Arena of Risk

By Rachel Miller

Faith's Best Seats are Never in the Stands

Change is in the air. After 20 years of contentedly flipping houses and raising his nieces and nephew, Jordan Penny senses God has something new for him. But what is it, and where should he begin? Across town, Matthew Marsh is navigating the transition into the direc

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Academy Elite
• Release date: May 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885830614

Book preview

Risk

Noun*:

Hazard, danger, peril, hazard of loss;

Verb (transitive):

To hazard, to endanger, expose to injury or loss, to risk:

One’s Goods

One’s Person

One’s Fame

One’s Life

To Venture, to Dare

"Unless there is an element of risk in our exploits for God,

there is no need for faith." — J. Hudson Taylor

*For full definition, see Webster’s 1828 dictionary.

Dedicated

To Christ

with whom all things are possible.

To Natalie and Sophie

When Shadows of Chivalry came out, your brothers were graduating and getting married. Now it’s your turn!

A big world and a lifetime of experiences stand before you. Sometimes, they will seem exciting and at other times daunting.

Remember, you always have a guide in Jesus. Nothing is too hard for Him. Don’t be afraid to take the risks He puts before you! The arena of risk can be scary, but it’s where we see God.

Acknowledgments

Anna, Jessica, Marta, and Candace —Thank you!

I deeply appreciate the time you invested in this book. Your insight, feedback, and encouragement mean so much to me, but your friendship means even more!

Chapter 1

Matt Marsh waited just inside the airport entrance enjoying the warm spring breeze carried by him as travelers and their families entered and exited the building. Beside him, Kelly Vance and Kali Shepherd watched passengers flood down the concourses and funnel into the stairs and escalators descending to the baggage claim.

There he is! Kali said, excitement breaking through her reserved demeanor.

The two women took several steps forward, but Matt stepped back unnoticed by the others. He slipped his phone from his pocket and, as discreetly as possible, switched the camera to video. He watched as his ever health-conscious friend lifted his carry-on bag and chose the stairs over the escalator.

I knew he’d do that, Kelly said. "He never takes the escalator unless he’s walking up the down side."

He’s home! That’s all that matters. Kali waved at their friend, the motion drawing them into Micah’s gaze for the first time.

Micah waved back and picked up his pace, all but skipping down the stairs. As he reached the halfway point, Matt saw Micah go into his pocket and remove a small, black object.

Micah! Kali squealed with happy tears on her cheeks. She rushed forward, not waiting for him to clear the bottom step. She threw her arms around his neck. Oh, I’m so glad you’re home. So, so glad.

Micah dropped his carry-on bag and returned her embrace, lifting her with enthusiasm. His broad smile and her evident joy drew the attention of those around them, but the pair didn’t notice. Micah set her back on her feet, his eyes still dancing with joy. He stepped back from the woman he loved, studied her face for a moment and then sank to one knee.

Kali gasped, her hand rising to cover her mouth as Micah held up a little black box. He popped its velvety lid open, revealing a delicate, sparkling ring.

Kali, I’ve been on pins and needles all the way from Seattle. I couldn’t take it any longer. I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. The last five months have been unbearable without you, and I don’t want to live another day without you at my side. I can’t wait any longer to ask. Will you marry me?

The bustle of the airport had stilled around them, but Kali didn’t notice. She didn’t notice Kelly biting her lip in eager anticipation. She didn’t notice Matt videoing the moment. All she saw was that hopeful, love-filled gaze staring back at her.

Yes! she said, Of course, I will. Yes, yes, yes!

Micah sprang to his feet to the cheers of the onlookers. He embraced her once more and then stepped back to fumble with the ring box, finally getting the ring out and slipping it onto her finger with trembling hands. They embraced again and then faced their grinning friends.

Kelly rushed forward, squealing with delight as she hugged her friend. Matt broke into laughter as he continued to film, and Micah couldn’t help but join him.

You knew! Kali said accusingly as she spotted Matt’s camera. You never even let on, never hinted.

He just texted me from the runway! Matt defended.

Are you serious?

Micah grinned. I had a big ol’ plan for this weekend, fancy restaurant, flowers, all the stuff. But as soon as I got on the plane, I knew I couldn’t wait that long.

Micah turned to acknowledge the well-wishes of the man who’d sat next to him on the flight. He waved at one of the stewardesses, who’d also been watching with happy tears glinting in her eyes. Then he whispered to his friends, Let’s get out of here. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.

Don’t you have checked bags? Kali asked.

Just one. I was the last person to the gate, so I have a feeling it’ll be out pretty quick. Yep, see, first one on the belt. He bounded toward the conveyor belt and waited until a large duffle bag came around to him. He grabbed it up and returned to the cluster of friends. Lunch is my treat. Where do you want to go?

River’s Bend just reopened, Matt suggested.

Really? Micah said. I figured the fire they had would put them out of business.

Everybody thought that. But the owners were able to get it back up and running. They bulldozed the old building. It’s completely new but still in the same beautiful spot overlooking the river.

Let’s check it out then. I love that place.

Do you mind if we sneak by the Crisis Center first, just to check in? Kali asked apologetically.

Not at all. Let’s do it.

Chapter 2

T here has to be something more. I just don’t know how to get to it. ...Or what it is. Jordan Penny stared back at his reflection in the mirror, double-checking his collar, hair, and teeth. Today he was realtor Jordan first, contractor Jordan second. He liked it best in that order. It made the transition between the two much easier when removing drywall mud from his hair wasn’t part of the transformation.

Hmm, he said, twisting his mouth to one side. He was never sure how to tame his unruly, blond hair. It had always been more in favor of the less formal side of business. He grabbed a tube of gel and started tackling a particularly outlandish section near the back of his head. When his hair had been sufficiently tamed, he laid the gel aside and looked his reflection in the eye.

God has something more for you, Jordan Penny, and if you don’t get it figured out pretty soon, you’re gonna miss it.

Talking to yourself again?

Jordan glanced to the corner of the mirror to see a tall girl grinning back at him. Her long, curly blond hair was no less unruly than his own, and her blue eyes smiled back at his. They could not deny one another. The resemblance between them was too strong.

Maybe, he replied, rinsing hair gel from his hands and turning toward her with a flick of his fingers and a spray of water.

Ah! she squealed, Uncle Jordan! Stop! I just put my makeup on.

Oh! Is that what you call that?

Stop! she laughed, holding her hands up to stop the spray of water. We’re going to be late!

Late? For what?

You didn’t forget, did you? I have a job interview at eight.

Jordan’s eyes widened. What? Job interview? Where?

Stop. I can see on your face you didn’t forget. Are you almost ready?

Yes, Shayla, I’m ready. Where’s your brother?

He’s in the car.

Already? What’s he doing out there?

I don’t know. What’s Cort ever doing?

Did Sabrina already leave for work?

Yep.

All right. Let’s go. Jordan flipped off the bathroom lights and checked his watch. We have just enough time to drop Cort off at Gabe’s house and get you over to the mall. ...Are you sure you don’t just want to work with me this summer?

We already talked about this, Uncle Jordy, the slender girl said as she led the way through the house. I need some experience for this fall. Not all contractors are as amazing as you. I need some retail experience, too, just to open up a few more opportunities for work. College isn’t cheap.

Jordan moaned as he climbed into the family’s burgundy Suburban. "No, it’s not. I should know."

The happy trip across town to Gabe’s house and back across to the mall ate up most of their time, but they made it. Jordan pulled the Suburban to a stop in front of the mall’s entrance and smiled at his niece. Good luck, girlie! Knock their socks off!

Shayla smiled, but Jordan saw her confidence wavering. He heard the door pop open. She turned toward it but then spun back around.

Will you pray with me?

He glanced in his rearview mirror to ensure they weren’t blocking traffic and reached for her hand. Of course. ...Dear Father, we thank you for this interview opportunity you’ve given Shayla. Thank you for all you’ve already done in her life to prepare her for it. Lord, help Shayla stay calm and give her confidence. Father, we pray for your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks, Uncle Jordy, she said, kissing his cheek and then jumping out of the car.

Love you, kiddo. I have a showing first thing, and then I’ll be back to pick you up.

I’ll be watching for you. Bye! Shayla shut the door and started around the front of the car.

Jordan’s heart felt a little empty as she went. He couldn’t believe the girls would be leaving for college in just two and a half months. He wasn’t quite sure how he’d manage as the sole companion for his twelve-year-old nephew. He sighed again, the thought that had been plaguing him all morning returning. He loved his life with the twins and Cort, loved his work, but something was missing.

Uncle Jordy!

Jordan jumped and spun toward his window, upon which his niece had just pounded.

You scared me half to death, he said as he lowered the window.

Sorry. I almost forgot to tell you Uncle Micah called the house this morning while you were in the shower. He wanted you to call him back.

What about?

He didn’t say.

Okay. I’ll call him.

Go.

What? Jordan’s voice cracked with confusion.

If he’s coming to town and wants to go do something, go. We’ll be fine for a day.

"Thanks, Shay. Now, you go. Before you’re late."

Love you!

He watched as she hurried toward the entrance. A horn blew, and he glanced in the mirror.

I’m moving, he muttered to the red Honda behind him. But as he put the car in gear and stepped on the gas, his brow furrowed. Who am I kidding? I’m not moving anywhere. I’m in a rut. Maybe a chat with Micah is just what I need, but that will have to wait. First, I need to sell a house...or two.

JORDAN PULLED AWAY from the pristine house, glancing at the sign on the lawn. Sold. He’d finally sold the Granger house. It had been hanging over him for months. The Grangers had overpriced it. From the get-go, he’d told them the price was too high. But it had taken six months to convince them. Once they’d lowered the price, the house had sold within two weeks. He sighed, relieved to have it off his shoulders.

Jordan’s phone rang, and he tapped the Bluetooth device in his ear as he turned onto the next block. Hello?

Hey, Uncle Jordy, this is Shayla. I just wanted you to know you don’t have to come pick me up yet.

I don’t?

Nope. I got the job!

You did?

Yes, they want me to start training today. So, you don’t need to come get me until you go to pick up Cort.

Shay, that’s awesome! I’m so proud of you! Do you need me to bring you some lunch or anything?

The girl groaned. "Stop being such a dad. No, I’m fine. This is a mall, you know, and there is a food court."

Yeah, I’ve seen what’s in that food court. I’d plan on bringing sack lunches if I were you.

Oh, come on. It’s not that bad.

If you like food that tastes like cardboard swimming in grease, no, it’s not bad at all.

You’re impossible. But, you know, this might be a good time to consider getting me a car. I’ve got to go. I just wanted you to know so you wouldn’t be waiting for me.

Jordan laughed at her none-to-subtle hint. Thanks, kiddo. I appreciate that. I’ll see what we can do about the car.

Uncle Jordan, when are you going to stop calling me kiddo? I’m seventeen, almost eighteen.

Jordan chuckled. Probably never. Love you, girlie. Knock ‘em dead.

I will. Love you, too. Bye.

Jordan smiled the rest of the way around the block. Shayla was going to do well in life. He was sure of it. She had good perspective and the energy to accomplish whatever she put her mind to. Sabrina, on the other hand, worried him. She tended toward her father’s outlook on life, and that perspective rarely turned out well.

Chapter 3

Micah’s stomach flipped as they stepped through the front door of the Trevor Street Crisis Center. A worm of concern and uncertainty had crept into his heart as they’d driven across town. He knew Matt had only been on board as their new director for two weeks, and even that was still on a trial basis. Even so, he wondered what changes he’d find. Would all signs of his brother, Sam, have disappeared from the Crisis Center?

But when Micah stepped into the central office, those fears disappeared. Except for the new face behind the reception desk, nothing had changed. Everything was exactly as it had been.

Kelly breezed by him and went to her office. Kali followed suit, but Matt stepped up next to him.

Welcome back, he said with a grin. Have you met Danielle? She’s been volunteering here for a while and just became our receptionist last week.

No, I don’t think I have, Micah stepped forward, extending both a hand and a smile to the young woman. Nice to meet you, Danielle. I’m Micah.

The young woman greeted him kindly and then reached for the ringing phone, at which Micah laughed and turned to Matt.

I see this place is as busy as ever.

Never a dull moment. There’s so much to learn! I don’t know how Sam did it all. Every day, I better understand why Kelly and Kali were so frayed when I met them. I don’t know how they did it all.

"How about you? Are you keeping up, catching on?"

A little at a time. I’m still splitting my time between here and Marsh and Line, so I learn a little each time I’m here. The girls are still carrying a lot more than I’d like, but the transition is going to take a while.

"Well, if there’s anything I can do to help, let me know. I don’t know the ins and outs quite as well as Kelly and Kali, but this place has been my second home (when it wasn’t in my home) ever since college. I’m glad to help."

Thanks. I appreciate that. Matt paused to consider his friend. This was the first time he’d seen him in nearly six years. For the most part, Micah hadn’t changed. But Matt sensed that most of the aging he saw had taken place over the previous six months. So, you’re really back to stay?

"That’s the plan. My parents are doing a little better. My boss couldn’t hold my position here much longer, so the time seemed right. I’ll have to go back to Seattle in a week or two to get the rest of my stuff and my car, but I wanted to get back to work and get my house in order. Going back home in a couple weeks will make the transition easier on Mom. I hope.

Hey, Matt, while the girls are busy, there’s something I want to talk to you about. Not today, but over the next week or so. Sam...Sam’s will was explicit on some items related to the Center. I never mentioned it to the girls because I didn’t want to add pressure to their load, but we’re going to start bumping up against some deadlines with the probate court.

Sam didn’t own any of the Center’s property personally, did he?

No, no. I’ll explain later. The process has gone smoothly for the most part because Sam didn’t have any debt to speak of. He was adamant that if God wanted him to have something, He could bring the money in before it was time to buy it rather than after. I’m grateful for that now. I don’t know how I would have managed from Seattle if he’d had all kinds of debt or unresolved business here.

Well, let me know when you want to get together, and we’ll do it.

Thanks.

You two ready? Kali said as she approached with Kelly close behind.

Yep, Matt replied. Let’s go.

THIRTY MINUTES LATER, the foursome sat at a table in the newly built River’s Bend, waiting for their orders and enjoying the scene beyond the large windows. The smell of hot french fries and fried trout wafted in around them. While the owners had brought improvements and new furnishings to the new building, there was no denying this was and always had been River’s Bend. The atmosphere was as unchanged as the view beyond the windows.

Micah couldn’t help the twinge of sadness as he’d slid into the booth. The first time he’d come to River’s Bend had been nearly two decades earlier. He’d come to find Sam, who had ducked out early after a church service. He’d sat down with him and told the waitress he’d have whatever Sam was having. But after she’d disappeared, he realized his brother was eating fish. Micah hated fish, and Sam had refused to trade his potatoes for a second piece of trout.

That had been the day Sam first realized his desire to serve God by helping people might not always be met with enthusiasm. But the two brothers had talked things through and ended up spending most of their time reminiscing about the mission trip from which they had just returned.

A month later, his entire family had gathered at the family-owned restaurant to celebrate Sam’s college graduation. They were happy memories, but their joy didn’t fill the hole of Sam’s absence. Micah had always envisioned this celebration—his engagement—with his brother not only present but in the lead, laughing, joking, and beaming with a big brother’s pride. But Sam was gone.

Micah squeezed Kali’s hand under the table. Her eyes met his, and she instantly knew the ache in his heart. She returned his squeeze and took hold of his forearm with her other hand, sending the warmth of comfort up his arm and into his heart.

I love the food here, Matt was saying.

I love the prices, Kelly laughed. I’ve never understood how this place can have such amazing food and still keep their prices so affordable.

They’ve gone up a little since the fire, but not much, Matt replied, his accounting background sneaking out.

Kelly rolled her eyes. You can probably tell us the exact amount they’ve gone up, can’t you?

Matt blushed but continued his line of thought. No, but I think it’s about a three...no, a three and a half percent increase. Seems pretty reasonable to me.

Wow, no wonder Gil wanted you to take over the accounting at the Crisis Center. Micah chuckled and turned smiling eyes on Kelly. You should’ve seen this guy convert dollars to Indonesian Rupiahs. The rest of us would stand there staring at the sign trying to remember which line on the sign represented the rate we were getting. He’d just blurt out the rate, how many Rupiahs we should get for the amount we were exchanging, and whether it was a good place to exchange based on the rate. Never missed a beat. ...Just don’t ask him to read a map.

Matt laughed. Yeah. That hasn’t changed one bit.

I’m sure it’s not that bad, Kelly said.

But Micah raised an eyebrow. Not that bad? We got lost every single day. He tapped the table with his finger, emphasizing the last three words.

Ignore him, Matt, Kali said. Don’t even answer him. He’ll just keep going.

I seem to remember that too.

So, Micah said, with the clear intent to move on, how are Gil and Beth?

Kali drew in a deep breath and glanced at Kelly before answering. It’s not good. Beth’s back in the hospital, and they don’t really expect her to go home. She didn’t want that. She wanted to be home the whole time, but she started having complications they couldn’t deal with at home. They may bring her home in hospice care, but the nurses didn’t seem too sure she’d make it to that point.

But it’s only been three weeks since the diagnosis, hasn’t it? Pain filled Micah’s eyes. He stared back at her, willing her to correct something, anything, in what she had just said.

Yes, but they only gave her one to three months in the first place. Kali reminded.

The hurt in Micah’s heart turned to anguish. Beth and Gil had always been perfect for each other. He couldn’t imagine one without the other. They’d been together for so long. Tears climbed in his eyes, and he couldn’t stop one from sliding down his cheek. He brushed it away and felt Kali’s hand tighten around his once more.

What about the kids? How are they? he said, dreading the answer as much as longing to know.

I’d say they’re pretty uncertain about life right now.

I’m taking them to the zoo on Saturday, Kelly said. It’ll give Gil a break and time to spend with Beth. I think the kids need to get out of the house.

I’ll go with you, Matt offered.

Aren’t you on call this weekend?

Yes. On call—that means I’ll have the phone on. We can take separate cars, and if I get called away, I’ll just go.

Kelly’s eyes brightened. She liked the idea of having Matt along.

Micah, who had been an honorary uncle to the Paulman kids since they were born, opened his mouth to offer to join them. But then he saw the expression in Kelly’s eyes. If he went, he’d be interrupting a date, whether Matt and Kelly realized it or not.

Chapter 4

Jordy’s Saturday morning had raced by. He’d started with two showings, neither of which were especially promising. Then he drove across town to one of the renovations to measure one last time before ordering flooring. Next, he was off to check in with his crew on another project. The work was progressing well there. One of his guys had handed him a scrap of paper containing the address of a possible new project. He’d followed up on the tip, driving to yet another part of town and a street on which he had already renovated five houses.

What a dump! he said as he climbed out of his pickup and stepped up into the driveway. He made a circle around the house, peering in windows and trying doors but finding everything locked. He examined the foundation and looked for signs of structural issues. The place seemed sound, but something in his gut said to stay away. Something wasn’t right.

He got back in the pickup and started down the road, glancing at the house in his rearview mirror. Can’t save ‘em all.

He turned onto another familiar street and slowed as he came to a tall, gray house. It wasn’t a fancy home by any means. The roof was in disrepair. The driveway had cracked over the winter, and weeds were coming up in the spaces between the pavement. The yard was a mess, although a good mowing would fix that. A little weeding would reveal a gorgeous back yard full of perennials, roses, and water features, all lovingly installed by the homeowner himself.

Sam never let this house look this way. He threw the pickup into park and stared at the familiar structure for a long time. Maybe Micah won’t mind if I bring Cort over here to mow sometime this week.

Jordan had driven past the house at least once a week since Sam had passed away and Micah had gone to Seattle to be with his parents. Even so, it still hadn’t fully settled in his mind—Sam was gone.

Jordan first met Sam at Davidson and Sons, the real estate development company where they’d interned during college. Sam had interned the year before Jordan and had stayed on as a project manager.

The whole office had been surprised when Sam came back from a mission trip all fired up about serving God in a way he’d never considered before. They were even more surprised when Sam stood up to Alex Davidson and left Davidson and Sons on principle, even when offered a bright future with the company. Sam had never looked back. Instead, he’d gone on to start the Trevor Street Crisis Center. Jordan later realized Sam’s assessment of Davidson and Sons had