“Do I have to?” He grimaced as he stood, knowing he didn’t have a choice.
“I’ll tell him you’ll meet him in the office.”
“Thanks. I’ll let you know afterward what it’s all about.”
“Only if you want to.” Addy squeezed his arm. “Remember, you’ve paid your time. There’s nothing he can do now.”
“My brain knows that, but my emotions aren’t so sure.”
“I’ll be on the porch praying for you.”
“I appreciate that.” He left the room and stopped by the bathroom to splash cool water on his face. The cold helped bring him from his fears to reality. He dried his face and walked briskly to the office.
The district attorney stood by the bookcase, examining the titles. He didn’t turn until Hunter cleared his throat. “Mrs. Addy said you wished to see me.”
“It’s good to see you outside of court, Mr. Graff.” The tall gentleman with bronze skin approached him.
“How can I help you?” His cautious tone bordered on rude despite trying to keep it neutral.
Mr. Chavez gestured toward the chairs. “Let’s have a seat.”
Keeping his head held high and back rigid, Hunter sat behind Addy’s desk, giving a superficial sense of authority in the situation. “I’ve served my time.”
“Yes, I know.” Mr. Chavez sat upright, always the consummate professional. “I’ve kept tabs on you since your release.
“What?” Anger bristled within him. “You had no right, but I’m sure you’ve found there’s nothing to see.”
“On the contrary, I believe have.” The slightest hint of a smile graced the district attorney’s face. “Despite popular belief, I get no satisfaction putting people behind bars.”
Could have fooled me. “Then why choose that profession?”
“For the ones who change their ways.” Mr. Chavez locked eyes with him. “When I pushed for a harsher sentence for you, it wasn’t a personal vendetta because of my mother like you and many believed.”
“Then why did you?”
“I saw remorse in your eyes, but you also had a defiant spirit. Below the surface you were a good person, but you needed a wakeup call.”
Hunter sighed. “I wish I could disagree with you, but you’re right.”
“It was my prayer that you would serve your time and come out a changed man. My intuition served me right, and I’ve seen you transform from a boy to a man.”
Sitting up even straighter, Hunter perked his ears. “I did change. I’ve accepted responsibility for what I did, and even the consequences, but I’ve grown and matured.”
“I’ve seen that.”
“I appreciate that acknowledgement, but I don’t understand why you’re here.”
Mr. Chavez’s lips twitched into a smile. “As you know, my mother was killed by a drunk driver. Since then, I’ve been working with communities in search of ways to stop anyone under the influence from getting behind the wheel.”
“A noble cause.”
Crossing his hands in his lap, Mr. Chavez nodded. “After five years of researching and planning, my sister and I have launched a non-profit aimed at prevention. Our goal is to work with high schools, driver’s education schools, bars, and the community at large to campaign for safe driving.”
“I’ve seen similar organizations elsewhere and their DUI rates are substantially lower.” He relaxed his shoulders. “I’ve often wondered wished we had one in Jasper Lake. On occasion I’ve been able to speak to youth and driving classes, but I wonder if it’s effective at all.”
“Your speeches are exceptionally powerful, Mr. Graff. You have a testimony that lends credibility to your message, and you’re passionate about the cause.” Mr. Chavez drew a long breath, released it slowly. “That’s why I’d like to invite you on as assistant director of our non-profit, to serve under my sister who will be the director.
Stunned, Hunter coughed. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard you correctly.”
“I’m offering you a job. It’s full time salary with benefits. Some weeks you’ll work more than forty hours and some less, but it will balance out.”
He quoted the salary, and Hunter had to force his jaw not to drop. It wasn’t a high salary, but enough to support a family. “Why me?”
“Because I believe in you, and more importantly, you believe in the cause.”
The comic nature of the offer struck him, and he erupted into laughter. “I’ve been job searching for weeks. I’d just given up for the day when Mrs. Addy told me you were here.”
“God answers prayers.” Mr. Chavez winked. “Sometimes more quickly than others.”
“What would the job entail?”
“The work will fluctuate, but you’ll work hand in hand with my sister. Initially, you’ll campaign to get the word out and build relationships with organizations and businesses in the community. We’ve also been cleared to host our own safe-driving courses for those appointed by the court to attend one or given that option, and this is where we’d like you to take the lead.”
“I’m not the greatest example.”
“But you are.” Conviction poured from Mr. Chavez. “As someone who made those poor choices but turned your life around, you can reach them in a way others can’t. Statistics show those who attend a safe-driving course take away more when presented with real life stories of the dangers.”
“It will be great to have one servicing Jasper Lake, but what about the rest of the county?”
“We only had one and when the grant for the program ended, the organizer decided to shut it down, leaving a need in Orson County.”
It all seemed too good to be true. Was that the catch? “Is the non-profit based on a grant? This sounds like an amazing opportunity, but I don’t want to leave here and find myself out of a job in a year.”
“The non-profit is funded by a trust from our inheritance, plus we’ll plan fundraisers. I’d be happy to show you the financials.” Sweeping the room with his gaze, Mr. Chavez showed understanding. “If you can work it out with Mrs. Addy, I wouldn’t have a problem with your remaining here as well.”
“When do you need an answer?” Acceptance was on the tip of his tongue, but he knew better. “I want to say yes, but I need to pray about it.”
An approving smile pulled at Mr. Chavez’s mouth. “I can give you a week.”
“Thank you.”
Standing to his feet, Mr. Chavez pulled a business card from the interior pocket of his suit jacket. “If you have any questions, call me.”
“I will.” Hunter left his seat and took the card, stunned by the turn of events.
“I’ll see myself out. Have a good day.”
He was still trying to process the information when Addy barged out of breath. “I had every intention of letting you come to me and tell me what he wanted, but I couldn’t wait. Is everything okay? He’s not trying to go after you again, is he?”
He held in a chuckle and shook his head. “The opposite.”
Addy had her hands clutched in front of her. “What do you mean?”