He was a sinful temptation.
Why had Nimhe ever cursed me with him?
I threw myself onto the bed and cried bitterly.
What had been the point of those years of faithful worship? Had I absolved myself of my sins or just added new ones?
What was the point of being a good girl when I could be condemned by one man and sold off to another?
Flopping down onto my bed, I rolled on top of something small and crinkly.
Rubbing my eyes, I grabbed curiously at it.
A note.
Back soon. Love you.
Love me?
I crumpled the note up angrily.
Saul didn’t love me.
How could a freaking psychopath like him love anyone?
I went to the window and looked out. To my surprise, Saul’s big Jeep wasn’t there.
Then, my heart pounding with excitement, I realized.
He was gone.
I could get help.
This might be my last chance.
I raced out the door. It was another beautiful morning in Honeywood.
And who knew how long Saul would be gone for?
I didn’t even want to risk taking my car. What if he’d put a tracker on it? I wouldn’t put it past him.
So I ran. As fast as I could, all the way down the lane until I hit Honeywood Main Street.
The town was bustling in the usual happy, busy Sunday morning activities: families at the grocery store, the diner hopping, delicious smells of coffee and pastries wafting from the café.
“Help me!” I cried at the door of the coffee shop.
Everyone turned to stare at me as I burst in with my eyes wide, my long hair curly and wild.
“Can I use someone’s phone?” I begged.
Kind Mr. Martinez darted his eyes around.
“I-I don’t think—"
“Mr. Martinez, please!” I cried.
“The phones are not—not working,” he said.