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They had been through a lot lately, and John knew their relationship was as special to them as his was with Jenna.
    John’s momentary distraction was a pleasant break, but he ignored his impulse to visit the kitchen and returned to his notes. He committed himself to complete the gate narrative before he climbed down from the alcove. He was, and always had been, a man with a mission, but now he was motivated by an overwhelming desire to bring Pete into the work. John was tired of working alone, and he relished the idea of sharing and doing spiritual work with Pete.

    John completed the gates narrative and called to Adam from the Alcove. Adam appeared at the top of the stairs while rubbing his eyes. “I need you to keep watch for a little while,” said John.
    “But my watch isn’t until twelve, dad,” moaned Adam in reply.
    “Adam, I wouldn’t ask you to sit a watch early if I didn’t have a reason. Now quit complaining and hop to it. There’s something I need to do and I can’t do it from up here.” Without another word, Adam turned and went back to his bedroom to dress.
    John took a peek out the window and saw a man and a woman standing in the road at the head of John’s walkway. The man was carrying an orange, plastic, five-gallon bucket, and he appeared to be arguing with his wife about something. Curious, John watched their exchange until he heard Adam climb the ladder.
    “I’m here, dad,” Adam moaned, when John didn’t turn around to greet him.
    “Look out front and tell me what you see,” said John.
    Adam approached the curtain flap and raised it slowly. “I see the sun,” he quipped.
    John refrained from bopping his son on the head, and asked, “Good, but what else do you see?”
    “Oh, there’s two people standing in front of our house by the road,” answered Adam.
    “Close the flap,” said John.
    Adam did as he was told and turned to face his dad. “What’s up?”
    “Tell me what you saw . . . everything.”
    Adam knew what his dad was doing. John played the “observation game” with Adam and Abby all the time, supposedly in an effort to teach Adam the value of always being aware of his surroundings. “Two people, a man and a woman. They looked old, like in their thirties.” John narrowed his eyes at his son’s attempt at humor, but he didn’t respond, so Adam continued his report. “They’re both wearing jeans and light jackets, the man’s is dark blue, and the woman’s is green. The man is carrying an orange bucket, the woman wasn’t carrying anything. They look interested in our house. They want something from us,” said Adam, and after a quick breath he asked, “Can I go out and talk to them?”
    “No!” replied John, “I’ll go talk to them, but I want you to stand ready. I’ll go get Pete. I want you up and ready, understand?” Adam nodded and John said, “And good job with the description.”
    “Can I have my rifle?” asked Adam.
    “I’ll bring it to you. And I’ll have mom bring you some breakfast,” said John, as he descended the ladder. When he reached the entryway floor he looked up at Adam and said, “Corbin and Marcus can join you up there, but I don’t want you gawking out the window when I’m talking. I just want you to provide some over-watch.” John studied his son’s face and asked, “Can you handle it?”
    “Yes, sir,” replied Adam, as he turned away to watch the two strangers.
    “Good. Now lace your shoes.” Adam closed the flap and quickly tied his shoelaces. When he returned to the window, John asked, “Any change?”
    “Nope, they’re still standing there. Oh, wait. The woman just took the bucket from the man and she’s coming to the front door,” reported Adam.
    “OK, I’ll be right back,” said John. He quickly checked his pistol and walked to the kitchen. Pete was sitting at the breakfast table with a cup of coffee in his hand. When he saw John’s demeanor he immediately stood up and asked, “Is everything