“I learned to be more careful,” Theodore replied in a snide tone. “So careful, in fact, that no one knew I was helping Rafael.” His expression grew sad, and he looked down at the gun. “Rafael was good to me. He knew my pain. He knew, and he helped me. He was a much better father to me than you!” The anger was back. He glared at his father. “You should die with Carson. You both are the reason for my suffering.”

By now Pastor Sedgwick had backed against the desk, positioning himself between Luke and Theodore. “I won’t let you hurt Luke. He’s been good to you.”

“I tried to get rid of him, but it didn’t work. Nothing works. He seems to have all the luck. All of it. He’s stolen it. He’s robbed me.”

Pastor Sedgwick shook his head. “That’s not true and you know it. Now put down the gun.”

Theodore began to laugh. He shook the gun at his father. “I will kill you too. You deserve to die. You always had your rules. You were never happy with me. God is not happy with me.” He pulled back the hammer. “I hate you both.”

“Theo, your father isn’t to blame for any of this,” Luke said, no longer able to remain silent. “He’s your father. If you kill him, it will hurt your mother.”

“Mother?” Theodore shook his head and lowered the gun a bit. “Mother is good. Mother wasn’t cruel.”

“Then you don’t want to hurt her.”

The words seemed to make him hesitate. Theodore shook his head over and over and began to pace again.

“Why don’t you go ask your mother what you should do?” Luke suggested. “She’s always loved you. She’ll give you good counsel.”

“That’s right, Theo,” Pastor Sedgwick declared. “She will give you wise counsel.”

Theodore moved toward the door, then stopped. “No. I know what to do. I know. Rafael told me. I know.”

He turned from the door and stood transfixed. Pastor Sedgwick moved toward him, doing his best to keep between Luke and Theo.

Without warning, the door to the outer office opened. Archie called out, “Luke, I’m back.”

Pastor Sedgwick flew across the few short feet and tackled his son. The revolver went flying, causing a shot to fire. Luke hurried to help the pastor as Theodore began screaming. Archie was soon there to lend a hand as well.

“Is everyone all right?” Luke took Theodore in hand while the pastor got to his feet.

“I’m fine,” Pastor Sedgwick said. He looked to where Archie was nodding. “Would you go get the police?”

“Are you certain you’re both all right?” Gloriana asked after Luke and the pastor had related their story.