Page 24 of Axton
He made a funny snort sound then chuckled. “I’m just a man.” He shook his head. “Far from an archangel or any other kind of angel.”
“Do you fight to protect the innocent from evil? I am asking if you have served in the military.” I whispered, and my voice was raspy.
His eyes met mine again. “At one time I was a soldier, but now I am a veteran.”
“You are helping us.” I pointed out.
I could tell he was a humble man by his reaction, which was to say nothing. He dipped the spoon in the soup.
“You are doing God's work by helping the needy and risking your safety to do so, and I believe you are still a soldier.”
He lifted the spoon to my lips, and I swallowed the soup down, but it hurt just a little, so I winced. I knew I needed the nutrients, so it was okay.
“Thank you for everything you are doing. I could never repay you and I remain in your debt.” I whispered.
He swallowed hard then gave me another spoonful. “If you were my sister, I would hope someone would help her just as I have helped you. So no, you will never have a debt to me to repay.” He had a deep voice, and I could tell he was trying to sound delicate to give me some comfort.
“Your sister is a very lucky girl.”
He gave me a half smile as he put another spoonful to my lips. “I try telling her that all the time, but she doesn’t seem to believe me.” He winked then looked back down at the bowl.
I smiled. “She may not want to admit it, but she knows.”
“You surprise me.” He said. “I was prepared to meet a frightened young woman who fought me on everything we are trying to do. So why so much trust in complete strangers?”
I knew from when I attended public school and then again took college courses that my beliefs were ones others didn’t appreciate and found ridiculous. I was the girl the boys laughed at, and when I took courses at the college the young men teased me. I didn’t believe the soldier of God would do the same if I told him the full reason, but it may have caused him to think I was not of a sound mental capacity. I read enough books to know what was acceptable outside of my community. “Something tells me I have nothing to fear, and you did pray for me.” He had the mark, and I was to trust him with not just my life but my soul.
He smiled as he dipped the spoon in the soup. “You remember that, huh?”
“I remember a lot of things, and feel a deep concern for your adored Santa Claus.”
He paused and was speechless.
I blushed and gave him a little smile. “I will pray that his little elf learns some self-discipline and finds God in the near future.”
He had to set the spoon in the bowl to laugh. “I am so sorry you heard that, and at the same time surprised you aren’t offended.”
“I never said I wasn’t offended and didn’t fear sin, Michael, but I can’t say I don’t enjoy your laugh. Just please don’t lead me to that kind of sin, that’s all I ask.”
He chuckled. “We may share that same fear, and if you knew Drakos and Melissa you would understand. That gave me a nightmare as well.”
“This safe community, is it based on religion, and will you keep me safe from sinners?” I asked, although my throat still hurt to speak.
I saw his jaw flex, he swallowed hard, his lips parted, then he looked up at something like he was praying then looked at me. “We do have some church services at Creed’s Lake for those who choose to attend, and there’s also a few churches close to us. As far as keeping you safe from sin, I guess that depends on your idea of what is a sin. I think Koty said God forgives, right?” The kind man looked very concerned.
Chapter Thirteen
Axton
Shit, everything that built Creed’s Lake was probably a sin to that woman. There was enough lust to pollute the Midwest alone coming from Creed’s Lake. There was also greed, we all wanted wealth. I wasn’t sure sloth was an issue since nobody neglected their responsibilities. Then again, was not being a faithful follower of God neglecting a responsibility? So yeah, probably sloth as well. Wrath wasn’t even a question, that was definitely prevalent in the community. Pride, I wasn’t sure about that, most of us deep down knew we weren’t above anyone else and we did value the lives of innocent people. So yeah, an innocent soul like hers was fucked at Creed’s Lake.
“You may be right, and I could use your guidance, Michael.” She had a raspy whisper when she spoke.
I chuckled but hoped I hid my nervousness. “I wouldn’t seek my guidance as a role model of how you should live, especially when it concerns your soul.” I fed her another spoonful of soup. I hadn’t been that nervous speaking to a female since I was probably fifteen years old.
“Do you feed the hungry, try to heal the sick, and use your body as a shield to protect those who need your protection?”
“I guess we do some volunteer work, mainly for veterans and the elderly at the nursing home. We do offer some second chances. So, yeah, I guess we do. You’ll find that we spend quite a lot of time in the county trying to raise money.”
