Callum's Compass: Journey to Love: Love, Hope, and Faith

By Sara L. Foust

Kat Williams's brother died in a gruesome accident in the mountains of East Tennessee. She blames herself.

 

Ryan Jenkins's fiancée was murdered. He couldn't protect her.

 

With the death of her brother, Kat believes she is unworthy of love from anyone—even God. When a good friend elicits a promise that she will stop living in the past, then leaves her clues to a real-life treasure hunt, Kat embarks on an adventure chock-full of danger. To find the treasure, Kat will have to survive wild animals—and even wilder men. Can she rely on Ryan, the handsome wildlife officer assigned to protect her … without falling in love?

Ryan swore off love when his fiancée was murdered, but feelings long buried rise to the surface around Kat. He volunteers to help with her treasure hunt, vowing to keep her safe. Together they venture deep into caves and tunnels … and even deeper into the depths of their unplumbed hearts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Silver Lining Literary Services
• Release date: Jun 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201237431

Sara L. Foust

Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author and homeschooling mother of five who writes amid the beauty of East Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is the author of the Love, Hope, and Faith Series, which includes Callum's Compass (2017), Camp Hope (2018), and Rarity Mountain (March 2019).  She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com. 

Book preview

For Uncle Jim, whose love of treasure hunts, mystery, and adventure inspire me. Still.

And now abideth faith, hope, and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

I Corinthians 13:13 (KJV)

Chapter 1

A PERSISTENT KNOCK at the front door dragged Kat Williams awake. She rubbed her eyes and slipped a sweatshirt over her pajama top. Hadn’t she just fallen asleep? The past week was a blur. Visiting her neighbor Clayton at the hospital every day was taking its toll on her physically and emotionally.

She stumbled to the door and peeked through the curtain-covered glass. Clayton’s daughter stood with her back to the window, arms crossed over her chest.

Kat pulled the door open. Nicole.

Can I come in?

Of course. How’s Clayton?

Nicole slumped onto the couch and buried her face in her hands. Dad’s dead. I can’t believe it. Tears leaked around the fingers hiding her eyes. Kat’s golden retriever, Scout, put his head in her lap and licked her elbow, but Nicole didn’t seem to notice. What am I going to do?

Kat sat and rubbed her friend’s back, fighting her own tears. I’m so sorry. Everything’s going to be okay, though. Did she really believe that herself? A fist held her heart, squeezing until she couldn’t breathe. Clayton was such a good friend. He never judged Kat or asked too many questions about the burdens she carried. She could be herself with him, and she would miss that.

No it’s not. Nicole sniffled and jumped up, bashing Scout’s chin with her knee.

Scout’s teeth clanked together. He let out a whine and ran through the kitchen door.

What could she say? Kat stood and placed a trembling hand on Nicole’s quaking shoulder.

It’s all falling apart. Nicole flung her arms wide, and her hand smacked against Kat’s head.

Kat backed up five paces. Maybe she should hide in the kitchen too. Nicole, please calm down.

Nicole spun to face her with a crazed look in her eyes. A look Kat had never seen before. Kat’s throat constricted painfully. Her friend’s intense grief filled the space between them. Something prickled the back of Kat’s conscience. Nicole’s red and puffy eyes, her shaking hands, her unsteady walk. Clayton’s death had surely dealt her a terrible blow.

The loud bang of garbage cans crashing to the concrete erupted outside.

Kat whipped toward the open window. What was that?

Nicole’s eyes widened. Nothing. It was nothing. Nicole backed toward the front door.

Nicole, wait.

I’ve got to go. She opened the door but paused and turned again. Listen, I know you meant a lot to Dad. Thank you for looking out for him all this time and being a good neighbor.

The sudden flip-flop in Nicole’s tone left Kat unbalanced. Clayton’s whiskered chin-dimple flashed across Kat’s thoughts. Of course. Your dad meant a lot to me too. I can’t believe he’s really gone.

Me neither. Nicole’s eyes shone under pools of new tears. The doctor said this second heart attack was just too much strain. He was surprised Dad held on as many days after as he did.

Kat didn’t know how to respond. The image of Clayton’s lifeless body, tubes and wires sticking out all over, gagged her. How long could Kat be strong for Nicole? A hollow feeling gnawed at her abdomen. She needed to close the door and process the loss. Alone.

Oh. I almost forgot. I found a package for you. It was hidden in the cupboard. I guess Dad knew I would look for coffee and find it. He always teased me about my coffee obsession. Nicole chuckled and wiped tears from her cheeks.

A package? For her? Your dad was a bit obsessed with coffee himself. The choking feeling rose higher into her throat.

Yes, he was. Anyway, here you go. Nicole retrieved a brown shoebox from Kat’s front porch swing and handed it to her. I was going to leave it here if you weren’t home.

A garbage can whirred down Clayton’s driveway and knocked into the brick mailbox post. Nicole spun on her heels and raced to grab it.

What just happened? Nicole was acting so strange.

Closing the door, Kat leaned against it and sighed. She opened heavy eyelids and stared at the box in her hand. A tear plopped onto the lid, forming a dark circle as it spread.

Should she open the box now? What if Clayton left her a reminder of how much she would miss him? Grief threatened to pour over the hastily constructed dam within her breast.

Maybe she should pray. That didn’t come naturally to her anymore, though. Not since she was little. It seemed God had stopped listening to her pleas when He let her brother Callum die. She’d spent her life nearly suffocating under the guilt of his death and the fears that night instilled. No. Prayers wouldn’t help. God wouldn’t hear her.

Clayton was dead. And she would either have to deal with her feelings or bury them alongside the ones already walled off deep inside.

Bury them. Definitely bury them.

Who was she kidding? She couldn’t just leave the box unopened. She could never ignore surprises. She lifted the corner of the lid, but her phone rang and interrupted her investigation. She ran to grab it off the desk and looked at the screen. Heather from work.

The grant finally came through. We have our new assignment, Heather said.

Oh, good. Kat and her team of fellow biologists had been waiting weeks for word to trickle down with approval to begin their new research project. When do we start?

Bright and early Monday morning, one week from now. Actually, I should say late and dusky, shouldn’t I?

Kat massaged her brother’s compass in her pocket. Yeah, I suppose so.

Fortunate to receive day-only projects for the last three years, Kat did not relish the idea of studying nocturnal lizards. Ever since the accident, nighttime had a way of eliciting a flight or fight reaction she had absolutely no control over. She always chose flight, of course. But, she loved her job, didn’t she? She couldn’t refuse and risk losing it. Risk disappointing her dad again.

Anyway, I will email you details ASAP. I think you are assigned to Anderson and Morgan counties.

The box called to her from the couch.

Logan, Mike, and I are splitting up the other eastern counties, Heather continued. It’s a lot of ground to cover, but hopefully we’ll soon be able to paint a picture of Spring Salamander life in East Tennessee and whether environmental toxins are harming the cute little guys.

Okay, thanks. She would worry about Monday tomorrow. Right now, she needed to know what the box contained before curiosity killed her.

Chapter 2

RYAN JENKINS LOOKED in the side mirror and loosened his tie for the third time. At this rate, maybe he should take it off. But if he did get the job, he wanted to look like a professional. So he cinched it back in a half a hair’s breadth and swallowed. He really hated ties.

Phillip wanted to surprise everyone by keeping the announcement a secret until his retirement party. Fun idea for the one holding the cards. Not so fun for the candidates. Ryan couldn’t fault his mentor for this quite unfair game, though. Phillip had spent the last five years guiding and growing Ryan into a better wildlife officer.

Ryan put the truck in drive and pulled away from the house. His gaze wandered to the barn as he passed. A gray blur caught his attention. He slid the truck to a stop and jumped out before the wheels quit moving.

The sweet smell of hay and molasses-filled feed greeted him as he flung open the tall oak doors. Dusty nickered and pawed in his stall.

He patted Dusty’s nose on his way by. Sorry, Bud, no more grain right now.

Nothing seemed out of place. All the critters appeared calm. He sighed and slowed his pace. It didn’t look like the coyote had made it into the barn. Probably just slinking around and sniffing out all the enticing odors. Ryan would have to be more watchful. Maebell’s calf could be here any day.

You doin’ okay, ole girl?

Maebell looked at him with large, sleepy eyes and stuck her tongue up one nostril. She jumped and whipped her head around to stare at her tummy.

Ryan laughed. Little one giving you trouble already?

Satisfied that all was well in the barn, Ryan retraced his steps, secured the door, and hopped in the truck. If he didn’t hurry, he’d be late for the party.

The church’s steeple greeted him a quarter-mile before the turn he needed to make. Standing tall in the hazy, blue sky, it reminded him of Pastor Ed’s message last Sunday. God has a work for all of us. If we are brave enough to ask, He will reveal it . . .

Was he brave enough? What if he asked and God gave him something more than he was capable of? Old timers always said God wouldn’t give a person more than they could handle, but what if God’s definition of what he could handle was different from his own?

Somewhere in the far reaches of his mind, he knew God already had given him instructions. But maybe, just maybe, God would change His mind before Ryan had to admit he understood His request.

Seven winding miles later, Ryan pulled into the parking lot at the community center and entered the already-in-progress party. He spotted his friend, Donnie, at the banquet table and sidled up to him with a mischievous grin plastered on his face. Ryan arched his eyebrow and nudged his friend’s side. How was your trip?

Good. The beach was amazing. Donnie didn’t turn his head.

Ryan leaned in closer. Aw, now, you know that’s not what I meant. How’s the new Missus?

Donnie cleared his throat as a tinge of red crept up his neck. She’s ... good.

Ryan wouldn’t be able to hold the laughter in much longer. Donnie didn’t divulge personal matters, and that’s exactly why Ryan asked.

Donnie dropped a chicken wing and splattered dressing onto the blue tablecloth.

Stifling a laugh with his hand, Ryan forced his attention to the front of the room. As he rushed back to his seat, Phillip came to the podium. The banner above his graying head glittered in the dimming light—Happy Retirement!

Speech! Speech! Speech! the audience chorused.

Phillip held up a hand, and the room quieted. It has been an honor to work with you fine gentlemen and ladies. I can honestly say I have enjoyed my time with the wildlife agency and with all of you. I am looking forward to retirement, spending time with my grandchildren, and doing some traveling. I won’t be there Monday to say, ‘Get back to work,’ but I’m sure my voice will repeat in your minds. He raised a cup of punch in salute to the crowd’s laughter.

An older secretary from the main office wheeled a large cake out from the kitchen. Would you please do the honors?

Phillip took the knife she offered and dished up large servings.

Ryan tugged at his collar and managed to sip punch. Really? They had waited weeks to find out who would fill the position. Was Phillip really going to drag it out past cake too?

Who’s the boss now? someone shouted from the rear of the room.

Oh, thank goodness. Ryan exhaled and smoothed his tie.

Phillip’s smile faded and a dark cloud passed over his face.

What did that mean? Phillip had so looked forward to the moment of the big reveal. No one else seemed to observe the concern in Phillip’s eyes.

The higher-ups have made a decision. I know many of you vied for the position, but a man named Lloyd Howard will be taking over for me.

Ryan’s chin sank to his chest. The position he coveted, filled by a stranger. One mistake made years ago would bind him forever, wouldn’t it? He yanked the tie from his neck and tossed it on the table.

Whispers flew around the room. Why would the agency hire an outsider rather than promote from within their ranks? It seemed obvious to place someone into Phillip’s position that had knowledge of the inner workings.

It would’ve made sense to put Ryan into that position. After all, he had the experience and the seniority.

Ryan’s stomach burned as he pushed his plate away. The balloons and streamers dangling above their heads no longer made him smile. He felt like yanking them down and stabbing each one with a pen.

Volunteers brought cake to the tables, but Ryan refused. 

What do you think of this Lloyd character coming in? Donnie fiddled with the half-empty cup on the table in front of him.

He hated the idea. I’m not sure. Ryan paused and turned toward Donnie. Did you see Phillip’s face when he mentioned this Lloyd guy?

Yeah, he looked almost mad.

I thought so too. Wonder what that’s all about?

Guess we will find out soon, eh?

Ryan nodded and opened his mouth to reply, but a disturbance at the front door drew his attention. Rising to his feet, he spotted a crowd gathering around an arguing pair of men. He tapped Donnie on the shoulder and pointed. What in the world?

Ryan jogged across the room with Donnie at his heels and pushed through the crowd just in time to see Phillip cram a plate full of cake into a short, bald man’s face.

That’s what I think about you, Phillip said.

The shorter man wiped icing from his eyes and smirked. He balled his fists and mumbled something Ryan couldn’t hear.

Phillip’s neck veins bulged, and his face turned red. As Phillip reared back to swing his fist full-on into the bald man’s cake-covered cheek, Ryan stepped behind Phillip, caught the older man by the elbow, and dragged him through the door.

What is going on here? Ryan asked as he struggled to keep hold of his mentor.

Get your hands off me, son.

Ryan released Phillip’s arm and stood between him and the door, arms crossed over his chest. I’ve never seen you like this.

Phillip paced back and forth and mumbled. That man ... that man gets under my skin.

Who was that? Ryan threw out his arm and pointed toward the building.

Your new boss.

Chapter 3

KAT CHICKENED OUT. The box stared at her from every surface in every room of the house for a week. And the truck. And the porch. She couldn’t count the number of times she had picked it up, moved it to a new location, and then put it back down. It had even ridden shotgun when she went grocery shopping yesterday. But if she never opened it, anything could be inside. Any number of potential hopes and dreams. A connection with Clayton. What if, once she opened it, she was disappointed? What if it was meaningless junk? Or nothing at all?

Kat’s phone rang. She put her sandwich down and reached for it. Nicole. She hesitated to answer. What if Nicole still acted strange? Or she didn’t know what to say to her? But, she couldn’t ignore her friend, no matter how awkward it might be.

I’ve finally got arrangements figured out for Dad. He and Mom met in Texas, and Mom died there, so I decided I’m going to fly down and take his ashes to her gravesite.

Nicole spoke in her normal tone, and Kat said a silent thanks. She wasn’t sure she could be strong today. I think your dad would’ve liked this plan.

You think so? I’ve really struggled with the right thing to do.

I do. He missed your mother. And he talked about how happy they were in Texas, so I think that’s perfect. Kat wasn’t a fan of graveyards and funerals anyway. Not since her brother died.

Thanks.

Listen, I wanted to ask you something.

Okay, shoot.

Kat twiddled with a stray lock of hair. Was it her place to ask about Nicole’s delinquent brother? Jase wasn’t a topic Clayton had liked to talk about, but over the course of many weekly dinners, Kat knew how important his son was to him. And how much it hurt Clayton that Jase had gone astray, delving into a life of drugs and crime.

Kat?

Kat sighed. Oh, never mind. It’s nothing. Would Jase be going too? The unspoken question burned in her mind.

Kat’s doorbell rang. She put her dirty lunch plate into the dishwasher and dried her hands. Who could that be?

She peeped through the window. Nicole again? She pulled the front door open.

I need you to take me to the bus station, Nicole said.

What? Kat ran a hand through her tangled hair and leaned her shoulder against the open doorframe.

The bus station. Nicole stomped her foot on the doormat.

Why?

I just called and they have one seat left. I can’t afford to fly.

Kat scrunched her face and pursed her lips. I don’t understand.

Texas. For Daddy’s ashes. Remember?

She remembered, but they had just talked about the plan an hour before. You’re leaving right now?

Yes, Kat. Get with the program, here. Nicole pointed at her luggage lying in a heap at the curb. My ride fell through. Can you take me?

Looking over her shoulder to the box waiting on the couch, she sighed. It would have to wait, again. Sure. Let me grab my keys.

KAT PULLED INTO THE last empty space and unbuckled.

Nicole jumped from the passenger side, swung the rear door open, and yanked her bags out. Two minutes to spare.

You’re welcome. Kat grimaced and got out, opened the other rear door, and grabbed a smaller bag. The weight of the bag tugged at her elbow. Let me help you. What’s in this?

Daddy.

Kat almost dropped the luggage.

Nicole jerked the last bag from the seat and dislodged the shoebox Kat had grabbed at the last minute. The contents spilled and a piece of paper fluttered across the warm pavement.

Oh, wait. Kat shouted as the paper blew away. She darted around the truck and across the parking lot, the bag with Clayton’s ashes bumping against her side with each hurried step. The note rested at the curb, a white sliver in a sea of black. As she stooped to pick it up, the breeze pulled it away from her again. Chasing it to the perimeter fence, she planted a foot on it, trapping it beneath her weight. With a vise-like grip, she pulled it from under her boot and carried the paper back to the truck.

The box lay on the ground, its contents strewn beneath her truck. She picked up a golden pocket watch, the surface worn smooth on both sides, and another piece of paper with a hand-drawn picture.

What in the world? She read the page in her hand.

"Revelation 6:8—

And I looked,

And behold a pale horse:

And his name that sat on him was Death,

And Hell followed with him.

And power was given unto them

Over the fourth part of the earth,

To kill with sword,

And with hunger,

And with death,

And with the beasts of the earth."

She turned the note over to discover a series of tiny numbers written on the reverse side.

5:12; 2:10; 4:22; 10:11; 1:5; 6:3; 7:14; 2:18; 4:4; 6:1; 7:5; 9:9

More Bible verses?

Kat tucked the scripture verse and drawing back into the box and slid it safely onto the seat. The pocket watch clanked against the compass as she dropped it into her pocket. She scanned the lot for Nicole. Nowhere to be seen.

Her phone jingled in her cargo pants. Man, what was up with all the phone calls lately? Slamming the truck door, she dug for her cell. Her mom’s number appeared on the caller ID. Kat exhaled and leaned against the truck. Tension flowed out of her body with the sound of her mother’s voice.

Are you okay? Your dad and I haven’t heard from you in a few days.

She pressed her forehead with her fingertips. Do you remember Clayton from next door? Her mother replied in the affirmative, so Kat went on. He died Saturday night.

Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that, sweetie. I know you two were close.

Yeah. Kat paused, fighting tears again for the umpteenth time. She patted her pocket and thought of her brother and Clayton. Two of the most important friends she’d ever had. And she would never see them again.

Can I do anything for you?

No, not really. But thanks, Mom.

Her father’s voice in the background asked who Rosalie was talking to. It’s Kat, dear.

There was a rustle on the line, then her Dad’s stentorian voice. Did you hear about your grant yet?

Kat’s back returned to its stiffened posture. Oh, yes. We got approval to start this coming Monday.

That’s great. What’s your assignment?

It looks like I am in Anderson and Morgan counties. Heather told me that yesterday, but she sent me a list today of exact sites they want me to visit.

Great. You need to be extra careful out there, you know.

I know, Dad.

There are bobcats and wild boars all over the woods now.

I know, Dad. Kat rolled her eyes.

Will you have a partner?

No, but I’ll be fine.

I would feel better if you had some backup.

"I’ll be fine, Dad." Kat tried to be patient with him, but his constant worrying was all the proof she needed that he didn’t have confidence in her. Never had. Probably never would.

Keep your phone on and make sure it’s charged. And pack your essential survival tools.

Got it. Kat sighed. He always had the same advice for her. She looked at her already-packed emergency supplies waiting in the bed of the truck.

Nicole signaled to her from the doorway of the bus station.

I’ve got to go, okay? Give Mom a hug for me.

Okay, kiddo. Talk to you soon.

Jogging steps carried her to Nicole’s side.

I need that bag. Nicole pointed to Kat’s left hand.

Oh, right. She held the bag out, but she couldn’t let go. Clayton was in there, and she would never see him again. A dreadful spasm gripped her throat and her fingers.

Nicole squinted and yanked the handle from her.

At least she had the box Clayton left her.

Can you feed Dad’s cat, Whiskers, for me?

Of course.

Nicole spun around and strode into the bus stop without another word.

Kat threw her hands up. You’re welcome, she wanted to scream after her retreating friend’s back.

Walking to her truck, questions plagued her. Why did Clayton leave her those things? And what did all those pesky numbers mean?

Chapter 4

MONDAY MORNING, RYAN waited for Donnie and Lloyd at the designated meeting place just outside the northern end of the Frozen Head State Park boundary. Ryan didn’t have to step out of the truck to see the damage wild hogs had done. Where plants should be flourishing, mounded rows of bare dirt, plowed up by tough noses and long tusks, claimed the landscape.

Ryan tapped his thumb on the steering wheel, watching the gray dawn lighten the tall peaks below him. From his vantage point atop the mountain, the sun broke free and dazzled the treetops long before it struck the valley. The morning glow traveled farther down the tree line each passing moment. God’s sense of beauty never ceased to amaze him.

He glanced at his watch again. Where was everybody?

Finally, a vehicle rumbled up the bumpy trail. Donnie’s truck crested the hill, and Ryan expelled his frustration with a deep breath. While Ryan watched in the rearview mirror, Donnie parked and exited the cab with a strange look on his face.

Ready to start their project, Ryan stepped out of his warm truck into the crisp, late-spring morning.

What took you so long?

Sorry. I got held up at the office with Lloyd, Donnie replied.

Where is the new boss anyway?

He decided not to come. Said we were plenty well-equipped to handle the job ourselves, Donnie answered.

Glad to know he has confidence in us.

Donnie cast a sidelong glance at the tree line and raised his eyebrow.

What? Am I missing something?

The new boss strikes me kinda funny. Like something ain’t quite right.

Ryan kicked the scant vegetation at his feet. That’s who Phillip was arguing with after the party last week.

It was hard to tell under all the icing. Donnie paused to let a chortle escape his lips. But I thought that might be the case. He called me in his office this morning like I’d done something wrong. Just to tell me he wasn’t coming up here like Phillip had planned. He didn’t even look up from his desk when he was talking to me, just stared down at some papers and shooed me out like I was bothering him or something.

Huh.

"Yeah, and when I asked