The Small Town Boy's Redemption by Jessie Gussman

Author:Jessie Gussman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jessie Gussman

Chapter 10

That hadn’t exactly been her plan.

Libby’s fingers flexed on Blade’s arm, hard underneath her hand. No wonder Clarice came in and couldn’t keep from touching him. Libby sure didn’t want to take her hand away. But she couldn’t think about that right now. She was focusing on, if not convincing Mr. Brannon, at least allowing the idea that Blade might be innocent to permeate his thoughts. The idea that she believed Blade was innocent.

What was the point of having a good reputation, of having the respect of people in the church, because they knew she would do right no matter what—she’d lived it. What was the point of having that, if she couldn’t use it for good?

Blade had never actually told her that he was innocent. All she knew was her gut feeling.

Maybe, if this worked, she would ask. Ask what really happened that night.

She’d been afraid when she’d walked over, and then again when she slipped her hand into his arm, that he would reject her.

She didn’t like help. She didn’t like it aimed at her weak spot. Maybe she’d take help reaching up to the top shelf or lifting something that was too heavy, but when it came to her leg and her limp, and the things she couldn’t do because of that, or the things that she was slow at because of that, she resented people who felt like they needed to help her.

Hopefully, that wasn’t the way Blade felt about this.

It didn’t seem to be, since he hadn’t moved away.

Mr. Brannon’s look had been thoughtful. And now he spoke. “You’re right. I don’t remember the exact specifics of the case, but I do remember there was no evidence. However, there was a large outcry that the woman needed to be believed.”

Mr. Brannon’s face still projected thoughtfulness. Libby could only hope that he was thinking that it could happen to anyone. Any woman could lie about a man—at any time, they could lie about Mr. Brannon—and that man could be convicted with no evidence. Just like Blade had been.

Of course, this could all backfire on her, and she could lose her reputation, and the Richmond Rebels might not get the contract after all.

The thought almost made Libby smile. Not the thought that they might not get the contract.

But the thought that it was her good reputation versus Blade’s bad reputation.

That was the battle going on in Mr. Brannon’s mind. And she wondered which one would win.

Maybe it would be a sort of draw. Where his reputation got a little lighter, and hers got a little darker.

It was a sacrifice she was willing to make. She felt Blade deserved it.

Mr. Brannon looked at the fancy watch on his arm, tapping it. “It’s time to get started.” He looked at Libby. “I would like to start with the paperwork, see that it’s in order, and see what I can learn from it. Then I’ll go to the shop and see what the guys are doing and check out the parts room.

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