Zero Day, стр. 29

“Out here in the open?” Yona wondered.

“Dmitri didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Because of the amazing work I have done for various you-know-what entities, they are allowing me to serve the remainder of my sentence at home.”

“House arrest?” In exchange for lending his expertise to the CIA, FBI, NSA, MI6, INTERPOL, and other government entities.

“I can’t go past the city limits though, and I have an ankle band.” Kelvin lifted the hem of his jeans to show her his ankle monitor.

Yona pointed to the guy that had accompanied Kelvin to the bridge. “Who is he then?”

“He’s here to make sure nobody takes me out.”

Yona thought that made sense because Kelvin had made enough enemies over the years. Thanks to Yona’s report, the Mossad didn’t consider Kelvin an enemy though.

Speaking of the Mossad, Yona hadn’t received a single word about Reuel. Five years. Where could he have been? Dead, perhaps?

Dmitri had promised to help her hunt him down. How long was this going to take them?

“Well, Kelvin, here we are on an open bridge,” Yona asked. “Is this a good idea?”

“I wanted to see you right away. I’m on my way to my new apartment—flat.”

“You can’t leave town,” Yona repeated. What kind of a non-freedom was that?

“But I can invite you to a concert in town if we want to go.” Kelvin paused. “If you don’t have other plans. Or anyone.”

“No one. Dmitri has kept me so busy the last five years that work was all I did. No time to date.” Yona said it without hesitation, surprising even herself. “I would love to go to a concert with you.”

“Classical or jazz?”

“Classical.”

“Have you eaten breakfast?”

“Not yet.”

“Coffee or tea?”

“Tea.” Yona smiled. “What are you up to, Kelvin?”

Kelvin stepped forward. “I’ve prayed about this for the last several years. Altogether I’ve waited for nine years to ask you out. If I don’t ask now… God hasn’t promised us tomorrow.”

“Didn’t I say yes to a tea and concert?”

“I know. It feels surreal that you would.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because I’m still a convict. I’ll be a convict for the next three years.”

Yona reached for his hand. “Five years passed by quickly. The next three years might fly by too.”

“I’ve dreamed of this moment for a long time.” Kelvin lifted her hand. “Do you remember when we were in Reuel’s castle?”

Yona nodded. At their meals three times a day, Yona and Kelvin had conversed and plotted their escape. They had whispered in each other’s ears.

“Five years ago, and it’s still vivid in my mind,” she said.

“I remember how much I wanted to…” He eyed Yona’s lips.

She knew that he wanted her to respond. She ran a finger across his chin. “I’m glad you shaved.”

As he smiled, she pressed her lips against his chin. Then the edge of his lips.

Suddenly realizing their guard was watching them, she stopped.

Kelvin took over, molding his lips on Yona’s. His lips felt supple and smooth. And tasted like fresh toothpaste and clean water.

I like a clean man.

He was a good kisser.

But did he have a good heart?

Funny how a word could trigger a memory. Yona recalled a verse she had memorized. Luke 18:19.

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is, God.

Only God was good.

Man was sinful and continued to battle his sin nature for the rest of his life on earth.

Then again, God called His people to do good deeds in Luke 19:17.

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Yona prayed that she and Kelvin would be faithful to God over everything.

“I have something to share with you,” Kelvin said as he wrapped his arms around Yona. It was the first time they’d finally kissed. The first time they’d hugged.

Yona waited.

“I have a long way to go, far beyond the next years,” Kelvin said.

“Okay. Shall we walk?” Yona held his hand and led him down the bridge and along the river.

“I’ve been studying the Bible a lot. I’ve been reading through the Bible every year, memorizing key passages.”

“That’s impressive. I want to read through my Bible every year, but I haven’t actually done it.”

“It’s refreshing to read His Word daily.”

“Right.”

“Speaking for myself, if I want to be a better Christian, I must spend time in God’s Word. Only He can teach me about Himself.”

“Good.”

“I want to be the best man God created me to be—in spite of my past sins.”

“We have all sinned, as you know. We are all still learning.”

Kelvin nodded. “Someday, I also hope to be the best husband God can make me.”

Husband?

When you know, you know.

“What do you think about my goals?” Kelvin asked.

“As with all noble goals, only God can help you get there.”

“True.”

“I will pray for God’s perfect will to prevail in your life…and mine too.” She hadn’t let go of his hand.

“Good prayer.” He lifted her chin. “You haven’t changed all these years. Your face is still as lovely as ever.”

“It’s not me.” She laughed. “I believe in Jesus. I have peace with God.”

“I can see the peace of God in your face.”

“Yours too. You have come to an understanding. You look like you do have the peace of God in your heart.”

Kelvin’s eyes teared up. “I have asked God to forgive me. I am halfway through reaping what I sowed. But my soul is well. I am finally at peace with God.”

Kelvin had grown so much spiritually. Perhaps that had been why God allowed him to be punished for his crimes this way. In jail, he’d had time to study God’s Word and prepare for life outside of prison.

Yona couldn’t speak. She wanted to cry, but no tears came.

Kelvin leaned toward her ear and whispered, “I love you.”

Yona’s lips trembled.

And he calmed her with another kiss.

Those warm lips.

She felt she could get used to it. “Do that every day?”

“Tell you I love you and kiss you?”

Yona nodded, tears welling in her eyes.

“Yes, for the rest of