Page 13 of Gideon

“Oh yeah, the nut jobs. There’s a bunch around here who think those things carry some sort of superpower. Then there’s a bunch more who are too afraid not to believe it.”

“So Nikki was right.”

“Nikki?”

“Yeah. I stopped by the markets this morning. Had a run in with Deputy Cole. He was giving her a hard time about the new fee.”

Joey chuckled. “Yeah, Nikki Morris is one tough cookie when she wants to be. Wouldn’t have picked her for it years ago, but this town does something to ya.”

“Morris?”

“Yeah. Don’t know why she stays.” A sniff. “A pretty young lady like that should run from this town as fast asher legs will carry her. But I think she’s worried about her mom.”

“She’s Pastor Thomas’s daughter?”

“That’s the one. Didn’t likehimmuch. But we didn’t see eye to eye.”

“Of course you didn’t. You drank too much and beat up your boys.”

“You watch your mouth,” Joey hissed. “This is my house, and I can do what I like.”

Gideon decided there was no point pushing it. The past was beyond repair. “I barely remember her,” he said, changing the subject.

“No kidding. Morris wouldn’t have wanted your white trailer trash butt going anywhere near his family.”

Gideon bit his lip. That wasn’t true at all, but he didn’t want his dad to know there was another man in town he looked up to like a father.

He could barely picture Nikki as a kid. All he could remember was seeing her give her dad a hug once, and it had churned up jealousy. She had something he had always wanted so desperately.

“Back to the point of your visit,” Joey said when Gideon went silent. “When are you leaving?”

“You really want to get rid of me?”

Joey shrugged with one shoulder. “You’re of no use to me.”

“You’re still doing mechanical work with one arm?”

“I don’t do any heavy lifting. I do what I can, and most people are grateful for my help, even if my boys don’t appreciate their father.”

“Okay then, what if I stick around for a few daysand help you clean up around here? I won’t move anything important, just tidy up a bit. And I can do more to spread the word about the services you offer. Then I’ll go.”

“If that helps ease your conscience.”

Gideon sighed. “That’s not what it’s for.”

“Whatever you say.” Joey looked at his watch. “I’ve gotta get going.”

“Where?”

“None of your business.” He pushed up from the chair with a grunt and shuffled to the door but stopped. “You don’t expect to stay here, do ya? I don’t have enough room.”

Gideon swallowed. He wouldn’t have stayed even if it was offered, but it would have been nice to be wanted. He’d have to make peace with what would never change. “No, I’ve got a room at the motel outside of town.”

“Good.” He used his good arm to show Gideon the door. “If you don’t mind, I’ve got to lock up.”

He squeezed past his dad and hurried down the stairs as best as he could with his own injured leg.

God, you are going to have to give me an extra serving of patience if I’m going to get through this.He prayed as he went to his truck.

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