“I don’t know yet, but I’m hoping that my boyfriend finds me before they get a chance,” I say.
“Why’d you want to leave?”he pries.I can tell he’s struggling just like I was a few years ago when I was shipped off to Colombia.
“This place isn’t what I thought it was.Right after graduation they shipped me off to South America on amission trip.That’s when I started questioning everything.”
“Yeah, that’s what Stan keeps talking about for me when I finish my homeschooling,” he informs me.
My body shudders at the thought of another kid having their life ruined because of Papa and The Fellowship.
“Don’t go,” I tell him urgently.“If you can get away and never look back from this place, then do it.I learned about all this way too late.”
We sit there and watch as the activity around the farm increases.More vehicles are driving through the vast property as men hustle around like someone is coming to inspect the place.
“Do they let you go into town?”I try to casually ask.
James shakes his head.
“Stan saw my internet search for local bus stations on my tablet after I finished with school last week.I’m on lockdown ’til further notice, which is why I’m here watching you,” he tells me sadly.
My chances of getting word out to Beckett start to slowly fade.
“You mentioned being adopted?When did that happen?”I ask, changing the subject so that I’m able to stay outside a little longer.
“Yeah, been in the system since I was four.Was moved around quite a lot from home to home.’Bout a year ago, I came home to my foster home where Stan and Marie were there waiting.Foster mom had all my things stuffed in trash bags waiting by the door.”He pauses looking out at the newly mowed field.“Thought it was the best day of my life.Stan and Marie were so nice and loving.They took me to a sit-down restaurant and let me order anything I wanted.”
“Was this here?In Sweetwater?”I ask.
“No.”He shakes his head.“I was living in Snyder, just north of here.In fact, there are a few other kids here from that area that were adopted around the same time I was.”
I suck in a breath.Is The Fellowship going around essentially taking children to build up more numbers for their cause?What a horrible life for these kids.
“I’m sorry this has happened to you,” I say.
The sound of a plane touches our ears and we look up.Planes aren’t uncommon, but from the loud noise, it seems like it’s right over us and so very close.My hand shields my eyes as I look up to the sky.A plane, smaller than a commercial one, comes into view.It circles around the property and a sinking feeling hits my stomach.
Reaching over, I place a hand on James’ knee.
“If you see an opportunity to get the heck out of here, do it.Flee to town and go straight to the police chief, Turner.Tell him you need to talk with Stone or Havoc from the Dead Road MC.They will be able to help get you out of here.”
“Do you know them?”he asks, his voice sounding hopeful.
I nod.“I do and they’ll help you,” I assure him.“Tell them I sent you?—”
I’m cut off by the sound of multiple vehicles zooming by, heading in the direction where the plane was lowering to the ground not too far from where we are at.
“What’s going on?”He stands as we watch the SUVs disappear from sight.
“Not sure, but I have a feeling it’s not gonna be good.”
A white van pulls up next to us and two men and woman climb out.
“Get her back inside, boy!”one of the men yells, adjusting the AR around his body.
James grabs for my hand to help me stand.
“Remember what I said.Get yourself to the police chief and ask for help,” I whisper.
“I will and I’ll help you leave too,” he hurriedly says in a low tone.