Turned by Clare Revell Read Free Book Online

gate.
    She watched him go, amazed at how friendly everyone was here. Or was it simply that everyone she’d met so far was a Christian?
    She may have uprooted herself, but God had seen fit to plant her in the midst of His people.
     
    
     
    Dane held open the gate for her, then followed her inside. “I was going to ask you to come to church with us, just hadn’t gotten that far yet.”
    She glanced at him. “We’ve had other things to talk about aside from denominations of churches. But it was on my list of things to ask you at some point.”
    He nodded. “Yes.” The doors opened, and he watched for Vicky as the children spilled onto the playground. He had kept back the fact he was a cop. Something told him that he shouldn’t tell her just yet, and he’d make sure the girls and Nate didn’t let it slip either. He wasn’t sure why, but knew this feeling came from the Lord, and therefore wasn’t his to reason why.
    Am I putting my girls at risk by hiring her, Lord? Maybe it’s simply that she needs my help as much as I need hers and You want me to gain her trust first.
    Vicky came running over and wrapped her arms around him tightly as if she hadn’t seen him for years.
    He swung her into a bear hug, the usual ripple of joy spreading warmth through him. “Hello, Vicks. How was your day?”
    She shoved her painting—a man and a dog—right into his face.
    “It’s very good.” He ruffled her hair and set her down gently. “Vicky, I’d like you to meet Amy.”
    She looked up shyly, pulling back into her shell.
    He hunkered next to her, holding her hand securely. “Remember how I told you I was looking for someone to come live with us and take care of you and Jodie when Daddy has to work? Jodie called her a fairy godmother, rather than a nanny.”
    Amy grinned.
    “Well, Amy is that person.”
    Amy knelt next to him and held out a hand. “Hi, Vicky. It’s a pleasure to meet you. And I love the idea of being a fairy godmother. So long as I get pink sparkly wings.”
    Vicky nodded.
    “Can I see your painting?”
    Dane watched as Vicky slowly held it out. He didn’t believe what he was seeing. His youngest daughter barely responded to anyone she didn’t know. Just getting her into school had taken a major effort and even now a change of teacher or routine could knock her back.
    “Wow. That’s really good. Is that your daddy with the spiky hair?” Amy pointed and as Vicky nodded, gestured to the dog. “And who’s this?”
    Vicky shrugged, looking at her father.
    Dane gave a grin. “I’m guessing its Auntie Adeline’s dog, Ben.”
    Vicky nodded.
    “I wish I could paint dogs as well as you. He’s a lovely color, black and brown and white. He must be a King Charles spaniel.”
    Vicky nodded again.
    “Ben is Adeline’s hearing dog,” Dane said.
    Amy smiled, her whole face lighting up. “That makes him a very special dog.”
    Vicky seemed to be bonding with Amy. Relief surged through him. That was a huge weight off his mind.
    Miss Macnin, Vicky’s teacher, began walking toward him and he met her halfway. “How was she today?”
    “She refused to do PE. Clammed up for an hour afterwards, hence the painting. There’s a letter in her bag about the class homework. It fits in with the topic this half term. Mr. Philips, there was another matter. I was talking to a friend of mine, she’s a child psychologist.”
    Dane’s hackles rose, and he stiffened.
    “I didn’t mention any names or Vicky in person. Just said we had a child in the school that was having a hard time, but loved art and painting. She suggested maybe using the painting to get her to talk about what happened to her mum.”
    “She was only four when my wife was killed.”
    “But it’s surprising how much she’ll remember. Either way, it’ll help her to work through what’s bothering her. It might get her talking a little as well. This would help her integration with the other children immensely.”
    Dane nodded. At times the