Page 61 of Gideon

“He didn’t threaten you at all?”

“No.”

“And Isabel went with him without any protest?”

“She’s afraid of him, so she’s obedient. But I’m worried. Things have already gotten worse for her, but what if seeing her with me pushes him over the edge?”

“It won’t do any good jumping to the worst-case scenario. Give it some time to cool down, then see if you can speak to her again.”

“I called her while I was here. She answered and told me she didn’t want to speak to me again. I’m sure Fairfax was in the room with her.”

“Maybe she doesn’t want to make any more trouble.”

“Her English is good, but the way she spoke, it didn’t sound like her. I feel so helpless.”

“I know. I wish I could do something. Anything.”

“You did save a man from a burning building. I think you’re allowed a few minutes of respite.”

“Still, whatever I can do to help, I will. I hate to think that a man like that can get away with treating people the way he does.” The prophet’s words came to mind, but he pushed them away. He didn’t have the energy to process what may or may not lie ahead for him.

“He’s been getting away with it for a long time. But we have to remember things are changing. We can’t get discouraged by the way things appear.”

“After the fire and what happened to Isabel, you really believe that?”

“I’m trying.”

The doctor entered and nodded a hello to both of them. “It’s good to see you’re awake again, Gideon. How’s your breathing?”

“Better.”

“Good.”

“I should go,” Nikki said. “Give me a call when they let you out of here, and I can pick you up.”

“I will. Thanks. And don’t worry. We’ll figure out what to do.”

The doctor watched her leave, then said, “Everything okay?”

“Yes and no.”

“Is it insurance? I heard your dad lost his business and his home in the fire. That makes it tough.”

“Yeah.” Gideon hadn’t thought of that but doubted his dad would have any insurance except what was required for his business, which he’d probably let lapse because he now worked in secret.

“Try not to think about that right now,” the doctor said. “It’s important you focus on your recovery.”

“If only I had that luxury.”

“I’m telling you, if you allow yourself to get stressed, it will take longer to get back on your feet.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

But what was foremost on his mind was that the list of people he was responsible for was growing. If God didn’t come through, he would let a lot of people down.

Chapter 16

Gideon shoulderedhis backpack and took another look around the hospital room, unsure what to make of the fire and how it fit into God’s plan, if at all.

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