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She shook her head. “Mr. Watson, it’s the middle of the night, I’m sure this can wait—”
“Please Miss Campbell, listen to me!” He took her by the arm and led her inside, glancing over his shoulder into the street. His strong fingers injected fear into her already rigid body. The urgency in his eyes froze her like an icy storm.
“You must leave this house. Now. Wake your sister, grab your necessities, and come with me. There is not a moment to spare.”
Eliza gripped her shawl even tighter and stared at him. Somehow, deep within, she knew he spoke the truth.
She straightened. “I’ll just be a moment. Wait here.”
Without another glance she left him in the entryway and dashed up the stairs.
“Kitty! Kitty! Get up!” She shook her sister, who slept as sound as the dead. “Katherine Campbell, wake up now!”
Kitty rubbed her eyes, looking perturbed at the interruption. “Liza? What are you—”
“I can’t explain.” Eliza grabbed the quilt and threw it off her. “Grab your clothes and shoes. We must leave immediately. We’re in danger.” She pulled clothes out of their chest of drawers and stuffed them in a small bag.
Kitty’s face scrunched. She jumped off the bed and began gathering her own clothes. Neither of them spoke, focused on the task. Once their necessities were gathered, they quickly slipped into their shoes before racing back down the stairs.
Thomas stood alert in the open doorway as if waiting for someone. He turned with a jerk when Eliza and Kitty entered, before taking another quick glance outside, and shutting the door. The only light in the room came from the moon outside and the one candle that Eliza still held in her hand. The eerie glow hung around them like a haunting apparition.
“Do you have any food?” Thomas asked. “If you can get it quickly it would be wise to bring with us.”
Kitty voiced Eliza’s exact thoughts. “Where are we going? What’s happening?”
No one answered her.
“Aye, we have a few things.” Eliza moved swiftly into the kitchen and snatched some bread and four apples, placing the items in another small satchel. She bumped her elbow and dashed her foot on the leg of the table as she fumbled with the bags over her arm and candle in her hand.
Hurry.
She knew God’s voice when He spoke.
Hurry!
Eliza picked up speed and raced into the main room.
“I hear horses!” Thomas said in a loud whisper, yanking the candle from her hand and blowing it out. “We can’t use the front door. Is there another way?”
“The back!” Eliza’s stomach pulled in knots.
She held tight to her sister’s cold hand as Thomas followed close behind. They moved careful and quick around furniture and through doors until they reached the back porch.
Racing down the steps, they plunged headlong into the soggy field for only a few paces when they heard shouts coming from the front of the house.
“Get down!” Thomas yanked on Eliza’s arm to stop them.
They slid onto their stomachs, and lay shoulder-to-shoulder facing the house. The cold, wet earth oozed around Eliza’s body, soaking the front of her nightdress and pinching her skin with its chill.
From their position in the tall grass they saw lanterns ablaze. Two soldiers stomped through the house, turning over tables and chairs, yelling for Robert and spouting commands to one another.
The world around Eliza spun. She tasted blood as she bit her lip, trying not to cry out, and peered at Thomas. His eyes were pinned to the house as if his vision alone would impale the intruders. His jaw ticked, tangible rage pluming with every exhale.
She glanced next at Kitty who stared wide-eyed at the scene before them, tears tumbling down her face. Eliza placed her arm around Kitty and pulled her tight, stroking her sister’s arm. I must keep my sister safe. No matter what happens. I will not repeat the mistakes I made with Peter.
No one said a word until the soldiers left the house, still yelling as much as before. They were down the road and out of view before Eliza turned to Thomas once again.
“Mr. Watson—I . . . I don’t know what to say.” She spoke low, straining to keep her emotions from spilling out of her eyes.
