Deliver Her from Evil Read online

  Copyright © 2015 M.L. Steinbrunn

  Interior Design by Jovana Shirley, Unforeseen Editing

  Cover Design by Arijana Karcic, Cover it Designs

  Editing by Hot Tree Editing

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Printed in the United States of America

  First Printing, 2015

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Epilogue

  For my sons, Ryan and Logan. May you always find hope in the ashes of ruin and seek peace when there is turmoil. You are both brave young men, and I hope you see your courage in the pages of my stories. I am so proud of the both of you, and look forward to what you will do to make this world a better one.

  With all my love,

  Mom

  Author of the Redemption Series, M.L. Steinbrunn has been in love with the world of fictional characters and plot twists since she was a child. Writing short stories and reading anything she could get her hands on, it could be argued that her hobby borders on an obsession.

  She works full-time as a high school educator and coach in rural Colorado where she and her husband are raising their four young children. Through education she has enjoyed guiding others on their paths and helping students build their stories.

  In her free time, M.L. enjoys travelling, Amazon one-clicking, watching movies, chauffeuring her children to their one and half million activities, and people watching.

  She would like to add a big thank you to everyone that has been overwhelmingly supportive of this incredibly scary and exciting journey.

  Where to follow her….

  Facebook

  Twitter

  Goodreads

  Amazon

  There are so many people that have helped to make this book possible, I appreciate you all.

  My Family: My husband and children have been extremely understanding, and that has meant so much. Thank you, you guys.

  My Hometown: My hometown community fully embraced this series and has been patiently waiting each new release. Even knowing that these books are romance novels, my tiny, conservative community has supported this endeavor and has encouraged me every step of the way. I truly appreciate that support.

  Indie Author/Blogger Community: I have found this online literary community to be one of the most inspiring and compassionate groups. There have been so many authors and blogs that stepped up to help me, talk me off the ledge, donate, and share announcements. I appreciate every one of you. Ladies of the Indies Round Table and Indie Erogenous Zone, thank you so much for being there for me. You are the best! My street team is absolutely fantastic; you ladies are have been wonderful. You are more than a street team; you guys are a group of friends that have provided a tremendous amount of support. Thank you, girlies. There are several individuals that had a major hand in this project and deserve a special thank you. The entire team at Hot Tree Editing made this a story worth reading. My beta team: Natalie, Jenna, Con, Missy, Shauna, and Ashlee, thank you so much for taking the time to read this book and offering valuable, honest feedback. Your comments and opinions truly made this book so much better. Ari with Cover it Designs thank you for my gorgeous cover. Jovana at Unforeseen Editing did the formatting for this book and made it something beautiful. All of the blog tours and release blitz events were organized by The Hype PR. You ladies did a wonderful job, and I appreciate all of your hard work. Thank you to all of the blogs and authors that participated in the release of this book; it found its way into the hands of readers because of you.

  Readers: Thank you all so much for taking a chance on me and this series. None of my efforts would have mattered if I didn’t have your support. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to follow this dream.

  Fall 2015

  Carly

  “Thank you, I’ll have a peppermint tea,” I tell the waitress, unable to take my eyes off the empty seat next to me at our usual coffeehouse, A Scone’s Throw.

  As soon as the waitress leaves, Vivian’s hand covers mine, offering me comfort. “Everything will be okay.”

  Vivian has always been the gentle, mothering one of our group. Today is going to be filled with many emotions, good and bad. I always knew it would be; I just didn’t realize how much. Her support is helping to push me forward.

  I nod with a small smile. “I know it will. Today should be a happy day. I just can’t help but think about how we all got here.”

  Jen looks at Campbell’s empty chair and exhales loudly. “It’s finally time to let go and move forward. We owe it to ourselves to finally find redemption. That includes you, Carly.”

  “I know. Sometimes it’s just hard to believe. Every day gets a little easier, a little better though,” I tell them. “Today, is the final step…closure.”

  The waitress returns and slides our mugs of coffee and tea across the table along with our check.

  “I miss her,” I exhale, looking again at the empty chair. “She should be here for this. She saved my life; she made all of this possible.” I struggle to hold in my tears for a friend that I want more than anything to be sitting next to me. “I owe her more than I could ever repay,” I stammer, looking down at the table.

  “What you’re doing today would make her proud, don’t forget that,” Vivian says, rubbing my back.

  “Did Brooks get ahold of Lakin? Is he meeting us at the courthouse with the rest of the guys?” Jen asks Vivian, attempting to change the subject. We all miss Campbell; her absence today will be deeply felt by all of us, not just myself.

  Vivian moves her hand away from my back and grabs her cup to take a drink of her macchiato. “I haven’t heard, but we left messages. Campbell put all of this into motion; I can’t imagine he would miss it.”

  I nod and check the time on my phone. We are due at the courthouse in two hours and I still need to run to the house to get everyone ready. I take a final sip of my tea and throw a twenty dollar bill onto the table to cover everyone’s drinks.

  “I’m sorry to cut this short, girls. I need to get home and finish getting everything and everyone ready. I can only imagine the disaster zone I’ll find when I get home.” I stand and swing my purse onto my shoulder, and then take a deep breath preparing myself for the events that lie ahead. When I look up to offer my goodbyes, I’m met with two sets of wide eyes.

  I slowly follow their stares, and emotion immediately strangles me like an albatross, forcing tears to my eyes.

  “Oh, my God,” I whisper, sliding back down into my seat.

  Christmas Eve, 1997 (14 Years Old)

/>   Campbell

  The sparkle of the Christmas lights are almost hypnotic, and the spell they put me under makes the noise of the younger kids disappear. Each of them is scouring through the few presents that are scattered under the tree, feverishly searching for one with their name attached. As each child finds their present, they shake it in hopes of figuring out the mystery inside.

  I just sit back and watch. I’ve already looked through the gifts, and there aren’t any with my name on them. I always knew that this was part of the bargain. Being a foster kid, I should just be grateful I have a roof over my head, but I have a hard time pretending it doesn’t bother me that I have nothing to unwrap. When I was younger, there would usually be something for me depending on the home I was at, but in the last few years, there has been nothing. It hurts to know there is no one to think enough of me to give me a gift at Christmas, or my birthday, or any other special time of the year. I keep thinking I’ll get used to that, but I don’t; it gets harder rather than easier.

  Presents or not, I lucked out with the home I’m at now. I haven’t been here long, just a few months, but I can tell they are the real deal. The type of foster parents who care more about the kids than the small bit of cash the state hands out to take care of us. I admit that I’m a little surprised that they didn’t put anything under the tree for me, but I’m grateful to be here nonetheless.

  I’ve been in good homes and bad, none have stuck. I get shifted around based on the needs of the system. No one has wanted to adopt me, so I bide my time, hoping someone will eventually stick. The older I get, the more impossible that probability becomes. People want the little kids. They see me, my age, and how long I’ve been in the system, and they all think the same thing…damaged. I don’t even get the chance to show them I’m not.

  I may never find a permanent home, but I’m glad that for at least awhile, I have landed in a good home, a good family. A decent place where I could stay until I’m eighteen and can create a life for myself. I would trade all the Christmas presents in the world to stay.

  The ringing of the phone pulls me back to reality, and I shove down my thoughts and hopes of a family. I direct my attention back to having a nice Christmas Eve with everyone and share in the excitement of what Santa will bring all the little ones tomorrow morning.

  “It’s Christmas Eve; surely there is some other home for tonight. How can we do this to her today?” I hear my foster mother say into the phone. Sharon’s voice is strained and defeated. The tone tells me everything I need to know—I’m leaving.

  “I understand. I’ll get everything ready,” she adds before placing the phone back on the receiver.

  I hang my head, waiting for the speech that I know is coming. I’ve heard it a million times. I try to gather the strength to do this all over again. Meet a new family, make new friends at a new school, all of it. Every day I fight to keep it all from hardening me. I can’t let this life harden me.

  I hear a few sniffles and the clearing of her throat before she calls me into the kitchen. It was just enough to break me. My throat burns and my eyes sting from the tears I can’t risk shedding. I bite my lip and take a few breaths to pull it together before standing to meet my fate.

  I slowly make my way into the kitchen to find Sharon sitting at the kitchen table, her gaze fixed on a small wrapped gift in her hands. She looks the same way I feel, horrible. She has been good to me the last few months and I appreciate everything. She helped me with my homework, encouraged me to go to the homecoming dance, and even offered to pay for the dress herself. I will miss her terribly.

  “I know what’s going on, Sharon. You can just tell me so I can pack up my bag,” I say, attempting to make my voice strong, appear like I’m okay on the inside, when really I’m trying desperately to hold myself together.

  “Please, Campbell, just sit down. I need to talk to you for a minute,” she sighs, gesturing to the chair in front of me.

  I stand still. It’s not that I refuse to listen to what she has to say, it’s that I’m unsure if I can emotionally bear it.

  “Please,” she begs again.

  Giving in to her plea, I quickly nod and slide into the seat. I fold my hands on the table top and wait for my impending doom.

  “I understand you are aware of what is happening, but I need you to know that we have enjoyed having you here, Campbell.”

  “I know. It’s was nice being here, too. Thank you for taking care of me,” I tell her.

  I see her bottom lip tremble and I have to look away. “I’m so sorry, hun,” she says, reaching for my hand. My hand recoils, avoiding her touch. I know my action hurts her, but her touch would hurt me more.

  She pulls her hand back and rests it on the present. “I understand,” she says, nodding. She takes a deep breath and slides the present in front of me. “I know you thought you weren’t receiving any Christmas presents this year. I didn’t want to put this under the tree because there needed to be an explanation with it.”

  I immediately meet her tear-filled eyes, which match my own.

  “When you came to stay with us, I knew it wouldn’t be forever, but slowly you have worked your way into our family and our hearts,” she stammers. “This day was going to happen at some point; I just didn’t realize how soon. This life has not been fair to you, but I see something in you that I rarely come across.”

  I cast my eyes down in shame. “Damage. You see me as damaged. That’s why I’ll never have parents again.”

  “No, Campbell,” she says, shaking her head. “I see the exact opposite. You are a strong girl who will accomplish everything she puts her mind to. Do you know why I believe that?” she asks.

  “Why?” I whisper, my head still bowed.

  “Because you forgive. When things don’t go as planned, you look for the good in people and situations, and you move on. You’re not vengeful or apathetic. You care for people. You will make it in this world, Campbell. You just have to survive in the meantime.” Sharon reaches again for my hand, but this time, I don’t pull away. I let her fold her fingers around my palm, absorbing the touch of someone who has been nothing but kind to me. Someone I now have to let go.

  “Do you really think so?” My voice cracks as I try to hold back my emotion.

  “I do. That’s why I got you this and wanted you to open it away from the others,” she says, tapping a finger on the top of the small present. “Open it. Merry Christmas, Campbell.”

  My eyes lift to the small present before me and I take a moment to just look at the box. It has been a long time since I have been given a gift. I want to savor the moment; it might be a long time before it happens again.

  The shiny red paper and white bow on top tempts me to tear into it, but I refrain. Instead, I slide my finger under the tape that holds the pristine packaging together and slowly separate it from the paper. Peeling away the paper, a white box is soon exposed. I pop off the box’s lid and when I see the gift inside, the tears I had been holding back, fall freely onto the table top.

  Sharon takes the necklace from the box and stands to put it around my neck. As soon as the cool metal lies against my chest, I reach up to feel the beautiful flower jewel, which hangs from a white gold chain.

  “The flower is a forget-me-not, Campbell. It is supposed to symbolize remembering someone. I want you to wear this and remember your kind heart. Remember forgiveness and the beauty this life has to offer you. Forget the bad, the sadness, all of the things that could break you. Let this be a reminder that no matter where you are, you are loved.” Sharon smiles through her tears and guides me to stand.

  She wraps her arms around me and holds on for what feels like forever. I bury my head in her shoulder and grasp onto my new prized possession. I choke on a sob trying to tell her thank you.

  “Thank you for letting my family know you and love you,” she adds while she pats my back.

  I nod, still unable to speak. The doorbell rings through the house and prompts me to pull away from her. “I�
�ll go get my things,” I say, turning to leave the kitchen.

  “Don’t forget the box,” Sharon insists, picking it up and handing it to me.

  I race to my room and grab my overnight bag, stuffing it with the few personal items I have. I shove my arms into my winter coat and take one final look around my simple room before walking back down the hallway to meet my caseworker.

  “I’m ready,” I announce when I enter the living room. All of the other children are on the couch and Sharon is kneeling down quietly talking to them; no doubt filling them in on my abrupt departure. The entire situation is very out of the ordinary, so I can only assume that it must have been an emergency placement, I only wish I wasn’t the collateral damage.

  When she finishes speaking to them, she stands and wraps her arm around me to walk me to the door. My caseworker, Robin, opens the door, but before I can step through the threshold, Sharon pulls me into another embrace.

  “Our phone number and address is in the box,” she whispers into my ear. “Use it whenever you need to.”

  “Thank you. For everything,” I whisper back.

  She releases me and I take the first step out the door; a step away from a good home. I reach for my necklace, close my eyes, and muster the strength to continue toward the unknown.

  “Forget-me-nots, Cam. Remember forget-me-nots,” Sharon says, encouraging me to move forward.

  I squeeze the pendant in my hand and smile. I can do this.

  Before my resolve fades, I briskly walk to the car and climb into the passenger seat. Sharon and the rest of the family stand on the porch and wave goodbye as we pull away from the curb, but I can’t bring myself to say goodbye. I smile and nod to Sharon, and the smile she returns lets me know she understands.

  I remain silent in the car. I figure there isn’t much to say about the situation. Robin and I have been in this car more times than any kid should have to.

  “I am sorry about this, Campbell,” Robin tells me. “There was an emergency situation and the Foresters were the only ones who could take on the case we had. I’m sorry it meant a change in residence for you. I’m hoping we can find a permanent placement for you soon.”