Page 111 of A Surefire Love

“That’s how it goes.”

“Huh?”

David sank another screw. “In my experience, bad things are bound to happen.”

“Good things are too, though, right? I mean, I was praying about my parents when I lit the candles, and they’re doing a lot better now. And the church has this building. Plus, I’m not in jail.” The kid lifted his hands, as though to sayta-da.

David chuckled. “Living the dream.”

“Are you being sarcastic?”

“Nope.” But he couldn’t keep from grinning. “I’m glad you’re not in jail. Try and keep it that way.”

“Yeah.” Dylan nodded earnestly and picked up another shelf. “That’s definitely the plan.”

This kid was a riot.

Sydney leaned into the office. “If you guys are all set with your stay-out-of-jail plans, there’s pizza in the sanctuary.”

Dylan jumped to his feet and ran.

“Coming?” Sydney lifted an eyebrow.

“I’m not leaving this half-done.” He zipped another screw into place.

She settled against the doorframe. “You know we could use you in the mentoring program at the community center.”

“Never been a fan of being used.”

“How about this?Youcould use your talents to help kids at the community center.”

“Which talents?”

“I heard you with Dylan. You didn’t freak out or judge him. Some kids really need a listening ear. And hey, the more of them who don’t end up in jail, the better.”

He scoffed. “Avoiding jail isn’t much of a life goal.”

“You could help them aim higher.”

“Yeah. Gather ’round, kids.” He motioned with the drill. “Let me tell you all about how to avoid jail and become”—he paused for effect—“a waiter.”

“This is a small town, David Hunter.” Her tone reminded him of his senior-year English teacher. “I know you, and you can’t pass yourself off as a waiter to me. You’re a hero.”

She knew about the medals then.

He glared at her from his spot on the floor. He didn’t have the height advantage or a clear path to the exit, but he refused to let being cornered defeat him into surrender. There was a lot more to a person than their name or their medals. If she thought he was a good role model for kids, she didn’t know him at all.

Sydney pushed away from the wall. “See you around.”

Not if he could help it. Eventually, her rose-colored glasses would break and she’d see the truth. David Hunter was nobody’s hero.