And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose in this is that people should fear him.” –Ecclesiastes 3:14, NLT
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I watched, smiling. That’s how it should be, the wounded caring for the wounded. No one knows the pain and ache like another person who is suffering. Hours earlier, both Molly and Doc were forced into a situation that no one should ever have to find themselves. A situation where they had to take the life of another human. The weight and burden of that will forever be upon them and it will be only the good Lord in His comfort that will ease the pain they both are currently feeling.
After Molly finished praying, they continued to sit with heads bowed and eyes closed. I didn’t want to interfere with the healing process that was taking place. Both were strong people and with the help of the Lord they’d pull through all right.
Doc finally broke the silence. “Miles,” he began, then started shaking his head bringing his hand up to wipe tears away, “I don’t know how you do it. How can you ever get used to it?”
“You don’t,” I said in a subdued voice. “If a person ever gets used to it, then they are hardened almost beyond repair.” I sighed, feeling the cup in my hands was now almost empty. “Doc, you’ve seen the scars my body carries from near death experiences. What you don’t see are those invisible scars. Wounds that I have had to work through.”
Molly took one of her hands from Doc and placed it on mine, then gave me a smile and slight nod knowing what I had been through in my life. “Doc, I’ve laid plenty of men, bad evil men in their grave. I had to come to grips with the Lord on what I was doin’. I still don’t understand it all, but I do know that I have been called to help protect the innocent and bring evil men to justice.”
I got up then to pour another cup of coffee. Holding the pot I motioned it toward Doc who put his hand over his cup. Sitting back down, I continued on. “Doc, I believe that God calls people to certain vocations in life. I’m a lawman, you’re a doctor,” I stopped to give a half-grin. “Sometimes you have to patch up the work I’ve done on someone, and, sometimes you have to patch me up.” He gave a little chuckle.
“I believe that Molly was called to open this diner and the people that work here fulfill an important part. None of us know exactly how this all fits in with the Lord’s plan, but we all do our part, where we are, with what we have.” I took a long swallow after that little speech, then added. “Sermon over!”
After another swallow, I said, “Doc, why don’t you and Edith go up to see the Parson. Just talk things over with him. It would do you good, and it would help Edith know what you’re feelin’.”
I looked over at Molly who shook her head. “I’m fine for now. I want to get the place cleaned up so we can open for supper. I’m surprised that Marta hasn’t come down to check on things.”
“Most likely she’s helpin’ Lola get through this. She has begun to understand what it’s like to be the wife of an officer of the law,” I remarked. I looked at Molly, “If you’re all right, I’m goin’ to go check on the prisoner.”
Doc grunted shaking his head. “Funny thing, the man you were going to arrest only came out of this with a bump on his head. His compatriots are all dead,” he paused, then added. “I need to check on Candless. I told him to stay in bed today. His friend was with him and I’ll be sure to tell him that you’re going to speak with the mine superintendent.”
I threw the last few drops of coffee down my throat. “Be back in a little while. You sure you’re okay?”
She nodded and smiled. I went to her to give her a comforting hug, then headed for the door with Doc following me. Just as I was unlocking the door, the knob turned…