Disappointment swelled inside her and she fought to hide it. For some seconds, she thought this might just be an introductory talk and he would later talk about courtship with her.
Silly woman, even if that’s the case, doesn’t it show he puts his job first?
Clearing her throat so that he wouldn’t hear the tears in them, she asked, “What did you hear?”
Not realizing the turmoil he had caused inside her, Adam said, “I’ve had my suspicions that the attacks on the Indians are to get their lands. The conversation I heard yesterday finally proved it.
“The sheriff and the banker talked about a development company coming to change the state of Ruby Rock forever, making it suitable for only the wealthy. I would have listened to more of their plans, but one of the sheriff’s deputies came in and found me eavesdropping. I tried to find out what was going on from Joe and Gabe, but they were tight-lipped about it.”
Forcing away her disappointment, Olivia nodded. That he had chosen to come there to tell her such sensitive information ought to count for something.
“I think I agree. It really might have something to do with acquiring all the lands in the area.”
Something tugged in Olivia’s mind.
Without hesitation, she spoke her thoughts out loud, “It was a long time ago, but I remember an incident on the very day my parents died. Now, I’m wondering if it had something to do with their deaths.”
Adam jerked beside her. “What was it? That is if it’s not too painful for you to recount.”
She shook her head even though her face tightened at the memory.
“I recall playing in the garden and I heard loud voices. Mama and Papa already told me not to interrupt them whenever they were having visitors. Most times, they were people they prayed with or shared the Word of God with, so I never went into the house at such times.
“But that day, I heard my parents talking at the top of their voices which was very unusual. Even when they’re cross with me or someone, they never raised their voices. I knew something was wrong so I went to the window to listen.
“They told someone or maybe two people, I can’t remember, that their house isn’t for sale. The person kept on offering prices, but my parents stood their ground. They told the person they intended to build a church there someday.
“I remember how cold the person’s voice turned when he said they would regret it. When he left, I heard my mother sobbing and my father comforted her. Later they prayed for God’s protection and guidance.”
Despair rose inside Olivia as she wondered if her parents had indeed been killed because of the land. Had their room been deliberately set on fire?
Adam placed a hand on her arm as tears smarted in her eyes. The more she thought about it, the more she believed they were murdered. The man who threatened them probably set their room on fire and then made it impossible for them to be able to escape.
“I’m so sorry, Olivia. “
Adam’s sympathy broke the hold Olivia had exerted on herself. Hot tears poured down her face.
Adam let out a ragged sigh and drew her into his arms. That gesture broke the dam of Olivia’s tears. Being in his warm and secure arms brought back memories of her parents. She recalled how they used to hug her and tell her that everything would be alright no matter what came her way.
But this was too much to bear. First, her parents, and then her Indian tribe all because of land. It was grossly unfair.
For the first time since she acknowledged her faith as a Christian, she questioned the redemption of the whole world. She had always believed that anyone and everyone could change. But what kind of salvation laid in store for someone who didn’t have any problem with setting an innocent couple on fire as well as killing multiple Indians just to take their land.
It was cruel and heartless and she wasn’t sure she would be able to forgive such a person. She missed her parents and her Indian tribe terribly.
“Hush now, Olivia. Justice will be served. This I promise you. With the last drop of my blood, I’ll make sure the people who did such callous acts gets what’s coming to them. They will rot in jail, I promise,” Adam fiercely said.
Registering that she was soaking his shirt with her tears, she pulled herself together and drew away from his embrace. Blushing, she lowered her head. Now she appreciated him taking her away from the orphanage to tell her about the land issue.
The children would have heard her crying and come out to find out what was going on as well as her fellow workers.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, accepting the handkerchief he offered her.
“You don’t have to be, Olivia. I completely understand what you’re going through. Remember I also lost my parents in such a brutal manner. Their lives were cut short before my very eyes.”
Olivia nodded, recognizing for the first time that they had some things in common. They had both grown up as orphans and found new families to love them. Their parents were preachers who died violently. While she had lost her new family, Adam still had his and she was happy for him for that. At least, she had gained a new family at the orphanage.
“Come,” Adam said in a soft voice and took her hand.
