The Reluctant Inheritor

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Dear Reader

Dedication

Special Dedication

Chapter 1

God’s Move

Chapter 2

Jason’s Move

Chapter 3

God’s Move

Chapter 4

Jason’s Move

Chapter 5

God’s Move

Chapter 6

Jason’s Move

Chapter 7

God’s Move

Chapter 8

Jason’s Move

Chapter 9

God’s Move

Chapter 10

Jason’s Move

Chapter 11

God’s Move

Chapter 12

Jason’s Move

Chapter 13

God’s Move

Chapter 14

Jason’s Move

Chapter 15

God’s Move

Chapter 16

Jason’s Move

Chapter 17

God’s Move

Chapter 18

Jason’s Move

Chapter 19

God’s Move

Chapter 20

Jason’s Move

Chapter 21

God’s Move

Chapter 22

Jason’s Move

Chapter 23

God’s Move

Chapter 24

Jason’s Move

Chapter 25

God’s Move

Chapter 26

Jason’s Move

Chapter 27

God’s Move

Chapter 28

Jason’s Move

Chapter 29

God’s Move

Chapter 30

Jason’s Move

Chapter 31

God’s Move

Chapter 32

Jason’s Move

Chapter 33

God’s Move

Chapter 34

Jason’s Move

Chapter 35

God’s Move

Chapter 36

Jason’s Move

Chapter 37

God’s Move

Chapter 38

Jason’s Move

Chapter 39

God’s Move

Chapter 40

Jason’s Move

Chapter 41

God’s Move

Chapter 42

Jason’s Move

Chapter 43

God’s Move

Chapter 44

Jason’s Move

Chapter 45

God’s Move

Chapter 46

Jason’s Move

Chapter 47

God’s Move

Chapter 48

Jason’s Move

Chapter 49

God’s Move

Chapter 50

Jason’s Move

Chapter 51

God’s Move

Chapter 52

Jason’s Move

Chapter 53

God’s Move

Chapter 54

Jason’s Move

Chapter 55

God’s Move

Chapter 56

Jason’s Move

Chapter 57

God’s Move

Chapter 58

Jason’s Move

Chapter 59

God’s Move

Chapter 60

Jason’s Move

Chapter 61

God’s Move

Chapter 62

Jason’s Move

Chapter 63

God’s Move

Chapter 64

Jason’s Move

Chapter 65

God’s Move

Chapter 66

Jason’s Move

Chapter 67

God’s Move

Chapter 68

Jason’s Move

Chapter 69

God’s Move

Chapter 70

Jason’s Move

Chapter 71

God’s Move

Chapter 72

Jason’s Move

Chapter 73

God’s Move

Chapter 74

Jason’s Move

Chapter 75

God’s Move

Chapter 76

Jason’s Move

Chapter 77

God’s Move

Chapter 78

Jason’s Move

Chapter 79

God’s Move

Chapter 80

Jason’s Move

Chapter 81

God’s Move

Chapter 82

Jason’s Move

Chapter 83

Jason’s Move

Chapter 84

Jason’s Move

Chapter 85

God’s Move

Chapter 86

Jason’s Move

Chapter 87

God’S Move

Chapter 88

Jason’s Move

Chapter 89

God’s Move

Chapter 90

Jason’s Move

Chapter 91

God’s Move

Chapter 92

Jason’s Move

Chapter 93

God’s Move

Chapter 94

Jason’s Move

Chapter 95

God’s Move

Chapter 96

Jason’s Move

Chapter 97

God’s Move

Chapter 98

Jason’s Move

Chapter 99

God’s Move

Chapter 100

Thank You!

PERMISSIONS

This book is a work of fiction. Most names are in honor of a loved one or elementary school students in the Good News Club, who affected my life so profoundly. Others are from author’s imagination. Some situations experienced by the characters were from author’s life.

Cover Design: Paintings created by author’s husband, Archie Gentry.

Chessboard image: Thinkstock

Chess moves: Provided by GM Dr. Jason Bokar, Ph.D. North American Director of Correspondence chess for the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF).

Reference moves from game played by Garry Kasparov vs Ulf Andersson 1985.

This game is considered pubic domain and only the moves are given and does not include any commentary.

Have You Heard of the Four Spiritual Laws? © 1965-2012 Written by Bill Bright. Copyright Bright Media Foundation ®. All rights reserved. Used by permission. No part of his booklet may be changed in any way or reproduced in any form without written permission from Bright Media Foundation.

Use of Lyrics Permissions:

Selections used that are considered Public Domain:

Jesus Loves Me

Just As I Am

I’D RATHER HAVE JESUS

Rhea F. Miller/George Beverly Shea

(C) 1939 Word Music, LLC,

All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission

Permission is granted to make changes in the wording for use in The Reluctant Inheritor only.

LONGING FOR JESUS

By Richard Baker

Copyright: © 1952 Crescendo Music. Renewed 1982. Assigned to MCKINNEY MUSIC (Admin by Music Services). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Scriptures:

Scripture quotations are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A  special thank you for friends, who for years, patiently listened as I shared excitement as this book was put into scenes, chapters and finally published.

In particular, I appreciate Bonnie Williams for patiently reading the completed chapters, nudging me forward, encouraging me and for being a computer whiz to help me with technology.

Anderson Christian Writers Guild, Anderson, SC – for the privilege of being a founding member and learning from other members and Christian authors.

Dr. Jason Bokar, Ph.D, Grand Master and North American Director of Correspondence chess for the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) – for providing the chess moves.

Dr. Claire Caskey, Emeritus Professor of English of Clemson University, Clemson, SC – for his courtesy read and encouragement.

Mr. Don Cason, Vice President, Music Services – for help with music license and information.

Dina Davis, Guideposts, New York, NY – for legal guidance.

Tom Doster, Paralegal, Bright Media Foundation – permission to use the booklet, Have You Heard of the Four Spiritual Laws?

Foothills Writers Guild, Anderson, SC – for opportunities to learn the craft of writing and friendships made.

Inspiring Voices, a service of Guideposts – Amanda Parsons, Caleb Van Deman, John Osredker, Tamila Adkisson and Ashley Delp – for their encouragement, kindness and patience as I prepared this manuscript for publication.

Deputy Sheriff Jacky Manley, Anderson, SC – for advice concerning law enforcement terminology.

Lifeway Worship, Music Services – Devin Black and Sheila A. Brown – for their kindness as I requested use of lyrics in ‘LONGING FOR JESUS’. Also to Richard D. Baker’s children, Mrs. Lori Simmons and Mr. Paul Baker for use of their father’s song.

Holly Mettlen, our granddaughter – for supplying two of the three sand drawings.

Michelin Americas Research Company, Greenville, SC – for thirty years of employment. The main character’s career is based on this company.

Dr. Frances Mims, Emeritus Professor of English of Anderson University, Anderson, SC – for her influence and inspiration as she taught the evening Creative Writing Course.

Pawleys Island Community Church, Pawleys Island, SC – Reverend Don Williams, Minister – for allowing me to use the church’s name and permission to use one of his sermons. Others were fiction.

Pecknel Music in Greenville, SC – Donny Harvey – for providing information to enable me to secure permissions for lyric usage.

Tyndale House Publishers, Cheryl Sukut – for help with permission to use Scripture from The Living Bible.

Word Music Group, LLC, Nashville, TN – Lu Ann Inman – for processing the license for use of I’D RATHER HAVE JESUS.

DEAR READER

Thank you for purchasing this book and being willing to follow Jason along his journey.

This book is not a quick read, but perhaps a challenging one at times. Hopefully you will stay with it, even when some of Jason’s days seem mundane. Each moment is important to him.

On the Permissions page you saw a chessboard. Notice the moves at the beginning of each chapter. If you have played chess, you are aware that both players begin with eight pawns, one king, one queen, two rooks that are sometimes referred to as castles, two bishops, and two knights. They all have designated moves. The opponents have contrasting colors; one is light or white, the other dark or black. The light color always moves first. There are also special moves. One is called, ‘castling’, another is queening.

The object is to get the opposing player’s king ‘in check’. In order to play, one must know the rules.

Sometimes LIFE seems like a chess game and we don’t know the rules in order to confront the opposition or use an evasion tactic.

Hopefully, as you make this journey with Jason, you will see just how interesting and complex every day can become, when Almighty God draws you to Himself.

Is it possible to learn life lessons from a chess game?

DEDICATION

To my husband, Archie Gentry,

who is my Knight in Shining Armor.

For his patience as I wrote when we traveled,

listened as scenes formulated,

for giving me the idea that made the story so powerful

and especially

his willingness to use his artistry to create the cover.

SPECIAL DEDICATION

Because this book was inspired by my Heavenly Father;

I do not consider myself the author, but a ‘scribe’ of what He provided; scenes, dialogue and use of personal experiences.

I hope you will be as blessed reading it, as I was writing it.

It is also a tribute to my earthly father’s mother’s family.

He was deeply proud of them.

CHAPTER 1

GOD’S MOVE

Chess Move: 1. d4

Jason Jarrard Stowe, what a way to end the year! At the young age of 30, you’ve had a great job with an international company eight years. You finally finished that mind-sapping and energy draining project. For a bonus, you have an opportunity to go overseas in the future. The company hired your best friend, Charley, and you’ve had the privilege of working in the same department together. Most of all, you have a lovely fiancée who is ready to share the rest of your life. Look out world! I’m ready for my next challenge! He whispered his grandmother’s saying when she was proud of him. Jason, you have the world by the tail.

Charley called from his office. Hey, Jas. Come here. This is very interesting.

Not now. Got things to do, people to see and the world to conquer.

I’m serious. Look at this! It could change your life.

Jason stepped inside the office smiling as he gave reason for his upbeat attitude. My project is finished and my next assignment doesn’t start until January. I have a week to update my files and get my office ready for next year. He glanced at the screen to see what was so exciting.

URGENT!

Need to locate Micah Joshua Ashley

Age, 30 Birth date July 21st

Please contact www.adamsandwhitelaw.org

Pertinent information needed to confirm his identity.

Jason was furious. Charley, you know better than to be on the internet while you’re working. Besides, there is no telling why they are looking for that man. This could be bait for a criminal so he can be arrested.

But Jas, you were born on that day. Maybe you’re a twin and your brother or sister is looking for you. Maybe you were adopted and no one told you. Why don’t you at least call?

Jason glared at him. Not interested! You know my natural father was killed when I was a year old. My stepfather married Mom and adopted me. We’re a happy family and I’m not going to get involved with this. Besides, Mom would never lie to me. Also, my name is not Micah Joshua Ashley. Give it up!

Aren’t you even curious? I AM!

No! Jason lowered his voice to a controlled whisper. Get off the internet before you get in trouble. Remember, curiosity killed the cat.

Charley argued. Yea, but satisfaction brought him back.

Jason walked to the door, stopped, took a deep breath and turned around. Charley. No response. Charley! Finally he faced Jason. I’m sorry I lost my temper. You have the smarts to make a good name for yourself here. You’ve had two written warnings already about being on the internet. One more and you will be escorted out with your belongings.

Charley grinned. Why do you think I turned my workstation around? I’ll see them before they see what I’m doing. Besides, there are other jobs.

Jason leaned forward and reasoned with him. Charley, THINK! This company has gotten where it is because they are careful to keep all information secure and making sure employees don’t misuse equipment. They are not deaf, dumb or stupid! Please use your good brain and make something of this opportunity. He straightened up and stared over the monitor. I am going to say this once. As much as our friendship means to me, if you are fired over this, don’t call me! I’ve worked hard for my position and you are not going to ruin it for me. Do you understand?

But Jas, I was doing it for you.

Jason stormed out and closed the door. It must be important to resort to issuing a missing persons alert. Mom said my father’s parents didn’t want either one of us, so no way is this about me! It surprised him how much being told they weren’t wanted still hurt. He never tried to contact his father’s parents to find out why. If they didn’t want his mother and him, he didn’t want them.

When he got to his office he made a decision. "I’m leaving that alone."

After trying to work for awhile, he swallowed his pride and went to ask Charley to join him for an early lunch. Charley, let’s go eat.

Without even looking up, Charley claimed he wasn’t hungry.

Jason laughed. You usually jump at the chance to get out of the office and especially feed your face. What is so important you can’t eat early?

Just leave me alone!

Jason was irritated. You’ve got it! I’m out of here. He stormed out, closing the door hoping to protect his friend a little longer. Charley was acting strangely and it bothered him. But he remembered his mother’s warning about the consequences to his own professional life if he continued trying to cover for him. He’d lost his appetite over this disagreement and went back to his office instead thinking, I tried to help you, but it is obvious you don’t care. So, you are on your own.

Not being able to concentrate he needed the rest of the day to get his mind clear. After advising his manager he was taking the afternoon off and changing his answering system message, he left.

Instead of eating, he went to his condo and logged on his computer. He searched for that website alert, printed out the information and pressed the 800 number into his cell phone. What can it hurt to make one call? I just need a little information to convince Charley that I’m not the guy. Then maybe he will stay off the internet and keep his job. Just as the call was answered, he hung up. He’s a grown man. He’ll forget about it.

After a late lunch and sweaty workout, he was still worried about Charley being fired trying to do something for him.

CHAPTER 2

JASON’S MOVE

Chess Move: 1… .Nf6

After a restless night, Jason called his team leader, explained needing to take care of personal business and he’d be in later. He called that number again. Here goes nothing!

A friendly feminine voice greeted him. Good mornin’, Abrams and White Law Firm. May I help you?

He was so nervous he cleared his throat. There was a website contact notice that appeared yesterday, looking for a missing person. This number was given. His heart was racing and doubt about making this call made him end it. This is INSANE! What is protecting Charley going to cost me this time? But he called again. Hello. I’m sorry I cut us off. May I ask for information about the missing person notice on your website?

Sir, I am sorry, but the lawyer handling that account is not available.

He didn’t have time to wait. "Could you give me any information?"

No, sir. Would you like to leave a message?

No thank you. He closed his phone. I will not give Charley the satisfaction of knowing I called. He made himself whistle as he got ready for work and tried to push the issue aside.

He called his fiancée, Charlene, and invited her out for dinner and remembered her excitement over the large diamond she’d selected for their engagement. On Christmas day, he put it on her finger, making his family happy.

She asked, Why are you calling this time of day? Are you sick or something?

I’m fine. I just wanted to talk with you.

Good, I’m glad you called. Is Brannon going to be your best man or Charley? He was surprised by the question and didn’t respond. Jason you haven’t changed your mind about getting married have you?

Of course not! I’ll ask Dad. Charley may not even be at the wedding. We’ll talk about the wedding later. Hanging up he muttered. "Charley, you are not only messing with your life, you are making a wreck of mine."

Bitter cold December air cooled his fury a little as he walked to his car. He inserted a CD, turned the volume up and sang along.

At the office he forced himself to carry out his plan to organize his office for the next year. Even though his door was closed, a silent signal for ‘Do Not Disturb’, Charley opened it and asked if he had checked out the website.

Jason responded asking. How is your already-late project coming along?

During lunch Charley continued to badger him, so Jason just shut down. Later he went in Charley’s office, closed the door and exploded. Charley, I don’t want to hear any more about this missing person. There are thousands of thirty-year olds with the same birth date. THINK ABOUT IT! This has nothing to do with me. He yanked the door open and stormed out.

Charley’s words followed him. Jas, it was for you!

Jason was relieved to get the emotion out of his system, but sorry he had lost his temper. Some co-workers must have overheard the outburst and looked at him strangely. This situation was affecting their friendship, his well-planned career and personal life.

At 2:00 o’clock Jason took a break, went to an empty conference room which had no windows so he wouldn’t be observed and called the website number again. I hope this will teach Charley a lesson about minding other people’s business. The man has GOT to get a LIFE! He asked for the lawyer handling the missing person website. Waiting for him to answer, he was breathing faster than usual.

Within moments another lady answered. I understand you are responding to the website. Are you Micah Joshua Ashley?

No. I’m on hold for the lawyer who is handling the missing person case. So, I would appreciate you transferring me to him so I may get some information.

Several seconds lapsed. "Sir, I am the lawyer handling this case. Because of the confidentiality of this matter I cannot give out information except to the missing person himself."

Jason you better apologize fast. "I’m sorry to bother you, but all I need is a fact or two proving I am not that person. I have to convince a friend to forget about it, stay off the internet and not ruin his career over something so trivial."

Her tone of voice changed. Sir this missing person alert is by no means trivial! It is URGENT that I find Micah Joshua Ashley. Pardon me, but I didn’t get your name.

The woman had a bad attitude, so he had no problem having one of his own. It doesn’t matter who I am. May we continue our conversation?

She fired back at him. Sir, I refuse to talk with someone unwilling to identify himself. Consider this conversation over! The dial tone was loud in his ear.

Who does she think she is? He pressed redial. She’s not going to get away with treating me like that! The receptionist answered. I want to speak to that woman lawyer again. She hung up on me! He was rude but didn’t care.

After a moment she responded in a gentle voice. Sir, I am sorry you were disconnected. She is not available. Would you like to leave a message?

He fumed. She was just THERE! She just refuses to talk to me.

This time she whispered. It would be best if you called back at another time.

Jason regretted his behavior and hoped no one overheard him. I apologize. You are just doing your job. Thank you for being nice to me.

You are welcome. Hope you have a blessed day.

He closed his phone. What is a blessed day?

He mumbled as he paced. That woman’s playing games with me and I don’t like it. She’s not worth wasting my valuable time to apologize. I’ve had enough! If Charley loses his job, he will have to live with the consequences.

Exiting the office he ran into a co-worker. Sorry Jason. Are you alright?

Yea! I’m just problem solving out loud. He rushed back to his office, closed the door, made himself focus on his to-do-list and look forward to his evening with Charlene.

CHAPTER 3

GOD’S MOVE

Chess Move: 2. c4

Yardley Esther White, the thirty year old lawyer, was deeply worried about Benjamin Ashley, a client who was close to death. He was also next door neighbor to her grandparents and their family. She was making extra efforts to locate his grandson, Micah, and beg him to visit before Benjamin died. For twenty eight years, all cards, letters and presents sent to him, his mother and grandparents came back marked ‘Return to Sender’.

Benjamin and his wife Belle’s hearts were broken when their only son, Jacob, died in a horrible farming accident. Yet they focused their attention on his wife, Crystal, whom they loved and their all-boy grandson, Micah. Belle passed away five years ago, now Benjamin’s days were numbered. She used her legal connections to learn Micah’s other grandparents still lived at the same address. So her own grandparents, Cleveland and Catherine White, sent a certified letter asking their help, but it was returned.

Convinced they would not return mail from her law firm, she wrote a heart wrenching letter and enclosed her grandparent’s returned one. The envelope in her hand stamped ‘Mail Refused’ proved her wrong. She opened the envelope and reread her words.

Mr. and Mrs. Monroe,

Mr. Benjamin Ashley, grandfather of Micah Joshua Ashley, is now residing at Mimosa Crossing, a nursing facility, and needs round-the-clock care. Years of hard work and a broken heart have taken their toll.

He continued to send letters and gifts to your home, for Micah and your daughter, Crystal, and both of you. I find it hard to believe you returned them. I hope and pray you will respect the importance of this request.

Eternity is close for Mr. Ashley and he wants to share Heaven with his beloved wife, Belle, son Jacob, and hopefully Crystal and Micah someday.

Surely, as his natural grandparents, you could understand the heartbreak this man has experienced and what a peace could come to him, just to see his flesh and blood before he dies. How would you feel if you were in his place and all attempts to reach your grandson were denied?

I am a lawyer and partner in this law firm. I will take extra measures to pursue Micah and will leave no stone unturned, including placing information on a Missing Person’s website on the internet for the world to see. The choice is yours.

Y.E. White

Adams and White Law Firm

When she called Benjamin to tell him the firm’s letter was returned there was silence at first. Thank you for trying. He’ll be back. He never mentioned Micah again.

Yardley paced, fuming. Anticipating the return of her letter, she had put an urgent Missing Person alert on their website. She received some calls, but none were Micah. Lord, what do I do now? PLEASE don’t call Benjamin home before he sees Micah. Amen.

Then she addressed the missing person. Micah Joshua Ashley, I’m coming after you not matter what it takes, who it makes mad or how much trouble it causes. She looked up the grandparent’s phone number in the file and called.

A lady answered. Hello.

Is this Mrs. Monroe speaking?

After a moment she answered. Yes it is.

Good. I need your help.

She spoke quickly. We’re not interested in anything you’re selling!

Mrs. Monroe. This concerns your family.

Harold! Come quick! A lady is calling about our family.

A man yelled into the phone. WHO IS THIS? I’m hanging up! If you call again, I’ll report you to the police.

Yardley’s temper kicked in. "You go right ahead, Mr. Monroe. And I’ll tell them about your daughter stealing my client’s grandson from him, his wife and their friends."

He fired back. You’ll do no such thing!

Yardley paced faster and challenged him. Try me!

He huffed. We don’t want to hear anything you’ve got to say.

She prayed to handle this professionally. Mr. Monroe, my name is Yardley White and I am a lawyer. You were sent a certified letter from Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland White and a registered letter from my law office, Abrams and White Law Firm, both of which have been returned. I suggest that you take the time to listen to me or I will personally come to your home, with a police escort.

He called his wife. Martha, go to the other phone. What’s this all about?

Mrs. Monroe picked up the other phone.

Yardley spoke deliberately. I need to locate your grandson, Micah.

He bellowed. We don’t have a grandson named Micah!

Yardley fired back. You certainly do! Micah Joshua Ashley was born to your daughter Crystal and her husband, Jacob Ashley.

Mrs. Monroe was crying. Harold, it’s got to be about Jason!

Yardley was shocked. Jason?

Mr. Monroe yelled. Martha, don’t you say another word! Who-ever-you are, listen up. Anything concerning our grandson is none of your business.

Yardley matched his volume. "I beg your pardon! You were not Micah’s only grandparents. Jacob’s parent’s hearts were still grieving over their son’s death when Crystal left and took that child away from them. They were my grandparent’s neighbors and best friends.

For years many cards, letters and gifts for Crystal and Micah were mailed to your home. They even sent cards and letters to you, begging you to ask them to visit. Everything was returned. When they called to talk, you hung up.

He grunted. How do we know you are not trying to pull something on us?

Yardley said. "I am a Christian, and…

That’s enough! We don’t believe in God. When she didn’t respond he shouted at her. TALK TO ME!

She lowered her voice to settle them down. It will be better if I call back in one hour. If you give me Crystal’s number I will call her.

He raised his voice again. Leave her out of this. Just give it to us in twenty-five words or less. You’ve already wasted enough of our time!

Yardley explained. Benjamin, Micah’s other grandfather is dying and I am trying to get him back before he passes away.

He grunted. Why should he want him now? They didn’t want our daughter or him around when he was a baby!

She was stunned. Is that what Crystal told you?

Yes! They didn’t like her or that boy. After their son died, all they cared about was themselves! They brainwashed her with religious stuff. She didn’t want her child trained that way.

Much as she wanted to explode, she controlled every word. Please listen to me. Jacob was an only child and his parents loved Crystal as a daughter. And Jacob adored Crystal. Benjamin and Belle swallowed their own grief to help them through theirs.

She took a deep breath and decided to say what he needed to hear. "Actually, Mr. Monroe, you have no room to talk about the way Crystal was treated by Jacob’s parents. After meeting Jacob, you told her never to come back if she married him. And it broke her heart when neither of you came to the wedding. How could you do that to your only child?

"Yet, in spite of your rejection, she blossomed into a sensitive and loving wife, daughter-in-law and mother. She so much wanted you to share her new faith, so you could be happy and hopefully become a Christian and share Eternity with her. Instead of being happy for her, you rejected her message and hurt her deeply. Well you know what? Both of you will have a HOT Eternity, because without asking God to forgive you of your sins and accept his Son, Jesus as your Savior…"

When the dial tone signaled they had hung up, she was ashamed she hadn’t behaved as a Christian or professionally.

Since it was Friday, her afternoon was free of commitments and she’d worked overtime during the week, she left early. Lord, if You had not saved me, I could be like them. She considered her feelings of resentment as righteous anger because of the hurt they caused. Lord, how could Crystal lie about Benjamin and Belle?

In the car she prayed, Heavenly Father, the Monroes need to know You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit. Please send someone special who will get their attention. Also prepare them to hear and believe. In the name of Your precious Son I pray, amen.

When she mentally recalled their conversation and Mrs. Monroe called the name, Jason, she realized Crystal had changed Micah’s name.

She called her grandparents, admitted only that it had been an interesting day and asked to spend the weekend with them. I need your hugs and prayers. How is Benjamin?

Her grandmother sounded sad. He’s given up Yardley.

A new wave of anger washed over her. All because of that selfish, spoiled brat, Crystal, Benjamin and Belle grieved themselves to death. Ma, I would like to see Benjamin, but I won’t be much comfort to him. I just need to be alone for awhile. After hanging up she prayed. Please help me get Micah back for Benjamin.

She missed her parents who were missionaries overseas.

At the house, she changed into comfortable clothes and walked to her sanctuary in the woods. Lord, I know I’m supposed to pray for my enemies, but I’d feel like a hypocrite if I prayed for Crystal and her parents.

"I love them too. Release them to me. I can do more with them than you can."

She was shocked by this powerful message to her spirit. You are right. Thank you. I am grateful You love me in spite of my spit-fire temper and need to be in control. You made me this way, and it comes in handy in my profession. I love You! In Jesus’ name, amen.

CHAPTER 4

JASON’S MOVE

Chess Move: 2… .e6

On Monday, Jason was still haunted by Charley claiming that getting on that website was for him. He wanted no part of this insane idea, but he had to make one more effort to save his job. During lunch he left the office, drove to a store parking lot and pulled into a space. He left the motor running, the heater blowing warm air and called again.

The lawyer answered. Adams and White Law Firm. May I help you?

Jason spoke quickly. Please don’t hang up on me again. I am the one who made you mad about the missing person alert. I called back to apologize, but was told you were not available. He waited for her response but was greeted with silence. Taking a deep breath he continued. "Look, I am not a prankster. My call was a sincere inquiry." He swallowed his pride to make this call, but refused to grovel to appease her. Looking at his watch, he made up his mind not to be the one to break this connection.

After three minutes she finally said, I accept your apology. He waited for her to apologize for hanging up on him and being rude, but it didn’t happen.

He tried again. Is it possible to have information that would not jeopardize your search?

Sir, only Micah can provide two pieces of information I need. Is this friendship important enough for you to want to proceed?

Jason was relieved. "Go ahead. There’s not going to be any peace until he is satisfied that I am not the missing person."

Do you have a few minutes to wait? I need to go to my office.

Yes. He breathed easier since he was making progress. When she picked up, he was polite. With whom am I speaking?

I am Ms. White. May I have your name, address and telephone number?

He hesitated. I’d rather not because I don’t know what this is about.

Her irritation came through. Well, we are back where we started.

What have I got to lose? I presume this is being kept confidential.

Of course.

My name is Jason Jarrard Stowe. He stopped when she started coughing. Ms. White, are you alright?

Yes, thank you. There are two qualifiers that I must know before we can proceed.

Jason spoke through clinched teeth. "Giving you my name is proof enough I’m not that man. I only need enough information to convince my friend that having the same birth date is all we have in common. I’m sure you’ve had a lot of calls about it."

I am not at liberty to say. Do you want to continue?

He groaned. Yes. Anything to get this over with and save his job!

The first fact we need is the location of this man’s birthmark.

Jason could hardly breathe. He had a birthmark, just at the hairline on the back of his neck. His mother still kissed him on that spot if he couldn’t get away fast enough, claiming it was a special place for a kiss. This is a coincidence.

The second is the nickname his father called Micah’s mother when he was a baby.

Mom doesn’t have a nickname. Isn’t this an invasion of privacy?

Perhaps, but I must have these answers first.

He hesitated. Let me think about it.

Her tone changed to almost begging. Please don’t wait too long.

Thanks for your time. He ended the call gazing at the fogged windshield. Her comment about not waiting too long bothered him. I will not be rushed.

He wasn’t in the mood to eat, so he called his mother for further proof. Mom, did you have a nickname when I was a baby?

At first he thought the line went dead. Then she almost shouted at him. WHAT? May I ask WHY you want to know?

He was expecting just a ‘No’ answer, so her reaction shocked him. "Charley was on the internet the other day and saw a missing person website. There was an urgent alert about a man who has my birth date, but the name is different. This sounds crazy, but he has become obsessed about it. So, I called to get information proving I’m not that person. Mom, Charley’s my best friend and already had two warnings about being on the internet. So, I’m trying to help him see how stupid this is."

JASON, LEAVE IT ALONE! PROMISE ME! His mother yelled at him.

He was shocked, but tried again. Mom, either you had a nickname or you didn’t.

After several moments of silence she whispered, I don’t want to talk about it, Jason.

Now he was irritated. Don’t want to talk about WHAT?

Don’t raise your voice to me young man! You may be thirty years old, but I’m still your mother and demand you treat me with respect!

He was surprised at her reaction. Why are you so upset?

She was quiet for a moment. There are greedy people on the internet, putting out bait hoping someone will bite so they can ruin their lives. Please don’t sacrifice your own career to help Charley again.

Jason waited a moment. Mom, you didn’t answer my question.

Your Dad always calls me Crystal.

Well, that takes care of that. I’ve made a lawyer mad for no reason.

That takes care of WHAT?

Never mind, I’ll talk to you later. I love you.

Her voice broke. I love you too, Jason. You are my life. I can’t stand the thought of losing you.

Mom, it’s not worth crying about. I’m sorry I upset you. By the way, I will be overseas next week. See you when I get back. When he hung up, he recalled her last words. I can’t stand the thought of losing you.

CHAPTER 5

GOD’S MOVE

Chess Move: 3. g3

Yardley was ecstatic! "Lord, You are so good! Jason Jarrard Stowe has to be Micah. All I need is confirmation his mother’s nickname was ‘Princess’ and that he has a birthmark on the back of his neck. Her hands shook as she made notes in the ‘Tracking Micah’ folder of Benjamin’s file. And bless Jason’s friend who brought this notice to his attention. Please don’t let him be fired."

Just then her phone rang. The receptionist said another man was calling about the website. She almost said she’d return the call later. Go ahead and put him through. She answered half-heartedly. Hello. May I help you?

I believe my best friend may be the man you are looking for.

Yardley had no time to waste on another curiosity seeker. "Why isn’t he making the call?"

He cleared his throat. Because the names don’t match, but I have a feeling about this. If I’m right, he needs to find out for himself.

She wasn’t in the mood for games. So, what’s in it for you?

After a long silence the man came back at her. "Lady, you have no reason to be rude. If my friend calls, and you talk to him that way, he will hang up. For your information, there is absolutely nothing in it for me."

Yardley knew she deserved this stranger’s chastisement. Sir, I apologize. She felt the Jason caller was Micah, but she could be wrong. May I ask your name?

According to your urgent website, we don’t have time to waste.

Yardley was agitated. I cannot divulge any information about this person, even to confirm your instincts.

This time he was even more irritable. "I didn’t ask you for any information. I’m calling to give you some. Do you want it or not?"

She was tempted to hang up on him, but grabbed a pencil. I’m ready to listen and take notes.

He softened his voice. I’m just going to give some facts about him.

She couldn’t hear him clearly. Can you speak up a little?

No. I’m in a conference room on my cell and don’t want anyone to hear me.

She caught herself whispering. Alright, go ahead.

He rattled off facts. He has brown eyes, dark blond hair that gets lighter in the sun, has a solid build, does not smoke or drink and is very health conscious. He’s a…

Please slow down. The last thing I heard was ‘very health conscious’.

He spoke slower. He’s a Type-A personality, driven to succeed at anything he attempts, goal oriented and has set his sights on climbing the corporate ladder. He’s an engineer with a desk job and works primarily on a computer, but he’s no softy. He works out at a gym and keeps in good shape. He’s extremely smart and meets people very well. He has a lot of energy and is always looking for a challenge and has a firm handshake.

She gripped her pen in disgust. Sir, I appreciate this list of attributes, but I need something more distinctive.

How about a birthmark on the back of his neck?

Yardley inhaled so fast she coughed. I’m sorry I didn’t hear where the birthmark is located. He identified the birthmark was on his neck at the hairline. Exactly where Micah’s was! She was stunned and eased out of her chair to pace. You are very observant. You must be a very close friend. What’s his name?

Again he got huffy. Lady, I’m giving you information in case he calls. He doesn’t need you chasing him down trying to invade his life.

She tried another angle. Do you know his mother’s name?