When he got off the phone with Perry, Barry joined Bella in the living room where she was watching TV.

"Bella, Perry said he'll meet us for breakfast tomorrow."

"That's good. I think Pastor Anderson said he'll make time to join us."

"This is why we want to talk about the child with Mr. Mason," Barry said.

"I know the child isn't his responsibility, Barry. I think I understand where he's coming from about this child since the parents left a while ago after that court date they had with him," Bella said.

"I get that, Bella. He did say something about having questions for us on a case he's working on. I said we'll do our best to answer questions."

"Did he say what the case was about?" Bella asked.

"No. We'll find out tomorrow morning at breakfast."

Barry and Bella belong to a Nazarene church, and it is small.

"I think Perry should meet Pastor Dan," Barry agreed.

"I want him to. Pastor Dan said he knows who Perry is since he follows some of his cases. I know he followed this latest one with the car accident."

"That's how we got connected with him, Bella."

"I know. Let's keep praying Perry would agree to this idea of Pastor Dan."

"I understand what he thinks about the child, Bella. We can continue praying for Perry to change his mind about going to church with us one of these days."

"He turned us down, remember, Barry? Let's not give up on that. Even Pastor Dan liked the idea of inviting him someday, whether he's been to church or not."

"Perry didn't tell me what kind of case he's working on now, but I don't think Pastor Dan would be interested in hearing about Perry's latest case. It would be interesting what he tells us," he told her.

"I know. We don't follow him very much, but know who he is."

"Yes, Bella. You're right on that. He doesn't have to share if he doesn't want to. We still don't know him very well enough to get personal information like that."

"We don't have to be friends with him, Bella. He knows as much as we do. He's just being nice enough to keep in contact with us."

"Yes, he is nice," Bella agreed.

"Why doesn't he have his own children?" Barry asked.

"Not a chance. He doesn't have time for that," Bella told him.

"Whether he's religious or not, he can try going at least one service, Bella. He needs Jesus in his life right now, no matter what kind of problems he has when he's not working," Barry replied.

"You're exactly right about him needing Jesus, and the time is now."

"Let's keep praying about it, Bella. If goes and checks out our church, he might even change his mind."

"Not a chance, Barry. He has court on Sundays sometimes, doesn't he?"

"I guess you're right. We'll tell him that tomorrow morning at breakfast. Pastor Dan would agree for sure."

"Of course he would. Let's see what Perry's reaction will be when he hears this," she told her husband.

"It would be interesting to see the look on his face. I wonder if he's ever thought about trying to go to church."

"None of our business," Barry told his wife.

"Of course not. He's more interested in his job than religion."

They went to bed early that night because of the time they scheduled with Perry, which was 8:30.

Bella and Barry both thought about picking up Perry at his house or if he could take his own car to meet them for breakfast, but it was none of their business on what he is doing for recovery from the accident in traffic.

"Barry, I thought about picking Perry up tomorrow and take him to breakfast," Bella said.

"So did I, but I don't think he trusts us enough to give out his home address."

She understood that.

"Remember God said to serve others like Perry?" Bella asked.

"Of course I do. Of course Perry might be well - known, but I doubt that he makes friends with clients from the past until today."

"I don't think he is either, Barry. That's not necessary for him to do that. The office is enough."

"You're right. I guess he doesn't trust us enough to drive him to the office after breakfast."

"Of course he doesn't. If he knew us a long time ago, he would. All we have to do is keep praying for Perry to know that God is right there with him since the first day of the accident and trying to help hm heal faster. This is why Pastor Dan wants to join us for breakfast."

"You're right, dear. Let's keep praying for him and he can decide more if he wants to try to go to church sometime after he gets better."

"You might be right. Let's find out when the time is right. Like you just said earlier, Perry does need Jesus Christ in his life right now after what's going on with him."

"We need to pray for that also. I guess Pastor Dan will say something about that in his sermon on Sunday."

"He might."

While talking with Ada that night at supper, Perry brought up Barry and Bella Patterson again.

"Just so you know I will be up early tomorrow morning."

"Why is that, Perry?"

"Because I was invited for breakfast, so Della or Paul will be here to pick me up. You can go, but it's not necessary."

'Thank you for saying something. I might just end up with oatmeal. Where are you going?"

He told her.

"I haven't been there in a long time. You're only there for business, which I understand."

"They're the foster parents who took the Johnsons' child that's left behind. I think there's something they already have in mind what's next for the child."

"What do you think it is?" Ada asked.

"I don't know, but that's what I will find out tomorrow at breakfast."

"That was nice of them to invite you, Perry."

"I know it is," he said as they both heard the phone ring.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Perry. Paul and I were talking about your breakfast meeting you mentioned with them. Paul said he'll take you."

"Thank you, Della. Tell him I will see him tomorrow."

"I will."

Before everybody knew it, the next day showed up. Perry had woken up very early, but Paul did promise at 8:15, since he heard it didn't start until 8:30.

Maybe Paul will have his chance to meet Barry and Bella.

He stayed in the living room until Paul parked in the driveway. Perry ended up writing a quick note for Ada, saying he would be gone for the day and would see her later. There's always later today and check in. So the only thing Perry did was walk quietly to her room and leave the note on the dresser drawer. She didn't even hear him leave.

"Hi, Paul."

"Did I show up on time?"

"Yes, you did. I was just writing Mom a note."

"That's why I waited for a while."

"Yes. Now we can go and meet the Pattersons. You might get a chance to."

"I'd like to stay, Perry, but this is your meeting, not mine. Either Della or I will come back and take you to the office."

"Sounds good. I'll see if they have heard anything about Dad's cases, but they don't look like they weren't back in that time when he started out."

"Probably not."

They made it just in time. Both Barry and Bella told Perry they'd be waiting outside for him, which he accepted.

"I'll call you when I'm ready," Perry told him.

"We'll be at the office."

Both Perry and Paul walked to the front door. Paul saw a couple in their 40s. They must be the people Perry mentioned.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson," Perry said.

"Good - morning, Perry. I see you brought a friend with you."

"Just a ride is all. I'd like you to meet my investigator, Paul Drake. Paul, this is the couple I told you about who took in that child. Barry and Bella Patterson."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson," Paul said as they saw another gentleman join them.

"Same with you, Mr. Drake. Looks like Pastor Dan is here," Barry said as Paul headed back to the car.

"Let's go inside," Bella said after they said good - morning to Dan.

Perry thought, 'Who is Pastor Dan? I'm not religious.'

"How many of you?" a woman asked as they all walked in.

"Four," Barry said.

"Follow me," she said, and then added, "I'll be your server today. My name is Harriett."

"Thank you, Harriett. We'll let you know when we're ready," Dan told her.

Once she left the table, Barry began the conversation.

"Perry, we remember you saying that you wanted to meet us."

"Yes, I just wanted to check in on the child."

The girl started to cry again. Bella was holding her, telling her to calm down.

"How is the child doing?" Perry asked.

"Still frightened. We can't get her to stop," Barry answered.

"You said that you had something to share with me," he told them.

"Yes, we do. Perry, we'd like you to meet our pastor, Dan Anderson."

"We invited you to join us, Perry. That's why he's with us today," Bella said.

"Tell me what your plan is."

Harriett returned with coffee and ice water.

"Are you ready to order or do you need more time?"

"Give us a few more minutes," Dan told them.

"All right."

They were all looking at the menu while talking.

"You remember what we mentioned we were religious?" Barry asked.

"Yes. What does this have to do with the child? I do have some questions for you as well."

"Well, we just opened up a ministry for foster children at the church, Perry. We decided to have her as part of the ministry. It was Pastor Dan's idea," Bella told Perry.

"It's small for now, but we're getting people interested in growing it."

Then Pastor Dan continued.

"Perry, we followed your last case with the accident. We're sorry it had to be you. This is why we invited you here today for breakfast," Pastor Dan said.

"What about me do you want to know about?" Perry asked, not sure where this is going.

"How you found Bella and Barry."

Pastor Dan didn't know the story on how the three of them connected.

Perry gave him the story.

"Sounds like you all are getting along just fine."

"Yes, Mr. Anderson. I have questions of my own about children."

"Go ahead and ask. Are you interested in joining a ministry at the church?"

"Nothing like that, Mr. Anderson. I am working on a case that involves children, but it doesn't mean I am interested in being involved with ministry."

"What questions do you have?"

"This case I am working on is actually connected to the accident I recently am trying to recover from, but the police have said there was an update, but haven't given me many details, so I am still waiting for them to call me."

"What kind of case is this?"

"Well, it's a cold case."

"What? You've never done those before, have you?" Pastor Dan asked.

"No, sir. It was a case my father never had the chance to solve. He was a lawyer also."

"Sorry, Perry."

"You don't need to apologize, Barry. It does involve children like my accident case. I say mine because of the child you and your wife took after a couple times and stayed in touch. Mr. Anderson, this case was pretty well - known."

"In what way was it well - known?" Bella asked.

"Because he was involved in a shooting at a retail store. I guess he was working on a case at the store, but I need to get more ideas from the people at that time on the story."

"Have you thought of trying to contact the other people at that time?"

"Yes, Mr. Anderson. I was told from some people besides my investigator they are gone, so there's no chance they would be able to show up for a court date."

"If this case was from a long time ago, how do you know the story?" he asked.

"Listen to me, Mr. Anderson," Perry said and was interrupted by Harriett, the waitress.

"Are you ready to order?"

"You go first, Perry. You're the guest."

"Thank you."

He told her what he wanted.

"And you, sir?"

Pastor Dan also gave his order and so did Bella.

Then she left again with the menus and that's when Perry decided to continue.

"Well, he kept all of his files from the first case until the last one. That is how I know it's a well - known case because other people have brough it up a few times."

"Is your father still alive to give details?" Barry asked.

"No. He passed away a couple months ago. I'm representing his wife since she was accused of murdering him. Even I was accused. Neither of us were in the house when he was murdered."

"Sorry, Perry. You are on our prayer list."

"Thank you, Mr. Anderson. I still don't understand why you're with the three of us."

"They invited me to come, so here I am. Since you're interested in children, Perry, we'd like to try getting you involved in one of the ministries at the church sometime."

"Thank you, but I don't have time."

"Perry, we were talking about you last time the three of us were together. The three of us agree that during this hard time you're going through now is that you need Jesus Christ in your life. He's with you right now," Pastor Dan told him.

"Well, I don't see Him. How do I know He's here with me at this time with you?"

"The Holy Spirit knows everything, Perry. He somehow had that accident happen with you involved."

"He's right, Perry. That's what we believe in. Did you grow up in church?" Bella asked.

"No. I never went. I don't see any reason to start now."

"We think you should, Perry. We might not see Jesus in this room, but He's here."

"Are you forcing me to attend church?"

"Of course not. Just an invitation for now is enough. Will you think about it and let us know?" Pastor Dan asked.

"Yes, Mr. Anderson."

"Just call me Dan. I don't care much for Danny."

"So now you see where we're going, Perry?"

"No. I can try to check out your church, but not join it. Sometimes I have court on Sundays."

"We understand, Perry. We will keep praying you get better with your recovery from the accident."

"Thank you, Mr. Anderson. I'm sure you have other ministries to think about at the church."

"Yes, we do. Since we knew about your accident, we've been praying for you. Maybe you could try coming to one of our groups that get together with problems like yours."

"What do you mean?"

Perry still wasn't so sure where the conversation was going, but listened anyway.

"You don't have to go on Sundays, Perry. The congregation are caring. They don't care who you are, they still pray about you," Pastor Dan said.

"I'm sure you've already guessed this, but I don't have my doctor say when I could start driving a car again."

"You don't have to worry about that, Perry. Somebody could give you a ride like Barry and Bella."

"Let me think about it. Just let me know what I have to do and I will do what I can."

"All right, Perry. You don't need to be in contact with me on this one. I only pray."

"Pastor Dan, you're not going to ask him to have a Bible, are you?" Barry asked.

"Of course not, but it's his choice."

Now he was getting the idea, but he's already made up his mind, and the answer is still no. Of course Dr. Webber recommended it, but Perry doesn't seem to think there's no reason to try all of the recommendations Webber had before taken away to jail, and nobody forces him and Ada to try everything. He's going to mention it to Ada tonight.

Perry knew Della and Paul would ask about the breakfast date, so this is worth sharing with them.

"Perry, there's another thing we do know," Barry began.

"What?"

"Even though you're not a believer in Jesus, we believe that your calling was to be a lawyer."

Perry was starting to get tired of hearing about Jesus in this conversation, so it was time to change the subject.

"Do you know if either of you hear of George Mason?"

The three of them shook their heads, but understood a little bit that he wanted to work on a case for his father.

"Sorry, Perry. Maybe this could be a good idea to talk with some of the members of the congregation and they might know something," Bella told him.

Perry shook his head.

"Sorry, Bella, I don't think that's necessary to talk with them, but thank you for the suggestion."

"You're welcome."

"I've been asking my mother some questions about my father's cases, but she doesn't seem to want to answer them. She's mentally sick right now, but the doctors haven't figured out what is wrong yet."

"Sorry, Perry. You'll be able to find something," Pastor Dan told him.

"I know. I'm still trying to talk her into medication, but she doesn't want to take that stuff."

"It'll make her feel better," Bella said.

"I told her the same thing, but she just says no. This is the first time she's been sick in her life."

"What have you decided on, Perry?" Barry asked.

"We tried doing counseling, but it's a friend of my secretary. She felt sick to her stomach on our first appointment, but my secretary is going to try to reschedule something since it didn't go so well for a first visit."

"Sorry, Perry. I'm sure you had recommendations to help you with recovering faster."

"Yes, I have. Church was on the list, is what I remember seeing on the list from the doctor. My primary doctor is taking over on that decision since he talked with the other one."

"Do you want to share?" Bella asked.

"No. That's personal information. Same thing with my mother's health. We haven't known each other well very well enough to trust you on that."

"We understand. Bella and I were talking about picking you up from your house and take you to the office to play safe."

"I don't trust you on having my home address or phone number."

Pastor Dan seemed to agree with Perry.

"He just prefers to keep the office number, Bella and Barry."

"Exactly," Perry agreed.

"Would your mother want to try talking with us?" Barry asked.

"I don't think so. She still sounds like she hasn't trusted my private investigator and secretary just yet. She seemed to get to know my investigator last time he was at my house. Same with my secretary about the counseling."

"Counseling sounds like a good idea on how to recover from your accident, Perry. I'm sure you'll have to trust this counselor friend of your secretary's to keep going to these appointments," Pastor Dan replied.

"Yes. I'm trying to work with both my mother and the people my father worked with before stepping down to raise me. He just didn't seem interested in going back to be an attorney when he stepped down, but mostly follows my cases. They still have my law degree on the wall in the living room."

"That means they're proud of you for getting this far."

"Yes, ma'am. My mother even mentioned he was jealous of his son because he didn't get all of his cases finished like I did with mine."

"I'm sure he was. I'd better plan to get to the church. I have some meetings to go to, starting at 10:30. I'll see you next time."

Pastor Dan excused himself as Harriett returned to their table with the bill.

"We'll pay for the bill, Perry," Barry told him.

"Let me do it."

The baby didn't cry once when they were having breakfast, but Perry couldn't see anything about the baby crying all day.

"Perry, we want to do it. You connected with us when we heard about the baby," Barry said as they watched Perry grab his credit card from his wallet.

"Mind if I make a quick phone call to the office?"

"Not at all. You go right ahead. If there's anything new to update, we'll call you, Perry."

"Thank you. Same thing if you hear anything about George Mason and his murder cases."

"We will, but we don't know anything about your father or his cases, but if we come up with something, of course we'll contact you. The congregation would be able to try remembering if they heard of your father."

"Thank you, Bella. I'll keep it in mind, and it would be a big help. I'm still looking to see how this cold case could be solved. This is why I want to do something for him."

"Good luck with your recovery, Perry. Remember what we said about being on our prayer request list."

"Yes. Thank you for inviting me for breakfast."

"You're welcome," Barry said as he went to the nearest phone with Harriett's help.

Perry was able to reach Paul, but Della was there also, but Paul was the closest to the phone than she was.

"Hi, Perry. Sure, one of us will be able to pick you up. Are you finished?"

"Yes, Paul. I'll see one of you when you arrive. I'll be waiting outside."

"Thanks, Perry. Della, he's ready to be picked up. I can get him or you can."

"I can, Paul. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Della."

She went to grab her car keys and purse, headed to the parking lot and drove immediately to pick up Perry.

Note: Later in this story, Paul has a surprise for us.