“Well, it feels like little-ggod is winning—in my life, at least.”
“That’s what little-ggod wants you to believe. But God is with us the whole time, and you can rest in the fact that He is working all things out for the good of those that love Him. It’s gonna hurt in the moment, but one day, you’ll be able to look back and see His fingerprints all over it, leading you to where you were supposed to be. We aren’t promised an easy ride, just help during the ride. God is with you in everything.”
“I’m not sure I can believe that.”
“It’s okay to have questions. Dig into that tattered Bible you packed and see if you can find those answers.”
She pursed her lips. “I picked it up last night. Started reading the gospel of Mark. But it talks about all these things Jesus did for other people, and all I can think is, why didn’t He help me when I needed it?”
“Hmm. The Gospels are a good start, but maybe you should also read about Joseph or Paul, people who went through tough things but still held on to God. I’m not saying it’s easy to understand, but remembering their struggles helps me hold on when nothing else makes sense. And I’m here to help you through it too—no pressure, just a hand to hold if you want it.”
“Thanks.” She stood and placed her cup in the dishwasher, signaling the end of the conversation.
He prayed she’d let go of her anger and see how great God really was.
EIGHTEEN
The blare of the alarm startled her from a deep sleep.
5:30 a.m.
She sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Her body protested, begging for more rest. How traitorous. First, she couldn’t sleep, and then it demanded more.
Her mind lingered on the quiet moment with Liam last night. He’d given her some food for thought. Maybe she didn’t have to do it alone.
She’d burrowed into the bed and fallen asleep surrounded by the smell she was beginning to crave. Her heart was in trouble. Her brain told her to not read too much into anything with Liam. He was doing his job. He was probably like this with all of his witnesses. Tending to them physically and emotionally. Keeping them relaxed, happy, and safe was his job. It put bad guys behind bars.
She pushed all thoughts of Liam to the back of her mind. She needed to focus on getting ready for work.
Showered and with her hair in a French braid, Sam left the room feeling more refreshed. The scent of Columbian roast coffee filled the hallway. She followed her nose.
Liam sat at the kitchen table, dressed in a soft-blue button-down shirt and black slacks. A Bible lay open in front of him, his hand wrapped around a cup of coffee.
He looked up when she entered the room. “Morning. Help yourself to some coffee.” He turned his attention back to the book.
Sugar packets, a small carton of milk, and creamer were situated next to the coffeepot.
“I wasn’t sure how you took your coffee, or if you even drank it, so I got everything out.” He closed the Bible.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt.” She nodded at his Bible.
“You didn’t. I finished. What do you and Bella usually do for breakfast? I wasn’t sure if y’all were eggs-and-bacon kind of people.”
A flutter began in her stomach. She was just hungry. “I usually eat a protein bar on the way to the station, and Bella has cereal before school.”
“Well, she and Sophia are going to get along, then. Assuming they like the same cereal.”
“If it’s fruity and covered in milk, she’ll be happy.”
“Good thing we have that.” He smiled. “I thought I’d take you to work this morning since, you know, your car is otherwise unavailable.”
“I’d appreciate it. I’m sure I could get a ride on the Renegade Rides app, but they’re probably all asleep.”
“No need for that. I’ve got you covered.” Liam nodded. “Speaking of the girls, I think it’s best if we pull them from school. We don’t know who is behind the shooting and if they might try anything at the school. If they’re with me at all times, I can keep them safe. We don’t want to put any of the other students in danger.”
“I think that’s a good idea.”
Sam hesitated, realizing how much she was beginning to rely on Liam—not just as a handler but as someone she might trust. It was unfamiliar territory, and part of her bristled at it, but another part whispered that maybe, for once, she didn’t have to carry the weight alone.
