Place of Refuge: Refuge, #3

By Kristina Hall

Fear. Danger. Trust.

Tony Dorence has faced death too many times, and he's facing it again. Because even though he, his sister, and his friends have fled into the wilderness, they can't escape the relentless government official determined to kill them.

Merri Dorence fights to survive, to help her brother and her friends, to keep her eyes on God. Yet her faith is shaky, and fear attacks.

When confronted by an impossible trial, will they find a place of refuge? Or will evil finally win?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kristina Hall
• Release date: May 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201162009

Kristina Hall

Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Pennsylvania woods

A few years in the future

Broken ribs took way too long to heal.

Tony Dorence tipped his head against the cave wall and breathed in damp air.

Yeah, pain flared through his ribs, but he had so much to be thankful for. Jesus, family and friends, breath, shelter, rest, and safety.

Yet that safety—earthly safety—could shatter at any time.

Merri, backlit by the late morning sun, ducked into the cave. Ready to take a walk? She crouched beside him and tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

Thank You. Thank You that she’s alive.

Alive when Russell Eastman could’ve killed her.

Ready? You can’t just sit there and ignore me.

He grinned. What are you? Some kind of dictator?

She gripped his arms and helped him to his feet. Nope. Just your sister.

He clenched his teeth against the protests of his ribs. Seems like the line between the two has blurred a little.

Maybe. She moved both of her hands to his right arm. We’ll go slow. No falling allowed.

He took a couple of steps on legs that were way too shaky. Catch me if I do.

She laughed, and the light sound echoed through the cave. I’ve been able to pick you up since I was five years old. I think I can manage now.

Probably so. Especially since she had to outweigh him by ten pounds now.

Don’t hit your head. That’s all you need.

He stepped out of the cave. Sunlight brushed warm against his face and seeped through his T-shirt.

Craig Lansky looked up from his Bible. Sick of resting? Amanda, his wife, sat on the log beside him, their daughter, Penny, wiggling on her lap.

He leaned a little too much weight on Merri. Crazy, but I’m still tired.

Craig grinned, yet the smile didn’t erase the shadows beneath his eyes.

Yeah, it’d take more than two weeks to forget all that’d happened with Eastman.

He managed a smile. Don’t call me a lazy bum. I stayed awake for Wes’s whole sermon.

I hope you stayed awake. Wes Smythe pushed away from the tree he’d been leaning against.

It was a great sermon. Always is.

Wes scratched his short, white beard with arthritic fingers. Flatterer.

Wes’s wife, Matilda, walked from the trees, two full water bottles in her hands. Tony, you’re up again.

Things had to be bad when people were surprised he could move. Yep. Merri dragged me out. Where’d Brent and Rick go?

Wes smoothed his hand down his wrinkled dress shirt. Brent’s scouting around to make sure we haven’t been followed, and Rick’s looking for edible plants.

Matilda shuffled to Wes’s side and raised both eyebrows. I do hope that boy knows what he’s looking for.

A stick cracked, and Rick Stigler traipsed empty-handed into camp.

A breeze cut through Tony’s T-shirt and sweatpants. Couldn’t find anything to poison us with?

Rick frowned. I keep you in one piece, and you ridicule my knowledge like that?

He’s grateful to you. Merri laughed. Don’t let him fool you.

Rick pulled his black-framed glasses from his face and polished them on his T-shirt. How’re the ribs feeling, man?

With Merri’s help, he took another couple of steps. They hurt. His pulse rushed in his ears, thanks to too much weakness and that stupid drug they’d tried to murder him with. I’m okay.

Rick resettled his glasses. I never have figured out why my patients get frustrated with necessary questions. The corners of his mouth edged up. Seems they expect healing to be done in an hour. A day at most.

Merri tugged on his arm. You should walk a little more then sit down. I’ve got to start lunch soon. Can’t have you wasting away on me.

She worried too much about him. Then again, he’d given her too many reasons.

Get moving. Rick crossed his arms.

He forced one foot in front of the other until he reached the rock resting by the mouth of the cave. Far enough. He sank onto the rock and hauled in a couple of quick breaths. Sweat trailed down his nose, and he swiped it away.

Merri slipped her hands into her pockets. Are you okay?

Yeah. He braced his hands on his knees and breathed despite the knives hacking at his ribs.

Heavy, fast footsteps thrashed from the woods.

Merri’s eyes shot wide. She spun, jamming her hand to the .380 holstered at her lower back.

He shoved to his feet, and black spots swirled. Protect us.

Rick and Wes both faced the woods, hands on their guns.

Penny let out a little cry.

Brent Ackerman burst into camp and skidded to a stop, shoulders heaving, mouth open. Somebody’s out there. Get in the cave.

The spots whirled faster. He should’ve made them keep going, shouldn’t have let them hang out here so he could recover. He could’ve made it on the stretcher Brent and Rick had fashioned.

Yet he hadn’t. Now, it was too late.

Don’t let them find us. Don’t let anyone be hurt because of me.

Craig hurried Amanda and Penny inside, and Matilda and Wes followed them.

Merri grabbed a skillet and duffel bag strewn on the ground and whirled. C’mon.

He jerked his head toward the cave.

She darted inside, and he shuffled after her.

Brent’s and Rick’s steps thudded behind him.

All the way to the back. Wes’s voice came calm.

If government agents or whoever Eastman had working for him found them ...

A dip in the ground caught his foot, and he stumbled.

Brent grabbed his arm. Don’t fall on your face, dude. He guided him to the back of the cave. Sit down. Gotta get the junk back here too. Don’t want them to see it.

Tony sagged beside Matilda.

Merri, Brent, Craig, and Wes dragged blankets, duffel bags, and backpacks to the rear of the cave.

He should be helping, should be doing anything but sitting here with his arms curled to his ribs.

Merri tossed a backpack on their heap of junk and sank beside him.

It was just one guy. I don’t think he saw me. Brent’s whisper echoed through the cave.

Where? Rick pressed against the back wall.

Brent crouched in front of the pile of junk. Maybe a fourth of a mile from here?

The guy didn’t have to be a government agent. Maybe he was a hiker. Even though the government had closed all parks, they didn’t patrol them to keep hikers out. He look like an agent?

Brent rocked back on his heels. I only saw him for a second. I was up on a rise, and he was down near the creek. Big guy wearing normal clothes.

Even though Eastman’s superior had called off the search for Merri and the others, Eastman could’ve bribed agents to do his dirty work. That or hired outside individuals.

No, he couldn’t jump to conclusions. Brent had seen one guy. A guy who may or may not be an agent. We should’ve gotten out of here before now.

Rick sighed. Not at the expense of your health.

At the expense of everyone’s health? He should’ve said that days ago, shouldn’t have let them stop for him.

Merri rested her hand on his arm and gave it a gentle, though shaky squeeze.

We’re in God’s hands. Wes leaned his shoulder against the side of the cave.

He had to remember that. Protect us. Don’t let anyone find us here. Let all of this mess with Eastman be over.

A stick cracked, and Merri’s fingers dug into his arm.

Blind whoever’s out there.

The guy shouldn’t be able to see all the way to the back of the cave, but if he were observant, he’d see footprints in the dirt.

Brush rustled, and heavy steps pounded the ground. Dorence, it’s Davies. I know you’re around here. I need to talk to you, warn you.

Davies. Had the guy released him and Craig only to hunt them down and kill them a couple of weeks later?

No, he’d had plenty of chances to kill them then, yet he’d released them.

He pushed to his feet, and pain stabbed his chest.

No. Rick’s whisper was no louder than a breath.

Dorence, I’ve got to warn you. This isn’t some trap.

Stay in here. All of you. He stumbled forward and ducked out of the cave.

Davies stood a few yards away, arms crossed over his big chest. Tension rippled across his jaw. I’m here alone.

Spots swirled against the trees, and he sank onto the rock beside the cave before he could fall on his face. How’d you find me?

Davies raised both eyebrows. You didn’t go too far from the area where I dropped you off, and your friend doesn’t run quietly. Be glad I’m not a bunch of agents.

His weakness had put Merri and the others in danger.

Davies lowered his arms to his sides. Last night, Eastman told me he’s looking to hire men to find and kill your sister, Lansky’s wife and baby, Wes and Matilda Smythe, Brent Ackerman, and Rick Stigler. You all need to get away from here.

Lord, no. Please, no. My and Craig’s supposed deaths aren’t enough for him?

Their supposed deaths. Deceit.

Forgive me.

Davies ran the back of his hand over his mouth. Nope. He hates he couldn’t break you and wants to wipe out everything having anything to do with the two of you.

He had to get everyone out of here. They should’ve moved on days ago. Why’d he tell you?

He wanted to hire me. Davies glanced over his shoulder, then returned his attention to Tony. I don’t know when they’ll come after you. I don’t think he’s hired anyone yet, but you need to get out of here. I mean it. As far away from here as possible.

He pushed to his feet. Thanks for the warning. If Eastman or any of his other superiors found out Davies had warned them, he’d face execution.

Davies glanced at the ground. Least I could do.

The cuffs digging into his wrists. The concrete walls surrounding him. Davies’s fists pounding him.

No, he didn’t need to go back there.

"‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus ...’"

Davies lifted his head. Glad to see you looking a little better.

Tony crossed to the man, steps slow, and extended his hand. Thanks again.

Davies clasped his hand, his grip strong. I’m trying to get out of government work.

I’ll be praying.

Davies turned and strode into the woods.

They had to leave. Now.

Merri shoved to her feet and hurried to the pile of stuff. Of course Eastman wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t let them live in peace.

Brent turned to the pile, grabbed a duffel bag, and tossed it to her.

How could they outrun whatever men Eastman hired? Though Wes and Matilda were in good shape for being in their eighties, they couldn’t move all that fast. And Tony was in no condition to walk miles over rough terrain.

She rolled up several blankets and shoved them into the duffel bag.

Brent stuffed a backpack beside her, taking no care for order.

Not that order mattered when they should be leaving now.

Tony stumbled into the cave and slumped against the wall.

He needed a place where he could rest and recover. The cave had provided shelter, yet the woods promised nothing but thousands of places for Eastman’s men to hide and wait for them.

No, the forest would also give them places to hide from Eastman’s men, and the rough terrain would slow the idiots down and hinder their search.

Unless they brought in helicopters, drones, and high-tech equipment.

No, she couldn’t go there. All she could do was get things ready so they could leave as soon as possible.

Please don’t let them catch up to us.

Matilda knelt beside her. Hand me a bag.

Merri jerked the zipper closed. It’s done. If only her voice didn’t shake. Everything except our blankets and a few other things were already together. Tony had insisted on that, saying they might have to leave in a hurry.

Too bad he’d been right.

She shrugged into a backpack and stood. Help us.

Rick strode to the pile of stuff and grabbed a duffel bag. Wes, Matilda, you don’t need to carry anything. Pretty sure dealing with us is enough of a burden. Strain edged through his laugh.

Well, at least he could joke around.

Matilda shook her head and slipped on a backpack. I’m perfectly able to help out.

Wes did the same.

Weakness shook through her knees, and she planted a hand against the damp cave wall.

Craig selected a duffel bag and helped Amanda into a backpack. Penny flailed against her mom’s hold.

Rick rubbed his beard. Brent and Merri, you want to carry Tony? Hate to ask you, Merri, but Craig’s not in good shape after everything, and my wrist is killing me. He shook his head. I tripped and slammed it into a tree to catch myself. Bent it back funny.

It’s okay. She forced her lips into a smile.

Rick sighed. I’ll try move it around—get some blood into it ...

It’s okay. Somehow, she kept the smile in place. I’ve got it.

Because this was Tony.

I can walk. Tony pushed away from the cave wall.

Rick winced. Man, you’re not up to it.

Tony’s shoulders stiffened. I can make it.

She took a step toward him, then stopped. He wouldn’t welcome comfort right now.

Rick let out a slow breath. What you’re going to do is slow us down. This is the fastest way and the way that’s best for your health.

Tony glanced at her.

He didn’t need this. He shouldn’t be forced to run for his life.

You’ve got to let us carry you. She couldn’t come close to losing him yet again.

His shoulders sagged. Guess I don’t have a choice.

Brent grabbed the makeshift stretcher—nothing more than a doubled-over blanket sewn to two relatively straight branches—and set it on the ground. He shrugged on his backpack. Lay down, man. Let’s get going.

Tony lay down, and his face tightened.

Help him. Please heal him.

Brent walked to one end of the stretcher, while she took the other end. Together, they lifted Tony from the ground.

Ready? Rick’s voice echoed through the cave. Let me check things out first and get oriented. He strode outside.

Tony tapped the side of the stretcher. Sorry. Wish I could walk.

Brent glanced over his shoulder. Don’t worry about it, man. We’ve got you. You don’t weigh that much.

She pressed a smile to her lips. He’d carry her for as many miles as needed to get her to safety. She wouldn’t do any differently for him. This isn’t going to last forever. You’re going to get well.

No, nothing would last forever on this earth. He might not be alive long enough to heal all the way.

The branches pressed hard against her fingers. We shouldn’t have picked you up so soon. Rick’s taking his time.

Brent snorted. Probably because he can’t figure out how to use that compass.

All clear.

Matilda raised her eyebrows and shuffled toward the mouth of the cave. I think he heard you.

Good. Brent followed her.

Merri matched his steps. Tell us if we’re jerking you around too much. Not that he would. He’d just clench his teeth and let them keep going.

Warm sunlight hit her face.

Rick situated the duffel bag strap on his shoulder. Let’s get going. I’m up front. Craig can take the back. His focus shifted somewhere beyond her shoulder, and he shook his head. On second thought, Brent, switch places with Merri and take the back.

She and Brent lowered the stretcher, traded places, and again lifted it.

That’s good. Rick strode into the woods, followed by the others. Craig walked by with his head down, his hand on Amanda’s shoulder.

Man. Brent’s voice came from behind her.

She fell into step behind Amanda. If she responded, Craig would hear her and Brent talking about him.

Brush grabbed her jeans, and sticks crunched beneath her tennis shoes. She needed to be careful. If she stepped wrong or tripped over an exposed root, she could jar or drop Tony.

She tightened her sweaty hands around the stretcher handles. Burning settled in her hands and forearms.

She glanced over her shoulder.

Tony lay still, eyes closed, face too pale. The movement of the blanket with each of her and Brent’s steps had to hurt him.

Brent offered her a one-sided smile. Chill. He’s okay, and no one’s following us. His smile faded. Can’t believe that guy heard me running. Glad he’s on our side now. I could’ve gotten us in major trouble.

None of us expect you to be Daniel Boone or anything. He’d have heard one of us too. She couldn’t let him blame himself. That wasn’t a good place to be.

Nope. She didn’t need to go there.

Something snagged her shoe, and she faced forward. Careless. That’s what she was. If that had been more than a stick, she could’ve tripped or fallen.

Brent’s breathing picked up.

You okay?

He groaned. Guess I’m out of shape.

Thought you said I didn’t weigh much. Tony laughed.

You don’t. Brent gasped a breath. Thing is, I weigh too much.

One step after another. That’s what she had to do. Keep walking and trust that God was with them, that He’d never leave them, that He’d keep them safe.

Even if that meant taking them to heaven if this day were their last.

He should be able to walk.

Brent shouldn’t be huffing and puffing behind him. Merri’s fingers shouldn’t be white around the stretcher handles. Her arms shouldn’t be shaking.

Yet Rick had been right. He’d struggled to walk a few steps around the camp. He’d have slowed them down, put them in even more danger than he already had.

Yeah, he was getting a painful lesson in humility out of all of this.

Thanks for lugging me around.

Merri glanced over her shoulder. Damp strands of hair clung to her sweaty face. Does it hurt?

Yeah. Then again, the knives twisted in his ribs most of the time anyway. Not that bad.

She winced and faced forward. Sorry.

Brent grunted. Know what? I think I’m going to twist my ankle. Riding on one of these things is the way to go.

Merri shook her head, and her pony tail whipped her shoulders.

I think that’s a no, bud. He closed his eyes. Hey, see anything behind you?

Nope. And before you ask, I’ve been watching.

Yet watching wouldn’t decrease Eastman’s determination to kill Merri and the others.

Keep us from them. Keep us safe.

Hear that? Merri looked over her shoulder.

Shoes rustling brush. The breeze hissing through the trees. A creek gurgling.

Water?

Yeah. She adjusted her grip on the right stretcher handle. Rick said we’d stop and eat something at the next creek.

A break from the jostling and a drink of water would be good.

Here we are. She stopped. On the count of three. One, two, three.

He clenched his teeth as Merri and Brent lowered him to the ground.

She knelt beside him and shrugged out of her backpack. Want me to help you sit up? You can lean against a tree.

Yeah.

She slid her hands behind his shoulders and eased him upright. "The tree’s behind you and to your right.

He maneuvered to it and leaned against it. Rough bark pressed against his T-shirt and into his shoulders and back. Thanks. Dizziness swept over him. How could he be so weak?

She grabbed a filtered water bottle from the side of her backpack and pushed to her feet. Be back in a minute with something for you to drink.

Amanda, Craig, Matilda, and Brent filled their water bottles from the fast-flowing stream, and Merri crouched with them. Wes and Rick stood a couple of yards away from the others, their gazes fixed somewhere on the other side of the creek.

Rick gripped Wes’s shoulder, then strode toward Tony. Hanging in there?

Yeah.

Merri walked around Rick and handed Tony the water bottle. Drink all of that. I’m going to help Amanda divide up the protein bars.

He freed the