Page 95 of Gideon

“Hold on,” Nikki said, making her way to the front. “One at a time, please. You.” She pointed at a kid who looked like he was around fifteen.

“Do we need guns?”

“Maybe,” Gideon said. “But only those who have a license. And it’s only for protection. We’re not there to hurt anyone.”

“Should we wear black?” another called out.

“Dark clothes are fine.”

“Won’t we be trespassing?” said another.

“Yes. If we’re caught, we will probably go to jail. You need to be prepared for that. There is risk involved.”

“How do you know this is the right thing to do?” This time it was Mae who spoke.

“I don’t know for certain. I’m doing what I think is right. I’ve looked to God for direction, but you shouldn’t follow me blindly.”

“I trust him,” Isabel walked to the front. “Gideon risked his life to save me from Mr. Fairfax.” Her voice cracked. “I was a prisoner, and Gideon and Nikki came and saved my life. But my friends are still there, and I am worried about them. They need our help. There’s no one else to save them.”

Nikki climbed up on the stage. “It would be good if anyone who believes they’d like to come would spend the day praying about it. If you are scared or nervous or if you believe it’s not the right thing—even if you are unsure, it’s just like Gideon said—there is no need for you to come along.”

“I don’t want anyone to feel like they’ve been forced into this,” Gideon said. “Once we gather tonight, we’ll talk more about the plan.”

He stepped down from the platform and was swarmed by a crowd offering their support.

“I know you’ve made the decision to come,” he said once they’d quieted them down. “But there’s time tochange your mind. Don’t feel bad about backing out if you need to.”

“I won’t be changing my mind,” one of them said, and the others agreed.

“I understand, Phil, but I still want us all to sit on this. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly.”

“I’ve got a small armory in my garage. I can arm a group of us. We can finish this tonight.”

“Didn’t you hear what Gideon said?” Nikki pushed forward. “We’re not going there with guns blazing. If we can end this peacefully, that’s what we’re going to do.”

“You really think Fairfax is interested in ending things peacefully?” Phil said. “He won’t give an inch unless we force him.”

“There are other ways to do that besides showing up with an army,” Gideon said.

“I’m surprised to hear you say that since you’ve been part of the special forces. Why not bring a tactical team in?”

Gideon dropped his head for a second to regroup. “We’re not storming the farm. If you’re not okay with that, then don’t come.”

Phil shook his head. “Suit yourself, but it will be a waste of time.”

The group dispersed, a few still talking to one another. “We’ve got to be careful,” Nikki said.

“They’re desperate for change. I don’t blame them. I wish I had more to give them.”

“Maybe that’s why God hasn’t said anything to you yet. He doesn’t want us taking what He gives us and turning into something different. If you can only followone step at a time, you won’t rush ahead and get off the trail.”

“That’s very deep,” he said lightly.

“I wasn’t trying to be.”

“Maybe not, but it actually makes sense.”

Joey walked up to Gideon. “Things are running smoothly around here. Beth’s on top of everything.”

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