Miriam huddled in the corner of a tiny church where she had found shelter. “Thank You, Lord, for the buggy that knocked Serpent to the pavement and allowed me to escape. Thank You, too, for this open church that provided a place to hide.”
Looking up, she stared at the small cross hanging at the side of the altar. “Oh, Lord, I was wrong—so wrong—in coming to Georgia. Forgive me and protect my baby sister.”
She dropped her head into her hands and cried.
“Miriam?”
Raising her head, she wiped her hands across her cheeks and turned to see Abram standing at the rear of the church. A ray of sunlight broke through one of the windows and washed him in light.
“I didn’t know where you were.” He hurried toward her and touched her shoulder. “Daniel found your bonnet and cape.”
He placed both items next to her on the pew.
“Serpent chased after me. I barely got away. Then I saw the church.” Miriam smiled weakly. “God provided a refuge.”
Like the refuge of Abram’s house.
He raised his thumb and dabbed at the tear still on her cheek. “We will talk to the sheriff.”
She shook her head, adamant to stay clear of law enforcement and eager to tell Abram what she had learned about his uncle. “Serpent was talking to someone in front of the sheriff’s office. An older man, receding hairline, thick glasses.”
“That sounds like Samuel.”
“That’s what I feared. I refuse to talk to him, Abram.”
“The two men aren’t working together, Miriam. You can trust my uncle.”
Could she?
She stared into Abram’s eyes, willing him to understand her concern. Perhaps he wanted everything to end and felt the easiest way to be rid of her was to turn her over to his uncle.
“Did you find any information about my sister or my aunt?” she asked.
His eyes clouded. “No one knew of either woman.”
“And my mother’s family?”
He shrugged. “Miller is a common name.”
Was Abram making excuses?
Miriam glanced again at the cross. Oh, Lord, help me to see more clearly so I know what to do. Abram trusts his uncle, but I saw him with Serpent. If only Abram would understand my concern.
“My mother couldn’t have made up a town named Willkommen,” Miriam said. “She was slipping into dementia, but she could remember things that happened years ago. It was the more recent events that eluded her.”
“Perhaps her family lived deep in the mountains,” Abram offered as explanation for not finding information about her kin. “Some folks keep to themselves and rarely come to town. Or they could have moved away long ago.”
The explanation sounded plausible. Not that she felt any better about the situation. Miriam had come to Willkommen specifically to connect with her mother’s family. Now, that seemed impossible.
“Stay here, Miriam. I will bring the buggy to the alley. I do not want you walking along the street where Serpent could see you.”
She didn’t want Abram to leave her, but he was right. She would be safer in the buggy.
He squeezed her hand. “I will not be long.”
Her spirits sank as she watched him leave the church, knowing she would soon be heading to Atlanta, leaving Willkommen and leaving Abram. They were worlds apart, which broke her heart.
* * *
Abram parked the buggy in the alley behind the church. He tied the horse to a fence pole and turned his gaze up and down the narrow path, alert to any sign of Serpent. The back of the church was nestled in a cluster of oaks interspersed with magnolias. Their wide, waxy leaves provided thick cover from any passersby. At least, that was Abram’s hope.
He hurried toward the church and double-timed it up the side stairway. After easing open the door, he slipped into the darkened interior. His heart stopped. The church was empty.
He glanced at the small cross, his heart hardening in his chest. Don’t take another woman from me, Gott.
“Abram.”
He turned, relief sweeping over him. Miriam sat huddled in a back pew.
“I heard someone open the door to the church. Then the person turned and walked away. I feared someone had spotted me and was notifying the sheriff.”
Abram hurried to reassure her. “I told you Samuel can be trusted.”
She shook her head. “I can’t trust anyone, Abram.”
“You can trust me.”
Miriam stared at him as if weighing his words.
Even now she did not believe he would take care of her. Abram knew it to be true.
He pointed to the side door. “We will go out this way. The buggy is directly behind the church.”
Together they hurried outside. Abram helped her climb into the rear of the buggy. Once she was settled, he encouraged Nellie forward. Rounding the corner of the church, Abram searched for any hint of danger.
“The market is not far. We will be there soon.”
Miriam let out a deep breath. The sound carried with it an increased amount of frustration and fear. No matter how much Abram tried to reassure her, Miriam was in danger. She knew it. So did he.