Faith in the Past

By Paul M. Carhart

In times of turmoil, not everyone can be a hero...

Not everyone gets a choice.

According to her Uncle Chaser, Faith Fairlight’s life is just beginning. But life on the vineyard isn’t exactly exciting. So when Chance offers Faith the job of a lifetime, she jumps at the chance. For how could she have known that she was opening the door to the greatest adventure she could ever imagine and to a love that would stand the test of time itself?

Featuring a cast of familiar characters, this third Fairlight novel brings the series full circle, filling in gaps and expanding Carhart’s original “world without creativity” without sacrificing any of the adventure, surprises, humor, romance and passion readers have come to expect.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul M. Carhart
• Release date: Mar 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458106186

Paul M. Carhart

Paul M. Carhart is an award-winning Art Director in print, Internet and new media. He has produced interactive creative for Audi, Nissan/Infiniti, Toshiba and Focus on the Family and was the host of the UCCS web radio show, The Creative Underground. He often speaks on creativity, writing and design and his articles have appeared online and in local and national print publications. In addition to the Fairlight series of science fiction novels that include Chance for the Future, Hope for Tomorrow and Faith in the Past, Carhart is also the author of One of the Girls (the first in the PsyChickTM series of Young Adult superhero novels), A Stranger on Bay Street (the first in his new Worlds Collide series) and Zooming Thru Life, a nonfiction guide to the on-the-go lifestyle. He is currently halfway through the next Worlds Collide novel, A Stranger at the Gallows. And hopes to return to the Fairlight series after that. Stay up-to-date: www.paulcarhart.com.After a short time in Colorado, Paul and his wife Lori returned to Long Beach, California where they both grew up. The two of them were the driving force behind Launch Pad, a band that played the local Long Beach music scene as well as many charity functions.In Febuary 2014, four days before her birthday, Lori passed away, the results of a devastating stroke. Her death put Planetfall and subsequent books roughly a year behind schedule.Paul has continued their music in a new band, Third World Sun, made up of former Launch Pad members. They play frequently in the downtown Long Beach music scene and their first independently-produced CD will be available in December, 2015.Paul has one daughter, Melody, who is Third World Sun’s primary photographer.

Book preview

Engaging characters, witty dialogue, and page-turning action makes this one book you just can’t put down!

– Rick Bentsen, author of The Blademaster Chronicles

Faith in the Past

S p e c i a l E d i t i o n

Paul M. Carhart

Smashwords Edition

Faith in the Past

Copyright © 2002 Paul M. Carhart

Saint Nik

Copyright © 2011 Paul M. Carhart

One of the Girls

Copyright © 2005 Paul M. Carhart

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Faith in the Past, Saint Nik and One of the Girls (which is excerpted in these pages) are works of fiction. Names, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher.

Except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews, no part of this book may be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system without written permission from the publisher.

This book is available in print from paulcarhart.com.

Discover other titles by Paul M.Carhart at Smashwords.com:

Novels:

Chance for the Future by Paul M. Carhart

Hope for Tomorrow by Paul M. Carhart

One of the Girls by Paul M. Carhart

Nonfiction:

Zooming Thru Life by Paul M. Carhart

C o n t e n t s

Prologue: Discovery

Chapter 1: The Loop

Chapter 2: Have Faith

Chapter 3: Pandora’s Box

Chapter 4: Through the Looking Glass

Chapter 5: Crack Down

Chapter 6: Point of No Return

Chapter 7: A Friendly Face

Chapter 8: Family Ties

Chapter 9: Friends and Colleagues

Chapter 10: Heroes and Legends

Chapter 11: Secrets and Favors

Chapter 12: Magnetism

Chapter 13: Taboo

Chapter 14: Portents and Perceptions

Chapter 15: Shattered

Chapter 16: Loyalties

Chapter 17: Taking Chances

Chapter 18: Sold Out

Chapter 19: Rewards

Chapter 20: The Forest for the Trees

Chapter 21: Homeward Bound

Chapter 22: Surrender

Chapter 23: Fatigue

Chapter 24: Sidetrack

Chapter 25: Reason

Chapter 26: Countdown

Chapter 27: Command

Chapter 28: The Other Side

Chapter 29: The Secret Sealed

Chapter 30: Destiny by the Horns

Epilogue: The Loop Closed

Saint Nik

Excerpt from One of the Girls

About the author

Prologue

Discovery

How’s it coming? Chance asked.

He was pacing along the back part of the corridor. Five years ago he would have been in there getting his hands dirty with the others.

Instead, the others were making the discovery.

His discovery. Perhaps the last thing Chance might ever be involved with that was worth something.

It’s moving, one of the scientists announced.

Chance grinned.

The young man was working a grav-lifter, focusing the tight gravity beam on a large piece of fibercrete that had been too heavy to move within the confines of the corridor without resorting to unconventional methods.

Of course, Chance hadn’t let that stop him.

Five additional scientists, two on one side and three on the other flanked the giant piece of fibercrete that had once been part of the Government Building’s basement level. Despite Chance’s assurances that he could handle the project on his own, the President had insisted on assigning these wet-behind-the-ears neophytes to the job.

After all, Chance wasn’t as young as he used to be.

Hell, sixty-five isn’t that old.

Chance figured they were under orders to report to the President as soon as they discovered anything of significance.

But he wasn’t about to let anyone steal his thunder.

Can you bring it the rest of the way? Chance asked.

The young scientist gritted his teeth together, shaking his head. I think it’s too heavy for the beam. It’s starting to slip.

Get free! Chance ordered.

The other scientists spread out, leaping away from the teetering mass.

But Chance charged toward it.

To his credit, the young man stayed at his post, jerking the grav-lifter’s joystick around. But the piece of fibercrete was shifting… and in the kid’s direction!

Chance leapt onto the lifter, stabbing at the control panel.

Jand, get clear! one of the others called.

But Chance was blocking the way between Jand and safety. The young man’s eyes were wide.

Sir…

Chance flashed his teeth. We’ll be fine, he said even as the lifter’s overload alarm started squealing.

Jand didn’t seem convinced.

With a turn of his wrist, Chance maneuvered the lifter around while keeping the gravity beam flush against the encroaching chunk of wall.

Jand had been doing a good job of pulling the chunk of fibercrete free, but that wasn’t what was called for now.

Chance switched the beam from pull to push but the looming edifice had already come too far. With his free hand, he released the hover field stabilizer.

With nothing holding the grav lifter in place, the push beam sent it flying backwards down the corridor.

Chance caressed the joystick into keeping their trajectory straight. They only bounced off of the corridor walls twice before the beam was out of range and they were safe enough to re-engage the stabilizer.

The grav-lifter twisted to a halt.

Jand let out a sigh of relief.

Chance lifted a gray eyebrow. You okay? he asked.

Jand nodded but said nothing.

The huge fibercrete chunk however, now out from under the influence of the grav beam, toppled forward.

The building shook with the impact.

Dust infiltrated Chance’s uncovered eyes, stinging them. Dirty tears streaked down his cheeks. He coughed involuntarily.

As the debris settled, the other scientists rushed back toward the now shattered hunk of wall.

Not so fast, Chance called.

They didn’t listen.

Wow! one of them breathed.

What is it? another asked.

Chance caught up to them and peered through the hole the fallen piece of wall had revealed.

Inside, standing in the center of a rather large chamber, was a machine like none Chance had never seen.

He had no idea what it was or what its purpose might be.

Should we go in? someone whispered.

Chance was about to do just that when the unmistakable sound of a comm unit chirped.

Ignore it.

There was no way Chance was going to answer a call now. This was the moment he had been working for… the moment of glory!

Jand here.

Chance spun to pierce the young scientist with his gaze.

Sir, Jand said as he extended the communicator toward Chance.

Presidential channel. It’s for you.

Chapter One

The Loop

Chance crept into the dark room. It was quiet, except for the creaking of the floor as he took another step.

Faith? he rasped.

There was no answer.

You should not be here, he told himself. Besides, you’re too old for these kinds of adventures. You’d be better off going back home and gumming down your dinner.

Chance turned to head back the way he had come.

Is that you, Chance?

He sighed. No turning back now…

Yes. Where are you?

In the next room.

Chance peered into the room, which was lit only slightly better. At a desk at the far end of the room sat a woman. Although he was unable to make out her features, he knew who she was. Chance had not seen her in person for nearly fifteen years. The only light in the room was behind her, casting her silhouette against the curtains beyond.

Faith, what is this all about? Chance asked.

Come into the room, she said.

Chance could tell she was smiling even though he couldn’t see her face. He had known her for many years. He knew her mannerisms well. Indeed, they had fought together to free the world of General Starrk’s tyranny. In fact, there was something about her that reminded him of his wife, now that he thought about it.

He stepped through the entryway. The door hissed shut behind him. He cocked a gray eyebrow.

What’s going on? Does your husband know I am here?

No. Rik can never know about our meeting here.

Now wait a minute, Chance protested. You know I had a heck of a crush on you when I first met you. But that was… he paused to think. That was thirty some odd years ago. And besides, you weren’t exactly receptive to my advances.

Faith chuckled, shaking her head. What are you talking about, Chance?

Chance gulped. Perhaps he was jumping to conclusions… Uh, nothing. Old age. Just getting old. That’s all.

Have a seat, she said as her delicate hand rose from the desk and gestured toward an old-fashioned oak chair.

Chance preferred sitting to standing these days. He slid easily into the seat.

So where is good old President Tannk? Chance asked as he glanced around the room. Small talk was cheap. Chance could afford it. Out shaking the bushes to see what might come out?"

Rik is running an errand. One I designed especially to keep him occupied while we talk.

So what’s the big deal? You could have just vid-phoned me.

Mrs. Tannk stood up and slipped around the table, shaking her head. No. You and I are both well aware that there is no such thing as a secure vid-line to a President’s residence, she said as she seated herself on the edge of the desk, even if I thought the line on this end was secure.

Again Chance raised an eyebrow. That’s what you think. I’ve done some tinkering with our line.

Faith cocked her own eyebrow. Believe what you like.

Chance’s expression sank. Did she know something he didn’t? In retrospect, it seemed that she had always known just a little more than he had. What makes you think this room is secure then?

Trust me.

Chance nodded. She’d saved his life on several occasions. Alright. Continue.

Faith took a deep breath. I’ve often kept secrets from you, Chance. No doubt you have thought of me, at worst, as paranoid or suspicious. At best, perhaps merely mysterious. However, the time has come for me to tell you something of the utmost importance.

Chance rolled his eyes. Women and their crises.

I’m on the edge of my seat, As if there was a secret he didn’t know about…

A stern look crossed her face. Can you be serious for a second?

Normally, Chance would not have complied with such a request. However, there was something about the way she had phrased her plea that made him sit upright.

Faith pushed him back into the chair. You’ll need to be seated for this.

Chance gulped. What on earth is going on?

Alright. Who’s it so important to?

Everyone you’ve ever loved, Faith breathed.

Both of Chance’s eyebrows lifted.

Faith cut to the chase. You’ve discovered a device in the old Government Building. A machine, the purpose of which you have not yet ascertained.

Chance squinted his eyes at her. How do you know that?

I know everything, she said evenly. You should know that by now. Chance kept his gaze steady. The hair on the back of his neck tingled. She continued, You are assembling a research team to study this machine, are you not?

Chance scrutinized her. Finally he answered. I am. Still, his gaze did not waver.

Faith stood back up and paced back around to the other side of the desk.

Why are you interrogating me, Faith? His eyes never left her. What do you want with the device? He thought that he had known this woman. But now she was acting suspicious. Why was she so interested in his project? Why had he been summoned here? How much did she really know and how much was she trying to lure out of him? Was she going to try to force secrets from him?

Faith stopped and looked across the desk at him. Her vibrant blue eyes were wide with astonishment. Nothing. She paused for a moment. I don’t want to go anywhere near it.

What exactly does that mean?

She sat back down and leaned across the table. Do you trust me?

Chance wasn’t certain. Something wasn’t adding up. Still, he had put his life in her hands before. He could find no reason not to give her the benefit of the doubt… at least until he was certain her agenda did not line up with his own interests. When or if that happened, then he would assert control over the situation. Until that time…

Yes. I trust you, he said. You earned my trust long ago.

Faith closed her eyes and heaved a great sigh. Thank God. Then she turned her attention back to him. This is what I need, Chance. If you’ve ever cared anything about your family and your friends, you will have to do exactly what I say.

No promises, Faith. You’re acting awfully erratic. Spill it and I’ll either agree or I won’t.

Alright. That’s fair. She bit her lip before continuing. You’ve got to summon your granddaughter, the one Remy named after me. You must put her on the project.

My granddaughter? Chance exploded. What the hell for? She’s only sixteen years old! What possible benefit could she bring to the project? Besides, she lives in the country! I’d have to put the project on hold while I go clear out to the vineyard to get her. Then there’s the fact that there’s no way in hell that Remy would ever consent to…

No one else will do, she interrupted. Besides, she’s actually seventeen. You missed her last birthday.

Chance was chagrined. That I did, he said. But how did you…

Look, you’ve got to trust me, Chance. Everything is riding on this and I mean every single thing.

Her tone had an eerie ring to it.

Would you like to elaborate on that? Chance asked as he also leaned forward, their noses almost touching over the desktop.

Faith sat back away from him, averting her gaze. I… I can’t. Not now anyway.

Chance stood abruptly. When? After I’ve endangered my granddaughter? Release the door. I’ve heard enough.

Faith snapped her attention back to him, locking eyes. You will summon her, won’t you?

I don’t think so. There’s no telling what that machine does. You ask me to trust you but you give me no logical reason why I should put members of my family at risk. I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, Faith, but I’ll be no part of it. He turned around and made for the door. Perhaps politics has changed you.

Faith skittered around the desk and bolted for the entryway. She sprawled herself out over the sealed door.

Chance! You’ve got to listen to me. You’ve got to do as I ask! Too much is at stake here.

I can’t believe that not having a seventeen year old girl on my project could endanger anything.

No. She’s the one! Faith blurted. She’s smarter than you give her credit for. It has to be her!

Chance was calm, contrasting Faith’s panicked demeanor. He could see her clearly now. Her dark hair was peppered with gray but her blue eyes still glistened with passion as they always had. She was a spirited woman, he knew. She certainly had captivated him back in the day. She had also broken his heart without even knowing it.

Faith, I think you’re losing your marbles. Maybe you’re getting old too.

Her eyes glazed over, tears forming. If you ever cared for me at all, Chance Reed, just do this one thing that I ask. In time, you will know it was the right thing–the only thing–to do.

Chance considered. Both of his children had moved away a long time ago. For the most part, Chance had always been able to keep his family safe through the crazy times they had experienced. Now Faith, someone he had always considered a friend–the current First Lady–was asking him for a favor and it wasn’t even a big one.

How could he refuse? His own wife wouldn’t refuse the woman. Whether she was crazy or not, Chance found that he could not deny her.

Especially if she was going to go and cry.

I won’t put her in danger. Security will have to be beefed up.

I understand.

She’ll be watched constantly.

Without a doubt. Whatever you think is best.

Chance sighed. Alright. I’ll talk to Remy.

Faith wrapped her arms around him and sighed.

Believe me, she said as she pulled away from him, her hands on his shoulders. The last thing I want is for anything to happen to that young woman.

Chapter Two

Have Faith

Squeeze, don’t pull, Hope urged, not for the first time.

Seventeen-year old Faith Fairlight sighed and rolled her eyes at her mother. I was squeezing.

Try again. This time, center the laser-sight on the apple.

Faith brought the old-style laser rifle up to her shoulder and steadied her aim. The red dot floated over the green apple.

Her finger tugged. The resulting blasts walked up the fence, turned the apple to pulp and left scorch marks on the olive tree beyond.

And don’t rely on the auto-repeat function, Hope remarked, reaching over Faith’s shoulder to take the weapon from her.

Sorry, Faith bit her lip and inspected the ground. But I still got it.

That’s not the point. You need to develop your skills, not rely solely on technological gadgery.

I don’t even know why you’re teaching me how to shoot. Shouldn’t I be picking flowers or berries or something? I mean, I’m a girl.

Hope inspected the gun, snapping off the auto-repeat switch. So was I, young lady. That does not change the fact that the world is full of night wolves. Now try again.

She handed the weapon back to Faith, who instinctively checked the charge and the safety. Alright. Set me up another apple.

Hope looked her daughter over. Just promise me you won’t point that thing even remotely in my direction while I’m setting it up.

Faith let a thin smile stretch her face. I can’t shoot you, Mom. Dinner’s not ready yet.

Funny, Hope remarked as she trudged through the tall grass to the fence and put another apple on the post. You can always eat apples.

Not unless they’re in one of your pies.

Hope came back to stand behind her daughter. Go ahead.

Faith narrowed her eyes, raised the rifle, aimed and squeezed.

The shot took a bite out of the post. The apple, however, hopped up and landed in the hole.

Tell me you meant to do that, Hope muttered.

Faith chuckled. Guess I get another chance.

She flipped the auto-repeat back on and shredded the post, the apple and another three planks before her power charge went dry.

The smell of ozone reigned. Faith chuckled, breaking the ensuing silence.

Hope snatched the weapon from her daughter. That wasn’t funny.

Perhaps not, Faith breathed. But it sure was fun.

Hope rolled her eyes. I’ve got to go check on dinner. Go see if your dad needs any help… before I shoot you myself.

Faith was used to her mother’s dry sense of humor.

At least, I hope it’s a joke.

She left the rifle with her mother and charged off toward the vineyard, her long sundress lapping against her legs as she ran.

Faith loved the vineyard. It was where she always went when she wanted to think. The smell of it was sweet. She was certain she could never tire of it.

Still, she wondered what the world beyond the vines held. She hoped to find out one day.

Hi, Dad! she called as she came up behind him where he was kneeling, mending a vine.

He flinched.

I wish you’d stop sneaking up on me like that, Faith, Rembrandt Fairlight complained.

What fun would that be? she asked as she knelt beside him.

He reached up and tousled her sandy blonde hair. You’re a piece of work, you know that? What’ve you been up to out here, little girl? Destroying my fences again?

"I’m seventeen, Dad. I’m hardly a little girl."

He chuckled. Nuh uh. To me, you’re still my little vineyard princess.

She bit her tongue. She wished he would treat her like an adult but she didn’t want to argue with him. Need help?

Her dad, known to everyone besides her and her siblings simply as Remy, stood and brushed off his pants. No. I think I’m done here. He looked up at the sky. Just in time too.

Faith wrinkled her brow. In time for what?

He skewered her with his gaze. In time for…

Faith’s eyes went wide. No! No, Daddy!

Remy grabbed her and tossed her over his shoulder. Just in time to capture the vineyard princess!

She kicked her legs. Daddy! Stop! I’m too old for this!

He spun her around before putting her back on her feet.

What if someone saw?

You’re making me feel old, he said between chuckles.

"You are old!"

Oh yeah? He took off running. Race you back to the house!

Not fair! she called after him. You cheated!

* * *

While her dad showered and her mother finished dinner, Faith turned her attention to her favorite pastime… reading. She pounced onto her bed and sighed as she turned the page, carelessly kicking her legs in the air behind her. To her, the stories of her family’s past were better than fairy tales.

On the page was the woman she most admired: Faith Tannk. There were just so many admirable qualities that Faith Tannk possessed… Young Faith Fairlight figured she could only hope to turn out as well.

Foremost on Faith’s envy list was the fact that her hero had fought in the resistance against the Government… right along side Mancy Fairlight, Faith’s own grandmother, which heightened the personal connection. Mrs. Tannk had also been quite instrumental in bringing about much of the changes in recent years, reigning back some of the more chaotic elements of the Creative Party and helping to bring about a real balance.

The lady has style, Faith thought… and now Mrs. Tannk was the First Lady, married to that very noble President Tannk.

In his picture, President Tannk was rugged and battle-worn. A patch covered his left eye and his nose appeared to have been broken multiple times. Faith wondered why he’d never had his eye repaired. Still, despite his disfigurements, Faith knew him to be a kind, honest and righteous president.

If I were only thirty years older, Faith mused as she ran her finger along the picture of President Tannk’s powerful, jutting jaw.

Again she sighed.

Faith had always taken a keen interest in her studies. However, it was when she discovered that she had actually been named after Faith Tannk, that she had become hooked on history, specifically on the events of the resistance that her family had played such a crucial role in bringing about. Ever since she could read, she had memorized every battle and every political nuance of that troubled era.

Someday I’m going to do something that matters.

Ambrose hopped up and joined her on to the bed. Faith smiled at him.

Hi, puppy! she said as she petted his soft fur. You want to know what I am reading?

The dog whimpered.

It’s what I’m always reading, silly. Don’t you just love hearing the stories about Grandma and Grandpa and President Tannk and everything they went through?

Ambrose put his muzzle down over one of his paws. She continued to pet him so he kept his gaze on her.

Faith chuckled, kicking her feet. I’m really glad you came along, Ambrose… even though you’ve heard it all before. She turned back a couple pages in her book. You see, Grandma Reed married Dad’s father, Marc Fairlight, who was an Enforcer. His job was to make sure that everyone contributed to society so it could be rebuilt after The Great Catastrophe. That meant that there was no room for artists or musicians or writers or actors. Everyone had to pull their weight.

Ambrose rolled over to face away from Faith.

Fine, Faith snarled. How do you ever expect to get all of this straight?

The dog sighed.

"But see, there was no stopping the creative people who needed to express themselves. They didn’t believe that their creativity was a hindrance so they formed a resistance. Because he loved his wife’s paintings and hated to see her oppressed, Marc Fairlight became a double agent for the creative resistance. And he was executed for it.

Years later, Grandpa rescued Marc’s wife and brought her and Dad into the resistance. She was instrumental in overthrowing the Government and became President. Pretty cool, huh?

With a snort, Ambrose slinked off of the bed and left the room.

Faith didn’t even notice.

What a romantic time… she breathed.

Faith’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the front door downstairs.

Who could that be? she wondered. The Anstace Estate didn’t get a lot of visitors.

She sat up on her bed, closed her book and slipped it into her backpack with her other books. Then she rushed down the wooden staircase that led into the living room.

I’ll get it, Mom.

Faith tossed open the door to see a young man with dark hair and a clean-shaven face clad in a blue and gray Enforcer uniform.

Uncle Chaser!

She leapt up onto him, wrapping her arms around his thick neck and her legs around his narrow waist. Then she kissed him on the cheek.

Chaser spun her around. Wow! Wish I had that effect on other girls!

Faith giggled. I’m not a girl, Uncle Chaser. I’m a woman!

Chaser put her down. No argument here. Look at how you’ve grown!

Hope appeared in the living room, a stained apron betraying earlier activities. Chaser, come in! Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?

Didn’t want to spoil the surprise. My welcome wouldn’t have been half as exciting if you guys had known ahead of time. He looked at Faith, whose green eyes sparkled with excitement. She looks more like you everyday, Hope.

Perhaps. Except for her grandmother’s eyes. She’s certainly more excitable than I was at her age. Hope smirked at her daughter. I think she’s inherited her grandmother’s shooting ability too.

Faith ignored her mother. Come and sit with me, Uncle Chaser, she pleaded.

Her disposition comes from Remy, Chaser said. I’ve done enough sitting for now, he told Faith. Just got in off the train on my way back to base. He came further into the main house. How is my big brother? he asked.

Hope led him back into the kitchen. Showering now. He’s just returned from the vineyards, as usual, she answered. He loves it out there.

And you don’t? Chaser asked.

Hope looked both ways and lowered her voice. Of course I do. I just sort of love that he loves it. Besides, someone’s got to prepare dinner. Believe me, you don’t want it to be Remy.

Chaser nodded as he glanced back at Faith, who had followed them to the kitchen as well. Not sure if I understand the appeal myself. I’m just a city boy at heart, I guess.

You don’t know what you’re missing, Uncle Chaser. But I could fill you in, Faith volunteered. It’s the most exhilarating thing! The smells…

Chaser nodded. Tell you what. I need to talk to your dad first, but why don’t you meet me outside in a half hour.

Faith’s expression drooped. A whole half hour?

Look at it as just half of a whole hour.

Just the right amount of time to eat your dinner, Hope added. Go get your brother and sister.

Faith narrowed her eyes. She knew when she was being excused. Time for grown up talk.

Well I’m a grown up!

Alright, Mom.

Faith headed back down the hall to the front door and stepped out onto the front porch. She took a deep breath, inhaling the fragrance of the outdoors as she glanced across the vineyard. The sun was setting in the distance, bathing her world in a golden twilight.

Now where could those little rascals be?

She spotted them quickly, playing about the gnarled trunks and twisted branches of the olive trees.

Faith sprinted toward them. She hoped they would be too engrossed in whatever childish game they were playing to see her coming.

She came to a halt behind the end of the last row of vines. Poking her head out, she could see her fourteen-year-old sister, Harmony, and six-year-old brother, Fisher, alternately chasing one another.

Silly game.

Faith darted into the row of vines. Having spent her own childhood playing in the vineyards, she knew the territory by heart. As she expected, a perpendicular path split the row. She peered around the corner. She was closer to them. Still, her siblings had no idea she was there. She was very good at keeping quiet, even when there were leaves on the ground.

Except when a barking dog betrayed her plans.

Shhhh! Ambrose! She put her hands on her petite waist. You’ve ruined it!

The dog whimpered but then broke into a