Page 86 of Rescued Faith

“I’m not going to deny that I’ve been thinking about it, but”—Penny sat next to Libby on the bed—“I’m doing fine on my own. Don’t you think?”

“Until you’re not. Penny, letting others in, letting God in, doesn’t make you weak the way Dad told us. It makes you stronger. Remember, a cord of three? The verse goes, ‘Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’ You can’t deny a braid is stronger than a single strand. Please, just think about it?”

She was right. She couldn’t deny the imagery, but she needed to leave. “I will. But I have to go now.”

Penny tried hard to put all the things Libby had said out of mind as she drove to the big hotel venue for the ball. But they stuck in her brain rather annoyingly. She had a job to focus on though. This wasn’t time for personal matters.

So why did the words beckon her?

I’m doing fine on my own.

Until you’re not.

Like when she’d fallen apart in the storage closet. Or at the thought of going into that storm cellar. Those moments were coming more frequently. Why now? She was older. Stronger now. But the panic attacks were coming more frequently.

Not only that, but the way she was drawn to Bryce was evidence too…the ultimate weakness. She was falling for him.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to spend a little more time here with Libby and the kids. She could certainly do a better job visiting.

And Bryce? Well, she didn’t quite know what to do about him. But that was a problem for another time, because right now she had a job to do.

She slipped her Sig into the thigh holster under her dress. Thank goodness Andi had one she could borrow. Libby had some cute slingbacks she would still be able to run in if need be.

Penny went through the security at the door, showed her identification, and was led back to the meeting room where the governor and others from his office waited.

Governor Noble shook her hand. The classic tux and well-groomed brown-and-gray hair didn’t hide the lines of worry around his eyes and across his broad forehead.

“Thank you for coming, Ms. Mitchell. Since you seem to know who all the players are in this game, I’m grateful to have you on our security team tonight.” He quickly introduced her to the others in the room, mostly security protection, assistants, and staff members from his office.

“It’s my pleasure to be here. I’ll keep you safe.”

“I appreciate that.” His tight smile was sad. Obviously the worry about his family weighed it down.

“Sir, forgive me for saying so, but are you sure you don’t want the citizens to know that your wife and son are missing? What if they could help? What if someone saw something?”

“Believe me, I’ve been through it all. I wanted to show up here tonight and prove to these cowards that I’m not going to roll over and play dead.”

“What is it they want? Has there been an official demand?”

“They want me to step down. They’re not happy with the changes we’ve been making at the capital. But they’ll see soon enough. I don’t cower to bullies.”

He turned as another man in a suit gestured to him. “Excuse me, Ms. Mitchell.”

“Of course.” She stepped away, giving them privacy as the two men put their heads together, deep in conversation.

Tony walked into the room looking rather dapper in a black tux. He checked in with the guard at the door.

She waited for a hint of attraction or warmth. Nothing.

He wasn’t Bryce.

But he did walk right up to her, mouth firm.

“What are you doing here?” she asked him.

“They needed extra security.” He didn’t give her his typical flirty smile. In fact, he seemed annoyed or something.

“What’s wrong?”

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