Page 99 of Gideon

“Yeah.”

“And then He told you to ask everyone to have a drink?”

“Did you bring a water bottle?”

“Yeah, but I always have one.”

“Because you like to be prepared.”

“I guess.”

“Good. Then you can stand over there.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see.”

He waited until everyone had gotten through the line. Those who held cups he had stand to one side. His dad was in that group. The ones with water bottles he had stand with Nikki.

“All of you,” he said to those with Nikki, “get yourselves ready to go.” Then he turned to the other group. “I’m going to need the rest of you to remain here.”

They erupted in protest. Joey was the loudest. “What do you think you’re doing? We have as much right to go as you do.”

“Yes. But I need some to remain here in case Fairfax comes this way.” It was the best excuse he could think of. “We can’t be sure he won’t retaliate. He’s already shown he’s not against setting a building on fire. We have to make sure he can’t come here and do more damage. I’ll need those of you who remain to stand guard. And if anything happens to the rest of us, I need to know there’s still another group left to fight another day. If there are any more protests, you can save it for when I get back.”

To silence everyone, he jumped off the stage and marched outside.

Nikki’s arm pressed against Gideon’s as they laid flat on the ground in the same place as the last time they were there.

Gideon was looking through the binoculars, trying to ignore her proximity. He focused on the living room window. The light was on, but he couldn’t see anyone there.

He shifted, moving the lenses back to the driveway where several cars were parked. One was the sheriff’s cruiser.

“I’ll have to get closer,” he whispered. “Something is definitely going on.”

“Maybe I should go,” Nikki said. “You stay here.”

“Why?” He rolled back so he could look at her from a safer distance.

“Because they want you dead. If they catch you sneaking around, you’ll be in much bigger trouble than if they catch me. I’ll just get a slap on the wrist, but you?—”

“They’ll do more than a slap on the wrist if they find you snooping.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Nikki, these guys aren’t messing around. You are risking a lot being here. Everyone is.” He turned and looked back into the darkness where the rest of the group was waiting. He’d expected the trepidation that had clenched tight in his gut all day to loosen once they were on site, but it had only gotten worse.

You’re afraid

It was a gentle whisper from God. Gideon knew his fear wasn’t hidden from heaven, but he hadn’t expected God to mention it. There were so many things to fear. He could make the wrong move. He was afraid of getting any of these people—especially Nikki—intotrouble. He was afraid of the shame he’d face if he failed. Everything was riding on his next decision.

Get up!The voice again.

“Gideon, we?—”

“Wait—” He stopped Nikki from speaking. “Give me a second.” Using the binoculars again, he looked at nothing. He needed a second to think and to listen.

Go down to the house. I’ve already given you victory, but if you’re still afraid, go down and listen to what they are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged.

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