Page 49 of Gideon

“This town’s in enough trouble without them worshiping false idols.”

Joey scoffed. “You’re serious?”

“I am.”

“Since when do you care about this town?”

He wouldn’t bring his dad into it. Talking about God now would lead to more trouble. “Would it be easier for you to swallow if I said I was bored?”

“Yup.”

“All right then, I was bored.”

Gideon’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He looked at the text from Katrina.

“I’ve gotta go.”

“Where?”

“Katrina’s having trouble getting her car started.”

“I replaced the spark plugs a few months ago.”

“Yeah, she said that. I think it’s the alternator.”

“Will you do me a favor?”

“What’s that?”

“Next time you’re itching to cause some trouble, can you give me a call? I want in.”

“I’ll keep you in mind.”

Gideon pulled his hands back as the hood slammed into place. “That should do it,” he said to Katrina as he wiped the grease from his hands with a rag.

“You are a lifesaver. Here.” She handed him some money.

He waved it away. “Don’t worry about it.”

“I can’t keep paying you with food.”

“Yes, you can. I need to eat.”

“I’m going to miss you when you go. You are still planning on leaving? Right?”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t suppose there’s any way to change your mind?”

“None that I can think of, but thanks for the sentiment.” His phone rang. “I should get this. I’ll see you at the diner?”

“I’ll be there.”

He walked to his truck as he answered the phone. “Hey, Nikki.”

“Something’s happening.” She was breathless.

He jumped into his truck and started it. “I was in town earlier when everything erupted, but I thought it was all sorted. Has something else happened? Did they find out you were involved too?”

---