of was talking to the young
 man who was taking his order said something about nearly getting in a
head-on collision with a reckless driver in a beater red Dodge sedan."

 Hearing Wilfred mention a red Dodge sedan, Gary spoke suddenly with,

"Did you say a beater red Dodge sedan?" Gary then cringed a little when

he then realized that Julie and Alex were up front and was afraid they would

hear him.

Glancing their way, he was relieved they hadn't heard him as he saw them go
to an empty table with their pizzas with Brian and Dawn following to join them.
 Wilfred answered Gary's question with, "Correct, Gary. The young man in
front of me said the car was driving somewhat erratically and on the wrong
side of the road when he almost got struck."
 Mac looked from Wilfred to Gay and asked, "Isn't that the same car you
saw leaving the trailer park where Julie and Alex live?"
 I'm afraid it is, Mac."
"Good heavens,"  Wilfred exclaimed, keeping his voice down so Julie and
Alex wouldn't hear what was being said, "Is this by chance the mother of
Julie and Alex?"
 I'm afraid so, Wilfred," Gary answered.
 "Oh, those poor dear children,"  lamented Wilfred, looking over in the
direction of Julie and Alex as they sat with Brian, Dawn, and the twin
boys Toby and D.J.
 Gary leaned toward Mac and whispered, "I'm going to send out an email
prayer request through the church prayer chain. I don't like what I am
hearing one bit."
 "Capital idea, Gary,"  Mac replied.


 The pinewood derby build night went on until nine-thirty PM  that
evening with Julie and Alex being the first to show off their
completed cars. Gary watched them in admiration as they had a
good time despite the lack of love at their home.
A word suddenly came to Gary's mind: foster home.


This concludes Chapter Seven.

Shelter from the Storm. (Chapter 6)

On Newberry Road going east a beater Dodge Intrepid was driving

somewhat erratically and nearly swiped a box truck going in the

opposite direction. The driver of the box truck blew his horn furiously

and the horn of the Dodge responded in kind. An arm popped out of

the driver's side window of the Dodge and produced the ever famous

middle finger salute.

 In the box truck, the driver glared into his rearview mirror at the

sheer recklessness and arrogance of the person in the Dodge and

while he couldn't get the license plate number of the car, he could

make out its description very well. A fading red 1994 Dodge Intrepid

with a clear plastic tarp covering the right rear window.

 The driver of the box truck looked at his fuel gauge and realized he

was going to have to fuel up.  He also pulled out his cell phone and

decided to call and report the reckless driver of the Dodge to the

police while he was stopped. 
"That woman is going to hurt or kill somebody,"  the driver growled
to himself.

At a roadside convenience store/fuel stop called PUMP-N-GO which

was five miles outside of town on Newberry Road going east, cashier

Jason McIntosh was going over the day's store purchases before the

night clerk came in for her shift. He heard a truck pull in outside the

store and looked out to see a white fifteen foot box truck pull in at the

pumps. He noticed the logo on the sides of the cargo box and noticed

it was from A-1 Automotive; the local auto parts remanufacturing and

distribution company.  Jason looked out and then thought about the 

old Dodge he saw drive by recklessly not too long ago.  Jason thought,

I wonder if that car almost hit him?

As the driver pumped fuel into the tank of his truck, he had the urge to get

a soda and a snack in the store.  He also wanted to contact the police and

report the reckless car that nearly tagged him four miles back. When the 

delivery was complete, he hung up the nozzle and went toward the store.

As he neared the curb in front of the store, the driver of the A-1 truck

pulled out his cellphone and punched in the number of the Newberry

Police Department.

At the parking lot of County General Hospital,  security officer

Rodney Hart was patrolling the grounds with flashlight in hand

when he saw a car pull in at the main entrance. He knew right

away who it was when he saw the clear plastic-covered right

rear window. 
 "Reva Hobbs," he said to himself.  He had heard things about
this woman when he worked the day watch and she worked
nights as she did now. Most of what he heard about her was
not good, either. Rodney was amazed she was even still working
for the hospital. Her boozing and alleged child endangerement
was well-known and here she still is.

 Those poor kids, Rodney thought to himself.  He knew of

her two children and what they must be going through.

 Rodney watched as Reva got out of her car and headed 

toward the employee entrance in what looked to Rodney as 

an intense and fast pace. He looked at his watch and noticed

she was early. "Strange she would rush here since she's early,"

he said to himself. After looking at his watch he also knew his

ten-minute break was coming up so he continued his walk

through the lot and toward the rear hospital entrance that he

saw Reva enter in through.

At the Newberry Community Community Church fellowship

hall, Mac Davenport was showing the children attending the

pinecar assembly night various car designs using white paper

and an uncut pinecar block.  Mac had also brought two of his

old pinewood racers which he made when he was fourteen-

-years-old.  He even brought the templates he used to trace

the designs.  The twin boys Toby and D.J. looked at Mac's

old models in awe. 
"Those are cool," Toby remarked excitedly.
 One car resembled a deuce coupe in bright red with the
wheel hubs painted silver and yellow flame decals on its sides
and the other was a wedge shaped car painted yellow with a
black number 5 on its sides with add-ons of a rear airfoil, a
race driver figure and a curved windshield.

 "I like that racecar," D. J. stated excitedly.

 "I won my first race with this car,"  Mac replied  to D.J.  "I

kind of consider it my favorite, too." 
 Mac then turned to Brian as he got up from the work table
and said to him, "Brian, I'm leaving you in charge here while
I ready the saw. I'm asking you to guide those who need help.
I'm picking you because you have the most experience." 
 Mac then chuckled, "You're being promoted chief, got it?"

 Yes sir, Uncle Mac,"  Brian acknowledged with a grin.

"That's my man,"  Mac then stooped down a little and raised
his right hand in the high-five position with Brian responding
in kind. 

 Mac then headed over to where he put the saws to begin
carving the pinewood blocks once the kids drew their designs.

Gary Canfield walked over to Mac as Mac was testing the scroll saw.

When Mac shut the saw off, Gary said to him, "Mac, that was good

of you to put Brian in charge of helping the other kids with their projects."

 "I believe he's earned it, Gary," Mac replied as he watched the kids go

about their designs,  "He's had the most experience and he's also the
oldest of the kids."

 "Very true," Gary answered,  "That boy Alex really looks up to him, too."

  "I've noticed that, too," said Mac as he continued watching the children

at the work table, and sure enough, Brian was standing next to little Alex

and guiding him in drawing his design. Mac simply nodded in approval.

 Gary then brought up, "I also noticed their mother's car as it left the

trailer park this evening when Vera and I went to get him and Julie."

 "What about it?"

 "She pulled out of the trailer park rather fast and fish-tailed a bit down
the road."

 "Oh?"

 "I got to thinking, what if those kids were with her?"

 "Did either Julie or Alex mention anything about this to you or Vera?"

 "No they didn't.  They were too glad to see us when we got to their trailer."

 "Hmmm?  I don't like the sound of all this, Gary. I sense trouble with a

capital  'T'."

 "So do I."

  Mac and Gary both watched the kids at the work table and saw Alex
the first to leave the table and come over to where Mac was. 

 Alex presented his design to Mac and noticed the design was a pick-up
truck outline. Mac looked from the block then at Alex, smiled and said,
"Good job, little guy!"
 Mac then took the block from Alex and proceeded to cut the block to
the desired shape with the band saw. 
 When Mac handed the carved body back to Alex, Alex' eyes went wide
with excitement when he saw the shape of the wood.

 "Now,"  Mac spoke,  "Take this back to the table and when everyone is
done we'll start sanding, okay?  Alex nodded in reply and went back to
the work table with the wooden truck body in hand.

 Mac watched him go and thought about what Gary just told him and

thought to himself, They need shelter from the storm.

This concludes Chapter Six.

Shelter from the Storm. (Chapter 5)

As the church van neared the church entrance, Julie and

Alex bounced in their seat with giddy anticipation when

they both saw the church come into view. Gary caught a

glimpse of the two children in the rearview mirror and said,

"Yep, we're finally here. I know you can't wait to draw your

designs on your woodblocks."  Vera just looked back and
smiled.
 Alex clutched on his half-sister's left arm and bounced up and
down as Julie undid her seatbelt to prepare to exit the van. It
seemed obvious that they were going to exit the van once it
stopped as if they were at the end of a coiled spring. But
when the van stopped, the children waited until Gary and
Vera got out first and when they did Julie already had her
hand on the door handle and pulled the door back with all
her might.  Vera shook her head at what she saw and
said to Julie, "You really are a strong little girl."  Julie
just looked up at Vera and smiled with Alex following suite.
 Gary looked down and grinned at Julie and Alex and told
them, "Go on in, your Uncle Mac's waiting," and waved them
to the front door of the fellowship hall. And Julie and Alex
took off like a shot.


 Mac finally got the work area set up where the pinecar
assemblies would take place after letting Brian and Dawn
Canfield use their old racers to test the track when he heard
a bang at the front entrance and knew immediately who it
would be as did Brian and Dawn.  Brian and Dawn ran over
to the door as it opened up to immediately greet Julie and
Alex. And Julie and Alex went right up to them, with little
Alex to Brian and Julie to Dawn. Alex had taken to Brian
as a big brother and Julie and Alex as close sisters as they
were both the same age.
 Mac watched the four of them interact with one another in
morbid fascination.  He especially loved how kind Brian was
to Alex and how he treated him like a little brother.
 Alex is really blessed, Mac thought.
 Mac was an only adopted child and didn't have a big brother
nor did he have the privilege of being a big brother.  But what
made up for that was the church children considered him their
Uncle Mac and as far as sibling relationships were concerned,
he was brother to all believers-in-Christ including believing
children. No sooner had Mac thought that when the four
children scurried over to Mac with Julie and Alex coming up
to hug him.
 "Hi, Uncle Mac," little Alex said excitedly as he looked up at Mac.
 "Heyyy, Alex! Ready to start are ya, little guy?" Mac vigorously
rubbed Alex's head.
"Yah," Alex looked up with a gaping grin.
 Mac then turned to Julie and said, "And how are you, sissy?"
 "I'm fine," Julie grinned then looked toward the work table
where Matt and his two boys were already doing their car
project and inquired, "Is that where we build our cars?"
 "It sure is, sissy." Mac then lead them to the table and
added, "I have a car kit for both you and Alex."
 "Thanks,"  Julie squealed excitedly. Alex grabbed Mac's
hand and ran ahead of him as if to pull him along.
 Gary and Vera looked toward where Mac and the children
were and both shook their heads and grinned.
 Karen Williams was at the refreshment table just finishing
setting everything out and also noticed the interaction
between Mac and the two newly-arrived children and
smiled approvingly. 
 I can see why the kids call him their Uncle Mac, Karen
thought as she poured lemonade into the styrofoam cups.
 She looked over to them again and thought to herself, He
cares for the children. They love him a lot.

 Brian and Dawn were at the work table when Mac, Julie
and Alex came over and Mac said to Brian, "Brian, I need
you to show Julie and Alex how to design their cars. Is that
alright with you?"
Be glad to, Uncle Mac," Brian replied instantly.
"That's my man." Mac handed Julie and Alex's car kits to
Brian and Dawn and Julie and Alex each focused their
attention to them.
 Mac then said, "I'm going to be over the band and scroll
saws are, so I'll be ready to cut them when you all finish,
alright?
 "Okay," Brian replied.

 Mac went over to the saw area to check the machines and
to make final adjustments if needed. As he went about
inspecting the band and scroll saw, Gary came over to
see if he needed help.
 "Anything I can help you with, Mac?" Gary offered.
 "I'm good," Mac answered, "I'm just checking and
making adjustments, thanks."
 Gary thought about the interaction between his son
Brian and Alex, the boy he brought along with Julie
and stated,  "I noticed how you were looking over
to Brian and Alex.
 "Then you probably knew what I was thinking," Mac
 chuckled.
 "Probably the same thing I was,"  Gary came back.
 "I know, you and I were both only children."
  "That is true for both of us."
  Gary looked over to where his two children  guided
Julie and Alex in designing their pinewood racers and
went on with "And you know what the thing is, Mac?
 "What's that?"
 "I didn't have to encourage Brian to do what you just
now saw him doing with Alex."
 "I've noticed that, too."  Mac looked up from checking
his band saw to observe the children and continued with,
"And I believe the reason for that is because Alex, being
a little boy has given Brian the opportunity to teach him
the things boys normally like to do and to share in them."
"Yes, I believe you are correct." Gary also observed the
kids at the work table then continued with, "And Alex
needs that too, as well as Julie."
 "I know what you mean."  Mac made a final adjustment
on the blade tensioner of the scroll saw and then turned to
Gary with,  "No father in the home. Probably not much
love there, either."
 "I'm afraid you may be right."  Gary felt a twinge of unease
at the reminder of the home life of Julie and Alex as he
continued watching them with Brian and Dawn.  He began
to have thoughts.


This concludes Chapter Five.