Penny Richards - Wolf Creek Widow

She looked at Ace with a solemn expression. “I’m proud of you, my son. Though it has taken time, I can say that the things you’ve been through have not destroyed you. They’ve made you the man you are. That’s something we need to try to get through to Meg. And it’s something you need to keep in mind, too, when you think about your role in all this.”

“Killing Elton, you mean?”

“Yes. You’ve come too far to let that destroy your faith and your peace.”

He sucked in a harsh lungful of air and met her tender gaze with one of defiance. “I hate that it happened, but God help me, I’m glad he’s dead.”

Instead of chastising him for the un-Christian thought, his mother asked, “Why?”

“I’d think that’s pretty obvious. He was a terrible human being who mistreated his wife.”

“And you care for her.”

Ace was appalled by her suggestion. Or perhaps he was appalled that his mother had discovered his secret.

“I think you care for Meg Thomerson. I think you’ve cared for her for a while. And I think that’s why you’re happy Elton is dead.”

“Are you saying that you think I did it on purpose?” he asked with a scowl.

“Of course not!” his mother scoffed. “You’re experiencing remorse for having feelings for another man’s wife. Those feelings only increase your guilt for taking his life, even though there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that it was warranted.

“You are not a killer, Ace Allen, and despite your past, you are an honorable man. I think that is why you are having such a hard time making peace with yourself,” she said.

“How can I ask God to forgive me when I’m sorry for shooting him but not sorry he’s dead?”

“Maybe it’s time you stopped trying to figure out things on your own and have a serious talk with God.”

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