“We’re not helpless. God has gone before us.”
“Am I playing God by trying to change history?” The thought had occurred to me several times, but I tried to push it away. He had allowed me to learn about Sam’s death. Wasn’t it my responsibility to do the right thing, even if it cost me the life I wanted to live?
“I don’t even know how to answer that.” Sam sighed as he hugged me close again. “I just know that we made vows to one another, and I want to honor them.”
“What God has brought together—”
“Let no man put asunder.”
“I believe God brought us together. He led me here and allowed love to grow between us.”
“Then we must not let anyone harm our marriage.”
“Whoever starts the fire on November 3rd has the intention to harm us.”
“I think that’s the answer, then, Ally. You’re not playing God. You’re protecting the man you love.”
“I do love you, Sam.”
He kissed me then, and I wasn’t sure how he did it, but each kiss felt more incredible than the last, and my longing for him increased. The closeness and bond I felt with him was unlikeanything I’d ever experienced with another person. And I wanted more. A lifetime more.
Sam deepened the kiss and stole my breath. His body pressed against mine as the kiss became more passionate—
A slight knock at the door interrupted the moment.
I was closest to the door, so I walked over and opened it.
My eyes widened as I found one of the prostitutes standing on our doorstep, so badly beaten that her right eye was swollen shut and her torn clothes were hanging off her body. Blood streaked from her split lip down her chin, and bruises darkened around her neck.
“Lulu,” Sam said as he opened the door a little wider.
What little strength had brought her to our door was now gone, and she crumpled to the floor in an unconscious heap.
I reached for her but was unable to stop her from falling.
“Jim did this to her,” Sam said as he scooped her off the ground effortlessly. “There’s practically nothing left of her. She’s skin and bones.”
“Did he starve her? Why would he do that?”
“To punish her, most likely.” Sam glanced out the back door. “She might have been followed. I need to get her out of here before Jim shows up.”
“It’s getting lighter out.”
“That’s why we need to move fast.” He shook his head in anger. “I don’t want to get you messed up in this, but I need your help. Grab a couple of quilts and meet me in the shed. And try not to wake the children.”
I did as Sam asked and grabbed two quilts from a trunk in our room, then went outside.
The morning was dawning, and the noise in the adjoining gambling hall had quieted as I made my way across the dusty yard. Even though I saw no one, I felt like a dozen pairs of eyes were on me as I stepped into the shed.
Lulu was lying on the ground as Sam tossed firewood out of a handcart and onto a pile in the corner.
“What will you do?” I asked.
“The only thing I can. Get her out of Sydney Town.” He finished tossing the wood out and reached for one of the quilts. After he laid it in the bottom of the cart, he lifted Lulu and put her inside.
“Is she still alive?”
“Barely. She needs a doctor.”
