Susan felt the air fill her lungs once more as she started to breathe once more. The kiss was a simple mistake that could have happened to anyone. So why was she so happy to know that David Watkins was unattached?
Susan yawned, covering her mouth as her eyes grew heavy. She couldn’t believe it was after midnight already. After dinner, and a few rounds of UNO, her grandmother had headed for bed, leaving Susan and David to talk about the mystery they were both determined to solve. Soon, they were discussing life, childhood, and their educational and life goals, leaving Susan feeling even more drawn to the young man.
“We have a lot in common,” David said, his eyes twinkling as he covered his own yawn. “We grew up on different sides of the tracks, so to speak,” he gestured at the large home, “but our beliefs and determination are the same.”
“I think if people would stop looking at everyone’s differences and focus on what they had in common our world would be a far lovelier place.” Susan smiled seeing that David agreed. “Growing up I heard whispers about the Watkins, and the reputation of how they had earned their living walking a fine line on the law. Now I realize that you were raised with the same deep rooted respect, love, and devotion I was.”
“The greatest commonality is Christ,” David said. “My grandmother was a believer and taught me to understand God’s love, forgiveness, and grace. I don’t understand why people fight so hard against God’s gift.” The young man shook his head. “They seem to think that if they surrender they are giving up all the fun, control, or dreams they ever had, but in reality they gain a peace that passes all understanding.”
“Love,” Susan’s single word echoed in the quiet kitchen. “Love binds all of mankind together, but first you have to give up the selfishness, greed, and relentless drive for power. Surrendering to God’s love and peace gives more freedom than anyone can imagine.”
David felt his heart turn over in his chest. He had only known this young woman for a short time, but he was drawn to her, and his heart sang with joy that she understand surrender, love, and peace as he did. Still, he was only a Watkins, and she was a Holmes. The family in the big house that gave to charity, donated to churches, and had everything.
“When you first walked in the door of this house, I was determined not to like you.” Susan looked up into David’s eyes. “No, I wasn’t being a snob, no matter what people say about my family, I just didn’t want to share my mystery with you.”
David’s warm chuckle rolled over Susan sending a shiver down her spine. She was getting tired and sappy and needed to say goodnight before she did something stupid.
“I’m glad you have changed your mind.” David pushed himself out of his chair leaning forward and placing a sweet kiss on Susan’s forehead. “I’m headed home now. You need to get some sleep.”
“I’ll give you a lift,” Susan stood hurrying around the table.
“No, I texted for a driver a few minutes ago and their outside now.” He studied Susan longing to pull her in for a goodnight kiss. “I’ll check in with you tomorrow.”
Susan followed David to the front door, waving him down the stairs to the waiting car that shimmered in the soft glow of the porch light. For several seconds she stood there, outlined in the door as the car pulled away feeling cheated that she hadn’t been kissed in the dim golden glow.
Shaking her head, Susan pushed the door closed, turning the deadbolt and flicking off the light. She had to be even more exhausted than she had though to think such a crazy thing. Dragging herself up the stairs to her room, she couldn’t help but smile though. She liked David Watkins and she knew that together they would solve the mystery of the painted ponies and the missing grandpa.
Chapter 10
The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:26-27
Most of the week had gone by before David was able to contact Susan again. Every hour he had been away from the young woman, he had wanted to see her face, touch her hand, and talk to her. She was so much more than he would have expected, and being with her was so wonderful that he feared he was falling in love.
“David?” Susan’s voice was animated as it zinged through the other end of the line. “I was starting to get worried. I tried your phone a couple of times, but you don’t have voice mail set up.”
“I’ve been really busy at work,” David explained, thrilled that she had missed him. “One of our other servers is out sick, so we have all had to take on extra hours. My new classes have started as well, and I had to get things set up.” He paused wanting to say so much more, but still fearful of the reception. “I’ve missed talking to you,” he finally blurted.
“I’ve missed you too,” Susan’s reply made him smile. “So what’s up?”
“Any luck on the auto records?” David asked. He was starting to think that was a long shot at best and that their first real clue was leading to nothing.
“No, I can’t find anything substantial. There were loads of cars that used that glass. I’m afraid I’m not finding anything.”
“Would you be willing to go back up to the cabin with me?” David held his breath worried Susan would say no.
“Yes, of course! What have you discovered?”
“Nothing, but I have an
