“When are you coming back?” Charity asked. The numbness was finally leaving, replaced by a growing sense of panic. “Morning? Afternoon?”
Her mother’s expression softened. “I don’t know, honey. I’m not sure where we’ll be in the meantime.”
Of course she didn’t. None of them knew what would happen after this. Charity stepped into the cave feeling like she was going to her execution.
The entrance to the underground cabin had two doors, an inner and outer one. This gave them two lines of defense, and just as important, light from the cabin didn’t leak out. Her father had used his fingerprints on the outer door and left it open. The others hiked down a flight of stairs and went through the next door.
Solar-powered batteries, camouflaged among the treetops, ran the lights, water heater, appliances, and high-tech security system. Despite the cabin’s expensive gadgets, it was modestly furnished.
An old wooden table with scuffed and dented chairs sat in a small kitchen. Worn couches and a bookshelf crowded the area behind the kitchen. Paper books were a necessity because no phone signal penetrated this far in woods. A treadmill and universal gym stood in the next corner. Beyond that, a hallway led to a master bedroom, three small bedrooms, and a bathroom.
Reverend Russel deposited his box on the counter and returned to the van to keep watch there.
Her father pulled out one of the kitchen chairs, made Enzo sit there, and began duct-taping him to it. Enzo still wore the handcuffs, but this would keep him in place.
He sat calmly through all of it. The blindfold hid his expression, but behind his back, his fists were clenched.
Charity’s mother placed the groceries and backpack with Enzo’s clothes on the counter. She took the tranquilizer gun from her pocket. “Do you want this, or shall I put it away?” She meant in the safe hidden in the master bedroom. The family kept a Ruger there.
Her parents had already cautioned her to only take out the handgun if she was willing to shoot Enzo. Otherwise, he might wrestle it away and use it on her.
She didn’t plan on taking it from the safe. Enzo knew her well enough to know she wouldn’t shoot him.
“Put it away,” Charity said. She didn’t want to think about using either gun.
Her father finished securing Enzo to the chair, cut the tape, and put the scissors back in the drawer. He handed her the key for the handcuffs. “Don’t lose this.”
“I won’t.” Charity slipped the key into her jeans’ pocket.
Her mother returned to the room, walking quickly. “I wish we could stay longer.”
“I know. I’ll see you out.” She didn’t want to say her goodbyes in front of Enzo, didn’t want to say anything he could hear.
The group went through the first door. Charity dropped her voice. “I can’t leave him there for the entire two weeks.” That seemed cruel. He’d have to go to the bathroom. She couldn’t let him sit in his own filth.
Her father lifted his hands in a gesture of uncertainty. “I don’t know when you should release him or what you should do with him. You’ll have to use your best judgment.”
That was the only direction he had? “My best judgment has no idea what to do.”
They headed up the stairs to the second door. Every moment took her family farther away from her. Her mother kept sending her pained looks. “You’ll figure it out. We have faith in you.”
Great. Now if she messed everything up her parents would lose faith in her.
“Enzo’s not a bad man,” her mother said. It was the mantra she kept repeating, as though saying it would make it true. “He’s just been working for the wrong side. Maybe the reason you need to be at the cabin so long is that it will take two weeks for him to change his mind about us.” Her eyes met Charity’s, worried and tearful. “Be cautious but do what you can to turn him into an ally. Heaven knows we have enough enemies in the government already.”
They reached the door to the cave. They stepped into it and were hit with the dank, stale air that never seemed to leave the cave.
Charity’s father took hold of her hand. “We don’t have time for long farewells.” He squeezed her hand regretfully. “Be careful. Don’t go outside by yourself.”
Charity nodded and swallowed hard.
Her mother hugged her, clung to her, and pressed her head against Charity’s shoulder. “This isn’t how I wanted things to be.I don’t think I can leave you here.” She didn’t say more because she’d started crying.
Ever since Enzo had betrayed them, Charity had been the one crying. Her mother had been calm and comforting. Now Charity needed to be the strong one. “It will be okay,” she said. “Something good will come of this.” Perhaps not something good for Charity, but something good for the family.
Her father put his hand on her mother’s shoulder. “We have to go.”
Her mother stepped away. Her father gave Charity a quick hug. Then her parents turned and left. She watched as they got in the van and drove off. She stood there, still watching, until no sign of them remained but the settling dust.