Chapter 48: Go to her

Joe couldn't sleep. Thoughts of Mary chased around his brain like a gerbil in a cage. [How can it be? She said Jim tried, but didn't. Could she have been with another guy while denying me? Can't believe that; it would be all over her face. Who then? Uncle Jonathan? Impossible! All those guys -- her mother's 'friends' who took advantage of her. She has had plenty of experience -- bad experiences. But--but.] Round and round his thoughts chased their tails, getting nowhere. At last, in the wee hours of the morning, his brain finally stopped racing and he lapsed into dreamless sleep. He was unaware, but his spirit was receptive. Into that void came a message: "HAVE NO FEAR, JOSEPH. GO TO HER. COMFORT HER. TAKE THE CHILD AS YOUR OWN."
   When he awoke, Joe remembered the message. [Where did that come from? A dream? Didn't feel like a dream. My subconscious? Do I feel guilty? I didn't harm Mary; well, that's not totally true; left her for an easy piece. What do I do now? Should I really go to her? Give up college, my future? It would kill Mom and Dad.]
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   A long bus ride night, somewhere in the middle of Louisiana, Mary fell asleep. Glubwart tried, but could not get into her dreams. [This has never happened before. Mortals' dreams have always been as open -- and as boring -- as Kansas. The Enemy has put a protective shield around her. I was lucky to catch her off guard earlier; not even Screwtape or Snakefoot could get through. This case is going to require all my skills.]
   Early morning. The bus creaked to a stop and the passengers filed out to go find breakfast. Mary did not leave her seat. Glubwart noticed her hesitation and seized his chance. "Dear Miss, let me treat you to breakfast." When she hesitated, he added, "I'm hungry, and could use the company. I would deem it a favor."
   Mary finally looked up and nodded. They went into the bus station cafe. Mary was starving. She ordered two fried eggs, waffles and sausage patties, orange juice and coffee. Glubwart looked on and smiled approvingly.
"My dear -- forgive my presumption -- but our little congregation can help you. If you need a place to stay?"
   Something warned Mary to be cautious. "I--I don't know. Maybe."
   "No pressure, of course," Brother Holloway/Glubwart said. "Just as you wish. It's modest, but nice and clean. You would have absolute privacy."
   "It's true," Mary finally said. "I don't have anywhere to go."
   When Glubwart got up to pay the bill, Snakefoot saw his chance. Appearing as a tall, well-formed, impressive man, he approached Mary.

   "Excuse me, miss. I'm a police detective. We have been following this man for some time. He is not what he seems. We don't have anything to charge him with yet, but we just want to warn you not to get too close. We don't know what his con is. Just a heads up." Snakefoot saw Glubwart finishing at the cash register and turned quickly to avoid being seen. "Just remember what I said," he whispered