Page 69 of Concrete Evidence
“I wish it were. But you need to be aware of the danger until this is over.”
“Will you always tell me the truth when I ask questions?”
He stared into the face of innocence, his little sister who’d seen too much of the harsh realities of life. “As long as it’s not confidential information. But I need you to trust me.”
39
AVERY DROVE THE WINDING ROADleading along her beloved rolling acres to home. She swiped a wandering tear. Leaving had been a mistake. Like a child, she’d run instead of facing the challenges.
Marc planned to arrive with Mrs. Wilkins and Tessa close to dinnertime. Avery had called Mia earlier and explained the arriving guests. The older woman laughed, her excitement spilling into her voice. “Barbecue. We will have a fantastic dinner. Will the senator be with you?”
“Not this time, but soon.”
A sense of normalcy from the phone conversation offered peace surely to come.
What had happened to her resolve to face life with determination? Shaking off the fears, she gripped the steering wheel as though the padded metal could offer courage.
She stopped at the security gate and pressed in her private code.It opened wide to welcome her. With the house, stables, and office up ahead, Avery reached deep for the faith and wisdom Granddad had instilled in her.
Heat rose from her feet to her legs, chest, arms, hands, and up her neck and face. Fear and a strange awareness of something supernatural enveloped her. She tingled while a soothing peace filled her. God walked with Granddad and her through this storm. They weren’t alone.
The tragedy separating her from Granddad had an explanation. He’d face a firing squad before he put her and innocent people in danger, and he’d sacrifice himself first. That’s how men of integrity lived.
And that’s how women of integrity lived.
Pulling off on the shoulder, she exited her car and inhaled the comfort of home. The air smelled of freshly mowed grass, sweet, but gray clouds moved in fast.
She walked to the white fence and grasped it for strength. In the distance, Granddad’s prized beef cattle and longhorns grazed with the finest horses in the state. When he and Grandma set up housekeeping, they’d bought a hundred acres with borrowed money to add to what he’d inherited from his father. They worked night and day to build the stock and nurture the land. Granddad purchased more acreage and started the commercial construction business, then developed an interest in politics. Many had tried to discredit his name, but none succeeded.Justice and Jesusmixed with courage to face his opposition.
Avery pushed back from the fence and glanced up at the sun behind the storm clouds. She’d step back into her role at the ranch until Granddad returned.
And he would. She’d fight for him, and he’d fight for her.
At the ranch office, Avery parked in her spot. She longed to see Granddad’s massive pickup. Oh, to fling open the office door and rush into his arms. The memory of his deep voice embraced her heart’s void.
Craig must have seen her approach because he came running toher car. She couldn’t release the seat belt fast enough. She hurried into his arms.
“Are those tears?” Craig said. “Avery Quinn Elliott never cries.”
“Unless I’m a reservoir of emotion.”
He pulled a clean handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at her eyes. “Are you home for good?”
She nodded. “You and I can handle all of this until Granddad returns.”
He stepped back and frowned. “What happened to you and your car?”
“I had it parked too close to an explosion.” She shrugged. “I fell getting out of the way.”
“I think you’re skipping over the facts.”
“Later. I’m okay.”
A familiar voice called her name. Leanne!
Her dear friend pulled Avery from Craig’s arms. Her waist-length auburn hair swept over Avery’s arms. “You and the senator had us scared to death. I’m so very glad to see you.”
Avery hugged her and stepped back to take in Leanne. Craig wrapped his arm around her waist, and she snuggled against him.
