Gabriel's Promise (Gabriel's Inferno 4)

Rachel examined the pot and rinsed it out. She placed it on the drying rack.

Richard lifted the pot in order to dry it. “I knew your mother, perhaps better than anyone. She loved you without reservation. I know she’s proud of you. I know she still loves you. And whether or not she is actually present here in the house, I feel her love and her comfort. And I am convinced she is always with us.”

Rachel placed the roasting pan in the sink and began scrubbing. “That’s because you believe in God and an afterlife.”

Richard jerked. “Don’t you?”

“Sometimes. Sometimes, I doubt.”

“I wrestle with my own doubts, as well. Especially at night. But I have felt your mother’s presence. And I have no doubt, no doubt at all, as to what I was feeling. That feeling has nothing to do with the other beliefs you just mentioned.”

Rachel glanced at her father. His expression was concerned, and earnest, and honest. And she knew him well enough to know he did not lie.

Richard put the pot in one of the drawers and leaned against the counter. “I know I’m not your mother. I know I’m just—your dad. But I’m here. I’m here and I’m listening.”

“Dad.” Rachel shook the suds off her hands and wiped them on her apron. Then she hugged her father. “I’m glad you’re here. Don’t think you aren’t important to me. I just miss Mom.”

“So do I.” Richard hugged her back. “I know you have concerns about Rebecca. We are friends and I hope we will remain friends. But I am not going to pursue a new relationship or remarry. My heart belongs to your mother. I’m going to do my best to live a life that honors her memory. I’m going to remain devoted to you and your brothers, and your families.”

Rachel sniffled against his shoulder.

“Life can change in an instant.” Richard’s voice shook. “But we have to have hope and look forward. And not waste our time in conflict with those we love. So don’t be angry at your mother because she hasn’t appeared to you. And don’t fight with Scott.”

“I like fighting with Scott.” Rachel’s voice was muffled.

“Could you try to like it a little less?”

“That I could do. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Father and daughter hugged in the kitchen, while nearby, a candle flickered in the window.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Crack!

Gabriel sat up, his face pointed in the direction of the noise.

“What is it?” Julia asked, clutching the blanket to her naked chest.

Gabriel hushed her, straining his hearing while fumbling for his clothes.

Snap! Another branch broke, sounding closer.

Gabriel stood and yanked on his clothes. Julia did the same, slightly dazed.

As he scanned the tree line, Gabriel perceived what he thought was the beam of a flashlight. It was visible only for a second, and then it was gone.

“Someone is out there,” he whispered, pulling on his coat. “I want you to run back to the house, quick as you can.”

He felt around for the flashlight and began rolling up the blankets.

“We should stay together,” Julia whispered back, thrusting her arms into her coat.

Gabriel helped her to her feet and handed her the flashlight. “No. It could just be a teenager, spying on us. Or it could be something else. I want you to go back to the house. Can you find the way?”

“What else could it be? A deer?”