Chapter 6

“Help youbetter your life. If you’re willing to trust me.”

Genuinely curious, Luke asked, “Why me?”

“There’s something about you that says you’re different from most of the kids I see hanging around the streets.” Luke refused to look away when Jourdain studied him for a long moment. “You have guts, for one. And you take care of yourself, as best you can.”

“I try.”

“That’s obvious.” Jourdain nodded slowly. “What can I do to prove to you I have no ulterior motives?”

Luke was tempted to reply, “Give me a million dollars and then vanish.” Instead, he thought about Jourdain’s question. Finally he replied, “Help me find a job.”

Jourdain seemed surprised. “Now that I didn’t expect. I was certain you’d ask for money, or for me to pay for the motel room you mentioned.”

“Nope. If I have a job, I can do that for myself. And eat decently, and maybe have time to study for my GED so I can get a better job, later.”