Amazing Grace

 by Lizzy D. 

   She couldn’t get out. The walls were empty, with no windows and a door that was locked from the outside. She was starting to feel dizzy from lack of food, water, and sleep.

   “Help me, Lord!” She said, then blacked out.

   ***

   Jake Kennedy heard the girl cry out as he walked in with her tray.

   He hated this business. Taking innocent girls from their homes and selling them. He only continued doing it to save the girls from whatever horrible treatment they may receive if he wasn’t here.

   Jake unlocked the door and walked in. He saw her sprawled on the ground and quickly put the tray down and sank to her side. “Hey, wake up.” He shook her gently.

   She groaned.

   Jake picked up the small glass of water from the tray and tipped her head towards it. “Drink this.”

   She took a sip and started to cough. She sat up and leaned against the wall.

   Jake held the glass out to her.

   She took it and started to drink.  “What are you doing here?” She asked.

   “Delivering food.” He picked up the tray and put it on the ground next to her.

   She stared at him and slowly looked down at the tray. She grabbed the chunk of bread and took a bite.

   “What’s your name?” Jake asked.

   “Why?”

   “Just making conversation.”

   “Sandra. Sandra Prescott.”

   “My name’s Jake Kennedy.”

   Sandra looked at him. “Where am I and why?”

   Jake paused. “I can’t tell you where. They’re going to sell you. Maybe for a thousand dollars.”

   Sandra gasped.  

   “Don’t worry. I’ve decided I’m going to help you escape. And everyone after you.” Jake promised.

   Sandra glared at him. “Why don’t you just stop taking them, rather then taking them and helping them escape?” Her eyes flashed in anger.

   Jake shook his head. “I’m not the boss.” Jake stood and gathered up the tray.  “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

   ***

   Sandra slept for about five hours before she got restless. She sat up and leaned against the wall. Sandra couldn’t wait for freedom. She had to try to escape now.

   She stood and walked over to the door. Pressing against the door, she tested its weight. The door was sturdy and unmoving. In a leap of faith, Sandra started pressing against the walls. They weren’t as sturdy as the door, but still unmoving.

   Sandra sank to the floor, despair sinking deep in her heart. “‘Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thy heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.’” Sandra quoted.

   “I need to do something to keep my hope up.” Sandra whispered to herself. Sandra started to sing.  “Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found was blind but now I see.” Sandra was beginning to start the next verse, when a loud knock on the door startled her.

   “Hey! Stop that singing!”

   Sandra heard footsteps walking away and waited a minute before starting again. “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relived. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.”

   “Sandra?” Jake called from the other side of the door.

   “Yes?”

   “Could you skip to the last verse?”

   Sandra gaped at the door and swallowed. “I’d be happy to.”

   ***

   Andi Prescott sank down on her bed and held her head in her hands. “Lord, where is Sandra?”

   “Andi! We’ve got a lead.” Riley called.

   Andi sprang from the bed and ran to the kitchen. Three of her four children stood next to Riley and her brothers at the door of the kitchen.

   “Look, Mama.” Her oldest, Jared, handed her a paper.

   ‘Mr. and Mrs. Prescott,

      Your daughter, Sandra, is safe. She will return home to you if you come to the old town of Madera at noon on Tuesday.

       Jake Kennedy.’

    “It’s Monday!” Andi cried.

    “We know, Mama.” Her second oldest, Jim, reported. “We’re going tomorrow.”

    ***

    Tuesday morning, Sandra looked through the keyhole, trying to spot Jake. Over the past two days, he had brought her two meals a day and had stopped by in the afternoon to talk.

    Sandra spotted Jake walking this way and backed away from the door. Barely a minute later the door opened, and Jake stepped in.

    Jake shut the door behind him and turned to Sandra. “We’re going.”

    “What?”

    “I wrote a note to your parents. We’re meeting in Madera.”

    “The old town?” Sandra tilted her head.

    “Yes. We’re leaving now.” Jake peered out the door.

    “How?”

    “We have four men, not including me. The boss is out scouting, and two men are standing guard east of us. The last one is west of us. Madera is southeast, so we will head south and head east about a mile out. I have one horse behind the shed.”

    Sandra nodded.

    “Sandra, I’ve decided to turn myself in. And after I get out of jail, I would like to start courting you, if you’re agreeable.”

    Sandra’s heart sped up. “Yes, I’m agreeable.”

    Jake grabbed her hand and opened the door. “Let’s go.” He whispered.

    They ran behind the shed and speedily mounted the horse.

    Jake spurred the horse on, and they lurched forward.

    ***

    Sandra had dozed off and woke to Jake shaking her.

    “We’re here.”

     Sandra looked up and saw her parents, uncles, brothers, and the sheriff standing in front of an old shack.

     Jake stopped the horse and Sandra slid down. She ran into Mama’s arms, crying with joy.

     ***

     Riley hugged Sandra and Andi, silent tears running down his cheeks.

     Sandra stepped back and looked at them. “I’m alright.” She turned to the man behind. “Mama, Papa, this is Jake Kennedy. He saved me.”

     Riley didn’t like the way they were looking at each other, but he didn’t care right now.

     ***

     Jake rode in with the sheriff.

     “Jake, I’m thinking maybe because you turned yourself in, turned in your partners, and were reported a good guy by one of your comrades, I’m thinking that I’m going to let you go.” The sheriff shook his hand.

     “Thank you.” Jake walked out the door and headed out to see Sandra. He had to get permission to court her. And to tell her about Gods amazing grace.

 

********

     A little history on the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’

     The words were written in 1772 by a former slave trader, John Newton. He had called out to God for mercy when his ship was being battered by a storm in 1748. He was spiritually converted, but continued to slave trade until 1755 when he ended his seafaring. John Newton was ordained in 1764 and the words were written for a New Year’s service. It was published in 1779 and is now known as the most recognizable song in the English-speaking world.