A/N: Thanks for taking time to read & review! Sorry for the delay. Enjoy – R-
Chapter 4
Sarah smiled at her good fortune. She was escaping at last. She would be free from fear and beatings from her husband. Her daughter Maria would be safe from Eduardo.
Maria would not be sold, and would lead a good and better life. How lucky she was to have heard the villagers talking about Dr. Brennan leaving on the transport today. And what a wonderful person the Dr was to help. One day, she would find a way to thank her, she thought with determination.
Her fingers touched the cash and cellular telephone in her pocket. Now, she could contact her sister once she landed, and there was money for a fresh start for them. She must remember to light a candle when she got to her family's church, she thought, and said a quick, silent prayer of thanks for Dr. Brennan once again.
It was windy and lightly raining, the helicopter lurched, and Maria woke from her nap. She was disoriented and she clung to her mother.
"Mama?" she said fearfully, her eyes wide.
"Is okay. Shhh. Not much longer now, we will be with your Aunt Consuela little one!" Sarah soothed, brushing the dark curls from her daughters forehead. Forcing enthusiasm into her voice she tried to take her daughters fear away, as the helicopter hit another air pocket, pushing her head into the side of the glass. Maria whimpered.
The pilot let out a string of curses, as an alarm on the instrument panel went off, and another light began to flash.
"Senor?" Sarah asked anxiously, leaning forward, peering into the cockpit.
He didn't answer, but pushed a button, and adjusted his headset, speaking urgent Spanish into the mouthpiece. More cursing. The co-pilot looked concerned. He glanced back at her and at Maria. He offered a wink to the child.
Now she was afraid. Sarah knew little about mechanical devices, or about aircraft or helicopters, but the alarm sound, the flashing light, not to mention the cursing pilot, the coughing sound she was hearing from the engine, could not be good signs. But it was not much further!
They could make it, she had faith. She continued to pray. Surely God would not have put her on this craft, her chance at freedom, simply to crash? No.
Sarah pulled her rosary from her bag, and began to pray more urgently.
Suddenly the engine was quiet, and the propeller was no longer rotating. They were falling rapidly. More alarms, and shouting between the pilot and co-pilot. Maria was crying hysterically, and Sarah knew this was the end.
She squeezed her eyes tightly together, and held her daughter, waiting for the end.
End this chapter!