Redemption's Road, page 14
part #3 of Five Points Series
The dull thud in my head that had become a constant companion over the past few days roared back into a painful pulse. I’d attended enough funerals for friends and acquaintances over the years. I was in agreement with her about trying to get ahead of the problem. “Okay, how do you want to proceed?”
Naomi offered a suggestion. “If we had more assistance, we could expand the after-school program. Maybe, one day a week, we could meet in a larger forum? There are subject matter experts out there in community awareness and prevention we could tap into.”
Chance nodded. “I know someone like that. Kathleen Redar is the fire chief in one of West Virginia’s southern municipalities. Her city has been devastated by epidemic drug trafficking and dependence. I’ll give her a call and see what she suggests. Maybe she can come up here for a community forum and help us set up a task force to better combat this.”
“We also have to offer alternatives and solutions.” I knew this from my own experience and was determined we’d get it right. “We can talk a problem to death and never see any action. This can’t be one of those situations. Our kid’s lives are on the line, and there are those who will prey on their vulnerability and need for acceptance. Someone will try to profit by selling the escape drugs appear to offer. What comes along with those dealers is more violent crime. You’ve felt the reach as much as anyone.”
Chance’s knowing eyes met mine. She explained for Naomi. “That’s what happened when I was shot at and Jax’s uncle was kidnapped. One of our local dealers almost killed Jax and her vet tech. It’s one of the major platforms I’m running on in my reelection bid.”
“I can tell you that my vote is yours, Chance. I remember visiting her and Lindsey in the hospital after it happened. It shook us all.”
“I realize you started a new life when you came to live here. You’ve been an incredible asset to the community. With your experiences on both sides of this issue and what you’ve seen in our community, you are uniquely qualified to help with this. It’s why I called you when it first happened. Momma Dee suggested I come and talk to you after several in-depth conversations with Holly about how you helped your group deal with Xander’s death. Holly is on the basketball team Dee coaches. You’ve got a gift, Rhebekka. That gift and your life experiences give you particular insight on the direction we need to go. Naomi, I appreciate all you’ve done to help our community through this ordeal. I’d be honored if the two of you would help me develop and implement a youth plan.”
Naomi squeezed my arm, giving me her permission to speak for both of us. “Whatever you need, Sheriff. We’re at your disposal.”
***
After the sheriff left, Naomi and I had a few quiet hours before we were supposed to head to the brewery. Both of us felt equally drained by the funeral and uplifted by the prospect of the community-based prevention efforts.
“You and the sheriff seem to know each other pretty well.”
“We do. I was the officiant at her wedding. Her wife is a veterinarian who left decades ago, then came back to take over her uncle’s practice. They apparently never fell out of love. I’ll introduce you sometime. Occasionally, they come to hear me play at The Purple Fiddle or The Confluence. They’ve even been to a few services over the years.”
“Imagine that. Being apart for years and still loving each other. Sounds a bit familiar, doesn’t it?”
I grinned at her. I couldn’t disagree.
“Nice segue. Chance also got me involved in the county’s disaster-relief efforts. I offer pastoral care to her search-and-rescue group during tragic incidents. I’m not a formal chaplain but someone they can call in times of need, for the family or for the rescuers. I’ve taken several critical-incident, stress-debriefing classes to be able to help them deal with difficult circumstances. Sometimes I work with the other disaster agencies, if they have a fire and the family needs temporary lodging.”
The crooked grin on Naomi’s face slightly lifted one corner of her mouth. “You are a woman of many facets, each and every one more revealing than the next.”
“Is that so?”
Naomi moved into my arms. “It is, and I’d like to explore the one that kisses me senseless.”
I put her hand in mine and led her to our bedroom. “A request I’m happy to fulfill.”
***
Later that evening, Karmen picked us up and took us with her to Redemption’s Road. The place was buzzing when we got there. I stood mesmerized, as my fiancée made her way around the room. She’d quickly ingratiated herself with the locals, and I’d begun to think they liked her more than me. That was okay, I liked her more than me too. Our wedding was set for the twenty-fourth of May. We’d decided this was where we’d hold our reception. Ellie had threatened to cancel a tour date to make it happen sooner. Naomi nixed that idea. She didn’t want my sister to go right back on the road the next day. If we waited until May, Ellie would have well over a month before the big anniversary gig in Pittsburgh.
“Can I get two Brimstones?” I stood at the end of the bar looking over the people milling about.
Tank set two Mason jars in front of me. “Looks like it’s going to be a good crowd for your show.”
“I can still pack ‘em in occasionally.”
Tank chuckled. “If they only knew.”
I leaned back and looked toward the stage. “Were you able to set that up?”
“I did. There’s a mic and stand ready to go. Are you actually going to sing?”
I grinned and raised my eyebrows. “Not exactly. I’m putting a five down that I can get Naomi to.”
Tank rubbed her hands together. “I’ll take that action. She’s a pretty tough cookie.”
I picked up the drinks. “I have my ways.”
“What? You’re going to get naked?”
Senna was sitting at the bar and turned her head so fast, she nearly fell off the bench. “You’re going to get naked?”
“Very funny, you two. Real comedians. Nobody’s getting naked, at least not in public.” I sipped my beer and walked back into the performance room. Naomi took her glass, as I made my way to the stage. Grandpa’s Gibson sat waiting, as did the 1965 Martin D-18 I’d found in a secondhand store in Tacoma, Washington, years before. The pick guard was heavily worn and the finish nearly gone where the neck and the body met. I’d had this dream that the strings and the wood could tell me the stories of its travels and the life it had led. That never happened, but I knew that night Martin and the woman I loved were going to make some beautiful music.
I went through my tuning routine and adjusted everything around me, before I started into my first instrumental offering. A few lines of the song reached inside my body and pulled at the strings of my heart. I’d designed the warm-up for getting my future wife up on stage with me. I knew she’d recognize the tune quickly.
“Evening everyone. Welcome to The Confluence here at Redemption’s Road. I’m Rhebekka Deklan, the house musician.” I waggled my hand back and forth. “Sort of. Feel free to get up and dance or work on your moves from the comfort of your chair. Tank, there at the bar, will serve cold brews while I do a little picking.” I grinned at Naomi, who was shaking her head at me. “I’m going to start off with one I hope you’ll enjoy from a true master of the road.”
The claps quieted down, as the first few chords spread out into the room. I could see the smiles and head bobs throughout the crowd. Naomi swayed off to the side. By the time I made it to the chorus, several people were dancing, and more were singing the lyrics to my instrumental version. Three songs later, I was ready for a small break and a fresh beer.
Naomi moved to my side. “Nice selection. I see you’ve been into my playlist again.”
I pointed to my chest. “Who me?” We liked the same music, with a few exceptions. “Not just yours. Our playlists are eerily similar.”
“That’s true. What’s up next?”
I raised a wicked eyebrow at her. “You’ll see.” I turned back to the crowd after a few drinks from my beer. “Okay everyone, now I’m going to switch over to one of my lovely fiancée’s favorites. Most of you know that I’m the pastor down at House of the Rising Son. What you don’t know is that the gorgeous creature who agreed to marry a shmuck like me is also a pastor and an incredible musician in her own right.”
I slipped my glass slide on over my finger. “One of Naomi’s favorite songs is by an artist who reminds me very much of her. For that matter, the words to the song remind me of us.”
Naomi’s head shook slowly from side to side. She started mouthing the words, and I nodded in the direction of the mic. She declined, while I continued to play. She rolled her shoulders. The music was getting to her, exactly as I planned. When she walked across the stage and slipped the Martin’s strap over her head, I knew I had her.
She leaned in close and fished in my back pocket for my spare pick. “You’re such a shit, my love. Good thing you’re so irresistible.”
Karmen moved to put the mic in front of her. I caught Naomi’s eye and mouthed I love you, as we started into the chorus. Her voice had always reminded me of Bonnie Raitt’s, like gravel washed in warm whiskey. Years before, we’d made an incredible vocal team. With hard lessons learned, we were even better. Playing together felt magical. When we finished our first number, I didn’t give her even a second to think. I moved into another of her favorites that Bonnie did, “Angel from Montgomery.” The moment her voice started into the bluesy chorus, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. The urge to join her in quiet harmony was too overwhelming. I couldn’t have stopped myself if I’d tried. I was grateful I didn’t have a mic. Even without anything to amplify my voice, our audience heard me. My voice was powerful, and there were no other instruments to mute the sound as it mingled with Naomi’s.
The tables had turned. Together, we rolled through each movement and verse. I heard the whistle from the front row and knew it had to belong to Karmen. Her joy at hearing me sing was unmistakable. Even Tank moved from behind the bar and into the main room. This crowd had never heard me utter a single vocal line outside the church. Put me beside Naomi, and it was as natural as breathing. As we brought the song to its close, there were a few seconds when I drew out the final notes without vocal accompaniment. The house erupted in loud appreciation, and I pointed to the love of my life.
“Naomi Layman, everybody.”
She dipped her head in appreciation for the applause before she pointed to me. “Yes, ladies and gentlemen, she does sing! Rhebekka Deklan.”
The room pulsed from the claps and stomps that echoed off the walls. I finally waved for them to sit down. “Thank you all. What can I say? She brings out the very best of me.”
Naomi took over. “Every once in a while, you find a song that fits someone as if it was written about them. That’s what this song is to me. The lyrics, written by an incredible artist, peel back the curtain just a little on how I feel about Rhebekka. Few of you will ever see all she is. I’m grateful I’ve seen so many sides of her.”
A snicker went through the crowd, and she pointed her finger at them. “Behave. Although trust me, that side of her is pretty spectacular.”
The crowd laughed, and my blush was strong enough to melt the snow outside. The woman was so good at leading a room right where she wanted them to be.
Naomi leaned over and touched my cheek. “Honestly, folks. I know how very lucky I am. I get to see all of her true colors.” Naomi touched my cheek.
The lead-in was beautiful. Had she not chosen the path of ministry, Naomi could have been an incredible performer. Her song choice cut deep. I was willing to follow her anywhere. What she saw in me was so much more than I believed possible. As we played, each word wrapped around my healing heart. She was a master at being a balm for the soul, my soul in particular.
After the week we’d experienced, I wanted to cancel the night’s performance. I couldn’t imagine putting in the needed energy to entertain. With the intimate knowledge Naomi had of every part of me, she encouraged me to continue. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d watched the neurosis of my grief. Had she envisioned me prowling around our loft, playing the Gibson until I expelled every soul-crushing emotion? Instead of playing to four walls that gave no feedback, she wanted me to share my gift, my grief, with those who were also grieving.
When we finished two more songs, I called for a break and spotted Franklin in the crowd. I needed a favor and hoped he’d help me out. Naomi was talking with Karmen. I touched her lower back and leaned in. “I’m going to get us a few more beers. Want anything else?”
“More of what I witnessed tonight.”
I kissed her on the forehead. “We’ll see.”
She held my hand a moment longer and mouthed I love you. There was no doubt about it, and I was the most fortunate person on the planet because she did.
On my way to the bar, there were enough pats on the back and hugs to bruise me. I’d never intended to sing with my sets. When I’d been the lead for Regal Crimson, Ellie had added the harmony. We’d produced some memorable offerings to the throngs. Singing with Naomi was completely different, in every way. I relished my role in providing the harmony, letting her draw me along, exactly as she had in our relationship. I found Franklin and pulled him aside.
He was glowing. “Rhebekka, that was incredible.”
“Isn’t she though?”
He rolled his eyes at me. “Not quite what I meant, but yes she is. What can I do for you?”
“I know it’s a lot to ask, but I want to dance with her to something specific. Do you think you can handle it?”
“I’ll try. What is it?”
Franklin wiped his hands down the front of his jeans after hearing my explanation. I could tell he was nervous. Franklin needed confidence in front of a crowd. If he truly was to be a pastor, he needed experience. The people in the audience were his friends and wanted nothing more than to be entertained. His ability to deliver a spiritual message had to be paired with the ability to connect to the people. After a few more words of encouragement, and his eagerness to play my Gibson, he agreed.
I let a cheesy grin slip past my lips, as I stood at the bar and signaled for Tank. She set two Brimstones and a five-dollar bill in front of me while shaking her head.
“Naomi really does have magical powers.”
I pushed the money into my pocket, before I sipped my beer and nodded in agreement. “That woman has the power to get me to do many things I never thought I would.”
Tank shook her finger at me. “You’re just whipped. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing. I wish someone would see me the way she does you. Anyway, it’s a good night. I’ve already had to change out the kegs twice.”
If you’d only open your eyes, you’d see there already is someone who sees you that way. “Anyone we need to find rides for?”
“I’m keeping an eye on a few. Senna’s going to have a hell of a headache tomorrow. I know she’s walking home. I’ve got someone who’s going to help make sure she gets to her place. Not sure what’s wrong, but she’s hitting it pretty hard.”
Senna was parked up against the fireplace on the wide, stone hearth. Her eyes were shut, and she held tightly to a bottle of water. I delivered Naomi’s beer before finding a spot beside Senna. I touched her hand.
“Rough night?”
She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Self-inflicted, though I’ve stopped now.”
I looked around the room and saw Karmen still talking with Naomi. “Would this have anything to do with a mocha-skinned woman with chocolate-brown eyes, who can cook like nobody’s business?”
Senna twisted the cap off the water bottle and drained the last of it. I saw her lock on Karmen’s form.
“Could be.”
“I see tonight’s conversation is going to be all about practicing the principle of brevity. So, I’ll sum up what I think. Karmen’s been waiting on Tank longer than you’ve lived here. If you want something, tell her. Stop waiting on Karmen to figure it out. Yes, you might get your heart broken. It’s a gamble. Weigh the cost, then step forward, or step away for the sake of your own survival.”
I patted her on the shoulder and got up without waiting for her to answer. This was something she’d need to figure out on her own. No matter what she decided, there might very well be pain involved. I nodded to Franklin, letting him know I was going back in. Two more songs from my set, and he’d come and take over for one.
Back on stage, Naomi joined me. She took another sip of her fresh beer. The leftover froth on her upper lip was doing wonderful things to me. She wiped it away, grinning.
“What are you up to?”
“I guess you’ll have to wait and see. You ready to start again? I promise, everything I have planned is something you know the words to.”
“I’m trusting you.”
“I’ll always be worthy of it.” I watched those blue eyes twinkle, as she settled her guitar strap. With the Gibson on my thigh, I attached my capo to the first fret. I strummed a C chord, then an E minor, F, and a G, before I repeated the notes. The little smile and headshake told me she had it, and we started into Midnight Train to Georgia, changing the pronouns as we went. The crowd joined in with a gentle sway and a well-timed clap. We worked our way through one of the Empress of Soul’s hit songs. I loved listening to the woman who’d captured my heart and refused to let me go. She’d been so patient with me and loved me through it all. We spiraled right into another of her songs, and the crowd joined us. This was the most fun I’d had playing in a very long time, and it was all because of her.
The kiss I gave her at the end caused a bombardment of applause and whistles. I signaled for Franklin. I took the mic and faced the crowd. “I’ve wanted to dance with this beautiful woman all night. If you all will indulge me one dance, I promise, our last song will be the audience’s choice. Okay?”
