"Because I can't. I don't trust anyone or anything. I trust only one person, me, and sometimes not that much."

"Tamar, I give you my word. As long as you're with me, you're safe. I will let no harm to come to you as long as it's within my power to prevent it. You have nothing to fear from me. By my honor and by the name of my God, I will get you to safety so you can make up your own mind about what you want to do with your life."

She came to a dead stop. The very conviction in those words made her mind jump, her heart pound. He had sounded so sincere."

"Nice words," she turned before he could see the confusion written large on her face. "But words don't mean much, do they?"

"No they don't, deeds do." Malachi watched her shiver, then stop, standing still with her back to him. When she turned, not a trace of emotion clouded her face.

"We'll see which one you're full of, won't we?"

"Yes, yes we will."