The Soldier's Redemption

Change the subject. “You want to watch TV for a few minutes, buddy? I need to talk to your mom.”

Leo’s head jerked around to look at Kayla. “Can I, Mom?”

She hesitated. “I guess, for a few minutes. If we can find a decent show.” She looked at Finn pointedly. “I actually don’t allow him to watch much TV.”

“Sorry.” He headed into the living room and clicked the TV on, found a cartoonish-looking show that he remembered his son liking and looked at Kayla. “This okay?”

She squinted at the TV. “Yeah. Sure.”

Her phone buzzed again, but she ignored it.

In the kitchen, she looked at him with two vertical lines between her eyebrows. “What’s up?”

“Why’d you grill Long John about me?” he asked her abruptly.

* * *

At the sharp question from Finn, Kayla’s mind reeled. “What do you mean?” she asked, buying time.

She knew exactly what he meant.

Long John must have gotten on the phone the moment she’d left his cabin. And wasn’t that just like a soldier, to report anything and everything to his military buddies.

They’re friends, an inner voice reminded her. She’d just met Long John, while Finn had probably known him for months if not years.

Finn let out a sigh. “Long John let me know you were asking all kinds of questions about me. I wondered why.”

She studied him for signs of out-of-control anger and saw none. In which case, the best defense was a good offense. “You have a problem with me checking my employer’s references the same way you and Penny are checking mine?” she bluffed.

He looked at her for a moment. “No. That’s not a problem. It’s just that some of your questions seemed pointed. All about my military service.”

“That’s part of your background,” she said.

Finn shook his head. “I’m just not comfortable with having you here if you have any sort of attitude toward the military,” he said. “The veterans are the most important thing to us, and believe it or not, they’re sensitive. Especially the ones we get here. I don’t need a worker who’s cringing away from them or, on the other hand, overly curious.”

She nodded. “That makes sense.” She should have known this wouldn’t work. It was too perfect.

The thought of going back on the road filled her with anxiety, though. Her supply of money was dwindling, and so was Leo’s patience.

This place was perfect for Leo.

She tried to hang on to the pastor’s words from this morning. What was the verse? I know the plans I have for you...

God has a plan for us.

She straightened her spine. “We’ll get our things together tonight and move on tomorrow.”

Her phone buzzed for about the twentieth time. Impatient, she pulled it out. She read through the texts from her friend Janice, back in Arkansas, her anxiety growing.

Don’t come back under any circumstances.

He tore up your place.

He’s raving that he’s going to find you.

Get a PFA, fast.

She sank into a kitchen chair, her hand pressed to her mouth, her heart pounding. What was she going to do now?

“Listen, Kayla, I didn’t mean you had to leave this minute,” Finn said. “You can stay out the week, like we discussed. We can even help you figure out your next step. I just don’t think...” He paused.

There was a brisk knock at the screen door, and then Penny walked in. “I called the last reference, and they raved about you,” she said to Kayla. “So as far as I’m concerned, you’re hired.”

Kayla glanced up at Finn in time to see his forehead wrinkle. “Temporarily,” he said.

“Long-term, as far as I’m concerned.” Penny gave him an even stare.

“We need to talk,” he said to Penny.

“All right.” She put a bunch of paper in front of Kayla. “Start signing,” she said. “Look for the Xs.”

Finn and Penny went out onto the porch, and she heard the low, intense sound of an argument.

From the living room, she heard Leo laughing at the television.

Finn didn’t want to hire her. That was clear, and it wasn’t only because she’d been nosy. Something else about her bothered him.

Which was fine, because he kind of bothered her, too. She didn’t think he was dangerous himself, but he was clearly linked up to the veteran old boys’ network. If Mitch started yelling at one of his meetings about how they were missing, the word could get out. Paratroopers were intensely loyal and they helped each other out, and a missing child would definitely be the type of thing that would stir up their interest and sympathy.

She needed to be farther away, but for now, the protection offered by the ranch was probably the safest alternative for Leo. A week, two, even a month here would give her breathing room.

Or maybe Mitch’s rage would burn out. Although it hadn’t in the year since the divorce he’d fought every inch of the way.

Finn didn’t want her here, but she was used to that. She’d grown up in a home where she wasn’t wanted.

And Penny had seemed to intuit some of her issues when Kayla had probed about Finn and the ranch during a lull before the church service. She’d said something about men, how women needed to stick together. Penny was on her side.

She could deal with Finn. She didn’t need his approval or his smiles.

And she didn’t want to depend on anyone. But here, she could work hard, pull her weight.

Finn and Penny came back in. Finn’s jaw jutted out. Penny looked calm.

“You can have the job,” Finn said.

“However long you want it,” Penny added, glancing over at Finn.

Kayla drew in a deep breath, looking at them. “Thank you.”