Page 53 of Pay Dirt

“She didn’t want you to go to jail.” My heart clenched at the thought. Had someone been beating on one of my sisters. I’d offer the same thing.

“That book got passed down from one person to the next. Each new organizer pledges to keep the names safe. That’s where his momma used to disappear to every year on her birthday. They’d all meet up and she’d check in on the others trying to decide on her replacement.”

“I’m sure Nathan will take care of it.”

The old man tsked and rose from his spot. He crossed the distance between us and pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. “That book Nathan has is written in code. In order to decipher it, and carry on the Murray tradition of being a savior, you’re going to need the key.”

“Oh, I couldn’t,” I said, even as I reached for the paper.

“You already saved him, and you’re about to save the people under the library. You’ll save some battered women too. I have faith in you.”

“Wait, how did you know about the library?”

“William told me what you bargained for from the oil location. You wanted the land to build some tiny homes for those people that lost everything. It might be a great place for someone who might, one day, need to disappear, even if it’s a pit stop, don’t you think? Michael and Janet will be great hosts.”

My mouth parted. It took a lot to make me speechless, but the old man had definitely done that.

He did know my secrets; he did know everything I had planned. Well, almost everything. I smiled.

Within a week of Nathan being gone, the tiny houses I’d bought were delivered to the acreage William had transferred to me. The permits had been secured, and the entire town had helped to get everything up and running. The sign above the entrance read, Jenna’s Place. A sign in the field readIn loving memory of a woman who gave up everything to help others.

In my heart, I aspired to be like her one day. I didn’t stick around the farm after that. I wasn’t one for tearful goodbyes. Amanda drove me to the airport and helped me pass the time for boarding.

“He should be back any day. Are you sure you don’t want to wait around?”

I nudged her shoulder. “He knows how to reach me. Besides I’m sure your family could use some peace and quiet. Once the reporters get wind that I’ve left, they’ll leave you alone.”

“You are kind of a celebrity around here now. You should stay and live it up.”

“I’ll take a hard pass,” I whispered just as the announcements came over that my flight was ready to board. I rose and grabbed my bag and pulled her into a hug. “You keep looking out for them, okay?”

“You know I will. It’s a full-time job.”

I pulled a house key out of my pocket and dangled it in front of her.

“What’s this?”

“I signed a new tenant for Jenna’s Place. I thought maybe you could welcome him.”

“Who?”

“Marty.” I grinned. “His flight is due in twenty minutes. Across the field should be close enough to keep seeing each other, don’t you think?”

Amanda threw her arms around my neck and hugged me as she danced a bouncy jig. She stopped and stared into my eyes. “You’re serious.”

“I wouldn’t kid about that,” I answered as she bounced up and down again before releasing me.

Her hand went to her hair. “Oh, God. I’m not wearing any makeup. I’d barely brushed my hair.”

“He’s not going to care, I promise,” I said as I hobbled over to the gate and handed over my ticket. I gave one more glance over my shoulder to watch Amanda smiling as she waved. I’d see her again one day. The next time the well ran dry and they needed help in finding the pay dirt.

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