By Skeeter Ebersole
​Illustrated by Joyce Zuiderveen
​It seemed like a good idea at the time, but as Jeff Martinson accepted a prize for guessing the first road closure of the evening, footage of the responsible accident played across the TV. A trapped family ruined it for lightening things up. The boss wasn’t amused by his son’s antics.
The accident scene was difficult to work, especially for Officer Rodriguez, a rookie on his first patrol. It was one of many difficulties he’d face that night, finishing his shift with desk duty and mandated counseling, for which he chose a retired pastor serving as a police chaplain.
Months later Jeff began helping a little girl from the accident but didn’t make the  connection. It went against his nature to volunteer to help without reward, but painful memories betrayed him not once, but three times. At least the elderly pastor he met only needed a ride now and then.
Pastor Boston discovered his involvement wasn’t the only coincidence connecting his helper and his client. Can Jeff get back in his father’s good graces while helping these people? What got Rodriguez in trouble? Why does Rodriguez find Jeff’s face so familiar? What happened to both men that New Year’s Eve?