Timothy - 82. Chapter 82

Rich phoned me at work. “Tim, all hell has broken loose here. The DA has issued an arrest warrant for Bruce, and they have identified you as the individual that has led to the arrest warrant. There is a line of Bruce supporters surrounding your home, and the DA has sent the police to protect your home and your parents.”

“Rich, are you able to make contact with my dad?”

“Yes, I can get a message to him.”

“Tell him to pack enough clothes for several weeks and to come to my home. He may need police help to prevent anyone from attacking his car.”

I called Stephen. I didn’t know where he was working today. He came rushing into my office, “What’s up? By the tone of your voice, I figured you were hurt or something.”

“Rich called; Mom and Dad are coming here.” I proceeded to tell Stephen what Rich told me.

“Tim, there may be more people in danger. You need to get in touch with John and Eva,”

He was right, and I had forgotten that they live in the city as well. I need to talk to Eva.

At lunchtime, I called Eva at their home, and there was no answer. I called John at the hospital, and he wasn’t working. “Did you call John or Eva?”

“I tried to call Eva at their home, and she wasn’t home, and I left a message to call me as soon as possible. Then I tried John at the hospital, but they said he wasn’t working.”

“Try his parents. You don’t suppose he is at your Dad’s home.”

I felt stupid when he said, “I’m glad I married you. I haven’t talked to Dad or Mom, and I talked only with Rich. I’ll call Dad now.”

I don’t know how I overlooked not calling Dad. “Mom, have you and Dad talked to Rich?”

“Your Dad has. He is packing our suitcases in the car.”

“Mom, where are Eva and John? I tried calling them and got no answer.”
“Eva and John are at John’s parents’ house.”

“Do you have their phone number? I need to talk to them.”

I could tell Mom wasn’t too happy about what was happening. I guess I’ll take the heat for this, at least in her mind.

I called John at his parents’ home. “John, are you and the family alright?”

“Yes, my parents don’t live in your state. When we read about the riot at the Courthouse, I asked for a leave, and I hadn’t taken any time off since Eva and I went on our honeymoon cruise.”

“Mom and Dad are coming up to my home. You and Eva are welcome to join us. Maybe you can arrange to have Eva Marie baptized while you are here.”

That evening walking home, I told Stephen about inviting John and Eva to join us. He squeezed my hand, and I knew why. He would see little Eva Marie. I couldn’t wait until our lives returned to normal.

“It would make sense to have Eva Marie baptized while they are here. Do you think Ann Marie could attend a baptism?”

“I don’t know, but I can’t see why not. She has been going to dinner with us, so she can have breakfast with us.”

“We’ll have to make arrangements for the baptism.”

“That won’t be a problem. I’ll contact a branch of our church here to perform the baptism. But first, we need to have John and Eva here.”

Mom and Dad arrived just as we were getting home. I helped Dad bring their luggage in. Mom headed to the kitchen, and Stephen and Dad left to buy dinner at Randy’s pizza place.

Walking into the kitchen, Mom was making coffee. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

Looking at me, I could see the tears in her eyes. “Mom, sit down, I’ll make coffee, and you can tell me what is bothering you.”

Over a cup of coffee, “Tim, this is all my fault.”

“Mom, tell me why you feel all of this is your fault. "