A Season Of Hiding

By Kay Edwards

Brock Bishop and Luke Sanders go for a much needed camping trip. The men are confronted with a set of twins, that are in obvious need of their help. Ardie and Amy Karman are in dire need of assistance. They are also in dire need of the ability to stay hidden. As Brock and Luke help them stay safe from the threat on their lives, it soon becomes apparent, the twins need to be saved from themselves. Brock and Luke soon realize they are in head deep with the mischievous set. As the men race to keep the women they are falling for safe, the danger presses in. Will all of the training, Luke has, be enough to save them? As the season of hiding engulfs the group, will everyone make it to the next season? Join Luke and Brock as you find out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kay Edwards
• Release date: May 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310359590

Kay Edwards

I am a country girl. I grew up along the Susquehanna River in central PA. I am a Christian and not ashamed of it. I have four children and an awesome (according to him) husband. I believe that Christ must be first, family second and everything else as God sees fit to lead you. I absolutely love a great love story and have written many just for fun. After introducing some friends to my writing, I have been encouraged to publish. I will find a way to always put a twist of humor in everything I write, because that is who I am. If it comes into my mind it is usually out of my mouth, which has put me in some absolutely hysterical situations. I look forward to sharing work with people and hope you all enjoy.

Book preview

A Season

Of

Hiding

(A Season of Hiding)

By: Kay Edwards

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2016 by Kay Edwards

All Rights Reserved.

About the Author

Kay Edwards is an easy-going wife and mother. Getting her start with the book, A Prelude to a Dance, Kay put into words something that touched her personally. Sexual abuse is not an easy topic to talk about. The book she wrote was a way for her to put into words what she was feeling so she could heal.  She wanted to give a voice to those that had the same past she did. Since its original release, Kay has heard from countless people around the world that have broken their silence of past sexual abuse. Kay speaks regularly with her readers in Nigeria, Kenya, Australia, as well as other areas of the globe. Born in central PA, Kay grew up along the river mentioned in the name of her first series. She has many fond memories along the Susquehanna. Kay hopes that her readers will find that, with Christ, all things are possible, even the forgiveness of what many deem unforgivable.

Family Trees

Bishops

Chad and Terry Bishop: Sons: Wyatt (Married Kelly Sanders, Father of Cole) and Brock. Daughter: Misty (Married Dalton Nelson, Mother of Rachel and Daniel)

Nelson

David and Jeanie Nelson: Sons: Dalton (Married Misty Bishop, father of Rachel and Daniel) and Rodney (Married Carrie Lansetter). Daughter: Darby (Married Grant Sulander, Mother of Braydon and Jessica)

Adams

Liz and Vince Adams: Son: Brent Adams (Married Misty Bishop and Biological Father of Rachel Nelson. Deceased.)

Sanders

Parents deceased: Brothers: Luke, Mark, and Cody. Sisters: Kelly (Married Wyatt Bishop Mother of Cole) and Yvette (Kelly’s twin sister Deceased)

Lansetter

Siblings: Andrew and Carrie (Married Rodney Nelson)

Country of Zuhausenton Royal Line

King Anthony crowned heir: Son Prince Gavin, future heir to the throne of Zuhausenton

Prelude

Looking out over the city, Tyler Karman tried to process what he was reading. He glanced at the letter in his hands once more praying he could figure things out. His hands shook as he reread the explicit threats being made towards his family. Walking over to his desk, he picked up the phone and did the only thing he could think of. His twins were in danger, and a plan was needed to keep them safe from harm. His family had faced things like this before, but Tyler knew that this time it was different. This time it reminded him of the time he lost his wife. He knew this threat could get close and succeed in taking everything he held dear in his life.

Sitting quietly beside her twin, Ardie watched her father. When he turned, she looked at her sister Amy and whispered her growing concern. This isn’t good. I’ve never seen him this worried.

Amy nodded. She was the observer of the two. Watching her father’s body language closely, Amy knew the moment he came up with a plan. Her voice held a confidence she didn’t feel when she spoke. It’ll be ok. He’ll find a way to protect us. Daddy always finds a way to keep us safe.

Ardie listened as her father talked on the phone. She looked at her twin with wide eyes as she realized what he was going to ask them to do.

Chapter One

Six Months Later

Brock Bishop and Luke Sanders opened the cabin door. Luke smiled at the other man. It seems like forever since I’ve had a vacation.

Brock laughed. I’m thinking it has been forever for you. After your oath had been finished, you started working the ranch with us. Even though you needed a break, I’m glad we waited for Kelly and Misty to have their babies before coming here to relax. Wyatt was hysterical when Kelly was in labor. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss that for the world.

Luke snickered. That’s for sure. He was the exact opposite of Dalton. Wyatt looked like he wanted to kick himself for getting my little sister pregnant. Dalton was as cool as a cucumber.

Brock chuckled. I expected Dalton to be sure of himself when it came to Misty. This little cabin right here is where Rachel was born. I’m still very grateful that he found Misty and helped her have Rachel.

Luke looked out the little window before he opened it a bit. He breathed in the crisp November air hoping to cleanse his soul of the nightmares it harbored. Last year at this time, he and his brothers and sister were in the fight of their lives. It was nice to feel free. He realized Brock was watching him and tried to school the emotions he was sure had crossed his face. Luke was well aware that his family wanted him to start talking about that time. He could tell Brock was no exception. He spoke softly praying Brock would understand. I’m still not ready. I will be soon… I think.

Brock nodded. His brother-in-law had a lot of secrets. Though Luke was now free to talk about things he had been forced to keep inside, it was obvious to all that he found it difficult to express in words the life he and his siblings had been forced to endure. Kelly, Mark, and Cody were a bit more open than Luke about their past

Brock spoke to his new brother with compassion. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll listen. Don’t let it consume you, though.

Luke turned away from the window and regarded the man that had readily accepted him into his family. I appreciate that. I promise I won’t let my past hurt my future. I guess I just still find it hard to talk about all that happened to us.

Brock could see it was time to let the matter drop. Before he did just that, he wanted Luke to understand that, should he change his mind, he would be there for him. After watching Kelly deal with your family’s past, I can see it isn’t easy to talk about. I do want you to know that I want to help if I can.

Luke was grateful for the out Brock was giving him. I appreciate that. However, we have some things to get done before dark.

The men walked outside to get some wood for a fire. Looking off into the distance, Luke nodded. It appears that we have neighbors that are here to hunt too.

Brock followed the other man’s gaze. It sure does. I’m hoping to get our smoke signal going soon too. It’s going to get cold tonight.

Luke looked at the pile of wood that was already chopped. It looks like we could use some more. You start the fire, and I’ll start chopping.

Brock nodded and walked back into the cabin. A few minutes later the fire was roaring. When Brock walked back outside, he started piling the wood Luke had chopped for them. He was just starting to break a sweat when Luke spoke.

Gazing at the sunset, Luke couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace. He stopped chopping and just enjoyed the view. He whispered in awe of what he was seeing. Look at that.

Brock let his eyes drink in the vision of God’s artistry. I’m always amazed at the beauty of God’s creation.

Luke put the ax aside as the last rays of the sun disappeared. I think we have enough for the night. I say we get some sleep. We have some pheasants to hunt in the morning.

Brock grabbed an armload of wood and followed Luke into the cabin. The other man was right, it was time to rest.

****

Ardie looked at Amy unable to hide how she was feeling. It had been almost six months since they had settled in the tiny cabin. Their father had told them he would come when it was safe. Tears stung her eyes as she realized that Thanksgiving was almost there, and it didn’t look like they would see him anytime soon. I miss him.

Amy’s voice held a hint of the sadness her twin was feeling. I do too. I wish we could find out if he’s okay.

Ardie wiped a tear from her cheek. She was going to speak again, but a look on her sister’s face stopped her.

Amy nodded toward the smoke in the distance as worry marred her brow. It looks like the cabin down the way has some visitors. We need to make sure we stay out of sight. We can’t afford to be noticed.

Ardie agreed with a slight movement of her head before she spoke again. I know we’re almost twenty-four, but I feel so much older right now.

Amy agreed softly. We’ve had to grow up fast. Dad’s job seems to put us in danger often. I’m not sure who it is this time, but if he isn’t trusting bodyguards with us, it must be bad. All we can do now is trust in God and pray.

Ardie let another tear slip down her cheek as she allowed her mind to go back in time. Danger was present then too, and it didn’t go away empty handed. I miss her. I’m so afraid we’ll have to say goodbye to him like we did her.

Amy felt tears start to sting her eyes. She stood up and wiped them away. Dad blames himself for her death.

Ardie understood what her twin was saying. Mom always told us she married him with eyes wide open. She knew the danger would be a part of starting a life with him.

Amy smiled softly. She told me he was the love of her life, and she would go through the depths of the ocean for him.

Ardie put her face in her hands and sobbed. Amy, I am so frightened. What if he isn’t ok? What if he never comes for us? At the very least, we have enough food for another six months. The two of us don’t have to leave here anytime soon, and that’s great in regards to keeping us safe. But if he’s hurt or worse, we’ll never know.

Amy walked over and sat beside her sister. Since they were little, they had been inseparable. She linked her elbow with Ardie’s and spoke to her twin with confidence. We’ll always have God and each other. I know it’s scary, but our faith in Christ will see us through this. Even if we never see Daddy again, we have to make sure we keep that faith.

Ardie looked at her sister. I know you’re right, but I’m still so scared. Winter is almost here, and we’re sitting ducks if someone finds out where we’re at.

Amy shook her head as she disagreed with Ardie. We’re not sitting ducks. We have guns to protect ourselves and enough food and ammunition to make it through a zombie apocalypse. We now know a cabin is off to our east, and if we need to run, we can go there.

Ardie found her first smile in days. She raised an eyebrow. Zombie apocalypse…?

Amy laughed. It sounded very theatrical when I said it. I made you smile, didn’t I?

Ardie elbowed her twin. You made me smile. I’m still concerned, but I have to admit that I’m not as concerned as I was.

Amy watched as the sun started to set. She breathed in the crisp air of late fall. How majestic… She voiced reverently.

Ardie lifted her face to catch the last rays of the setting sun. She whispered softly. His creation is beautiful beyond words.

Looking one last time at the wisp of smoke from their neighbors, Amy said. I wish we were just here to relax. It must feel so nice to take a break from life.

Ardie followed her sister’s gaze. She had to agree. It would be nice.

A breeze started to blow, so the two headed into their tiny cabin for the night. As Amy stoked the fire, she looked at Ardie concerned. What if they want to come and make our acquaintance?

Ardie paused and thought for a moment. I’m not sure we should allow that to happen. If they come here, we shouldn’t answer the door.

Amy gazed back at the fire. They have to know we’re here. If we can see their smoke, they must be able to see ours. That may draw unwanted attention.

Ardie could see the argument in that. She had an idea and expressed it. Why don’t we tack a note on the door? We can say we are out walking. They will think we are trying to relay a message to each other, not them. We can change up the message on the note if we need to.

Amy looked pleased with the suggestion. That’s a very good idea. It’ll give them the impression we aren’t in.

The two continued to talk into the night. They each wrote a couple of notes to be tacked to the door in the coming days. They knew that God was ultimately in control, but they also knew He expected them to use the brains He gave them, to get through this time of danger.

Ardie fluffed her pillow and went to sleep praying for continued safety for them and their father.

Amy went to sleep praying that everything with their dad was still ok. She did her best to stay strong for Ardie, but if she had to be honest, she was worried as well. The thought of not seeing her father again tore at her heart. She let tears silently flow as she prayed. Her heart hurt, so she put it in the only hands she knew would safeguard it. She went to sleep knowing that Christ held her close even if she couldn’t see Him.

Chapter Two

It had been three days since their neighbors had arrived, and Amy was relieved that no one from the adjoining camp seemed to want to bother her and her sister. It was also obvious to Amy that their neighbors were hunters. A few shots in the early morning hours and a few more in the evening kept the sisters closer to the cabin.

Amy watched as her twin tried to reach something. What are you doing?

Ardie looked over her shoulder and grinned. I thought I saw something hanging over the edge.

Amy frowned at Ardie as she voiced her concerns. You need to get down before you fall.

Ardie ignored her sister as she spotted what she was looking for. Smiling, she picked up a delicate glass flower. Look at this. She murmured as she handed her discovery down to her sister.

Amy took the offered flower. It was a breathtaking piece of work. She was just getting ready to comment on what she was seeing when Ardie lost her balance.

Grabbing at the cupboard to recover her stability, Ardie whimpered as a rusty nail dug deep into her flesh. She was falling and nothing was going to stop the nail from splaying her delicate flesh open.

Amy had been able to break her twin’s fall, but it was already too late. Blood poured down Ardie’s forearm.

Amy grabbed a towel and covered the three-inch gash. Tears filled her eyes as she realized they needed help. Ardie, why didn’t you listen?

Ardie couldn’t speak. The pain shooting up her arm was making her gasp for air. She knew they didn’t have a car. They had no choice but to seek their neighbor’s help. You have to go to them. I’ll be okay. Amy, I’m so sorry. She whispered as she realized what the ER visit would do to their hiding place.

Amy helped her sister to the bed. She wrapped the towel a bit tighter around the wound before going to the door. Amy turned one last time and looked at her twin. She then headed outside to find Ardie the help she needed. She ran as fast as she could toward the smoke she could see in the distance. Please, God, keep her safe.

Tears streamed down Amy’s cheeks as she fell and skinned her knee. She got up and continued to run. Please let them be home. She knew she had to keep going. Her lungs burned as she gulped in the crisp air. She fell once more and yelped as her hand started to bleed. This was the longest four-mile run of her life.

Brock looked up and glanced around. Do you hear something?

Luke listened and then shook his head. I don’t hear anything.

The men turned and started to walk into their cabin. Amy saw them as she came through the bushes. She hit her knees and cried out, Wait!

Luke and Brock turned at the sound of a woman’s voice. Luke’s hand instinctively went to his gun. Brock’s voice cut into his thoughts.

She’s bleeding.

The men rushed over to help the young woman stand. Luke reached for her first and was surprised when she started to shake her head.

Amy began to ramble at the seemingly nice men. She kept pointing and saying ‘I’m not hurt.’ ‘fell’ and ‘blood.'"

Luke watched as the young woman started to run back into the woods. She came back and grabbed his hand and pulled.

Brock looked at him. I guess we follow her.

Amy started running back to the cabin. She fell in her haste and hurt her other hand. She looked up at the one man as he knelt beside her.

Luke knew they needed to calm whoever this woman was down. He spoke gently. I know you’re scared, but you need to get us wherever you’re taking us.

Amy nodded and stood up. She slowed her pace a little but continued to jog. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she realized how long she had been gone. She whispered a prayer. Please, God, let her be ok.

Luke looked at Brock. He scooped the woman up and spoke gently. Are you at the cabin with that smoke to our west?

Amy nodded. Put me down. We need to get to her.

Luke ignored Amy and started to jog with her in his arms. We’ll get there faster this way. I won’t hurt you.

Amy held on tight as the man continued toward the cabin. When they broke into the clearing, he sat her back down on her feet. She dashed toward the cabin. Please, she’s hurt.

The men watched as the distraught woman ran up the stairs and then turned to wait for them. When they caught up, she opened the door and walked into the cabin.

Luke and Brock followed Amy into the little cottage. They stopped short as they saw the blood on the floor. Brock looked toward the bed and saw an identical image of the woman they had followed. She was staring at them with wide, pain filled eyes. He walked over and knelt beside the bed. May I take a look? He asked softly as he took her hand.

Luke looked around the room trying to make sense of what he was seeing. His eyes widened as he realized that the amount of ammunition and supplies could only mean one thing.

Brock glanced over his shoulder at Luke. She needs to go to the ER.

Luke peered at the twin closest to him and said softly, I don’t think we can do that.

Brock turned and looked around the room. He and his family had stocked up like this once. He glanced at the women and then at Luke as he stated the obvious. They’re in hiding.

Fear shot up Amy’s spine as she realized the men were not what they seemed. She reached for her gun, but the man closest to her stopped and disarmed her quickly.

Luke restrained the woman beside him. He knew she must be afraid of how he would know what was going on and kept his voice gentle when he spoke. I promise you have nothing to fear from us. Let me help you and your sister.

Amy looked at Ardie. The man beside her had a look of compassion, not malice. She slowly relaxed. How do you know we’re hiding?

Luke released the twin in his arms slowly. He didn’t want to talk about how he was aware of what they were doing. I just do.

Brock knew questions needed to be asked and answered. He also knew they had to do it with the most important ones first. Do you have any iodine or anything else to clean this?

Amy nodded and walked over to a cupboard. She was aware the one who had her gun was watching her every move. She made no attempt at the gun that was on the counter. If these men were actually there to hurt them, they would have the second they had the chance. She pulled out the first aid and sewing kits.

My name is Luke. The one with your twin is Brock. I promise you that we’re not here to hurt either of you.

Amy nodded as she looked at Ardie, however, she still refused to give the men their names.

Brock glanced at the woman on the bed and tried to explain what was going to happen. I’m going to have to hold you while he takes care of this wound.

Ardie looked at her twin. Tears were stinging her eyes as she realized what the men were going to do about her injured arm. She also knew there was no other way. When the big man sat on the bed, she let him ease behind her and pull her against him. She asked him softly, Have you had to do this before?

Brock remembered Kelly and Carrie. He shook his head. "No, but I’ve