Charlisse spent the rest of the day pacing the reverend's cottage while he attended to his duties at the church. Why didn't God do something? Her fears returned like vultures, pecking away at her withering faith and sending her hope adrift.

Sloane came by early in the evening to give his progress report, and at the reverend's bidding, he stayed for dinner. As all three sat dourly down to a meal of wild pork, mangoes, and corn, Sloane admitted in frustration he had nothing ...