GOODBYE to YESTERDAY (9 page)

Philadelphia

Alex gulped down half of his burger and grabbed the rest of it in a napkin. Then he slapped his money on the table and followed the Amish guy out the door. When he saw the fellow enter the bus station across the street, his interest increased. He had no idea where the guy might be heading, but anyplace out of Philly would be good enough for Alex. Wanting a quick getaway, and to be far from the drug dealers he’d stolen from, he thought this might end up being a piece of cake. To have the money he needed would be an extra bonus.

Leaning into the wind, and giving in to yet another coughing fit, Alex stepped inside the bus station, grateful for the warmth.
Sure wish I had a jacket
, he thought.

Once again, his gaze went to the Amish man, who had taken a seat between two old men on the other side of the room. The lucky guy had a jacket and a hat to chase away the cold. All Alex had was a dirty old T-shirt and a pair of faded, holey jeans. If he switched clothes with this fellow, he’d finally be warm.

I’ll bet the guy won’t give me too much trouble
, Alex thought.
If he’s peaceful, like I’ve heard the Amish are, then he oughta do everything I ask
.

He took a seat on the bench across from the Amish man and gave a nod when the fellow glanced his way. There were too many other people in the bus station for him to make a move right now, but if he could get the guy alone, he might have a chance. Feeling a bit stronger with some food in his belly, Alex decided to finish his burger and wait the man out.

After eating, then sitting there waiting, Alex felt himself getting drowsy, but he wouldn’t give in to the temptation to sleep. As more passengers departed, the bus depot started clearing out. Alex knew for sure that his luck was changing when the Amish man stood and headed for the restroom. He could make his move now. Getting to his feet, he didn’t hesitate to follow, anxious to get this over with.

Luke had just finished washing his hands when the scruffy-looking bearded man he’d seen come into the bus station shortly after he had entered the restroom. He stood staring at Luke a few seconds then sidled up to him and said, “Gimme your clothes.”

Luke’s forehead wrinkled. “You … you want my clothes?”

“That’s what I said. Give‘em to me right now!” The man’s hand shook as he balled it into a fist. “You’d better do as I say, or you’ll be sorry.”

Luke was tempted to resist, but seeing the desperation on the man’s face, he thought better of it. This would be a good opportunity to show his Christianity. And with nothing but a T-shirt and a pair of holey jeans, the poor man was probably cold. Luke knew he could borrow some clothes from his uncle when he got to Indiana. Besides, he’d be getting on the bus soon, and that would give him some warmth.

But the scruffy-looking fellow wasn’t satisfied with just Luke’s clothes. Once they’d traded, he demanded Luke’s wallet. Luke could see that the man was shaky and agitated, so he offered to buy him something to eat.

“Already ate,” the man growled. “Now, don’t give me no trouble! I just want some money, and I want it right now!”

Luke shook his head, determinedly. It was one thing to give up his clothes and put on the stranger’s uncomfortable jeans and dirty T-shirt, which didn’t smell too good. He couldn’t simply hand over his wallet. He needed that money to give his uncle as a down payment for the equipment he’d need to begin his new business. He had to somehow convince this determined fellow to change his mind about the money.

“I won’t give you my wallet,” Luke said, holding his ground and hoping to intimidate the angry-looking man. Luke had never met anyone like this before, and he hoped the situation would be resolved peacefully but feared it wouldn’t. Maybe someone would walk into the restroom, and the encounter would be over before it got any worse.

“And I say you will hand it over!” the man shouted, his eyes squinting and his face turning red.

That determined expression and rising temper caused Luke to realize he was in serious trouble. Short of a miracle, this would be anything but a nonviolent encounter.

The look of outrage in the fellow’s eyes gave no hint of him wavering, either, and before Luke could protect himself, the man stepped forward and punched him in the stomach, causing Luke to double over from the pain. Unleashing his fury, and with a string of curses, the enraged man knocked Luke to the floor and began viciously kicking him everywhere, including his head and face. Over and over, Luke was beaten, until he didn’t think he could take any more pain. He tried to protect himself, but everything inside of him felt like it was breaking, and he was sure his body couldn’t take much more abuse.

Dear God, please help me
, Luke silently prayed as another serious blow connected to his head.

Will I ever see my beautiful fraa again?
he wondered. Then everything went black.

New York Times
bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish way of life when she first visited her husband’s Mennonite relatives living in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband, Richard, live in Washington State but take every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the States, where they have several Amish friends. Wanda and her husband have two grown children and six grandchildren. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, beachcombing, stamping, and having fun with her family.

Visit Wanda’s website at
www.wandabrunstetter.com
, and feel free to e-mail her at
[email protected]
.

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