Authors: Yolonda Tonette Sanders
Day of Atonement (28 page)
“They are beautiful, man! We can't wait to get up there during spring break and spend some time with y'all.” Elvin had always been instrumental in Troy's spiritual life and Troy admired him more and more for the way he had handled the recent tragedies. He was still faithful, still taking things one day at a time, and still not ready to read through any of Elana's journals. “What does Nate think about his baby siblings?”
“He hasn't seen them yet. He's with Sylvia and Richard.” Elvin hadn't been around Nate's surrogate grandparents much, so Troy had to remind him that Sylvia was Natalie's godmother and Richard was a DA whom Troy initially knew because of their working relationship. “They are going to bring him up here later.”
“You'll have to send me a picture of Nate with the twins.”
“Will do.”
“Give Natalie a hug for me and tell the fam I said hey. I love y'all, man.”
“I love you, too, bruh.”
Troy then sent pictures to a few other friends and family members in one mass text message and replies started pouring in. There was only one message that disturbed him.
Congrats on the new arrivals. They are gorgeous. Let's talk soon. Love, Cheryl.
She'd been a nuisance ever since Troy had returned from Texas. Despite the fact that he had not replied to a single one of her text messages, she was faithful in “checking in” with him every week. Concerned that he'd mistakenly included her on his distribution list, Troy double-checked. Nope. He stepped in the hall and looked around. There was no sign of her. How in the world did she know about the babies? He had not posted anything online and besides Elvin, no one else he'd sent pictures to knew Cheryl. Elvin would
have never shared them with her, especially after Troy confided in him about her harassment. He'd encouraged Troy to tell Natalie, but Troy could not bring himself to involve his wife. He'd hope Cheryl would eventually get bored and move on.
“Everything all right, son?” His dad came in the hall to see about him.
“Uh, yeah. Everything is fine.” Troy took a deep breath and the two men walked back into the room. Cheryl was a problem he'd have to solve on another day. Right now, he simply wanted to enjoy his family.
1. At age eleven, Troy had already decided against marriage after witnessing the things that went on in the relationships of those around him. Are there factors in your childhood that influenced your view (positively or negatively) of marriage?
2. In general, the media has been accused of not giving the disappearance of minority children the same attention as that of Caucasian ones. Do you think this is true? Why or why not? Compare the cases of Natalee Holloway and Jahessye Shockley.
3. Politics can often divide friends and family members. Have you and your loved ones been divided on political issues?
4. What is your relationship with your father like?
5. What do you think of Troy's behavior at the family breakfast? Is it justified or is he being mean?
6. From where do you think superstitions originated? Why do some people so easily believe in them?
7. Given everything you know about Edgar so far up until chapter 6, do you sympathize with him? Why or why not?
8. Have you or would you ever be willing to undergo hypnosis? Why or why not?
9. Natalie recalls Troy telling her that she will make Nate “soft” by coddling too much. Do you agree or disagree?
10. In chapter 9, Diane reveals a detail about the day Elana disappeared of which Troy is unaware. Do you think this information is significant in solving Elana's mystery?
11. In chapter 10, Troy walks into a scene at his parents' home that sends him into a rage. Do you think his anger was warranted? Why or why not?
12. How do you and your spouse normally settle conflicts?
13. When Natalie talks to Diane about Jesus, Diane mentions being scared of change. Why do you think many people think that Jesus works for others, but not necessarily themselves?
14. Describe the importance of a father's role in a child's life. How do fathers help shape a child's identity?
15. Lequocious isn't really a word, but Bill uses it anyhow. Do you know the word he should have used?
16. What, if any, are some Christmas traditions that you and your family have?
17. How would you explain the definition of a superstition to a three-year-old?
18. In chapter 18, Troy thinks about his three primary suspects. Which one do you think is responsible for Elana's kidnapping and murder? Is there anyone else you would consider? Why?
19. Do you agree with B.K. and Troy that justice has been served to Herbert?
20. Did you pick up any additional clues after Troy's session with Shauna?
21. Natalie and Diane seem to have a pretty good relationship despite their differences. What is your relationship like with your mother-in-law?
22. Natalie is clearly overwhelmed by Nate's behavior in the airport. What are some techniques you use to correct the misbehavior of your children?
23. What do you think the items Troy discovered in the bedroom mean?
24. What would your response have been if you were Diane and presented with the same information Troy revealed in chapter 30?
25. Has there been a storm in your life in which you have found peace, despite turmoil or pain? Does healing eventually come as a whole or is it a continual journey?
26. What message can you take away from this story?
Doug Melvin Photography
Yolonda Tonette Sanders
holds two bachelors degrees from Capital University in the fields of Criminology and Political Science, and a masters degree in Sociology from Ohio State University. After working for the State of Ohio for three-and-a-half years, she took a leap of faith by resigning from her job to focus more on writing. It was a leap that she has never regretted as she became a traditionally published author and also started her own company, Yo Productions, LLC, which specializes in literary services and theatrical entertainment. Yolonda has had four novels published so far, including
Wages of Sin,
which was the first book in her
Protective Detective
series. Currently, Yolonda resides in Columbus, Ohio and is the loving wife of David, proud mother of Tre and Tia, and joyful caregiver of her mother, Wilene. Visit the author at
www.yoproductions.net
,
www.yolonda.net
,
www.facebook.com/yoproductions
and on Twitter
@ytsanders
.
ALSO BY YOLONDA TONETTE SANDERS
Wages of Sin
In Times of Trouble
We hope you enjoyed reading this Strebor Books eBook.
Join our mailing list and get updates on new releases, deals, bonus content and other great books from Strebor Books and Simon & Schuster.
or visit us online to sign up at
eBookNews.SimonandSchuster.com
Strebor Books
P.O. Box 6505
Largo, MD 20792
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
© 2014 by Yolonda Tonette Sanders
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means whatsoever. For information address Strebor Books, P.O. Box 6505, Largo, MD 20792.
ISBN 978-1-59309-526-0
ISBN 978-1-4767-4455-1 (ebook)
LCCN 2014936766
First Strebor Books trade paperback edition November 2014
Cover design:
www.mariondesigns.com
Cover photograph: © Keith Saunders/Keith Saunders Photos
The Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau can bring authors to your live event. For more information or to book an event, contact the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau at 1-866-248-3049 or visit our website at
www.simonspeakers.com.