Page 19 of Believe
“I know, John,” she smiled. “I trust you. If you have to work in a strip club, I know it’s just for the money.”
“I hate it,” he said almost breaking into tears. “I just hate the idea of being in those places and having you and the kids at home.”
“John, you know that most of those women are doing what they have to. Stripping doesn’t mean that they’re sleeping with every man in the place.” He frowned, staring at her.
“You’re not thinking…”
“No!” she laughed. “How could you think I’d do that? I mean, I would if it meant feeding my children and surviving, but I’m too old for that. I trust you, John. I trust us. We’ll get there.”
She hugged him, kissing his cheek and shoving ten dollars into his hand.
“What’s this?” he frowned.
“It was left over from the grocery money. We can spare ten dollars for you to get a coffee if you need one.” He kissed her again, realizing how very lucky he was. As he opened the front door, he turned to his wife.
“I don’t want to have to ask for assistance but we might not have a choice, Ruth. Maybe see what we have to do to get government assistance. Just in case.”
“I’ll look into it but we won’t need it. Something will turn up. I promise.” She didn’t want to tell him that she’d already gotten the ball rolling, hoping to get some aid with the utilities and other things.
“I wish I had your optimism and faith,” he whispered.
John left his wife and headed to Bourbon Street. It didn’t matter what night of the week it was, there was always something going on. He knocked on four doors before someone offered him work for the night.
“It’s not pretty, John but if you don’t mind wiping tables, cleaning them, sweep the floors where needed, that type of thing. If you could take the trash out in the kitchen that would be great as well.”
“I don’t mind. Anything Mr. Hamden.”
“You’re a good man and hard worker, John. I wish I had something permanent for you.”
“It’s alright, I appreciate this.”
It was hard work and fighting the drunks who only wanted to watch the young girls dance was even worse. But five hours later he had four-hundred dollars in his hand. It would pay for the utilities and food for another week. It was all worth it.
As he headed to his car, he passed St. Louis Cathedral and stopped, praying the doors would still be open. Sure enough, they were unlocked. He wondered why they would be unlocked at this hour but didn’t question the miracle he needed.
Hitting his knees he prayed harder than he’d ever prayed before.
“I don’t understand why, God but I guess I don’t need to. Just don’t let my children and wife suffer.”
“I’m not sure God works that way,” said the older man walking toward him. There was something strange about him, but John stood, shaking his head.
“Sorry, I thought I was alone.”
“You’re never alone. Things will be okay, John. You just have to have faith.” John stared at the old man giving a half-smile and turned to leave.
“Thank you for trying to make me feel better. I’m John. I didn’t catch your name.” He stilled, realizing that the man had called him by his name. How? The old man smiled and nodded.
“Matthew. My name is Matthew.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“The tech boys have been helping add a little technology to some of the toys,” smiled Ghost. “I have to admit, it’s pretty damn cool what they’re doing.”
“Those guys always amaze me,” said Nine. “Same with the boys at the shop. They were able to build twenty-seven dirt bikes for kids asking this year. They’re amazing.”
“We’re amazing,” said Gaspar. “I mean, I think I always knew we were amazing but all of this proves it. Look at this place. Hundreds, maybe thousands of gifts waiting to be delivered Christmas Eve.”
“Uh, not to be a wet blanket,” said Ian. “But just how are we supposed to deliver all of this in one night. I mean, this stuff must be going to three or four hundred families, maybe more. What are we going to do?”