“Pastor Sedgwick came by tonight when I was tendin’ to my nets. He told me I reminded him of the disciple Peter, who was also a fisherman. Peter, I guess, was a hard case like me. He knew Jesus was Lord, but he had some difficulties with his faith.” Papa got to his feet. “I told Pastor Sedgwick that I knew Jesus was Lord but wasn’t sure I’d ever acknowledged Him as my Lord. We talked a bit more, and I confessed my heart to Pastor. I made sure I was right with God. I guess I just wanted you to know so you could stop worryin’ about what would happen to me if I met with trouble.”

Gloriana forgot about her knitting and jumped to her feet. She encircled her father in a hug. “Oh, Papa, this makes me so happy. I can just imagine Mama dancing a jig in heaven.” She kissed his cheek and pulled back to see his face.

His eyes were damp. “I know she’d be pleased, but I never wanted to do it for that reason. I knew it needed to be between me and God. I couldn’t accept the Lord just because she wanted me to.”

“I know, Papa. Nor for me.”

“No, but I felt His callin’ to me, and I came for myself . . . and for Him.” He gave her a smile. “Now I know what your mama was talkin’ about when she spoke of the peace of God. I feel it too.”

Gloriana smiled. “Thank you for telling me, Papa. I will rest easy now, knowing you belong to Jesus.”

“I always knew I would,” Papa told her. “I was just stubborn.”

“Like JT.”

He nodded. “That boy is the spittin’ image of me at that age.” He ran his hand through thick gray-blond curls. “Heart and soul and outward appearance. He’s got a tough road ahead, and no one knows that better than me. That’s why I’m tough on him. Hopin’ to save him some sufferin’.”

Gloriana nodded. “I hope he’ll soften his heart and understand your love for him.”

“In time he will, Glory. In time he will.”

Theodore Sedgwick considered his choices. His life had been a waste in so many ways. There were times when he’d felt he had accomplished something good, but they were few and far between. And now, even after twelve years, he still hadn’t managed to do the one thing he wanted more than anything else. To see Luke Carson dead.

“There’s still time,” he muttered, hoping that was true.

He walked to the window of his small apartment. Glancing down at the street below, he saw a wiry older man hurrying down the sidewalk. It was about time he got there. Theodore moved quickly to open the door, even though he knew the man had three flights of stairs to climb before he’d arrive at Theo’s place.