“Why would someone need something that strong?” Daisy demands.
“It can be useful for surgery,” Savannah answers hoarsely. “Wounded soldiers, sometimes screaming from pain, need something to make it manageable, but it’s a last resort.”
The room falls quiet as everyone stares at her.
“I see.” Anika stands up and walks away from them towards the window to stare outside. “It’s shocking to think someone could hate me so much that they would go to such extremes.”
“Sheriff, something has to be done!” Allen demands. “She could have killed someone I love. My wife, my daughter, my grandsons…” his voice fades away as he looks at his family.
“I understand, Allen. My wife was sick for half a day. I can't imagine what you went through, Mrs. Coltrane. Unfortunately, it's your word against hers.”
“How are we supposed to protect our family from this?” Daisy asks softly.
“You can’t. I’m the problem, Daisy. You don’t know the vile things she said to me in the dress shop.” Anika shutters. “She said she waited two years for Sue to die and that I would be sorry if I got in the way.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Glenn demands.
“What good would it do? I told her that I was below your class, Glenn. I tried to reassure her that I was not a threat.” Anika paces as she thinks.
Sheriff Austin stands up, “I’ve had a discussion with her father. Martha and her Mother are taking an extended visit to an Aunt in Boston. She won’t bother you again.”
“Thank you, Sheriff. I suppose that will have to be enough.” Daisy says.
“Let me walk you out Sheriff,” Allen says.
Daisy leans forward and pours them tea, “Are you alright, Anika.”
“Thank you for being here,” she murmurs not quite answering the question.
“Of course. You aren’t alone anymore,” Savannah says hugging her quickly.
“You'd do well to remember that in the future,” Glenn says.
Anika walks over to the window to watch Delaney playing with the dogs. “I can’t quite wrap my mind around this. That someone could hate me enough to harm me, with no regards to what will happen to those around me. I’ve seen what happens to orphans, I want more for my daughter.”
Glenn holds up a hand to stop his mother and sister from speaking. He walks to her near the window and takes her hand. “I promise you, Delaney will never be an orphan. If anything were to happen to you, we will raise her as a member of our family.”
“Glenn!” She whispers through tears, “You shouldn’t make such promises.”
“You heard him,” Daisy snaps, “You are part of our family now Anika, and that includes Delaney.”
Savannah grins, “I’m going to take Delaney to see the new kittens. Mother?”
“I’d love to see them.” They leave them alone for a few minutes, giving Anika time to compose herself.
“They are not very subtle, are they?” He asks with a grin.
Anika laughs and wipes at her eyes. “Not really.”
“I’m glad to see you feeling better.” Glenn stares at her until she pulls her hand away from his.
“Thank you, for everything. Delaney tells me you prayed for me.”
Glenn nods and sits down to pour himself some tea, “I haven’t prayed in a really long time.”
“If my illness brought you closer to the Lord, then I am thankful for it. I wish I could remember more, but it’s all a blur.”
“What do you remember?” he asks sipping the steaming liquid.
“Flashes really. Dancing, music, laughter, and… water. Sinking, drowning, and Saul.” Anika shutters and stares at him.
Glenn grins, “Nothing else?”
“No.” Her eyes narrow suspiciously, “Why?”
“Just curious,” he smiles behind his cup.
“I don’t like that smirk, Glenn Ward. Tell me what I did?” She demands with a hand on her hip.
“I didn’t know you could play the fiddle?”
“Oh,” memories flash of cheering, dancing, and playing. Anika drops her face into her hands. “Lord, save me,” she whispers.
Glenn laughs out loud.
“How will I ever show my face in town again, let alone church!” She says hiding her face.
“Don’t worry about it.” Glenn pulls her hands away. “I will have a talk with the Pastor, and he will explain everything on Sunday.”
“Thank you.” She pulls away and grabs her cup. “There is something good that came out of this. I doubt I will be asked to plan the Fall Carnival.”
They laugh for a few minutes and Anika steps closer to him. Her smile fades, and she touches his arm. “I would like to say, that this has been eye-opening for me in some ways. What I do remember, is a feeling of happiness, no, that's not right, just a release of the pressure of everything. I understand now why Saul drank so much and you…”
“Don’t compare me to him,” Glenn snaps, interrupting her. “I am not a drunk who beats women.”
Anika stares at him in shock, “I never said that.”
“You thought it, though. I need you to understand that some men can handle drinking better than others. I would never hurt you.”
“Can you truly say that, though?” she asked softly. “I don’t remember half of what went on the other night.” Flashes of his hands and mouth on her remind her why she should be careful.
Glenn falls silent, “I can only beg your forgiveness, Anika. This has been eye-opening for all of us. Will you forgive me?”
“Yes, of course,” she murmurs, avoiding his eyes.
He turns her face back to his with a finger to her chin. “Look at me.”
Anika looks up.
“Please say you will stay. I understand if you want to leave, but I don’t want to lose you.”
Anika is quiet for a moment and struggles with the urge to run, but her heart isn’t in it. “I’ll stay.”
Glen releases a breath he was holding
