Chapter 112

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“Where are you going, Luke?” His two sisters stood in the doorway of the room he shared with their brother. Sarah kept her lips firm, but Bethany not only looked scared, she looked like she was going to cry.

He went back to packing his duffel. “I can’t stay here, Sarah. But don’t worry. Matt will see you stay safe.”

“Do you think?” There was bitterness in her words. “Uncle Simon-Peter told Grandfather he wants me to marry his oldest boy. If Grandfather agrees with him, Matt won’t do anything to stop them.”

“Of course he will! He loves you!”

“He loves Grandfather more.”

“I’d take you with me if I could, but…” He had no home and no way to support them. He’d always wanted to be a cop, but he needed some college courses under his belt, and he had to be twenty-one.

In addition, he needed a job to cover rent, groceries, and tuition. How could he take care of his younger sisters as well?

“Please, Luke? I’m seventeen. I can get a job and help.”