Destined by Chance

Underground Railroad Phase One

Shelly ran back into the building with a smile on her face. She looked at Elizabeth and said, "Now it will look like you lost your phone by mistake. If he comes here he won't know you were here. It will just show you were out front. Eva will be here in about fifteen minutes with reinforcements too. She is going to pull into the back of the building. That is how we are going to ensure you weren't spotted here. Let's get back to the room so that way you are out of sight. You heard the old saying out of sight, out of mind. That is what we want right now. You can bring your food with you."

Sarah knew her friend always had a plan. That is why she wanted to start this with her. Sarah knew if it wasn't for her and her family many years ago she herself would be dead. She will forever be thankful to her. Shelly looked at Elizabeth knowing she should know her story because she saw how pale she had gotten. They all walked to the room as Sarah finally assured her, "Elizabeth, I know that you are afraid, but going back isn't an option. You are safe. Shelly knows what she is doing. I'm living proof of that. Ten years ago, I was in an awful relationship where my abuser pulled a gun on me. He had it on my head but Shelly and her family protected me. They got me safely out of that relationship and now our goal is to help others safely leave theirs. Please let us help. Don't go back."

Elizabeth thought for a few minutes before she finally agreed, "If you think this will work, then I'm in. I don't like living in fear every day, wondering if today will be my last."

They were all in agreement now. It wasn't long before they heard a knock on the back door. Even before Shelly answered she asked, "Who goes there and what is the password?"

Sarah and Elizabeth heard the woman answer, "My name is Eva. I was sent by Angel. I have two others with me. The password is Red Angel."

Sarah was relieved when she heard this. She smiled at Elizabeth as she said, "See everything works out. Your ride is here. You will be in this first place for a week or two. If you need us, let your handlers know and they will get a message to us."

Before Elizabeth could say anything more, a petite brunette walked through the door with two well-dressed muscular men by her side. She gasped as she looked at Elizabeth and saw the bruises on her face. Elizabeth was so embarrassed that she quickly redid the scarf to cover the bruises. The woman smiled gently as she said, "You must be Elizabeth. Please, you don't need to be embarrassed. You don't have to cover your face. I just didn't know what to expect. I was told that you were abused and needed help. I just wasn't prepared to walk into how severe it was. My name is Eva and these are my brothers, Tommy and Tony. They are here to help too."

Tommy and Tony nodded as they stood by the door with arms crossed as guards did. Sarah felt reassured to have reinforcements. Shelly turned to them, looking at them with gratitude and said, "Let me show you where we need you. Sarah, Eva, while I explain our cover plan, can you get Elizabeth out of here? I don't know how much time we got before Jim shows up asking questions."

Sarah and Eva nodded as they watched Shelly and the men walk out the room. They heard Shelly's voice become more distant. Sarah's bright eyes looked at Eva as she said, "Are you ready to go? The sooner we leave, the farther we can get before your abuser figures out that you have disappeared. I then will be able to explain what will be happening during this journey you are about to embark on."

Elizabeth looked at Sarah one last time just as Shelly entered the room. Shelly smiled as she ushered them out. "You'll be okay but if you stay any longer you might not be able to get away. I trust my cousin and I have known Eva all my life. They won't steer you wrong. But go now!"

Just then, the girls heard banging on the front door and a lot of yelling. Elizabeth turned as white as a ghost when she heard Jim's voice. She knew it was a matter of time before he was able to get in there. Sarah and Shelly took Elizabeth quickly by the arm, leading her to a small compact car with dark tinted windows. Eva started the car and was ready to take off as soon as the door was shut. Elizabeth was safely in the car. Eva took off just as the door shut. Eva heard the pounding of Elizabeth's heart and when it got too loud she turned towards her, asking, "Are you okay? Do you need me to do anything? We are now outside the town limits. You are safe now. If we need to stop, we can."

Elizabeth was feeling so nauseous that all she could whisper was, "If you don't mind pulling over, I do feel like I'm going to get sick. I'm really not feeling too well."

Eva gracefully pulled the car over, allowing Elizabeth to get some air. She watched from outside the car. As she waited for Elizabeth, her throwaway phone rang. She answered, "Hello. That is great news. I'll let her know. We should at least get a good few hours ahead then. Thank you for the update."

Elizabeth walked back to the car looking a little bit better. Eva offered a mint and opened her door for her. Elizabeth felt bad for putting Eva out of her way and she apologized. "I'm sorry that I'm a burden. I don't mean to be."

Eva knew that victims always felt bad, but honestly, it was her honor to be able to help her. She got back into the driver's seat, looking over at her when she said, "Don't be sorry. It is my honor to help you. I do hope that if I was in the same situation someone would help me. Do you want to talk about what is happening so you know what is going on or do you still need some time? Tommy and Tony were able to convince Jim that you were never at the clinic. We have at least a half a day ahead of us before he puts out alerts, I'm guessing. If you aren't up for talking, we can wait for a little bit. We have a two-day trip ahead of us."

Elizabeth was more relaxed knowing that Shelly and Sarah were okay. She just wasn't sure if she was ready to talk. She looked over at Eva as she yawned, "Do you mind if I get some rest that way, I will be able to concentrate on what is going on."

Eva nodded at Elizabeth as she carefully watched the road. "That will be okay. Once we cross state lines, I'm going to find a place to eat. I will wake you up then. Do you have any idea of what you may want?"

Elizabeth thought for a moment before she closed her eyes and answered, "I would really love a tasty chicken meal. Something that is comforting."

Eva watched as she saw Elizabeth relax on the seat next to her without another word. She drove away in silence, wondering why there were men who were so cruel. She also wondered what part of the man's brain made him think it was okay to treat women as property.