June 1985, a two lane road in western Pennsylvania

Joseph Green glanced over at his teenage granddaughter, Faith. They had left New York City earlier that morning and were headed home to West Virginia. At first, Faith had chatted away about the things she had done the day before while he had been busy with his editor. He had been glad she had enjoyed the experience.

Sometimes he wondered if he was doing the right thing, keeping her with him. She seemed content, but he knew that she missed her friends. His home was beautiful, but very isolated. Their nearest neighbors on the ridge were three miles away by road. He sighed silently. There really was no choice. Faith's only other close relatives were not people he would trust her well being to.

Faith had grown more and more quiet as they drove. Joseph made the slight detour necessary to visit Blessings, the town were Faith had grown up. The town in which her parents and grandmother were buried. Her mood had been pensive as they drove past familiar landmarks. At the cemetery, neither spoke. Joseph watched as Faith had placed yellow roses on the graves. He had remained at his wife's grave while Faith talked to her parents. When she had come to him, tears in her eyes, he had given her a fierce hug.

"Your grandmother always loved yellow roses." He said softly, a comforting arm still around her shoulders.

"Mama did too." Faith replied, with just a slight hitch to her voice. "Dad said that was one of the signs that told him they were meant for each other, that she loved the same kind of flower his mother did."

Joseph stroked the hair from her forehead. "They loved each other fiercely. You came from that love." He told her, his voice suddenly husky.

"I know." Faith smiled as she remembered the love her parents had had for her and for each other. "I just wish I could have had them longer."

"Me too, Faith. Me too." Giving her another hug, he started for the car. Faith caught up and slipped her hand into his. At the car, Joseph gave her hand a squeeze before moving to the driver's seat. He drove out of town and rejoined the road to West Virginia before stopping for lunch. Over sandwiches they had talked of little things. Now Faith sat quietly, gazing out of the window of the car at the passing scenery.

He glanced at the sky. The sun was beginning to set, the sky was taking on a darker hue with streaks of pink and purple. Another three hours or so before we're home, Joseph thought to himself and shifted in the seat, stretching his back. Faith looked over at him questioningly but he just smiled reassuringly. Long hours driving didn't bother him. He was eager to get home. They drove on in silence, each lost in thought.

"Pops look!" Faith exclaimed, pointing ahead. Joseph took his foot off the accelerator and glanced where she indicated. He saw a car pulled well off the road with its hood up. Joseph allowed the car to slow even more. He squinted in the thickening dusk. Beside the car he could see a man and a woman. For a moment, Joseph hesitated, considering. Then he tapped the brakes, slipped off the pavement and pulled up a short distance from the other car. As the headlights lit the shadowy area, the man move to stand protectively in front of the woman.

Joseph brought the car to a stop. He took a moment to study the couple. The man looked to be in his thirties, light blond hair stylishly cut, clothes clean and neat. The woman seemed to be younger, in her twenties. Her jet black hair hung long and straight. She looked to have some Indian in her.

The couple stood staring unblinkingly into the headlights from the Greens' car. "Stay in the car and lock your door." Joseph ordered. Faith frowned unhappily, but settled back in her seat. Joseph opened the glove compartment and handed Faith the pistol he kept there, just in case.

Joseph got out of the car carefully locking the door behind him. He walked closer to the couple, stopping several feet away. "You folks need help?" He asked politely.

The man regarded Joseph warily. "The car will not start." He said flatly. "It began to sputter while I was driving. I pulled off the road and it died."

"Hmm," Joseph frowned thoughtfully. "What have you tried?"

"I know nothing about cars." The man snapped. Joseph looked at him in surprise. The man's tone seemed faintly disgusted, as of he felt he should have known what to do.

"Well, not everyone does." Joseph said quietly. "I know some, let me take a look." Joseph offered. The man looked from Joseph to the Greens' car and back. The woman touched his arm and shook her head slightly when he looked her way. The man hesitated, then nodded and stepped back. Giving the woman a friendly nod, Joseph moved to the car. As the woman stepped away her dress pulled tight, showing that she was pregnant. The man produced a flashlight and held it while Joseph looked over the engine. He tightened a hose, wiggled some wires and checked the fluid levels.

"Try to start it now." He told the stranger. The man gave Joseph a long considering look. Joseph returned the look steadily, understanding the man's caution. Joseph was a stranger, and the man had the woman to protect. Joseph had no doubt that the man could beat him in a fight. Although the stranger was only slightly taller than Joseph's own 5'8", he appeared lean and very fit. He was also a good thirty years younger. Still, he would have to leave the woman alone with Joseph, a potential hostage. So Joseph waited patiently.

Finally, the man nodded. He handed the flashlight to the woman and got into the car. When he turned the key in the ignition the starter didn't even grind.

Joseph frowned at the engine. "Well, I've got to admit it's got me stumped." He said as the man rejoined him. "It's getting too dark to do more. I can stop at the next town and send you a wrecker." He offered. When the man did not answer, Joseph looked up. Both the man and the woman seemed to be listening to something. Joseph strained, but heard nothing. The couple's attention seemed to be on the road. Joseph turned to look. The road way empty. He turned back to the couple standing tensely nearby. Suddenly, they both relaxed. Seconds later, Joseph heard a car approaching. All three adults watched as headlights swept over them and then continued on.

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary." The man finally answered. Now both strangers were looking at Joseph warily.

"You sure?" Joseph asked, surprised.

"Yes, thank you for stopping and trying to help." The man's tone was perfunctory. "We'll just wait here until morning."

Joseph hesitated a moment longer, then nodded, and started back to his car. He was usually a good judge of character, something he prided himself on. But these people puzzled him. The woman had not said a word. Why didn't they want a wrecker? Joseph glanced back. The strangers stood watching him. Maybe they didn't have enough money for repairs and too much pride to ask for help. Pride he could understand. The night was warm. They'd be okay.

Faith unlocked the car as he approached. "What happened?" she asked.

"I couldn't get the car going." Joseph said simply. He put the key in the ignition.

"Are we just leaving them here?" Faith asked, astonished.

"I offered to send back a wrecker, but he refused. Guess they don't want help." Joseph answered calmly, putting the car in gear. Faith laid a hand over his.

"Pops, they've got small children with them." Joseph looked at her, startled.

"Children?"

"Yes, while you were working on the engine I saw a couple of kids peeking out from behind the car. One was real young." Faith gnawed on her lower lip. "Could they be in trouble?"

Joseph looked out the window. The man and woman had not moved. Both stood watching the Greens' car warily. He saw no sign of children. He turned to regard Faith steadily for a moment. "Maybe. They seem a bit on edge. Still, being stuck in the middle of nowhere with night coming on could be dangerous." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "'Course, they could just be down on their luck and too proud to accept charity."

Faith peered out the windshield. "The car seems a nice one and fairly new. And their clothes look expensive." Joseph studied the couple and had to admit that they didn't look like they were short of money. Still, outward appearances could be deceiving. While he considered what to do, he saw that the couple had switched their attention back to the road. Again he looked, but saw nothing. Moments later a truck came into view and continued down the road. When he looked out the windshield again, the couple had returned their gaze to his car. Joseph sighed.

He got back out of the car and walked towards the couple. Immediately the man's casual stance changed, becoming aggressive. Joseph approached carefully, keeping his hands clearly in sight.

"You folks in trouble?" He asked softly.

The man scowled. "Of course," he snapped, "the car won't start."

"I mean real trouble." Joseph persisted.

The man crossed his arms over his chest. "What makes you ask?" he demanded challengingly.

"You'd rather stay out here all night than have a wrecker sent out. You tense up every time a car passes," the man shrugged. "And," continued Joseph, bracing himself, "you've got children hiding from sight." At this the woman gave a gasp and the man stepped forward menacingly.

"How do you know this?" He demanded fiercely.

Joseph stood firm despite the clear threat in the man's voice and look. "My granddaughter saw them." He replied simply. "Look," Joseph continued. "You've got a pregnant lady and kids to take care of. Do you really think staying out here all night is a good idea no matter what your trouble is? If it's money, I'd be pleased to lend you some. You could pay me back later. If it's something else, well let's try to work it out."

The man continued to glare at Joseph. The woman put a hand on his arm and he stepped back. The two looked at each other, not speaking. Both then looked from Joseph to his car. Joseph tensed, ready to stop them if they moved towards Faith.

"There are people we need to avoid." The woman suddenly spoke. Joseph started.

"The law?" He asked, frowning.

"No." The man replied firmly. "The law has no interest in us. That's part of what we are trying to avoid."

Joseph looked at him puzzled. "I don't understand." He admitted.

The couple exchanged another long look. Then the woman continued, "We're running from our own people. They have some strange ideas about the rest of the world. They want to raise the children to do criminal things."

"You from some sort of commune or cult?" Joseph asked, trying to understand.

"Of a sort." The woman admitted. "They had decided it was time to start training my son to do bad things. I don't want that, and neither does he. So," she gestured towards the man, "Lu-, um, Samuel helped us get away."

"But they will be looking for us." Samuel continued. "They don't give up easily and they have money. We can't afford to leave a trail to be followed."

Joseph considered. He filed away the woman's slip to think about later. "Are you planning on abandoning the car?"

"Probably." The man admitted, after another look from the woman.

Joseph stood silently, looking over the couple searchingly. This time, it was the stranger's turn to wait patiently. He recognized the older man's dilemma. Obviously, Joseph did not feel comfortable leaving children and a pregnant woman by the side of the road, but he was also concerned for the safety of his granddaughter. Samuel tried to make himself appear unthreatening while Joseph weighed the risks. He felt the older man reach a decision.

"Well," Joseph said hesitantly, "we could give a lift. That should get you away from here without a trace." Again the couple exchanged a long silent look.

"Where are you headed?" The woman asked.

"Small place in the mountains of West Virginia." Joseph told them. "But we could drop you off anywhere along the way."

"We weren't headed any place in particular." Samuel admitted grudgingly. "West Virginia's as good a place as any to go."

"Fine. You get your things together while I explain to Faith." Joseph said decisively.

"Well." Faith demanded impatiently as soon as he was close.

"They say they're trying to get away from some nasty people." Joseph explained. "We're going to give them a ride and drop them off someplace in West Virginia." Faith smiled, then she looked past him and her eyes opened wide. Joseph turned to look.

The children had come out of hiding. Joseph swiftly revised his impression of the woman's age. She had appeared to be in her early twenties, but if the boy who stood by the car was her son she had to be older. The boy was at least 8 or 9 years old. With him were three little girls, all the same size. Triplets? Joseph wondered.

The group came towards him. Samuel carried two duffle bags, the boy carried another.

"That all your luggage?" Joseph asked as they approached.

"Yes."

"Good thing." Joseph said humorously, looking from his car to the group.

"I'm Lily." The woman introduced herself finally. "This is my son Sam, and my daughters Lucy, Mary and Debbie."

Joseph smiled at the little girls who looked solemnly back at him. He gestured, "This is my granddaughter Faith, and I'm Joseph." Faith gave everyone a shy smile of her own.

"Pops," she began thoughtfully. "If they don't want people to see them..." She stopped as everyone, including the girls, turned to look at her intently. Joseph smiled at her encouragingly.

"Well, I was thinking that if Lily laid down in the back seat, maybe with her head on Sam's lap, she couldn't be seen. And the girls could sit on the floor in back. Then they wouldn't be visible." She turned to look at Samuel. "So if your people are looking for a family group with lots of children, there wouldn't be anyone who will have seen you."

Samuel regarded the girl with carefully hidden surprise. He could feel the concern she felt for them, strangers, and wondered at it. He judged her to be maybe 13. His training had taught him to believe that most humans were stupid, but her idea was a good one.

"That could work." He agreed. "And since I am known, I'll need to be out of sight, too." He regarded the car thoughtfully. Joseph and Faith looked at the car as well, doubtfully. Where could someone his size hide? "I'll ride in the trunk." He said calmly.

They looked at him in disbelief. "Impossible!" Joseph exclaimed.

"Not really, I've endured worse." He assured them blandly, a slight smile just curving his lips.

"You'll be battered, bruised if not suffocated!" Faith exclaimed, horrified by the idea.

"Nonsense," Samuel replied firmly.

Joseph and Faith continued to argue. But Samuel was unyielding. Although his position in the trunk would compromise his ability to protect Lily and the children, he was too well known. He couldn't risk being spotted by one of their own kind. If a situation arose, he knew he could force his way out of the trunk in seconds. There was no other possible hiding place for him in the car.

Lily and Sam stood back, watching. Lily seemed mildly amused by the Greens' concern. Finally, when the little girls began to yawn and droop, Joseph gave in. "But I'll be stopping every hour to check on you." He declared adamantly.

Using the duffle bags and coats, Faith padded the floor of the trunk. After Samuel had climbed in she continued to fuss, trying to insure he wouldn't be bumped against anything hard. Samuel let her fuss for a bit. It was a novel experience for him. For most of his life he had been expected to endure and take care of others. The sensation was oddly pleasant. But finally, he stilled her hands with his. "I'll be fine. Thank you." He reassured her softly.

Faith looked into Samuel's clear green eyes and was caught. She couldn't look away. He smiled gently at her and she held her breath, transfixed. The moment stretched. "Faith, time to go." Her grandfather's voice made her start. Samuel blinked and settled back with an impassive look on his face.

Faith darted another look at Samuel and then shut the trunk. Quickly she returned to the front seat. Joseph started the car and carefully pulled back onto the highway. Faith turned around to check on the others. Lily was watching her with an amused expression. Sam was frowning slightly. Faith flushed, feeling mildly guilty but not knowing why . Lily looked comfortable stretched out on the seat using Sam's lap as a pillow. The three girls were lying on the floor in a pile, like kittens. Faith looked from them to Lily, puzzled. Lily shrugged. "They don't like being separated." Faith nodded, understanding. The girls were obviously triplets. She had heard that twins could be very attached to each other, it made sense that the same was true of triplets.

As Joseph drove, Lily napped. Faith gave up trying to involve Sam in chitchat after her first several efforts were met with blank looks or short yes and no answers. The first hour passed in silence with Faith and Joseph wondering silently about their passengers and worrying about Samuel. Faith did notice that whenever a car approached, or they passed houses, Sam scrunched himself down a bit, so he could not be seen through the car's windows. She wanted to ask her grandfather if he had noticed anything different about these people, but couldn't with them present.

As he had promised, Joseph pulled the car off the road and stopped after an hour had passed. Lily merely opened her eyes, touched her daughters' heads and went back to sleep. Joseph got out of the car and looked around carefully to be certain no one else was near. He opened the trunk. After a short conversation with Samuel, he returned to the driver's seat and set off once again.

"He's okay?" Faith asked him anxiously.

"Just fine." Joseph reassured her. "He says he is quite comfortable, thanks to you." Faith flushed faintly.

"I'm glad." She simply said and sat back to doze.

It was after midnight when Joseph shook Faith awake. She pushed her hair out of her face and stretched. "We're almost home." Joseph told her. "Wake Lily so we can decide what they're going to do."

"No need." Lily said softly from the back. Faith banged her elbow on the window knob turning around. For a time, she had almost forgotten about their silent passengers. Lily sat up. Joseph slowed the car and turned on the blinker. "What are you doing?" Lily asked sharply.

"I figured we let Samuel out to join in the decision." Joseph replied.

"Unnecessary." Lily assured him. "And potentially dangerous."

"No one would see." Joseph assured her. "And it's been an hour." Lily frowned and closed her eyes.

"He's fine." She stated positively. Joseph watched her in the mirror. These people are strange, he thought with a superstitious shiver. He had been thinking the best solution was to take them home with Faith and him. Maybe that wasn't such a good idea. But as he was considering the advantages to simply dropping them by the side of the road, one of the girls popped up onto the seat with her mother. Joseph wavered.

"It's late." He finally said, a little reluctantly. "If I just drop you off along here, someone might see you and it would cause talk." Joseph paused. Lily tilted her head to the side but said nothing, waiting patiently for him to go on. "I thought you could spend the night at our place." He continued. "It's up the mountain a ways. We've no close neighbors so it's unlikely anyone would see you. You could sleep in and take some time to decide what you're going to do next."

Lily regarded him steadily. "Why?" She asked. Joseph looked at her reflection in the rear view mirror, not understanding the question. "Why are you willing to put yourself out for strangers, strangers who have admitted being in danger?" She clarified.

Joseph thought a moment before answering. "That's how things are done on the mountain. People help people. Granted, usually you're helping people you know, but the principle's the same. You have children, you need help and you seem to be trying to do the right thing. I wouldn't feel right not trying to help you." He paused, frowning. "I'm a little concerned about putting Faith in danger, but I'm willing to trust you to be what you say you are, people trying to lead a life away from criminal influences. And I really don't see how we could be in danger from those you're running from. No one saw you get in the car. No one saw you in the car. So no one should be able to connect you and us."

Lily stared intently at the back of Joseph's head, trying to judge his sincerity. As usual with humans, the emotions were mixed. But she could feel no treachery within him. "Very well, your plan seems sensible. We will come home with you, for now." Decision made, she lay back down to rest. Worry and the continuous travel had combined with her pregnancy to exhaust her. It would be a relief to stay put for a time.

Joseph was surprised at the quick decision. He had expected to have to argue. He glanced at Faith to see how she felt about his offer. Her pleased grin told him, not that he was surprised. He knew she would be looking forward to having a chance to entertain the little girls. Living a relatively isolated life for the last two years had been hard on her. Perhaps this was a good idea, after all, for everyone. He would pray it didn't turn out to be a painful mistake.

Soon after, Joseph turned off the main road and started up the mountainside. Unlike some of the homes in the area, they had a paved road leading most of the way to the house. Only the last mile and half were dirt. Even with chains, the going was difficult in winter.

The moment the car pulled to a stop in front of the house, Faith was out the door and running to the trunk. Opening it, she peered worriedly in. Samuel uncurled himself with a polite smile. "I'm fine." He reassured the girl. But he did allow her to help him out. He quickly did a series of intriguing looking stretches to work the kinks out of his muscles.

"You okay, son?" Joseph asked as he came around the back of the car.

"Just fine." Samuel replied. He looked around the moonlit clearing. "Your place?"

"Yes." Lily replied, joining them. "Joseph offered to let us stay for a day or so, until we could plan our next move. He assures me that there are no near neighbors to see us. It seemed the best solution to our immediate problem." She and Samuel exchanged another of those long looks Joseph and Faith were beginning to expect. Samuel took another, more careful look at the clearing and the clapboard house that sat in its center. He smiled his carefully polite smile.

"Thank you. A respite from traveling would be welcome."

"Well," Joseph said heartily. "Let's get everyone settled. Who's hungry? How about a light snack and then bed for us all?"

Faith and Sam carried in the luggage while the adults carried in the sleeping girls. Settling them on the couch, and leaving the luggage in the hall, they were all soon in the kitchen.

Joseph quickly set to cooking scrambled eggs. Faith started toasting bread and pouring milk and juice. Samuel pulled out a chair at the table for Lily and then began opening drawers to find plates and silverware. Sam took over making toast from Faith, who busied herself setting out jelly and ketchup. Except for a muttered "Excuse me" when Faith and Samuel both reached for the plate of buttered toast, supper was prepared in silence.

It was eaten in near silence, as well. "Please, thank you," and "this is good," was the extent of the conversation. When everything was eaten, everyone, including Lily, made quick work of the clean up.

"We've only one extra bedroom upstairs, with a single bed." Joseph said when the kitchen was clean. "But the couch in the living room makes into a bed, as well. I figured Lily could have the bedroom and we can make up pallets on the floor for the girls. Samuel and Sam can sleep down here." Joseph wasn't certain of the marital status of Lily and Samuel, not that it made much difference in this day and age. Still, he had a granddaughter at an impressionable age to consider. He figured the limited sleeping space allowed him some discretion.

Samuel smiled slightly. He was aware of Joseph's reservations concerning his and Lily's relationship. "That sounds fine." He reassured the older man. He would have wanted to be downstairs in any case where anyone planning harm would have to encounter him first.

Faith led Lily upstairs. Pulling extra blankets and pillows from a closet, Faith quickly made up a place on the floor for the girls. Just as she was done, Samuel appeared in the doorway with two of the sleeping girls in his arms. Faith quickly moved to relieve him of one child. She held the girl close as he laid the other down. Then he took the child from her and laid her down by her sister. Giving Faith a quick assessing glance, he returned downstairs for the third girl.

Faith stood, savoring the feel of the child in her arms. She had come to the mountain to live with her grandfather upon the death of her parents two years. Her first 11 years had been spent in a small college town where Faith had had many friends nearby and plenty of opportunities to play with younger children. That had all tragically changed.

Faith loved her grandfather and she truly enjoyed being able to look out the window at breakfast and watch deer eating at the edge of the clearing. But their nearest neighbor was 3 miles away. She had friends in the village at the school she attended, weather permitting. But it wasn't the same. She couldn't just decide on a moment to go visit the neighbors. And she had looked forward to being old enough to babysit, something seldom needed among the large families on the mountain, even if the distances weren't so great.

Faith loved children. All her plans for the future reflected that love. She wanted to teach preschool and she dreamed of one day having a house full of children of her own. Occasionally she just felt so isolated, so cut off from her past. Faith gave a mental shrug. Feeling sorry for herself was a waste of time. And although Faith sometimes daydreamed of a different life, at heart she was eminently practical. This was her life now.

Lily sat on the bed, watching her thoughtfully. Faith's strong maternal yearnings were easy to recognize. Lily had them as well. She just wasn't sure if her own need for children was driven primarily by species imperative or not. But Lily was never more content than when pregnant. She found herself mildly surprised to find she had something in common with a human. Then she chastised herself for the thought. That was the groups' indoctrination talking. They came from humans, so naturally they had things in common, positive things.

Samuel was soon back with the last child whom he set down with the others. Faith and the adults watched as the three sleeping girls wriggled together until they were back in a heap. Lily watched her daughters fondly, thankful that they were safe. She and Samuel exchanged a lingering look, remembering the girls' conception. They shared a smile.

Watching Lily and Samuel, Faith felt a pang of envy. Memories were being shared in that look, she knew. She remembered such shared looks between her parents. Often, these looks had led to them cuddling and kissing, and laughter from their bedroom later in the night. Faith sighed, a bit melancholy.

At her sigh, Samuel glanced at her inquiringly. Faith just shook her head slightly. "Nothing." Samuel continued to study her intently for a moment longer. He sensed her wistfulness. He also sensed his scrutiny was making her uncomfortable.

"Good night." He said abruptly and left.

"The bathroom is just down the hall. Extra towels are in the closet just outside it." Faith told Lily. "My bedroom is right across from here. If you need anything in the night, just wake me." Faith gave Lily a hesitant smile. The woman smiled politely back.

"Thank you, Faith. I'm sure the girls and I will be fine. Good night." Lily said, turning away.

"Good night." Faith quickly left the room, closing the door softly behind her. She entered her own room and closed the door. It had been a long day. Quickly undressing, she climbed into bed. She dropped off asleep almost immediately.

Downstairs, Joseph was making certain that Samuel and Sam would be comfortable for the night. Reassuring the older man that they would be fine, soon only Samuel was awake. He prowled the house, checking locks and access points. Moving silent as a shadow he set up small traps to hinder anyone trying to break in during the night. He knew it would be almost impossible for anyone to have followed them here, but Lily and the children's safety were his responsibility. He would put his training to a better use ensuring their lives.

He also took the opportunity to learn more about the Greens. One room downstairs was obviously Joseph's study. A typewriter claimed the center spot on an old scarred desk. The walls were covered by bookcases overly full of books. Samuel quickly scanned sections. The books ranged from classics to children's stories to natural history texts. He paused before one shelf to take down a book to examine more closely. Returning it to its place he ran a finger along the spines of the other books on that shelf. All were scholarly books on Appalachian customs and lore printed by small press or university publishers, and all were by Joseph Green.

Although his training demanded that he examine every inch of the house to learn the Greens' secrets and weaknesses, Samuel hesitated. He had felt no malice or threat from either Joseph or Faith. His conditioned response was to find ways to exploit the humans' feelings, but he resisted. He and Lily had talked long about the changes they would have to make to create a new life for themselves and the children. Lily had been adamant about the need to learn to interact with humans on a more ethical basis than his training allowed. Samuel had not been convinced that such a change was necessary or even desirable. To survive undetected, he believed, would require all his skills and training. Yet some of Lily's arguments had been reasonable. His instincts told him the Greens were not a threat. If that changed, he was confident of his ability to manipulate their emotions to his advantage. For now, Samuel decided he would follow Lily's advise. He would not search the house for clues to the Greens' weaknesses; he would confine his speculation to those parts of the house readily visible. As long as Joseph was willing to help them freely, such an assessment would be enough.

The downstairs consisted of the kitchen, a laundry room, a bathroom, the living room, and Joseph's study. While the house was old, it had been modernized inside. Joseph's car was a good one and a recent model. So, apparently the Greens had money. The house itself was clean, neat without being sterile. Landscape and wildlife watercolors hung on many walls. Originals, they were signed Patrice Green. A relative? The artwork was good but not great. Their appeal must be emotional. Samuel walked once more through all the rooms.

Finally satisfied that he had done all he could, Samuel returned to the couch. He stood for a moment listening to the deep, even breaths of the boy. Although he had not sired Sam, Samuel was pleased with the boy. He was strong, intelligent and courageous. That was part of why Samuel had decided to take his name when he had needed a new one. Their having the same name could also help confuse the Hunters, if they ever caught up.

Samuel undressed and slipped under the covers. He lay back and let his senses roam the house. Everyone else was asleep. He could feel Lily and the girls, Sam lying beside him and the humans. He frowned slightly. These people puzzled him. His training said they were fools for helping strangers. Yet their kindness was certainly to his advantage. The old man had a deep integrity. Samuel found it refreshing. The girl, while young, showed potential. Samuel had also noted her reaction to the children. His last thought as he finally allowed himself to sleep was that she would make a good mother.

Samuel awoke with the dawn. He allowed himself a few minutes to lay in bed, to savor the peace and relative safety of the house. A quick scan with his senses told him everyone else was still deep asleep. But he knew from experience that the girls would soon be awake and ready to charge into another day. He reluctantly accepted the feeling of pleasure the thought of his daughters brought him. He had had very little to do with them up until three weeks ago when this flight had begun. He had been mildly curious about his daughters and had stopped by a few times to assess them when he was free from assignments. But that had only been four times in the girls' three years of life.

When he had decided to help Sam escape the training dictated for him, Samuel had known he would have to remove Lily and the girls from danger as well. He had made his plans based on facts, training and instinct not emotion. In fact, he had not expected emotion to play a role in his association with them at all. His training had been very successful in burying his latent feelings and he had not missed them. Their stirring after he had been with Lily and the girls for a few days had surprised and dismayed him. Feelings got in the way of being effective. If he was going to keep them safe and free he could not afford to be distracted.

Yet he had felt Lily's relief when he had turned up with Sam, and her fear for all her children. And he had understood it, felt an echo of it inside himself. Over the last three weeks he had watched Lily interact with her children, felt her deep feelings for them and her fierce determination that nothing would harm them. He had watched with pride the children's courage and intelligence. Finally, he had allowed himself to acknowledge his own pleasure in their company.

Samuel felt the first stirrings as the girls awoke. Climbing out of bed, he pulled on his clothes and went upstairs. He waited silently outside the door to the bedroom knowing they would sense his presence. Soon the door opened and the girls came out quietly. Each one gave him a hug, which he passively accepted. The morning ritual had at first annoyed him but his daughters had persisted. Samuel suspected Lily's influence.

Without a sound the foursome went down the stairs and into the kitchen where Samuel fixed them breakfast. He was pleased that the girls ate in silence, knowing that their mother and brother were still asleep. As they ate, Samuel went around the house clearing away the evidence of the traps he had laid the night before. It would be inadvisable to give the humans something more to wonder about concerning them.

Breakfast done Samuel debated what to do to keep the children busy. So far they had been exceptionally good, but he knew that they needed the chance to work off some energy. And he wanted to continue their training. Besides, if they were to stay here he would have to assess the defensibility of the location. Leaving the dishes to soak he led the girls outside into the soft sunshine of an early morning in the Appalachian mountains.

Leading them to the side of the house away from the bedrooms, Samuel let them play a game of his own devising. Once the girls were involved in the game, he began to walk around the clearing, studying everything. Besides the house there was a barn and a shed. Keeping part of his awareness on his daughters' activities, he methodically searched both buildings. He paused once, to return to the girls and redirect their play, then he made a careful circuit of the clearing just inside the trees. Only when he was satisfied with the isolation of the house did he return to join the girls in their game.

When Faith come downstairs Sam sat at the kitchen table eating. Not completely awake, she smiled at him but said nothing. Fixing herself cereal she ate automatically. Going to put her empty dish in the sink, she frowned at the ones already there. "Samuel and the girls ate earlier." Sam said, coming to put his own dish in the sink. "They're outside playing."

Knowing that the girls were awake, Faith hurried to get washed and dressed. Pulling on jeans and a t-shirt she went outside. She followed the sounds of childish laughter around the house to where the girls were playing tag under Samuel's watchful eye. Faith stopped to watch them for a moment, smiling. They were such cute girls and sounded so happy.

Suddenly the girls stilled. They turned as one to look at Faith. She shivered. Their gaze was so wary, so adult. The girls backed towards their father.

"Good morning." Samuel called to Faith, coming forward. The girls seemed to relax at their father's words and become children again. Faith smiled uncertainly.

"Good morning." She replied. "I see the girls got you up early."

"I was already up." Samuel stated flatly. "I seldom sleep past dawn."

Faith turned to the girls. "Good morning." She said softly, walking towards them with a smile. "My name is Faith."

The girls stepped back. Faith stopped, dismayed. Samuel sensed her hurt and knowing they needed her good will, stepped forward, stopping his daughters' retreat. "The children are not used to outsiders. They have been taught not to respond to strangers. It's not you." He said, seeking to soothe her.

Samuel went down on one knee and spoke softly to the girls. Faith could not hear anything he said, but since the girls stole little glances at her, she knew she was involved. She waited, trying to be understanding. Finally, Samuel stood up and beckoned her to join them. She did so hesitantly.

"Faith, I'd like you to meet my daughters, Debbie, Mary and Lucy." As he said each name, Samuel gently laid a hand on the child's head. "Girls, this is Faith who has allowed us to rest in her home."

"Hello." The three girls said, in unison. Faith was startled and laughed.

"Hello." She replied a smile again lighting her face.

Samuel looked towards the house suddenly. He turned towards the girls. "Can you play properly by yourselves?" He asked. "Your mother's up and I'd like to talk to her."

"I can stay and keep an eye on them." Faith offered. Samuel looked at her seriously.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course." Faith turned to the girls. "Do you like bunnies?" She asked.

The girls looked solemnly from her to their father. At his nod, they smiled. "Yes, thank you," one of them answered, Debbie, Faith thought. "We would very much like to see some rabbits." Faith blinked. She hadn't had much to do with small children for the last two years, but the overly polite and precise way Debbie spoke wasn't much like any three-year-olds Faith had ever known. Another part of the puzzle these strangers posed.

Faith saw that Samuel was watching her closely. She bit her lip. "Good." She said. "Let's go to the barn." She held out her hand, and after a moment's hesitation one of the girls took it in her own. Another of the girls, Mary?, moved to take Faith's other hand. The third child skipped ahead, directly towards the barn where the rabbits were kept. Faith faltered a moment, puzzled. How did the little girl know where the rabbits were? She wondered. Samuel tensed, recognizing her puzzlement and knowing why. Then Faith gave a mental shrug and continued on, deciding to ignore what she couldn't explain. Samuel stood watching until they entered the barn. He nodded to himself once, then returned to the house were he knew Lily was awakening.

Lily was awake and hungry. She wasn't concerned about the girls, she knew right where they were, and with whom. She stretched slowly and stood. She took a moment to savor the sensation of well being that flooded her. Smoothing her hands over her swollen abdomen she smiled softly. A night's rest without having to worry about pursuit had done wonders for her energy and her appetite. In deference to Joseph's presence, she pulled one of Samuel's shirts over her nightgown like a robe. Then she set out in search of food.

Samuel found Lily in the kitchen where Joseph was happily making her an enormous pile of pancakes. Snagging himself a plate from the cupboard, Samuel sat down and appropriated a few for himself. "Hey." Lily objected, slapping his hand. "Mine!" She declared.

Samuel looked from her to the still growing stack. "If you eat all those, you will be sick." He answered her calmly. Joseph grinned and turned off the burner.

"Think I'll have a couple myself." He said, suiting actions to words. "Wonder if Sam and Faith would like some?" He teased. Lily gave him a smile and went back to eating. Samuel nodded to himself. He could feel Lily's relaxed state. He had been concerned that the traveling was having an adverse effect on her pregnancy. Staying here for some time would be a good idea. It was unlikely they could be traced here and as isolated as the place was, none of the others would happen to pass through on assignments.

He regarded Joseph thoughtfully. Would the man offer to let them stay? If he didn't, should he be forced to let them stay? Or should he just kill the man and the girl? How long before they would be missed? Lily flashed Samuel a disapproving look. She suspected what he was thinking. She gave a small shake of her head.

Samuel gave her a barely perceptible nod back. She was right. His calculations had been a trained reflex. There was no need for such extreme considerations. If Joseph was unwilling to let them stay, he would just have to be manipulated into changing his mind. Humans were no longer the automatic enemy. To pass in the outside world Samuel decided he would have to rethink his responses when dealing with humans. He would need to consider carefully the changes to implement. He couldn't afford to loose his edge. Not while there was even a remote possibility that the Hunters might find them one day.

The morning passed pleasantly. During breakfast Joseph asked Lily how she had slept. When she replied sincerely that it had been the best night she had spent since they had fled their home Joseph set to work convincing Samuel to stay another night. Samuel feigned reluctance to intrude but let himself be persuaded. Lily really did need to rest and the isolated homestead was nearly perfect. Still, he would remain vigilant.

Faith, at first disconcerted by the advanced intelligence displayed by the girls, quickly adapted. Soon, the foursome was lying in the grass using magnifying glasses to study a section of the lawn. Faith had brought out a number of books on local flora and fauna to help identify the insects and plants they found. Sam spent some time with them, but then went off on his own to explore the woods. Joseph was concerned that he might get lost, but Lily assured him Sam had an absolute sense of direction. Samuel sat on the porch, watching the children, always alert to the surrounding area.

Joseph watched, too. He noted Lily's attention and devotion to her children. He also noticed that Samuel remained watchful, even as he responded gently to the children's attentions. When Lily went inside for a nap before lunch, Samuel readily assumed the role of parent. Joseph was pleased to see that the girls responded to Samuel with respect but no fear.

After a quick lunch, Lily put the girls down for a short nap. Then she and Samuel walked slowly around the clearing talking seriously. To give them privacy, Joseph and Faith busied themselves inside washing the dishes and planning dinner. Sam, who had returned just in time for lunch, politely asked to borrow some of Faith's books on identifying local wildlife and headed back into the woods. The afternoon passed as quietly as the morning had.

At dinner, Samuel sensed Joseph's indecisive feelings about them. Clearly, the older man had reservations about the truthfulness of their story. He was concerned for the safety of his granddaughter. But he was also concerned for the girls and for Lily. Every time he looked at them, his feelings softened, betraying his compassion. If necessary, Samuel would use the man's weakness to their advantage.

Samuel was not surprised when, after the girls had been put to bed, Joseph approached him on the porch, where he had gone to be available. "Tell me more about these people you are trying to get away from." Joseph demanded bluntly. "How dangerous are they really? To you, and to anyone helping you. Will they keep looking for you for long?"

Samuel did not answer immediately. He had been considering how much of the truth, if any, to tell the Greens. He could lie convincingly and manipulate the older man's help that way but part of the truth would work just as well. It would be cleaner to start their new life with as few lies as necessary, and easier for the children to keep their stories straight. Samuel turned to Joseph, who stood waiting impatiently.

"Our people are very dangerous." Samuel said, looking Joseph directly in the eye. He assumed an earnest expression. "They will look for us actively until they run out of leads. But even then they will keep alert as they travel around the country, intent on any rumor or clue to our whereabouts. If they find us, they will kill me, and possibly Sam, depending on how old he is when they found us. Lily, if she is still able to have children, they will keep alive. The same with the girls and the new babies." Samuel paused to let that sink in. "Anyone actively helping us, especially if they believe they know anything about them, will die too."

Joseph was shaken by Samuel's matter of fact recital. "Why?" Was all he could think to ask.

"Our leaders say we are the chosen inheritors of the Earth, and everyone else is vermin. Our survival and rise in power are all that matter." Samuel answered him honestly, mostly.

"The authorities must be told!" Joseph exclaimed. "These people are crazy and should be stopped."

"No." Samuel's voice was heavy with conviction. He had to convince Joseph of the stupidity of going to the authorities, or kill him. "First, the authorities wouldn't believe you, not without a lot more proof. Which you won't have. And while you were trying to convince them, there's a very good likelihood that the group would find out. You and Faith would be killed. Nothing would be gained."

"But you could give the authorities names and places." Joseph insisted.

"No!" Samuel was adamant. "If you go to the authorities, we will disappear. My concern is Lily and the children's safety. Not saving the world." He tried to ease Joseph's concern. "Right now the group is mostly quiet. Breeding, researching, setting up bases to work from. They are not a danger to you unless you threaten them, their secret." He paused. "Joseph, I'm not the only member who has doubts. Given time, it's possible the group will disintegrate from within. But my concern is my family." Samuel stopped, trying to judge the other man's feelings. Good, he was uncertain. Using 'family' to describe them had been the right touch. Joseph responded to the need to protect those closest to you.

"You really believe there's a chance the group will disband without doing great harm?" Joseph said, seeking reassurance. Samuel was pleased he had read the man right.

"Yes." He answered simply, but thought to himself, "But almost impossibly improbable." The leaders were dedicated, focused and very skilled at manipulation. Later, he would plan how to protect the others when their own took over the world. Right now, he had to take care of the short term. "But until then, we need a place to live where we won't be found."

Joseph brooded. Samuel's description of the group they were fleeing from was sobering. Downright frightening, in fact. He felt he should do something to warn people about the threat they posed, but what? Samuel was right, he had no proof, only the word of this stranger. Why was he ready to believe such an outlandish tale?

He considered what to do. Did he believe what Samuel had told him? He looked deep inside himself. Yes, he did. He had only his own instincts and intuition to go on, yet they had been reliable in the past. He didn't believe that Samuel had told him everything, but the other man's concerns for his family was genuine, and so was his concern about those who would be looking for them. Joseph stared intently at Samuel, who stood quietly, letting the other man think. Joseph came to a decision.

"Well, this might be a good place to stop. Strangers are obvious here. You'd have warning if they found you, though I don't know how they would." He offered.

"I thank you," Samuel replied sincerely. "But this place is too open for us, at least now. After all, we would be strangers here and anyone visiting would know that." Joseph nodded.

"I've thought about that." Joseph admitted. "And I wouldn't feel easy with you here, just now. I would worry about you being found, and Faith being here. About a mile up the ridge is a rundown log cabin. It's been empty for two years, ever since old man McClarren died. He had no will, and no relatives so the place is in dispute and likely to go to the government for taxes. No one ever goes there. There is no road to it and the path is overgrown. You'd get no casual visitors, except maybe a very rare hiker."

Samuel considered. The place sounded promising. But he could tell something was bothering Joseph about the suggestion. "But you are not easy about our living there?" He probed.

"Well, it is isolated." Joseph explained. "What happens when it's time for Lily to have her baby?"

"We would probably have enough warning to come here, if that's okay with you." Samuel began, acknowledging the sincerity of Joseph's concern. "But even if we didn't, Lily's had no troubles before." Samuel thought it best not to let Joseph that it was babies, not baby that Lily was expecting, and that this was her fourth pregnancy. Her first had been when she was twelve. Knowledge of that bit of 'abuse', as Joseph would view it, would send the older man straight to the law.

"Absolutely," Joseph answered. "When Lily needs to, she's welcome here. Now, the place needs work." He warned. "I can help you and Sam fix it up. It won't be anything fancy, but it will be a roof over your heads and shelter from the weather."

Samuel nodded, pleased. "A safe place to stay while we plan and wait for the new baby. That would be fine." As isolated as the place sounded, they would know if anyone else were around long before they could be seen. "But what about food. I can't go to town to buy any, and if you suddenly start buying more, that will raise questions."

This time, Joseph nodded. "We can give you general supplies from what we have. And you're right, if I bought more around here, that would invite comment. But about once a month I go to the city. I could buy extra supplies there. And there's still time to plant a garden. I can show you how to lay traps and fish. You should be able to get by."

Samuel considered their options. This seemed best. They would have an isolated hiding place, well away from anywhere the others should be looking for them. They could rest, wait for the babies and plan. He thought about the Greens. Having their help would ease things. His training insisted he never rely on others, especially not humans. But his training had certainly never covered a situation like this. He and Sam could protect the others, but Lily and the girls needed more. They needed rest, a freedom from fear. And the girls needed to start training, something that was difficult on the run.

"I would like to see this place, McClarren's cabin." Samuel told Joseph.

"We can go in the morning." Joseph replied.

"Good." Samuel said succinctly. He went inside. Moments later, Faith slipped out to stand beside her grandfather. Joseph gazed out at the stars.

"They may stay." Joseph said, still looking at the sky. "Samuel and I are going to look at the McClarren place tomorrow."

"The McClarren place?" Faith asked, frowning. "Why can't they stay here?" Joseph turned to look at her seriously.

"The people looking for them are dangerous, very dangerous. Samuel is convinced that if they are found, he will be killed and us too."

Faith gasped, wide eyed. "Why?" She asked in a scared whisper.

"From what he's said, it sounds like they're some kind of religious fanatics. Dangerous, but he won't go to the authorities, he doesn't think they'll believe him and it could lead the others to him." Joseph told Faith what he felt she should know. He didn't like to frighten her, but if Samuel and the others stayed, she would have to know how important it was to keep them a secret.

"If they stay," he continued earnestly, "we will have to be very careful that we say and do nothing to let anyone, anyone, know they are here. Even a little gossip, if those who are looking for them are around, could be fatal."

Faith was shaken. Her grandfather was very serious. Helping Lily and the others could be dangerous. Faith tried to understand the idea. Violence had never touched her life before. Her grandmother had died of cancer. Her parents in an accident. But this. She shivered despite the warmth of the evening. Joseph pulled her close.

"We don't have to do this." He began softly. Faith pulled away enough to look him in the face.

"Yes we do." She insisted. "It's the right thing to do, and my parents and you have always tried to teach me to do the right thing, even when it was difficult. Lily and the children need help. Samuel is trying to do the right thing by taking them away from those bad people. We have to help." Her voice was a little shaky but fierce. Joseph gave her a hug and smiled down at her.

"You give me such joy, Faith. I'm proud to have you as my granddaughter." Faith felt tears spring up in her eyes and she snuggled closer.

"I love you, Pops."

They stood together, quietly looking out over the trees. The world seemed at peace. Joseph stroked her hair. He thought about their guests; the long looks between the adults, the lack of emotion Samuel displayed, Sam's very low key expressions, the girls' high intelligence. Faith turned to look at him when he sighed, her expression questioning.

"They do need help." Joseph said. "But there sure is something strange about them."

Faith nodded, thoughtfully. "Strange, yes." She agreed. "But I think they'll make good neighbors."