“That’s not it, sir,” the scion countered. He shifted self-consciously. “I’m concerned about Annabeth.
“Annabeth?” His father echoed blankly. “What’s she got to do with your trip?”
“Nothing directly,” Daniel equivocated.
“Then what is the problem?”
The scion took a deep breath and forged ahead. “It’s just that I’m worried about her current mental state. She hasn’t been herself since the baby died. She’s been found sleepwalking—wandering the corridors at night. She insists that the baby has wandered off and she needs to find him.”
“Pointless self-indulgence,” the old man muttered. “The child was baptized. She’ll see him again in the celestial realm on the day of glory.”
“Yes. Of course, she will,” Daniel agreed softly. “But that’s small consolation to her right now.”
Abraham peered at him, baffled. “What do you expect me to do about her emotional state?”
“Given her fragile condition, I’m not sure I should be leaving her alone right now.”
“Alone?” Abraham gave a mirthless chuckle. “Look around you, my boy. There are over two hundred members of the community surrounding her at all times. She’s never alone.”
“Physically, no, but I believe she feels isolated just the same. Somebody needs to take a personal interest to pull her out of this.”
“That’s what her sister-wives are for,” the diviner retorted.
Daniel realized he was talking to a brick wall. Compassion had never been his father’s strong suit. He needed to try another approach. “I don’t believe her sister-wives have the wisdom to guide her through this trial.”
“Yes, I see.” The old man pondered his words. “That would be the duty of her husband.”
“Exactly, sir,” Daniel agreed. “I knew you would understand. I think it only right that I stay by her side until she’s more stable.”
“Nonsense.” Abraham waved his hand dismissively. “God has given you a sacred destiny to fulfill. You alone are capable of finding the relics I seek.”
“But—”
“Never fear.” The old man cut him off. “I’ll take charge of Annabeth myself. Who better to provide spiritual direction to a lost soul than the Lord’s own prophet?”
This wasn’t the answer Daniel had anticipated. “But, sir,” he objected. “I believe she’s frightened of you.”
Abraham scowled with chagrin. “Yes, I’m well aware of that.”
“Annabeth’s temperament is high-strung at the best of times. Given her current disorder, I don’t think she’ll respond well to a forceful manner.” He paused. “That’s why I think it best that I stay. At least until she’s better.”
The old man sighed heavily, relenting. “I see your point.” He drew himself up. “Although I disapprove of cosseting anyone, it would seem that the only way to deal with your wife is to take a mild approach. Very well, I concur.”
“Then you’ll let me stay?” Daniel felt a mixture of elation at having gained his point and annoyance that he had succeeded in sentencing himself to house arrest.
The diviner shook his head. “No, my son. As I said before, you’re needed elsewhere. I will bear your concerns in mind when I counsel her.”
Daniel’s face must have betrayed his misgiving because Abraham added, “I will treat her as kindly as I did the day I joined you two in marriage.”
The scion felt his resolve slipping. His fierce need to escape rushed to the fore when he realized his father was offering him a convenient means to do so. Certainly, the diviner would keep his word. He had vowed to treat Annabeth gently, and that was tantamount to a solemn oath. Daniel could leave with a clear conscience that he had provided for his wife’s welfare in his absence. So why didn’t he feel relieved? A nameless doubt gnawed at him.
“I know she can be silly at times, but you will be patient with her, Father. Won’t you?” he asked plaintively, making a last effort to satisfy his small inner voice. “It’s important that she feels secure.”
The old man smiled and patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. “I give you my word, Daniel. I will make it a priority to lead Annabeth back into the light. By the time you return, I guarantee she will be at peace.”
Chapter 36—Hannah Montana
Leroy Hunt slammed on the brake pedal. His rear tires skidded sideways in the dirt. He’d missed the driveway. After consulting the scrap of notepaper containing the address, he checked the green fire sign by the road. This was the place. Backing up his rental car, he turned down the quarter mile gravel drive that led to an old farmhouse.
Everything looked quiet. Nobody out in the yard or around the barn. Of course, he really didn’t expect to find little Hannah hiding out here. He already knew this dog and pony show was all being staged for his benefit. Still, he had to play along.
The day before, he’d called the preacher on his tapped phone to tell him, and whoever else was listening, that he was going to fly to Maine to follow up on the last known address of the little gal. Metcalf, as usual, started praying and calling on his Lord High God to bless Leroy’s endeavors with success. The cowboy rolled his eyes, kept his mouth shut, and hung up as soon as he could. Right after that, he headed for the airport.
Since Leroy knew he was being watched, he’d made a game of seeing if he could spot anybody tailing him. Sure enough, a car had stuck to him like glue all the way from his apartment to O’Hare. When he was about to get on the plane, he noticed a suspicious character standing against the wall reading a paper. The feller gave him the once over while Leroy was handing his boarding pass to the stewardess. He guessed that Somebody wanted to make sure he actually got on the plane.
The address he’d been given in Maine was so far out in the sticks that he had to rent a car at what passed for an airport and drive another seventy miles to get to it. He didn’t notice anybody following him
