I had just finished speaking at United Parcel Service for their Leadership Forum on Breast Cancer Awareness, and decided to stop off at Border’s Bookstore to take a rest before getting back on 83 North to go home.There was a horrible traffic jam and cars were lined up in both directions, so I made an "executive" decision to head to my favorite department store, "The Bon Ton,” to do some early Christmas shopping.
No sooner had I entered the store, I felt like I was in the scene of a movie. Over the loud speaker came a calm voice, “Everyone, please move to the back of the store, quietly and without talking.” Like sheep to the slaughter we went. The little girl beside me was holding on to her mommy’s hand and crying. We huddled in the back of the store (near the restrooms—thankfully!), and waited.
The manager of the store said, “We’re in lockdown. No one can leave the store until further notice. There’s been a bank robbery in the vicinity and the suspects are considered armed and dangerous—heading on foot in our direction.”
What?
My first thought was, This is ONLY A TEST!
But it was the REAL thing.
Three suspects held up a nearby bank: one was shot, one was in custody, and the other one was considered armed and dangerous—still on the loose.
We waited.
There was no more communication for an hour. The books I had bought at Border’s Bookstore were for a speaking engagement on Sunday. So I was armed with the One Year Life Verse and Chicken Soup for the Coffee-Lover’s Soul. I started handing out books to read, while we waited—huddled in the corner. One of the clerks asked if she could read, “Touch by a Coffee-Loving Angel,” and I said, “Sure, I think we need all the angels we can get right now.”
At one point, we were allowed to shop the store, but we were not allowed to leave the premises. That’s when I thought it was a new marketing ploy.
So I called my hubby on the cell phone and said, ”You know what? They have us locked up in the department store so we’ll buy early Christmas presents. What do you think of that?"
"No, Connie, it’s the REAL deal. It’s on the news right now! There was a high-speed chase on 83-North; one suspect was shot, one was taken into custody, and the other one is still on the loose.”
Another hour passed and still no word, until finally we were released to go to our cars at our own risk! I thought, What robber would want my Buick or my books? I felt safe. And anyway, I had angels on board. I called my hubby on the cell phone and told him I would be late for dinner (most likely).
It took me two hours to get home (a total of 34 miles). All the side streets were blocked and guarded by police officers.
When I finally turned into the driveway of our home, I realized once again how God’s angels protected me. If I had not gone into the Border’s Bookstore exactly at the time that I did, I would have been caught up in the high speed chase.
As of this evening, the other robber is still considered armed and dangerous, but thankfully I’m safely home because angels can't be locked down.
