James L. Rubart - The Chair

Praise for The Chair

James L. Rubart is one of my new favorite authors. The Chair has the same depth and creativity as Rooms , and it was impossible for me to think of anything else until I finished it. I cant wait for his next book!

Terri Blackstock, author of Intervention and Vicious Cycle

The genius behind Rooms has struck again, leaving his readers hanging on for an extreme ride that rushes to conclude with a surprise, but satisfying twist.

Harry Kraus, MD, best-selling author of The Six-Liter Club

The Chair is a compelling story that will draw the readers attention immediately and hold onto it until the end. Ive enjoyed all of James L. Rubarts books, but this may be my favorite.

Tracie Peterson, best-selling author of the Striking A Match series and Song of Alaska

My kind of story: Thought provoking, filled with the truth of humanity and the compassion of Christ.

Bill Myers, best-selling author of Eli and The God Hater

James L. Rubart has taken an inanimate objecta chairand built a page-turning story around it, interweaving romance, danger, mystery, betrayal... and most of all, a message of healing and restoration. Taking readers far beneath the surface, Rubart masterfully paints a picture of Gods depth of love and longing for relationship with even those who are running away from Him as fast as they can. A tale of unimaginable sacrifice and unconditional love that will tug at your heart long after youve completed the last page.

Kathi Macias, award-winning author of Deliver Me from Evil and A Christmas Journey Home

Other Novels by James L. Rubart

Rooms

Book of Days

Copyright 2011 by James L. Rubart

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

978-1-4336-7152-4

Published by B&H Publishing Group

Nashville, Tennessee

Dewey Decimal Classification: F

Subject Heading: SPIRITUAL HEALINGFICTION \ CHAIRSFICTION \ SUSPENSE FICTION

Scripture taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. All rights reserved.

Publishers Note: The characters and events in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to actual persons or events is coincidental.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 15 14 13 12 11

For my Good Buddy, and for the gift of restoration

CONTENTS

Hold a true friend with both your hands.

NIGERIAN PROVERB

CHAPTER 1

O n Tuesday afternoon at five thirty, an elderly lady strode into Corins antiques store as if she owned it and said, The next two months of your life will be either heaven or hell.

The corners of her mouth turned up a fraction. It was almost a smile.

Excuse me? Corin Roscoe stared at her over the mound of bills in front of him and stifled a laugh.

White hair, deep smile lines etched into her high cheekbonesshe had to be at least mid-seventies. Maybe eighty, but she moved like she was in her forties. She wore a dark tan coat that bounced off her calves as she strolled toward Corin, ice blue eyes full of laughter. She didnt look crazy.

Ive brought you the chair, you see. She stared at him as if that statement would explain everything.

Corin brushed his dark hair off his forehead and slid off the stool behind his sales counter. What chair?

The woman looked around the store like a schoolteacher evaluating a new classroom of students. Her eyes seemed to settle on the pile of precisely stacked books from the 1700s. I love books, you know.

Something about her was familiar. Do I know you? He took a step toward the woman.

No. Her laugh had a tinge of music in it. I hardly think so.

Youre sure?

Yes.

Youre a fortune-teller, right? And think a little heaven and a little hell is coming my way. Cant I just subscribe to your newsletter?

She drew a circle in the air with her forefinger, cherry red nail polish flashing under the halogen lights of Corins antiques store. Probably an interweaving of the two realms. And I believe youll discover the hope of restoration. The final outcome will, of course, be your choice.

Corin smiled. You know, people think Im a little crazy because of what I do for fun, but I dont think I have anything on you.

She didnt react; only stared at him, utter confidence in her eyes.

The lady had a sophisticated air about her in contrast with her odd proclamation. Since opening the store in his late twenties, Corin had entertained seven years of the occasional strange customer, but this lady was more than unusual. Her confidence and striking looks made her words almost believable.

You need it.

I think this is the moment you tell me who you are or I kindly ask you to leave.

The woman gazed out the windows toward Silvas Ski Shop across the street. It is with regret that I cannot do that yet, but be assured eventually I will. The hint of a smile returned. Now, I must be going, so if you could help me get the chair inside, I will extend you great appreciation. She motioned toward the front door of the store. It isnt heavy, but we will want to be careful. It is priceless.

Just outside the door a tan sheet covered what must be the chair the lady referred to.

She stared at Corin, waiting, as if there were a contest going on to see who would drop their eyes first.

I didnt order a chair. Corin opened his palms. Sorry. And wouldnt you know it? Im overstocked with them this month already. He smiled. Thanks anyway.

Listen to me. She intertwined her fingers, brought her thumbs up under her chin, and pointed her forefingers at him.

Okay. Corin chuckled.

This is a very special chair.

Im sure it is. Corin cocked his head and winked.

Dont mock me. Her eyes locked on to his.

Corin took half a step back. If her eyes were lasers, smoke would already be curling skyward above his lifeless body. My apologies. Im sure your chair is exceptional, but my warehouse on the east edge of town is full of antique chairs that have collected dust for over six months. There isnt a big demand for chairs in my store right now.

Corin studied the lady. The lines carved into her light skin hinted of joy and pain, both in full measure. Her eyes, fire a moment ago, had softened and spoke of compassion and longing. Would it hurt to help her a bit?

If you have any desks, Ill take a look at those. I could buy two or three, maybe more depending on their condition. And I can take the chair on consignment if you like. No charge whatsoever to display it.

She looked at Corin as if observing a small child. Youve misunderstood. I am not asking you to buy the chair. I am giving it to you.

Why would you do that?

You are to have it. She motioned again toward the door.

I am? Corin slid his hands into his jeans and eased toward the woman. Who made that decision?

She stared at him and gave a faint smile but didnt answer.

And what if I dont want this gift?

You do. She closed her eyes and bowed her head for a few seconds. What was she doing? Praying? You will.

You seem confident of that.

Most certainly. It is a stunning piece. She looked down, laid a finger on the edge of a nineteenth-century French walnut side table to her right, and drew her finger slowly across the wood. It was made by the most talented tekton craftsman the world has ever known.

And who would that be?

Youll figure it out, Corin. She looked back up at him, the knowing smile back on her face. I believe in you.

He didnt need to figure it out. He needed to get back to figuring out how he would keep the bank from saying, Thank you very much. The few items from centuries past that you still have in your possession are now ours.