Page 182 of Valor

“Who?” Father rose from his chair.

Fred wished he would fall through the floor, straight to hell. Why did he say that? Father would think Dr. Weiss gave him the name of their guide. His insides quivered.

“I—”

“What contact!”

“He didn’t say. I better get started on my chores,” he mumbled and ran out the door. Fred stopped by the spinning mill wheel, rhythmically clapping as the current turned it. Fred doubled over, gasping for breath. He looked at the giant wheel. He heaved.

What would drowning feel like? It can’t be any worse than this. It would end this terrible nightmare. He would be free from the man inside.

But he couldn’t do that. Not only was that a sin, but Hedvika and her family needed him. He must help them.

CHAPTERSEVEN

Northern Moravia, 2025

Meghan savoredthe intense scent of coffee. Her stomach instantly rumbled at the sight of the rows of artisan cakes and cookies. No wonder Oliver liked this place. Soft classical music played in the background as she checked out the purple plush chairs neatly arranged around white marble bistro tables. Each one was adorned with a silver tray holding a sugar dispenser and a vase with purple roses. This place was beyond charming.

“What can I get you?” Oliver asked.

Meghan couldn’t decide. The coffee was the easy choice here. Three TV screens displayed the selection on offer next to the tempting ice cream parfaits. A glass counter stretched along two walls of the coffee shop. The L-shaped display was filled with such an array of delicate desserts that her mouth instantly watered.

“Why don’t you get me your favorite? I trust your taste.”

“Okay,” he smiled. “Grab us a table then. I’ll bring everything over.”

Meghan settled by the storefront window that overlooked the parking lot. She let her mind wander to the interrupted conversation they had in the car. What was he going to tell her? His comment about the bitter taste made her a little nervous. Her breath caught as a black SUV, identical to the two vehicles that almost caused them to crash, passed by the storefront window.

“I hope you like this.” Oliver set a plate with two desserts in front of her.

She blinked. If she told him about the car, would he think her paranoid?

“Oh wow,” Meghan said, picking up a spoon and examining the scrumptious-looking works of art on her plate. She lowered her gaze and whispered a prayer of gratitude.

When she looked up, Oliver’s eyes were trained on her.

“Did you just pray?”

“Yes.” Was this strange to him? “We always say thanks before our meals.”

“I didn’t know you were a religious person.”

She contemplated her answer for a beat. “I’m not. It’s more a relationship for me.”

“A relationship?”

“With God, and of course Jesus.” She subconsciously fingered the pendant on her necklace.

He held her gaze for a moment, and she was sure that he wanted to say something, but instead, he picked up his spoon.

“The lattes will be here shortly.” His smile was warm and kind. “You can choose to wait,” he winked at her. “Or just dig in. I won’t think less of you.”

“I think the correct answer is behind the door number two,” she joked.

“Pardon me?”

“Sorry, it’s a take on an old game show. What I mean is I don’t think I have the self-control to wait patiently till someone brings me the coffee. What’s this one?” Meghan sunk her spoon into the soft glaze, covering a round pastry filled with two kinds of cream. “It looks so good.”

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