THE OVERCOMER


By Tessa Harvey



CHAPTER SIX
(Continued)

Sam left for home and when he closed his eyes, he saw only flames - red, orange and some strangely green and blue, probably from the sugar in the sweets. He would gather the workers tomorrow and talk to them...he slept finally, uneasily.

Next day he explained to the staff about this man who had been in his boyhood. He apologised for asking his workers to act as guards. "From now on," he added, "trained security staff will handle this. I am grateful to you all." He noticed the injured man was now well and thanked him also.

"As the building is damaged, I will leave it to the managers, Scott, Wilson and Smith to arrange eight hour shifts as there isn't room for all of us at once.

"We will rebuild as quickly as possible. People who work late or early shifts will be paid more. As far as possible, there will be no job losses." There were smiles at this news , and then the workers shuffled a little restlessly. "Time to go," thought Sam as he thanked and dismissed them, except for the three managers. They discussed how the next three weeks could be managed, then Sam went to find Stella, who was working in an inner office, trying to sort out undamaged records.

It did not take a genius to realise she was upset, but so was he. It was a bitter blow and unexpected.

"Stella," he said, "I am going to pray in this spare room and I need some time alone."

The door shut, he began to pray, laying all his problems before God - the coming bills, damage reports etc. They were not yet real but soon would be. Insurance couldn't replace everything, nor was more regret appropriate. He needed help and courage and trust as he praised GOD and sought His help.

Returning to Stella, he felt upheld by God and listened calmly as she explained about the strange man. He knew it was Kirby from her description and asked her to no longer work alone.



                                   ======================


CHAPTER SEVEN


Stella agreed, but argued that if she could come in early, it would help. "You now have workers coming in for early shifts," she pointed out.

Startled, Sam asked how she knew. "Well," she replied, "it's only logical!"

Sam was impressed. "By the way," Stella remarked, tidying her desk a little, "mum is asking if you would come for tea or dinner, whatever you call it, one evening this week?"

Sam was pleased. "Let's call it tea," he said, "and please thank your mother and ask her to keep it simple. I am not a big eater in the evening usually. Will tomorrow do?"

The evening went very well and the food was lovely. As Sam picked up his coat to leave, Rosalie asked if he would come again and bring his father? He glanced at her a little sharply, but could see it was merely a hospitable gesture, and agreed to ask.

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