34

“There, up ahead! I see the light!” Frederick yelled to Dr. Freeman over the roaring din of the storm. He quickened his pace. It seemed to have the same effect on the doctor. Both men pushed the table raft holding the mother and child as if they were on the last leg of a most peculiar relay race.

Darkness surrounded them on every side. Objects floating in the water bumped into Frederick, unnerving him. His leg muscles burned with every swimming step. The wind pushed against the raft. Frederick had to get them to a safe place before it was too late.

And, at last, they reached the lighthouse.

Frederick stood at the door of the great tower and pounded against it, his hand burned with each blow. He tried opening it, but it wouldn’t budge. Once again, he beat on the door.

Someone was opening the latch. They were saved.

A male figure stood inside the door as water poured in around his knees.

Frederick leaned in close, keeping his grip on the table. He pushed Mr. McKinney’s hat up on his head so the man could see his eyes. “Sir, we are two men with a severely injured woman and her child. I beseech you to give us shelter.”

The man held a lantern, illuminating his weathered, kind face. He immediately opened the door as best he could in the deep waters. “We don’t have much room left, but come on in.”

He helped hold the table steady while the two men untied Miss Emily and Alyssa.

Frederick held his arms out to the little girl, and she leapt into them.

The doctor lifted the young woman off the raft and carried her inside the structure.

Frederick followed with Alyssa, set her down on the stairs, and then turned to help the lighthouse keeper close the door against the flood. Other hands reached to push the door closed.

Frederick glanced out the crack in the door in time to see their raft whisked away by the rushing Gulf water.

Dr. Freeman placed Miss Emily on the stairs and sat down beside her.

She slumped against the doctor’s shoulder like a ragdoll.

The man lifted his lantern and looked closely at the young woman. “Is she all right?”

Dr. Freeman nodded. “Yes, I believe she will be all right now that we’re out of the storm. She’s suffered a severe ankle fracture. The elements haven’t been kind to us. She needs to rest.”

“I can understand that. By the way, I’m Harry Claiborne, the lightkeeper.”

“Frederick Chessher and this is Dr. Theodore Freeman.” Frederick waved at Theodore. “Thank you so much for allowing us in.” Frederick shook the man’s hand while standing in the waist high water as though it were normal.

The lantern light cast eerie shadows against the brick tower wall. Every step going up the enormous tower was filled with survivors, two and three abreast. Women and children wailed in terror as the lighthouse swayed against the relentless wind. Seawater dripped down on the newcomers from the soaking wet clothes of those sitting above them.

“Good lord, how many have you taken in?”

Mr. Claiborne stared up at the crowd above him. “More than a hundred.”

A sliver of hope entered Frederick’s heart. “Tell me, have you seen a young woman with long, golden hair? She would have been with her mother…and sisters.”

“Mister, I have no idea who all’s on these stairs. Anyone who came to us we let them in.” He wiped water from his face. “I’ve got to get back up topside. Can’t let the light go dark. It’s my duty.”

“Yes, of course.” Frederick grasped Claiborne’s arm. “Again, I thank you for allowing us shelter.”

Mr. Claiborne dipped his chin. He put his foot on the step beside Alyssa and carefully made his way over, around, and through the horde of people taking refuge on the stairs.

Frederick sat down beside Alyssa. She snuggled close to him, and he pulled the child into his lap. Large round eyes stared up at him.

“Are we safe now, Mr. Fred?” Raindrops mixed with tears sparkled on her lashes in the slowly fading lantern light.

Water lapped at the soles of his shoes. He squeezed the little girl tight. “I certainly hope so, my dear.”

The lamplight evaporated, plunging them into total darkness. Alyssa laid her head against his chest. “I’m scared,” she whined.

“Don’t be afraid, darling. I’m right here, and I won’t let go.”

“You promise?”

“Yes, I promise.”

“Mr. Fred, Mommy says that when I’m afraid I should ask God to protect me. Will you say a prayer for me?”

Frederick refused to acknowledge God, Who brought such hellish destruction down on His people. No, he wouldn’t do it.

“Why don’t you say your own prayer, Alyssa? How does that sound?”

The child huffed out a stream of sobs. “But, but, I don’t know how!”

Dr. Freeman reached down and rested his hand on Alyssa’s head. “I’ll pray for you, child. Now bow your head.”

Frederick was happy for the darkness surrounding them. It hid his quivering lips. He didn’t have to conceal the burning teardrops brimming over his eyelids. No one could see his heartache. Oh, Sarah, please be safe, wherever you are. He couldn’t quell the sobbing that shook his body. If I die this night, my love…I, I hope you will find my lifeless body and know that I came back for you as I said I would. I love you, my darling. Please know that I love you.