Adam led Olivia out of the office and the security men followed behind them.
Outside, Adam handed Olivia his handkerchief.
“I’m sorry seeing Gabe brought back unpleasant memories.”
She shook her head, dabbing at her eyes with his handkerchief. “It doesn’t matter. What matters now is bringing Gabe and his cohorts to justice.”
Never had he been prouder of Olivia than at that moment. A grin spread across his face.
“I’ll do my best, Olivia. I promise.”
She nodded. “We just have to trust that God would help us find proof against Gabe Winters.”
He would find a way alright, but he didn’t think it would have anything to do with the creator.
“I’ll walk you back to the orphanage,” he quietly told her.
“What about Micah Peterson?”
“I’ll arrest him when I have proof. For now, let them think they’ve won. I have a plan, Olivia. I need them to think I’m all bark and no bite. They’ll let down their guards and then I’ll get them.”
More than ever, Adam was determined to bring Gabe and his men to justice, including the sheriff.
Chapter 23
“He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. So, Olivia, I don’t want you to be afraid of anything. God will protect you from all harm. Why, He said in His word in also Psalm 91 that a thousand shall fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand but it shall not come near you.”
Refreshed by the words of the preacher, Olivia smiled. “Thank you, Preacher.”
“Be courageous, dear child. Trust that God will take control of the situation like everything that is placed at His feet.”
Olivia nodded. “I know He’s able to do more than I can ever think or imagine.”
The elderly man smiled. “Truly. He said in Exodus 14: 14 that He will fight for us, and we will hold our peace. God will arise, you’ll see.”
Olivia rose from the pew and picked her bible. “I know He will. Thank you so much, Mr. Goodson. I really appreciate you giving me a listening ear.”
The preacher also rose and patted her shoulder. Olivia wished she didn’t have to leave the sanctuary of the church. Although the place was bare, with only a few wooden pews, two windows, and broken floorboards, the place offered comfort. She glanced at the altar, which was on a slightly raised dais. A single wooden podium with a vase of flowers on it separated the altar from the rest of the church.
The tall, slim preacher with a shock of white hair on his head walked with Olivia to the door. He shook hands with her when they got outside in the cool and slightly windy evening.
“Thank you again, Mr. Goodson.”
“You’re welcome, dear child. You’re always welcome here. God bless you.”
“God bless you, too.”
Olivia wrapped the shawl securely around her and walked away from the church compound. She halted her steps and stared at the setting sun, which had formed an orange glow in the sky.
She hadn’t known that it was that late in the day. She had spent a satisfying time sharing encouraging words from the bible with the preacher. They had also spent some time engaged in prayers.
When she heard the preacher was back in town from his many travels spreading the Word of God around the surrounding counties, she had decided to go and see him concerning her fears.
She had been longing for someone to pray with concerning what was going on in Ruby Rock. At first, she had wanted to tell the matron, after all, she was a good Christian. But she was afraid that the woman would walk up to the banker and tell him in no unclear terms that he was a crook. The older woman didn’t mince words in saying her mind.
Olivia had been afraid to put the kind woman in harm’s way. She was glad that the preacher, a soft-spoken man, wouldn’t confront the banker.
Gabe Winters had proven to be a very dangerous man. The memories from the time he tried persuading her parents to sell their land were hazy but she would never forget his voice and his chilling laugh.
