“Yes, Mama.”
We filed intothe house and found my father, Jed, and Levi chatting with six men I didn’trecognize.
“And here theyare now,” Daddy said, his chest puffing out with pride.
“Daddy!” BriarRae squealed, making a run for him. He gathered her up and kissed her cheekbefore setting her down and watching her run off to her room.
He made his wayto my mother and kissed her cheek. “Hello, sweetheart.”
“Well, hithere,” she said. “You’re home early. This is a nice surprise.”
“We picked up anice tailwind on the return trip. God is good.”
“Can I make yougentlemen something to eat?” Mama asked our guests.
“Yes, that wouldbe great, ma’am,” one of them replied.
I waiteddutifully to be greeted, knowing that there would be hell to pay if I didn’t.
“Lennox, I needa word,” Daddy said. “It’ll be quick, then you can help your mother.”
I glanced at Jedwho gave me a slight shrug.
“Gentlemen, ifyou could please wait here for a moment. I need to catch up with my lovelydaughter. Then we can resume our meeting and enjoy a nice lunch together.”
I followed myfather into his office. He closed the door, then sat behind his large, mahoganydesk. “Have a seat.”
I sat down andsettled my hands in my lap. “How was your trip?”
“It was fine,”he said, all pleasantries absent in his voice. “I want you to pack a bag. We’releaving for Scotland in two days.”
My heart raced.“We are?”
“Yes. TheGunnach family is throwing a grand gala to celebrate thefulfillmentoftheir heathen prophecy, and we’ll be there to protest outside the castle.”
My racing heartslowed and sank into my stomach.
“In fact, theLord has blessed us with some new volunteers to help us.”
The men waitingoutside my father’s office didn’t strike me as protestors. They looked andacted more like soldiers dressed in plain clothes, and I should know. My fathernever went anywhere without bodyguards, or as he called them, ‘SecurityMinisters.’
He met my eyes.“Be sure to bring your warmest jacket and comfortable shoes. I want you outthere with us on the front lines.”
“Protesting, ontheir property?” I frowned. “Do you think that’s a good idea, Daddy?”
“Are youquestioning me, Lennox?”
“No, no, ofcourse not.”
He nodded.“Right, go help your Mama.”
I rose to myfeet and made my way to the door. Levi was waiting just outside with the othermen, and he led them inside.
“Now, how do youpropose we take care of this demon king, Daddy?” he asked as he closed thedoor.
I squeezed myeyes shut and settled my hand against my stomach. As I feared, the protest wasnothing more than a ruse, and I had no choice but to be part of it.
I forced backtears and went to join my mother in the kitchen.
