by Cathy Marie Hake, Lynn A. Coleman, Mary Davis, Susan Page Davis
I will never forsake you. A gentle breeze caressed her hot skin. She looked around but saw nothing amiss. God is here with me! Hollan knew the fact as well as she knew her own name. She wasn’t alone.
God had a plan for her. She didn’t know what it was, but she rested in the knowledge that He’d led her here for a purpose.
“Hollan.”
Had God spoken her name aloud?
She glanced around and saw movement to her right.
“Hollan.” The raspy voice came again, stronger this time.
It couldn’t be. Her mind must be playing tricks on her. But she hadn’t imagined that voice.
“Papa?” Her voice broke. Please, God, let it be so!
“It’s me, daughter.”
Hollan pulled at her ties, but they only tightened.
“Papa!”
“Don’t fight the ropes, Hollan. You’ll only cause yourself pain.”
“But, Papa, what are you doing here?”
“Same thing as you, apparently.” His soft laugh flowed through her like a salve. “I’ve missed you so much. I know you had to worry.”
“I knew you were alive.” Hollan smiled into the darkness. God had indeed had a plan. He’d sent her to rescue her father.
Chapter 10
Jacob couldn’t believe the mess his wife had gotten herself into this time. How could she not have seen the crew’s arrival? He cringed as he thought through the words. Maybe her vision hadn’t returned after all. And here he’d been thinking she was keeping something from him. He felt awful. He’d just found her again, and he wouldn’t lose her now. He had to get her back.
The ship was too far out for him to swim to her, and though the tide was going out, he knew they’d never make it back to shore, even if he had their missing boat. The boat wouldn’t have helped anyway. They kept it on the inland side of the island. He couldn’t go after her. He’d never make it through the currents. He paced back and forth on the shore, trying to come up with a plan. Without his own boat, he had no choice but to watch as she floated away with the crew. He hadn’t felt this helpless since the night his father and brothers had ransacked the town.
Samson remained at the water’s edge, staring out over the ocean. Every once in a while he’d look at Jacob like, Why aren’t you doing something?
Jacob returned to the dog’s side and watched until the rowboat was too far away to see very well. Even if Hollan looked around, she wouldn’t see him now.
He turned back and headed at a fast pace toward the lighthouse. Samson trotted alongside him. “We’ll get her back, boy, don’t worry.”
Jacob sounded a lot more confident than he felt. He took the steps of the lighthouse two at a time. Maybe he couldn’t go after her, but what he could do was keep watch, take notice of anything he could about the ship, and track their progress. When Fletcher came their way with the supply boat, Jacob would summon help.
The crew of the ship didn’t appear to be in any hurry. They lingered offshore even as the sun set. The full moon tracked their progress as they curved around the end of the island and sailed toward the mouth of the river.
Jacob’s heart skipped a beat. If the captain continued his present course, they’d soon be near the far side of the island. The channel narrowed on that side in a way that if Jacob left now, he might be able to get on board the ship.
The thud of heavy feet lumbering down the stairs pulled Hollan from a restless sleep. She found herself curled up on the filthy floor.
“Jacob.” Her voice was hoarse as she whispered his name. Perhaps he’d found a way to come for her. She peered through the darkness but knew immediately that Jacob would never arrive in such a noisy fashion. Her heart sank. He’d come in quietly, not wanting to rouse suspicion, and would sneak her—and her father—away without anyone the wiser. Whoever descended the stairs now had no concerns about drawing attention. Quite the contrary, from the noise the person made on the stairs, he wanted to alert everyone to his presence.
Her legs were numb from hours spent in an awkward position. Earlier, during the night when she couldn’t bear the thought of sitting or lying on the slimy wood floor, she’d placed her forehead against the pole and settled into a squat. She hadn’t slept well at all. The tormented moans of the other prisoners had her on edge. Throughout the night the sound of tiny claws skittering across the floor made her shudder. She could well imagine what type of creature the scurrying feet belonged to. And the cloying heat and putrid odors permeated every breath she took.
Each time she’d doze off, she’d fall forward, and the motion would jerk her back awake. Exhaustion had her on edge. She didn’t even want to imagine what David had planned for her. And she hoped she’d never find out. He wouldn’t have anything in store for her if she could help it. She only had to figure out an escape plan before the madman sent for her.
“Cap’n wants to see you on deck.”
The escape plan would have to wait.
Paxton stood beside her. When she couldn’t rise on her own, he grabbed her arm and pulled her roughly to her feet. Her legs tingled.
“You seem to take great pleasure in yanking me around by my arm.” His bad eye made him look demented in the dimness.
“A lot of things bring me great pleasure. Dealing with you does not.”
“Leave her alone!”
Papa.
Her father’s voice brought her a measure of peace, even though he couldn’t do anything to help her at the moment. She had to focus on a plan that would get them both away from here. In the meantime, it wouldn’t hurt to pray.
Lord, I’m not sure what is in store for me while You have me on this ship, but I pray that You’ll protect us. Please help Jacob to know where we are, and keep my father safe.
She turned her attention to Paxton. “What does David want with me?”
Paxton shrugged as he untied the knots in the rope that held her hands prisoner. Once he released her, she almost fell on her face.
“You’ll get your sea legs in due time.”
“I don’t intend to be around long enough for that to happen.”
Paxton laughed. “I don’t see that you have a choice.”
“I’ll find a way out of here.”
“You will, huh? We’ll see about that.”
He half-dragged her to the stairs. They exited the stairwell onto the main deck, and the bright early morning light shot a dagger of pain through Hollan’s head. She closed her eyes briefly, let them adjust, and then squinted through them. Her vision remained clear. She eased her eyes open after a moment and located David at the ship’s helm.
She left Paxton’s grasp and plowed forward. “David.”
“Ah, good morning, Hollan. I trust you slept well?”
She ignored his ridiculous question and instead asked one of her own, echoing her earlier one to Paxton. “What do you want with me?”
“It seems I need to go up the inland channel. In order to do so, I’ll happen to need a guide.”
Hollan couldn’t hold back her smirk. He needed a guide, and he’d chosen the least able person to comply. “You do realize I lost my eyesight three years ago?”
He glanced at her, his forehead wrinkled. “You can’t see at all? If that were true, you wouldn’t have found your way so easily to me just now.”
“Whether I can or can’t see right now doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I haven’t seen this pass or much of anything else since. You’ve chosen and kidnapped the wrong person to help you.”
“You can stop looking so amused.” David’s scowl deepened. “I’m sure the pass hasn’t changed all that much over the past three years.”
“Do you seriously believe that?” Hollan’s jaw dropped. “Do you not remember the storms we get around here? Nothing ever remains the same.”
Not in the least. The storms damaged everything. Her experiences attested to that.
“Then you’d better pray the storms haven’t changed the pass.”
Hollan st
arted to refuse. She wouldn’t guide him anywhere.
“If you don’t abide by my terms, your father will pay the price for your rebellion.”
That quieted her. She wouldn’t do anything to bring more pain to her father.
An idea began to formulate in her mind. When they rounded the end of the island to enter the pass, Jacob would be at the closest point to help them. At least he would be if he knew she was aboard the ship and he’d been tracking their progress.
She couldn’t stand the thought of the alternative. If he hadn’t figured out where she’d disappeared to, why would he care about one more ship offshore? She hadn’t a clue where her father had gone when he’d disappeared. Why would Jacob have any idea about where she’d gone? Even if he went to look for her, she’d have disappeared just as completely as her father.
She decided that just in case Jacob hadn’t figured out her whereabouts, her plan had to be something she could fulfill on her own. The pass was treacherous in the best of times. Maybe she could use that to her advantage.
“The currents are very strong at the mouth of the river.”
“Thank you. We’ll prepare for rougher waters. In the meantime, you’ll remain below deck. I’ll send for you when I’m ready.”
Hollan thought hard. If she stayed above deck, she might have a chance to catch Jacob’s attention. But if she went below, perhaps her father could help with suggestions to guide them through the channel. She didn’t want to return to the stench of the dark, dank hold, but if she needed to, she’d make use of the option.
In the meantime, she’d try to stay above deck. “I’d prefer to remain up here if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t recall giving you a choice.”
“I’ll stay out of the way.” Hollan started for the rear of the ship. Maybe she’d spot Jacob and would at least be encouraged that he was looking for her. “I’ll just settle in up there where I can observe the channel and the conditions.”
A rough hand grabbed her arm. David leaned close. “You’ll do as I say and go below.”
His menacing blue eyes peered into hers. Hollan fought back a chill. The man’s eyes were empty. He had no trace of heart or soul. The hold suddenly sounded inviting in light of this realization.
“Fine.” She pulled her arm loose.
He pushed her forward toward Paxton. “Stow her below until we’re ready.”
The dirty hem of her dress tripped her as Paxton led the way downstairs.
Her father waited anxiously where she’d left him.
“Hollan. Are you well?”
“I’m fine, Papa.”
He didn’t speak again until Paxton had tied her wrists around the pole. As the man shuffled upstairs, her father leaned forward. “What did he want with you?”
“He wants me to guide him through the channel.”
A soft chuckle carried over to her. “Did you explain?”
“I did. But, Papa—” She leaned nearer, wishing she could see him better in the darkness. “I can see clearly again. During the past couple of months, my vision would come and go, but now it stays.”
“That’s wonderful!”
“It is, but I’m not sure it’ll help me guide the ship through the pass.” She heard him change position. “Are you well, Father?”
“I’m fine.” He shifted again. “Nothing the light of day won’t fix, along with getting back to our island. I sorely miss your cooking.”
Hollan laughed. “That says a lot, Papa. My cooking hasn’t ever been all that great.”
“I miss it all the same.”
“Papa, what’s going on? Why are you here?”
“David thought he could take me from my position as lightkeeper and use it to his advantage if he’s captured. He wanted me to lead him through the inland waterway, but I refused.” He let out a breath. “I refused to help the scoundrel. I had no idea he’d go after you next.”
Her eyes had adjusted to the dim interior, but it was still pretty dark. “What are we going to do?”
“You’re going to do exactly what they tell you. I don’t want them angry with you. I don’t want David to get violent. If he hurts you, you could lose your vision again—or worse. I won’t have you risk that. Just do as he says, and let me figure something out.”
Another figure stole quietly down the stairs. His furtive movements drew Hollan’s attention. “Who is that, Papa?”
“I’m not sure. Keep quiet. Don’t draw attention. I don’t trust any of the crew around you.”
Hollan settled low and huddled near the pole. The bulky figure carried a mop and moved through the men, stopping now and then to peer closely at each person as he passed. Hollan’s heart beat quicker and sweat rolled down her face as the figure turned their way.
“Stay low, Hollan. Duck your head.”
She did as her father instructed. The shadowy form loomed over her. He leaned close. Hollan kept her head down, praying she’d be left alone. The figure squatted down and leaned in close to her ear.
“Get away from her.” Hollan’s father’s voice held a hint of panic.
Hollan knew it would kill him to watch if she was attacked and he couldn’t do anything about it. She reacted instinctively, kicking the aggressor with her foot. A soft laugh rewarded her attempt.
“My darling wife. A bare foot does nothing to me. Though based on the stench of this hold, I might catch a nasty illness by connecting with your foot.”
“Jacob?” A sob caught on Hollan’s throat. “Is it really you?”
“It’s me.”
He wrapped his arms around her and held her close for a moment. She leaned nearer and drew in his scent. “You smell wonderful.”
That comment drew a laugh out of him. “You seem to be in good humor. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine now that you’re here.” She savored the feel of his strong arms around her. She’d never take his presence or touch or encouragement for granted again.
“Want to tell me what you’re doing here?”
“Rescuing him.” She gestured toward her father in the dim light.
“Rescuing someone with your arms tied tightly around a pole. And whom would you be rescuing?”
“My father. He’s alive, just as I said. What are you doing here?”
“Rescuing my wife and apparently helping her rescue her father.”
Hollan laughed quietly. “I just about had my plan figured out.”
Jacob trailed her arms to where they were tied around the post. “So I see. And your capture by the crew, that was all part of your plan?”
“Not exactly, but once it happened and I knew my father was here, I knew God brought me here for that purpose. I just needed to figure out what the plan was.”
“Well I’m here now to help.” Jacob put a finger against her lips. “Be quiet now; we don’t want to draw any more attention our way. I’m going to be close, but I’ll continue to pose as one of the crew until I get my plan figured out.”
“Papa’s right beside me, one pole over. He’s a little worse for wear, but he says he’s fine.”
Jacob caressed Hollan’s hair with a gentle hand before moving to her father’s side. “Gunter? I’m so happy to see you’re alive, sir.”
Hollan grinned as she watched her two favorite men interact.
“I’m happy to see you, too. My daughter told me about your marriage and all that you’ve done for her. I appreciate that you took it upon yourself to watch out for her. It’s not an easy task.”
“Papa!”
“Well it’s true. Now, Jacob, tell me what you’ve come up with to get us out of here.”
“I haven’t figured out the details on that myself. I saw the crew take Hollan, but I was too far away to do anything about it. I watched the ship from the lighthouse until I saw the present course. I was concentrating on getting aboard but didn’t get far enough to figure out a rescue in the event I was successful. I’ve spent most of my time searching for your daughter aboard ship.”
“Have you made friends with any of the other prisoners?”
“No. None of them have tried to communicate with me. I’m not even sure some of them are alive. From what I can tell, they’re all worse off than I am. I think some of them are former crew members from whenever the present crew took over the ship.”
“I see.” Jacob moved back to Hollan’s side and took her hand. “I’m going back up to have a look around. I’ll return soon.”
“Don’t leave us.”
Her father leaned forward. “They’re coming for Hollan soon. They want her to lead them through the channel.”
Jacob hesitated. “That might work.”
“What might work?” Hollan didn’t like his tone of voice.
“Hollan, if you’re on deck, you’ll be that much closer to escape.”
“And if my eyesight falters?”
“We’ll worry about that if and when it does.”
“I won’t leave without you and my father.”
“We’ll all go together. But I need you free and above deck.” He turned to her father. “Do they check your ties often?”
“Never.”
“Good. That’ll work in our favor, too. I’m going to untie you. I don’t want you to move until we’re ready to go. Hollan, you’ll have to get the ship stuck in a shallow, narrow part of the channel. Try to guide them close to the island. While they’re unloading supplies in order to lighten the load, we’ll make our move. I’ll come down here to get your father. You get off ship and head for the cabin on the island.”
“I won’t leave without my father. I already told you that.”
Papa motioned to her. “Hollan, you’ll do as your husband says.”
“But—”
“But nothing.” Jacob’s voice was calm but commanding. “If you’re out of the way and safe, I can better help your father.”
Hollan bit back her next words. They’d discuss this later. She watched as Jacob untied her father’s hands.
“Try to stand. I want to see if you can walk.”
Her father stood, but he wavered. Hollan wanted to cry. Her normally strong father was thin and very weak.