Tori offered Sara another sip. “I didn’t. That was all Jesus.”
He seemed to be pondering her words as he finished off his broth and set down the cup. “But why would your God help an old, worthless man?”
Tori didn’t know whether to be sad or angry at the question. “For one thing, no one is worthless to God. For another, the true God, the one you think is a bully, is actually very loving, caring, and merciful.”
He studied her for a moment before he gave her that half-grin of his that either meant he thought she was crazy or he was intrigued. Maybe both.
After everyone had finished their meager meal, Tori turned to Aaron. “Is it safe to stay here tonight?”
Aaron nodded. “I believe so. I’ve been sleeping here for a couple nights.”
“Okay, then.” Tori glanced over them all, suddenly feeling the weight of every life present. Not that she wasn’t used to it after running a church home for unwed mothers and orphans. But they’d had a safe place, were able to buy food. Things were much more difficult now. Was she up to the task?Why me, Lord? I’m just an artist, an ex-drug addict, a nobody.
You are precious to Me. I am with you.
A wave of love swept over her so strong, she closed her eyes and lifted her hands again to heaven. If God was with her, who could come against her? How sweet were His words! She rarely heard them so clearly, but when she did, she wanted to bask in them.
Darkness pricked the edge of her joy, and she flung open her eyes and scanned the room. Nothing. She saw nothing. But something was here. She sensed it. Something strong and evil.
Her gaze snapped to Aaron, and she thought she saw a grin on his lips before he looked down.
“You were saying?” Thomas looked at her with concern.
“Sorry. Everyone try to get some sleep, and we’ll head out in the morning.”
Aaron coughed.
“You’re welcome to come with us, of course,” Tori said.
“Oh no.” He waved a hand through the air. “I’m old and will no doubt hold you up.”
“Nonsense. None of us are in good shape.”
“Well, then. I’d love to!” His demeanor instantly changed, almost as if he knew she would bring him along. “Where we going?”
“To a safe haven.” That’s all she would tell him for now.
He smiled. “Didn’t know such a place existed.”
“Rest,” she told him, watching him as he laid his head down on a stack of papers and closed his eyes.
He’d known the code phrase, and he seemed friendly and genuine, but something wasn’t quite right. She couldn’t get a strong read on him. And that bothered her most of all.
???
Kyle followed Regent Landry into his office at the NWF Reformation Headquarters, a much bigger and better office than he’d given Kyle.
But that would soon change. Especially when Jura arrived. A framed picture of a young man no older than sixteen sat proudly on his desk, no doubt the Regent’s husband. Kyle had heard he’d married a boy after child attraction had become legal.
“So, we have him on camera.” Landry waved his hand over the big screen hanging on the wall. It came to life, and he pressed various options until the video of Thomas appeared. At least they thought it was him. Hard to tell beneath the grime covering his face before he pulled his hood down.
Landry froze the scene and studied the picture for several minutes. “I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it, but yes, that’s Thomas. Never saw him in jeans and a t-shirt or with dirt and stubble on his chin, but I’d know those handsome features anywhere. Blast it!” Frowning, he sank into the chair behind his desk and leaned back. He uttered another more colorful curse. “Where was this taken?”
“Just north of St. Augustine a few days ago. They couldn’t have gone much farther from there, sir.”
Nodding, Landry picked up a pen and tapped it against his perfectly groomed beard. “What is he up to? That’s my question.” He finally acknowledged Kyle with a glance. “Do we find him and pick him up? Or will he lead us to a bigger prize? What does your Tall White say?”
Kyle had informed Jura of Thomas's location, and the Neflams spy was no doubt already being put into play. But what he hadn’t done, and should have, was inform Regent Landry. He had to be cautious. Landry’s pride would take a hit if he knew Kyle had gone around him. Even though the Tall Whites had great power, Landry was still his bossandthe Regent.
