“Oh no, not me…” The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a small white book. “You ever read it?”
Never. “My wife does.”
The man winked. “But not you, eh?”
“Not so much.”
The man held it out to him. “Maybe it might be time.”
Who was this guy? “I don’t know…I’m not a real spiritual person.”
The man rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Don’t have to be. You know, a wise man once told me something…”
Patrick smiled. “I thought you were the wise man.”
He held up a hand. “Not me…I’m just an old man carrying a sign around.” He laughed, which caused him to cough profusely. “Anyway…like I was saying, a wise man once told me…you can sometimes find your destiny on the road you traveled to avoid it.”
Sounds like a postcard. “Insightful stuff.” Patrick looked at his watch. “Hey, I have somewhere to be. Sorry to take up your time, but I was just a little curious.”
The man pushed the white book towards him. “Take it then…feed your curiosity.”
He had seen his wife read this book every day and maybe twice a day since Kelsey had gotten worse. Not once had she blamed God for what had happened. Not for the miscarriages, and definitely not for Kelsey. Why should he? What would it hurt? “Okay.” Patrick pointed to the sign. “Would you show me where to find that in the book?”
The old man winked again, then reached over and turned it to the page Patrick was looking for. He folded down the corner of the page. “Here you go.”
Patrick nodded. “Thanks. Maybe I’ll see you again.”
The man grinned. “I’m here Monday through Sunday, holding up this sign, so I’m pretty sure you will.”
“Until next time, then.” Patrick waved as he opened the car door and sat down. He stared at the book the man had just given him. He didn’t know what drove him to open it, but he did, and for the first time in his life…Patrick began to read…
The End
* * *
About the Author and His Work
Jeffrey Martin is currently a law enforcement officer in the Midwest. Using a strong law enforcement platform, he creates terrifying tales in the suspense/thriller and horror genres. His first two novels, Lucifer’s Calling and Deadly Demented, follow a killer bent on vengeance. Two of his short stories, “Dead Holiday” and “Red, White and Blood,” follow Mark Blankenship, Chief of Police and all-around trouble magnet. Another of his short stories, “House of Misery,” is available as a free read on the his website. Jeff has begun working on his fourth novel, Weaving Evil.
When not working and writing, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters.
Contact the Author
Jeffrey Martin’s Novels
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Contact Cold Moon Press
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