Page 22 of Gideon

“Yes.”

“Do you have any practical skills? I know you were in the special forces, so I’m tempted to ask you to go intimidate the mayor, but…I don’t think that’s what God wants. However, I’m open to it.”

“I was never—I’d prefer something less military.” He wasn’t ready to open that can of worms yet.

“You came to help your dad. I take it that means you’re willing to spend time with him?”

“Yes, but I don’t see how that helps anyone.”

“You can help others by helping him. He’s been doing favors around town. Under the radar, of course. Idon’t know if he told you, but you would have noticed his shop is closed. Or it looks that way.”

“He told me about it, but I find it hard to believe he would help anyone with anything. He’s never been the generous type.”

“People change. Maybe he likes being useful for once. Maybe he’s tired of being known as the town drunk.”

“So, you’re telling me he actually helps people?”

“Not everyone can afford to pay. I’ve heard from several people that he worked on their cars for free or for payment other than cash. But since the stroke, he’s obviously very limited. If you were willing to be his assistant, maybe he could do more. Or did you learn anything about mechanics growing up?”

He smiled ironically. He knew more than he’d like to let on. “I did. I know some.”

“Great. Then you could help out around the town doing what he can’t. But you’ll need your dad to tell you who’s safe and who’s not. If Fairfax finds out…you’ll both be in trouble.”

“Okay, yeah. I was going to help him get his business set up so he could do it easier. This is great. I feel like we’re getting somewhere now. I know it’s not a permanent fix, but at least I won’t be sitting around twiddling my thumbs while I’m here.”

Her mouth screwed to the side as she chewed on the inside of her cheek. “How long do you think you’ll stay?”

“At first, I had hoped it wouldn’t be longer than a few days, but things haven’t worked out how I’d hoped.It looks like I’ll probably be around for a week or two instead.”

“Oh.”

“It’s more than I intended.”

“I know. And you didn’t come expecting to get caught up in the town’s drama. Your life isn’t here. One or two weeks will be very much appreciated.”

“I’m sorry I can’t do more.”

“No, it’s fine. There’s not much anyone can do anyway. It’s up to God, really.” He could see she wanted to say more, but she started walking toward the house. “I have work to do. I’ve got an order I need to get ready, so I’ll say goodbye for now.”

“Isn’t your office back that way?”

Her steps stuttered, but she didn’t stop. “The paperwork’s inside. I’ll walk you to the door.”

He stood abandoned in the backyard, confused by her abrupt exit, unsure how he could have given her false hope of him sticking around. But he’d made himself clear now. Two weeks was his max. It shouldn’t take longer than that to get done what he needed.

Chapter 7

Nikki shuffled along the sidewalk,her eyes focused on her feet but her mind was somewhere else. The worry dug furrows into her forehead.

She’d made the mistake again of expecting something more from Gideon than he could give. It wasn’t his fault he wasn’t the answer she’d been hoping for, and now she’d pushed him away and had spent the last few days ignoring his presence in town. Afraid she’d run into him and make a fool out of herself again.

Her attention diverted to the street in front of her before she crossed. Most days, the street was clear, but she had to stop today. The red hatchback slowed, then stopped in front of her.

“Morning, Mae,” Nikki said to the woman in the driver’s seat.

“Hey, you aren’t heading to the church, by any chance?”

“I am, but I’m not staying. I left my Bible there a few days ago.”

---