Page 31 of Hidden Chance

“I’m not. To the world, he appeared very capable. I was so proud of him when he’d stand up in front of a church and inspire the congregation with stories about what God was using us to do over there, but that wasn’t the whole truth. He struggled like any other man, but he had friends around him who could help him get back up and keep going. That’s all I’m saying you need. People around you who can help you keep going when you’re atyour lowest. And—” This next part was a gamble. “Pray. God’s listening.”

He scoffed, but then nodded. “You’re probably the only one in the world who thinks the big fella upstairs has any interest in a burnout like me.”

“That’s not true, but I’m not going to change your mind tonight.”

“Smart woman.”

“Get some rest. Our problems always look worse at night. In the morning, the burden won’t be so heavy.”

He scrunched his mouth like he had something else he wanted to say.

“What is it?”

“You haven’t asked me about work.”

“Considering the alcohol, I guessed at the answer and didn’t want to bug you about it and make things worse.”

“That’s thoughtful of you and more than I deserve. I want you to know that I am looking, but that last one I couldn’t stomach. I don’t want to work in a place where I’m not respected.”

She held onto her sigh. “Good night, Sal.”

“Night.”

She chewed on her lip as she headed back up the hall.God, if I’ve gone about this all wrong, please show me the right way forward. I just want him to have a chance, but I can’t help but feel like I’m not doing him any good. I don’t want to just givehim a place to sleep for the winter. I want to see him back to the man he used to be.

She reached into her purse, scratching around for her car keys, but couldn’t find them.

“You have got to be kidding.”

She stopped and pulled her purse open, searching through the mess until she remembered dropping her pen under the bookshelf in her office. She’d used the light on her key ring to find it. Then left the keys on the shelf. At least the office was empty. The last thing she wanted right now was to talk to anyone else while she processed her latest encounter with Sal. At least things in the office were easier. Pike had backed off, and Robby had left her alone for the last couple of days.

A slim smile pushed at her lips as she wondered how she could ever have been attracted to Robby in the first place. Their first encounter could never have prepared her for when he finally showed his true colors. At least he was only a temp, so wouldn’t be around for long.

The elevator opened on her floor to the dim lights that remained on at all times.

She skirted around the cubicles and flicked the light on as she entered her office. Then she froze.

Robby was bent over her desk drawer, his fingers half-lifting a file when his eyes met hers. He didn’t even have the decency to look startled.

“This is awkward,” he said, letting the file slide back into place before he closed the drawer. “I thought you were gone for the day.”

“I was. I forgot my keys.” She nodded toward the shelfwhere they were sitting. “What are you doing?” Her heart hammered in her chest as she pulled a small container from her purse. A bottle of pepper spray a friend had given her when she’d moved to Pittsburgh. The only reason she’d kept it was sentimental value. She’d never expected to have to threaten anyone with it. And even though she didn’t expect Robby to do anything that would harm her, she liked the idea of showing him she couldn’t be pushed around.

“I was looking for information.”

“On what? Are you a corporate spy? I don’t keep any valuable information in my office.”

“Sure you don’t.”

“Anything important is kept locked up, and the only thing my team is working on right now is how to maintain tire pressure for longer. That won’t do you or the people you’re working for any good. Not to mention that all that research is in the lab, and your pass won’t give you access.” She waited a beat, then said, “and neither will mine.”

He smiled. He knew she was bluffing. “I’m not looking for information on the company’s research. I’m looking for what you’re up to in Burma.”

“Burma? Are you serious? What is your deal? TreadCraft builds schools and digs some wells.”

“Builds schools, huh?”

“Yeah. Did you not see the displays in the lobby? That’s the first thing they want people to look at. There’s no money to be made in Burma, if that’s what you’re after.”

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