The old man was peering out a crack in the barn door. Watching anxiously as the huge thugs spilled from the brothel.
“I’m afraid I have to go.” He whispered to me. His eyes worried. “I can’t be caught with you. They’ll have me killed.”
“And probably me.”
He gave me an astounded look. “No one would dare kill you.”
“Why not?”
After a pensive study, he decided not to answer me. Opting to point toward a mound of fresh hay. “Dig into that and hide. I’m hoping they won’t look there.”
I caught at his sleeve when he would’ve slipped out. “Where are you going?”
“I’ll catch up to you when I can, Sweet Girl.” He patted my hand. “Someone should be looking after a young one as sweet as you.”
His words were so kind I found myself deeply touched. Especially because I could see no ulterior
