Free The One Who Waits for Me by Lori Copeland Page A

myself.”
    Joanie disagreed with that last part but didn’t say anything about it. “Do you think Trella is in real danger? Would Uncle Walt spend a lot of time looking for her?”
    â€œI doubt it. What’s another slave to him? Eventually he’ll be forced to go back to his own doings.”
    â€œYou don’t really think he’d make you marry Bear.”
    Beth shivered at the unthinkable thought. “I don’t know what he’s capable of doing.” Her uncle’s spitefulness had no limits that she could discern. She wouldn’t put anything past him. That was another reason why she didn’t intend to hang around. Lately Bear had been looking at her extra long, skimming her slim figure and admiring her waist-length golden hair.
    Joanie’s eyelids were drooping. “I’m so tired.”
    â€œRest. I’ll keep watch.”
    â€œI love you, Beth.” Joanie set her Bible on the floor. “I’ll close my eyes for just a moment. Then I’ll keep watch and let you sleep.”
    Beth cradled her sister in the quaint room with the strange birds in the wire cage. The little creatures hopped back and forth, one landing on a swing. Feathers fluffed as the bird drank in the morning sunlight.
    This was the strangest place she’d ever been—but then, she hadn’t been anywhere. She knew a big world existed outside the plantation’s perimeter, but what that meant she didn’t know. Yet she was willing to face the unknown. If it snatched her life, so be it. It would be a life given in search of freedom, and that couldn’t be so bad.
    Perhaps the kind sisters would permit them to stay until evening. They could steal away before the moon came up, keep to the woods, and avoid being seen. If they traveled this way for the next few days, they could safely escape Walt and Bear…
    The parakeets chirped. Warm sun shone through the windows. Ham and eggs rested easy in her full stomach.
    Life was going to be better. Beth felt it in her bones.
    Much better. And if God did exist, as Joanie and so many of the pickers declared, and He knew the hearts of all men, then He would help and not constantly hinder them.

Ten
    W aking with a start from a sound sleep, Beth’s eyes roamed her unfamiliar surroundings. The parakeets still swung on their perch. The sun had climbed a little higher. She shook the fuzz out of her head and realized how much the short nap had refreshed her. Joanie still snoozed on her shoulder, the faint sound of blocked sinuses creating a whistling sound.
    Though she wished they could stay until nightfall, now that she was thinking more clearly she realized that she and Joanie would probably put the convent in danger if they stayed. The sisters must still be in prayer , she thought . We can’t burden these strange women with our problems .
    Gently nudging her sister awake, she whispered, “Joanie, wake up. We need to leave.”
    Joanie stirred. “Are the sisters done?”
    â€œI don’t know, but we have to leave before they return.”
    Awake now, Joanie stretched. “That wouldn’t be polite. We have to stay until they get back. We should explain our situation.”
    â€œNo. We can’t involve them. Walt may be waiting nearby. He would use the sisters to his advantage.”
    â€œHe will take us first. He wouldn’t dare bother these good women.”
    â€œWe will outwit him.” She eased Joanie from the sofa. “I have a plan.”
    Hushed halls echoed their footfalls when they opened the library door and peeked out. Not a mouse stirred. Eyes darting toward the kitchen area, Beth pulled Joanie into the hallway. A polished oak stairway led to the second floor.
    â€œTheir bedrooms must be up there.”
    Joanie emitted a soft gasp. “Beth! We can’t intrude on their private quarters.”
    â€œWe won’t. Well, not much. We just need to borrow a few