Chapter 6

Jack’s hand pressed against Linah’s back, guiding her forward as they hurried across the park grass. Faye’s small fingers gripped tight to her mother’s palm. The shutter clicks followed them, sharp and relentless, like a dog snapping at their heels. They reached the sidewalk, and Jack veered right, pulling them toward a narrow alley between the hardware store and a bakery. The scent of fresh bread and yeast hung in the cool air. He ducked them behind a stack of wooden crates, pressing a finger to his lips. Faye’s eyes were wide, but she stayed silent. Linah’s breath came in short, shallow bursts. Jack’s shoulder brushed hers as he leaned forward, peering around the corner. The photographer slowed at the alley entrance, his camera lowered. He scanned the street, then lifted the phone to his ear, speaking in low, hurried tones. After a long moment, he turned and walked back toward the park. Jack exhaled. “He’s gone for now.” He pulled back, and in the dim light of the alley, his eyes met Linah’s. They were close, closer than they’d been since the café. She could see the pulse beating in his throat. “You okay?” he asked. “I think so. Faye?” “I’m okay, Mom. That man was scary.” Jack crouched down to Faye’s level. “He’s gone, kiddo. You were very brave. I’m sorry you had to see that.” Faye studied his face. “Are you scared?” He hesitated. “A little. But I’m glad your mom and you are here. It helps.” Linah’s heart gave a soft flutter. She reached out and touched his arm, the same gesture she’d made in the park. This time, he didn’t flinch. His hand came up and covered hers, warm and steady. Their eyes held for a beat longer than necessary. A door creaked open behind them. A woman in a flour-dusted apron stepped out, a bag of trash in her hands. She stopped, startled. “Oh! You folks all right?” Linah straightened. “Sorry—we were being followed. A man with a camera. We just needed a moment.” The woman’s face softened. “Come inside. I’ll get you some water.” She led them through the back door into a small, warm kitchen. The walls were lined with racks of cooling bread, and the air smelled of cinnamon and honey. They sat at a small table near the window. The woman, whose name was Maria, brought them glasses of water and a plate of fresh pastries for Faye. Faye’s eyes lit up, and she bit into a croissant with happy abandon. Jack kept his voice low. “Thank you. I don’t know how to repay you.” “No need. I don’t like bullies with cameras.” Maria wiped her hands on her apron. “Stay as long as you need.” She returned to her work, leaving them alone. Linah sipped her water. “What do we do now?” Jack ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. That photographer—he’s probably working for Sarah. Or for someone she tipped off. They’ll keep looking.” “So you run?” “I was thinking about it. But running is what I’ve been doing for months. It doesn’t fix anything.” He looked at her, his expression raw. “I don’t want to drag you and Faye into a mess that isn’t yours.” Linah set down her glass. “You didn’t drag us. We chose to be here. I meant what I said in the park—I believe God brought you here for a reason. I’m not backing away because it got hard.” His gaze held hers, and something shifted between them—a quiet understanding, a door opening just a crack. He reached across the table and took her hand. “Thank you.” She squeezed his fingers. “You’re not alone.” Faye looked up from her pastry. “Mom, can we go to the playground again tomorrow?” Linah smiled. “We’ll see, sweetheart.” Jack’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen. “It’s Pastor Michael.” He answered, his voice tight. “Michael. Yes, we’re safe. We’re at the bakery on Oak Street.” He listened, his brow furrowing. “You saw a car? Dark sedan, tinted windows? … Okay. No, we’ll stay put for now. Thank you.” He hung up. “He saw a car circling the church. Same description as Sarah’s. They’re still looking.” Linah’s stomach tightened. “What about your cabin? The one you mentioned—up on Ridge Road. Is it still available?” Jack nodded. “It’s remote. No neighbors for a mile. I rented it for another two weeks.” “Then let’s go there. Tonight. We can pick up a few things from my place and drive up. It’s safer than staying in town.” He looked at her, surprise and gratitude mingling in his eyes. “You’d do that? Leave your home, your routine—for me?” “I’d do it for us. For Faye. And for the chance to see this through.” He was quiet for a long moment. Then he stood, pulling her gently to her feet. “Okay. Let’s go.” He turned to Maria, who had emerged from the back. “Thank you for everything. We’ll be out of your way soon.” “You’re no trouble. Take the pastries.” She handed a paper bag to Faye, who beamed. They slipped out the front door of the bakery, keeping their heads down. The street was quiet. Jack’s hand found Linah’s again as they walked toward her car. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the pavement. He helped Faye into the back seat, then climbed into the passenger side. Linah started the engine. As she pulled away from the curb, she glanced in the rearview mirror. No one followed. But as they rounded the corner, she saw a dark sedan parked two blocks away, its engine idling. Jack saw it too. “Drive,” he said quietly. She pressed the accelerator. The car merged onto the main road, heading east toward the hills. The sedan did not move. But Linah knew it was only a matter of time. Beside her, Jack was watching the road ahead, his jaw set. He reached over and rested his hand on the seat beside hers, not quite touching. She let her fingers brush against his. The warmth of that small contact stayed with her as the town shrank behind them and the dark road opened ahead.