Pain shadowed the old farmer’s eyes, a wince smarting even now. “Obviously, he lied to them, but they gave him shelter and offered him no judgment or expectation. They helped him find a job, earn some money, and mature enough to see that our fight was stupid and idiotic and not worth the estrangement anymore. Finally, my son told them the truth; that he wasn’t from an abusive family, bore the brunt of their disappointment that he’d lied, let them call us with the news, and came back home.”
Cassie picked up where her father left off. “What my dad is trying to say is now he has a debt to repay the kindness of the family who took Adam in. Without them, he would probably be dead. Instead, he’s at university and about to graduate as a lawyer.”
John Wilson nodded. “I’ve always felt humbled that complete strangers gave me back my son. If you need a place to stay, money to earn, and time to do whatever you need to do, then I want to give you that.” He held up his finger. “Under one condition.”
My thoughts raced, trying to unravel the story he’d just told and doing my best to sniff out the truth, but his gaze was clear and honest, earnest and fair unlike the evil that lived in others.
“What condition?” I asked around another cough, even though I knew what it was. Honesty. Truth I didn’t know if I could share.
Della scooted closer, resting her head on my arm in sympathy.
John Wilson smiled at Della’s move to touch me, understanding what anyone who wasn’t blind could see—that our bond was tight and true. That we looked out for each other. That she cared for me as much as I cared for her.
He said, “That you tell me the truth about who you are and why you’re running. Whatever your answer is, I swear to you my offer will not change. I won’t judge. I won’t call the police. I won’t interfere in any way. If you’ve run away from a family who misses and loves you, then my one stipulation would be to call them and say you’re safe and give them my number so they can contact you while you’re away from home. Do that and the only reason my offer will expire is if you hurt my loved ones, steal from me, or I find out you were lying.” The kind-hearted giant was replaced by a gun-slinging lawmaker with a single harsh look, hinting he was the reason his daughter had inherited a sharp tongue.
“So…” He crossed his arms, looking me up and down. “What’s it going to be?”
I swallowed past the razor blades in my throat and looked at Della.
She shook her head, a whine falling from her lips. “Forest…please, Ren?”
It killed me that I couldn’t give her what she’d fallen so in love with, but I also refused to kill her by giving her what she’d fallen in love with.
I didn’t want to stay either.
But winter was our nemesis.
The moment the snow melted, we’d leave.
For now…this was our best option.
Sitting straighter, I locked eyes with John Wilson and gave him a blended version of truth and lie. I lied because I didn’t separate Della from my own tale. We’d already said we were blooded brother and sister and not just two kids who’d found solace in each other. I intended to keep that secret for however long we stayed here.
And I told the truth because her tale was now my tale, and I wouldn’t hide behind false veneers. I wasn’t afraid of showing the ugly truth that went on behind closed doors.
I coughed, swallowed, and said, “We ran from a farm that buys children for cheap labour. I have a brand just like their cattle. I lost a finger due to their strictness. I ran before they could do such things to my sister, before they could sell us for cheap, or before they put us in the offal pit where other livestock go once they’ve died. There is nothing for us in our past, and I won’t allow anyone, anyone, to jeopardize our future.”
It was my turn to switch my tone from respectful to threatening, fighting off yet more coughs. “I know hard work, and I’m not afraid of it. I’m strong. I’m skilled. I will obey and do what is required, but I won’t do it for you. I’ll do it for my sister, and as long as she is treated kindly, then I will be forever in your debt. But if there comes a moment when she’s not, I won’t hesitate to do what is necessary. Do you understand, Mr. Wilson? Don’t see a kid who’s sick. See a man who is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect what he loves.”