The Surrogate

“I understand that you consider your baby to be somewhat of a miracle.”

“Oh, yes,” Amanda said, offering a beatific smile that seemed quite genuine. “My baby is a miracle from God,” she said, lifting her hands to her chin and clasping them together. “He is a wonderful little boy who looks so much like my darling So

“When your son, So

“My grief overwhelmed me for a time,” Amanda acknowledged, “but God sent my husband, Toby, and then our beautiful baby to heal my broken heart. We have named our baby Jason, which was my father’s name. The name means ‘healer,’ and this baby was sent by God to heal me and help me rededicate my life to His service.”

“Obviously you are a very youthful woman, but weren’t you surprised to find yourself pregnant at this point in your life?” Marcia asked.

“Surprised and overjoyed,” Amanda answered, offering another radiant smile and placing her hands prayerlike under her chin.

“Did you have any problems during your pregnancy?” Marcia asked.

“It was a bit difficult at first, and my doctors insisted that I suspend my public activities during the last four months. But after a rocky begi

Marcia asked a few questions about the remainder of Amanda’s tour then thanked her for her time and nodded at the cameraman, indicating that was a wrap. Then she chatted with Amanda for a few minutes, outlining their plan for tomorrow evening. “Since the local Christian station will be covering the event live, we would like to offer a different view-shots of backstage preparations and of you arriving at the facility with your husband and baby.”

“My husband has pressing business in Virginia and probably won’t be coming to Dallas,” Amanda explained, glancing at her watch. “And the baby and I will be arriving separately. His nursemaid will carry him onstage during the service.”

“I see,” Marcia said. “Well, we’ll take shots of you showing him off to…” She paused, uncertain about what to call people who attend revivals. Audience seemed too secular. “To the worshippers,” she said. “And I especially want some shots of you delivering your message taken from offstage. In my research I came across an incredible picture of your mother on the cover of Life magazine that was taken from offstage, and I plan to include it in the segment and then show you from the same angle.”

“Yes, I know the picture well,” Amanda said. “That’s very creative of you.”

“Is your baby here with you?” Marcia asked. “Maybe we could get some close-ups of the two of you now.”

Amanda’s expression changed slightly. “He and his nursemaid won’t be arriving until tomorrow.”

“Well, then, we’ll see you tomorrow evening,” Marcia said.

Amanda rose and Marcia followed suit. Amanda reached for her hand and smiled warmly. “Thank you so much, Marcia, for your time and professionalism.”

“You are very beautiful,” Marcia said, surprising herself. But it was true. Amanda Hartma

“Why, thank you, my dear,” Amanda said. “The years do seem to have been kind to me. I do hope that you enjoy the service tomorrow evening and feel God’s blessing upon you.”

“I look forward to it,” Marcia said. And she did. In fact, she would have liked to stay here in this room with Amanda a while longer, listening to her speak, watching her expressions change, her hands move. Amanda Tutt Hartma

Marcia started for the door then paused. “Does your brother attend your revivals?” she asked.

“Not usually,” Amanda responded.

Jamie showered first and nursed Billy while Joe took his turn in the bathroom.

At first she hoped that he wouldn’t want to make love. She was too tense. Too preoccupied about tomorrow.

But what if this was the last time?

When Joe crawled into the bed beside her, she reached for him. Afterward, they held each other and cried for a time. Then they once again went over their plan for tomorrow.

During the night, they had their first quarrel. Jamie wanted Joe to unhook the RV and drive them to Oklahoma City, where she would turn herself into the police. She would explain to them what had happened to her that night at Ruby Duffy’s apartment house. Why Lynette’s baby was taken. Why Jamie had fled with her own baby.

“With Amanda having a baby to which she claims to have given birth with her here in Dallas, the Hartma

“There’s a warrant out for your arrest in Oklahoma City,” Joe pointed out. “On that basis alone, they would take Billy away from you and put you in a cell at least until you are arraigned.”

Joe held his thumb and forefinger less than an inch apart. “Gus Hartma

Jamie broke down and wept. “We don’t have a chance against him,” she said.

“Our plan is going to work,” Joe insisted, holding her close. “When we confront Amanda Hartma

Her whole world was here with her on this bed, Jamie thought. She found herself wondering if this world would end tomorrow. If tomorrow would be the last day of her life. If after all this ru

“It’s all going to be on live television,” he reminded her.

She tried to take comfort in that fact. Usually people weren’t murdered in front of television cameras. But it wasn’t unheard of. It had happened once before in this very city, when Jack Ruby shot Lee Harvey Oswald.