"Oh, Wren."

Leah's soft voice was far from the judgment he thought she would possess, but he still looked everywhere but her. Uncovering this past - his past - was more than difficult. He closed his eyes against the memories of the girl's desperate cries.

"What did you do? You promised the girl you would fix it. Did you?"

Wren said nothing as his mind relived the scene. The girl's trembling, cold hands, his rage at himself and The Boss, and his determination as he had jumped from the truck bed driving his knife into the tires. "I did my best. I slit the tires to ensure the truck couldn't go anywhere, then called The Boss and told him I had a flat tire and would be late to my checkpoint. I called the police immediately after."

"Were you arrested?"

"At first, but I was an open book with them. I didn't hide anything and they realized that. Once they discovered I was more to the Snake's Coil gang than just a delivery boy, they offered less of a sentence in exchange for the capture of The Boss."

"Wow." Leah shifted at his side, but he stared out beyond the cliff to the treetops. "Was The Boss caught?"

"No. Our plan was flawless, but he still evaded capture."

"Plan?"

Wren nodded. "The FBI had me deliver the truck to the checkpoint, which instead of teenagers, it was filled with agents. I don't know how that ended up. Since I was late, the second driver verified our meetup through a text and drove on. I went back to the fighting ring. They put a tracker in my shoe and the rest played out. They raided the building during the fights while everyone was distracted. The Boss escaped but they captured his son, who ended up being on a wanted list for five accounts of murder. From what I understand, he was put on death row. "

"The Boss then... He's still out there?"

Wren nodded again. "Him and others." Finally, he dared a peek at his ward, frowning upon seeing her pale color. "Are you okay? Was this story too much for you?"

She attempted a weak smile, but it was forced. "What might happen if they found you?" She whispered.

Wren sighed. "Let's just hope that never happens."

"Yes... Let's hope..."

Wren turned a curious gaze to the Kingsley Heiress, concerned at her crestfallen tone. "I'm sorry. You're obviously upset. Maybe I should have told you this on a day other than your birthday."

Again, she shook her head in protest. "No! I'm happy you told me and I really enjoyed your story! So, what happened to you? Did you go to prison?"

Not falling for her swift change of subject, Wren decided not to press the issue. Still, his spirit moaned. She was appalled by him. With good reason, he thought.

"This is going to sound messed up, but no. I didn't get what I deserved. I was given a huge fine instead. I guess because I helped them bring down one of Chicago's largest gangs, that was my reward and it saved my life. If I had been put in prison with the other gang members, I would have been killed before the night was over. But, I ran into a different problem."

"What was that?"

"I couldn't pay the fine. Things were looking pretty bleak, but two days before the deadline, Mr. Kingsley appeared on Maggie's doorstep."

"Daddy did?"

Wren smiled, nodding. "Yep. He had hired a private investigator to find me as he wanted to reward me for helping him that night. Of course, all of my crimes were uncovered, but he still decided to help. Honestly, he saved my life. He paid my fine and took me with him to his hometown. He set me up in one his construction branches and I have been paying my debt back to him ever since. Well, until this butler job."

"Wow," Leah shook her head as if to clear a fog. "So that's why. It all makes so much sense now. The scars on your chest too! Did you get those in the fighting ring?"

"One of the small ones on my shoulder I did, but most came from The Boss's weaponry lessons. My instructor believed being sliced by a blade would teach a man to dodge a blade."

"Do you mean that Calico guy?" She smiled when Wren's shoulders shook with sudden light laughter.

"Callihan wouldn't appreciate that."

Leah blinked in surprise as the name was said with fondness. "You liked him?"

"I liked Callihan, yes; I still pray for him to this day, but he was my hand to hand combat instructor. Not my weaponry teacher, Leroy. Leroy gave me my scars. And to answer the next question swirling in that pretty head of yours," Wren poked a finger on her crinkled forehead, "No, I didn't like Leroy."

Blushing from the playful contact, Leah didn't dwell long there. "Was Leroy captured during the raid?"

"No."

Leah's blood ran cold as memories of her hospital assailant's evil eyes resurfaced. "What did he look like?" When her butler frowned in concern, she waved her hands in front of her, forcing yet another smile. "Just so I know if he ever appears. An extra pair of eyes never hurt..." Her voice trailed off as the lie slipped from her lips. She swallowed hard; He still stared at her as if seeing right through her physical self to her anxious soul.

"Probably his most noticeable feature is a scar that runs down his cheek. That, and he's cruel. You would sense how evil he was if you ever saw him."

Now, Leah really did feel upset. Could it be?

"Princess?"

Having trouble keeping her facade, she raised troubled eyes to him, forcing her lips to curve up. It was like cracking cement with a fist. When Wren's frown deepened, she closed her eyes, begging her body to stop reacting the way it was. Yet, the terror of the hospital plagued her and worry for her butler was rising. Would this Leroy have a way of reaching the Boss from prison? If he did, how much danger was Wren in?

"Princess? You're hiding -"

"The Letter!" The words left her mouth before she had time to process what it was she said. Wren seemed taken aback, confused even. "The letter," She repeated, "From your mother. Did you ever read it." She held her breath when Wren stared at her. Finally, he relaxed.

"Is that what is bothering you?"

She shrugged, nearly sagging with relief. "Well, my mother left so it seems sad to me if you never read something from yours. She loved you very much." Guilt struck when Wren's confusion altered to understanding.

"I did. Infact," Wren scooted forward to better reach his back jean pocket, removing a simple black wallet. Curious, she watched as he pulled a folded paper from a picture sleeve and startled when he handed it to her.

"Her letter," He said simply when she sent him a questioning look. "You can read it."

Leah caressed the heavily creased paper. "Are you sure?"

"Very."

Touched by his openness and trust, she unfolded it with care, bending over to read.

My Dear Son,

I fear I do not have much time left. I am sorry I am not writing this letter personally, but my hands are too shaky. I trust your aunt will copy my words exactly though.

I worry about you and how you will take my death, which if you read this letter, means I have gone to be with Jesus. I know this might sound strange coming from me. I never was one to think of much besides you and your boxing. But dying ...it makes one ponder so much more. My son, My Wren. I must tell you about this Jesus I found. I never thought I could be forgiven and freed from my past mistakes and sins. I always thought myself unworthy to be considered for any kind of religion, so I never tried. I was so wrong. A chaplain came to me two nights ago and told me of Jesus. He showed me from the Bible how He loves everyone. So much so, that he came to earth as a baby, leaving behind his perfect body forever with the intention of dying for me, in my place.

I had never heard of such love before and I know it may sound silly and even like a fairy tale. But Wren, my heart knew it to be true. I can't explain it, but I knew I needed this kind God. I am not afraid of death now. Actually, I long for it and have such peace about my life's journey being over. My one worry is you.

Please consider this Jesus. Please, fix your life. I do not know what you are involved in, but a mother does not need details to know when something is wrong. You are so smart, bright, and talented. Don't throw away your life. Find Jesus, and He will help you.

Please, believe me when I say, you can never disappoint me. I am so very proud of you, no matter what. I love you, my child. You have been my greatest earthly joy. I hope to see you again in Heaven.

Your Mother,

Lauren

Her hands dropped to let the note rest on her knees. "Your mother - she became a Christian too." Her voice was soft, stating the obvious with wonder.

"She did." Wren relaxed against the back of the bench. "And, through her note, so did I. Not right away, but it began my search for truth, peace," He hesitated, "Forgiveness."

"Did you find those things?"

"I did. I asked God to show me the truth. Our construction team started building Pastor Slator's barn shortly after. The Slator's befriended me and eventually, told me about Jesus. I asked the Lord to forgive me and make me His a few weeks later. God not only did that but gave me a family with the Slators. Over time, they asked me to live with them, food and board paid in exchange for maintaining the place. Which also opened doors for me to double my payments to Mr. Kingsley."

Leah swallowed hard as Wren's tale ended. It was obvious, despite his sins, he had acquired a second chance at life. A normal, blessed one, that only God in his Sovereignty could bring about. Her heart felt like a giant hand was squeezing it, such was the strength of her desire to bow before this same God. Her will and fear battled for dominance as she lifted the letter to read again. When she was through, she turned to find Wren studying her with intensity.

"Princess."

One word, spoken in tenderness, cracked her defenses. "What if I'm holding onto sin?" She whispered.

"Salvation isn't a game. Its a complete surrendering of one's self to God and a turning away from sin. He wants you, Leah. All of you, though. Not just half. But, that's the neat thing about God. He's not in a hurry. If you need more time or have things you aren't ready to let go of... tell Him. Honesty would be better than lying."

Leah dropped her gaze to her clenched hands, eyes springing wide to realize she was crinkling his mother's note. She smoothed the new wrinkles but stared at the words again. "I'm frightened, Wren. I actually want to surrender everything to Jesus, but I'm terrified of what might happen if I do."

Wren sighed, his expression troubled. He seemed to be choosing his words with great care. "I don't know what you are frightened of, but I do understand being afraid. I guess that's a benefit of being a child of God, though. You aren't alone anymore. He fights for His Children."

"Not alone," Leah murmured the words, longing like she had never know consuming her as she realized how afraid she was. And, tired. So tired of being strong. She was tired of worrying! She lifted her head to meet Wren's compassionate gaze.

Jesus, I'm going to tell him everything. I'm sorry I lied to everyone. Forgive me. She prayed this in her heart before speaking aloud.

"I want to become a follower of Jesus. I don't want to wait any longer. Will - will you help me?"

Wren's reaction was anything but what she expected. His being lit with joy and she found herself yanked into his arms, her breath nearly crushed out of her.

This feels so right, she thought as she relaxed into his embrace. Indeed, everything was beginning to look a bit brighter.