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The last of winter's snow began to melt, icicles splashing onto the thawing ground. Josiah drove past Arlana's abandoned farm, heading to the bank. It wasn't that he had stopped searching for Arlana but he had other responsibilities to attend to as well.
He stood at the counter, signing cheques, then slid them under the glass to the teller.
"Thank you," he turned to walk away, his employees paid for another week.
Josiah had barely heard from Lachlan in months which was unusual but knew he was very busy. So much was happening with the current events, he really should hire more people to work on the ground. Lachlan's workload might be too much. He made a mental note to check in on him, stopping by the mailbox on his way home. Old school, he preferred to receive The Resistance in hard copy.
Entering the foyer, he laid the other envelopes on the counter, retreating to his study. Spreading the newspaper open, he began to read the first article before sitting down. He had other ventures, other businesses, but this one was especially close to his heart.
As he read, he noted the little details, making sure they were up to his standards. The paper was glossy, the professionalism of the alternative newspaper up to par. Josiah quickly read the first story, the pictures grabbing his attention. They were clear and crisp, catching the eye. A nice touch. Lachlan was the main journalist, most of the articles his. He'd be sure to let Lachlan know how valuable he was to the team, reaching for a post-it note to jot a to-do list.
Within the newspaper and website, Josiah was never mentioned. He preferred to be behind the scenes. Some things were better left unknown.
The second article was better than the first and should have been the first-page story. He checked the date to the right of the heading. Lachlan had published them in chronological order, not by interest. That was fine, but going forward, having an eye-grabbing article as the cover story would be ideal. He scribbled that note down as well, resuming reading.
That's when he saw it. In small letters beneath the picture - his wife's name.
Josiah dropped the newsletter, leaping off the chair.
"I'm heading out Mother," he called up the stairs, "I'll be back before dark...with my family."
Rivkah appeared at the top of the stairs, clutching the bannister, "You found them!"
Josiah was already gone, running out to his car.
Rivah turned, smoothing her hair back under her tichel. She had a celebration to prepare.
Her family was returning.
*****
A THOUSAND THOUGHTS fought for attention as Josiah sped toward the riot. He pushed aside the knowledge Arlana had spent months alone with Lachlan. The fact Lachlan had known her whereabouts and had chosen not to answer his messages was a betrayal that seared his heart. Not only had Josiah considered Lachlan a true, trustworthy friend, but Lachlan had willingly put Josiah's family in danger. He glanced down at his notes detailing Lachlan's itinerary. He knew exactly where to find them.
Josiah's car swerved as he slammed on the breaks, jumping out of the vehicle. The rioters had worked themselves into a frenzy. He scanned the throngs for any sight of Lachlan or Arlana, knowing Aziel would be with them, although harder to see.
Josiah's blood pressure rose, jaw clenched as he elbowed his way through the mob. This was too much for just one man. He'd have to hire more when he returned, but right now, Arlana's safety was his priority.
He caught a glimpse of Arlana in the crowd, surrounded by men and women wearing black masks to hide their identity. Members of the S.W.A.T. team stood between the opposing sides.
Josiah moved quickly, but not fast enough.
Incensed, a masked man stepped forward, swinging his fist at Arlana who stumbled backwards, the unexpected blow coming in contact with her chest. She fell backwards, losing her footing. Arlana would be crushed by the mob if she fell to the ground, reaching behind her as fast as she could to break her fall, camera forgotten.
In an instant, strong arms caught her before she hit the pavement, sweeping Arlana against his chest as he made his way to the edge of the crowd.
Arlana instinctively held onto her husband, completely in shock, her arms wrapped around his neck. Josiah didn't look down at her, his focus on a clean getaway
Arlana was relieved he had caught her before she fell, yet paled at his sudden presence.
Lachlan was at the edge of the crowd, holding Aziel's hand. He'd lost track of Arlana, the crowd dense. Never in a million years would he have expected Josiah to merge from the crowd, Arlana in his arms.
When they were safely out of harm's way, Josiah looked at Arlana without a hint of condemnation, only sorrow mirrored in his clear eyes, or was it betrayal?
"Come Son," Josiah called Aziel.
Aziel ran to Josiah's side, face erupting in a smile. He let go of Lachlan's hand, not looking back, "Abba!"
Josiah set Arlana down, embracing Aziel.
"I'm here now," he smiled at the child's joy.
"Why did you do this?" He frowned, turning to search Arlana's eyes, "Why did you leave me?"
"I needed the money," Arlana told him the truth, not mentioning that his reaction to the news she was carrying their baby had broken her heart.
Josiah held her face in his hands, "Why didn't you just ask me? I would have provided for all your needs."
Lachlan held back but Josiah turned to him, "You didn't tell her?" His voice was unmistakably laced in condemnation.
Lachlan ran his hand through his hair, explaining to Arlana the truth, although the truth came too late, "Josiah owns The Resistance. He pays us and I give you a portion for your pictures," he wouldn't look directly at her, "It's Josiah's money."
The truth hit her in the face like icy water. She didn't know how to respond, her world once again shaking.
Josiah looked into her eyes, "You only needed to ask."
Josiah walked to the car, leading Arlana and Aziel by the hand, not bothering to look at Lachlan. "I'm taking my family home."
He'd deal with Lachlan later. Right now, his family was his only concern.
*****
ARLANA WAS COMPLETELY embarrassed as Josiah entered the hotel to retrieve their few belongings. Embarrassed. Ashamed. Did it really matter? The result was the same.
Wordlessly, Josiah placed their luggage in the trunk, then started the ignition. It was going to be a long drive.
Josiah was silent as they drove down the highway, finally breaking the silence. "I've been searching for you for months. I never gave up on you - on us." He glanced over, looking for a reaction and finding none. Did she want to stay with Lachlan? Had she really refused him?
Arlana held onto a blank expression, afraid of being vulnerable, of exposing her heart. "I'm sorry I ran. Life is too overwhelming right now and I needed help."
"I've always been there for you, Arlana. Even in my absence, I have left provisions for you and Aziel..." He glanced down at her extended stomach, "... For my children. You need to trust my faithfulness and love for you." His words were tender, yet each slapped her in the face, her own conscious condemning her more than Josiah did. His sadness at her decision could not be ignored.
"I want to see Savtah," Aziel piped up from the backseat, unable to take his eyes off Josiah, his happiness tangible.
Unlike his mother, Aziel had never given up.
"She can't wait to see you too," Josiah smiled, glancing in the rear-view mirror.
****
RIVKA HAD THE LIGHT on and was watching at the door when the car pulled up. She didn't bother wearing a jacket, running down the stairs. Within a second, Aziel was in her arms, their tears mingling.
"Oh my precious boy, welcome home!" She raised her face, holding out an arm for Arlana.
Arlana stepped backwards wishing to hide in the darkness. Humiliated.
Josiah stepped behind her, holding out his hand to her.
"Welcome home,"Josiah’s voice was tender as he drew her into the light.