Hear My Cry: Calling Her Heart, #4

By Avalon Davidson and Angeline Gallant

After tragedy strikes close to home Atarah (Arlana) has to confront the demons from her past. Both Josiah and Atarah must find their footing once again. 
Is faith enough to carry them in their darkest moments?

Their worlds have been shaken to its foundation and they are at a fork in the road. 

Will their faith and passion for each other be sufficient?

"The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the Name of the Lord...."

Atarah struggles to find purpose and healing while Josiah, for the first time, struggles with his faith and identity. Two struggling souls whose love and faith are put to the ultimate test.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Avalon Davidson
• Release date: May 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393852018

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Adonai gave; Adonai took;

blessed be the name of Adonai.

Job 1:21(b)

Josiah stood in the synagogue, praying the mourner's Kaddish that his people had prayed for centuries after there was a death, tears burning his eyes:

Glorified and sanctified be God's great name throughout the world

which He has created according to His will.

May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days,

and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon;

and say, Amen.

May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.

Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored,

adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He,

beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that

are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.

May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us

and for all Israel; and say, Amen.

He who creates peace in His celestial heights,

may He create peace for us and for all Israel;

and say, Amen.

The week of mourning for Shaul had come to an end, however, the mourning would continue where he and his mother would abstain from any pleasure.

May God comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, a voice interrupted his thoughts bringing him back to the present, a gnarled hand on his forearm.

Josiah nodded, acknowledging the elderly man before him.

Your brother, of blessed memory, will be missed.

An understatement.

Will you remain here in Israel?

I am leaving tomorrow morning, Josiah sighed as he stepped out of the synagogue, I need to return to my family.

As a Levite, he would not be permitted to attend the unveiling of Shaul's tombstone. It was time to return home.

The elderly man nodded, You will return to your people. It is in your soul, his eyes held a distant look, gazing in the direction of the Temple Mount. You will return... He repeated, his voice soft, as though breathing a promise over Josiah's life.

Josiah blinked back tears, the voice of Shaul whispering from his fresh grave.

AMBER AND PETER SAT low in the backseat of the van, undetected as they drove without making any stops.

We are going to have to stop at some point, Adelaide chewed her thumbnail, glancing furtively over her shoulder.

Terrell frowned knowing they couldn't keep up at this pace, the babies crying in protest.

Atarah held her finger to Shiloh's lips attempting to soothe her in the meantime.

Terrell turned off the exit, locating a rest stop. He parked the van in a far corner of the parking lot, beneath overhanging trees, watching as Atarah exited the front seat, trading places with her sister.

Do you have a plan? Adelaide looked out the window, I'm sure they must have an Amber Alert out by now.

Terrell glanced in the rearview mirror as Atarah held her babies to her chest. He swallowed hard, heart clenched.

I have an idea, he reached for his phone. Hey Dad, I'm on my way home...no, I'll explain later. I was wondering if you and Mom could meet us? Yes, I'll fill you in, but I need your help...

Terrell looked out the window, giving his father his location. We'll wait here for you. Call me when you get close. Okay, see you soon.

Hanging up the phone, he turned around in the driver's seat.

Okay, so my parents are going to meet us here and we will split up. My parents have dealt with this sort of thing for years with their mission and will be discreet. No one will think the kids will be with my parents, he indicated Amber and Peter who would be at the top of their watchlist. We can get supplies when we reach Ottawa, but for now, I'm more concerned about being tracked. I don't think we were followed.

Terrell had kept his voice low so the children wouldn't hear but he had nothing to worry about; they were sound asleep in the backseat.

He wrapped his arm around the back of his seat, They should be here in three hours, give or take. I'll run in and grab us something to eat, then will keep watch if you girls want to get some sleep too.

There was no way they'd be able to sleep.

I'm going to grab something for us to eat, Terrell stepped out of the van.

I'll come with you. It'll be faster, Adelaide offered.

Terrell nodded, leading the way.

What are you planning to do about Gavin? Terrell lowered his voice as they wove their way between cars in the crowded parking lot.

I haven't thought that far ahead. I'm still in shock that I actually left. It doesn't feel real yet.

Terrell nodded, Mom will be a good person to talk with when you feel ready.

Addy was already beginning to feel more comfortable with their long-time family friend.

LACHLAN WAITED UNTIL they were halfway across the parking lot before turning to Atarah. It was impossible for Atarah to read his iridescent eyes in the darkness.

Atarah... Lachlan's voice was soft with just enough huskiness to leave a trail of goosebumps across her skin. She flushed, embarrassed at how strongly she reacted to just the sound of her name on his lips.

If Lachlan was aware of the effect he had on her, he didn't let show.

I know what happened between you and Terrell this evening - I saw you... Why? You must know how much I love you and wish it was me you'd kissed, but you made your choice weeks ago. Although I can't say that I blame you, after tonight, are you having second thoughts? Josiah can't know what happened. We both know it would be grounds for divorce.

It was just a kiss, Atarah was flustered, feeling the intense heat of Lachlan's gaze resting on her. We couldn't draw suspicion during the Spirit Night...

That's what they call it? It looked more like an orgy or swinger's party from where I stood than any church service... Lachlan's voice was tinged with disgust. I won't breathe a word of it, Love, because if Josiah knew it could destroy your family. That said, I need to know if you have ever regretted your decision - that moment when you turned your back on me? On us and a future I wanted to give you?

Silence, charged with emotion hung between them.

I will always love you, Lachlan and the truth is that the decision I made was so painful. In a perfect world, I wouldn't have had to choose between you...

Atarah couldn't mistake the husky groan that escaped Lachlan's throat.

What is done is done. After how my family treated him, I knew the answer. I couldn't turn my back on him and I was carrying his babies. What choice did I really have?

Us, Lachlan's voice was low. You turned your back on everything that is precious to you - on your very heritage. I never would have made you do that, don't you know that?

It's too late, Lachlan, Atarah's voice was breathy as she watched Terrell and Adelaide approach the vehicle balancing drinks and brown paper bags.

Roxanne helped to wake up the children.

Are you hungry? She asked softly, helping pass out sandwiches to the very back of the van.

Roxanne was naturally shy and hadn't said much yet, rubbing the goosebumps on her arms. Addy had asked if she had family on the island she could return to. Roxanne had shaken her head.

No, I can't go back, she'd whispered, and so she had remained in the van as they fled back to Ontario.

No one spoke for a few minutes, eating quietly.

Do you have a plan? Atarah asked at last.

Not really, Terrell admitted, lowering his head, I hadn't expected to leave today. He and Atarah exchanged a look that spoke volumes before he continued, I'm planning on heading back to the mission. I think that is one of the last places they'd look for you. I really can't see your dad darkening those doors again after...

Atarah wasn't so sure. He had fooled more than one Christian before and hadn't he already been to the mission just before her wedding? No, she wouldn't put anything past her dad.

I don't think it is wise... Addy whispered, sharing her sister's thoughts. They will look at the mission, Atarah's farm, my old home and possibly my former church - anywhere they suspect we might be. I'm scared, she breathed, sharing her heart.

Terrell reached over and held Addy's hand for a moment, comforting her, but he wasn't feeling confident at all.

Atarah placed her daughter back in the car seat, burping her son.

Atarah, Addy bit her lip, I had begun to think this was your fault, she confessed, tears choking her voice, I was wrong and hope you'll forgive me.

Blinking back tears, Atarah nodded, Of course. You didn't know better...

It was a lie. Of course, Adelaide did but had chosen the wrong side. What would it take for people to believe her? Even when they witnessed the abuse, she was still blamed. She may forgive, but the wound was very raw.

MRS. MOSELY WAS THE first out of her car, bustling over to the van.

Terrell stepped out, opening the van back door.

We need to hurry, he looked over his shoulder.

Act now, explain later.

Oh, my dear girls! Mrs. Mosely embraced the sisters, waving at Jaira's children sitting in the very back. Come! Come! Don't be shy. I can take the older children with me, she clucked, doing a quick headcount. Don't worry, I won't bite, she smiled at the shy children, indicating her waiting car with her hand.

Let's go. Joshua... Addy called her eldest to lead the way, the four eldest cousins filling the car.

Adelaide right? You can ride in the front.

Addy smiled, joining the matronly woman who called back over her shoulder, We'll meet back at the mission.

Mrs. Mosely didn't wait for the others before heading back to the highway.

Dad, you're taking everyone else. I'm just going to return this van and get a new vehicle. I'll meet you back in Ottawa.

Pastor Mosely carried Isabella and Azrael out to his van, strapping them in, Lachlan following with the twins' car seats. He bent over, fastening them into the back seat.

I'm going with Terrell to pick up a rental car. Don't worry, Love, I'll be with you soon. You're safe now.

Thank you, Lachlan, Atarah's voice was soft.

Climbing in the backseat between the car seats, they left Terrell and Lachlan behind.

CHAPTER 2

Atarah had never been anything to Mr. and Mrs. Mosely even long before they had become pastors. The ride back to Ottawa was unusually quiet, no one wanting to address the elephant in the room, or rather, in the car.

Where's my baby girl? Brother Mosely asked almost immediately, glancing in his rearview mirror.

She went home...to her husband, Atarah shrugged.

It was a sensitive subject.

He smiled, acknowledging the infants, I always said, the most beautiful women in the world are pregnant women. There is something about them...maybe it is the glow.

Atarah nodded, finding his comment a little strange.

They drove in silence for the remainder of the trip, the children succumbing to sleep.

Atarah had always liked Pastor Mosely even if he had never paid any attention to her. She envied the Mosely brothers their luck in having such a father.

It wasn't unusual for Pastor Mosely not to speak to her, but the silence in the car felt unusually thick and heavy. Uncomfortable, for lack of a better word.

THEY PARKED JUST BEHIND the mission, the first slivers of dawn breaking up the dark clouds. Silently the adults carried the younger children in the back door, the older children following, still groggy.

Here, lay down on the sofa in the counselling room for now. I'll see to breakfast shortly, Mrs. Mosely draped a freshly laundered blanket over the cousins' limbs.

She returned to where the adults were sitting around a table. There was a damp chill in the basement, so Mrs. Mosely turned on the heat.

Just to take the edge off, she explained before returning to sit beside her husband, reaching for her Bible. Now, you'd best tell us exactly what is going on. First of all, where's Jaira?

Atarah sighed to her toes. She went back home with her husband. From what I heard she didn't even say goodbye to her children.

Mrs. Mosely clucked her tongue, There's more to this story than what you're telling me. There is no reason for those children to be here and not with their mother. There is no way Jaira would ever leave those precious darlings.

Atarah twisted the laces of her corset-style bodice, unsure how to respond.

With perfect timing, Terrell opened the large swinging door, Oh there you are...I just finished checking upstairs. He pulled out a seat beside Atarah, Lachlan sitting at Atarah's opposite side. What did we miss?

We were just asking where Jaira is. Pastor Mosely studied his son's features, We assumed she was with you after... He stopped himself from mentioning Terrell's proposal. I thought...well, we were so excited.

Terrell shook his head, She betrayed me.

His eyes were cold as flint. Terrell glanced over his shoulder, expecting the children to be joining them any moment now. Draping his arm over the back of Atarah's chair, he explained why he'd asked his parents for help - why they were back in Ottawa. He spoke fast, his Jamaican accent thickening as he explained what he had experienced in just a few days.

Pastor Mosely folded his hands in front of him, gold rings glistening in the early morning light.

Impossible. I've known Brother Gallen for years. Terrell, you must have been mistaken. How do you intend to look into this man who went missing or his wife now, for that matter? Pastor Mosely leaned forward.

Lachlan frowned, just now hearing of this as well.

I was able to leave Israel earlier than planned and headed straight to the island to bring Atarah and the children home. Other than what Atarah has shared with me in the past, I wasn't aware of this recent matter, but regardless, even if I had, my first concern would be to remove Atarah and the children from any harm. I can look into this matter this evening. If you have names, that would be helpful, Lachlan turned his attention back to Terrell who nodded.

It's none of my business to interfere, he stood up, pacing the floor. Without concrete proof...no, I won't get involved in this. Feel free to make yourselves as comfortable as possible. We will be serving the homeless this afternoon at noon and again at 4 pm. This evening a meeting has been scheduled. You remember Brother Xing, don't you? If I recall, it was Lachlan that introduced us.

Atarah nodded remembering their last night at the mission before leaving for Israel. How could she forget?

Pastor Mosely continued, staring at the wall near the exit, Rose is coming tonight. She'd mentioned she is your cousin, so you'll return home with her and Dave after the service. I'll just give them a call so they have a head's up, he rubbed the back of his neck.

Look, Dad, I didn't come here to ask for your approval, if that is what you think this is, or your judgment for that matter. I thought you might be able to give some advice about how to proceed with Jaira's kids...and possibly be able to help Roxanne.

Pastor Mosely turned, watching Terrell absently stroking circles along Atarah's shoulder. An intimate familiarity that hadn't existed a few weeks earlier was now more than evident. Pastor Mosely swallowed, knowing in his gut Terrell had told the truth - at least not the entire truth.

Roxanne is it? We could try to find you housing here in town if you have no family. I know a couple at church who have a room for rent.

Roxanne smiled whispering a Thank you.

Then it is settled. Terrell, you're leading worship tonight, so I'm guessing you and the band want the auditorium for practice?

I can't Dad. Not tonight.

Pastor Mosely raised an eyebrow. Terrell must be exhausted.

Okay, then let me make a few calls - give you the night off.

Terrell had been wrong about his parents, truly believing they'd care. He should have known. They couldn't lower themselves to acknowledge their own grandchildren, their own flesh and blood. Why should this be different?

The two pastors had counselled numerous victims of abuse in the past, but this was different. They chose to not meddle in Brother Gallen's business, carrying on as though it were an ordinary day.

Terrell's hand slid down Atarah's side, resting on her hip. Lachlan raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He'd have to have a word with Terrell. The man was being far too bold and Josiah was coming back. Terrell evidently had feelings for Atarah as well, but it was better for everyone if he, like Lachlan, put those feelings on a back burner.

I'm sorry my parents reacted like this. I thought they would care. Regardless, you have nothing to worry about, okay? I'll figure out what is going to be done about your family, and you are always welcome to come home with me, Terrell leaned in even closer.

I'm taking them back to the farm, Lachlan frowned. They have a home, Terrell...

Pastor Mosely remained silent watching the exchange before leaving to prepare for the homeless to arrive.

Terrell had never been so certain of anything, eyes only for Atarah. Clearly smitten and not caring who knew now, he missed the look his parents shared.

CHAPTER 3

A rlana is at the church , Mrs. Mosely held the phone to her ear, She's heading back to the farm tonight. Will you be coming to tonight's service?

Atarah? I didn't expect her home so soon! Oh, I'm so glad to hear she's back! It is such a tragedy what happened to her husband.

Husband? Mrs. Mosely perked up, I didn't realize Arlana was married. What happened? Unable to resist gossip.

Her brother-in-law was just murdered two weeks ago - I thought you knew!

Mrs. Mosely frowned. She'd make a point to talk with Arlana after the service.

THEY SAT IN THE LAST row, Terrell slowly running his hand up her thigh, You look drop-dead gorgeous. Trust me, you'll turn heads.

Atarah flushed, focusing on his shirt button.

"Atarah, I already care about the kids and you must