WRONG WAY - GO BACK 


By Tessa Harvey


Eden was rhythmically chopping carrots. She often prayed for the blessing of God on the food she helped prepare. Today though, images crowded her mind, her tiny lost son, so perfect in death. Then her kind, beautiful husband's face twisted in pain, looking at her with such love.   
    She saw again her little girl, so full of sweetness and promise, torn from her by the cruel storm. She knew they were with Jesus, but she felt so alone.
    There was a shadow over her. Glancing up, she saw the heavy shape of her boss. He glared at her. "Yes, Mr. Ahmed," she spoke hesitantly. "Yes, Mr. Ahmed," he echoed mockingly. "You brought the police here, woman," he accused. "You send them away again or...." He drew his finger across his throat. Eden almost rolled her eyes at his dramatic threat, but stifled the action just in time.
    She knew 'Ahmed' was not his real name. "Real names is trouble," he avowed. "Can't remember me real name now, just as well, eh?
    There was a lilt of nations in his voice, but Eden heard the gaelic of Scotland singing low when he spoke. Once a man from that country had worked for them, his accent strong and sure. He had left reluctantly when there was no more money to pay him.
    "Use the storeroom to talk, and be quick!"
The police had sat across from Eden. "Uncle and Hooker have been convicted," the tall man was saying. "They will be in prison quite some time. They went the wrong way."
    "What of the boy," Eden asked, shivering a little. The storeroom was cold. Dingy, bleak and cold. "He is safe, with his sister," the other woman replied - with a foster family. "He has just turned five."
    She mentioned how they had traced Alice. 
    The policeman held her gaze. "Do you like working here?" he queried. "Not much money and your lodgings are probably poor. Now we have come, will you lose your job?"
    Eden looked at them. They seemed to care. Tears pooled in her eyes. "I am not sure. I work hard, but there are always others, many younger."
    Eden raised her head defiantly. "But I am glad you came. It is good to hear about Eddie and his sister."
    "We are here to offer you another job," James said clearly.


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