Page 136 of Running to You

Sam was watching her, too, waiting.

“I mean, I don’t… Whatever you two think we should—”

“Eliza.” There was Sam’s anger, peeking through.

But how would they know?

She considered the question.

The women would keep doing what they’d been trained to do. They’d harvest crops and muck out stalls and collect eggs. They’d build and weave and quilt and take care of the children. They didn’t need to be guarded, though she didn’t doubt a few guards remained. But most wouldn’t try to leave, and if a few did… Well, maybe they’d get away. But in that respect, nothing had changed. The women had no reason to believe anything was wrong, at least as far as Eliza knew. Of course, something could’ve changed.

Everything could have changed. But…but she had to make a decision. Again, her father’s words echoed in her mind. You make choices, and you trust that God’s got you.

“I think they’re safe, for now.”

Sam squeezed her shoulder. It was nothing, really, just a slight touch. He’d probably forgotten for a moment that he hated her.

Michael said, “Good. So maybe…” He looked at Sam. “Mom and Dad?”

“I don’t want to pull them into this.”

The download completed, and Eliza swiveled back to the desk. She ejected one thumb drive, inserted the other, and started the process over.

“They’re only pulled in if Keller knows we did it,” Michael was saying. “And how would he?”

There was a pause, and Eliza looked up in time to see Sam cut his gaze to her.

Oh.

“You have a lot to lose.” He sounded apologetic. “I know you’d never put anyone in jeopardy on purpose, but if your mom’s life is in danger, or your son’s—”

“I’d tell him anything, no question about it.” Eliza turned her focus back to the screen. “You guys decide where to send the information, and don’t tell me. Then, no matter what…” She closed her eyes against an onslaught of images. “I won’t be able to tell.”

The brothers moved away. She didn’t look as they talked in low tones and couldn’t make out what they were saying. She focused on the documents being transferred, the progress line inching across the screen.

Two more minutes. One more. And then it was done.

When she turned, Sam and Michael were both bent over envelopes, writing.

Five minutes later, the paperwork and flash drives were being overnighted to people the brothers trusted.

When they got to the car, Michael said, “Just so you know, we each chose somebody—not our parents—and filled out the forms. I don’t know who he chose, and he doesn’t know who I chose. Just in case.”

Sam added, “Both packages have notes explaining what to do with it if we don’t contact them in seven days. No matter what happens with you, Keller’s going down.”

She refused to dwell on the many things that could go wrong. “Smart.”

The screen on the console showed directions back to the airport, and Michael headed that way.

Sam turned to face her. “Try not to worry. We’ll keep you safe.”

She loved the confidence in his words. The problem was, he said nothing about her mother or her son. Sam wanted to protect Eliza, and she was thankful for that, but she’d do anything to save Mom and Levi.

She needed to know he’d make the same choice.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Sam was trying to be nice, to make good on his promise of forgiveness. How could he hold a grudge after all he’d been forgiven?