Page 28 of Hidden Chance

“Have you got something going, and you want to keep me out of the picture? I know people. I could be a benefit to you.”

“Okay, yeah, I’ve got something going on over there.”

“Great. I’d love to hear about it.”

“It’s called helping people. Or at least trying my best.”

She didn’t want to let him in. It made sense. She’d need to protect herself. Depending on what she was doing specifically, she could be headed to prison if she was found out. But if she was going to try to shake him off by pushing the moral high ground, he’d push back.It was time to change gears. It should move things along better, and hopefully she’d let something slip.

“So you really want to help kids in need?”

“Yes.”

“You think they deserve it?”

Her lips flattened, and she pulled a stack of papers in front of her like she was ready to get back to work. “I thought for a brief moment that you were a decent guy, but I was mistaken. I don’t know why you came into my office in the first place.”

“All I wanted to do was let you know I’m in.”

“You’re in? Look, I don’t have time for this. Whatever you’re involved in, I want no part in it. And just so you know, if you incriminate yourself, I’ll call the police.”

“That would not be worth your while.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because everyone has a price. It may not be financial. But everyone has something they’re desperate for.”

“Not me. I’ve got everything I need.”

“Oh yeah? Everything? You’ve got a nice house and a fast car?”

“Like you said, not everyone is looking for monetary gain.”

“Then what is it you have that’s so wonderful?”

She lifted her chin. “Jesus.”

That pulled him up. “Jesus? Are you serious?” He almost laughed. He should have.

“Yeah.”

“As in…”

“As in, I’m a Bible-believing Christian. And that’s all I need.”

“I can’t tell whether you’re serious or you’re trying to get rid of me.”

“Both.”

This conversation had taken a turn he’d never seen coming, and he wasn’t quite sure where to go from here. She’d been a child on the mission field, so it was possible that she had some warped sense of godliness wrapped up with her need for revenge. Maybe he could pull it out of her.

“I’ve known a few terrible Christians in my time,” he said, crossing his arms.

“So have I.”

“You don’t think you’re one of them?”

“I’m not perfect.”

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