Travis came around the back of the truck. “I suppose I don’t need to say it, but thank you, Jimmy.” He took his bag.

“Aw, c’mon Travis. Doesn’t make up for half the stuff you’ve done for me.”

Travis grinned. “Well then, all’s even in the world once again. You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.”

James patted Travis on the back and gave a little scratch. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Travis repeated. He trudged through the snow to the front door.

“Hey, you know you could’ve just told Duane that it was an accident in the first place.”

Travis turned and twisted his face into a sheepish grin. “Yeah, I started thinkin’ about that sittin’ in that tiny little cell thinkin’ this tiny little cell stinks.”

James chuckled.

The front door opened, and Mrs. Wexler looked out.

Travis turned to look at her, and her face split into a wide, delighted grin.

James imagined Travis smiling back, but when he turned, his expression was sober. “Naw. Even if everyone believed me, those kids would’ve been looked at funny their whole lives because everyone would’ve still wondered what really happened. It’s no piece a cake going through life, people looking at you funny like that, trying to figure out your secrets. They didn’t need that...” He shrugged. “’Sides, I figured everyone’s been wanting to get rid of me so bad, and no one knew how to do it...I’d just do it for them.”

“Nobody wants to get rid of you, Travis,” James said.

A hint of Travis’s smile returned. “Yeah, right.”

“Well, one thing at a time.” James shrugged and then lifted the collar of his jacket.

“Sounds like a plan,” Travis said. He turned and disappeared behind the front door.

Epilogue

Epilogue

Christmas day

James touched the clerical collar at his throat. It felt good to be back. Thank You, again, Lord. There really were no words to describe the fullness of his soul, the sense of belonging, being one with his Lord again, but God knew, and for that, James was grateful. He, a man who preached the Word, was at a loss for words before his God, but everything was written on his heart, and God would read it, as He always did.

The church, decorated for the season with festive garland and sprigs of holly, set the mood for worship. The light suffused through the building, bringing hope on wings of reverence. There was excitement in the air, a renewed sense of purpose. The pall that had hung over this town for so long was gone. The truth shall set you free…

James smiled at Pastor Barrow and his wife, sitting to the side of the altar; then he smiled out at the congregation. So many familiar, friendly faces: Amanda, Duane, Dad, and Mary and the kids…and Travis.