A Revival of Spirit, Fire, and Truth.
My stomach dropped.
Abel held one out like a party favor. “Evenin’, folks. We’re hostin’ a tent meeting down off Pine Hollow Road this weekend. Thought we’d extend a warm invitation to anyone ready to step back into the light.”
Delilah’s jaw clenched. “You can choke on your invitation, Trent.”
He just smiled wider. “Still got that sweet mouth, huh?”
Whit took a half-step forward like he was ready to bury Abel right there in the welcome table. I couldn’t blame him. My hands had already curled into fists, almost eye to eye with Abel, and it was taking everything in me not to throw this man out on his sanctimonious ass.
And then—before I could speak—June touched my arm.
Just a light graze. But it stopped me cold.
Her voice was steady, calm, but her eyes…those blue eyes burned. “It’s okay,” she said softly. “Let them come in.”
I turned to her, stunned. “June…”
“If they’re here to cause trouble, they’ll show themselves,” she said. “But if they’re just passing through—handing out flyers, talking about God—then let them. We’re not afraid of a little light, are we?”
I could’ve kissed her. I could’ve screamed. I could’ve dragged Abel out by his collar and prayed afterward for forgiveness.
But the conviction in her voice made it impossible to argue.
She stepped forward, extending a hand to Abel with thekind of serene smile that felt downright impossible. “You’re welcome to take a plate and stay awhile. We’re rebuilding something special here.”
Abel took her hand—too eagerly, like a man thinking he’d won something—and shook it once. “God bless you,Miss Fontenot,” he said.
June just kept smiling.
“It’s Reverend,” she said, her voice still smooth, still sweet. Then she reached out to grasp his hand with her left as well, making sure he saw the healed snakebite. “But you can just call me June.”
Abel’s eyes flicked down to her wrist.
I saw the recognition hit him—his grip faltered for just a second when he saw those twin scars, framed by the rosary.
June didn’t blink.
She didn’t back down.
She just let him look. Let himknow.
And then she pulled her hand away gently, turning to me like he wasn’t even there.
“Silas,” she said, “I think we’re about ready to get this shindig started.”
I nodded, but my eyes never left Abel as he finally stepped inside.
He didn’t speak again—not to me, not to her.
Just followed the smell of barbecue like any other guest, not knowing he’d already walked straight into the lion’s den.
CHAPTER 19
June
What had startedout as a lovely day was quickly turning sour.
