Faith by Michelle Larks Page A

approved two plain clothes officers to stay at your house tonight as a precaution. You can’t be sure what the perp might be thinking. Did you remember to change the locks in your house?” Wade asked. “We also pulled the records of Monet’s cell phone to see what satellite towers they hit.”
    Marcus nodded to indicate that he was in agreement with the steps taken to solve the case. Wade and Marcus exited the elevator and walked down the hallway to Monet’s room. As they passed the nurse’s station, a couple of hospital employees expressed wishes for Monet to have a speedy recovery.
    â€œWell, we can tell your wife is loved at her workplace,” Wade observed.
    â€œI figured that she was. Still, it’s another thing to actually see and hear it.” Marcus nodded. He rapped lightly on the door, and then pushed it open.
    Derek, Duane, Liz, and Reverend Wilcox were visiting Monet, who was asleep.
    â€œHello, Marcus and Wade,” Reverend Wilcox said. She gave them a light hug. “I wanted to stop by and see if there was anything I could do.”
    Marcus and Wade were stunned by the number of floral arrangements in the room. After checking a few of the cards on the vases, Marcus put the overnight case in the closet.
    Liz pointed to the floral arrangements and said, “The flowers just seem to keep coming. Monet told the nursing staff to give some of them to the elderly patients. This is what’s left.”
    â€œThat sounds like something Monet would do,” Marcus said, continuing to check the cards.
    â€œI’ll see if I can get a couple of extra chairs,” Wade said, and then left the room.
    Marcus walked over to Monet and kissed her forehead carefully. Her face seemed more swollen to him than it did earlier.
    Liz noticed his reaction. “The swelling should start to subside shortly. They’ve been giving her antibiotics and icepacks for the swelling.”
    Wade returned with a couple of chairs. He placed them on the wall near the end of the bed and sat down.
    Reverend Wilcox asked Marcus, “Did Monet’s doctor say when she’ll be released?”
    â€œEarlier she said if all continues to go well, she’ll be released maybe Sunday or Monday,” he responded.
    â€œThat’s good news. I will make sure we mention her at church on Sunday, and of course say a prayer for her.”
    â€œThank you, Reverend Wilcox,” Marcus said. He looked over at Monet, who stirred in the bed but didn’t wake up.
    â€œDoctor Washington says it’s good that she’s sleeping because it will help her body to mend. Did you guys have a chance to talk to her?” Marcus asked Derek and Duane.
    â€œFor a few minutes. We didn’t want to tire her out, and she was pretty groggy,” Duane answered, looking away from the bed, which seemed to dominate the room.
    â€œWell, I didn’t plan on staying long. I have a few more members to visit while I’m here at the hospital.” Reverend Wilcox stood up and removed her coat from the back of the chair. “If you don’t mind, Marcus, I’d like to read a scripture and say a prayer for Monet.”
    â€œThat will be fine,” Marcus responded.
    Reverend Wilcox took her Bible out of her black leather tote bag and asked everyone to stand near the edge of the bed and hold hands. She opened her Bible to the book of Psalms. “I will read from Psalm 86:6 and 7. ‘ Give ear, Oh Lord, unto my prayer, and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the days of my trouble I will call upon thee, for thou wilt answer me.’ Father above, I thank you. For even in the midst of heartache and pain, I can and will say thank you. Thank you for sparing Sister Monet’s life, and because the injuries she has suffered are temporary. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come for Monet and Marcus in the morning. It might not feel like it right now at this minute, but I know