She frowned. “What I’m worried about is the fact that Dad’s church connections are very similar to what I would consider a cult, and I’ve recently started thinking that the money Dad was earning might not have been going to parishioners, but to a man that Dad looks up to, who’s another preacher. Now that I’m back in the states, I’m considering hiring a private investigator to look into the matter.”
“Good idea,” Jack murmured, sipping his coffee. “I think you should do it right away. I might be able to help you out with that, as a matter of fact. Nick has a lot of connections. So now you should hear about my family issues.”
“Alright,” she answered, staring at him intently.
“Okay – those commercials you saw me in when I was young? Mom was so excited to get both of her kids in show business – me and my younger brother, Sam. Thankfully, my youngest brother was only a baby back then, and it kept Mom busy traveling around with us to all the auditions she was constantly booking for us in New York. Sam and I weren’t too enthused, but it was something new.”
Jack suddenly felt lightheaded, overpowered by the feeling of helplessness that always overtook him when he thought about the darkness of the past.
“Anyway, it was Dad’s idea to get us an agent. We were making decent money, and it was really helping with the bills. That way, Mom wouldn’t have to do as much traveling, and we’d be able to show up at more auditions.”
Jack turned grim. “What Dad didn’t know is that Bert Renick had some, ugh, perversions, I guess you could call it. He liked little boys.”
Janelle looked horrified, as he knew she would, but she suddenly stood and wrapped her arms around him. “How in the world have you ended up being the man you are today? I would never have guessed. What about your brother?”
Jack took comfort in her arms. Somehow, he knew she would understand. “He’s having a more difficult time with it. I don’t know if I mentioned that he’s in the Air Force too?”
“No, you didn’t, but it’s not like we’ve had time to talk,” she murmured, kissing him softly on his brow.
“My youngest brother Sean is in the Army and trying to be a Ranger.”
“I wish I could get even one of my brothers or sisters interested in serving their country. It’s more like they’re all brainwashed.” She heaved a sigh. “What’s the rest of the story?”
“Dad found out, but the night when he arrived at Bert Renick’s apartment to have it out with him, he was shot and killed, and so was Bert.” He gazed into her eyes. “I was asleep when it was happening, but we’re sure that my brother Sam saw who did it. And now he’s claiming there were two men there besides Dad and Bert, which would explain the voices I vaguely remember hearing. We were both so young. I was eight and Sam was seven.”
Janelle looked concerned. “So. they never arrested whoever killed your father?”
“No. It’s classified as a cold case,” he answered, shaking his head. “Mom was a wreck, blaming herself for everything that happened, and thankfully our Uncle Russ came and stayed with us, while me, Mom and Sam saw a shrink and tried to put ourselves back together. He was an Army officer, so that’s why Sam and Sean ended up serving their country, like you.”
“But not you?”
“Nope. I got a scholarship, paid my way through college with a sales job and kept right on moving up into bigger sales jobs, even though I hated it,” he admitted. “Since Mom was having trouble finding a job, I just did whatever I could to add to our income while we used the money that Sam and I made when we were kids to pay our expenses until Mom was finally herself again. Thank God for my Uncle.”
“Wow,” Janelle murmured, finally dropping down onto the kitchen stool. “You’ve been through hell.”
“So have you,” Jack said.
“It’s not quite the same.”
“I say we both deserve a day of having fun.”
“What have you got in mind?” Janelle asked, smiling.
“You said something about trying to rent a larger house?”
“I did, and I’m starting to think that if you’re going to be working here in Crystal Rock, that maybe I should buy a house instead.”
Jack’s eyes went wide. “You’re kidding? I was thinking about moving from here myself. Living downtown is convenient, but I have a craving for wide open spaces, and I’d love to adopt some pets. Especially since you’ll still be going on tour, I’m sure. I’m not too proud to admit that I’ve been lonely.” He gave her a wry smile. “Plus, besides working out, the only thing to do while I’m here besides working my job is to head over to one of the bars.”
Janelle laughed. “I can’t believe I’m asking this, but want to buy a place together?”
“I was thinking the same thing myself. We could pool our resources, and probably purchase something located near one of the lakes.”
“I love the interior of the cabin I’m staying in.”
“There are a few newer cabins for sale in the area. One is a four bedroom with an open floor plan and I’ve actually been meaning to go check it out. Those kinds of places go fast because of all the people searching for vacation homes.”
“Let’s go look,” she
