Heart of a Hero (H.O.C. #3)

Chapter 15

1963

Home of Belinda Williams

 

Sophie finally spoke for the first time in hours. The surprised excitement in her voice made both her grandmother Belinda and great aunt Jess chuckle. “So, Titus helped save Lottie? Wow! But, you let on that it was him?”

They nodded and Aunt Jess responded. “We didn’t want to give the surprise away. Things could’ve gone completely different, and almost did at one point. We only have parts of the story. This was from many different sources. Titus used to say…”

“What? Titus? I thought…”

“Titus, and later his wife, became very good friends and even raised their children near where David and Lottie lived. Remember Josephine?” Jess asked Sophie, hoping the connection would click finally.

“Sure I do. She was always watching me before she moved. Her last name was … Kirby?!” The proverbial light bulb seem to come on.  “Really? She’s one of my favorite people. She was related to Titus Kirby?”

“His granddaughters lived down the street from us growing up, child. They’re amazing people. Yes, Titus started out a little confused, but became one of the most important people in Lottie’s life, next to David, of course. They were best friends until he died; just one year before she did.”

“Wow! That’s amazing!” Sophie yawned and stretched. “What a wonderful story? I feel sad for Lottie and David, though. It seemed everything was against them.”

“That’s very true, Sophie. It was that way their whole marriage. They made it work, though. The story isn’t quite finished. There are still a few details that may not seem important now, but later, when you’re thinking on it, you’ll realize just how essential they were to the outcome.”

“Did they catch the crooks that were still alive? I bet they had quite a time doing that, didn’t they?”

“They did. All but one of the men who harmed Lottie were dead, but there was a much more sinister plot going on and David was still in grave danger.” Aunt Jess continued the tale as Sophie settled back into her place on the couch and covered up with her blanket.

*****

“David! No! Don’t make me go back without you! Please!” Lottie begged as David hugged her goodbye. “You just found me.”

“I know, love, but I have to go after these men. I assure you I won’t be away for long.” He kissed the top of her head, wishing for more time. His heart ached for her in her moment of need. He had a mission, one of which she had no knowledge, and he was not free to tell her the whole truth until it was resolved. He placed a hand on her cheek gingerly, so as not to aggravate her injuries; the sight of them made him cringe internally. He vowed to get those men and make them pay as he took in every bruise and cut. The Lord only knew the extent of physical and emotional damage to his wife.