RUFUS WAS HAPPY TO SEE COURTNEY

Tuesday morning bright and early Dad leave for the mainland. Rufus thought, 'Managing the plantation alone for a few days won't be that difficult.'

After the first day alone, he only had time to bathe and change. Oliver sometimes had to drop off his breakfast and lunch.

When Dad returns on the third week in June hearing him saying, "Pappie, fell and his left foot was broken two places, so he had to get surgery."

While listening to his dad, feeling his eyes were closing on him, he felt tired and drain having to work late each night to keep up with the orders.

Hearing his dad saying, "His grandparents won't be home for a few more weeks."

Rufus felt relieved, knowing that their eyes never miss anything, and if they were home, Courtney won't be able to hide the pregnancy for much longer.

Then that's another problem that will arise, having to explain to them how is that possible, so it's good in a way.

Courtney, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be aware of her pregnancy as yet, which is good.

And as Martha said, if I tell her she might panic and that is a risk he wasn't willing to take not yet any how.'

Rufus went and wash his face then return and stood next to Joseph, watching as he adjust the blade to remove the thin layer just under the sap, then the other piece that came went into the heap for rejection.

'Dad is right, these few days as soon as that heap builds up, someone comes and buy it. Hearing them saying that they were using it for fencing their field or for their animals.

At the end of June Mom came to the mill, going to her, afraid for her to come where all those saws were, and the men were busy fixing an order. Kirk and Lawrence was off loading a truck load of logs.

Shifting her away from the truck, and the forklift that was making an order ready for delivery, "Mom, why are you here?"

"I want to see Martha."

"Mom, I haven't seen Martha since that day about three or four weeks back. Let Carlos drive you around, and Mom sends word for Alf, I need to do a few purchasing in the mainland for the plantation.

Have him ready early in the morning, now you must go and tell dad to come. I am expecting another truck to come in for lumber, and I must supervise the men in the orchard, another order came in not too long ago."

When dad came a truck had just drive-in, "Dad, you stay here, I have to check the order in the orchard."

"Okay, Son!"

At the orchard, taking the gallon of gas with him, leaving instruction with Austin his foreman to ensure the five thousand oranges are counted correctly. I will only be about an hour, and I must take this gas for Pappie."

Getting on his horse securing the gas, "Let us go Prince, it is already late and she might not have any gas for the generator."

Riding at a fast passé on the shoreline when his eyes caught a glimpse of a shadow in the grove, slowing down seeing her.

"Lord, is she completely out of her mind? It is already half four, what time does she expect of return?"

Getting off his horse going to her in the grove. "What are you doing, it will get dark soon, come on I have to be back by the orchard, the men are picking an order?"

Seeing how watery her eyes were, Rufus bend down and hold two of the big crab and break off the back then went and rinse it on the river, tying it in his bandana.

Happy in his heart to see her, saying to her "Now, don't hold it near your leg, they are not dead and can still give a good clamp with those two big gundi of theirs."

Getting on his horse when his watch beeps, seeing her curiosity to know the time, "What time do you think you will reach the cottage, it is already five o clock?"

Seeing the fear in her eyes, "Come on sit here." When she didn't hesitate, Rufus knew she was scared more of the evil force than him.

Unable to ride fast but it was faster than if she was walking. Untying the gas then hurried to full the generator. Returning to her it has sufficient for tomorrow, so go inside and enjoy your crab."

"Won't you come for some, you caught it?"

Seeing the pleading in her eyes, Rufus hold her hand wanting to stroke her face but said, "I am sorry, I have lots of work to complete, and I won't be here tomorrow, so don't go wandering too far."

"Take me with you, please?"

Turning to her, wanting to take her in his arms, but he know that is impossible. "I will be back late and that will not be safe for you, now hurry and go inside."

Watching him wave when he gets on the horse and ride away.

Mumbling to herself, "This place is a jail, I cannot go anywhere, and I don't see anyone, oh God, I am beginning to hate this place so much."

Forgetting the place was beginning to get dark, as she stood looking after him as he hurried back.

She only realized darkness was upon her when she felt her paws raise, "Oh dear, this is not good,

Lord I cover myself with your precious blood," whispering, "No weapon form against me shall prosper," but that was not working the fear was more intense than she could bear.

Speaking more loudly so the part of her brain that was thinking won't think.

Declaring, the blood of Jesus over her life, over the property. "You evil spirit, I drive you out from here, I am covered with the blood of Jesus.

I am surrounded with the blood of Jesus," reaching to the door covering it with the blood, "You cannot touch me, Jesus has a blood hedge around me."