The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Seven

Anna was beside herself. The three of them ran back to the entrance as quickly as possible.

"What do you mean they will not give her back?" she asked, her voice thick with fear.

"Harrison'll explain," said Hollywood, as they reached the young man. He looked terrified; his eyes locked on Anna.

"What happened?!" asked Anna, her voice frantic.

"She ran off ahead of Sam," Harrison explained, both Abe and Hollywood's eyes boring holes in him. "I think they were playing a game. He lost sight of her for a moment. Then he saw them dragging her into the church. He tried to explain, but they wouldn't listen to him, and they're not letting anyone into the church now. We went to find Tread, but he's at some important meeting with Hatcher."

"I'll go with Harry," said Hollywood. "You go on ahead with Anna."

Abe nodded, guiding Anna to the car. They jumped in and sped off down the road.

Anna was trying to stay calm, but she couldn't. Her head was spinning. She needed to get to Elli. She had to. Why did she leave her there? She should have known she couldn't trust anyone to look after her.

"Anna, we'll get her back, I promise!" said Abe as the car bounced along the road.

"I cannot lose her Abe!" she cried; her fists clenched. "She is all I have."

"You won't," he vowed, taking her hand and squeezing. "Ain't nothin' ever gonna part you two."

They said nothing else as the car surged forward, but Anna did not release her grip on him. She was terrified.

They soon arrived back in the village, grinding to a halt in front of the church.

Anna leapt out, Abe right behind her. She ran straight to Sam. "How could you lose her?" she screeched, pounding her fists on his chest.

"Anna, I'm sorry!" he said, fending her off as Abe pulled her back. "I didn't mean to! She ran where I couldn't see her!"

"Anna, she was playing!" promised Ewie from beside Sam. "They were clearly watching her!"

"Darlin', ain't no good gonna come from screamin' at Sam," he said, trying to comfort her.

Anna hung her head, giving way to tears. "I am sorry," she managed.

"It's all right," said Sam, rubbing his chest a little. "I get it." Abe lead her to the big door of the church, pounding his fist on it.

"Open up!" he bellowed, his voice harsh and authoritative. There was a scrabbling from the other side. The door opened a crack and the Priest looked out. Before he could speak, Abe barged his way in, sending the Priest to the floor.

"Abe, that's a God damned Priest!" spluttered Sam, helping the man to his feet.

"Like I give a shit," spat Abe.

Anna ran past them all, calling for Elli. "Elli! My darling! Where are you?"

"What is the meaning of this?" asked the Priest. Anna recognised him. He had come to the camp's chapel at Christmas.

"Y'all better translate," said Abe to Sam. "Tell the son of a bitch that we ain't leaving without Elli."

Sam dutifully explained to the Priest what they were looking for.

"We know who she is!" said the Priest haughtily. "But we also know who she is," he spat at Anna, who was glaring at him. "The child deserves a proper parent, not this pretender that has turned from God's grace."