Once I was alone with Molly and she awakened sufficiently to realize our dilemma, I consoled her as best I could. Obviously, she was terrified, with good reason. I resolved to remain calm for her sake and talked of nothing but positive certainty of our escape. We held hands, needing each other's comfort.
"Promise me you won't let him do to me what he did to the other girls," she said at one point. I was about to deny, but she put a finger to my lips. "My mom told me; promise it won't happen to me. I'd rather die first." She was unbelievably brave for her age and the situation. I promised I'd do anything in my power to not let that happen.
We had been there perhaps an hour when we heard him return. I grasped a large hammer in my hand while Molly cowered in a corner at my direction.
"I've left ample stores of food and water for you. Simply open the door to retrieve them and return to your quarters. We'll talk later."
I pushed the door slowly and found a case of water bottles, bread, peanut butter, crackers, cheese and several sealed containers of fruits and puddings. Our abductor was nowhere in sight. He must have stood just out of sight. As soon as I'd picked up the fare and set it down in our cell, the door slammed behind me and the latch was dropped.
More time passed before we heard from him again.
"Please, Elizabeth, remove all of your clothing; everything and come to the door with your hands in front of you. I mean nothing untoward by my demand but there are weapons at your disposal I haven't had time to remove. I must assure myself you are carrying nothing on your person."
"And if I don't?"
"Please. I have a covering for you as soon as I'm certain you bear me no ill will. We're just going to have a discussion."
"Do it," Molly said, scrunched up in the far corner.
I considered alternatives but had none. "May I keep on my underwear?" I asked.
"Unfortunately, no," came the answer. With extreme trepidation, I complied, closing the door behind me.
There was a large man's tee shirt lying on the floor and I hurriedly put it on. He stepped out from behind me, holding his large knife. He motioned for me to follow and led me tip toeing over the stone strewn yard to the cabin.
I was sure he wanted to know about the tipster and when he asked me outright if it was I, I knew I was correct. What's more, I felt if I had said I was the tipster, there was no reason for him to keep me alive. Instead of answering, I simply smiled. When he reached for his knife, it was all I could do not to shrink away from him.