Page 17 of Grave Peril

The priest nodded to Rip, who said, “It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I should go to church more often.”

Rip didn’t introduce himself, which was smart. It wasn’t a social visit, and names only made things messier. The less the priest knew, the better.

She watched Rip interact with the children, noticing that he was gentle with them. He offered bread, apples, and small bowls of soup as if he was glad to be there. He was an interesting man.

With his jacket off, Rip’s developed chest muscles and bulging biceps were in view. Lela drooled; any woman would. The way his t-shirt clung to his abs revealed that they were hard and flat.

She glanced away before he caught her staring. His rugged look appealed to her. The long, silky hair and silver adornments only served to accentuate his masculinity. He was one tough dude, but from the way he handled the kids, he had a softer side too.

Rip had the physicality of a SEAL, and probably the skills to go with it. Such a man would be good to have around right now. But Lela wasn’t naïve. She might be better off alone. It was more difficult to hide two people than one, especially one the size of Rip.

After serving, Lela waved Rip outside. She needed some air. “That was kind of you to chip in.”

Rip cracked a smile. “I’m not completely useless.” He paused. “Are you hungry?”

“I had a light meal earlier, some crusty bread and fruit. The priest has been generous.”

“I’ll go get us some real food.”

Lela’s stomach rumbled. “I can’t impose.”

“I’m the one who barged in here. At least let me buy you lunch.”

“Is it safe?” Then Lela smiled at him. “I’m hiding out, you know.”

“That’s exactly what you should do. But I want to get out and look around a bit, see what’s out there, make sure you’re safe.” Rip put the strap of his duffel over his shoulder. “I won’t be long. There’s a fast food joint a couple blocks over. Are hamburgers okay?”

Lela’s mouth watered. “With fries?”

“You got it.”

While Rip went off to get lunch, Lela went back to the church and entered the nave. She bent down on one of the kneelers and clasped her hands together. With her eyes closed and head bowed, she said a prayer that the priest and his congregation would be safe.

Lela shouldn’t have sought sanctuary at the beloved church. Rip’s appearance was proof that her presence would be discovered. She couldn’t allow anything bad to happen here because of her. The most she could risk was one more night, then she must go.

She said a quick prayer for Rip. He seemed like a decent guy, and shouldn’t have gotten involved in her troubles. Before rising, she made the sign of the cross. Then she went to wait outside, and took a seat at a small table behind the church.

*****

Rip scouted the nearby areas on the way to the hamburger joint, and on his return. He took in the daytime activities of the residents and the cars that were parked along the street, and memorized the description of anyone he saw. But there was no sign of trouble.

Second Ward wasn’t a center for gangs as much as some of the other city wards. But that didn’t mean the members wouldn’t filter through, especially if instructed to. Rip doubted there had been any sightings of Lela yet. Gang mentality was to swoop down and attack, not to sit back or plan. The peacefulness of those few blocks was an indication that Lela’s enemies didn’t know where she was…yet.

He found Lela at the picnic table in the church courtyard. He handed over a sack, then put the drink holder down so she could take a Coke. The burgers smelled good. Rip unwrapped his and took a huge bite. “They know how to make ’em,” he said through a mouthful of food.

“Mmm, juicy…just how I like them.”

For a few minutes, Lela didn’t talk. She focused on her meal, and it was a pleasure to watch her eat. By the looks of it, food had been scarce recently. Rip had his lunch devoured while she was still munching.

Rip sipped on his Coke, content to watch her. Lela was easy on the eyes. And her beauty went beyond the exterior. Watching her interact with the priest and the kids had confirmed what he already knew—she was a good woman with a good heart.

Heaven help him; he shouldn’t be thinking about that. He was here for one reason, and indulging his lustful nature wasn’t it.

Lela finished her food and wiped her hands on a paper napkin. “That was delicious.” She picked up her drink then frowned. “I appreciate the food…but you can’t hang around.”

Rip suspected what she was about to say. Her serious expression gave it away.

“You can stay the night. But then you have to go.” Lela looked into his eyes. “I don’t want you on my conscience. Sticking with me isn’t safe, so I can’t allow it.”

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