Read The Prophet of Yonwood for Free Online Page B

Yonwood we are, too. She picked up the peanut butter jar and the loaf of bread and put them back in the cupboard. She brushed some crumbs off the table. Our Prophet, she said, is helping us.
    I know, said Nickie. Amanda told me.
    Did she tell you about the hotline? Mrs. Beeson asked. Its a recorded phone message. Every day, people can call seven-seven-seven to hear her latest words and learn what to do about them. If theres something urgent, I can buzz their phones so they all get the message immediately. I arranged it all with my DATT phone. She showed Nickie the little phone, which had more tiny screens and buttons and sliding bits than any phone Nickie had seen. I love high-tech gadgets, dont you? DATT stands for Do A Thousand Things. It doesnt really do quite a thousand, but just about. She pressed a button. Wait a sec, thats the temperature. She pressed another button. There we go. Nearly eleven. Where is that girl? I need to get going.
    But Nickie wasnt through asking questions. She spoke quickly. You know what, Mrs. Beeson? she said. I really want to do something to help the world.
    Then youve come to the right place, said Mrs. Beeson, putting her phone back in her pocket. She smiled. Everyone here is trying to help the world. Were all quite passionate about it. Weve had so many town meetings and church discussions and special voteswell, dangerous times bring people together. There are still a few who cling to their selfish ways, though, and thats very troubling. Even one can ruin everything, just the way one moldy strawberry in a basket can mess up all the rest.
    Amandas steps sounded on the stairs, and Mrs. Beeson stood up. But Nickie had to ask one more question. What should I do?
    Mrs. Beeson was pulling on her jacket. She stuck her red cap on her head and pulled her ponytail out through the gap in the back. Do? she said. Well, lets see. You might let me know if you happen to notice any trouble spots.
    You mean, Nickie said, a trouble spot might be likelike what?
    Amanda came into the kitchen. Here I am, she said. She had on nice clothes, and her hair was carefully combed.
    You look lovely, honey, said Mrs. Beeson. Ill go and get my car. Meet me in front of the house.
    But Mrs. Beeson, said Nickie urgently. What would a trouble spot be?
    Mrs. Beeson paused in the doorway. Her eyes grew serious. You look for sinners, Nickie, she said. Its one of the things the Prophet says most often: No sinners, she says. No sinners.
    Sinners? said Nickie. You mean like lawbreakers?
    Yes, but notonly them, said Mrs. Beeson. Sometimes theyre not actually breaking a law, and still you have a sense of wrongness about them. You can justfeel it. Mrs. Beeson paused for a moment to zip up her jacket. Do you know of the man named Hoyt McCoy? Who lives down on Raven Road?
    No, said Nickie. I dont know anyone.
    No, of course you wouldnt. But hes an example. Theres something about hima whiff of wrongness. Its very strong. She started down the hall but stopped and looked back. Do you love God?
    Nickie was surprised. Sure, she said. I guess so. The truth was, she had never thought about it. Her parents hadnt taken her to church, so she didnt know much about God.
    Excellent, said Mrs. Beeson. We have to love God more than anything else. If you do, then youll do fine. You can help us build a shield of goodness. With another beaming smile, she turned and headed out the door.
    Isnt this just amazing? Amanda said when Mrs. Beeson had left. I was so scared when she came to the door. I mean, shes a real nice person, but I thought sure she was going to send me to a home. I never thought something likethis could happen. Me taking care of the Prophet! Whoo! Do I look all right?
    You look fine, said Nickie. But what about Otis?
    Oh, Lord, Otis, Amanda said. Can you take care of him? He might hurt my chances to get hired. Can you feed him? And take him outside a couple times a day? Just for a little while? Please, please,please ?
    And of course Nickie said