Necessary Heartbreak by Michael J. Sullivan Read Free Book Online

didn’t know that he was a murderer.”
    â€œPlease, sir, we were just trying to help,” Elizabeth pleaded, grabbing Michael by the arm.
    The man turned and studied Elizabeth for a moment. His hands swept over the fine threading of his robe, smoothing it out in his lap. He cocked his head quizzically. “While your father claims he isn’t a follower of this Jesus of Nazareth, you do. Why is that?”
    â€œI just am.”
    â€œSilly girl, you could get yourself into a lot of trouble thinking that way.” The corners of the man’s mouth turned upward, pressing deeply into his wrinkled cheeks. “At least your father is wiser. You should listen to him. He knows it is our imperial government that provides for you and rules over you.
Not
that criminal.”
    â€œPlease, sir . . . Your Excellence,” Michael interjected as he shifted his weight to the right, blocking Elizabeth behind him. “Please, she’s just a kid and doesn’t know much. Please let her go.”
    The guard spoke urgently, “Your Excellency, please remember that they were trying to help a murderer, a criminal who viciously killed a Roman soldier.”
    â€œI know what the crime is,” the high priest snapped back, clearly annoyed. Michael again scanned the crowd for help and met the eyes of the woman in the black veil. She seemed to be studying him; he caught her squinting at him, lost in concentration. She looked away immediately, as if he would recognize her.
    â€œWho are you and your daughter staying with for the festivities?” the high priest asked, his eyebrows rising mockingly.
    Michael’s eye searched the area, trying to make sense of the scene. “What festivities? Are you talking about Easter? I’m not sure . . . I don’t know where I am. What town is this?” He glanced over hisshoulder at the group of people gathered by the foot of the steps. “Maybe I could call someone? I can call my sister. She can give me a ride home.”
    The high priest chuckled, misunderstanding the request. He lifted his arm, indicating the crowd still watching from a distance. “Go ahead, call someone.”
    Michael was even more confused. They were in a town on Long Island with no cops, no air-conditioning, no streetlights, no recognizable shops, and, apparently, no phones.
    â€œYour Excellency!” The woman in the black veil stepped out from the massive crowd. “Forgive my insolence, but I have no other to speak for me. Your pity, please.”
    The high priest looked down at her with interest. He smiled again before gesturing for her to join them.
    Michael watched as she drew a breath to steady herself. Then, head down as if in penance, she moved toward the steps. When she reached the top, she paused.
    â€œMay I?” the woman asked, indicating her veil.
    â€œYou may.”
    The woman pulled the veil back from her forehead, her hands trembling ever so slightly before she clasped them. She appeared prayerful, though her countenance belied any sort of peace. Her green eyes were striking, the pupils fixed in concentration. A lock of light brown hair fell forward at her temple, softening the edges of her thin, angular face. Michael realized she was much younger than her slow gait had indicated.
    â€œCome no closer,” the high priest called out to her, his chin high and proud. He settled back into the chair. “What is it that you want?”
    â€œMy name is Leah. You asked if they had any family or friends,” the woman replied. “This is my brother and his daughter. Please let them come with me.”
    The man nodded at the soldiers flanking Michael and Elizabeth before gazing back at her. “Did they know Barabbas was a murderer?”
    â€œThey are not from here,” she said. “They wouldn’t know.”
    â€œEveryone knows Barabbas is a murderer,” the soldier on Michael’s right said with a snicker.
    â€œObviously,