The Trouble with Angels (Angels Everywhere #2)(74)

Maureen already knew that, but she still hoped. "You don’t understand,” she said, the frustration getting the better of her. "I’m afraid…I’m afraid.” The words skidded to a halt in her mind as she stepped directly in front of her worst fear.

"Yes, Ms. Woods?”

"I’m afraid,” she repeated shakily, "that Brian’s going to ask for full custody of Karen.”

Paul woke to the sound of birds chirping. It amazed him how beautiful a morning could be and that he could be a part of that beauty.

He dressed, climbed out of the tent, and brewed coffee in a blue enamel pot. Cradling the mug of steaming coffee in his hands, he sat on the edge of the picnic table and made plans for his day.

After breakfast he’d go on a hike, the same one he’d taken with Joe several years back. The five-mile trek was sure to tire him out, so when he returned to his campsite, he’d take a leisurely nap and soak in the sun.

He’d worry later on about what he’d pack for the hike. Breakfast had never excited him, and he was satisfied with a granola bar.

His plans made, Paul rinsed out the coffeepot and changed into his hiking boots. He was about to start on the hike when He heard the sound of another camper stirring.

Paul could see the tent, which was several spaces down from his own. The privately owned grounds didn’t get much business in the winter months, he knew. As far as he could tell, he and his neighbor were the only two campers on the grounds. Of course, with Christmas less than a week away, business was probably off. Not many folks were thinking about the great outdoors this time of the year.

Paul loaded his backpack, settled it in the middle of his back, and reached for his walking stick. He started down the dirt road past the occupied campsite, just as the tent flap opened and a burly man stepped out. The man stretched his arms high above his head and yawned loudly.

Paul hesitated.

It couldn’t be. If he hadn’t known better, he’d think the camper was none other than Steve Tenny.

The two men eyed each other suspiciously.

"Paul?”

"Steve?”

"What are you doing here?” Paul demanded. He wanted to accuse Steve of finding his letter of resignation and following him out of town, but that was ridiculous.

"Camping,” Steve answered.

"By yourself?”

Steve nodded. "The city gets to me every now and again, and I need to escape for a few days. It seems to me I’ve invited you along a number of times.”

Paul nodded. "I’m here for the fresh air,” he said, unwilling to tell his friend the whole truth. Although he wasn’t entirely sure what the whole truth was.

"We’re going to have to go a lot farther than this for some fresh air,” Steve commented dryly.

Paul couldn’t agree with him more. The Los Angeles smog was better in the winter months, but it had followed him a hundred miles or more.

"Actually, I came here to clear my head,” Paul announced to his friend.

"Clear your head?”

Paul’s hand tightened around the walking stick. "I wrote out my letter of resignation,” he announced. Folks would find out soon enough. Steve would discover the envelope waiting for him when he arrived home anyway. There wasn’t any need to keep it a secret.

"Resigned?” Steve echoed, the word low and stunned. "You?” He wandered around the campsite as if he’d lost his sense of direction. He looked at Paul and shook his head slowly, as if he were having trouble taking it in. "This is going to take some getting used to, I’m afraid. Sit down a minute, will you? I need a cup of coffee.”

Paul had half a mind to say he was just leaving for a favorite hiking trail, but it was clear the church elder was shaken by his news. It didn’t seem fair to announce his intentions and then casually walk away.

As it turned out, Paul brewed the coffee while Steve ambled around, paused, and scratched his head every now and again.

"You’re sure about this?” he asked at one point.

"Sure I made the right decision?” Paul asked, rephrasing his friend’s question. "Yes.”

"Do you mind if I ask why?”

Actually Paul did. He didn’t want anyone to talk him out of it. The decision was made, and he felt strongly that he’d done the right thing.

"I’d prefer not to talk about it, Steve. No offense.”

"None taken,” Steve assured him. He sat on a folding chair and clung to the cup of coffee as if it were all that stood between him and ruin.

"It’s time I moved on,” Paul offered, wanting to break the stilted silence.

"Have you decided upon another church?”

"No,” Paul admitted. "I need a break.”

"What are you going to do?”

Other than take a few days for camping and a little hiking, he hadn’t given the matter much thought. He probably should start thinking about it soon. He’d need a way to support himself and help pay the last of Joe’s college expenses. Funny, the thought of what he’d do for money had never occurred to him until this moment.

"I don’t know what I’ll do with myself,” he admitted. He took a drink of coffee and set the mug aside, eager to be on his way.

"Where you headed?” Steve asked next.