No Home for the Holidays by Lillian Duncan Page A

walk.”
    “Then you came to the right place. This church has always given shelter to those who need it, physically or spiritually. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”
    “I don’t need shelter. I have a home. If you think I don’t, then you’re wrong.” Her voice turned sharp.
    “I just meant—”
    “Oh, I understand what you meant. I’ve had a lifetime of listening to Christianese.” She held up a hand. “You Christians are great at coming up with platitudes that sound good. Too bad they mean nothing in the real world.”
    “Does that mean you don’t believe in God?”
    She stood up. Colton could see she was older than he’d originally thought. The pink hair had made him think she was a teen, but this woman was probably close to his age.
    She glared. “I didn’t say that. Don’t put words in my mouth.”
    “I wasn’t doing that.” He smiled as a peace offering. “That leads me back to my original question. Is there something I can do for you?”
    The woman pushed past him. “I don’t need anything from you or anyone else.” Her hand motioned around her. “Or from God.”
    “I know it’s another one of those Christian platitudes, but the truth is, we all need Him.” He pointed at the cross.
    “Whatever.”
    “You look familiar. Do I know you?”
    She turned away, as if frightened. “Absolutely not.” She stepped around him and rushed out the doors.
    The illuminated cross drew his attention. “Protect her, Lord, wherever she goes.” As he turned to leave, he glanced at the pew she’d been in.
    She’d left her stocking hat and gloves.

2
    Colton grabbed up the cap and gloves and jogged through the church. He had no idea if she actually had a place to go, but either way she’d need them for warmth.
    Once outside, he searched for her. Past the Nativity scene the street was empty to the left. To the right, far ahead, she turned the corner. The woman could run.
    He looked down at the hat and gloves he held. God had put her in his church for a reason. Better find out why. He charged after her, hoping to catch up. When he turned the same corner, he was greeted with an empty street except the snow-covered cars.
    Just because she’d gone down this street didn’t mean she lived here. She’d probably zigzagged through different backyards and to another street, and was now long gone. That’s what he would have done if he wanted to get away from someone.
    Retracing his steps, Colton trudged toward home, his feet crunched on the snow and ice. He stopped and stared down at his feet. At his footprints.
    Wow, he really didn’t think like a cop any more.
    ~*~
    What a disaster the day had been. Chloe Sullivan sat on the couching gasping for air.
    Who did that preacher think he was anyway—a cop or something? Had he been waiting for her to show up? Why hadn’t he been home in bed like the rest of Wooster?
    Home. Tears filled her eyes. She blinked, refusing to let them to fall. There wasn’t any point in thinking about home or her family. That life was gone. She leaned over taking several deep breaths. Between the snow, the cold, and the wind, the run had been a struggle in spite of all her training.
    What had she been thinking—going into a church? Wanting to feel the presence of God for a little while had endangered all she’d built, and it hadn’t even helped fill her sorrowful heart. Was God through with her?
    The preacher could call the police and tell them she was trespassing. But wasn’t that why churches didn’t lock their doors? Of course, each church was probably different.
    Getting in trouble with the police wasn’t something she could risk. It wouldn’t be good if anyone recognized her. She’d developed several different looks. One for work. One for shopping. And this one, of course. She fingered her crazy pink wig with very short spikes. It was for fun.
    Not that there’d been anything fun about tonight.
    The doorbell buzzed.
    Who would be at her door this time of the