Her Christmas Protector by Terri Reed Page B

disappearing into the kitchen.
    A moment later she reappeared. “It’s for you.”
    Dottie began to rise, but Reva shook her head. “Not you, Dottie. The phone’s for Faith. You can take it in the kitchen.” Reva left the room and went back down the dark hall.
    Faith couldn’t seem to make her feet move. She could feel the blood rushing from her head. Who could be calling?
    “Do you want me to find out who it is?” Concern etched lines in Dottie’s forehead.
    “No, that’s okay.” The last thing she wanted was for Dottie to think something was wrong. She forced herself to walk, dread creeping into her soul with each step. “It’s probably just the pharmacist. I refilled your meds yesterday.” Though why they’d be calling now, she didn’t know. The pharmacist had assured her the refill would be ready for pick up tomorrow.
    In the kitchen the phone lay on the counter, Faith stared at the instrument with apprehension before picking up the receiver and putting it to her ear. “Hello?”
    There was a moment of silence before a deep, muffled voice she couldn’t identify spoke. “I’m coming for you, Faith. You can’t get away from me. No matter where you go, I’ll find you.”
    The line went dead.
    Icy talons of fear pierced Faith’s skin, causing goose bumps to rise. She dropped the receiver. It clattered noisily on the counter and she backed away. Blood and fear pounded in her brain, her vision blurred.
    Tears welled in her eyes and she bit her lip. A trickle of blood seeped into her mouth, the coppery taste making her gag. She hadn’t tasted her own blood since the night she’d run away. Violent shudders racked her body and her breathing became shallow.
    She had to leave.
    But how? Where would she go? Part of her wanted to give up. When would it ever end? Would she ever find the peace she so desperately sought?
    The thought of leaving the Campbells’ weakened her knees, but for their sake, their safety, she had to go. Her sanctuary was nothing more than a house of cards. God wasn’t watching over her. She had to take care of herself and protect those around her. Never mind her selfish dreams.
    “Faith, honey, are you all right?” Dottie called from the living room.
    It took several tries before she managed to answer, “I’ll be right there.”
    Her mind frantically reviewed her options. She could walk to town and catch a bus. But she’d have to ask Luke or Dottie for some cash. Or she could take some money from her trust fund. Since Vinnie already knew where she was, that seemed the best option.
    Only she wouldn’t be able to get at the money unless she went to the bank. She’d have to go to town with Luke tomorrow.
    Calming herself down enough to rejoin Dottie, Faith settled back on the couch, aware of Dottie’s scrutiny.
    “You look a little pale,” Dottie commented. “Is something wrong?”
    “I think I need some fresh air. Would you like to go outside?” Faith asked, hoping to distract Dottie.
    Dottie slowly stood. “I’d love to see my babies.”
    They bundled up and then stepped outside. The snow from the previous evening had dusted the gravel drive, making the uneven surface look more like a sea of scattered marshmallows rather than chunks of stones.
    They approached the fence and the llamas meandered over. Brandy came bounding out of the barn to give Faith and Dottie wet kisses before running back to the barn and disappearing inside.
    “Luke must still be in with Lucy,” Dottie commented.
    Faith ran her hands through the soft fur of the animal named Ricky and wished the soothing texture could smooth the edges of her nerves.
    “He likes you,” Dottie stated. “Ricky is usually very standoffish.”
    “The llamas are much friendlier than I heard they were,” Faith said.
    “Faith, Faith!”
    Reva’s high-pitched call sent the llamas scattering. Reva came hurrying out from the house and down the road, her frosted curls bouncing about in disarray. She’d donned her black,