Crossroads by Irene Hannon

his students are doing. Unless his interest is more than academic.”
    Tess stared after Caroline as her boss turned and disappeared around the corner. She wasn’t sure the managing editor was right. But the possibility sent a tingle down her spine. However, her priority was Bruce. Period. Getting his life turned around would require every bit of her energy and attention.
    With an effort Tess forced her attention back to thewords on the screen. Recalled something Mitch had just said in their conversation. And suddenly had the ending to her story.
    â€œI’m just a guy doing his job. Nothing more,” Tess typed, attributing the quote to Mitch. Then she continued. “Clearly, the governor’s office doesn’t agree. Mitch Jackson isn’t just a man doing his job. He’s a man with a mission—doing a great job. And Southfield High is a better place because of it.”
    Tess leaned back. Mitch was a man with a mission. Because he cared so much about the kids, he did his job with focus, commitment and passion.
    And suddenly Tess couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if Mitch devoted that same focus, commitment and passion to some lucky woman.
    The answer came immediately to mind. And it was all contained in one word.
    Heaven.
    Â 
    Uncle Ray finished the article, took off his glasses and carefully lowered the newspaper to the kitchen table. “That’s a mighty fine story, son. I’m proud of you.”
    Mitch felt his neck grow hot. “Thanks, Uncle Ray. I thought you’d like to see it. But frankly, I’m a little embarrassed about the whole thing. I didn’t get into this line of work to be in the limelight.”
    â€œI know that. And I think it came through real clear in the story. The reporter…” He picked up the paper again and looked for the byline. “Tess Lockwood. She sure seems to have caught your personality. And all in one interview, too.”
    Mitch wrapped his hands around his coffee cup.“Actually, we’d met before that. You remember the woman I mentioned when I was out here a few weekends ago? The one who’s the mother of one of my problem students?”
    Uncle Ray nodded. “I seem to recall something like that.”
    â€œWell, she works for the community newspaper. She did the story.”
    â€œIs that so?”
    Mitch saw the sudden gleam in his uncle’s eyes and held up his hand. “Don’t jump to any conclusions, Uncle Ray. All of our meetings have been strictly professional.”
    The older man nodded sagely. “I’m sure they have. How is the boy doing, by the way?”
    Mitch frowned. “Everything’s been quiet for the past week. But there was an incident last weekend.” He explained the car accident to the older man, who shook his head.
    â€œSounds like that boy needs a good talking-to.”
    â€œHe does. Te…his mother is doing her best, but I think she may be in over her head on this one. Fourteen is a tough age, especially without a father figure. Bruce seems like a good kid, but he’s in with the wrong crowd. Things worked out okay last weekend, but next time he may not be so lucky. I’m intervening where I can, but there’s only so much I can do. I only see him during school hours. And even then, I doubt I’m having much impact. To him, I am definitely the enemy with a capital E. ”
    â€œHmm. That is a problem. Especially if you’ve taken a particular interest in this boy.” Uncle Ray reached for his mug and took a sip of coffee. “Youknow, you might have more luck getting through to him if you could get him one-on-one outside of school. Let him see you in a different light. Might help him to see you more as a friend than an enemy.”
    Mitch considered that. “You could be right,” he agreed.
    â€œWhy don’t you invite him to come down here to the farm with you for Easter?”
    Mitch stared at his