Read Daughter of Deliverance for Free Online

asked.
    â€œHis name is Shalmanezer. He’s the one you worked for, isn’t he, Rahab?”
    â€œYes.” Rahab’s heart fluttered, knowing that the meeting between Joar and her father was not accidental. “If I were you, I’d stay away from there. It’s a bad place, Father.”
    â€œA bad place? But look at all this money,” Makon boasted. “Joar’s good luck for me. You wait and see. We’ll all be dressed in silks and drinking the best wine in the country. Just wait and see!”
    ****
    That was the beginning of more anxious times for Rahab’s family. Makon went almost every day the following week to the home of Shalmanezer. He brought home money every night, most of the time so drunk he could barely walk. In fact, one night he had to be carried home by Shalmanezer’s servants.
    Rahab was deeply troubled about all this, and she said as much to Romar. “Father’s going to get in trouble with Shalmanezer and Joar.”
    â€œWhy do you say that? He’s winning money.”
    â€œThey’re letting him win money. Father’s a terrible gambler. You know that.”
    â€œMaybe he’s just gotten lucky.”
    Rahab did not answer, but she knew better. She tried to speak to her father to warn him, but he merely laughed at her. “Are you afraid of being rich, girl? Look at this money I won. This family is going up, I tell you.”
    The next day Shalmanezer came to the weaver’s establishment. As usual, Gadiah fawned over him, and when he led the rich man into the workroom, Shalmanezer came directly over to Rahab. “How’s that nephew of yours?”
    â€œHe’s doing better, sir. I thank you for your help.”
    â€œNothing to it.” Shalmanezer waved his perfumed hand. “And Lamile tells me you’re a good worker. So I guess we’re all even.”
    â€œStill, I must thank you, sir. I’m very grateful.”
    â€œIt’s nothing…nothing at all,” he insisted, then added, “I met your father. Perhaps he’s told you about our acquaintance.”
    â€œYes, sir, he has.”
    â€œFine fellow, your father.” Shalmanezer’s eyes glittered as he smiled. “Have you changed your mind about becoming a part of my establishment?”
    Establishment—that’s sure a fancy name for a brothel, Rahab thought, then said, “No, sir, I will remain where I am. Thank you very much.”
    â€œWell, we will see. Give your family my best wishes.”
    ****
    When Shalmanezer arrived back at his home, Lamile greeted him. He smiled and said, “Well, the noose is tightening around the neck of our little pigeon.”
    â€œWho is that?”
    â€œRahab. You remember.”
    â€œWhat have you been doing?”
    â€œI’m laying a trap for her. It’s a little trouble, but I’m enjoying it.”
    Lamile shrugged her shoulders with disgust. “Why take so much trouble? There are plenty of beautiful girls to choose from.”
    Shalmanezer shook his head. “No, she shows too much pride.” A touch of anger smoldered in his dark eyes. “She’ll have little enough of that when we get her…and we will get her, you know.”
    ****
    Everyone was shocked at Makon’s unexpected appearance in the middle of the afternoon. He was arrayed in a silk robe and a new turban that fairly glowed, and he had been to a barber, for his beard was neatly trimmed and he smelled of fragrant oil. “How do you like this outfit?” he crowed, turning around for them, eliciting their admiration.
    â€œYou look very nice,” Zayna said. “Where did you get such fine clothes, Father?”
    â€œWhy, I bought them. I’ll buy you some too, Zayna. All of you are going to have to keep up appearances a little better, and I think we’re going to have to find a better house. This one’s not worthy of us anymore.”
    Rahab did not speak.