“I’m tired. I think I’ll ride with Mom and Dad. Lock up for me,” she asks.
Anika doesn’t speak as they leave, she just returns to the scene and traces her finger over it. “Saul was a farmer. Not a fighter. The boy who went to war never came home. I used to tell myself that it wasn’t him, but a monster in the form of the man I once loved. It helped to explain the rage. Looking at this, I’m not sure what to think.”
“You’ve seen enough of this, let’s go.”
“Why? Do you think I’m too fragile to handle the truth?” Fury strikes fast, and she turns on him.
“Of course not, I’m only trying to protect you.”
“It’s too late for that, Mr. Ward. I can take care of myself.”
“I don't know what you want me to say?” Glenn glares at her.
“Let’s go.” She stomps towards the door only to jump when he shouts at her.
“Anika, what do you want from me?”
Her steps falter, and she turns on him with a glare. Stomping over she shoves him in the chest, “I want you to live! Live for those didn't come home, Glenn. Live for those who came home and were never the same.” She shoves him again, shocking him with her strength and rage. “Live for those baby boys who need a Father, Not a monster!”
“I’m not Saul,” Glenn grabs her hand and pulls her close, “I’m trying,” he whispers. “I promise I am.”
“I don't understand, Glenn.” She cups his face in her hands gently. “What will it take for you to look and see what a miracle you are?” She pulls away from him and steps back. “I'm sorry, I'm angry at Saul for not being strong enough, and I'm angry at myself for not being what he needed, and I'm mad at you for not realizing that God has never left you. He is waiting for you to come home.”
“I am home, Anika.”
“No, you are still on the battlefield. It was never your fight, Glenn. You say such beautiful things to your sister, but it applies to you too. Give all your anger, rage and fury to the Lord and lay it down. It’s such a heavy burden you’re trying to carry, and you don’t have to.”
“I know what you’re saying, but how do I get from here to there? I’m doing the best I can, Anika.”
“Saul used to say that at the beginning. I hope you figure it out soon, Glenn” she replies and rushes outside.
Chapter 22
Anika hears the doorbell ring and frowns. Just when she was looking forward to some time alone. Delaney is at the barn with Allen, and Daisy took Savannah to town for shopping. The twins are being cared for by Mrs. Henrietta giving her some time to herself. Glenn insisted she comes three days a week to help.
When she opens the door her stomach drops. “Rhemi Darlington at your service.” Tall, dark hair, and well-dressed he would be any woman’s idea of a good catch, except he makes Anika’s skin crawl.
“Good morning, Mr. Darlington. I’m afraid Glenn is working in the fields pruning, you just missed him.”
“Excellent.” He sweeps his hat from his head and leans on the door frame. Dressed in a dark blue suit, he's dressed to impress. “I came for you, Anika.”
Allen is walking Delaney around the corral next to the barn on horseback for her lesson when he notices the carriage in front of the house. He whistles at Glenn who has just returned from the fields. He trots over on his horse.
“Were you expecting company, son?”
“No. Isn’t that the Darlington carriage?”
“Looks like it. Let me go with...” Allen sighs when his son kicks his horse into a full run towards the house.
“I didn’t give you leave to call me by my first name, Mr. Darlington.” Anika snaps at Rhemi. “You will have to come back another time when Glenn is present.”
The teasing light in his eyes flickers out replaced by a violence she recognizes. Anika tries to slam the door, but he jams his foot inside. “Come now, Anika,” he sneers. “Surely you can at least hear me out or is that too civilized for you.” His face is close enough that she can smell a sweet, foul-smelling odor that she can't place.
Rhemi shoves the door with his shoulder ripping it free of her hands, and it slams into her shoulder, knocking the breath from her. He steps inside and closes the door shut behind him, locking it. Anika spins to run only to yelp in shock when he leaps in front of her.
“What do you want?” Anika looks around desperate for a way to protect herself.
“I have an offer for you. I’m in need of your particular services.” He grins and steps towards her. “I’ve been waiting for a chance to get you alone.” Anika turns and runs into the kitchen. She almost makes it to the back door, but Rhemi is faster. He laughs as he grabs her sore arm. Anika grabs the closest thing she can reach, a black cast-iron skillet to fight him off, but he is much stronger than her.
Rhemi jerks it from her hands tossing it across the kitchen with a crash and backhands her across the face. Anika careens into the small wooden table and chairs.
“Anika,” he kicks a chair out of the way. “I’m in need of a wet nurse.” He grabs the front of her dress and rips at it.
Anika screams and scratches his face with her nails, attempting to break free of him, but nothing affects him.
Rhemi jerks her up by the upper arms, lifting her from the floor, staring down at her chest. “One with full, round, breasts, erect...”
The click of
