Page 23 of Axton
“Jeremy is collaborating with some bad people. A motorcycle cut us off and I crashed my truck. I lost consciousness and when I woke you were gone. I heard about this small club that could help us, and I made my way here to ask for help. They are good people, Belle. The doctor that helped you at the hospital is a part of this club, along with fire fighters and police officers.”
My heart sped up.
“No, Belle. They are not the type of police officer’s papa fears. They are good men that just want to help people.”
I looked at the kind man and his eyes softened.
Koty spoke again. “His name is Mike Axton, and he lives in a safe community in Indiana. He wants to help us, Belle. Jeremy is looking for us, so we can’t stay here long. We need to leave for Indiana as soon as you are well enough to travel.”
I let go of Koty’s hand and reached up to a bandage on his face.
“I’m okay, it doesn’t even really hurt. We are both going to be okay. You have scrapes and deep cuts all along your right side and you have stitches. They helped you sleep because you bumped your head and that noggin of yours was a little bruised. Mike has medicine for you that will help you sleep and relax. Before we give it to you, we would like to see you eat something. Do you think you can try?” Koty asked and I nodded.
“That needle in your other hand just has fluid in it so you wouldn’t dehydrate, and they gave you medicine in it. It’s okay to leave there until Dr. Ford from the hospital feels it’s okay to remove it. You have to be taking in fluids on your own before he will take it out.”
I gave him a nod letting him know I understood. I saw something in Koty’s eyes that I had never saw before. It was something I saw in others but never him. It was hope and my heart broke for him. I knew everything he was doing was something he needed his entire life.
“I’ll heat up her soup.” The kind man stood, and I watched as he walked away, then looked at my brother.
“He is very kind.” I forced out a whisper.
Koty smiled. “He has a woman he works with at the safe community with him. Her name is Valerie, and she is also very kind. Belle, they kept all your money safe and gave it to me, then paid all your medical bills out of their own pockets. That’s what they do, they risk their lives to help people like us. He never left your side at the hospital and made sure you were safe at all times. They helped us and brought you to me. Please trust them, Belle. Don’t let your fears stand in the way of your safety. Trusting these people and understanding the things they doaren’t sins may save our mothers from losing the lives they know and feel safe living.”
I tried to say words again, but they came out in a whisper. “What about my soul?”
He sighed. “Belle, please listen and listen closely. We are all sinners, and God has room in his heart for forgiveness. What you think is a sin isn’t as bad as you think. You have to find safety then you have to understand that your life is as valuable as everyone else’s. You are going to experience things that scare you because we’ve been taught things are sins that are not sins. Its manipulation to control our behavior. I need you to trust Mike, he will lead us to safety and a better life.”
I wouldn’t mention the mark. Koty was a non-believer in papas prophecies and any mention of them frustrated him. I simply nodded in respect to my faith and my faith in papa. He also wouldn’t understand the comfort I felt in the man’s presence before I saw the mark. I had more faith in Koty’s plan than ever after meeting the kind man.
I heard something and turned my head to see the very man I wanted to see walk in the room with a tray. “I have chicken noodle soup, crackers, and some ginger ale in case your stomach is a bit upset from the pain.”
“Thank you.” Koty stood to take it, but I grabbed his arm, and he looked down at me.
“My right side.” I whispered.
Koty nodded like he understood what I was saying. “You’re right-handed. I can feed you.”
I looked at the man. “Would you mind?” I forced a whisper.
“Me?” The man asked and I nodded.
“I have questions.” My voice was slowly growing stronger.
Koty looked at him. “It’s up to you.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Sure.”
“Would you like me to stay?” Koty asked and I shook my head.
“No, I’ll be okay.” I whispered.
Koty leaned down and kissed my head before leaving the room. The man set the tray down and grabbed some pillows to help me sit up, then took a seat next to me. “I hope you like chicken noodle soup. It’s from a can, but I always made it for my little sister when she was sick.” He picked the bowl up and turned to me. His eyes caught mine and I studied his, which made me think of pictures I saw of a deep blue ocean on a calm and sunny day. When his eyes tore from mine a ping of disappointment came over me.
“Warrior Angel.” I whispered and he tilted his head.
“Do what?”
I smiled. “Michael the Archangel. Are you a soldier of God?” I asked.
