“We did,” he said evenly. “But this is different. That machine shop next door?”
“Yes.”
“I’m the one trying to sell it, Pippa. And that’s not going to happen as long as any potential buyers think the shop sits next to a gang hideout.”
“That’s ridiculous,” she snapped.
“Well, maybe so, but I guess that’s just one more thing we will have to agree to disagree about. And should you change your mind...”
“Go on,” she said instead of snapping back at him.
“Well,” he said in a surprisingly kind tone. “I understand that to the kids this is art. Or rather street art. I really do. But please understand what I’m saying, too. The For Sale sign has been up over a month and I’ve only had one person inquire. Nobody wants to buy property in the wrong neighborhood. And—”
“And you think we give that impression.” When he said nothing, Pippa felt compelled to continue. “I disagree, Logan. However, I would love to help any way I can with the cleanup. Who is in charge?”
“That would be me.”
“Oh.” Pippa forced a hopeful tone into her voice. “Well, good. Then count me in. I’ll bring friends. The more the merrier, right?”
She couldn’t help thinking as she hung up that Logan’s enthusiasm was sorely missing. Well, no matter. She and the R10:14 kids would do their part to clean up their neighborhood. Then Logan would see the value in what happened behind the brightly painted exterior walls.
Chapter Five
The last of the skaters left R10:14 a little after three on Saturday afternoon. Pippa tossed the bags into the trash bin and then walked back over to be certain the warehouse doors were securely locked. The day had been long, but thanks to the loan of an industrial-sized fan, the skaters had kept cool.
The first-ever Vine Beach skating competition had brought out several dozen kids from as far away as Galveston, and many of them were new to R10:14. And though the prizes were modest, none of the winners complained when he or she was awarded a T-shirt.
More important, each entrant received a copy of the New Testament bound in a trendy graffiti print courtesy of Rico and his tagging skills. The words of Romans 10:14, the ministry’s signature verse, were scrawled across the front cover in a brilliant hue:
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Pippa counted it a victory that only three skaters left their copies behind. She prayed over each one of the three, asking God to send those teenagers back and cause them to bring friends along with them. She added a prayer that somehow the Lord would soften Logan’s heart and help him to see the kids and the ministry the way she did.
Pippa climbed into her car and turned the key, bristling at the thought that a good man like Logan Burkett couldn’t see beyond the street art outside to the good things going on inside. As the Mini Cooper’s air-conditioning filled the space, she let out a long breath and forced her temper to cool, as well. She would win him over. After all, Logan wasn’t a bad guy. He just had a different way of looking at things.
“You’re in control, God,” she whispered.
Pippa reached into her bag to retrieve the copy Rico had proudly given her and traced each letter, thinking of how far the former juvenile delinquent had come. A tap on her window made Pippa jump and the book tumbled to the floor.
When Pippa lowered the window, Riley Burkett was quick to apologize. “I didn’t mean to frighten you,” he said. “I saw you were here and thought I’d say hello.” His gaze fell to the book on the floor mat. “What’s that?”
“It’s Rico’s New Testament.” She leaned to retrieve it, then handed the copy to Logan’s father. “He did the artwork himself, and a donation from Leah and Ryan over at Pop’s Seafood allowed us to have plenty of copies printed up for the competition this weekend. I’m quite proud of him.”
“As well you should be,” the older man said as he opened the book and smiled. “Seems like yesterday I was having to report Rico once or twice a week for tagging my vacant properties, and now he’s using his artistic talent for something like this?” His gaze met hers. “This is incredible.”
Pippa smiled. Both knew the story of the eighteen-year-old who could just as easily have turned to a life of crime rather than a life led for the Lord. Thanks to Riley Burkett’s recommendation, Rico had been doing maintenance work and other odd jobs for Burkett Properties in addition to the demo job for Logan.
“Yes, it is beautiful, isn’t it?” Pippa smiled. “Rico is applying to colleges. Did you know that?”
Mr. Burkett shook his head. “I didn’t, but you tell that young man if he needs a reference letter, I’d be happy to write one.”
Her heart soared. “He will be thrilled.”
“It would be my pleasure,” he said as he handed the Bible back to her.
“No, keep it,” Pippa told him. “I know he would want you to.”
The Realtor tucked the book under his arm and grinned. “Thank you.” His expression sobered. “I’ve got to admit to an ulterior motive in stopping by.”
“Oh?”
“I felt like I should warn you.” Mr. Burkett glanced around and then leaned toward her. “About the kids using the parking lot.”
“There’s been a complaint,” she supplied.
His look of discomfort spoke for him. “Nothing formal, but the owner feels...”
Pippa sighed. “The kids are bringing down the value of the neighborhood and keeping the property from selling. Yes, Logan told me.”
Mr. Burkett’s nod was brief. “I’ve tried to explain to him that in this market it is not unusual for a property such as the machine shop to go without an offer for many, many months.”
Pippa thought of the lease on the warehouse and how inexpensive the rent had been for that very reason. An ideal solution would be to buy both buildings and achieve the dual purpose of gaining an outdoor space for her skaters and losing a neighbor bent on complaining.
Unfortunately there was no room in her budget—or Granny’s—for such an expense. Perhaps someday, but definitely not until the Branson Building was completed and the gallery open and turning a profit.
“I’m determined to show Logan he’s wrong,” Pippa said. “I’ve challenged him to come by and see what we do.”
“My son may not realize it just yet, but I’m well aware of what a great job you’re doing.” Mr. Burkett glanced over his shoulder and seemed to be studying the warehouse. “Your grandmother tells me you’ll be running the gallery when it opens. What will you do with this place then?”
“My goal is to divide my time between both.”
“An ambitious plan.” He shrugged. “But who am I to say it can’t be done?”
Pippa grinned. “Exactly.”
“I would say the same about your project to win Logan over. You’ll let me know how I can help with that, won’t you?”
“Of course.”
“Then I’ll look forward to hearing from you.” Mr. Burkett winked. “And in the meantime, I’ll work on that stubborn son of mine. Maybe see if I can get him to come for supper. Speaking of supper, my wife will not be happy if I forget to pick up cornmeal.”
Pippa joined him in laughing. “Thank