Page 74 of Gideon
“Didn’t know what?” Nikki said, putting an arm around her when Gideon indicated it was safe to return to the truck.
“I thought he was a good man, but Camila knew. She told me, and I didn’t want to believe her. She’s been there a long time and warned me when he began paying attention to me. I should never have encouraged Edward.”
“Do you think it would have made a difference?”
“Maybe I wouldn’t have gotten pregnant if I hadn’t wanted to so badly.”
“That’s not how it works,” Gideon said, and Nikki shoved him. “What? I’m trying to say it’s not her fault.”
“But it is my fault,” Isabel said. “Everything that happened to me and everything that will happen to my friends.”
“No,” Gideon said. “Fairfax has to take responsibility for his actions, not you.”
“Gideon’s right,” Nikki said. “You have to think about a fresh start.”
“How? Where can I go? Edward was right. I may be safe from him, but I could still end up in prison or worse.”
“We’ll figure out something. I promise.”
When they reached the truck Nikki had parked behind, Gideon said, “I guess this is where we part. You going to take her to your house?”
“I’m not sure. That could be the first place he looks.”
“But he won’t have a warrant.”
“You think that will stop him?”
“Well, I can’t take her home with me.” Gideon looked into the trees behind them.
“Did you hear something?” Nikki said, pushing Isabel behind her.
“No. I’m being thorough.”
“Oh. There’s a room at the back of the church. She can stay there for a little while. If Fairfax doesn’t respond in any way, then maybe I can bring her back to my house.”
“I’m sorry I’ve brought so much trouble to you,” Isabel said.
“No,” Nikki said. “It will all turn out okay. I promise.”
“I know you’re worried about law enforcement,” Gideon said. “But after what you’ve told us, Isabel, I think we’re going to have to call Immigration.”
“You can’t,” Isabel said. “Please.”
“They can help. The way Fairfax is treating everyone is wrong. This goes beyond him employing illegal immigrants. He needs to be stopped.”
“Please think about what you’re doing. That would put everyone in more danger.”
“It won’t. There are laws against him doing what he’s doing.”
“And there are laws against Camila and the others being in the country. They can’t go home. Please. They already risked so much.”
“I’m open to suggestions.”
“Maybe this was a mistake.” Isabel put her face in her hands.
“No,” Nikki said. “It wasn’t a mistake. Gideon won’t call Immigration. We’ll figure out something else.” Gideon looked at her sideways, and she gave him a silent plea. Surely God had another way. “There’s a way,” Nikki continued. “There’s always a way. I know God has a plan.”
“I hope you’re right,” Isabel said.