Chapter 134
A Taste of Freedom, Part II
. . .
As discreetly as possible, Chief Inspector Nathan Grant ushered Caleb into the long private hallway of Americano's.
But his prisoner seemed as confused as ever, if not more so.
When the two men finally reached the door to the private dining room, Nathan stopped, but with his arm still firmly and securely positioned around Caleb's own.
"What is happening?" asked Caleb, seemingly distraught.
"First this," answered Nathan as he reached for the key to Caleb's handcuffs, expertly unhooking them in one sweeping motion.
"There, that's better," smiled Nathan.
Caleb held up his hands, not believing what this tall, quiet man had just done. He had been dreading for anyone to see him in cuffs outside of the prison. Especially in this suit. It just felt wrong. But this kind Officer had completely removed that embarrassing stigma as though it were the most normal thing in the world to do so.
"Caleb, this is your family we're talking about here. They're both just on the other side of this door. Make them proud of you tonight. Give that son of yours the Christmas he's dreamed of."
"I…" and his voice caught as he finally understood the magnanimity of the Officer standing before him and what was just about to happen.
"My family?"
How he had dreamed of this!
"I…I don't understand. I don't even have a gift for my son."
Was he really going to see his son and his wife?
"You're his gift, Caleb. The only gift the boy wants. The only gift the boy needs. Spend this time with him wisely. You have the power within you to make him proud of you."
"But what about Sarah? I'm so ashamed. I've hurt her so badly. And I know she's ashamed of me too."
"She's with Scotty, Caleb, just inside that door. If you're truly sorry, tell her so. If you love her, tell her so. Despite all the hurt you've caused her I know she still loves you. This is your one chance, Caleb, with both of them. I beg of you not to waste it with either one."
"Sir?"
"Yes, Caleb?"
"I truly appreciate what you've done. But I can't go in there like this. I'm sorry, I…I just can't!"
"Do you truly want to disappoint the people who love you the most, yet again? This is the only time you'll have together with your loved ones till after your time is served in full. But more importantly, this is the only time they'll have with you. The only time your family will be able to celebrate Christmas with you. I'm sorry, but the minutes we have here are ticking away. Are you seriously going to throw your family away?"
"Do you believe in God, Chief Inspector?"
"Very much so. God is my strength, my salvation, my reason for living."
With both tears and a faraway look in his eyes, Caleb finally began to show his authentically true self as he started to open up.
"God used to be my strength, my reason for living. You see, I was the son of a minister who taught me God's word from an early age. Believe me, I knew right from wrong. But I lost my job and things got tough, really tough! Everything went downhill from there. I thought God was causing all these bad things that were happening to me because he was angry with me. So, I became angry with Him, and the angrier I got, the further away I grew from what I knew. I betrayed Him and my upbringing. I left my beautiful family and went out to make my own way. I lied and even stole money from some poor old man who lived alone. Pretty despicable, isn't it?"
Nathan maintained eye contact but didn't answer either, allowing Caleb to work through his own thoughts on his own.
"I had never done either of those things before nor anything like them, although I admit I did do other things that hurt my family. But that single time, I hurt someone else, an outsider, and guess what, Chief Inspector? I got caught. Which made me angrier than I'd ever been. Yet I deserved my arrest. I know that now. But because of that one ridiculous mistake, I've left my family to fend for themselves all this time without any money. You see, I had already spent it all during my drunken rages. Gambled every single penny we had away. Can God forgive me for all that? Can Sarah and Scotty forgive me? Can I really fix all this?"
Nathan sighed, hearing an all too familiar story he had lived.
"No, I don't think you can fix any of this alone, but I know God can fix all of it. He can forgive you and will forgive you if you'll only let Him. You simply must ask Him, Caleb. And though I could be wrong, I think the same thing is true of Sarah and Scotty. You simply must ask them to forgive you and start over. Tonight is your chance to do just that."
"Can you…can you…help me… pray first? I can't go in there and face them like this. I feel so dirty. I am so dirty inside. And I know I don't deserve to see them. But I don't want them to see me like this. Not like I am inside right now."
"I can't remember the exact sequence of words, so I'll paraphrase, but Romans 10:9-10 says something like this: if we confess our sins and believe in our heart in righteousness, then make confession of our sins with our mouth, we shall be saved. I believe those words. Do you, Caleb?" *147
"I once did. I would give anything to believe those words again. Everything has gone so wrong without God in my life. So very wrong! I've become someone I no longer recognize, someone I don't even like."
"If you want, Caleb, kneel here, and I'll stand beside you and pray with you as I watch over you."
"It's that simple?"
"It's that simple if your heart is open."
Caleb hesitated a moment, then knelt on the floor, with Nathan keeping his eyes open as he was required to do while watching over his charge.
Then Nathan began to pray earnestly out loud.
"Dear Father, Caleb is one of your own. He's made some poor decisions that didn't include you. By his own admission, he has pursued his own desires apart from you, and he's paying a huge price for doing so. But tonight, he is bringing his brokenness to you, in need of your healing for his heart, for his life, and for his family. He is bowing humbly before You, asking You to forgive him. He is surrendering his life to You once again, promising to serve You, to live this day forward for Your glory. Please forgive his sin and heal his brokenness. Help him live a life that honors You, a life that honors his family, from this moment forward. And give him your peace that passes all earthly understanding. In your most Holy Name, we pray! Amen!" *148
Caleb got up off the floor with tears streaming down both cheeks.
"I don't know why, but God forgave me! I'm so unworthy, but He's taken me back. I know it. I feel it. The pain is gone, and I won't ever fail him again."
Nathan embraced the man and passed him his handkerchief.
"Now you look how I imagine the real Caleb to look," grinned the Chief Inspector as the man wiped his tears.
"I finally feel like the real Caleb again. I'll never forget this, Sir. Never in my lifetime."
"Are you ready to see Sarah and Scotty now?"
"Now, I am!"
Nathan could see the vast difference in Caleb and felt his new strength. He hadn't expected this at all, but what a change from the terrified prisoner in the car!
He then nodded for Caleb to open the door.
"You're not coming with me?" asked Caleb, even more shocked than before.
"No, I don't think that's necessary. You'll be fine. You need to make your family proud. And you can do that better with me out here. But Caleb, know that the entire place is guarded, including the windows, although they're quite a drop to the ground. There really is no escape. And make no mistake, just like Cinderella, this ends promptly in an instant. Except your clock will strike ten pm instead of midnight, giving us just enough time to travel and take you back." *149
"I wouldn't want to escape if I could, Sir, not after this. I just want to get my time in prison over with, so I can return to my family and be who I'm supposed to be. I want to start living my life again."
Nathan grinned and nodded, directing him forward.
Even standing in the exact same spot, Nathan could hear Sarah's soft sobbing and Scotty's cries of delight, both touching his very soul ever so deeply…
"Bill, you didn't tell me how Addie's and your picnic went today," smiled Catherine.
"Romantic and wonderful," grinned Bill as the two cooked dinner. "Oops! Am I allowed to say that to the woman who will soon be my mother-in-law?"
Catherine chuckled.
"You'll soon learn you can pretty much say anything to me, Son, as long as you say it with respect! Besides, from now on out, you'd better be putting some romance into my daughter's life!"
"Now, that I can do," chuckled Bill.
"She deserves all the romance in the world!"
"You know, Catherine, that lake might just be the most gorgeous body of water I've ever seen!"
"It is stunning. I knew you both would have a wonderful time! You should see that water in the summer. It's the most gorgeous shade of crystal blue, a bit like that ring of yours! Hey, Bill, where did Addie go?"
"Oh, she's upstairs sortin' through her things, decidin' what to bring to Montreal, what to take to Hope Valley, and what to leave here. She doesn't want packin' to interfere with your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day!"
"That's my daughter, always organized. But selfishly, I don't want us to waste a single Holiday moment, either. We were robbed of far too many, and because of that, there's always a feeling you can't make them up. Know what I mean?"
"I know exactly what you mean. I caught myself today, time and again, wonderin' how I could have messed up so bad. I've loved Addie this whole time, yet somethin' held me back, and I can't understand what or why. I'd like to think I was man enough to have worked through the sentence thing."
Catherine sighed.
"Well, the way I see things, God has a plan. And He understands that plan even when we mere humans don't. Just make the best of the time you do have, Bill. That's really all we can do. Besides, everything has a way of working out. One way or another," she chuckled. "Often better than we imagine!"
"Was that how it was with you and Mr. Foster?" asked Bill, genuinely needing and wanting to know.
Catherine's face turned into that of a schoolgirl in love.
"It was exactly like that! Marrying that man was the best decision I ever made. There was so much love between us. You know, Frank and I wanted a huge family. Lots of boys and lots of girls. But then we had Addie, and she was everything! You see, God had other plans. And once we got her, we knew she was better than our plan. So much better!"
"I feel terrible takin' her away. I truly do."
"Stop that nonsense. It's time for my daughter to fly! And I couldn't be happier that she's doing that with you! But don't you go thinking I'll let you two marry without me being there for the service! Because I won't miss seeing my Baby Girl get married for anything! Even if you have to come get me and drive me there."
Bill chuckled.
"It's a promise, Catherine. We couldn't possibly get married without you. Not in a million years!"
"Well, that's one thing to be relieved about! Now this roast is another matter. What's missing? Here, you taste the broth!"
"Hmmm. It needs thyme."
"Right! But it also needs a few of my secret Cree spices."
Catherine poured a little from each of the three bottles sitting out on her counter, then ground the spices into a light paste, quickly stirring them into her broth.
"Now taste it!" she ordered after giving it another good stir.
The Judge tasted a spoonful and moaned.
"I don't know what you just did, but this is perfection personified!"
"Ah, it just takes a mother's touch! And a little help from the Cree. That's all. Except I guess now, it's a mother-in-law's touch, too!"
The two laughed together as Bill took Catherine in his arms and playfully swept her around the kitchen floor.
They didn't notice Adeline watching them from the doorway with her hands on her hips, laughing.
"And here I thought you two were cooking!"
"Oops, I guess we're caught!" laughed Catherine placing Bill's hand in Addie's on the next go around.
"While you two were out picnicking, I went Christmas shopping, so I have a stack of presents to wrap! Bill, you're in charge of my daughter and the roast! Good luck with both!"
Neither Bill nor Addie said so but instead just smiled between the two of them as they had done quite a bit of shopping this morning too.
Undoubtedly, it would be a grand Christmas for all this year at the Fosters' home…
When the door opened, with Caleb standing there, looking as handsome as he ever had in his brand-new suit, Sarah almost fainted, but Scotty simply ran into his father's arms.
"Daddy, Papa, Dad! I love you! I love you! I love you! Are you really, really here?"
"There's my boy! I love you too, Son! Looking as handsome as ever! And yes, I'm here just to see you and your Mama. Let's go check on her, okay?"
Caleb was carrying Scotty. It mattered not that he was ten years old and a growing boy, at that. The two of them had to get to Sarah, who was seemingly stuck right where she was standing.
"Sarah, Honey, you look so beautiful!"
"Is it really you, Caleb?"
"It is, Sarah. The new, improved version!"
"But how, how is this even happening? You're in..."
"I'm not even sure I know all the details, myself. I only know a tall, gentle man known as the Chief Inspector picked me up and brought me here to spend two precious hours with the loves of my life!"
"That's Chief Nathan!" announced Scotty proudly. "He's my friend, Daddy! My really good friend!"
"He's OUR wonderful friend, Caleb," added Sarah, never once taking her eyes off her husband.
"Sarah, everything has changed. I'm a different man from the last time you saw me!"
"You look different," she said, unable to believe it was true or that any of this was true.
"Sarah, I sinned against God and against you and Scotty. I will never do that again. You have my word, such as it is. I am so deeply sorry I've put the two of you through all this."
"How do you know you won't ever do this again?"
"Because I just asked God to forgive me, and He did, Sarah. Completely. But now, I must ask you and Scotty to forgive me."
"I forgive you, Dad!" answered Scotty instantly, hugging his father's neck. "With all my heart!"
"That means a lot, Son! Thank you!"
Caleb held his Dad's neck tighter, but his father's eyes never left his mother's.
"Can you forgive me, Sarah?" he asked softly.
She couldn't respond. No matter how hard she tried. And she was trying so hard.
"Sarah, I know I've hurt you terribly, and I know I don't deserve you, but I love you with all my heart. Always have. Always will. Can you possibly find it in your heart to forgive me? Truly forgive me?"
"You really asked God for forgiveness? Just now?"
"Yes, I did!"
"But why?"
"Because of you and Scotty. When the Chief told me I could come in here to see you, I simply couldn't. I couldn't let you see the old me, the ugly me. That's gone now, Sarah, for good. Miraculously, God's washed it away. Now I can serve the remainder of my term with the knowledge God loves me and has forgiven me. But I need to know where we stand."
She could see that her husband was different.
He really had changed, and she loved him. There was no doubt about that. She knew without a doubt she always would.
It had just been these last two years, this situation, that had made her unsure.
Could she allow the two of them to go back to his ugliness?
But now he was saying that was all gone. And even more importantly, he looked different, at peace.
His inner turmoil was gone, the constant war within him finally settled, and she could clearly see that.
She said a quick prayer: "Dear God, can this be true?"
"Can you please forgive me, Sarah? I give you my word: I'll never hurt you again as long as I live."
A quiet peace she had never known before washed over her, and suddenly she knew.
This was real. Caleb had changed. And he still loved her and Scotty.
Second Corinthians 5:17 came to her in a flash.
"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." *150
She stood, breaking into both tears and a smile at the same time, and Caleb rushed to her, taking her in his arms with Scotty between them, and kissed his wife as he hadn't been able to do since his arrest.
In that instant, this little family of three was healed in a way neither parent had thought was possible.
"We have two hours, less now! Let's make this our perfect Christmas! The carols are already playing," winked Caleb with twinkling eyes. "Oh, how I've longed to hear them! Dance with Scotty and me, Sarah!"
The three danced together across the room, simply thrilled to be together.
"We even have a tree, Papa! Look, Mama!"
"We do, don't we? And it's a beautiful one!"
"We have a tree at home, too, Papa. And I have a friend who lives above us too! We're going to go to school together!"
"That's wonderful, Scotty. Just wonderful. Is your tree big?"
"So big! Chief Nathan and Miss Millicent got it for me!"
"Who's Miss Millicent?"
"She loves the Chief! And the Chief loves her a whole lot. Just like you love Mama!"
The couple chuckled.
"It's true," confirmed Sarah. "Millicent has been such a good friend. She's the one who gave us a place to live and brought us here tonight!"
"Remind me to thank them both when I get home."
"I'm starting a sewing business, Caleb. A real honest-to-goodness sewing business!"
"Really? How wonderful! You've always been the best seamstress I've ever seen, Sarah! Speaking of which, did you have anything to do with this fancy suit?"
"Afraid not. I didn't even know about this. I'd say that was all the Chief!"
"Then I've got even more to thank him for on our way…back."
Sarah touched his cheek.
"Are you truly alright?"
"I am now. I have everything I've ever needed or will ever need from here on out, right here in this room…"
Nathan stood watching the door, amazed at the turn of events this evening. He could feel God's work at hand. And he was so thankful he had listened to His urging to make this night happen.
Behind him, Allie ran and wrapped her arms around her Dad's waist as Millicent stood back, letting the two have their special moment.
"Allie Girl! It's so wonderful to see you!"
The two embraced each other tightly, with Nathan kissing the top of his daughter's head.
"Dad, Momma told me what's happening. Is everything okay?"
"Everything is better than okay, Allie. Scotty has his family back!"
"That's wonderful, Darling!" smiled Millicent, adoring the closeness between the two people she loved most.
"Come here, my Love! Oh, how I've missed you both!"
Nathan wrapped his arms around both his girls, kissing his fiancé while still holding Allie.
"Dad, you're my hero!"
"I don't know about that, Allie. I'm just doing my job."
"I know! Allie's right! Because you're my hero, too, my Darling. This is a wonderful thing you're doing tonight! And way beyond your job description. This will be a night the Hayes will never forget their whole lives through!"
"It's turned out better than my wildest dreams. I'll tell you all about everything when we get home. If you don't mind staying in the Lounge for a little longer, I think Sarah and Scotty will be needing you both when I take Caleb back."
"Can we stay here with you till then, Dad?"
"I don't see why not, Allie. I'd like that very much. I just need you and your Momma to leave before Mr. Hayes comes back out. I'll let you know when. Don't forget, Young Lady, you have a hectic day tomorrow entertaining all the children from the Orphanages. Are you excited for the Santa Claus Parade?"
"Yes, Dad. But the truth is, I'm just as excited about meeting all the kids! I can't wait!"
Millicent smiled at their daughter, then looked up at Nathan, so proud of Allie's compassion and her ability to understand priorities.
"That's our girl, Love! It will be another grand day for many beautiful children, thanks to our Allie…"
Riding back to the prison, Nathan was astounded at the difference in the man sitting beside him.
The change was monumental and such a blessing.
The Hayes family now had a chance for a real future together.
Of that, Nathan was sure!
He also knew that now, the Hayes would also be able to make it through these last remaining months apart much easier because even though separated the three of them would be working toward the same common goal of becoming a family again.
Oddly enough, Caleb had been the strong one for both Sarah and Scotty when the clock struck ten.
The family had said their tearful goodbyes, then Caleb had come to Nathan, saying it was time.
"I can't thank you enough for tonight, Chief Inspector. I don't have the words I need. But this night has changed my life in so many ways. You gave me my God back, and you gave me my wife and son back. I will forever be indebted to your astute kindness and generosity."
"Caleb, are you going to be okay inside?"
"Yes, I am. I couldn't have said that earlier. There was so much anger and resentment. I was battling being there every day and really struggling. But that's gone now. And in its place, you've given me the ability to survive these next few months while I finish my sentence. Not only to survive the time but also to thrive while getting through it until I can return to my family. I don't know exactly what I'll be doing the rest of my time here, but I intend to pray for direction and try to learn some sort of trade. I've wasted so many days, so many weeks, so many months, but thanks to you, no more."
"I'm so glad to hear that, Caleb. You know, these other prisoners here need the same peace you've received tonight. You should add them to your prayers as well."
"I'll do that. But before I go inside, I want to thank you for something else, too."
"What's that?"
"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for you and your fiancée taking such great care of Sarah and Scotty in my absence. I'm sure I don't know all you've done. But someday, I will. For now, I know they love you and that you've cared for them as your own. I also know you've given them a place to stay with food on their table. And I know you've helped Sarah start the business she's always dreamed of having. Someday, I hope to pay all that back in some way."
Nathan nodded.
"We love them very much, Caleb. We're just doing what God has asked us to do. All of us are down at some point in our lives. It's what we do to get out of a bad situation and reset our course that matters, not the fall. All this trouble will soon be behind you. You have the rest of your life to correct your course and make it what you want it to be."
"I'll remember that. I can't believe I'm saying this, but you, Sir, have been the best friend I've had since my arrest, perhaps ever, and for that, I am deeply grateful."
"Tonight was highly unconventional, Caleb. It took wading through many regulations, policies, and procedures to make everything happen."
"I have no doubt it took your fight and your position to make this all happen, as well. I know I don't deserve any of this. However, I am eternally grateful."
Nathan nodded.
"But all this was the right thing to do, without a single doubt! We'll see that your family's taken care of until you're able to be there to take care of them yourself. Oh, and I hope you like Chocolate Labs because your son is getting one for Christmas."
Caleb chuckled a beautiful hearty chuckle.
"Even more to look forward to! Scotty will be thrilled!"
"Are you ready?" asked Nathan, holding up the cuffs.
"I'm ready, Sir!"
Caleb held out his hands, and Nathan clasped the cold metal rings against Caleb's wrists.
Though clearly, the cuffs no longer held the power to wipe the peace, nor the smile, from this man's face.
"Merry Christmas, Caleb, and may God richly bless you and yours! Shall we go inside?"
"Yes, Sir! Thanks to you, Chief Inspector, along with..." his voice catching, Caleb had to stop mid-sentence before he could finish.
He was looking down again, but this time it was for an entirely different reason than previously.
When Caleb looked up into Nathan's eyes, that earlier radiance was still there. As was his newfound peace and something else as well. That something else was clearly the man's spirit, which had been grievously missing before.
This man was a living example of the miracle of brokenness, instantly made whole.
"Along with these amazing three hours you've given me. Now, for the first time in a very long time, I can say I'm truly ready to face not only my present, Sir but also my future. The difference is, this time, I give you my word, I won't fail..."
. . .
147. Romans 10:9-10, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain
148. Philippians 4:7, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain
149. "Cinderella," First Literary European Version, Giambattista Basile, was Published in his Pentamerone in 1634; the Version now most widely known was written by Charles Perrault, and was Published in Histoires ou Contes du Temps Passe in 1697, both Versions are in the Public Domain
150. 2nd Corinthians 5:17, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain
