Nick and Heath went to Jarrod's townhouse while Victoria and Audra went to his office. The family knew Danny Wells had people watching them but right now they were not concerned about that since they didn't know anything. If and when they were able to get some information they would formulate a plan. Until then Victoria just wanted to know exactly what was going on.

Jarrod's secretary didn't know that much but it was more than they had known. Amy showed Victoria the letter Jarrod had left her and smiled wryly when Amy said no one had been able to open Jarrod's safe. She was sure if there had been anything in the safe of importance Jarrod would have removed it. Amy was able to tell Victoria and Audra to go see Sister Catherine at St. Theresa's Church since that had been where Martha and Abby had been staying. However Amy did not know how Jarrod had gotten involved in this.

Victoria and Audra found the church easily since it was right down the road from Jarrod's office. It was a rather large church and Victoria hoped she would be able to find Sister Catherine and get some information from her.

Audra asked, "I wonder why Martha and Abby were staying at the church?"

Victoria sighed as she answered, "Danny Wells is known for being a very abusive man. I would venture to guess they were hiding from him."

Victoria noticed her daughter had become quiet because she knew how much Audra cared about children and knowing what this little girl may have endured upset both women. A small part of her was proud her son was willing to help this woman and her child but she was also scared for him as well.

Victoria and Audra entered the church and were greeted by a Sister, "May I help you?"

"I am here to see Sister Catherine. I am Victoria Barkley and this is my daughter, Audra," she motioned towards Audra.

The Sister smiled as she responded, "Of course Mrs. Barkley, Sister Catherine has been expecting you. Please follow me." The Sister turned and started walking down the aisle with Victoria and Audra following her.

They stopped in front of an office while the Sister knocked softly. She opened the door and announced Victoria and Audra. She moved to allow the women to enter the office. Before she closed the door she said to Victoria, "Mrs. Barkley what your son is doing is amazing. All of us are praying from him and Abby." The Sister closed the door.

Victoria wished she could have smiled but she was scared for her son. Sister Catherine stood to greet both Victoria and Audra. "It is nice to meet you Mrs. Barkley and Ms. Barkley and I can assure you Sister Ann speaks for everyone when she says what your son is doing for that little girl is beyond amazing. Please sit down as I know you have several questions for me."

Victoria and Audra sat down while the Sister sat down behind her desk. She opened her desk drawer and retrieved and envelope and handed it to Victoria. "Your son asked me to give this to you when you came to see me. He didn't want to take a chance and mail it to you." Victoria took the envelope and recognized Jarrod's handwriting immediately.

Victoria clutched the letter close to her chest and asked, "Can you please tell me what is going on? We didn't know anything until Danny Wells showed up yesterday with the deputies and search warrants."

Sister Catherine sighed as she began the story. "Martha and Abby showed up to the church about three months ago after her husband had savagely beaten her and Abby both. She was scared for her and her daughter's life. Somehow Mr. Wells found them about a week later and begged for her forgiveness. We tried to dissuade her but she was young and in love. They all left and less than a week later Martha and Abby were back. But this time she was different." Sister Catherine hesitated to collect her thoughts.

"Martha would not say but I am fairly confident Mr. Wells did some rather ugly things to Abby. I know for punishment sometimes he would withhold food from her. If Abby did not do as she was told the punishment was crude; Martha did everything she could to protect Abby but she finally had enough and left again. She begged us to help her get Abby away from her husband. Apparently Mr. Wells controlled his wife by threatening Abby and although Martha did as she was told it was never enough. Martha gave me her famililes' information and that is when I asked your son for his help. He found some of Martha's family and of course they readily agreed to take Abby and Martha both."

"Jarrod was able to find a judge Mr. Wells could not bribe and had a restraining order filed against him to keep him away from the church thus keeping Martha and Abby safe. He had also convinced Martha to file for divorce from Danny and petition the court for full custody of Abby. He was able to get the divorce granted and was in the process of filing the petition for Martha to get full custody of Abby when it happened."

Sister Catherine paused a moment to regain her composure. "Since Martha had been granted the divorce she found a new sense of safety and ventured out one day against our wishes. Three hours later we knew something was wrong and I asked your son to see if he could find her. He found her in the local hospital."

Sister Catherine wiped her eyes and stifled a sob at remembering how badly Martha had been beaten. "She was not recognizable, only reason we knew it was her was a birthmark on her side. She had been beaten, tortured and raped violently. I still don't know why your son was not arrested but after he found Martha he went after Mr. Wells and worked him over pretty good. He came back to the hospital afterwards refusing treatment while he stayed with Martha. He never left her side and kept blaming himself for her injuries. He was devastated and promised Martha he would keep Abby safe and away from Mr. Wells. Martha passed away a few days later."

"Your son paid for all of Martha's medical bills and funeral expenses. He filed a petition with the court to keep Abby away from Mr. Wells due to his violent history and he had enough witnesses and affidavits he thought he would win but Mr. Wells bought the Judge. Before the Judge made his ruling your son had been planning on taking Abby to Martha's family regardless of the outcome. We talked several hours and days about his decision and I told him he would need help but he said he could not risk hurting anyone else."

"During the trail he had been able to get a temporary restraining order keeping Danny away from Abby and your son spent every waking minute with that little girl. At first Abby was very scared of Jarrod but after time she eventually warmed to him even going to the park to ride his horse. I am not going to sugar coat this for you Mrs. Barkley your son is in danger because Mr. Wells is a very dangerous man. But I know your son would stop at nothing to protect Abby and himself from Mr. Wells. The only saving grace is that Mr. Wells did not know that any of Martha's family was still alive and want more than anything else to raise Abby."

"Unfortunately your son did not share where her family lived because he was worried for my safety. Martha left home at a very young age and according to what she told me Mr. Wells thought she was an orphan. I can tell you this however; he has the information of other churches and Sisters who will be assisting him in his travels."

Victoria looked at Audra and noticed the silent tears rolling down her eyes. "Could you give me that information?"

"Mr. Wells will be following your family Mrs. Barkley and I'm worried if you find Jarrod he will find your son and Abby."

"But you said for yourself Jarrod needs help."

Sister Catherine nodded her head yes, "Yes I think it would be a great assistance to him if he had some help but he was insistent no one knows where he was going." Sister Catherine smiled weakly, "When I gave him the other churches information he said he needed several different locations and areas. When I questioned him about this he told me this was in case someone had gotten the information from me and they would be going in several different locations to search for him and Abby."

Victoria leaned forward and said, "One of my children is in danger and I need to help him. I would never forgive myself if we sat by and did absolutely nothing. I understand we are taking a chance but I am willing to take that chance not only for Jarrod but for Abby as well. Please Sister I am begging you to help me so we can help Jarrod and Abby."

Sister Catherine smiled, "Your son warned me you could be very persuasive and he was right. I will pray and think about this but in the meantime please read his letter first and talk to your family."

"Can we come back tomorrow?" Audra asked.

Sister Catherine shook her head no, "No, as I have said before Mr. Wells is watching this church as well as your family. I will contact you to let you know my decision."

Victoria and Audra got up to leave, "Thank you Sister."

Victoria and Audra left the church. "Do you think she'll help us mother?"

"I honestly don't know. Jarrod forewarned her so I would not be surprised if she did not."

"Which means we'll be on our own if we want to help Jarrod and Abby."

"Yes but I am hopeful the Sister will help us and maybe Jarrod said something in his letter."