“They’re not addicted to meth. They simply have a fondness for pot.”

Neely Kate laughed. “Call it what you like, but an addiction is an addiction.” I heard someone in the background, then Neely Kate groaned. “I gotta get back to work, Rose. Call me if you find out anything else.”

“You too.” I hung up as Gary returned with the second load of flowers. We were halfway through unloading them when David pulled up in a beat-up yellow Pinto, with Bruce Wayne in the passenger seat. After they parked, they sauntered over to us, a wary look on their faces. In light of Neely Kate’s comment and the way they looked this morning—like they were coming off some sort of bender—I was having second thoughts about hiring them. They might be able-bodied men, but I wasn’t sure how willing they were.

“Thanks for showing up,” I said, handing a flat of burnt orange chrysanthemums to David.

He took the tray, acting like something was going to jump out and bite him.

I motioned over to a partially-filled bed on the east side of the church. “You can set it on the ground over there.”

David wandered off while I handed the next flat to Bruce Wayne.

He hesitated, looking down at the ground before peering up at me through his scraggly bangs. “I never got a chance to thank you.” He cleared his throat. “For what you done for me.”

My breath caught in surprise. “You’re welcome, Bruce Wayne.”

He didn’t move, and I waited. I’d learned he was a nervous guy and pushing him wouldn’t help.

“When David said you offered us a job…” He swallowed. “Thank you. I got one too many strikes against me in this town. I’ll try my best not to let you down.”

I’d never considered the fact Bruce Wayne might have difficulty finding a job with his history. One could argue he’d brought it upon himself, but he still had rent and bills to pay. “Well, that’s all I can ask. And you both are helping me out more than you know.”

“If you need anything, anything at all, Miss Rose, you just let me know. I’m your man.”

His words shocked me. First, he called me Miss Rose, a term usually reserved as a sign of respect for older women. Bruce Wayne was older than me, so I knew he used it with the utmost respect. Second, the conviction in his voice told me he meant it. If I needed help, he’d be there for me. But the problem with drug addicts is that unreliable is their middle name.

Nevertheless, a lump burned in my throat. I hadn’t expected anything in return when I sought to clear his name of murder charges. I had done it because it was the right thing to do. “Thank you, Bruce Wayne.”

He nodded and trudged after his friend.

Gary stood at the back of the truck, his hands on his hips, as he watched the guys setting the flowers next to the bed. “Be careful with those two.”

I wiped sweat from my brow, keeping my gaze on them. “They’re harmless.”

“They’re criminals.” His tone was harsh and unforgiving.

I suspected half the town’s attitude about me was harsh and unforgiving. She’s strange. She’s a gossip. They’d sure been willing to accept that I’d murdered Momma with little proof. Maybe that’s why I felt a new kinship with Bruce Wayne. We’d both been discounted by the townsfolk of Henryetta.

Gary left to get the last load of flowers as I told the guys what I needed them to do. David balked at the instructions, but Bruce Wayne bobbed his head. “Yes, ma’am. We’ll get it done.”

“Hard at work, I see,” Jonah drawled behind me.

Startled, I jumped. I hadn’t seen him pull up.

He rested his hand on my arm. “I didn’t mean to scare you, Rose.”

I backed up, searching his face. “Sorry. I was just concentrating so hard, I didn’t hear you walk up.”

“I love that kind of dedication.” He eyed the guys next to me.

“Jonah, this is David and Bruce Wayne. They’re going to be doin’ most of the manual labor.”

To my surprise, Jonah reached out to shake their dirty hands. “Nice to meet you boys. Welcome to the New Living Hope Revival Church. I hope you feel at home here.”

Bruce Wayne, who was used to scorn, latched onto Jonah’s warmth. “Thank you.”

“Do either of you boys have church homes?”

David snickered, but Bruce Wayne shook his head, looking Jonah in the eye. “No, sir.”

“I’d be honored if you’d consider attending my church. We welcome everyone here.” He paused to let his full meaning sink in.

Bruce Wayne bobbed his head, looking down. “Thank you.”

Jonah clasped his hands together. “Well, I’ve got to get to work before Rhonda takes me to task. It’s gonna be another hot one today. You boys don’t be shy. Be sure to come inside and cool off or get some cold water. We can’t have you coming down with a heat stroke. You make yourselves at home.”

As Jonah walked off, I glared at David. “Don’t you be goin’ in there and taking a nap.”

He scrunched his nose. “Who said I was gonna?” But he didn’t look like a man who’d been wrongfully accused.

“Don’t worry, Miss Rose,” Bruce Wayne said. “I’ll keep him in line.”

I had serious doubts about that. What little I’d learned about their friendship dynamic during Bruce Wayne’s trial was that David was the leader. Nevertheless, I didn’t have time to stay here all day supervising. “Bruce Wayne, I’m gonna leave you in charge. I’ve got to run back to the nursery, but I’ll stop by after lunch to check on your progress.”