The Pursuit
Introducing the Haven Acres Story
by
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Of course, Mabel knew about Gerald. Brad had carefully screened several possible housing situations in Brunsville when the school board offered him his contract. He had been impressed with Mabel as a prospective foster mother for Gerald. She had been elated at the possibility “of raisin’ another youngun.” Brad had avoided explaining the fate that had thrown him into this double role of mother/father. He had only stated that he was alone now and would have to fulfill both roles for Gerald. Mabel’s response was sympathetic, though obviously alert for more grist for the gossip mill. Mabel now gazed at him over her spectacles as she replaced a wisp of grey hair that had fallen in her line of vision.
So what, thought Brad. I have nothing to hide. It’s not my fault I’m stuck with a five-month old baby boy. Brad swirled the melting ice around in his glass and crossed his legs.
“I really don’t know much about you, Mr. Crosley,” Mabel finally blurted.
“Well, there really isn’t a whole lot to tell, Mrs. Henry,” Brad modestly began. The facts slowly tumbled out as Mabel recorded them on her mental tape. Twenty-five years old... Presbyterian...Played a little basketball in high school… Masters degree from Walden University...Taught English literature at Central High in Davenport...Father successful lawyer...Older sister married to a young executive at 3M...Younger brother studying engineering at the University of Iowa...Mother partially paralyzed as a result of a stroke.
Mabel refilled their glasses. The oscillating fan in the corner complained a little as it threw the sultry air back where it came from. Brad knew that he had not related all that Mabel wanted to know. Gerald’s existence was yet unexplained. Brad took a long swallow of the cool brew, then grasped the glass with both hands as he rested his elbows on the arms of the old Captain’s chair. His eyes looked past Mabel’s when he finally spoke.
“Stella and I were married almost a year ago. In fact, our anniversary is a week from Sunday. We were happy together. We had our little scraps but we got along better than some of our friends did. When Gerald was born, something changed drastically in Stella. She acted as though she hated him. She refused to care for him.”
Now Brad’s eyes met Mabel’
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About the Book
The Pursuit is the saga of Brad Crosley, a young principal of an elementary school in northcentral Iowa, whose wife Stella has abandoned him and their infant son. Brad attempts to balance his career with being a single Dad while trying to track down Stella to bring her back. A private detective finds her working as a prostitute. Before Brad is able to make contact with her, she disappears. The pursuit continues but not without complications. Along the way Brad discovers that he is also being pursued.
About the Author
Dave Barkey and his wife, Marge, have ministered in a variety of settings for more than 40 years. Wherever they have been their interest has been focused on marriage enrichment, divorce recovery, reconciliation and forgiveness. Along with their five children, they have lived in Argentina, Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. Dave is a graduate of Bethel Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. He also earned a master's degree in Sociology from Colorado State University. He has completed two units of Clinical Pastoral Education. The Barkeys now reside in Loveland, Colorado where Dave serves as pastor to seniors at Galilee Baptist Church