The Forsaken (The Chosen Series Book 2) by Patricia Bell (thriller books to read txt) 📕

Rachel nodded as understanding registered. “So, He is not punishing me with this – precondition?”

“Oh Rachel, no, of course not. God does not want you to suffer any more than necessary. This is just something some people go through. It could have happened to anyone.”

“Not my people. It has never―” A thought occurred to her. There had been women who’d lost their babies. Even women who’d lost their own lives. It was rare, but it happened.

“Your people do not see doctors. You probably would not know if a person was suffering from that or any other condition.”

She nodded. “You are right.”

“There are many factors that can contribute to pregnancy issues. Your age can certainly be one of them.”

Still, she wasn’t so sure.

“Rachel.” The woman put her hand on her arm. “I don’t want to say anything bad about your people. It is very commendable to set yourself apart from the world as they have. To live a simple life among fellow believers. Sometimes, with the hustle and bustle of life, I might enjoy the quiet time with God myself, but when the leaders keep away the most important of truths from their people, it is no longer praiseworthy.”

“But why do they do so? What can they gain through deception and control? It is the very reason we live as we do. To be set apart from such things.”

“I don’t know for sure with your situation, but I can tell you from history that many of these types of groups start out with good intentions.”

“There are others?”

Dr. Paine smiled. “Not who call themselves specifically The Chosen, but yes, history is riddled with isolated communities that professed to be followers of God. Many of them still exist today and some are indeed devout followers.”

She had never in her life heard of such a thing. How was that possible? They were the only chosen. “Where are they? Are they like us – them?”

“The point I am trying to make is that when the leaders of a community deprive their people from basic truths, they are abusing their powers. There is nothing wrong with being separate from the world. That in and of itself is fine, but when you pervert the word of God, it is no longer healthy.” She hesitated. “And by what I have seen and heard, that is what has happened.”

She was right. The elders had made the people so afraid that they were terrified of the outside world. They had demonized anyone who was not one of their own. They had frightened them to the point that they were so afraid to step out of line or else they would be severely punished. Or fleshed-out.

“They lied to us.” A tear dropped down her cheek.

“I am so sorry. I wish I could instantly take away your pain. I know it must be hard. But I promise you it will get better . . . with time.”

Rachel nodded. “I am afraid.” Her voice wavered. “For my sister.”

Chapter 20 ― Malachi

With the stack of money burning in his front pocket, Malachi headed toward the storage building. Would someone notice the bulge and ask him what it was? What would he tell them? He’d tried to split it up into two of his pockets, but that only looked more obvious, and he’d settled on the one. It wasn’t nearly as noticeable as he worried, but still, his insides felt as if he were about to explode with anxiety.

The Chosen did not carry money. They did not own money. They worked hard, and God provided all their needs. That was what he’d been taught all his life. And now he was relying on money to get what he wanted. Ironic.

“Ready to go?” Elder Joseph slapped him on the back as he strolled up to the vehicle.

“Yes, Elder. I am ready.”

“You may drive.” The elder tossed him the set of keys.

“Really?” Malachi asked. “I do not have my license yet.”

“You’ll need some practice before you take your test, is that not true?”

“Yes, Elder. Thank you.” Malachi grinned and headed to the driver’s seat of the truck he’d loaded the night before.

He had never been behind the wheel, but he’d paid close attention to the driver each time they went to market. He knew one day he would get his chance to drive. That day had finally come.

Malachi got in as Elder Joseph and Brother Jonah climbed in with him.

“Shall we pray?” Jonah asked with a chuckle.

“Very funny,” Malachi said as he slid the key into the ignition and turned. The truck started easily, and Malachi placed it in reverse. Since the get-away that took his brother’s life several months back, all the vehicles had been enclosed within a block wall that was gated and heavily guarded.

“Not bad for your first time,” Elder Joseph said as Malachi maneuvered the truck around, placed it in drive, and headed for the gate.

“You have not hit a thing yet.” Jonah agreed. “Impressive.”

Malachi, too nervous about the task at hand, smiled as a drop of sweat trickled down the back of his neck. Clearing his dry throat, he said, “Thank you.”

As he headed toward town, his mind reeled. The stack of money in his front pocket reminded him of what he needed to do. He knew the what, but not the how. How would he find someone to help him? He couldn’t just walk up to a complete stranger and ask them for assistance in finding his friends, could he? And even if he could, The Chosen were not allowed to interact with the English. If he were caught speaking to someone outside of answering sales questions, it would not be good. What they would do, he did not know. No one had ever spoken to the English apart from the selling of their wares.

“Are you ready to be married to Abigail?” Jonah leaned around Elder Joseph to look at him.

He was not ready. It sickened him to