Page 126 of Hidden Ascent

“That means a lot. Knowing that you’re praying for me is special.”

“And how’s Peter doing with everything?”

“Better, thanks to you. He told me what you said before you left last time and admitted to me how afraid he was to lose me. We both knew it already, of course, but because he opened up about it, it gave us the opportunity to talk through it. It’s been a lot better since then. Now he’s bringing me out to sit with him in the yard instead of me having to get our guests to sneak me out.”

Isla laughed. “I’m so glad to hear that.”

“And how’s work going since everything that happened?”

“Really well. I’m part of a new task force they’ve created. I’m enjoying the work. It suits my strengths.”

“Does that mean no undercover work is required?”

“Not you too. No, no undercover work. But I’m in a really good place within myself now. I know myself better than I ever have before. And I’m trusting God in ways I never knew were possible. It’s changed the way I work, actually. I’m a much better agent because of it.”

Jemi rested her head on Isla’s shoulder, and the two friends sat in silence. Enjoying the peace.

Isla may not have gotten everything she wanted, but she knew above all that God was in control and wanted what was best for her, and she could be infinitely grateful for that.

Chapter27

Isla parked nextto the darkened neon sign. It was late morning, and she had changed her mind a dozen times before finally stopping the car.

After leaving Peter and Jemi’s a couple weeks ago, she’d put Jay out of her mind, determined that they would both move on with their lives, but over the last few days, everything reminded her of him, and it was driving her crazy.

When she’d decided to find him, her intention was to see how he’d moved on with life so she could move on with hers. Even though she hadn’t seen him in months, she was proud of the man he’d become since they’d first met, and she wanted to tell him that.

But now that she was here, all of that was obsolete, and she realized that the reason she wanted to see him wasn’t for any other purpose than that she missed having him in her life. But allowing herself to hope for that was only going to bring her down.

She lied to herself that seeing him doing well with his life would be enough, and she forced herself to put the car into park.

If she didn’t accomplish what she’d set out to do, she’d just keep going around in circles. She was determined to put an end to this today.

It took her several minutes to get out of the car, but from there, it was a quick walk to the bar door, which she found locked.

She knocked, ignoring her disappointment but resigned to the truth that she’d never see Jay again. She’d find no one at the bar, and she had no idea where else to check.

The door opened, and she jumped back. “Oh, sorry. I thought no one was here.”

“Then why’d you knock?” said an elderly man with a mop in his hand.

“I thought the bar would be open. I was surprised to find it empty.”

“Bar’ll be open tonight. Come back then.” He started to close the door, but she put a hand out.

“I’m actually looking for Carl Blanchet.”

“Carl? He’s not here.”

“You don’t happen to know where I could find him? Or a man named Jay Parker?”

“Don’t know any Jay Parker, but Carl could be down at the basketball courts. He’s there most mornings, from what I understand.”

“Great. And where are the courts?”

“Two blocks down that way, then hang a left. There’s a park down that road.”

“Thanks.”

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