Page 54 of Jael

“Of course he was. You did whatever he wanted. He loved you for that.” She pressed a hand to her forehead. “I’m sorry. I’m not being very nice.”

“That’s okay. You’ve spent a lot of time being polite today. If you have to let off some steam with me, I can take it.” He looked at her, white knuckles gripping the umbrella. “I hope you’ll have time to rest.”

“I have the remainder of my life to rest. I can make it through today. It’s been a rough couple of days coming to terms with everything. But compared to my past, my future should be a breeze.”

“Whatdoesyour future look like?”

She licked her lips and thought for a minute. “I haven’t figured that out yet. But it won’t be the one my father prepared me for. I’ll make sure of that.”

Danny smiled, but it was short-lived. Christopher came up beside Jael and put an arm around her waist. Danny watched her face for a balk, or a flinch, but all she did was give him a small smile.

“Danny,” Christopher said in greeting. “How are you doing?”

“I’m fine, considering the circumstances.”

“I’m sure Gregory’s passing is a hard one for you to get your head around. You’ll have to find another benefactor.”

“I guess so.”

“Good luck with that. Jael, are you ready to go?”

She nodded. “I’ll see you later, Danny.”

Every muscle was taut as he watched them walk away together. He wanted nothing more than to rip Christopher’s hands away from her. With her father out of the picture, she had the freedom to choose for herself. Why would she open herself to him now?

He didn’t feel the rain soaking through his jacket. All he could think about was that a marriage to Christopher wouldn’t benefit her in any way. And if Danny had any way to keep her from making that mistake, he would.

But he didn’t have time to waste stewing. He wouldn’t waste any more time. Deborah may not think they had another way to bring the Siseras down, but Danny would find one. It was the only way he could return to Kenya and know that his time here was worth it. But there was one thing that was necessary before he made another move.

Danny found a quiet spot on a rural road and parked his car. He walked slowly, following the gentle meander of the dirt path as he prayed.

“Evil men are prospering, Lord. I believe you’ve brought me here for many reasons, but one of them is to stop the Siseras from hurting anyone else. I know you care for Jael too, so please show me a way to keep her from harm as well.” His chest tightened, but he pushed the emotion aside. “Also…God, you know how I feel about her. I didn’t mean for it to happen, but it’s there. Don’t let my feelings for her cloud my judgement.” It was hard to see past wanting to protect her.

He stopped at a bend in the road and turned. His car was now a couple miles behind him, but as he headed back the way he’d come, silence was all that met him as he listened. Whispers of God’s disinterest in Danny’s prayers pushed into his mind, but he pushed them back. He didn’t have time to get lost in misery.

“God works for those who wait for him,” he said, repeating the verse in Isaiah that always steadied him when he struggled with his desire to take action. “I know you’re doing something. I’ll wait. I’m listening for your wisdom. Please help me not to miss it.”

He spent the rest of his walk back to the car praying for the boys back home, then got in his car and drove back toward the city, stopping at a small grocery store near his apartment to buy ingredients for dinner.

Cruising the aisle, he felt both hungry and not. The small selection of vegetables looked wilted and rubbery, so he changed his plans and decided to buy a couple of chicken breasts and make a stir fry that should last him several days, but when henoticed the gray tinge on the meat, he opted for a bowl of soup instead.

On his way past the bread stand, he grabbed a loaf, checking for mold before dropping it in his basket.

“Not a great selection here,” a voice said from behind.

“Agent Thomas Barak,” Danny said when he turned. “It’s been a long time. I was surprised when Deborah told me you were still hanging around.”

“The deputy director chose me specifically.”

Danny’s laugh was light. “Is that so? And yet, here I am doing your job for you.”

“Your barbs don’t hit home, I’m afraid. Not when I am positive that you know exactly why you’re here.”

“Do I?”

“You’re expendable.”

Danny nodded. It was the same thing Christopher had said. “If that’s what you need to tell yourself.” He should be more gracious. That would be the Christian way to act. “Love your enemies” and all of that. But he’d worry about that later. His patience was wearing thin, and Barak was the last person he wanted to answer to right now.

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