Cain by James Byron Huggins

Author:James Byron Huggins
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Christianity, Religious & Inspirational Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller, Religion & Spirituality, Genre Fiction, Christian Books & Bibles, Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 0752816152
Publisher: Orion
Published: 1997-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

Maggie came into the room where Soloman was studying a blueprint of the basilica, waiting for Ben's return. She leaned against the wall, crossed her arms over her chest, and smiled. She had obviously recovered from their earlier confrontation.

"What?" said Soloman, feeling like he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't. But Maggie only continued to gaze in smiling silence as he repeated it: "What?"

"Amy wants you to put her to bed." She laughed, jade-green eyes gleaming. She was clearly enjoying it. "You want me to tell her that you're too busy?"

Blinking, Soloman looked at the maps but didn't see anything. He was a little amazed at how things were changing and, though he could have controlled the feeling, he was also somehow drawn to it. "No," he said. "I'll do it. But it's been a long time." He tried to remember. "Does she say prayers? What's the routine?"

Maggie laughed again. "She just wants you to put her to bed, Sol. It's not that complicated. Just go and tuck her in."

"Yeah," Soloman said, rising from the table. He walked past Maggie, sensing only the glowing face, the smiling eyes. Then he was at the room where Amy lay in bed, quilts already tucked tight. Uncomfortable, he stood for a moment in the doorway, staring until she silently raised her hand, motioning him to come forward.

Approaching, he tried to have the composure of an adult.

"I thought you might want to say goodnight to me," Amy said quietly.

"Why, of course I did," Soloman smiled, sitting with casual smoothness and adjusting the quilts, returning by long-unused reflex to another part of himself that had been utterly dead until now.

And in the moment it seemed as if he'd never been in the desert at all, as if he'd been right here through it all. "Thanks for playing Monopoly with me," Amy added, her face serious. "That was nice."

Soloman smiled warmly. "Oh, I had fun, Amy." He was surprisingly comfortable with closeness, leaning on an arm. But he wished he wasn't laden down with weapons. The pistol on his chest felt out of place and intrusive. "We'll do it again," he said. "Maybe tomorrow."

She said nothing for a long time, finally laying a hand on his.

"You know something?" she whispered.

"What?"

"I never had a daddy."

Soloman didn't know what to say. He held her hand lightly. "Yeah, well, you're gonna be just fine, kiddo," he whispered, compassion compelling him to look her in the eyes no matter his pain.

It would have been cruel to do any less.

"I'm not going to let anybody hurt you,” Soloman added. “I'll be here all night. And I'll be here when you wake up in the morning."

Suddenly a tear rolled down her face and she became infinitely, infinitely sad. It was a moment that changed everything. Soloman leaned forward, gently wiping it from her face. He hovered close.

"Don't worry about it, darlin'," he said softly. "He's not going to get to you. I'll protect you."

"I know," she whispered.

Another tear fell as she closed her eyes.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.