Page 175 of Sing with Me

But how fast could they do this?

It was the middle of June. The next school year would begin in early August. Could he move his entire operation from Atlanta to St. Simon’s Island in less than two months?

“If I only manage Brooks Properties, I could be location independent,” Diehl said. “I could work on the beach.”

“With technology, you can.” Dad shifted in his seat. “The only reason I showed up in person at the office is to assure everyone working for us that all is fine with you. They were worried. I heard rumors circulating that you had a mental breakdown, ran off with a mistress, hid in rehab, etc. There were all sorts of speculations.”

“It was nothing of the sort. I burned myself out overworking to try to get over Isobel’s death.”

“A grief counselor could have taken some of that pressure off.”

“You’re right, Dad.” Diehl walked about the room. “You know, I’m glad I took time off. There is such a thing as life—before work, during work, after work. I have sacrificed my marriage, driven away my wife, and agitated my children in the process.”

“Diehl, it’s not your fault that your marriage fell apart. None of us saw the signs.”

Diehl knew that Dad was trying to remind him of Isobel’s sins. “We have all sinned, Dad. That’s why Jesus had to die for the penalty of our sins.”

Dad’s eyes widened. “You…”

Diehl nodded. “I’m a believer of Jesus now.”

“Since when?”

“Sunday night after church. Ivan led me to Christ.”

“I thought you were a Christian already and that you were backsliding.”

Diehl shook his head. “I don’t know what I believed back then, but I showed no fruit.”

“You sure didn’t. I’ve been praying for you.” Dad seemed happy. “Come to think of it, you do look calmer.”

Diehl stood by the tall window where the couches used to be. “God is good.”

“Are you attending Ivan’s church?”

“Yes. In his Sunday School class as well.”

“Going all in, huh?”

“All or nothing.” Diehl walked back to his table.

Dad slapped the armrests and got up from the armchairs. “We’ll talk some more in the morning. I’m going to bed.”

“What about the water you came downstairs to get?”

“I’m not thirsty anymore.” Dad waved him off. “What are your plans tomorrow? Will you be at the office?”

“No. I’m supposed to take Elisa for a forensic interview.”

“Interesting. What for?” Dad asked.

“There are actually two sets of interviews. The DHS wants to know what she saw at the underground passport center because she said there were other kids there. ICE agents are hunting for human traffickers.”

“Seems like a lot to put a twelve-year-old through.”

“I know.” Diehl credited God for giving him strength. “We got Elisa back. Many other parents haven’t gotten their children back. If Elisa saw anything, she might be able to help those kids they found.”

“Do we know all that’s been happening?”

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