Page 13 of Hidden Chance

Her hand flipped in a lazy wave as she casuallyturned from the door, but once she was out of sight, she hurried to the elevator, pressing the button several times before clasping her hands in front of her and wringing her fingers.

Her heart pounded as she entered the elevator, checking her watch once more. She was going to be late, but Sal would have to take what he could get. When she’d first made the offer, even though it had been impulsive, she’d been glad she made it, but now that it had settled on her, she wasn’t so sure. She could lose her job for this or probably worse. But she trusted Sal, and she couldn’t find anyway to excuse herself for letting him freeze to death.

Chapter 5

The familiar clipof Hannah’s heals on the concrete floor became a startling echo as she hurried through the empty hall. She checked behind her shoulder and picked up the pace.

“This is the right thing to do,” she whispered, the words barely audible in the quiet corridor. But even though she’d prayed about it, she still wasn’t sure if God was with her in this or not. She could soothe her conscience by believing that a company that helps children in other countries would want to help those in crisis in their own, but it wouldn’t be the first time she’d made an extravagant gesture that turned out to be a mistake.

She had considered letting him stay at her house but couldn’t get comfortable with the idea, and she had no friends close enough that she could ask for a favor this big.

But it was too late to change her mind now. Sal was waiting, and she’d made a commitment. No one wouldget hurt. The only outcome was someone would get a little help, and no one would know but the two of them.

She shoved open the heavy door and looked up the alley.

A man in an oversized coat pushed off the wall and walked over. “I was wondering if you would come.”

“You thought I would abandon you?”

“You wouldn’t be the first.”

“I know I’m late, but I got caught up in the office. And you should know I don’t go back on a promise.”

“Sometimes you think you know a person.”

“Maybe, but I’m a woman of my word, and I’ve done everything I can to help you. I’m risking a lot for you tonight, so don’t lay a heavy guilt trip on me.”

His shoulders dropped. “I know. Sorry. This cold makes my bones ache, and that makes me irritable. You know I’d go to a shelter if they had any room.”

“I know. Come in and warm up. But don’t forget, this is a trial. This needs to work for both of us. I can’t promise I can let you stay beyond tonight. We’ll see how things go.”

He put a hand on her arm. The cold from his fingers seeping through her silk blouse. “Hannah. I want you to know that I really am grateful. I understand what you’re putting on the line for me.”

“Yeah, well, it’s worth it. I may be risking my job, but if you sleep out on the street, you’re risking your life.”

“Thank you.”

“As long as you haven’t forgotten the other part of our deal.”

“I’ll look for a job this week.”

“Good.”

“But I’ll have you know, it’s not easy.”

“Does that mean you’ve already started looking?”

“Not exactly. I’ve been busy.”

“With what?”

“Living on the street is hard work, you know. It’s not like I’m sitting around doing nothing.”

She sighed. “Get in here, I’m freezing.”

Robby leaned forward in his chair, adjusting his telephoto lens to focus in on the woman who’d opened the back door of the loading bay.

He took a couple of snaps of her face, then watched as another man approached. Heavy set. His shoulders curved forward, but he didn’t turn, so Robby couldn’t get a picture of his face.

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