Page 123 of Daybreak

Jacob headed to the door with Gunner beside him and unlocked it.

“You’re a tad bit early, but come on it,” Jacob said.

“I’m Sam Barnes. Are you the Kingstons? The people who saved my wife, Jenny, and son, Sam, yesterday?”

“That’s us,” Gunner said. “This is my father, Jacob Kingston. He took over Sam’s welfare after Buster took me straight to your Jenny. Would you care to come in?”

“No, but thanks. I’m on the way home with Buster before I go back to the hospital. We’ve both had a long night. I wanted you to know that Jenny is alive, thanks to you. And little Sam has been talking about the giant men who saved him and his mama. I had to come meet you in person.”

Gunner pointed at Buster, then gave the yellow dog a gentle rub on the head. “Your son and this dog saved your wife. Dad and I simply assisted in the rescue.”

“You have a most remarkable son,” Jacob said. “I have three rather remarkable sons of my own, and I know one when I see one. Thank you for letting us know. My wife and I said a prayer for them last night. She will be overjoyed to hear this.”

Sam Barnes nodded. “Thank you again…for all you did.”

They shook hands, then Sam and Buster were gone.

Jacob gave Gunner a pat on the back. “That’s a really good way to start a day, isn’t it, son?”

“Yes, it is, Dad. A really good way.”

* * *

Two days later, Gunner was in the office with Holly when he got a phone call. He saw Caller ID and then showed Holly.

She arched an eyebrow. “Don’t look at me. I’m not overdrawn.”

He grinned and stepped out into the hall to answer. “Hello, this is Gunner.”

“Gunner! This is Dale Curry. I apologize for the late notice, but our business owners’ association is meeting at the church in about an hour, and we would appreciate your feedback regarding the current project we’re working on. It has to do with Crossroads. We have chicken salad sandwiches and coffee to ply you with, and we would really appreciate your input before we proceed.”

“Yes, sure, I can do that,” Gunner said.

“Wonderful! We’ll see you there.”

The odd query and then the abrupt end to the conversation made Gunner suspicious. He went back into the office.

“I received an invitation to lunch,” he said.

She glanced up. “With Curry? That’s nice…I guess. What’s going on?”

“See! Your Spidey sense is the same as mine. It was a strange call. Apparently, the entire business owners’ association is having a monthly meeting. Like in an hour. And they want my input on some city improvement project. I have been offered chicken salad sandwiches.”

She laughed. “Go! But be ready for chopped grapes.”

“Chopped grapes? What the hell, Holly?”

She was still smiling. “They won’t kill you. Just chew and swallow like a big boy. I’ll make you something yummy for supper.”

“Lord,” he muttered and walked off to change clothes and wipe the dust off his boots.

* * *

Gunner went straight to the church.

Dale was waiting for him in the vestibule and walked him down to the dining hall, still talking when they entered the room about chicken salad sandwiches and hand pies, and a choice between coffee or iced tea.

Every member of the business community was there, men and women alike—all of them milling about filling their plates and looking at him with an air of expectation.